THE ALPHA'S LUNA: A WEREWOLF TALE OF ROMANCE AND DECEIT

CHAPTER ONE. DANGER. Ayla’s POV. I sat beside my father's bed, his hand in mine, My heart is heavy, and my eyes are filled with tears. He looked so weak, like every breath he took would be his last, his breath came in shirt-ragged gasps. I forced a smile, trying to hide my fear and worry. "Ayla, my dear, I'm proud of you," he whispered, his voice weak, but I could sense he was determined. Just then, the door burst open, and his beta, Ryker, walked in. His face showed that he said "Casimir, I bear bad news.” My father's grip on my hand tightened, I could sense his worry. "What is it, Ryker? What happened?” His voice was barely above a whisper. "Four more wolves have fallen to Stone's cruelty," Ryker announced, his voice filled with urgency and concern. My heart skipped a beat. I hated that name and the man who bore it. How many more would we lose to that monster? Stone is a werewolf hunter, and he has his eyes on our pack. My father's eyes closed, his chest moving up and down as he took deep breaths. "Ayla, we can't keep losing our pack members like this. We need to find a way to stop Stone. We have to stop him.” Ryker nodded, his voice filled with urgency. “We've tried everything, Casimir. We need to come up with a new plan, and fast. Stone is moving fast….and if we do not take care then…he might wipe us out.” "Father, I'll find a way to stop Stone," I promised, my voice filled with determination. "I won't let our pack be hunted. I will find a way to stop him.” My father's eyes had a hint of pride in them. "I know you will, Ayla. You're strong and brave, just like your mother. May she rest in peace.” Ryker placed a hand on my shoulder. "We'll get through this, Ayla. Together, we'll find a way to defeat Stone and keep our pack safe. We are strong, too strong to let a common human defeat us.” "Ayla, come closer," my father said, his voice weak and barely audible. I leaned in, my face close to his. "Yes, Father?" "I'm proud of the strong wolf you have become," he said, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "But I'm also worried about the pack's future. Stone's attacks have left us exposed, and...and I fear I don't have much time left." It felt like someone punched my gut at the mention of his failing health. I had been trying to ignore the fact that his illness was incurable, but I couldn't deny it any longer. "Father, don't say that," I pleaded, my voice cracking with tears. "You'll get better. You have to." He smiled a weak smile. "Ayla, my dear, I've accepted my face. But I need to know that you'll be okay, that the pack will be in good hands when I'm gone. I want to make sure my pack will be safe even if I am gone.” I nodded, trying to hold back the tears that filled my eyes. "I promise, Father. I'll do everything I can to protect the pack and keep them safe." He reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear. "I know you will, Ayla. You have your mother's good heart and my strength. But I need you to promise me something else." "Anything, Father," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Be kind to yourself, Ayla. Don't let the weight of the pack's responsibilities crush you. You deserve happiness, too. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a take, just say rubber duck and be yourself…” Tears rushed down my face as I nodded, my body shaking as I sobbed. "I promise, Father. I'll take care of myself, too." We sat there in silence, a comfortable silence. Finally, he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ayla, I love you." "I love you too, Father," I replied, my voice choked with emotion. As I held his hand, I felt fear creeping in. How could I possibly lead the pack without him? I had always trusted his guidance, his strength, and his wisdom. The thought of facing Stone and the pack's struggles alone was terrifying. "Father, who will help me lead the pack when you're gone?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked at me. "Ayla, you are stronger than you think. You have the heart of a true leader. But...I have faith in Ryker and the other elderly. They will support you and guide you. Remember to say, rubber duck.” I nodded, trying to appear confident, but inside, I was breaking and screaming. Ryker and the elders were experienced and wise, but they weren't my father. I can not feel free with them, the way I do with my father. "What if I fail, Father?" I asked, my voice cracking. "What if I can't protect the pack like you have?" His grip on my hand tightened. "Ayla, you won't fail. You will rise to the challenge. You will make difficult decisions, make sacrifices, sometimes painful ones, and you will lead the pack to safety. I trust you." I wanted to believe him, I truly did. But the fear was there, threatening to consume me. What if I wasn't enough? What if I couldn't keep the pack together? Looking into his eyes, I saw that he was also scared. And in that moment, I knew that even he wasn't convinced that I was ready to lead the pack on my own. “I…I will try, father. But I can not do it like you do…what will happen when the pack rejects a female alpha? You know how they are. What if I fail? What if someone takes the throne from me? What if it does not go as planned?”