The Visiting Alpha
1050 Words
Lyra's Pov
Garrett Stone arrives with fifty warriors and a smile that promises trouble.
The week after the ceremony passed in a blur of new routines and small victories. I was still learning the rhythm of the Northern Territory when the news spread through the pack house like wildfire. Alpha Garrett Stone from the Western Territory was coming for official trade negotiations. He brought fifty warriors with him, a clear show of strength and a subtle reminder that he was not to be underestimated. Theron had agreed to the visit, but the entire compound felt tense. Everyone knew this was more than trade talks. Garrett wanted to see Theron's new contract Luna up close.
The formal reception was held in the main hall. Theron and I stood side by side to greet him, the first time we presented a united front publicly. I wore a formal dress that kept the mark on my neck clearly visible. Theron stood tall and imposing beside me, his presence alone enough to make people careful.
Garrett Stone entered with confident strides. He was tall, handsome in a sharp way, and charismatic, but there was danger in his eyes. His gaze swept the room and landed on me, lingering openly on the mark. "So this is the bride I've heard so much about. The rumors do not do you justice."
Theron's hand settled at my waist, the touch light but possessive. The territorial response was subtle, but I felt the tension in his body. Garrett noticed and his smile widened. "Easy, Alpha. Just appreciating fine things."
The political game had started, and I was right in the middle of it.
The state dinner that evening was carefully arranged but full of undercurrents. Garrett was seated near me by his own request. Theron sat at the head of the table, watching every move with cold eyes. Garrett was charming and attentive, turning most of his conversation toward me.
"Tell me about your background," he said, voice smooth. "How did a healer from a small pack end up as Luna of the Northern Territories?"
I kept my answers careful. "The Alpha saw political advantage in the alliance. I am fulfilling the contract terms."
Garrett leaned a little closer. "Unusual for an Alpha to accept a marked mate. You must be exceptional."
The compliment felt loaded. I smiled politely. "The mark is part of my history. It does not define my role here."
He kept pushing, voice low enough that only I could hear clearly. "The famous contract marriage. Two years, correct?" The subtext was clear. Temporary. Not permanent. He smiled like we were sharing a secret. "What happens after two years? Back to your home pack, or something more interesting?"
"The contract terms are between my Alpha and myself," I replied firmly.
Garrett's play became bolder. "A woman of your talents could have many options. Western Territory always values skilled Lunas. Strong ones especially."
He was offering an alternative. Testing if I was open to being poached. Across the table, Theron's growl was low but audible. Garrett raised his hands in mock innocence. "Just making conversation, Alpha Blackridge."
The rest of dinner felt like a chess match. Garrett probed for weaknesses. Theron watched with barely contained aggression. I stayed in the middle, navigating every word carefully while feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on me.
After the dinner ended, Theron found me in the hallway outside the hall. His anger was barely held in check. "What was that?"
I turned to face him. "What was what?"
"Garrett Stone all but offered to take you when the contract ends."
"I handled it," I said, keeping my voice steady.
"You encouraged him."
My own frustration rose. "I was polite. There is a difference."
Theron stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "You are my Luna. You do not entertain offers from other Alphas."
"I am your contract Luna," I shot back. "For two years. After that, according to you, I am free."
The words hit him. His jaw clenched. "You are not free. You are mine."
"Then act like it."
The moment crackled with tension. Both of us angry, both of us wanting something we could not quite reach. Theron looked like he wanted to say more, but he held back. "You do not know what you are asking."
"I am asking you to decide," I said. "Either I am yours or I am not. This halfway thing is destroying both of us."
The next day, Garrett requested a private walk with Luna as part of pack diplomacy. Theron had to agree or look weak and possessive. We walked in the estate gardens with guards keeping a respectful distance. Garrett dropped the charm and showed his real cunning.
"You know this contract will not last," he said quietly. "Theron is incapable of real intimacy. He will keep you at arm's length for two years and then release you."
"You do not know him," I replied.
"I know men broken by violence. I was one. The difference is I chose to heal. Theron chose to freeze."
He offered sympathy and understanding. "When the contract ends, come to Western Territory. I would treat you as a true mate deserves."
"I am already marked."
"Marks can be covered. Bonds can be broken. If the wolf who marked you does not claim you, someone else will."
Suddenly Theron appeared, fury rolling off him. He grabbed my arm and pulled me behind him. "Touch her again and I will rip your throat out."
Garrett raised his hands, still smiling. "I did not touch her. Yet."
Theron's wolf was close to the surface. "She is mine. Contract or not, bond or not, she is mine. You do not look at her. You do not speak to her. You do not think about her."
The possessive claiming happened right there in front of witnesses. Garrett looked satisfied. He had gotten exactly the reaction he wanted. "There is the real Theron. I wondered how long the ice would hold."
Garrett left the next morning with a knowing smile. Theron avoided me for three days straight. The visiting Alpha had accomplished in two days what I could not in weeks. He had made Theron admit I was his. Now I just had to make him believe it was okay.
- Writer
