Chapter seven - Whispers In The Pack
871 Words
The Blackthorn Pack had always been busy.
Warriors trained from sunrise until dusk. Healers gathered herbs in the surrounding forests. Children ran through the village without fear, their laughter echoing between the cabins.
But today...
Everyone was talking about the same thing.
The Alpha had found his mate.
And she was an omega from the Ashwood Pack.
---
Luna sat alone in the garden behind the healer's cabin, gently turning the little flower crown Rosie had made for her.
She still couldn't believe it belonged to her.
She traced the white petals with her fingertips, smiling softly.
She had never owned anything beautiful before.
A cool breeze stirred the flowers around her, carrying the scent of pine and wild lavender.
For the first time in years, her shoulders weren't tense.
She was beginning to feel... peaceful.
---
Not far away, Kael stood with Damon, watching from the training grounds.
"You've been staring at her for five minutes," Damon teased.
Kael didn't even deny it.
"I'm making sure she's comfortable."
Damon chuckled.
"Right."
Kael shot him a warning glance.
Damon only laughed harder.
"I've known you since we were pups, Kael. You're worried."
"I am."
"And?"
Kael sighed.
"She smiles... then a second later she looks like she's waiting for someone to take it away."
Damon's smile faded.
"I noticed that too."
"It'll take time."
Kael nodded.
"I know."
"But I'll wait as long as she needs."
---
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the packhouse, Selene stood at her bedroom window.
Her green eyes followed Luna's every movement.
She had spent years believing she would stand beside Kael one day.
Not because they were mates—they weren't.
But they had grown up together.
She had trained beside him.
Supported him after his father's death.
She had imagined a future where he would choose her despite the absence of a mate bond.
Now that dream had vanished overnight.
All because of one frightened omega.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
Her closest friend, Mira, entered.
"So..."
Mira crossed her arms.
"Is it true?"
Selene didn't answer.
Mira walked to the window and looked outside.
She immediately spotted Luna.
"She's... prettier than I expected."
Selene's jaw tightened.
"She's weak."
"Maybe."
"But Kael hasn't left her side."
Those words hurt more than Selene wanted to admit.
Mira lowered her voice.
"What are you going to do?"
Selene remained silent for a long moment.
Finally, she whispered,
"I'm going to find out who she really is."
---
That afternoon, Luna insisted on helping in the kitchens despite her injured ankle.
"I can wash vegetables," she offered timidly.
The head cook, Martha, laughed warmly.
"You are a guest."
"I'm not..."
Luna stopped herself.
Not what?
Not worthy?
Not important?
Martha gently placed a basket of apples in front of her.
"If helping makes you happy, then you can help me peel these."
Luna smiled shyly.
"I'd like that."
As they worked together, Martha told funny stories about the pack's younger warriors.
Soon, Luna found herself laughing.
A real laugh.
Soft.
Light.
It caught everyone in the kitchen by surprise.
One of the cooks smiled.
"That's the first time I've heard her laugh."
Martha smiled too.
"Let's make sure it isn't the last."
---
Outside, Kael was returning from patrol when he heard it.
Laughter.
He stopped walking.
It took him a second to realize where it was coming from.
The kitchens.
He quietly looked through the open window.
Luna was laughing as Martha dramatically acted out one of Damon's failed hunting trips.
Kael couldn't help but smile.
His wolf rumbled happily.
She's healing.
"Slowly," Kael murmured.
"But she is."
---
That evening, as the sun dipped below the mountains, a patrol wolf rushed into the village.
"My Alpha!"
Kael turned immediately.
"What is it?"
The warrior bowed.
"A messenger has arrived from the Ashwood Pack."
The entire courtyard fell silent.
Luna, who had been sitting nearby with Rosie, went completely still.
The smile disappeared from her face.
Fear returned to her eyes.
Kael noticed instantly.
He walked to her side without hesitation.
"You don't have to be afraid."
She looked up at him, but her hands were trembling.
The messenger was escorted into the courtyard.
He wore the colors of Ashwood.
His expression was cold.
He looked directly at Kael.
"Alpha Victor sends his regards."
Kael's voice was calm.
"What does he want?"
The messenger's eyes shifted toward Luna.
"There has been... a misunderstanding."
Luna's face turned pale.
The messenger continued,
"The omega you have taken belongs to the Ashwood Pack."
A low growl rippled through the gathered Blackthorn wolves.
Kael's eyes turned icy.
The air itself seemed to grow heavier beneath his Alpha aura.
Then, in a voice that left no room for argument, he said,
"Luna belongs to no one."
The messenger swallowed hard.
Kael took one step forward.
"But if you're asking whether she has a place..."
He glanced at Luna before looking back at the messenger.
"She has one."
"My pack."
"My protection."
"And anyone who threatens her..."
His wolf flashed behind his eyes.
"...threatens me."
The messenger suddenly realized he had walked into the territory of the strongest Alpha in the kingdom.
And he had just challenged his mate.
- Writer
