CHAPTER SEVEN
970 Words
Lucian's POV:
"How do you maintain your authority over the pack, alpha Lucian?"
My mind was still reeling in shock. Reports reaching me stated that Diana was very likely dead.
Dead.
Just like that, she's gone.
I looked up from the glass of wine in my hands and stared at Esther. It's been two weeks she came to the pack house, and safe to say, it hasn't been a good two weeks.
"Keep quiet." I said to her, drinking more of the wine.
"Of course," She replied.
Just like that, I accepted this whole arranged mate issue. The one week grace period had expired. Diana was likely dead. I was barking up an invisible tree.
Every day I think about how things could have been so much better if I didn't reject her. There's this hole in my chest right now that I doubt will ever be filled. Especially not by this perfect princess sitting across me at the dinner table.
What did my father even see in her?
Maybe because she was from a strong family, or maybe because marrying her will strengthen our pack.
I poured some more wine for myself. Esther looked at me worriedly, but she was the last thing on my mind right now.
"It's time to pick up your life." My father had said to me earlier this morning. "Diana is dead. Move on."
I realized it too late, that I had fallen for Diana. I realized it too late that the one thing I wanted was for her to smile. I realized too late, that she was my first. The first woman I ever loved, my first mate, and even though I didn't realize the weight of it till later, she was the first woman I slept with.
And now she's dead.
A funeral or some sort of memorial wasn't even held for her. Just like that, she was forgotten. And now I have a gaping hole in my chest, and a pack to rule. With my members looking up to me to continue being the alpha that I was.
I had searched far and wide for Diana. Maybe this time, I should be content with having her as a memory. Maybe I am destined to a lifetime of pain and misery, forever stuck with grief and the guilt for how I treated her. Maybe this was the moon goddess's punishment to me.
Maybe it is time to pick up my life. A life with Esther in it, as my arranged Mate.
****
The next weeks that followed went by in a blur. My father was excited that I had agreed to be mated to Esther. He wanted a celebration. And a celebration he got.
From far and wide came guests for the celebrations. It was the largest party I had ever seen. But it felt empty. Each time I stared at Esther I would see Diana, however hard I tried I couldn't conjure up an image of her smiling at me.
I felt disconnected from the celebration. Disconnected form everything. I couldn't wait for it to be over so I could return to my study and go over my plans for the hundredth time.
"Lucian," Esther called, resting her hand on my arm.
I turned my head to her. She had pieces of colorful confetti wedged in her hair, her smile was bright and she looked happy.
"It's time for you to give a speech." She whispered.
I pushed her hand off her. Her touch felt weird to me - repulsive almost. I think the crowd was shocked. But I didn't care.
Now I understood why most alphas didn't love their Lunas.
***
A year passed like this. And another one. And another one. Till four years had passed.
I channeled all my energy into the pack and it's affairs. I learned how to rule, how to be a great alpha. Ironically, it was my father that taught me. Maybe accepting Esther made him warm up to me.
The name of Moon Crest pack became feared and respected throughout the American packs. I worked on expanding into the human world. It was time to stop hiding in the shadows like savage beasts. By of course, nothing too jarring. A few companies scattered around, and more plans underway.
I became more and more busy, but it was a perfect way to avoid Esther.
"Lucian," A voice pulled me from my thoughts. I didn't need to turn to know who it was.
"Esther."
"It's late now. Won't you come to bed?"
"Not now." I replied. "Go on without me."
Life was never the same after Diana.
Esther sighed. "Fine. Good night."
She's disappointed. I can feel it. This forced alliance of ours, as much as I hated it, I got to know more about her. Even down to her emotions. She must have heard the rumours, or not. But she knew something was wrong.
I can't even bring myself to touch her.
I went over the feasibility reports again. To the outside world, we were the perfect couple. Soon to be alpha and Luna. We were happy, stable, loved and respected.
But my heart longed for Diana. I wanted her by my side. I wanted her as my Luna.
I've learned the hard way that we can't always have the things we want.
My phone rang as I was rounding up my work. The caller ID was Karis, one of the hiring managers at my newest company.
"It's late, don't you know?"
I said as I picked the call.
"My apologies, sir. I'm calling to inform you about a new opening for a Marketing strategist." She said. She was like a perfectly oiled robot. Efficient and fast.
"That's good." I replied. "This time, I'll be there in person for the second interview."
"Noted, sir."
- Writer
