The Alpha's Betrayed Queen

ep 2

Aria's pov

"And we name you a warrior and one of us."

My voice boomed loud and clear under the full moon as I completed the rites which bound Kael as a part of the Silverfang pack.

Many pack members and some of the elders had protested but I insisted he had proven himself worthy to be a part of this pack.

He had proven to be loyal within the last few months and hadn't done anything to deserve their doubt or rouse suspicion.

"I hope you know what you are doing." My father frowned at me but I refused to induge in a meaningless argument.

I was convinced the moon goddess had sent him to me and with time everyone else would see just how good he is for the pack.

"Welcome to the Silverfang pack Kael." I smiled at him when the rite was over and we were alone.

He drew me into a long sweet kiss and I melted into him.

"I love you so much Aria. I would be lost without you." He whispered against my lips.

"I love you too." I grinned at him.

"Call me greedy but i don't just want to be another pack member to you. I want to mark you Aria.

I want everyone to know you are mine, I want to be your mate and share all the burdens you carry."

He whispered as he kissed the spot just below my collar bone where your mating mark was meant to be and my heart soared.

"I want to be yours too Kael but we have to wait a bit longer till the pack fully trusts you." I replied and from the look on his face I could see he wanted to say more but decided against it.

****

"The time for me to step down has come. As you all know my wolf has weakened and I am now unable to lead the pack as efficiently as I once could."

My father's voice rang out loud and clear as he addressed the pack.

Whispers broke out and I stared at my father in shock.

I always knew the day he would handover the pack into my care was coming but I felt it would still take at least a few years and he would inform me before hand.

"After careful consideration, the elders and I have decided to pass on the Alpha title to my daughter, Aria." He announced and a loud applause broke out.

"It shouldn't come as a suprise to anyone in this pack. You have all seen her work for your loyalty and earn her place in this pack. I am confident she would lead the pack with wisdom and strength."

My father smiled at me proudly and stretched out his hand for me to make my way to where he stood.

I knelt in front of him as he placed the ring, the signet of authority into my hands.

As I rose people cheered and pride welled in my chest as they waited for me to address them.

"My dear subjects and friends. I feel humbled that you would deem me worthy to lead you, I have fought and grown besides most of you and truly you all are my family." My voice boomed with authority.

"However, I am not fit to lead you as I also desire to be led. You need a leader with clear goals and a vision for this pack."

I began to walk in the crowd.

"And for that purpose, I decline the Alpha title and bestow it upon Kael, a true leader and a member of this pack who has proven to all of us that he is more than capable of handling all our burdens."

I stopped in front of Kael and wore the signet ring on his finger.

Ripples of shock spread through the crowd and Kael looked as shocked as everyone else.

"What are you doing Aria?" He whispered, searching my eyes.

"I trust you completely with my heart and with this pack. I've trained all my life and yet I still felt unready to lead but you, you are a natural leader." I told him.

"What is the meaning of this Aria?" My father's voice boomed.

I turned to him and he stared at me with pure rage.

"I have decided I want Kael to rule as alpha while I rule as his mate and Luna." I declared.

"Have you run mad?" One of the elders asked.

"He's a rogue." Another bit out.

"You are tainting the pure alpha bloodline with the mere suggestion that a rogue rules over us." My father growled.

"No, I haven't. Kael has proven himself to this pack but you all have refused to see past the fact that he was once a rogue.

I have given him the opportunity to prove you all wrong, he will lead this pack and I would serve beside him as his Luna." I responded, looking at each one of them in the eyes.

"My decision is final and you would all have to respect it." I commanded.

"Your trust and love is humbling Aria." Kael looked at me with a glint in his eyes and I was sure I was making the right decision, my heart felt as though it would burst from all the love I held for this man.

"You deserve this more than anyone Kael, in just a short period of time you've proved yourself to be indispensable to the pack and most importantly, to me." I replied with a soft smile.

"Is this a joke?" His eyes searched mine.

"Go on and address your people." I urged him, wanting him to understand that this was really happening.

He took a few steps forward and looked around him.

He chuckled under his breath, a low rumble in his chest.

"Members of the Silverfang pack. This is an unexpected turn of events but the moon goddess does not make mistakes.

I am honoured to serve as your Alpha. I know many of you are still weary but I will soon prove and command your respect as your Alpha." He announced.

"Aria." He turned to me.

"I marvel at how vulnerable and weak you could be when these pathetic wolves looked up to you for guidance." His voice rang out clearly and I stared at him in confusion as the tips of his lips quirked up in a smile.

"A wolf who doesn't understand the true essence of power and doesn't know how to weld it is unworthy to lead this pack."

He announced and my heart dropped.

"What are you saying Kael?" My brows furrowed.

"I could never have such a vulnerable and weak wolf as my mate. You were merely a pawn in my quest to the top. How naive you were, baring your soul and insecurities out to me.

You have up your position for love? That is the height of stupidity, even for you Aria" He sneered.

I fell to my knees and clutched my hand to my chest as I felt like I was being stabbed and unpleasant heat spread through me.

I looked up at Kael, hoping to see any trace of the sweet boyish charm I fell in love with but I don't.

In it's place is a cold manipulator, as stiff as stone who is staring at me with calculating eyes.

"Kael, don't do this." I whispered as pure embarrassment and pain washed through me.

"You can't imagine how much you've given me. I've patiently waited a long time for a chance, just a little crack and you gave me that." He grinned.

"Why? I opened my heart to you, I trusted you." I cried.

"Packs are killing more rogues everyday. Do you know what it feels like to constantly live in fear? What it feels like to know your life could end at any moment and no one would bat an eye? I had to do something." He shrugged and I marvelled at how wrong I was about him.

"You don't have to do this Kael. I already welcomed you into my pack, we could live in peace." I pleaded.

"I reject you Aria as my mate and my Luna and I banish you from the Silverfang pack." He announced and just like that my world came crashing down as pain racked through my entire body.