The Choice

In the heart of the Silverwind Mountains, the Lunar Lake Pack was preparing for an event of great importance - the annual Grand Summit. The pack had been chosen to host this prestigious gathering of all Alphas from the different regions of the Silverwind Mountains. It is a responsibility that brings both honor and immense pressure. This resulted in the pack house being busy. Very busy. Everyone was in a frenzy, working tirelessly to prepare the pack house and its grounds for the much-awaited arrival of their important guests. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and nervous energy as everyone knew how important it was to make a good impression. There were members of the pack running around, dusting every nook and cranny, polishing the silverware and arranging the grand hall with fresh flowers. Mr. Glenn, the gardener, was meticulously tending to the grounds, ensuring that every flower bed was perfected and every pathway clear. Mrs. Reid, the pack cook, was busy preparing a feast, experimenting with flavors and presentation. All hands were on deck and the clock was ticking. Today was the last day to prepare before guests started arriving. The Grand Summit was a time when Alphas from all across the Silverwind Mountain territories convened to discuss matters of mutual concern. They also exchanged vital information and strengthened the bonds between their packs by putting aside rivalries for the week. The attendees included not only the Alphas, but their trusted advisors and important figures - both seasoned and new to The Order. Days were filled with calculated meetings, while nights were full of drunken trouble. However, this year’s Grand Summit carried an extra weight of worry and anticipation. The Lunar Lake Alpha received word this morning that a few select Alphas would be arriving a day early to discuss a newly developed issue. Among those selected, the King of Alphas was to be in attendance. King Thorin Andrews. The King is a formidable figure, known for his power, wisdom, and cruelty. Many greatly feared him. This year will be eight years since he brutally overtook his older brother for the throne. He has not attended a Grand Summit since becoming King, only ever sending his inner circle of advisors to conduct his business for him. Many of the citizens of The Order have never met the King. However, the stories that have been told are enough to set anyone on edge. As Octavia strolled through the gardens towards the pack’s offices, the sun warmed her skin and a gentle breeze rustled her warm chestnut-colored hair. She was looking forward to the rush of the busy day ahead when she suddenly heard a high yelp coming from around the corner. “Oh you little trouble makers. Give me back my notebook!" Curiosity piqued, Octavia quickened her pace and turned the corner, only to find her best friend, Maggie, chasing after two very small children. The children were darting around laughing and giggling, while clutching onto what could only be the mysterious notebook. Maggie, with her baby bump protruding prominently, was waddling after them, determined to get her belongings back. Octavia couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at the sight. Maggie was wearing a vibrant floral sundress that hugged her round belly. Her long golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, slightly disheveled from the ordeal. Despite the chase and her evident exhaustion, she looked radiant. Octavia tried to stifle more of her laughter when one child stopped suddenly, held the notebook out to Maggie as if to return it, only to quickly take off running when she went to reach for it. Maggie releases a small growl but continues her pursuit of the small children. “I see motherhood is going to be a piece of cake.” Octavia couldn’t help the big grin that appeared on her face as she walked towards her. “Oh Octavia, so good to see you!” Maggie sighed happily. “Good morning and glad to see you as well, Luna.” Once she got closer to Maggie, Octavia saw that her eyes could not hide the fact that Maggie had not slept in a few days. Large dark circles were starting to form on her pale skin under her eyes. Octavia furrowed her brows, concern evident in her voice as she said, “Maggie, why are you chasing after these two? You really need to be back in bed.” Maggie let out an exasperated sigh, clearly annoyed. She crossed her arms and shot Octavia a glare. “Octavia, I’m not a fragile doll that needs to be stuck in bed all day. Your brother is already on my case enough about it” Maggie and Octavia have been best friends for as long as she could remember. Growing up, the two were inseparable. As the years went by, Maggie and Octavia’s older brother, Troy’s, friendship began to evolve into something deeper. It became evident to everyone around that they were destined to be mates. Their connection grew stronger and when Maggie turned eighteen, there was no denying the mating bond that snapped into place. “There is absolutely way too much for me to do before tomorrow! I cannot possibly stay in bed all day.” She quickly brushed loose strands of hair behind her ear, looking back at the two children still playing and running with her notebook. Octavia gently placed her hand on Maggies arm. “Mags, I know you have a lot on your plate, but you don’t have to do it all alone. That’s why I’m here, remember? I am your personal assistant after all.” She said with a slight smile. Octavia was the assistant to both the Alpha and Luna of the Lunar Lake Pack. A responsibility she has carried since her father held the position as Alpha. It is a role that she has always taken incredibly seriously. Her responsibilities include a wide range of tasks, including the coordination of community gatherings, the maintenance of the pack house, and the arrangement of all meetings conducted by both the Alpha and Luna. Maggie let out a small sigh, her frustration slowly fading away. “I know, Octavia. I appreciate you, really. It’s just that I’m feeling overwhelmed, and I want everything to be perfect.” Octavia smiled reassuringly. “I get it. What is still on your list that has you so worried?” Maggie releases a quick huff of breath before answering, “Well, there are the desserts for dinner tomorrow, the guest welcome bags need to be completed, the staff uniforms are not pressed, the musicians need to be paid and the drapes in the family room need to be steamed.” She pinched the bridge of her nose between her eyes in frustration. Octavia quickly grabbed both her hands and held them tightly to herself before answering. “Maggie, I had all the drapes steamed yesterday afternoon. The guest's welcome bags are already in their rooms stuffed and ready to go. I also had the staff uniforms taken to the dry cleaners to be pressed and they should be here within the hour. The musicians have already been paid and I talked with Mrs. Reid a few minutes ago about the desserts. She is making Apple Pie because it’s your favorite.” Maggie looked at her, her eyes filling with gratitude. She quickly blinked back tears. Octavia knew she did not want her to see them. “I’ve got this, Mags.” She said with a broad grin. “Let me handle the rest of the list for you. I’ll make sure everything gets done, and you can focus on taking care of yourself. You have a doctor's appointment today and the last thing you need is for him to put you on permanent bed rest until the baby is born.” Maggie closed her eyes and let out a long sigh, instantly relaxing. When she opened them, Octavia could see her relief. “Okay, but I still need my notebook. It has some information I’m supposed to pass to Doctor Murphy.” They both turned towards the still running and screaming children. One was now trying to tackle the other for the notebook. Maggie and Octavia laughed when they both fell to the ground, wrestling. “Conan! Channing!” A deep voice rumbled from their right. Octavia’s heart instantly fluttered at the sound of the deep male voice.