A Queen For The Alpha

Isabella I was looking at the mess Lily had created on my bed. The task was simple. She just had to help me pick a dress for the Full Moon Mating Ball held by the Blood Moon Pack. The subtle reminder of the ball made my heart twist painfully in my chest. Until a year ago, the Royal Moon pack organized this ball. I still remember mom’s excitement as she used to plan this event every year. Dad would make sure all the packs were invited. It was to make sure all unmated attend this ball and find their other halves. As an Alpha King, he said it was his responsibility to make sure all wolves find their mates. At this time, when we frequently had wars, it was difficult for wolves to travel around packs to find their mate. So this ball served the purpose. He said he trusts me to follow this tradition when I take over as the Alpha Queen. I was his only daughter and successor to the throne. He trained me, wanting to ensure that I would be an Alpha he can be proud of and I would have done everything I could to make him feel that pride. My name is Isabella Lawson. My father was the King of werewolves. He was an amazing Alpha and King. He always made sure everyone was protected. I still remember that day when he sent almost all of our warriors to fight and protect the neighboring packs, leaving our own vulnerable. By the time we realized it was a trap, it was too late. We were outnumbered, and they slaughtered all of our pack. He knew we would not survive, and he sent me and the remaining pack members, the women, pups and elders, to my aunt’s pack. I wanted to stay and fight with him, but as always, I couldn’t refuse his request. He said I was now the Alpha, and it was my duty to make sure I protect my pack. Especially when the members left behind were vulnerable and couldn’t fight to defend themselves. The painful howls of my parents and warriors still haunt me at night. It was weighing on my mind that I ran away like a coward while they fought and sacrificed their lives for me. I was the reason for everything to begin with, and this thought was killing me inside. “Are you blaming yourself again?” Lily’s loud voice brought me back to reality. “No, I was not,” I lied, hoping she would not catch on. “Bella, don’t lie to me. I know you pretty well. You can’t be lost in thoughts with tears and a guilty look in your eyes. I know you were thinking about it again.” My hand immediately moved to wipe the tears that I didn’t know were flowing. “It’s difficult to not think about it Lily, and you know that,” I sighed, closing my eyes, trying to get rid of the painful memories. “It is not easy, but you need to know that none of this was your fault. Stop blaming yourself for something you had absolutely no control over.” I knew she was probably right, but I was having a hard time accepting it. “Now let’s get back to finding the perfect dress for you,” she smiled, making me sigh tiredly. I was done with the dress ordeal already. Hell, I didn’t even want to attend this ball in the first place. “Lily, I don’t want to go,” she stopped and turned, glaring at me. Her hands were on her hips while I prepared myself for her outburst. Gosh! She looked scary. “You don’t have a choice. You are going and that’s final.” She said with a serious face. “But—” I started, only to shut up from her glare. I wonder how she and I became best friends. I sighed, shaking my head. No matter what, I would never trade her for anything. She has been there for me during the most difficult time of my life, and as annoying as she is, I could never find another person who knows and loves me like she does. “I said you are going. Besides, it’s the Alpha’s orders. All of us are supposed to attend this ball. Although it’s not like the annual mating ball like our Alpha King used to arrange every year.” She started. Her eyes turned moist as she looked at me sadly. “This time around, every pack is celebrating it amongst themselves, but that doesn’t mean we should give up the hope of finding our mate. Our mate is most likely to be in our pack.” She sighed. Her eyes took on a dreamy look as she thought about her mate. The mention of finding my mate had my heart twisting painfully in my chest. I wasn’t of age last year, but I was turning 18 on the Full Moon Mating ball this year. However, I knew I wouldn’t be able to find my mate. Our entire pack was slaughtered in the war last year, and it meant our mate was most likely slaughtered too. ‘Don’t say that Bella,’ I heard the gentle whisper of my wolf, Esyn. She has been another reason I haven’t gone crazy in the last year. I don’t know what I would have done if my aunt, uncle, cousins and Lily had not taken care of me. They are the only family I have left, and I can’t let go of the constant fear that I am putting their lives in danger. Just like I did with my pack. ‘None of what happened is our fault, Bella. Please don’t blame yourself for something we had no control over.’ Esyn said. ‘You shouldn’t lose faith in the Moon Goddess. She would never do injustice to anyone.’ Her words were comforting as she spoke confidently. ‘How are you so calm about everything?’ I asked. She was always calm and composed. I know she is strong, and I probably didn’t have half the strength she did, not after I heard the painful cries and howls of my parents and pack members. ‘I trust the Moon Goddess, Bella. She has blessed us, and there is a reason we are the only silver wolf in existence.’ She sighed. ‘I also think we might find our mate in the mating ball.’ Her words made my eyes widen in surprise. ‘Esyn, you know our mate is probably not alive.’ I said sadly, but she shook her big wolf head in denial. ‘I feel his presence, and I think he is nearby. We should attend the ball because it is the only time we can recognize our mate.’ I wanted to deny it and tell her she was wrong, but I know she wouldn’t agree. Maybe if we attend the ball she would realize it herself? “What are you thinking so hard about?” Lily asked, narrowing her eyes at me accusingly. “I was talking to Esyn.” I replied, and she rolled her eyes at me. “If it is about not going to the ball, then drop it. I am not interested in hearing it. You are going and that’s final.” She said with finality in her voice. “It’s your 18th birthday, and I think we will both find our mates.” She continued with the same dreamy look on her face. “Fine, I’ll go.” I agreed, knowing it was for the best. No one would bother me after the ball was over.