Five Years Ago.
Marie paced back and forth in her father’s chamber, her mind racing with the images of Max and Eve together. The wavy little firelight cast long shadows on the walls, mirroring the disturbance within her. She had seen enough to confirm her suspicions, and now, she needed her father’s support to solidify her place beside Alpha Max.
Her father, Alpha Kegan, the Alpha of the White Wolf Pack, who at that time had not been named the White Wolf, sat behind his massive oak desk, watching his daughter with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
“Marie, sit down and tell me what’s troubling you,” he said in a calm, commanding voice.
Marie stopped pacing and faced him, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and desperation. “Father, I saw Max with that young lady Omega, Eve. They were together, and it was clear that their bond seemed to be still strong. She’s supposed to be gone, what is she even doing with him? And they’re planning something. I can’t let her take him away from me.”
Alpha Kegan leaned back in his chair, locking his fingers as he considered her words. “I see,” he said slowly. “And you’re certain of what you saw?”
“Yes, absolutely. They were hiding, but I caught a glimpse of them. Max is trying to defy us, to go against the will of the pack,” Marie replied, her voice trembling with barely contained rage.
Kegan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve always been meant to marry Max, to strengthen our families and the pack. We cannot allow anyone, especially not Eve, to disrupt that. But don’t worry, my dear. I have a plan in motion.”
“It will be his undoing because the only reason we supported the young wolf was because the plan was to marry you,” her father said. “Anyway, the plan is already in motion.”
Marie’s eyes brightened with hope. “What plan, Father? How can we stop them?”
Kegan stood and walked around the desk, placing a reassuring hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You must trust me, Marie. I’ve been aware of Max’s actions for some time now. He’s been foolish, thinking he could keep secrets from us. But I’ve been preparing for this.”
He led her to the window, overlooking the vast expanse of their territory. “The pack respects strength and tradition. I’ve already begun to rally our most loyal allies. They will ensure that Max understands his duty and the consequences of defying us. Eve will be dealt with appropriately.”
Marie looked up at her father, her faith in him unwavering. “You mean, you’ll force him to marry me?”
Kegan smiled, a cold, calculating smile that sent a shiver down her spine. “Exactly. Max will have no choice but to marry you. His pack’s future depends on it, and he will not allow anyone to jeopardize that. As for Eve, she will be banished once and for all. We’ll make it clear that any defiance will not be tolerated.”
Marie felt a surge of relief and gratitude. “Thank you, Father. I knew I could count on you.”
Kegan nodded, his eyes hard with determination. “Go now, Marie. Prepare yourself. Soon, you will stand beside Max as his rightful mate and the Alpha female of this pack.”
Marie left ther father’s presence with a renewed sense of purpose, confident that her father’s plan would secure her future with Max. Alpha Kegan watched her go, his mind already working through the final details of his scheme. He would ensure that the pack remained strong and united, no matter the cost.
Alpha Kegan stood at the center of his chamber, his eyes narrowed in determination as he considered his next move. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting shadows that danced along the walls.
He needed to ensure the pack's stability and future, and for that, Eve had to be removed from the equation. With a deep breath, he called for Silas, Alpha Max's trusted friend and confidant.
Silas entered the room, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Alpha Kegan, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Silas," Kegan began, his voice calm but firm. "I need your help to rally the elders. We must move quickly to banish Eve from our pack."
Silas’s eyes widened in surprise. "Banish Eve? But why? She and Max... they share a bond."
“So you know!” Alpha Kegan shouted.
Silas was a bit confused. He was an Alpha of the neighboring Town and nothing should be troubling him from the Midnight Pack let alone who Alpha Max intends to fall in love with.
“Of course I know and there is no fault in that, Alpha Kegan,” Silas said.
“You young werewolves of these days, you know nothing,” the Alpha replied.
“Eve and Max are a bond by the moon goddess, do you want to break that bond?” Silas asked.
Kegan's gaze hardened. "That bond is a threat to your pack’s future. Eve is an omega, Silas. She cannot bear children for an Alpha. Our lineage and strength are at stake. The Midnight Pack is already the smallest of the five packs. If we do not strengthen our alliances through a strategic marriage, the other packs will continue to see you as weak and attack you."
Silas shook his head, still struggling to understand. "But Max loves her. Can’t there be another way?"
"No," Kegan snapped, his patience thinning. "Max’s love for Eve blinds him to his responsibilities as Alpha. The pack's survival comes before personal desires. If Max marries Marie, you gain the support of my powerful family and pack, and your pack grows stronger. Without this union, you're vulnerable."
“This is a tough one. Do you want your daughter to marry someone who will never love her?” Silas asked.
Kegan took a step closer, his eyes boring into Silas's. "You know what will happen if you are perceived as weak because Alpha Max refuses to marry Marrie. The other packs will show no mercy. Your land, your people, everything you’ve built will be taken from you. Do you want that, Silas? Do you want to see your pack destroyed because Max cannot see beyond his own heart?"
Silas felt the weight of Kegan's words sinking in. He knew the truth in them, knew the precarious position their pack was in. The other packs were relentless, always looking for any sign of weakness to exploit. And despite his loyalty to Max, Silas also understood the greater good of the pack.
“I will speak with Max, I know he will listen to me,” Silas said.
“No, you will not! This is not just about Max but also about Eve. I do not want her anywhere near both packs. Speak to the elders,” Alpha Kegan had insisted.
"I understand, Alpha," Silas finally said, his voice heavy with resignation. "I will speak with the elders. I will make them see the necessity of banishing Eve."
Kegan nodded, a sad satisfaction settling over him. "Good. We must act swiftly and decisively. The future of our pack depends on it."
As Silas left the study, his mind churned with conflicting emotions. He hated the thought of betraying his friend, but he also knew that the pack's survival depended on unity and strength. He would do what needed to be done, even if it meant breaking Max's heart.
Silas approached the area in the woods where he knew Alpha Max often went to think. As he walked, he saw Max standing by the edge of the forest, his gaze distant, lost in thought. Silas took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he had to do.
"Max," Silas called out, his voice steady but carrying the undertone of urgency.
Max turned, surprised to see his friend. "Silas, what brings you here?"
Silas walked closer, his expression serious. "We need to talk. It's about Eve."
Max's eyes narrowed, a flash of protectiveness crossing his face. "What about her?"
Silas hesitated, then plunged ahead. "You need to stop seeing her, Max. It's for the good of the pack."
Shock and confusion spread across Max's face. "How do you know about Eve? Who told you?"