The Alpha's Unwanted Mate

Chapter 9: The Enemy Alpha

The celebration didn't last.

A horn blew in the distance. Low, threatening. Not Shadow Moon's horn.

Damien's face went hard. "Alpha Magnus. Red Fang Pack."

Aria's blood ran cold. Magnus. Her father. The Alpha who threw her out at 18. Who called her "worthless omega" in front of the whole pack.

Beta Kyle unsheathed his claws. "He brings 100 wolves. This is war."

From the treeline, a massive black wolf stepped out. 9 feet tall. Scarred face. Red eyes full of hate. Behind him, an army.

Magnus shifted to human. Tall, cruel smile. "Daughter." He spat. "I heard you claimed an Alpha. How cute."

Aria stepped forward. No fear. Gold eyes blazing. "Father."

"Don't call me that." Magnus growled. "You are nothing. An omega reject. You think this Alpha wants you? He will use you and throw you away, like I did."

Damien moved beside Aria. His Alpha aura crashed against Magnus's. The air shook. "Touch her and I will end your bloodline."

Magnus laughed. "You? The cursed Alpha? I heard you kill every mate you touch. She will die in your arms too."

Aria felt the bond with Damien pulse. Hot. Angry. Protective.

She looked at her father. The man who broke her. "You were wrong about me."

Her Luna power erupted. Gold light shot from her body. The snow turned to steam. Wolves whimpered.

"I am not an omega. I am not weak. I am Aria Storm, Luna of Shadow Moon Pack. And this is my territory."

Magnus flinched. For the first time, fear crossed his face. "Impossible... a Luna..."

"Challenge me." Aria's voice was steel. "Alpha duel. You win, you take my territory. I win, you leave and never come back."

Damien grabbed her arm. "No. He is stronger, older."

Aria touched his face. "I am Luna now. I fight my own battles."

She turned back to Magnus. "Well? Are you scared of your rejected daughter?"

Magnus's eyes narrowed. "Fine. Tomorrow. Dawn. To the death."

He shifted and vanished into the forest with his army.

Aria's legs shook after he left. But she didn't fall. Damien caught her.

"Why did you do that?" He whispered.

Aria smiled. Tired but fierce. "Because Luna's don't run anymore. We fight."

She leaned on him. For the first time, letting herself be weak. Safe.

Tomorrow, she would face her father. Tomorrow, she would end her past.

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To be continued...