The Alpha's Unwanted Mate

Chapter 8: The Pack Arrives

The sound of paws hitting snow echoed through the forest. Dozens of wolves. Coming fast.

Damien pulled Aria behind him. His Alpha aura flared, protective and dangerous. "Stay close."

From the trees, Shadow Moon Pack emerged. Fifty wolves. All huge, all staring. Their eyes went wide when they saw Aria. Blood on her hands. Gold eyes glowing.

Beta Kyle stepped forward. "Alpha, what is this? A rogue? Here?"

Damien roared. "Watch your tongue, Beta. This is Aria Storm. My Luna."

The pack gasped. A female elder scoffed. "Luna? She smells like an omega. Rejected. Weak. She can't lead us."

Aria's Wolf growled. *Mine. Territory. Respect.*

Aria stepped forward. Gold eyes locked on the elder. "You think I am weak?"

She let her Alpha aura explode. The snow around her feet melted. Trees bent. Wolves whimpered and dropped to their bellies.

"Your Alpha bled for me." Aria's voice was low, deadly. "Rogues attacked us. I killed them. While your pack sat safe behind walls."

Silence.

Damien smiled. Proud. "She is right. Aria is stronger than half of you. She is Luna. My mate. My Queen."

Beta Kyle bowed his head first. Then one by one, wolves bowed. Even the elder.

But not all. A young warrior named Ryder stood tall. "I don't bow to a rejected omega. Prove you deserve her, Alpha."

Ryder shifted. 8 feet tall, black fur, claws out. "Fight me."

Damien moved to step forward but Aria stopped him. "No. I fight."

She shifted too. 7 feet tall, gold fur, royal marks glowing on her shoulders. The mark of a true Luna.

The pack watched in shock.

Aria and Ryder clashed. Claws against claws. Teeth against teeth. Snow turned red.

In 30 seconds, Aria pinned Ryder down. Her claws at his throat. "Bow."

Ryder gasped, eyes full of fear and respect. "I... I bow, Luna."

Aria shifted back. Breathing hard. She looked at the pack. "I am not your old Luna. I am not weak. I am Aria Storm. And I will protect this pack with my life."

Damien pulled her to his side and roared again. "Shadow Moon Pack! From today, we follow Luna Aria!"

Fifty wolves howled together. The sound shook the mountains.

Aria finally belonged somewhere.

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To be continued...