In Between Two Alphas: Love for War

Lila stood outside the pack house, her heart pounding in her chest as she clutched a small piece of paper in her hand. The words on it had changed everything. Mate She was his mate. The Alpha of the Moonstone Pack, Zander, was hers. For years, Lila had harbored feelings for Zander. She admired his strength, his leadership, and his charm. She had grown up watching him from a distance, dreaming of the day he might notice her, see her not just as a warrior in his pack but as someone special. And now, the Moon Goddess had blessed her with the one thing she had always wanted. Excitement bubbled inside her as she rushed to the grand hall to share the news with her best friend, Eira.The one who had stood by her through every challenge, every battle, every heartbreak. Eira would understand. The hall was dimly lit, but Lila spotted Eira near the fireplace, her face half-illuminated by the crackling flames. Eira smiled as she approached, but there was something different about it tonight—something colder, more detached. Lila didn’t notice. Her heart was too full, too alive with the news she had to share. "Eira!" Lila's voice was breathless as she hurried over. "I have to tell you something! It's—it’s amazing!" Eira raised an eyebrow, sipping slowly from the glass in her hand. "What is it, Lila? You look like you’ve won the lottery." "It’s Zander. I’m his mate!" Lila couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. "I found out today. I can’t believe it! I’m going to be the Luna of the pack!" For a moment, Eira didn’t respond. Her gaze shifted from the fire back to Lila, her fingers tightening around the stem of the glass. Then, slowly, she set the wine down, a forced smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "That’s... wonderful news, Lila." Lila beamed, oblivious to the strange tone in Eira’s voice. "I knew you'd be happy for me. Everything’s going to change now. Zander and I—" "You’re sure about this?" Eira interrupted, her smile faltering. "That you’re his mate?" Lila’s brow furrowed, a flicker of doubt crossing her features. "Of course, I’m sure. The bond—it’s real." Eira let out a low chuckle, standing up from her seat. "I’m just surprised, is all. Zander has never seemed... interested in you that way. But who am I to question the ways of the Moon Goddess?" The words stung, but Lila tried to brush them off. "I know it’s surprising, but it’s real. Zander will have to acknowledge it soon. I’m sure of it." Eira nodded, but the smile never reached her eyes. "Well, we’ll see what happens, won’t we?" The tension between them thickened, but before Lila could say anything else, Eira turned and walked towards a small table, pouring another glass of wine. She handed one to Lila with that same forced smile. "Let’s celebrate then, shall we? To the future Luna of the Moonstone Pack." Lila hesitated for a second, sensing something off, but she pushed the thought away. This was Eira, her best friend. They’d been through everything together. There was no reason to suspect anything. She took the glass, clinking it against Eira’s. "To the future." As they drank, Lila felt a warmth spreading through her chest. She set the empty glass down, smiling, but then her vision became blurry. A strange dizziness overtook her, and her legs buckled beneath her. "Eira... I don’t feel... right," Lila whispered, her hand clutching the edge of the table for support. The room spun around her as if the world was tilting on its axis. Eira was watching her now, the warmth gone from her expression, replaced by something far colder, almost indifferent. "I know," she said quietly. Lila’s heart raced as the realization hit her like a punch to the gut. "Eira... what did you...?" Before she could finish, her legs gave out completely, and she crumpled to the floor. The poison was already in her veins, spreading fast. Her limbs felt heavy, and her vision darkened at the edges. Through the haze of pain and confusion, Lila could barely make out Eira’s voice as she knelt beside her. "You were always so trusting, Lila. Too trusting," Eira whispered. "Zander was never yours to have. He was mine. And now, he always will be." The poison was pulling Lila under, faster now. Her heartbeat slowed, the sounds of the world fading into a distant hum. Her last thought, before the darkness swallowed her whole, was a single, desperate question Why?