Alpha can read my mind

Chapter 8 - The Secret Lover

Zarek, standing at the front of the hall, commanded everyone's attention with his powerful presence. His gaze swept over the candidates, and Anya felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes briefly met. She quickly averted her gaze, focusing on the task at hand.

"Welcome back, candidates," Zarek began, his voice resonating with authority. "You have completed the first phase of the competition, Congratulations to Violeta. But there are still many challenges ahead. The next test will assess your physical and strategic abilities. You will be required to navigate a series of obstacles and solve complex puzzles under time constraints."

The candidates exchanged nervous glances, the weight of the challenge sinking in. Anya's heart raced, but she felt a surge of determination. This was her chance to escape.

Zarek continued, "You will have a short break to prepare yourselves. Use this time wisely. The test will begin promptly, and failure to complete it within the allotted time will result in elimination from the competition."

Anya’s thoughts were filled with a mix of relief and anxiety. She hadn't won the last challenge, which she believed would give her a larger chance to escape from the burden of being Luna.

Maybe if I don't stand out too much, I won't be chosen, she thought to herself, hoping that the Alpha wouldn't notice her reluctance.

I can't believe this is happening. I never wanted to be Luna. I just wanted a quiet life. I hope the Alpha doesn't realize that I don't want this.

Unbeknownst to her, Zarek could hear every word of her inner thoughts. He was taken aback by her lack of ambition for the Luna position. It perplexed him that someone would willingly shy away from such an honor. As her thoughts continued, a seed of suspicion grew in his mind.

Why wouldn't she want to be Luna? Does she have someone waiting for her outside the castle? A lover, perhaps?

The idea annoyed him more than he cared to admit. The thought of Anya harboring feelings for someone else made his blood boil. He couldn't understand why it bothered him so much, but the more he thought about it, the more it fueled his frustration.

As the time for the next test approached, Zarek's eyes never left Anya.

As Anya stood among the candidates, her thoughts were in turmoil. She could feel Zarek's intense gaze on her, and it made her heart race.

Oh my god, is he looking at me again? she thought, trying to keep her composure. Now he reminds me of our dream that night… When his fingers lingered on my skin and made me scream… Anya, stop! Stop thinking about the dream!

Zarek, hearing her inner thoughts, felt a surge of curiosity. An exotic dream involving him? The idea intrigued him more than he cared to admit. He observed her closely, noting her flushed cheeks and the way she tried to avoid his gaze.

What kind of dream could she have had? he wondered, feeling a mix of curiosity and something deeper, something he couldn't quite place. Why would she dream about me in such a way?

———-

Later that day, Anya was in the castle's library, trying to focus on the materials for the next test. The grand room, with its towering bookshelves and warm lighting, was usually a place of solace for her. However, the recent challenges and her interactions with Zarek weighed heavily on her mind.

Just as she was beginning to make some progress, she heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, she saw Zarek entering the library. His presence was commanding as always, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

"Good evening, Anya," Zarek greeted, his eyes fixed on her.

"Good evening, Alpha," Anya replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

Zarek took a seat across from her, his gaze never leaving her face. "I hope you are preparing well for the next test."

Anya nodded, trying to hide her discomfort. "Yes, I am. It's a lot to take in, but I'm doing my best."

Zarek leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Anya, I couldn't help but notice something earlier. You seem… different from the other candidates. Your reluctance to become Luna, it intrigues me."

Anya's heart skipped a beat. Had he somehow knew she deliberately did not finish the challenge? She tried to remain composed. "I-I just want to do my best, Alpha. The position of Luna is a great honor, but it's also a lot of responsibility."

Zarek nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I understand. But is there another reason for your reluctance? Perhaps… someone waiting for you outside the castle?"

Anya's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't anticipated this line of questioning. Desperate to give a plausible answer without revealing too much, she stammered, "I, um, well, I do have someone… but it's complicated."

Zarek's expression hardened. "I see. A lover, then?"

Anya's eyes widened in shock. "N-No, I mean, it's not like that…"

But Zarek was already feeling a surge of frustration. The idea of Anya having someone else in her life bothered him more than he wanted to admit. His annoyance was evident, and Anya could sense the change in his demeanor.

"Very well, Anya," Zarek said curtly, standing up. "Continue with your preparations. The test will not wait for personal matters."

With that, he turned and left the library, leaving Anya feeling both confused and concerned. She hadn't intended to hint at anything, but now it seemed like she had inadvertently stirred something within the Alpha.

————

Zarek stormed back to his chamber, his thoughts consumed with frustration and confusion. He couldn't shake the annoyance he felt at the idea of Anya having someone else in her life. Once inside, he called for Peter, his trusted advisor, to join him.

Peter entered the chamber, immediately sensing the tension in the room. "You wanted to see me, Alpha?"

Zarek nodded, his expression stern. "Peter, if a candidate for Luna is reluctant or unwilling to take on the position, what other options do I have?"

Peter hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Alpha, there have been instances in the past where candidates who did not become Luna were kept in the pack, but not always in desirable positions."

Zarek's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

Peter sighed. "Some Alphas, in the past, have chosen to keep these candidates as their mistresses. However, it is often a miserable life for them, filled with resentment and isolation. It's not a decision to be taken lightly."

Zarek leaned back, his mind racing. The idea of keeping Anya as a mistress was deeply unsettling. He didn't want to subject her to such a fate, nor did he want to fuel the resentment that would inevitably follow.

"Is there no other way?" Zarek asked, his frustration evident.

Peter shook his head. "The role of Luna is a significant one, Alpha. If a candidate is not willing or suitable, it creates a complex situation. It's important to find someone who truly wants the role and is committed to the pack."

Zarek sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Thank you, Peter. I'll consider my options."

As Peter left the chamber, Zarek was left alone with his thoughts. The situation with Anya was more complicated than he had anticipated. He needed to find a way to resolve it without causing further pain or conflict.

Zarek paced his chamber, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. Anya's reluctance to be Luna, combined with the suspicion that she might have a lover outside the castle, gnawed at him. He couldn't understand why it bothered him so much, but the thought of her with someone else filled him with an inexplicable sense of frustration.

He stopped in front of the large window overlooking the moonlit grounds of the castle. The cool night air did little to calm his turbulent thoughts. He had always prided himself on being a strong and decisive Alpha, but this situation with Anya was testing his resolve in ways he hadn't anticipated.

Why does it matter so much to me if she has someone else? he wondered, his fists clenched in frustration. Why am I so affected by her thoughts and feelings?

Zarek couldn't deny the growing connection he felt with Anya. Her inner thoughts revealed a depth and vulnerability that intrigued him, and he found himself drawn to her despite his better judgment.

There has to be another way, he thought, his mind racing for a solution. I can't let my emotions cloud my judgment.

—-

The next morning, Zarek felt a renewed sense of purpose. He called Peter to his chamber, determined to find out more about Anya's past. He needed to know if there was any truth to the suspicion that she had a secret lover outside the castle.

"Peter," Zarek began, his tone serious, "I need you to investigate Anya's background. Specifically, find out if she has any close relationships or potential lovers from her pack or any other packs."

Peter nodded, understanding the gravity of the task. "I'll look into it right away, Alpha."

Hours later, Peter returned with the information Zarek had requested. His expression was neutral, but Zarek could sense that he had found something significant.

"Alpha," Peter began, "I contacted Anya's pack and gathered some information. It appears that Anya is close to a werewolf from another pack. His name is Noah."

Zarek's jaw tightened, and a surge of frustration washed over him. The idea of Anya being close to someone else, especially someone from another pack, annoyed him more than he cared to admit.

"How close are they?" Zarek asked, trying to keep his emotions in check.

Peter hesitated for a moment before responding. "According to my sources, they have a strong bond. They grew up together and have remained close despite the distance between their packs."

Zarek's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. The revelation about Noah only added to his frustration. He couldn't understand why he felt so strongly about Anya's relationships, but the thought of her with another man was infuriating.

"Thank you, Peter," Zarek said curtly. "I need some time to think."

As Peter left the chamber, Zarek stared out the window, his mind consumed with thoughts of Anya and Noah.

——-

Back in her room, Anya sat by the window, a letter clutched in her hands. The familiar handwriting belonged to Noah, her childhood friend. As she read the letter, memories of their time together filled her mind, bringing a sense of comfort and longing.

*Dear Anya,

I hope this letter finds you well. I can't imagine what you're going through, being at the castle and competing for the Luna position. I know it's not what you wanted, and I wish I could be there to support you.

Anya, you don't have to go through with this. If you feel trapped or uncertain, there's a way out. You can come to my pack. We have a place for you, and you'll always be welcome here. We'll help you escape the castle and ensure your safety. Just say the word, and I'll make the arrangements.

Remember, you have a choice, and you don't have to face this alone. Think about it, Anya. We're here for you.

Yours always, Noah*

Anya's eyes welled up with tears as she finished reading the letter. Noah's words brought a mix of emotions—relief, longing, and a sense of guilt. She knew that escaping to Noah's pack would be a way out of the pressures and expectations of becoming Luna, but it also felt like running away from her responsibilities.

Noah, always looking out for me, she thought, clutching the letter to her chest. But can I really leave everything behind and escape?

——