STELLA
As the only daughter of an Alpha, I was blessed with beauty, wealth and power. My life seems perfect that I couldn't ask for more, especially now that I am married to my first love, my mate, Beta Argon.
One morning, Argon and I were called by the Wolf Council for a very important matter. My heart was thudding inside my chest as soon as we entered the chamber. I was thinking maybe the reason why they called us was to push us toward having an heir as soon as possible.
"Our greetings, Wolf Council," I said and bowed my head in respect to the six members of the council. They were the oldest wolves, including my father Lucas, the old Alpha of the pack.
Argon showed the same respect before we took our seats. "We don't have any idea why you called us here," he remarked.
My father cleared his throat before he spoke. "Stella, since you are now married to Argon, the council have agreed to proclaim your husband as the new Alpha, and you as the Luna of the pack. I am now old, so it's time to step down from the position."
My heart felt delighted, knowing that it was Argon's dream to be an Alpha. And now, this is coming into reality.
"Oh really, Alpha Lucas?" Argon asked, wanting to make sure he did not mishear it.
"Yes, Argon. Your loyalty has already been proven and tested, so we have decided that you'll take over the responsibility to lead and protect the entire pack," the oldest member softly said.
I knew how happy Argon was with the news. The Wolf Council had already congratulated him in advance and his eyes were beaming with pride and honor.
"Tonight at the banquet, we will have the official proclamation of your title as Alpha and Luna of the Silvermoon Pack," my father added.
"If that's the decision of the council, I am more than willing to take the responsibility, Alpha Lucas," Argon said firmly.
The next hours were spent preparing for the banquet. Everyone seemed excited to witness the proclamation of the new Alpha, and the announcement of me being the Luna. And honestly, I couldn't help but feel nervous.
A few hours had passed and as soon as darkness took over, my father's howl echoed in the air, summoning all the wolves to gather in the grand hall of the packhouse. The members arrived, one by one, settled in their seats while waiting for the moon to reach its peak. After a while, the council members entered, my father among them. Beside him was my mother, Amanda, showing her glamorous smile as ever. She was the well-respected Luna who stood by my father in protecting and leading the pack through all the years.
"Good evening everyone. Thank you for your presence at this very important gathering," my father paused for a while. "Being the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack, and a member of the Wolf Council, I, Lucas Evans, hereby bequeath my position to my son-in-law, Argon. From today onward, Alpha Argon will lead the entire pack with her Luna, Stella Evans," my father announced. "So you must extend to the new Alpha the same level of respect and loyalty you once showed me."
Everyone cheered, and howls filled the night sky as the ceremony reached its climax. A proud smile was shown on Argon's face as members of the pack bowed before him.
I couldn't help but feel happy for my husband. I had always dreamed of this moment, not for myself, but for him. At the same time, I also felt sad knowing that my father had finally stepped down from his title as the Alpha of Silvermoon Pack after over a decade. He was known to be a good leader, well-respected and well-loved by the members.
"Congratulations, Argon," I whispered. He looked at me and gently held my hand. The crowd applauded again just before we stepped forward for our acceptance.
“Thank you, council,” he said, in a serious tone. “I vow to honor this pack, to protect it with my life, and to lead with strength and fairness.”
"And as the Luna, I also vow to support the Alpha, protect and govern the entire pack with kindness and humility." I spoke.
The wolves roared in approval and then a warm applause echoed through the hall.
But as the cheers died down, I suddenly felt something off and my heart was beating so fast. I could sense my wolf was becoming uneasy, and I don't have any idea what it was.
I looked at Argon's expression. In just a moment, the pride in his eyes turned into something else I had never seen before.
Power. Possession. Ambition.
But maybe I was just overthinking. I've known him for a long time. "I'm happy for you, Alpha." I said, trying to set aside my thoughts.
"Thank you, Stella. This has been my dream, you know that," Argon answered.
I just nodded and smiled at him.
"Stella!" Maggie called, as she rushed toward us. She is my most trusted friend and the Beta of the pack. I heard she had already found her mate, and soon to get married.
"Maggie..." I exclaimed and hugged her.
"Congratulations on becoming the Luna," she smiled and then turned her gaze to my husband.
"Alpha Argon... Finally, you've made it." Maggie chuckled and reached out his hand.
Again, I felt uneasy, especially when they were having a cheerful conversation, not minding that I was just around. However, I didn't want to spoil my husband's celebration, so I kept my guard down and pretended everything was okay.
I talked to my parents and other members of the pack just to push aside the uneasy feeling I'd been keeping inside. After a while, Maggie and Argon went in my direction, each bringing a glass of wine.
"Stella, here..." Maggie offered the glass to me.
"Thanks," I responded.
"For the productive and successful leadership of Alpha Argon, and to you Stella. Cheers!" Maggie smiled as she raised her own glass for a toast.
There was something in Maggie's eyes, that I couldn't exactly name. Until my gaze shifted on Argon. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, but I chose to ignore it. I brought the wine into my mouth and gulped it.
For a moment, the world around me fell silent—the music, the chatter, even the clinking of glasses. All I could focus on was the way Argon stared at me… it was different. I felt my inner wolf, burning in pain, and before I could move, everything went blurry. Until, I didn't know what happened next.