The Alpha King's Redemption

2;Eyes up here

Instead, I managed to pull my lips into a small smile and shook my head. “Nothing…”

His glare spoke volumes, he wouldn’t take response of mine because just like I could see through him, he could read me like an open book as well. It’s just sad he couldn’t read the chapter which is dedicated to him.

I managed to hold up the smile. “I’m just worried about you,” I confessed instead, “about what will become of us after you take up the role of the King. That’s all.” I shrugged.

If possible, his frown deepened. “Nothing would change.” He affirmed, looking almost as though it was ridiculous of me to have such thoughts. He leaned down to my height, his eyes pinned on mine. “Nothing would change between us; you hear me? You’re one of the most important people to me, Sof. You and I, nothing will ever change between us.”

This words, they are a form of relief I so desperately crave. It gladdened my heart.

However, his next words broke that mended heart into fragment impossible to pick up.

“—we’re best friends, we’ll forever be.”

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach, it felt as though I was punched in the gut.

My lips slanted into a bitter smile I had to force out to seem real. “Of course…” I swallowed thickly.

Of course I’ll always be just his friend.

How lucky I am, right?

What he doesn’t know is, I want to be more than his friend. I want more than friendship from Ares. And yet, I know I’m bound to get my heart broken.

Why? Because I’m not his mate. He has a mate out there waiting for him. And yet, I fear, if she makes an appearance, I wouldn’t even have that friendship to salvage.

So, this story is bound to end in heartbreak. I’ve always known that from the beginning. And yet, like the foolish person I am, I still hoped that perhaps, he may start to see me in the same light I see him.

If only wishes were wolves.

~~~

“I present to you all wolves of the Seven Packs of Atlantis, Alpha King Ares!”

Ares has officially become the Alpha King. The moment he’s been waiting for, the one we’ve all be waiting for has come and it feels surreal. And yet, as I stood amongst the crowd by the side, watching him stand before his subjects, he looked every bit of a King especially in that golden embroidery robe he wore, along with the crown.

We’d always made fun of his father’s crowning portrait for wearing the centuries old robe and Crown worn by past werewolf Kings during their coronation, and yet, there he stood, in the same outfit. I made a mental note to tease him about it later even if really, he’s pulled it off too well, there nothing to make fun of him over.

I just am too caught up in the moment, letting it sink in that I can’t think of a single joke to make.

A sniff came from my side, amidst the loud cheers of everyone else. I turned around, my gaze falling on the older woman beside me trying to hold her tears only to fail woefully. I smiled, holding back my own tears.

“Mom…” I called out fondly, extending my hand to wrap it around her arm.

Queen Alyanna blinked back. “I promised myself not to cry.” She sniffed, wiping away the tears that dared to escape with her free hand before she turned to me, pulling me close to her. “Just look at him, Sofia. I can’t help it. Reminds me of when his father took the throne, just a few days after we’ve met.”

I could only smile, and listen to her, for it’s obvious the story will help brighten her mood.

She sniffed, wiping a few more tears. “I’m telling you, the coronation would’ve been much better if he has his mate by his side.” My heart, I felt as though an arrow was struck into it when she said that. Still, I forced myself to hold up my smile. “A wolf is incomplete without his mate by his side.”

I blinked, forcing down the bitter feelings I know I’m not entitled to having in the slightest. Instead, I tried to focus on her. “Mom,” I called out, as I’ve always done because she was never Queen Alyanna to me, she’s always been my mother.

Ever since my parents passed away and they took me as one of their own, where I grew up with their kids and gotten closest to Ares, they’ve always been just parents to me rather than a King and a Queen. And Ares has always been a brother, till I got older and saw him in a different light.

Safe to say, they are my family. Just not related by blood. I’d known them my whole life.

She hummed, meeting my gaze with her warm ones.

I fiddled, “Is a mate really that important to a wolf?” I know it’s a stupid question. It’s elementary wolf knowledge the significance of a mate to a wolf.

We’ve been thought that since we barely knew what a mate really is and thoughts friends are mates. Ares and I even though we were mates back then because we’re friends.

She nodded, “Of course.” She certified without a second thought. “The mate bond is the most powerful bond there is to wolves. When you get your own mate, you’ll understand what I mean. You’ll crave their presence, and your mind will be occupied with them. They are your other half for a reason, no one else can fill up their spots no matter what. A werewolf’s mate is his forever love; it can’t be changed.”

“But, it can be severed, right?” Don’t get me wrong, I’m not planning anything. I’d rather die than to hurt Ares even if it means seeing him with someone else.

Besides, I’d always known my affection is nothing but a mere crush and there would never be a thing between him and I. I realized and accepted that when I turned eighteen last year and realize we aren’t mates.

I don’t know whether Ares was saddened by the fact as I was, but we never spoke about it. We simply chose to ignore and pretend nothing happened, just like everyone else—despite them praying that we’re mated.

But, what can we do? We aren’t meant to be and we each have other mates elsewhere.

“Breaking the mate bond is unheard for.” Mom rebuked, shaking her head almost immediately. She took my hand in hers, her gaze stern. “Listen to me Sofia, no matter what, when you find your mate, cherish him, okay? He’s the one made for you, no one else.”

She didn’t need to elaborate. I’d always known more than anyone else that she prayed Ares and I are fated, but since it wasn’t meant to be, she focused more on letting us know the importance of our mates in case we decide against it.

In simple words, she’s telling me to give up on Ares and find the man ‘made’ for me.

How could I tell her that I fear my heart won’t accommodate any man other than her son, though? How can I tell her I fear I may never possess the same love for any man like I do for Ares?

Unable to find the right words, I simply smiled and nodded. “Okay, Mom.” Maybe, I should give up on him, right?

*~*~*