Passion in the Alpha's Revenge

Chapter. 3 A Difficult Decision

Alfred sat behind his desk, which was full of papers and files that hadn't been touched since morning. The afternoon sunlight streamed in through the large window beside him, but it wasn't warm enough to chase away the weight of his mind.

His hands were busy twisting the metal ring on his middle finger-his old habit whenever he was agitated.

The door opened. Oscar, her old Beta and best friend, walked in with his steady stride.

"Good afternoon Alpha, they're here. The Elders are waiting in the meeting room."

Alfred sighed, half laughing silently. "I knew it," he muttered.

"They look serious. Elder Michael brought his legacy staff. That means they didn't just come for a casual chat."

Alfred nodded slowly. "Of course. They'll definitely talk about my Luna again."

"Yeah. And I don't think they'll take 'not ready' for an answer from you anymore."

The atmosphere was suddenly silent. Only the ticking of the antique clock in the corner of the room could be heard.

Alfred stood up, walked slowly to the window, and looked out.

"I knew Victoria was the best choice politically. Beta blood, clean pedigree, and-"

"Beautiful," Oscar added with a faint smile.

Alfred turned his head with a half smile, but his gaze was blank.

"But I feel like she's not... she's not 'it'. You know what I mean, right?"

Oscar nodded while walking closer. "You're still hoping for your fated mate, right?"

Alfred didn't answer. But his gaze went back out the window, towards the back garden. Just then, as usual, Alice was watering the flowers.

Oscar also glanced outside. Suddenly, he smiled a little. "Are you hoping that girl might be your Luna?"

Alfred immediately turned his head. "Are you out of your mind? How can you think like that?"

"Just guessing. After all, the Elders wouldn't let a wolfless woman like her become Luna, would they? Other than because you hate her too. Maybe."

"Cut the crap, Oscar. You've been talking too much lately." Oscar just chuckled.

"I know. But if you keep delaying, the Elders could vote to replace you as Alpha. You saw the pressure from the east pack last week, didn't you?"

Alfred clenched his fists. "Yeah. Having a mate will indeed make me stronger. But.... I just need... a little more time. I don't want to make a big decision like this just because of political pressure. The Moon Goddess hasn't shown me who my mate is yet. But every time I see Victoria... I feel .... bland." Alfred said softly at the end of his sentence. While his eyes continued to focus on Alice who was watering the flowers below. Beta Oscar walked over slowly. Then looked in the same direction.

"Your heart is already pointing at another girl, but your brain doesn't dare to admit it," Oscar cut in quietly. But managed to make Alfred turn his head quickly.

"Give up your fantasies, Oscar. Come on, let's go before they get even angrier." Alfred tried to change the subject, while Oscar just chuckled.

Alfred let out a long sigh, then walked towards the door. He opened the door before stepping into the meeting room, where his destiny-and perhaps his feelings-would soon be put to the test.

Alice accidentally saw Alfred and Oscar, who left after facing her from behind the window of Alfred's study. Her brow furrowed instantly. Suspicious.

"I'm not sure. But why do I feel like they just noticed me?"

Alice was still transfixed. Not even noticing that someone else was approaching.

"What are you watching, loser?"

The voice came suddenly from behind. It was high-pitched, sarcastic, and instantly broke Alice's attention.

Alice turned around-and sure enough, Victoria was standing behind her, with a smile that was definitely not a friendly one. Alice snorted as she continued her work. Ignoring.

"How dare you ignore me!" Victoria was about to hit Alice, but Alice immediately held her back.

"Behave yourself, Luna Victoria! Remember, you became like this by betraying your own pack!" For a moment, Victoria turned her face into an annoyed one. Unfortunately, a second later, she returned to her sly smile. While dismissing her hand.

"Hahaha. So what, are you jealous that you're going to be Luna soon? Too bad, there's no way Alfred would look at you, loser!"

Alice gripped the flower sprinkler in her hand tightly. "Are you sure? I hope your evil plan will go smoothly. Because the Moon Goddess would never let that happen," she replied defiantly.

Victoria approached, her stride like a model who had just won a competition, so arrogant and without compassion. She folded her arms across her chest, then grinned with satisfaction.

"Soon, Alfred will mark me as his Luna. The Elders have already formally requested it in the meeting room."

Alice tried to remain calm, but her eyes couldn't lie. She was shocked.

"And after becoming Luna. You were the first person I removed from this castle. Just like your weak father. Hahaha."

Victoria walked away with a satisfied laugh, leaving the scent of expensive perfume and the poison of words still piercing Alice's head.

Alice did not reply. She just stared at Victoria's departure with vengeful eyes.

"How could she treat me like this? Has she forgotten who used to help her when she was bullied by her friends? Unbelievable." Alice continued to mutter in annoyance while watering the flowers.

Meanwhile, in a different place, Alfred was facing the Elders. He sat straight at the end of a long oak table, his eyes sweeping over the elders one by one. They sat in a circle with their robes and faces full of experience-but also ambition.

Elder Michael, the oldest and most influential, tapped his staff on the floor three times.

"It's time, Alfred," he said firmly. "You have been Alpha for two years here, and that was without Luna. The balance of the pack is disturbed. The young wolves need role models, and Luna's bond will strengthen all members of our pack.”

Elder Leah, the only female among them, nodded. "Victoria comes from a pure bloodline. The daughter of a Beta in the Bloodmoon Pack that you have long managed to dominate. Your marking will be the perfect alliance for the former pack members who remain loyal. And it will strengthen our power here."

Alfred stared at the table, his jaw hardening.

"And if I refuse?" he asked quietly, but his voice echoed firmly in the room.

Elder Leo, with his gray beard and piercing eyes, narrowed. "Refusal is not a wise choice, Alpha," he said. "You are not only rejecting Victoria but also our collective decision. You are risking the stability of the pack."

Alfred finally raised his head. The look in his eyes was cold and sharp.

"And what if the Moon Goddess shows me who my true fated mate is? What if that someone is not Victoria?"

The room was suddenly silent. Even the candle flames seemed to sway with the tension. Only their eyes glanced at each other for answers. Michael leaned back, his breathing heavy.

"Don't tell me you still want to wait for the Moon Goddess' guidance to determine your fated mate," he hissed. Alfred didn't answer, but the expression on his face said yes. "A fated mate can indeed give you great power, Alpha. But, you are past the age to get one. Just accept it. You're a werewolf without a fated mate!"

Alfred immediately raised his face with a hardened jaw.

"Age isn't everything. Bonding is not just about political power, but the balance of soul and instinct. A fated mate is the only one who can calm and perfect the wolf inside me. And I will not mark anyone but her."

Elder Leah rolled her eyeballs while Leo smacked his staff against the floor.

"You're risking a schism, Alfred." Leo said angrily.

"I'm risking my position," Alfred replied, calm but undeniably powerful.

Michael stood up slowly, his staff sticking out in front of his chest like a centuries-old symbol of power.

"You speak as if you are the only one who can rule this pack," he said coldly. "Whereas the Fullmoon Pack's system of power was maintained long before you were born, Alfred."

Elder Leah continued, her voice quieter this time but no less piercing.

"Love is a personal gift, but Luna is a sacred bond for the pack. Not just a mate, but the pillar that stabilizes the entire structure. How long will you wait? Can your decision guarantee the protection of the boundary and lead the female generation?"

Alfred looked deeply at Leah, his hands clenched at his sides.

"Once again, give me time to wait for my fated mate," he said softly, bowing his head regretfully.

Leo, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"Alright. Let's give him a little more time. But, if you still reject her, too. We have no other way."

"But, Leo. We-"

"No Leah. Give him time until the upcoming Harvest moon party. If until then he still hasn't gotten his mate and he still refuses. Then get ready for the consequences," Leo retorted with a sharp glare.