Unwanted Mate

(Alpha Lauren Nightshade’s POV) “Alpha, the rogues attacked again.” Marcus stood before me, his face hard with frustration. His clothes were stained with dirt and blood. He had been out there, fighting. “How many casualties?” I asked, my voice steady. “Three dead. Five injured. Two are critical.” I exhaled sharply. "This was the third attack in two weeks. The rogues weren’t just testing us anymore they were hunting us". “And our borders?” Marcus shook his head. “We lost the east post. They burned everything. If we don’t reinforce soon, they’ll push further.” Damn it. I leaned back in my chair, running a hand over my face. "I'm losing. Not just battles resources, morale, everything. Our warriors were exhausted. Our healers had nothing left to work with." "If this continued, the Silver Moon Pack wouldn’t last another" month. Marcus clenched his jaw. “We need help, Lauren.” I knew where this was going. “I won’t ask another Alpha for charity,” I muttered. “This isn’t about pride,” Marcus snapped. “It’s survival.” Silence stretched between us. He was right. I hated it, but he was right. I sat up. “The Blackwoods,” I said. Marcus blinked. “You’re serious?” “They’re the strongest. Alpha Jordan has the numbers, the supplies, and the warriors we need.” Marcus hesitated. “And the price?” I clenched my fists. "We both knew Jordan Blackwood wasn’t the type to offer aid out of kindness. He would demand something in return. Just like he did in the Mako's last war" "He demanded for my daughter, at a young age, but I rejected And I already knew he will as for my daughter Astrid again". Nightfall, The Alpha’s Chambers I found Astrid sitting by the window, staring out into the dark. “I know that look,” she said, not turning around. “You’re about to make a decision I won’t like.” She always had a way of reading me. I stepped forward. “The pack is at its breaking point, Astrid.” “I know.” I exhaled. “We need an alliance.” She turned to face me. Her eyes sharp, calculating searched mine. “With who?” I hesitated. “The Blackwoods.” Her face didn’t change, but I saw the slight tension in her jaw. “What does Jordan want?” she asked. I stayed silent. She gave a dry laugh. “Me.” I nodded. For a moment, she said nothing. Then, she stood up, arms crossed. “You already made the deal, didn’t you?” “Astrid ” “Didn’t you?” I met her gaze. “Yes.” Her jaw clenched. “When?” “We leave at dawn.” She turned back to the window. Her reflection in the glass was unreadable. “And if I refuse?” I sighed. “You won’t.” Silence. Then, she whispered, “Was there really no other way?” I wanted to lie. I wanted to tell her I had searched for other options, that I had exhausted every possible path before choosing this. But she deserved the truth. “No,” I said. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, then nodded. That was it. No argument. No begging. Just quiet acceptance. That was who Astrid was. A warrior. A survivor. My daughter. The Next Day Dark Fang Pack Territory The Blackwood estate loomed ahead, surrounded by thick forest and guarded by towering black gates. Astrid rode beside me, silent the entire journey. She hadn’t spoken a word since we left. The moment we entered the gates, guards surrounded us. Not as a threat just a reminder. We were in their territory now. One of the guards led us inside the main hall. Alpha Jordan sat at the head of a long stone table, dressed in black, his presence commanding. And beside him stood his son. Kieran Blackwood. I had heard the rumors. Cold. Merciless. A warrior feared by his own men. A future Alpha who saw emotions as a weakness. His piercing grey eyes flickered to Astrid the moment we stepped inside. She met his gaze. The air between them crackled. Jordan leaned forward. “Lauren. It’s been a while.” “Jordan.” He smirked. “I hear your pack is on the verge of collapse.” I clenched my jaw. “That is why I came, Jordan I need your help.” Jordan chuckled. “i know you don't and I like that.” He nodded to his Beta, who handed me a document. A formal alliance. In exchange for warriors, supplies, and full military support, my daughter would marry Kieran. It was set in stone. "But why did you always want my daughter" I asked him "Because I know she looks like her father, I admire here strength in mako wood and I want her to marry my son" But then, Kieran spoke. “I have conditions.” Astrid, looked at him sharply. Kieran’s gaze didn’t waver. “i need to speak with Astrid in private first.” Jordan turned to his son, raising a brow "Yes son you can go with her" "Follow me" Kieran said Astrid’s brows furrowed. But she had to follow him Astrid POV What is it Kieran Kieran kept his eyes on me. “It will be a contract marriage. No expectations, no emotions. Once the war is over, we go our separate ways. And I'm sure that's what you want” For the first time, my expression cracked. Not in shock something else. Something unreadable. “That wasn’t the deal.” Kieran’s eyes flicked to me, sharp as a blade. “The deal was an alliance. Not love.” I let out a breath. Then, I smirked. “Perfect,” i said. And we went back Jordan leaned back in his chair, amused. “Well, well. This is unexpected.” Kieran didn’t look at him. His attention was still on me. I exhaled. “Fine. If that’s what it takes to secure this alliance, I accept" I keep telling myself inside me. Jordan chuckled. “Done, then.” He extended a hand, and my father shook it. The deal was sealed. Lauren POV Later That Night at the Blackwood Estate Astrid sat on the edge of the guest room’s bed, staring at the wall. I stood by the doorway, watching her. “You didn’t have to tolerate his behaviors,” I said. She glanced at me. “Would it have made a difference?” No. She ran a hand through her hair. “You should go rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.” I hesitated. “Astrid.....” “I’ll be fine.” Her voice was steady. But I knew her too well. I wanted to tell her I was sorry. That I hated this. That I wished I had found another way. But she didn’t want apologies. She just wanted to survi ve. So, I gave her a nod and left the room. The door closed behind me, and I let out a slow breath. I had done what I had to do. But for the first time, I wondered… Had I just saved my daughter? Or condemned her?