Chapter Four- The Alpha’s Gaze
517 Words
The room shifted the moment Titus stepped forward.
He looked every bit the future Alpha—tall, broad-shouldered, his presence heavy with authority that hadn’t yet fully settled into his bones. The pack quieted instinctively, attention snapping toward him as Alpha Karlus moved aside, pride shadowed with emotion in his eyes.
“My pack,” Titus began, his voice calm and commanding, “thank you for welcoming me home.”
A wave of approval rolled through the room. Melina felt it ripple past her, but her focus tunneled as a familiar scent finally snapped into clarity.
Oak wood. Black leather. Rain.
Her breath hitched.
It’s him, Aris whispered, her wolf’s voice trembling with awe and certainty. Our mate.
Melina’s fingers went numb.
Titus continued speaking, unaware—or pretending to be—of the earthquake happening inside her. “I intend to lead with dignity, fairness, honesty, and respect. My goal is not just to protect this pack, but to strengthen it. We are facing dangerous times, and unity will be our greatest weapon.”
The pack listened raptly.
“I also know,” Titus added, a faint smile touching his lips, “that an Alpha does not stand alone. I look forward to finding my mate—because I need a Luna. And this pack needs one too.”
Excited murmurs followed his words.
Melina’s heart stuttered painfully.
That’s us, Aris breathed, hopeful and fierce.
Titus inclined his head toward the crowd. “Thank you for your loyalty, your patience, and your faith. I hope to serve this pack as well as my father has.”
Applause filled the room.
And then—he looked at her.
The world stopped.
Titus’ gaze locked onto Melina’s like a physical force, his body going rigid as if struck. Power crackled between them, thick and undeniable. Melina felt Aris surge forward, baring her soul.
Mine, Aris growled possessively.
She could feel Titus’ wolf answer—wild, urgent, claiming.
For one breathless second, Melina was sure he would move. Step toward her. Claim her as his mate. As his Luna.
But he didn’t.
Titus remained frozen, jaw clenched, eyes darkening before something shuttered behind them. He tore his gaze away, shoulders stiff, and continued speaking as though nothing had happened.
Melina’s chest ached.
Why isn’t he coming to us? Aris whispered, confusion bleeding into hurt. He feels it. He has to.
He knows, Melina thought, dread curling cold in her stomach. And he’s choosing not to.
The realization cut deeper than any blade.
Rejection—silent, unspoken—settled over her like a crushing weight.
“Melina?” Tara’s voice broke through the haze. “Hey… are you okay?”
Melina blinked, breath shallow, eyes burning. Tara didn’t wait for an answer. She gently pulled Melina to her feet, guiding her away from the room and the Alpha who would not claim her.
“Come on,” Tara whispered. “Let’s get some air.”
As the doors closed behind them, Melina pressed a trembling hand to her chest.
Her mate had found her.
And already, he had turned away.
- Writer
