His Mate

The Alpha’s Parents Appear

Chapter Five: The Alpha’s Parents Appear

Liora’s POV

The house was quiet, too quiet. I sat in the living room, the old book Dalin had given me resting on my lap. The pages were worn, the ink faded, and though the words were hard to understand, I read slowly, whispering them under my breath. Reading was the only thing that helped me forget the cold stares, the harsh words, and the emptiness I felt from being unwanted.

For a few moments, I let myself pretend. Pretend I was just a normal girl, in a warm house, reading by a fire. Pretend I belonged somewhere.

Then, the sound of footsteps broke the fragile peace. Strong, heavy, sure. My heart jumped into my throat.

Two people appeared at the entrance of the living room. A tall man with silver hair and a stern face, and beside him, a proud, looking woman with sharp eyes. Their scent filled the room, commanding and cold. Alphas. Blood relatives of Dalin.

My chest tightened. His parents.

The woman’s gaze swept over me, sharp and cruel. Her eyes landed on the book in my hands, and she laughed, a cruel, cutting sound. “So this is the girl? This weak little thing sitting here, pretending she belongs to our world?”

I quickly lowered my eyes, clutching the book tightly to my chest.

Her husband stepped forward, his deep voice shaking the quiet room. “Dalin has truly disgraced us. How could he claim someone like you? You do not even look like a Luna. You look like a servant, sitting where you do not belong.”

Each word felt like a blade against me. I wanted to stand, to bow, to show respect, but my legs felt like lead.

The woman stepped closer, her eyes burning into mine. “Listen to me, girl. You will not stay here. You are not worthy of him. You are not worthy of this family. Tomorrow, Dalin will be announced as the mate of Selene, the daughter of Alpha Ronan. A strong, pure wolf. A true Luna.”

The name hit me like a stone. Selene. The woman they had already chosen for him.

Tears stung my eyes, but I bit my lip hard to keep them from falling.

“Did you hear me?” she barked. “You will pack your things and leave before you bring more shame on him.”

I opened my mouth, ready to speak, to defend myself, but another voice stopped me.

“No.”

The sound of his voice made my heart leap. Shivers ran down my spine.

Dalin stood in the doorway. His dark eyes were unreadable, his presence filling the room like a storm.

His father’s face hardened. “Dalin. We were just—”

“I heard everything,” Dalin said coldly, stepping forward. His gaze slid past his parents and landed briefly on me before returning to them. “And I said no.”

His mother’s face twisted in anger. “Dalin, do not be foolish. That girl is weak. She cannot carry the title of Luna. She will ruin you.”

“She is not fit to even sit here,” his father added, pointing at me. “Send her away and do your duty to this pack.”

Dalin’s eyes darkened. He moved closer, until he stood between me and his parents. His tall frame shielded me completely.

“She is mine,” he said, voice sharp as steel. “I will not take another. I will not marry Selene.”

The silence that followed was heavy. I could barely breathe.

His mother’s face twisted with rage. “Dalin, you shame us for this girl. She will destroy you. You are a fool.”

“Then I will be a fool,” Dalin replied, his words firm, unwavering.

His father’s voice thundered. “The pack will never accept her. They will turn against you.”

Dalin’s jaw tightened. “They will obey me. I am their Alpha.”

For a moment, no one moved. His parents glared at him, but Dalin’s stance did not waver. Finally, his mother hissed, “You will regret this.” She spun on her heel and stormed out. His father followed, slamming the door behind them.

The room fell silent again.

Dalin stayed where he was, his back still to me. His shoulders were stiff, his hands clenched at his sides. Slowly, he turned. His dark eyes fell on me, unreadable, impossible to guess.

I searched his face, desperate for any hint of softness. But there was only cold, firm resolve. Relief and fear warred inside me.

Then his voice came, sharp as ever. “Do not mistake this for kindness. I only refuse to be commanded. You will follow my rules. You will not speak unless spoken to. And you will remember your place.”

The warmth I had felt a moment ago died instantly. My head dropped. My heart sank.

Still… deep inside, a small whisper remained. He could have let them send me away. But he didn’t.