The Alpha’s Secret Heirs

Hundreds of lanterns lit the grand hall of the Crimson Moon Pack’s ceremonial grounds in dimmed yellow light. The dim dancing of fire lit up the figures of wolves looking at the wall carvings depicting moon phases on the wooden surface of the walls. The pressure was intensifying as Selene Rivers was at the center of the ring with her heartbeat racing so fast. Tonight was supposed to be the highlight of her life when she would be crowned the Luna of the pack and secured her position with Luca Ashford, her destined mate. Her hands did not stop shaking as she adjusted the material of the deep blue gown that was akin to the Alpha’s blue eyes. She had imagined this night every day since the first sign of the mate bond appeared on her 18th birthday. The connection between them had been undeniable, a cord of energy pulling her toward him no matter the distance. Luca was everything an Alpha should be. He is strong, fearless, attractive, charming and incredibly protective. Yet, in the days leading up to this moment, something had been... off. He had become distant, his once friendly and warm personality replaced with a cold and emotionless attitude. “Selene,” a soft voice whispered behind her. She turned to see her best friend, Elena, standing there with a worried expression. Elena was a warrior in the pack, her strength matched only by her loyalty to Selene. “You look stunning,” Elena said, the synthetic warmth of her voice not conveyed fully through her lips. Selene forced a laugh. “You mean I look nervous.” Elena moved to get nearer to Alice and said softly: The text “Something feels wrong tonight.” Have you talked to him?” Selene’s gaze drifted to the front of the room, where Luca was standing with his Beta, Nathan. His tall, commanding figure exuded authority, but his expression was like stone. “No,” Selene admitted. “But he’s just been stressed. It’s a big responsibility, leading the pack and choosing me as his Luna. I’m sure once this is over, everything will go back to normal.” Elena didn’t look convinced, but before she could respond, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to Luca as he began to walk toward Selene. The bond hummed in Selene’s chest, a warm, magnetic pull that made her want to close the distance between them. Her heart raced as he stopped before her, his icy blue eyes locking with hers. But instead of the love and pride she had hoped to see, his gaze was cold and distant. “I, Luca Ashford, Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack,” he began, his voice steady but devoid of emotion, “reject you, Selene Rivers, as my mate and Luna.” For a moment, the words didn’t register. The air seemed to freeze around her, and the blood drained from her face. “What?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the collective gasp of the crowd. “I reject you,” Luca repeated, his tone harsher this time, as if he needed to convince himself as much as her. Selene staggered back, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might break free from her chest. The bond between them—the sacred, unbreakable connection that tied their souls together—began to fray, a searing pain ripping through her. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “You can’t do this, Luca. I’m your fated mate. We’re supposed to be together.” Luca’s jaw tightened, and for a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes—regret, guilt, or maybe pain. But it was gone as quickly as it came. “This is what’s best for the pack,” he said, his voice cold and unyielding. “A union with you won’t strengthen us politically. I’ve been advised to choose a mate who can secure alliances.” The words cut deeper than any blade. Selene’s vision blurred with tears as the weight of his rejection settled over her. “The pack?” she said, her voice rising in anger. “What about us, Luca? What about the bond the Moon Goddess gave us? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” His silence was deafening. Selene clenched her fists, her anger mixing with the pain until it became a storm inside her. “You’re a coward,” she spat, her voice trembling with fury. “You’re turning your back on the one thing that was meant to make you stronger. The Moon Goddess chose me for you, and you’re throwing it away for politics.” Luca’s expression hardened. “Enough, Selene. Leave the hall. You no longer belong here.” The finality of his words shattered her. The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, a cacophony of shock and pity that made her feel small and exposed. Without another word, Selene turned and ran. She pushed through the crowd, ignoring the stares and whispers, and burst out into the cold night air. The forest loomed ahead, its shadows beckoning her. She didn’t stop running until the lights of the pack house were far behind her. The crisp night air burned her lungs, but she didn’t care. She collapsed onto the forest floor, her sobs breaking the silence. The bond was gone. The rejection had severed it, leaving her feeling hollow and incomplete. “I trusted you,” she whispered into the darkness. “I loved you.” As the night deepened, Selene felt a new resolve take root in her chest. If Luca and the Crimson Moon Pack didn’t want her, she would make a new life for herself. She would survive, not for them but for herself and the life growing inside her. She placed a trembling hand over her stomach, a flicker of warmth and hope amid her despair. “You’ll be my reason to keep going,” she whispered. “I’ll protect you, no matter what.” The forest seemed to echo her promise, the rustling leaves and distant howl of wolves a solemn vow that she wasn’t alone. Selene wiped her tears and rose to her feet. The path ahead was uncertain, but she would face it with the strength of a mother determined to protect her child