The Mad Alpha King: My Second Chance Mate

Tabitha “Nobody is ever going to settle for a cursed werewolf like me.” The words slipped out of me, leaving cold chills to torment my gut as I gazed lifelessly at the moon. “Don’t ever say that again, Tati,” Camden, the Beta and my best friend, cautioned. We were seated on the ground with our backs leaning against the large tree’s bark. “You’re smart, talented, and if anyone holds the title of the most beautiful maiden in the Pack, it’s you.” A tiny endearing smile warmed his face as those words rolled off his tongue like they were perfectly rehearsed. But tonight isn’t one of those nights where his sweet talk can pull me out of my cold abyss. Last night, not only did Aria turn eighteen, but she found her mate, which leaves me as the only mateless lady left in the Pack. “Just give it time, okay?” he cooed. I sighed. I’d be surprised if those words didn’t follow suit. I have heard these words countless times, and they’ve now lost their potency. I’m twenty-two, and wolfless, it’s pretty obvious my future is as dark as the night. And it doesn’t help that I’ve been having nightmares recently. In them, the stench of blood polluted the air of my Pack, and they are wailing to me to save them. But how can I save my Pack when I’m currently the weakest? I can’t tell Camden about my dream because, as usual, he would just try to downplay and call it ‘my fears manifesting’. Except that this one is real, I can feel it to the bones. The daunting shivers it sends down my spine grow stronger anytime I think about it. Perhaps I should tell him? “No…” My voice was silent like a whisper as I shook my head. But Camden must have thought I was shutting him out as he flicked his middle finger against my forehead. “Ow!” My squeal pitched louder than the chirping crickets. “What was that for?” “To snap out of your depression, you annoying brat.” I hissed, tenderly massaging the red spot that stung. “I know what’s going to cheer you up,” he chirped as he rose briskly, stretching his hand toward me. My brows curiously arched as he pulled me up. “Music!” his voice bloomed with spark as he picked up my violin case by the tree. A tiny smile finally managed to c***k on my lips. No matter how deep I drown in sadness, playing my violin always helps me find my glimmer. Every night, it has become a tradition in my small pack. They would gather in the cleared space in the woods just to enjoy me playing the violin. “Come on,” he intertwined his arm with mine, pulling me along on the narrow path. “Everyone is waiting for you to dazzle as usual.” We walked side by side, giggling for no reason at all, till we arrived at the cleared space. “There she is!” One of my Pack members squealed as she spotted us. “Our very own star of the night.” The others immediately left their wooden seats, cheering with loud applause. My smile lost its allure rather than shining brighter. My hands trembled as my mind corroded with wailings rather than their cheer. Camden was too busy to notice; he was busy parting the group so I could make my way to the center, where the fireplace shared its cozy warmth brightly. “Make magic, Tati,” Camden mouthed in my ear before leaving me at the center. As my violin sat under my chin, the night settled in silence: even the howls and crickets wanted to listen to my melody. The moon cast its gaze on me like a limelight, and a deep exhale aired out of me as I placed my bow on the strings. I shut my eyes, picturing the notes in my head. And with calm poise, I drew the bow along the strings, filling the air with solemn melody. Tonight, the solace I offered was more for me than them. An angry howl suddenly tore through the air, ending my rhythm abruptly. “Intruder!!” one of my father’s guards stormed into our space, panting. My eyes exclaimed, and my violin left my chin. Everyone arose, murmuring and scanning the area restlessly. “A-alpha—he’s here…” he repeatedly tapped his chest to tame his breath. A small Pack like us stood no chance against an attack from a large group. “Who’s here?!” my father queried without faltering. Wolves howled again, this time closer, stiffening my muscles from shoulder to toe. I know the sound of war when I hear one, and this one was no different. “The m-mad…The mad Alpha is here!” My heart sank as my chest immediately constricted, restricting airflow: Only a newborn pup doesn’t know about the infamous Alpha of Silvermoon Valley. An Alpha that unapologetically delights in the blood and screams of innocent Packs, leaving nothing but destruction in his path. “Run!” My mother yelled. Cold winds breezed past, snuffing the fire and leaving us in complete darkness. The woods instantly came alive with several growls and sinister, glimmering golden yellow eyes, “If anyone moves an inch,” his icy, deep baritone robbed me of the air in my throat, “I’ll have your heads.” Goosebumps spread from the back of my neck to my waist in a flash. My bow and violin started vibrating like a gentle tremor from the freezing aura that swallowed me from behind. My Pack members and my father immediately crumbled to their knees. “Alpha Mathias,” my father’s voice faltered as his forehead embraced the soil. “Jonathan.” His voice was devoid of any ounce of emotion. A part of me craved to turn around to see what the infamous devil Alpha looks like, but not even an atom of my nerves dared to entertain my foolish desire. “Y-you didn’t tell me you were coming…Alpha Mathias.” “Do I need to?” “Ah, of course not. Y-yo- you are always welcome here.” A nervous laugh escaped my father’s breath, “Bu-b-ut what brings you here?” One of the twigs snapped behind me as he walked closer, the air around me thickened, and his cedarwood scent paraded in my nose. “Who played the violin?”