Chapter 13
Three days remained. Only three days until everything she knew would change, her fate bound to the Alpha King himself. Marissa paced outside her family’s quarters, inhaling the cool evening air that clung to the Shadow Pack’s lands. Her chest tightened with each step, her thoughts racing as her father’s words echoed in her mind.
“The Alpha King wants a strong Luna by his side ”
She hadn’t imagined that the Alpha King would be interested in a mate from their pack, least of all her. But here she was, preparing to leave Shadow Pack for the Moonlight Pack, a move that would seal her family’s alliance with the most formidable ruler in their realm; it was both terrifying and… intriguing.
Her father’s deep voice called out from inside. “Marissa, come in.”
She gathered her nerves, entering the room with steady steps, though she couldn’t ignore the slight tremble in her hands. Her father, the towering Beta of Shadow Pack, stood by the table, his expression firm yet soft around the edges as he saw her enter. Her mother was seated beside him, her delicate face alighted with a strange blend of pride and worry!
I
“Father,” she said quietly, a breathless edge to her voice. “… I still can’t believe any of this is real. How did you even.. I mean, the Alpha King agreed to marry me?“%
Her father’s gaze softened, and he motioned for her to sit. “We didn’t force him, Marissa,” he replied, his voice steady. “The Alpha King knows of our bloodline and its power. He understands its importance, even if most of the other packs don’t.”
we were certain it was best
Her mother leaned forward, her eyes meeting Marissa’s. “Your father and I wouldn’t have arranged this unless we for you, and for Shadow Pack.”
“But..” Marissa struggled for words, her mind spinning. “He’s he’s ruthless. And he’s so powerful. I don’t understand what he’d want with a pack member from Shadow Pack.”
Her father rested a heavy hand on her shoulder, his warmth calming. “Our Shadow Pack is one of the largest under his rule, Marissa. Ä bond between us and the Moonlight Pack would create an unbreakable alliance, and it strengthens his reach. Besides, he wanted someone with lycan blood–a Luna who could stand beside him with her own strength.“)
Marissa’s stomach tightened at his words, the reality of her situation sinking in. “And he chose me?“)
Her father nodded, his face serious. “He did. And Alpha Nathan agreed, too. He’s seen what the alliance would mean for Shadow Pack. We’re no longer just under the Alpha King’s jurisdiction. This will make Shadow Pack one of the strongest packs in the realm, with a direct line to the King.“%
Marissa’s mind spun at the thought of it. The Alpha King, feared and revered by every pack she knew of, had chosen her to be his Luna despite knowing her unstable lycan blood. She fought against the shiver that ran down her spine. But it wasn’t only fear that filled her. For years, she had wrestled with the power that coursed through her, a strength she could barely control. The thought of someone strong enough to steady her, to keep her from her blood’s inevitable pull… she couldn’t deny the glimmer of hope it brought.
“But the Alpha King, he’s She hesitated, unsure how to put it into words. Her gaze fell on her mother, who looked at her with unwavering calm. “I’ve heard the stories. They say he’s…”
“A tyrant?” her father asked, finishing her sentence, “I know, Marissa. I’ve heard it all, too. But remember, he’s not just that. He’s a leader and a powerful one of that. He protects his pack with everything he has, even if his methods are… harsh.”
Her mother placed a gentle hand over hers. “Marissa, we want you to be safe. We know our bloodline–it’s unstable, and you’ve had to carry that weight alone. The Alpha King’s strength… it could be what you need to finally be at peace with your blood.”
Manssa looked down, feeling a lump rise in her throat. “I know,” she whispered, clutching her mother’s hand tightly. “I do. But what if he doesn’t want me?
Her father’s voice was firm but tender. “Then he’ll lose more than he realizes. You’re not a simple pack member, Manssa. You’re our daughter, and more than that, you’re strong.”
A long silence filled the room, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Manssa finally looked up, her heart brimming with a mix of emotions she could barely name.
