Third Person Pov
The Crystalmoon Pack was buzzing with activity as Alpha Kavan of the Storm Pack arrived for a visit. The tension in the pack was obvious as most of the pack members knew that a foreign Alpha visiting unannounced was not a good sign.
Ryan stood at the entrance of the pack's main compound, his posture reflecting the respect he held for his guest. Alpha Kavan was not just a fellow Alpha; he was a friend of Ryan's late father and a much-valued ally.
Ryan had known Alpha Kavan ever since he was a little boy, and Alpha Kavan was the last person Ryan would think of disrespecting.
As Alpha Kavan's entourage approached, Ryan extended a warm smile and greeted the visitors. "Alpha Kavan, it's an honor to have you here," he said, wearing a genuine smile on his face.
Alpha Kavan returned the smile, his presence exuding authority and grace. "Alpha Ryan, the pleasure is mine. Your hospitality is always appreciated, and I even feel honored that you've chosen to welcome me so spectacularly," he replied, maintaining a calm expression.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Ryan gestured toward the pack's main building. "Please, come this way. I've prepared a space for us to talk in my office."
As they entered the office, Ryan couldn't help but feel a subtle tension in the air. He knew the purpose of Alpha Kavan's visit, and his own conflicted emotions added to the unease in the air.
.He had always respected and valued the alliance between their packs, not just because of the close-knit relationship between Alpha Kavan and his late father but also because of how much Alpha Kavan had helped him over the years, and he didn't want anything to jeopardize that.
"Please, have a seat," Ryan offered, gesturing toward the chairs across from his desk.
Alpha Kavan settled into the chair, his gaze steady as he regarded Ryan. "Thank you, Ryan. I hope this visit finds you well. Is everything going alright with you and the pack?" he asked.
Ryan took a seat as well, his expression composed. "I'm doing well; thank you for asking, Sir. How about yourself and the Storm Pack?" he replied curtly.
Alpha Kavan nodded. "I'm good, and as for my Pack, we're thriving, thanks to the bond we share with allies like you, which has been nothing short of peaceful all this while," he replied, and his statement made Ryan feel like he was only seconds away from bringing up a subject that would make them both uncomfortable.
Ryan nodded in agreement, the weight of the conversation hanging over them. It was time to address the elephant in the room.
"Alpha Kavan," Ryan began, his tone respectful yet cautious, "Without you having to mention it, I already understand the purpose of your visit, and I assume it has to do with Rayna. Am I right?"
Alpha Kavan's gaze sharpened, and Ryan could sense the slight anger behind his gaze. "Indeed, Ryan. I am here to talk about the situation with Rayna. Rayna is my daughter, and as her father, it's my responsibility to ensure her well-being and happiness."
Ryan nodded, his gaze steady. "I respect that, Alpha Kavan. Rayna is your priority, and I want nothing more than for her to be happy. We may not be very close, but she is certainly someone I wish well," he said, choosing his words carefully.
A heavy silence settled between them, the tension palpable. Ryan knew that Alpha Kavan was seeking answers from him, and he mentally braced himself for the conversation they were about to have.
"Ryan," Alpha Kavan began, his voice measured, "I must ask you a direct question. What are your intentions regarding Rayna and the fact that she has been assigned by the moon goddess as your mate?" He asked, emphasizing the fact that Rayna had been assigned by the goddess.
Ryan met his gaze, his own expression neutral. "Alpha Kavan, I've known Rayna for some time, but we were never close. Our interactions have been limited, and I've never really formed an opinion about her or a friendship with her. She and I have always been strangers," he replied, trying to sound calm and reasonable.
Alpha Kavan's brows furrowed, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Ryan, I'm not asking about your past impressions of Rayna. I'm asking about your intentions now that you know she is your mate. I believe you should understand where I'm getting at."
Ryan's heart raced, his discomfort evident even though he tried to hide it. "Alpha Kavan, Rayna, and I have spoken about our situation. Given our history and the fact that I am already in a relationship with my girlfriend, we both believe it's best for us to go through the rejection ceremony. We are not compatible," he answered honestly.
Alpha Kavan's eyes flared with a mixture of surprise and anger. "The rejection ceremony? Ryan, do you realize what you're suggesting? You're telling me that my daughter, the soon-to-be Alpha of a Pack you are allied with, will go through the humiliation of a rejection ceremony? Are you serious?"
Ryan kept his tone even, his words carefully chosen. "Alpha Kavan, I understand that Rayna is your daughter, and I respect your concerns. But our decision was mutual, and it's a matter of ensuring we both find happiness. I can't possibly accept her simply because of our respective positions. Please understand," he said.
Alpha Kavan's voice grew sharper, his frustration evident. "You speak of happiness, but have you taken the time to understand what Rayna wants? To truly know her and explore the potential of your mate bond? How can you just decide by looking at each other that you're not compatible?" he asked.
Ryan's jaw clenched, his own frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Alpha Kavan, I don't want to be disrespectful, but Rayna and I have discussed this. Our decision is what we both believe is best."
Alpha Kavan leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Ryan, do you think so little of my daughter that you would suggest a rejection ceremony without even attempting to understand her? Have you no consideration for her emotions or her reputation? She is a woman, and you know how rejected women are viewed generally. How can you be thinking of rejecting her just like that without giving her a chance?"
Ryan's voice remained calm, though his own emotions were in turmoil. "Alpha Kavan, it's not that I think little of Rayna. It's a matter of practicality. I don't want to prolong her pain or complicate matters further. We both agreed that going through the rejection ceremony would be the most logical course of action and as for who rejected who, it'll be made clear that she rejected me," he assured.
Alpha Kavan's eyes blazed with intensity. "Logical? You speak of logic, but what about the heart, Ryan? What about the bond that fate has bestowed on you? And are you forgetting you're the one in a relationship?"
Ryan's gaze hardened, his resolve unwavering. "Alpha Kavan, I understand your concerns and acknowledge the bond. But I also have a responsibility to my pack and Clarissa, the woman I'm with. I can't disregard those commitments. Please understand," he explained.
Alpha Kavan's voice was stern, his words authoritative. "Ryan, I may be your ally, but I'm also Rayna's father. I cannot stand by and watch her be disrespected and dismissed so callously. I will not stand for it."
Ryan's hands tightened into fists, his own frustration reaching its peak. "Alpha Kavan, I have no intention of disrespecting Rayna. Our decision was made with careful consideration, and it was a mutual agreement," he repeated like a broken record.
Alpha Kavan's eyes bore into Ryan's, his gaze unyielding. "Ryan, I suggest you take the time to really know Rayna before making any irreversible decisions. You may come to regret rejecting the goddess's choice."
Ryan's resolve wavered, but he held his ground. "Alpha Kavan, I understand your perspective, and I respect it. But I also have responsibilities that I cannot ignore. The chances of me regretting my decision are quite slim."
Alpha Kavan's voice grew colder, his tone laced with authority. "Consider my suggestion, Ryan. The bond between our packs is strong but can also be fragile. Your decision in this matter could have far-reaching consequences.
Ryan's heart sank, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew that his decision held the potential to impact not only his own pack but also the delicate balance of their alliance. He didn't want to jeopardize the relationship that had been cultivated over the years.
"Alpha Kavan," Ryan said finally, his voice resigned, "I will take your suggestion into consideration. I value our alliance, and I understand the importance of respecting Rayna and our alliance. But I also beg for your understanding."
Alpha Kavan's expression softened slightly, his gaze holding a hint of distrust. "I appreciate your willingness to listen, Ryan. Just make sure not to close your mind. My daughter isn't someone you should reject," he said.