Chloe's POV
I stood there, my jaw clenched, waiting for Liam to continue.
The sun had almost completely set now, casting long shadows across the balcony. A cool breeze rustled through my hair, but I barely noticed it. My entire being was focused on what Liam was about to say. The look he had told me it would be about the pack's affairs.
But why then did he seem reluctant? I wondered inwardly.
"Well? Are you going to talk or not?" I prompted, my patience wearing thin.
Liam's expression changed, a flicker of concern passing over his features.
"It is about the Omega... your mate." He said, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant.
I felt my wolf stir at the mention of our mate, but I ruthlessly pushed her down.
"What about him?" I asked, my voice cold and disinterested.
Liam took a deep breath.
"He has collapsed, Chloe. The guards found him unconscious in the holding area. It seems the stress and exhaustion were too much for him." Liam informed me.
I waited for a moment, expecting to feel... something. A twinge of concern, perhaps? A flutter of worry? But there was nothing. Just a vast, echoing emptiness where I supposed those feelings should be.
Liam was watching me closely, his eyes searching my face for any reaction. I knew what he was looking for – a flinch, a widening of the eyes, any sign that I cared about the fate of my supposed mate. But I gave him nothing.
"Is that all?" I asked, my voice level and unaffected.
Liam's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Chloe, did you hear what I said? Your mate has collapsed. He has—" Liam was saying, bewildered, but I interrupted him.
"I heard you, and I'm wondering why you are telling me this as if it's an important information. Since when do we concern ourselves with the physical conditions of our captives, Beta Liam?" I asked him sharply.
Liam's mouth opened and closed, clearly taken aback by my response.
"But... he is your mate, not just a mere captive." He said weakly.
I let out a derisive snort.
"Mate? Please. He is an Omega from a defeated pack. The fact that the Moon Goddess saw fit to play this cruel joke doesn't change anything." I stated sharply, my cold gaze becoming more colder, if that was possible.
"So, you are going to reject ..." Liam started out but I cut him short.
"Reject him. And if reject won't work, I will kill him." I finished for him.
"Now, if you're done wasting my time with trivial matters, perhaps we can discuss something of actual importance to the pack?" I asked him, my eyes narrowing at him.
Liam stared at me for a long moment, his expression a mix of shock and something else – disappointment, perhaps? Finally, he shook his head and let out a small chuckle.
"There is no fooling you, is there?" he said, a wry smile playing on his lips.
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" I inquired.
"There was no collapse. The Omega is fine – well, as fine as can be expected given the circumstances. I made the incident up to gauge your reaction." He revealed.
For a moment, I felt a flash of anger at being manipulated, but it quickly faded into amusement. I allowed a smirk to curl the corner of my mouth.
"And what did my reaction tell you, Beta Liam?" I asked him.
Liam's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression.
"That you have changed, Chloe. More than I realized." He stated.
I turned away from him, looking out over the darkening forest that surrounded my territory.
"We all change, Liam. It's called growing up." I told him, casually.
"Is it growing up, or growing cold--- growing dark?" He asked me softly.
"The Chloe I used to know would accept her mate no matter who or what he is. You used to look forward to meeting your mate." He added, looking so serious like I had done something bad and he found me pitiful.
I whirled back to face him, my eyes flashing as I saw the look on his face.
I wasn't a pitiful person! I thought to myself.
"Careful, Beta. You're overstepping." I gritted out.
Liam held up his hands in a placating gesture.
"I'm not questioning your leadership, Alpha. I'm concerned as your friend." He maintained gently. His claim of concern got to me and I nodded curtly.
"Your concern is noted." I said, my tone softening slightly.
"But it is unnecessary. I'm doing what needs to be done for the good of the pack. For my position." I added. Liam nodded, though I could see he wasn't entirely convinced.
"Speaking of the pack, there are a few matters that require your attention." He said, clearly deciding to change the topic.
I gestured for him to continue, grateful for the shift to more important things.
"The northern border patrols have reported increased activity from rogue wolves... " Liam began.
"Nothing too concerning yet, but it's something we should keep an eye on." He added.
I nodded, my mind already working on potential solutions.
"Increase the frequency of patrols in that area. And send word to the neighboring packs – I want to know if they are experiencing similar issues." I instructed.
"Understood. Also, the harvest festival is coming up next month. The council is asking for your input on the preparations." He informed me.
I waved a hand dismissively.
"They can handle the details. Just make sure security is tight – I don't want any... incidents like last year." I stated, sharply.
Liam winced at the memory. Last year's festival had ended with a drunken brawl between some of our younger wolves and visitors from a neighboring pack. It had taken weeks to smooth over the diplomatic fallout.
"I'll personally oversee the security arrangements," Liam assured me.
"Good," I said. "Anything else?" I inquired.
"Nothing for now." He told me and I nodded.
"Alright then, Goodnight." I stated. However, Liam hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to say more but then thought better of it.
"Goodnight, Chloe." He said softly, before turning and leaving the balcony.
As his footsteps faded away, I allowed myself a moment of weakness. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and for just an instant, let myself remember the bond. Afterwards, I made a decision I knew I wasn't going to go back on.
"Well, let the bond pull. Let fate howl and rage. I would stand firm, unmoved and unbroken. I am the Alpha. And I make my own destiny. I don't want an Omega for a mate." I maintained firmly.