*
Council of Alphas convened in the grand throne room, its high ceiling and ornate chandeliers reflecting the gravity of the gathering. Twenty powerful leaders, each with their unique aura, surrounded King Kaiden's majestic throne. Alpha Kael, oblivious to the storm brewing, stood tall among them, his confident facade soon to be shattered.
Elijah stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. "I present evidence against Kael," he declared, his voice firm and resolute.
The room fell silent as Elijah revealed Zara's scheme and documents incriminating Kael. Kael's face transformed from calm to stunned, his eyes widening in shock.
"Not guilty!" Kael protested, his voice laced with desperation. "Elijah's incompetent, weakening our pack!"
Gasps echoed through the hall, the Alphas exchanging uneasy glances. Kael's words cut deep, fueling the fire of doubt.
"He's brought a witch into our pack!" Kael spat, venom dripping from his voice.
The Alphas murmured, intrigue and concern etched on their faces. Whispers and arguments against Elijah intensified, the room thick with tension.
King Kaiden slammed his fist on the armrest, his expression stern. "Enough! This meeting will reconvene tomorrow. Elijah, meet with me beforehand."
Outside, Aria stood guard in the courtyard, the cool evening breeze a stark contrast to the turmoil within. The sound of clinking armor and hushed conversations filled the air.
Suddenly, a vision of loveliness appeared - Princess Ophelia, her fiery red hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of sunset hues. Her ladies-in-waiting flanked her, their elegant gowns a testament to the kingdom's finery.
The guards bowed, and Aria followed suit, her heart skipping a beat as she realized the identity of the stunning woman before her.
"Where's Alpha Elijah's guard?" Ophelia asked, her voice melodious.
The guards pointed to Aria and Elijah's guards. Ophelia approached, her maids carrying trays of steaming food and a drum of wine.
"This is for you all," Ophelia said, her smile radiant. "I appreciate your help with the Alpha."
Aria's instincts screamed warning, her mind racing with questions. That's uncalled for.
Lila accepted the offerings, and the guards thanked Ophelia, their faces softened by her kindness.
"Enjoy the hospitality of Wolfsburg," Ophelia added, her gaze lingering on Aria, a hint of curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Lila and the guards savored the food, but Aria's appetite vanished, waiting anxiously for Elijah. The meeting dragged on, and the guards' fatigue grew. Aria's exhaustion deepened, her body weakening.
Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, Elijah's voice echoed in her mind.
Elijah: I'll be out soon. Kael's turned the tables, but don't worry.
Aria's heart racing, her concern intensified.
Elijah: Relax, the king is an old friend of my father's. He'll support me.
Aria nodded to herself, finding comfort in Elijah's reassurance.
"Need to use the washroom," Aria whispered to Lila.
Lila accompanied her to the ancient guards' washroom, a considerable distance from the palace. On their return, they encountered Princess Ophelia and her ladies.
Ophelia's piercing gaze locked onto Aria.
"What wolf are you to Alpha Elijah?" Ophelia asked.
Aria recalled Elijah's instructions.
"I'm his Gamma," Aria replied.
Ophelia's smile hinted at curiosity.
"Why the scarf?" Ophelia asked. "Most guards wear armored helmets."
Lila intervened.
"My princess, our Alpha approaches."
Aria and Lila bowed hastily, escaping Ophelia's intense scrutiny.
As they walked away, Aria felt Ophelia's gaze lingering.
"That was close," Lila whispered.
Aria nodded.
Their Alpha's voice echoed in her mind once more.
Elijah: Almost done. Stay close.
Aria's heart swelled with relief.
.
.
.
Aria snuggled deeper into Elijah's bed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell the court you'll get rid of me from the pack. I don't want to be your weakness."
Elijah's eyes burned with determination. "No one dictates who's in my pack. The Blackwood pack was founded on strays and lone wolves. That's what makes us strong."
Aria's voice trembled. "But I'm a witch, the wolf's greatest enemy. They won't accept me."
Elijah's jaw clenched. "You're not my enemy, Aria. And I won't let you go."
A knock at the door interrupted their intimate conversation.
Elijah rose, opening the door to reveal Princess Ophelia. Aria's jealousy flared, her heart racing.
"Greetings, Alpha Elijah," Ophelia said, her voice sugary sweet.
Elijah's tone remained neutral. "Greetings, Princess Ophelia."
Aria's anxiety spiked, listening to their conversation through the door.
"May I come in? I have something urgent to discuss," Ophelia requested.
Elijah's response was firm. "I have company."
Ophelia's disappointment was palpable. Why couldn't Elijah see her love for him?
"Company?" Ophelia pressed, her curiosity evident.
Elijah's patience wore thin. "Someone important. We'll talk tomorrow morning."
Ophelia hesitated, her smile masking her frustration.
"Fine, tomorrow morning then," she said.
Elijah closed the door, ending the conversation.
Ophelia lingered, detecting another heartbeat inside. She concentrated, trying to identify the sound.
Lila appeared, her timing impeccable. "Your Highness, are you here for my Alpha?"
Ophelia's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "I've spoken to him. I'll return to my room now."
Lila watched as Ophelia departed, her expression thoughtful.
Elijah re-entered the room, his eyes locking onto Aria's.
"Sorry about the interruption," he said, his voice soft.
Aria's jealousy still simmered, but Elijah's presence soothed her.
Elijah's eyes sparkled with amusement as he wrapped his arms around Aria. "What's behind that scowl?" he teased, his voice low and husky.
Aria's pout deepened, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't like her."
Elijah's chuckle resonated through his chest, vibrating against Aria's skin. "Ah, my possessive mate."
Aria's jealousy flared, but Elijah's warm smile soothed her.
"I don't want you to like her either," Elijah whispered, his breath dancing across Aria's skin. "She's nothing to me."
Aria's gaze searched Elijah's, seeking reassurance.
Elijah's eyes burned with conviction. "You're enough for me, Aria. You're my mate, forever."
He drew her closer, his bare chest warming her skin. His lips brushed against her forehead, sending shivers down her spine.
"A wolf doesn't have two mates," Elijah whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "You're the only one for me."
Aria's heart swelled, her jealousy melting away. She felt safe in Elijah's arms, surrounded by his love and protection.
As they embraced, the world outside receded, leaving only the two of them, lost in their love.
Lila stood sentinel outside the room, her wolf ears perked up, alert to any potential threat. As she listened, her ears picked up the whispered words within.
"...You're my mate, forever."
Lila's eyes widened in astonishment, her mind reeling. A witch and a wolf? Bound together by the sacred mate bond? It defied the laws of nature, the ancient traditions of their kind.
Forbidden love.
A shiver ran down Lila's spine as she processed the implications. She had always known Elijah was different, but this? This was unprecedented.
As a loyal guard, Lila had sworn to protect Elijah and his pack. Now, she wondered if she was also duty-bound to keep his secret.
Lila's thoughts swirled with questions and doubts, but one thing remained clear: her unwavering loyalty to Elijah.
She squared her shoulders, her resolve strengthened. She would safeguard Elijah's secret, and his heart, no matter the cost.