The moon hung low, casting its pale light over the vast forest that was home to the Bloodfang Pack. The howls of wolves echoed in the distance, a haunting melody of unity and strength. Yet, within the grand den of the Alpha, silence reigned, thick and oppressive.
Aeril, the Alpha, stood at the edge of a large oakwood table in his study, his golden eyes scanning the paper in his hand. As the leader of the Bloodfang Pack, Aeril exuded an aura of authority that instilled fear in those around him. But tonight, a sense of foreboding weighed heavily upon him.
A knock on the door broke Aeril's thoughts. "Enter," he commanded, his voice firm.
Beta Marik stepped inside after receiving permission. His expression was tense. "Alpha, she's here."
Aeril clenched his jaw. He had known this day would come—the day he dreaded the most. "Ugh, bring her in," Aeril said coldly.
Moments later, the sound of the door opening filled the room. A woman stepped inside. She was stunning, her long, wavy hair framing her delicate features. Her emerald green eyes stared at Aeril with sharp determination. Aeril assessed her from head to toe, a low growl rumbling in his throat. Why? Because the woman standing before him was dressed in commoner's clothing. Was this the wife his parents had chosen for him? No taste at all.
"So, you're the one everyone calls the Moon Goddess, my supposed mate?" Aeril asked in a low but sharp tone.
"And what if I am?" Rafaela replied, her voice laced with defiance.
Aeril smirked bitterly. "A werewolf who can't even shift into a wolf. So, tell me, how do you expect to be my Luna? You're a disgrace to me."
Rafaela's heart stung at Aeril's words, but she refused to let her pain show to the man before her. "An Alpha like you doesn't deserve to lead if he sees his mate as a weakness," she retorted sharply.
Marik's eyes widened in shock at Rafaela's response. The room fell into an eerie silence. Aeril clenched his fists tightly.
"Watch your tongue, woman," Aeril growled, his voice heavy with warning. "You don't know who you're talking to."
"And you don't know who I am," Rafaela shot back. "I may not be able to shift, but I'm no coward like you. I've survived without anyone taking care of me. I don't need an Alpha to survive."
Rafaela's words struck a nerve in Aeril. His golden eyes burned with anger.
"You'll regret defying me," Aeril said, his voice a menacing growl. "I'll give you one chance to prove your words. If you fail, leave this place."
Rafaela's lips curled into a small, defiant smile. "I don't need your approval, Alpha. But I will show you what I'm capable of."
With a sharp glare at Aeril, Rafaela turned and walked out. Aeril watched her leave, his face a mix of frustration and rage. Deep down, however, Aeril couldn't deny that he was intrigued by Rafaela. She was different from the others—a Luna who wouldn't bow to any Alpha. That was… interesting.