MATED TO MY ALPHA MATE
The forest was alive with restless movement as shadows darted between the trees. A crescent moon hung low in the sky, casting a faint, ghostly glow over the rogue pack's hidden encampment. The air was thick with tension, the kind that stirred wolves into action and set fire to their baser instincts.
At the center of the camp, Kael, the rogue leader, stood tall and imposing. His scarred skin glinted in the firelight, and his amber eyes burned with an intensity that silenced anyone who dared challenge him. Around him, his pack gathered, their eyes glinting with malice and hunger for vengeance.
"We attack at dawn," Kael declared, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade. "Derek's territory has been left vulnerable. The Luna is his weakness, and tonight, we will use that against him."
The gathered rogues broke into low growls and whispers. Many of them carried deep-seated grudges against Derek, Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack. Some had lost family members to his brutal raids, while others had been cast out of their own packs because of him.
One rogue stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "Kael, we all hate Derek, but he's no fool. His warriors are strong, and the mansion is heavily guarded. This isn't a simple raid."
Kael's lips curled into a sinister smirk, a flash of teeth that silenced the rogue. "That's why we're not going in blind. Liora, step forward."
From the shadows, a tall woman emerged, her dark hair cascading over sharp, angular features. Her eyes glimmered with cunning, and her presence commanded respect.
"My spies have been working for weeks," Liora said, her voice smooth and confident. "Derek's warriors are spread thin, patrolling the borders to prevent rogue incursions. The mansion is guarded, but it's far from impenetrable. His focus is on protecting his territory, not anticipating a direct attack on the Luna."
Kael's smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with cruel intent. "Good. While Derek wastes his resources on the outskirts, we'll strike at the heart of his strength. We'll take the Luna, and with her in our grasp, Derek will crumble."
A ripple of excitement spread through the rogues.
"And what if she resists?" a burly rogue growled from the back of the group. His voice carried a note of sadistic pleasure, as if he hoped for a fight.
Liora's lips twisted into a smirk. "Then we show her why no one defies the rogues."
Kael raised a hand to silence the murmurs. "We'll start with a diversion. Fires along the eastern border will draw Derek's warriors away from the mansion. While they're distracted, we'll infiltrate the estate. Liora, your team will disable the guards. The rest of us will secure the Luna."
"And what if Derek himself intervenes?" the burly rogue asked again.
Kael's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating glare. "If Derek shows his face, we put him down. For good."
The rogues erupted into howls and cheers, their bloodlust ignited.
---
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Derek sat in his study, a glass of whiskey untouched on the desk before him. His sharp golden eyes scanned the reports from his scouts, but his thoughts kept drifting to Diva. Despite her defiance and hatred toward him, the bond they shared as mates was undeniable. He could feel her presence, faint but persistent, tugging at the edges of his mind.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Enter," he commanded.
A warrior stepped inside, his expression tense. "Alpha, scouts have reported unusual activity near the eastern border. Fires have been spotted, but we're not sure if it's an attack or a diversion."
Derek's jaw tightened. His instincts told him this was no coincidence. "Double the patrols. Prepare for a possible incursion. I want every rogue in the area neutralized on sight."
"Yes, Alpha." The warrior bowed and left.
Derek leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. The rogues were bold to provoke him so openly. But their true intentions remained unclear, and that uncertainty gnawed at him.
He rose from his chair and made his way to Diva's room, his footsteps echoing through the quiet halls.
---
Diva sat by the window, staring into the night. The air outside was thick with tension, a sensation she couldn't shake. She'd heard the commotion downstairs—the hurried footsteps, the murmured conversations—and she knew something was happening.
A knock at her door startled her.
"Who is it?" she called, her voice wary.
"It's Derek," came the curt reply.
She hesitated, her heart pounding. After a moment, she opened the door, her expression cold.
"What do you want?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Derek's golden eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. "The rogues are moving. You're in danger."
She scoffed, her defiance flaring. "I've been in danger since the moment I was forced into this bond."
His jaw clenched, but he didn't rise to her bait. "I've increased the guards around the mansion, but you need to stay in your room. Don't leave, no matter what happens."
Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, of course. I'll just sit here like a good little prisoner while you play the hero."
Derek stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "This isn't a game, Diva. If the rogues get to you, they won't hesitate to kill you—or worse. Do you understand?"
For a moment, her defiance faltered under his intense gaze. "Fine," she muttered, turning away. "Not like I have a choice."
Satisfied, Derek left, closing the door behind him.
---
Back at the rogue camp, Kael and Liora finalized their plans.
"Are the explosives ready?" Kael asked.
Liora nodded. "The fires will draw their attention, but the real chaos will come from the explosions near the mansion. It'll force Derek's warriors to scatter, leaving the Luna vulnerable."
Kael's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Good. Tonight, we send a message. Derek will learn what it means to challenge us."
As the rogues prepared for their assault, the air grew thick with anticipation. The firelight flickered against their faces, reflecting the bloodlust in their eyes.
The hunt was about to begin.
---
To be continued....