That evening, I invited Lila to a private dinner in the courtyard. The table was set with food, the moonlight the only light in the surroundings. Lila arrived in a simple yellow dress, her golden hair once again braided, this time adorned with small flowers.
"You didn't have to go through all this trouble," she said as she took her seat.
I smirked. "Just want us to get to know each other better,"
Lila raised an eyebrow. "Is that it? I thought by now you crave my company,"
I laughed softly, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Believe me, when I crave your company, you'll know."
As we ate, the conversation was easy. I learned a few things about her childhood, her training, and her dreams of leading a pack. She had to work harder than any man to prove to her people that she could lead them and it seemed that she was here starting all over again with only two weeks to prove her worth. I found myself more interested in her life than I thought I would. I could feel her passion and determination.
"I never thought I'd be here," she admitted, swirling her wine in her glass. "Trying to impress an alpha to marry me, trading my independence for an alliance for a war we aren't even sure is going to happen."
I leaned back in my chair, "Fate can be treacherous."
She looked up at me, "Do you regret agreeing to this arrangement?"
I hesitated, "I haven't agreed to anything and besides regret doesn't change the past. I'll do what's best for my pack."
Lila was quiet for a moment and then smiled faintly. "You're a good alpha, Kaelen."
There was a comfortable silence, the sounds of crickets and frogs filling the air.
"Dance with me," Lila said suddenly, standing and holding out her hand.
I blinked. "What?"
"You heard me. Dance with me, chicken."
I laughed heartily, "There's no music"
"Just listen to your heart"
I stood and took her hand. We moved to nothing save for the scattered croaking of the frogs and chirping of the crickets.
Lila rested her hand on my shoulder. I felt Damien retreat further into my mind, knowing that there was no place for him there.
Before I could overthink it, I leaned in and kissed her. Lila responded softly, her hand tightening slightly on my shoulder.
When we pulled apart, she smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You're not as tough as you pretend to be, Alpha Kaelen."
I smirked. "Don't push your luck, Princess."
Our laughter echoed in the courtyard, unknown to us, a few yards away from us, darkness shielding her; a certain silver-haired omega was fighting a crushing pain she couldn't fathom where it came from.
*****
I woke the next morning feeling uneasy. The kiss with Lila from the night before stayed on my mind all night, her laughter was refreshing to hear. Despite that, something about Arianna's silver hair and the jolt of electricity I felt when I touched her bothered me. It wasn't the mate bond; Damien had been clear about that. But what was it, then? Or was it a side effect of our illness? It was infuriating not having any information about what was wrong with me exactly. I'm dying. Why? Because I can't find a mate. That's just stupid. What made my mate bond so different or strong?
Pushing those thoughts aside, I readied myself for the day. I shouldn't say it but I miss that idiot Dorian. Magnus was obedient and effective but nothing beats your best friend. I prayed that he would be back before the next full moon.
By mid-morning, I found myself walking the halls of the palace towards the kitchen to find a snack. I was in the mood for some well-seasoned meat. The aroma of freshly baked bread had me reconsidering my choice. I would just have some bread and coffee instead.
As I stepped into the kitchen, the cooks and helps all bowed without pausing their activities. "Welcome alpha," they chorused. A sudden cry startled me and the scent of blood hit me like a freight train.
I turned sharply in the direction of the cry in the kitchen corner and found Arianna cradling her hand, blood dripping onto the floor. Everything went in slow motion, and my senses heightened. The smell was strong and intoxicating. Damien snarled to life, his presence fighting for control. My vision darkened as he pushed to the surface.
In the blink of an eye, I was there right beside her before I could think.
"Alpha," she stammered, her face going pale instantly. "I—I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
My hand grabbed hers and the electrical feeling shot through me on impact, fiercer as all my senses were on high alert. The scent of her blood was maddening and I struggled for control.
"Will someone in this goddamn place use their brains and get a medic!!!" I growled and everyone scrambled around while some cowered.
"Alpha, it's just a cut," Arianna protested evidently frightened. She tried to pull her hand away, but I didn't let go.
"Stay still!!!" I growled at her.
Damien howled loudly in my head, causing me to wince. He wanted out. 'Damien! Get it together!'
He wasn't listening. 'She's important. You feel it. Don't ignore it,'
I shook my head, trying to get him to restrain himself, "Where's the damn medic!!!"I shouted again.
When the medic finally arrived, I shoved Arianna's hand toward her and stepped back instantly. I stayed until her finger was treated and wrapped in a small bandage.
"Thank you, Alpha," Arianna said softly, fear and confusion evident in her voice. I didn't respond. Instead, I staggered out of the room, my trembling body starting to calm down.
*****
The following days passed quickly. Lila threw herself into proving herself to be a worthy Luna, spending time with the pack, training alongside the warriors, and even helping in the kitchens. I watched her from a distance, commending her dedication and the way she seemed to earn the respect of the pack members.
One evening, I found her in the training yard, sparring with one of my younger warriors. Her father didn't lie, she was a strong woman. Twenty years young but strong. Her golden hair was tied back in a braid that swung side to side as she moved. When she landed a particularly impressive strike, the warrior stumbled back, laughing.
He bowed in respect and Lila grinned, feeling proud of herself.
I stepped forward, catching her attention. "Impressive," I said, taking off my shirt and throwing it at Magnus. "But let's see what you can do with me."
I saw her get distracted for a bit, her eyes darkening as she looked at my naked torso.
"Hey! Focus!!!" her eyes snapped back to my face and she grinned.
"You're hot, sweetie but I'm hotter."
We circled each other, the training yard falling silent as the other warriors stopped to watch. Lila swung first, fast and fierce, but I was quicker. I dodged her attack countering with one of my own. She blocked it with unbelievable strength, her eyes never leaving mine.
"You're holding back," she accused a playful smile on her lips.
"Am I?" I replied, smirking.
She lunged at me again, and this time, I caught her wrist, spinning her around, my fingers brushing past her nipples and pinning her against the wall. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, neither of us moved. Her breath became gasps. Her eyes darkened and in one distracting moment, she pushed me to the floor and cradled my hips with her thighs. The woman was really born to be alpha.
She bent over me and took my lips in hers, trying to dominate me. I growled in my chest, nobody does that. She tried to keep me in place, but that wasn't going to happen. I turned us around not breaking the kiss and through the corner of my eyes saw Magnus getting everyone away from the training ground.
She took a long gasp, demanding control once again as she raised her hips to meet mine grazing my erection. My hands flew to her hips and kept her down; she growled in return and wrapped her legs around me.
I broke the kiss earning a long whine from her in disagreement. I trailed my tongue down her neck till I got to her mounds almost pooling out of her chest. I planted kisses on them, enjoying their magnificence. God help me!
"My, my, my… My absence was all it took to get you some. I feel offended,"
"Dorian!!!" I bolted off her and looked up to find him grinning sheepishly at me.
"Wow! Miss me much?" I got to my feet, walked up to him, and landed a good punch on his jaw.