The pack's acceptance of Kate was not unanimous. Though many had howled in approval and offered words of welcome, there were those whose lingering skepticism was plain to see. Among them was Lyra, a striking wolf with dark auburn hair and eyes like molten gold. She had been one of the strongest warriors of the pack, her skill in combat unmatched, and her ambition to rise in rank was no secret.
Kate noticed Lyra's sharp gaze on her from across the clearing as she and Brison walked among the pack, greeting wolves who came forward to meet their new Luna. Lyra's eyes flicked to Brison, softening in a way that sent a strange twist through Kate's chest.
"Who's that?" Kate asked, nodding subtly in Lyra's direction.
Brison followed her gaze, his expression unreadable. "That's Lyra. She's been a member of the pack since we were kids. Strong, loyal… but she can be intense."
Kate's brow furrowed. "She doesn't seem thrilled about me being here."
Brison's jaw tightened. "Lyra had certain expectations about what my choice for a mate would be. Let's just say you weren't what she had in mind."
Kate's stomach churned, but she forced herself to nod. "I guess I'll have to prove her wrong."
Brison smiled, brushing a hand against her arm. "You already have. Don't let her get in your head, okay?"
Later that evening, as the pack gathered around the fire for a meal, Lyra made her move. She approached Brison with a confident sway in her step, her golden eyes fixed on him with an intensity that made Kate's skin prickle.
"Alpha," Lyra said smoothly, her voice carrying a seductive edge. "May I have a word with you?"
Brison glanced at Kate, who was seated beside him, before turning back to Lyra. "If it's important, you can say it here."
Lyra's gaze flicked to Kate briefly, her expression unreadable, before returning to Brison. "It's a private matter. One concerning the future of the pack."
Brison sighed but nodded, rising from his seat. "Make it quick," he said.
Kate watched them walk a short distance away, her heart sinking as she noticed the way Lyra leaned closer to Brison, her body language all too familiar. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm.
"Brison," Lyra began, her voice low and persuasive. "You and I both know what's best for the pack. They need a Luna who understands them—who's one of them. Someone strong, someone who's proven themselves."
Brison's expression darkened. "Lyra, if this is about Kate—"
"Of course it's about her," Lyra interrupted, her tone sharp. "She's an outsider. She doesn't know our ways, our traditions. How can she lead when she doesn't even know what it means to be one of us?"
Brison crossed his arms, his posture radiating authority. "Kate is my mate, Lyra. That's not up for debate."
Lyra stepped closer, her voice softening. "But it doesn't have to be this way. You and I—we're the perfect match. Think about what we could accomplish together. The pack would thrive under our leadership."
Brison took a step back, his voice cold. "Lyra, I've made my choice. Kate is my mate and my Luna. If you can't accept that, you're free to leave the pack."
Lyra's eyes flashed with anger and hurt. "You'd cast me out? After everything I've done for this pack? After everything I've done for you?"
Brison's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "You're a valuable member of this pack, Lyra. But if you continue down this path, you'll be challenging me—and Kate. And I won't allow that."
Lyra stared at him for a long moment before turning on her heel and stalking away, her anger evident in every step.
When Brison returned to Kate's side, she looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "What did she want?"
Brison sighed, sitting beside her. "She wanted to convince me to choose her as my Luna instead of you."
Kate's heart sank. "And what did you say?"
Brison reached for her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "I told her the truth—that you're my mate and nothing will change that. You're the only one I want, Kate. Don't ever doubt that."
Kate's lips parted in surprise, warmth spreading through her chest. She leaned into him, her voice soft. "I believe you."
Brison pulled her close, his voice a low murmur in her ear. "You're my Luna, Kate. No one else could ever take your place."
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Kate felt the bond between them grow even stronger. Lyra's challenge had rattled her, but Brison's unwavering loyalty and love reminded her that together, they were unbreakable.