Chapter 3

ALPHA CEPHEUS

The Mating Ceremony finally started.

In the clearing of our vast forest, the newly eighteen-year-old females eagerly awaited their transformation into their wolves and the chance to meet their mates. Everyone was dressed in white, symbolizing the purity and new beginnings this day represented. It was a pivotal moment for many, but for me, it was just another duty as Alpha.

As the pack members shifted into their wolves, I stood on the stage, observing the scene. The Alphas of the other packs sat around me, discussing pack politics and alliances, but I was more interested in scanning the crowd. I had an unsettling feeling, a restless energy that I couldn't shake. I hoped this ceremony would bring some clarity.

My gaze moved over the newly mated couples, their joy and connection evident in their eyes and actions. I felt a pang of something I rarely allowed myself to acknowledge—loneliness. At thirty, I was still mateless. Despite my power and influence, the Moon Goddess had not yet blessed me with a mate. It was a source of frustration, a weakness I couldn't afford to show.

As the ceremony continued, my eyes caught sight of someone standing at the edge of the clearing. A young woman, seemingly out of place and alone, trying so hard to hide herself in the crowd, it didn't go unnoticed. Her aura was different, almost as if she didn't belong here. She wasn't shifting with the others. Curious, I kept my gaze on her, feeling a strange pull that I couldn't explain.

Then our eyes met. In that instant, everything around us seemed to disappear. Her eyes were wide with surprise, mirroring my own confusion. There was something about her, something familiar yet foreign. I felt a connection, an invisible pull that ignited something deep within me. It was as if she could see right through me, beyond my Alpha exterior, into the core of who I was.

No wonder my wolf have been restless this morning.

Before I could process what was happening, the moment ended. I broke the gaze, feeling a mix of emotions—confusion, frustration, and something else I couldn't quite identify. I needed to know who she was.

Determined, I moved through the crowd, my eyes never leaving her. As I approached, she looked up at me, her expression a mixture of fear and awe. She was smaller up close, her presence unassuming, yet there was a strength in her eyes that intrigued me.

"A-Alpha," she whispered, bowing her head in respect.

"You. What's your name?" I demanded, my voice cold and authoritative than I meant to, I got used to being commanding, I saw how it scared her.

"Callista... Alpha Cepheus," she replied softly, her voice barely audible.

"Callista, look at me," I commanded. She obeyed, her brown eyes meeting mine again. There was something in those eyes, a vulnerability that made my chest tighten. She had no wolf, I realized. She was different from the others, an anomaly in our world.

"You have no wolf," I stated, my tone harsher than I intended. Her reaction was immediate, a mix of hurt and acceptance. She knew she was different, and she carried that burden with grace.

For a moment, I felt a surge of anger and frustration. Not at her, but at the situation. How could the Moon Goddess be so cruel? To deny someone their true nature, their wolf? It made no sense. And yet, as I looked at Callista, I felt something shift inside me. An inexplicable connection, a bond that defied logic.

Without another word, I turned and walked away, my mind in turmoil. This was not how things were supposed to be. I was the Alpha, the leader of the Loropoulus pack, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that something profound had just happened. I am angry with the fact that I searched for my mate in different places, and yet all along she's in my reach, waiting for me to find her. The thought of her feeling upset about finding out she can't shift and not being able to join the mating ceremony upset me even more.

As I rejoined the ceremony, my thoughts were consumed by her. By the way she had looked at me, by the connection I had felt. I know she felt it too. She don't seem to realized what we are to her, without her wolf she will think that it's infatuation. A connection that will not last.

I knew from there, that Callista is mine, with or without wolf— I will claim her and make her mine.

——–—

Callista

The following morning, I went through my routine in a daze. I helped Grandma in the bakery, served customers, and tried to act normal, but my mind kept wandering back to the Alpha. As the day wore on, I found myself glancing toward the door every time the bell chimed, half expecting to see Alpha Cepheus standing there. But he didn't come, and by the time the sun began to set, I felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment.

Why am I disappointed?

Around midday, the doorbell chimed, and I looked up to see a group of young pack members entering the bakery. They were chatting excitedly, their faces glowing with the joy of newfound mates. I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as I watched them, wishing I could share in their happiness.

One of the girls, a pretty blonde named Lily, approached the counter with a shy smile. "Hi, Callista," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Can I get a loaf of your special honey bread?"

"Of course," I replied, returning her smile as I wrapped up the loaf and handed it to her. "Congratulations on finding your mate, Lily."

"Thank you," she said, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's been amazing. I hope you find your mate soon, too."

I forced a smile and nodded, though my heart ached at the thought. "Maybe one day," I said softly.

As the group left the bakery, Grandma gave me a sympathetic look. "It's alright, dear. The Moon Goddess has a plan for everyone, even if it's not what we expect."

"I know, Grandma," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "But you know I'm not looking for a mate right?"

Grandma looked at me with knowing eyes.

"One day, it will come child. You'll see."She stated, with a hint of hope in her voice. I did not respond to her and just nodded, as if I agreed.

No way I'll get one.

The afternoon passed quickly, and soon it was time to close up shop for the day. As we cleaned up, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen. The air felt charged with anticipation, and I found myself glancing at the door every few minutes, half expecting Alpha Cepheus to walk in and tell me to leave the pack, but then my Grandma save me from my worries.

"Callista, dear, why don't you take the evening off?" Grandma said as we finished cleaning up. "You've been working so hard lately. Go for a walk, clear your mind." My Grandma's gentle voice snapped me back to reality.

I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. "Thank you, Grandma. I think I'll do that."

I headed out of the bakery and into the cool evening air, letting the sounds of the forest soothe my restless thoughts.

The path through the woods was familiar, one I had walked many times before, but tonight it felt different. The shadows seemed deeper, the rustling leaves louder, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched.

As I walked deeper into the forest, I heard a twig snap behind me. I spun around, my heart racing, but saw nothing. Shaking off my unease, I continued on, telling myself I was just being paranoid. But the feeling of being watched didn't go away.

Finally, I reached a clearing where the moonlight spilled onto the forest floor, casting an ethereal glow over everything. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. The moonlight was comforting, a reminder of the Moon Goddess and her watchful presence.

I stared up at the sky, listening to the quiet rustle of the trees, I noticed that the sky was darker and the moon fuller than usual.

Then, I heard it again.

A branch creaking. I jumped nervously when I heard the noise, and a chill ran down my spine. Was someone out here? If so, who was it? I knew I shouldn't be here in the middle of nowhere, but somehow I felt drawn here. Like I needed to see or hear whatever was going on.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to search for whoever or whatever was making the noise. When I finally looked back up.

My gaze locked onto the figure, who stood motionless in the distance. It was a man.

Alpha Cepheus.

Before he could even see me, I run for my life. Now, I just have to avoid any confrontation with the Alpha at all cost, specially after seeing how angry he was after discovering that I'm wolfless.

I ran through the forest, branches whipping against my arms and face, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The sounds of my hurried footsteps and the pounding of my heart filled my ears. I didn't dare look back, fearing I would see Alpha Cepheus chasing me.

Why am I even running?

I didn't have time to answer my own question. I just knew I had to get away.

Eventually, I burst out of the forest and onto the familiar path leading back to the village. I slowed my pace, trying to catch my breath and calm my racing heart. I glanced over my shoulder one last time, but there was no sign of Alpha Cepheus. Maybe he wasn't following me after all. I'm just over thinking it too much.

Feeling a mixture of relief and confusion, I continued walking back to the bakery. The village was quiet, the streets empty as most of the pack members had already retreated to their homes. The moon cast a silvery glow over the houses, and the night air was cool and crisp.

When I reached the bakery, I found Grandma waiting for me at the door, concern etched on her face. "Callista, are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm fine, Grandma," I said, forcing a smile. "Just needed some fresh air."

She didn't look convinced, but she didn't press the issue. "Come inside, dear. It's late, and you need your rest."

I nodded and followed her inside, the warmth of the bakery enveloping me like a comforting blanket. I headed up to my room, my mind still racing with thoughts of Alpha Cepheus and the strange encounter in the forest.

As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened tonight. Alpha Cepheus presence in the forest wasn't a coincidence. But what did he want? And why was I so affected by his mere presence?

Author's Note:

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-Intimate_Ivy