Weight of the pack

“I am sorry we couldn't save him.” the pack doctor told Maya.

Eden slowly sank to the floor and started to weep.

“I am sorry, Eden.” her best friend Maya sat beside her and patted her shoulder comfortingly.

Eden didn't want to be comforted as she knew what lied in front of her now he was gone.

She wasn't ready now, her pillar was gone, the fate on the pack would lie on her weak shoulders and that wasn't the plan.

Dad had promised her trainings and so much more so she could fit into the demanding position.

But now....he was gone and she had no choice than to carry the load of being an Alpha.

“He was my everything Maya, ever since mother died, we have been together, I don't know how to survive without him.” Eden said, as she sobbed, she had really loved her father. He was her best friend and was always there for her.

The pack doctor, Odoi. Crouched down in front of her,” The whole pack is here for you Eden, I don't want you to think that you are alone. Your father was our Alpha and a perfect one too. You are our new leader, and we will also support you.”

Eden looked up in panic, she knew nothing about ruling a pack. “I can't be a leader. I know nothing about ruling.”

“Don't worry, Eden, we will take everything one step at a time. For now, let's focus on the burial.” Odi told her gently.

“Okay.” Eden replied.

Someone came into the room, it was Lucas, Eden's close friend who she also had a massive crush on.

He rushed to Eden and pulled her into a hug.

“I came as soon as I heard, how are you holding up?” he asked her.

Eden burst into tears again, Lucas continued hugging her and whispering consoling words to her.

“We are here for you, Eden, we all are.” he told her.

Some few days later.....

The elder council of the pack were having a meeting, the old Alpha had been buried, and it was time to pick a new alpha.

“I don't think the girl should be our new Alpha.” one of the elders said.

“And why do you say so?” Odi asked.

“She is just a little girl, our late Alpha never taught that girl anything about leading, all he did was coddle and pamper her, if she becomes our new Alpha, we would become a laughingstock.” the elder explained.

“I entirely agree with him, the girl is too weak.” another elder said.

“But she can learn to be stronger, she is the next in line to be Alpha, and we have to follow tradition or the moon goddess will be furious with us.” Another elder pointed out.

“I have an idea, since she is weak, what if she marries someone strong.” another elder suggested.

“Excellent idea!” the elders agreed.

“But she hasn't found her mate yet.” Odi disagreed.

“She is an Alpha, she does not need to marry her true mate, all she needs is a strong alliance.” the elder who provided the suggestion argued.

And so, it was decided that Eden would get married before becoming the leader of the pack. Although Odi disagreed with their decision, he had no choice but to accept.

When Eden was told of this new development, she panicked and did not know what to do.

“Where do I find a mate, Maya?” she asked her best friend.

“If only you had found your mate, this would have been easier. Is there any man in this pack that you desire?” Maya asked her.

'Just Lucas' Eden thought to herself, but she dared not voice out her feelings.

“None.” she said embarrassingly.

The two friends sat and thought about to do.

“What about Lucas?” Maya asked.

Eden looked at her confused, “What do you mean by Lucas?”

“Why not marry him, he is a forceful werewolf, and he is respected in the pack.”

“I doubt that is a good idea, Lucas and I are best friends and I don't want things to be awkward between us.”

“Eden, things won't be awkward, and besides since he is your friend, you will feel much safer with him than marrying a random stranger.”

“But how do I tell him I want us to get married, I don't think I have the courage to do that.” Eden complained.

“Don't worry, I will talk to him about it.” Maya assured her.

“Okay, but if he refuses, don't pressure him to do it.”

“I won't, okay?”

“Okay, I can't thank you enough, Maya.”

“You are welcome.”

Later that day….

“Are you out of your mind, Maya? You want me to get married to Eden?” Lucas asked Maya.

“Yes.” Maya replied.

“I don't understand, you want me, your boyfriend, to get married to Eden, our friend.” Lucas asked again to be sure that Maya wasn't joking.

“Yes, listen to me Lucas, this is a perfect opportunity for you to increase your ranking in this pack, you will become the Alpha. Think about all the benefits.” Maya persuaded Lucas.

“What about our relationship?”

“Don't worry about that. Get married to her first, then later we reveal everything to her.”

“Maya, I don't think this is a good idea. Eden is a sweet soul, and she doesn't deserve to be deceived like this. You know she trusts us a lot.” Lucas still disagreed on the matter.

“I know she is a sweet soul, but we aren't deceiving her, we are helping her out. With our help, she is going to become the leader of this pack, continuing her Father's legacy, I don't think she will be angry with us.”

“Maya….”

Maya hooked her arms around Lucas neck and drew him closer, “Baby, do you want to be an ordinary warrior wolf for the rest of your life? You have the chance to be an Alpha now, you don't have to feel guilty about anything. Okay?" She looked into his eyes with her charming eyes.