Chapter 007

RAFE

When I arrived back at the pack house, I headed straight to my study, my mind churning with the day's events. The sweet scent of Selene still lingered in my head, a tantalizing reminder of our meeting.

As I walked through the corridors, the pack members I passed lowered their heads in respect, their gazes avoiding mine. I signaled a maid to inform my Beta, James, to report to my study immediately.

My study was a sanctuary of order amidst chaos, its dark wood paneling and heavy bookshelves filled with ancient texts and strategic maps. I barely had time to settle into the leather chair behind my desk when the door creaked open. James stepped in, his head bowed in deference.

"Welcome back, Alpha," he said, his voice steady but his eyes flickering with curiosity.

I nodded, waving for him to take a seat. "James, we have much to discuss. The situation with the Silver Crescent Pack is escalating faster than anticipated. At this rate, I won't need to go to great lengths."

James sat down, his posture rigid. "What did you find out, Alpha?"

I leaned back, my fingers steepled. "I met Selene today. The Luna of the Silver Crescent pack."

James's eyes widened, shock evident on his face. "You met the Luna of the Silver Crescent Pack? Was it safe? Such a meeting could have people talking."

I allowed myself a small smile. "It was a secret meeting, James. No one knows, and no one will find out." I had been careful and I made sure to inform the driver to erase today from his memory completely.

James's brows furrowed. "What does she want?"

"Selene wants me to gather evidence against her husband, Damon," I replied, watching as the shock deepened on James's face. "She believes he's been unfaithful and plotting something that could endanger her and the pack."

James shook his head, clearly struggling to process the information. I am not surprised, I had also struggled to process the information as well when Selene had told me.

"Why would she come to you for help? You're the Alpha of a rival pack."

"Desperation, perhaps," I mused, tapping my fingers on the desk. "Or maybe she sees me as the lesser of two evils. Either way, this presents an opportunity for us."

James nodded slowly, his mind clearly racing. "What do you need me to do, Alpha?"

"Increase our surveillance on Damon," I instructed. "I want to know his every move. And reach out to our informants within the Silver Crescent Pack. If there's any truth to Selene's claims, I want evidence. Solid evidence."

James hesitated for a moment, then spoke up, his voice cautious. "Alpha, may I speak freely?"

I raised an eyebrow, nodding for him to continue. "Of course, James. What is it?"

"What if this is a trap?" James asked, his eyes filled with concern. "The Luna of the Silver Crescent Pack has always hated you. What if this is a plot to undermine us?"

I considered his words carefully before responding. "I understand your concern, James. But I believe Selene is desperate. When I met her, I saw something in her eyes, a mix of fear and determination. She's not lying. All we need is solid evidence to back it up."

James seemed to ponder my words, still looking uncertain. "And you're sure it's not a setup Alpha?"

I leaned forward, my gaze steady. "I'm sure, James. There's one more thing you need to know."

James looked at me expectantly, his curiosity piqued. "What is it, Alpha?"

I hesitate for a moment unsure if I should tell him, I have managed to keep it a secret for years and maybe I should keep it to myself a bit longer. But James is my Beta, if he is going to help with this situation, he is bound to find out the truth soon and it is best he hears it from me first.

"Selene is my mate," I revealed, watching as shock and disbelief played across his features.

"Your mate?" James repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "But how—she's married to Damon. How can she be your mate?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I found out some years back, at our first meeting before she got married. The moment I saw her, I knew she was my mate. But before I could discuss it with her, I heard of her marriage to Damon. It was too late."

James shook his head, clearly stunned by the revelation. "That's... that's incredible. And she doesn't know?"

"No, she doesn't," I said, my voice heavy with the weight of the secret. Well, I suspect she knows now and is still refusing to acknowledge it. "And now, with everything that's happening, it complicates things even more."

James seemed to take a moment to absorb the information, then nodded resolutely. "I'll get all the details we need on Damon, Alpha. If Selene is truly your mate, we'll do everything in our power to protect her and expose Damon."

"Good," I said, "Remember, James, this stays between us. No one else can know."

"Understood, Alpha," he replied, bowing his head once more before leaving the room.

James stood in the doorway, about to leave, when he hesitated and turned back to face me. "Alpha, there's one more thing."

I looked up from the papers I was already shuffling ready to get back to some unfinished paperwork, my brows furrowing in curiosity. "Yes, James?"

"Your grandmother has sent the daughter of Alpha George of the Dark Moon Pack. She's been waiting for your return," he said, his voice cautious.

I frowned, a wave of irritation washing over me immediately. The memory of my grandmother's words echoed in my mind. She had warned me that if I didn't find a wife soon, she would take matters into her own hands.

She had shown me some pictures of ladies who she believed would fit the criteria but none of them were Selene and I know even if my grandmother had considered Selene. She was now seen as a married woman.

A blind date was the last thing I needed right now, especially with everything going on with Selene and the Silver Crescent Pack.

James continued, sensing my displeasure. "Should I send her away, Alpha?"

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "No, let her come. I'll see her, even though it's the last thing I want to deal with right now."

James nodded, "I'll inform her. She'll be in the main hall."

"Thank you, James," I said, dismissing him with a wave of my hand. As he left, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of frustration. My grandmother's meddling was well-intentioned, I know she only means well for me and the pack but it couldn't have come at a worse time.

Not long after James left, I heard a soft knock on the door. I straightened up, mentally preparing myself for the encounter. "Come in," I called out.

The door opened, and a young woman stepped inside. She was striking, with long, dark hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to take in every detail of the room. She moved with a grace that spoke of her upbringing in a powerful pack, but there was a hesitancy in her steps that revealed her uncertainty.