Chapter 3: A Desperate Resolve

Ariana

A month had passed since that fateful night, when my world had shifted and shattered under the weight of secrets and desires. The memory of Lucas—the notorious Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack—still lingered in the recesses of my mind, a constant reminder of the choices I had made and the path I now walked.

The days had blurred together, each one marked by a sense of longing and regret that seemed to coil around me like a vise. I moved through the routines of pack life, my actions a carefully orchestrated dance to keep my secrets hidden. Yet, despite my efforts, news of a looming engagement managed to penetrate the walls I had built around myself.

Whispers of the engagement between Lucas and my sister Seraphina reverberated through the Silver Moon Pack, sending ripples of excitement and anticipation throughout our territory. The union between our pack and the powerful Blood Moon Pack was seen as a triumphant alliance, one that promised strength and unity against any threat that might arise.

The excitement in the air was palpable, but my heart remained heavy with a different emotion—an emotion I struggled to name. It was a mixture of sadness, resentment, and an unshakable sense of loss. The knowledge that my mate—my supposed soulmate—was now betrothed to another was a bitter pill to swallow.

I watched from the periphery as Seraphina basked in the adoration of our pack, her every move met with admiration and approval. My father's preference for her was painfully evident, his attention and affection a stark contrast to the neglect I had grown accustomed to.

As the engagement was announced, a wave of sadness washed over me, threatening to drown me in its depths. I felt like an outsider, a spectator in my own life, as the world celebrated a union that felt like a cruel twist of fate. I was lost in the sea of congratulations and well-wishes, my own desires and feelings buried beneath layers of obligation and pretense.

But within the depths of my heart, a fierce resistance burned. The thought of Seraphina taking away the mate who was rightfully mine was unbearable. I refused to accept it—to be relegated to the shadows once again, to allow my happiness to be dictated by the whims of others.

It was this fiery determination that drove me to make a decision, a decision that would alter the course of my life. I couldn't stand by and watch as the man I believed was meant to be mine stepped into the spotlight, while I remained in the shadows, consumed by my own heartache.

With each determined step, I made my way towards the Blood Moon Pack's territory, the moonlight guiding me through the darkened woods. The tension in the air was palpable, a reflection of the turmoil that raged within me. I was driven by a need to reclaim what was rightfully mine, to confront Lucas and tell him that I was his mate.

As I approached the imposing entrance to the Blood Moon Pack's territory, my heart raced with a heady mix of anticipation and nerves. This was it—the moment that could change everything. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath, my resolve firm as I prepared to face the man who had unwittingly become the center of my world.

But my determination was short-lived. Before I could take another step, a figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, imposing presence that blocked my path. It was Lucas's beta, a loyal and fierce warrior who served at Lucas's side.

He crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze unwavering as he studied me with a mixture of scrutiny and curiosity. "Ariana," he rumbled, his voice tinged with a hint of caution. "What brings you here?"

I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest as I met his gaze. "I need to speak with Lucas," I managed to say, my voice betraying none of the uncertainty that churned within me.

The beta's brow furrowed, his expression unreadable. "About what?"

I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to voice my thoughts aloud. "I need to tell him that I'm his mate."

His eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "Ah, I see." He seemed to consider my words for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm afraid that won't be possible."

My heart sank, disappointment mingling with frustration. "Why not?"

The beta's gaze softened, and he took a step closer to me. "Lucas is... preoccupied at the moment. The preparations for the upcoming union are demanding his attention."

I clenched my fists, a surge of determination surging through me. "It's important," I insisted, my voice tinged with desperation. "He needs to know."

Beta Marcus regarded me for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. "Very well," he finally said, his tone conceding to my persistence. "I will relay your message to him."

Relief washed over me, followed by a renewed sense of determination. "Thank you," I murmured, my gratitude genuine.

He nodded once before turning away, his figure disappearing into the darkness. I stood there for a moment, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I had taken the first step, I had voiced my desires—now, all that remained was to wait and see if fate would be kind enough to grant me a chance at the love I had yearned for.

As I turned and made my way back home, the moonlight illuminating my path, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held. The road ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges and obstacles, but I was prepared to face them all in the name of love and the hope that had been ignited within me.