Wolfless Oversized Mate

Alpha Bran's POV

"Make sure the dignitaries are settled in," I instruct one of the pack members. The gathering is in full swing, and I'm doing what I always do - managing, overseeing, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

This gathering comes only once in a year; it is the time of the year when wolves from different Packs come together. Deals will be sealed, and we get the time to speak with dignitaries about establishing companies and investing in businesses, which helps in developing the Pack. The gathering tonight, I can say is second to the Full Moon, where all wolves get more strength.

The responsibility that comes with leading a Pack is second to none. Tonight is also about strengthening alliances and showing the neighbouring packs that we are strong, united, and capable. Nothing must go wrong.

I glance around, seeing how the lanterns glow warmly over the scene. Everything is going as planned.

As I move through the crowd, exchanging nods and brief words with some Alpha friends, I glimpse Talia standing at the edge of the gathering, trying to blend into the background as usual. My mind rushes. Talia has always been an odd one - always different from the others. A wolfless, overweight girl who's never quite fit in. I've seen her struggle, but it's not my place to coddle her. She has to find her way.

I'm about to turn away when the music halts. "Talia is it again," I say through gritted teeth. She's good at creating scenes. I wonder why her parents won't let her stay indoors. I'm aware she's of age and needs a mate, but I can't stop thinking- who can be so unfortunate to be Talia's mate? I am about to send her home, thanks to her father, who pleaded for her forgiveness.

"Alpha Bran, it's amazing how your Pack gathering runs smoothly yearly." An Alpha friend says walking up to me with a smile. But I am not able to reply as a sudden feeling envelops me. I need no seer to tell me it's the mate bond. I smile weakly in response to my friend as the bond keeps pulling me, and I can't control my legs.

I move, sniffing and following the familiar scent in my nose. Shock grips me when my legs stop in front of Talia, How can this be real? How can someone like Talia be my mate? The thought is absurd, but the bond's pull is strong. My heart beats loudly as I try to process the situation and the implications of what this means.

"Talia," I mutter, not believing it. She's standing, looking just as shocked as I feel, and I know she's feeling it too. This can't be happening. The Moon Goddess must be playing some cruel joke.

I have been praying to Selene to give me a befitting mate as my Luna. I can't take a wolf less overweight wolf for a Luna. This is a mistake, a terrible, irreversible mistake. I've worked too hard to build this pack, to maintain its strength and unity. I can't afford to be tied to someone like Talia, who doesn't have the strength or the power to stand by my side.

I approach her, seeing hope in her eyes and the desperate need for acceptance. It only makes what I plan to do even harder. But I can't let that sway me. I have to think of the pack and what's best for everyone.

"This can't be happening," I say. The words taste bitter, but they need to be said.

I see her flinch a little, but she holds her ground, locking her eyes on mine. "It's the bond, Bran. You can feel it, too.", she voices.

She's right. I can feel it, but that doesn't change the reality of our situation. I can't let it dictate my actions. I've always prided myself on being smart and making decisions that benefit the pack.

I take another step closer. "No, this is a mistake. A wolfless, overweight werewolf can't be my mate."

I see the hurt in her eyes, but she masks it quickly, and her expression changes. The tension in the clearing silencing the crowd.

She squares her shoulder, forcing a smile that looks more like a grimace. "Well, Bran, I guess the Moon Goddess has a sense of humour. Too bad she didn't give you one."

Her words catch me off guard, but I maintain my composure. I am not sure of what the consequences of rejecting her will be, but one thing I am sure of is that I cannot take an oversized glutton like Talia as Luna. Never.

The crowd is shocked by her defiance. I didn't expect her to fight back, to stand up to me like this. My mind is a blur of thoughts, trying to compare the Talia I've known with the one standing before me.

"Talia," I begin, but she cuts me off.

"Don't worry, Bran. I'm sure there's some loophole you can find to get out of this. After all, we can't have someone like me ruining your perfect reputation, right?"

"This conversation is over, Talia. You should leave now," I say. It's the only way I can protect myself, protect the pack. The bond still tugs at me, pulling me toward her, but I force it down, burying it deep inside where it can't affect me

She nods, keeping her head high as she turns on her heel and walks away. The crowd parts for her, their eyes following her as she goes. I watch her leave, feeling the sting of what just happened, but I can't tell the show. I won't let her or anyone else see how much this affects me.

When she left, I rushed into the restroom. The only place that can serve as my hiding place for now. If Selene was not a Goddess, I would have thrown a punch in her face by now. "Do you think we made a good decision by rejecting her?" Fabian, my wolf speaks. All this while he has been silent. I know he's shocked too.

"I don't know, Fabian," I say amid a sigh "I don't know."

I brace myself to continue the party without thinking about Talia. An Alpha can't be seen as weak. The figure I see before me shocks me.