Chapter 6 - Maddening Addiction

Chapter 6 - Maddening Addiction

“Would you want to try a pair of sunglasses instead? People here in the city might… you know, get curious with your blindfold,” Lena glanced at her, seeing her soiled clothes and dirtied blindfold. “Here, you can have it if you want.” Lena handed Georgia her sunglasses.

For a minute, Georgia hesitated. 

The blindfold slipped to her lap as she untied it and replaced it with dark sunglasses. She opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. High-rise buildings begin to dominate the skyline, their glass facades reflecting the early morning light. The streets are busy with people, some hurriedly making their way to work, others leisurely strolling with coffee cups in hand. 

The Northern Capital was a place unlike any Georgia had ever experienced. The scent of the city was an overwhelming mix of exhaust fumes, fresh bread from nearby bakeries, and the occasional whiff of flowers from market stalls. The roads were wider, the buildings taller, and the air hummed with the constant activity of humans going about their day. But despite the bustling life around her, Georgia felt an unsettling sense of isolation.

However, she would not chain herself to her past and was willing to take what the Northern Capital would offer. 

Finally, they pull up to a modest but charming flower shop nestled between two larger buildings. The shop’s exterior is painted a soft yellow, with flower boxes overflowing with vibrant blooms beneath the windows. A small sign hangs above the door, swaying gently in the breeze, and the scent of flowers mixes with the fresh morning air. Lena parks the car and turns to Georgia, her voice gentle but filled with warmth. "We’re here.” 

They helped Georgia settle in quickly. Lena explained Georgia’s predicament to her husband, and he agreed to let her stay. Georgia felt a wave of relief as she settled into the small room at the back of the shop. Lena reassured her that they would discuss her stay and the work at the shop after she had rested. With that, Georgia finally allowed herself to relax, her exhaustion taking over as she drifted off to sleep on a couch.

But even as she closed her eyes, the sense of being watched lingered, as if the shadows themselves were closing in on her. Her senses were heightened in an alert as she was in an unfamiliar place. Her guards were up.

Outside, a man lingered across the road, hidden in the darkness. He had been following Georgia since she left the Western Region, tracking her every move with the precision of a predator. The rumors about her being the Alpha King’s mate and the rejection that occurred at the Royal Tryst had reached the enemies, and now he had been sent to track the lady.

He could not see inside the small room where Georgia had settled, but he noted the location of the flower sho and the two elder humans who helped her, memorizing the details. His task was simple: observe and report. There was no need for hasty actions; the information alone would be enough for now.

Weeks now and the shadow lingered from time to time, making sure that Georgia was where he had left her. Then the days followed and Georgia was able to work in the flower shop, welcoming customers every time the bell hanging above the door rang, and charging them for their purchases. Tiffany who was in her early forties was in charge of flower arrangements and gradually, Georgia learned how to do it, by watching behind the heavily tinted sunglasses she had always worn since Lena gave them to her. However, she still had to pretend to be blind and feign several struggles that were smoothly transitioning to familiarity around the shop. Every time the customers learned that she was blind, they would be amazed that she could work around the shop despite the disability, and she just brushed it off politely, saying that she was trained. 

Meanwhile, back in the Western Region, Alpha King Maxton Bergmont, his parents who were the former rulers of the royal pack, and their trusted advisors gathered in the grand council chamber. The room was filled with an air of solemnity, the weight of their discussions pressing down on everyone present. 

The former Alpha King — Lucus leaned forward, his expression grave. “It is time we address the future of our pack,” he began, his voice carrying the authority of decades of leadership. “Maxton needs a Luna to rule beside him. It is not just about tradition; it is about the strength and stability of the pack.”

The former Luna Poline, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement. “A strong and powerful Luna would not only support Maxton but also solidify the pack’s image and influence. We can not afford to appear weak, especially with the recent events.”

One of the advisors, an older man with silver streaked hair, spoke up. “We know that Maxton and Georgia have rejected each other, so it is clear that he must find another Luna. We need someone who embodies the qualities of a leader — someone who can command respect and loyalty.”

The former Alpha King’s gaze swept across the room. “We have several potential candidates in mind. The daughters of Alpha allies, strong she wolves who would make excellent Lunas.”

A younger advisor, known for her sharp mind, Sarah, chimed in. “There is Lady Seraphina of the Silver Claw Pack. She is known for her strategic qualities and strong leadership skills. She would be a formidable Luna.”

Another advisor nodded. “Or perhaps Lady Isolde of the Crescent Moon Pack. She is a fierce warrior, highly respected by her pack and beyond.”

The former Luna added, “Lady Hailey of the Nightshade Pack is also a possibility. She is known for her diplomatic skills and has been instrumental in forging alliances with other packs. I would personally vouch for her. I like her. ”

As each candidate was discussed, the advisors weighed the pros and cons, debating which qualities were most essential for the future Luna. But through it all, Maxton remained silent, his expression unreadable. His mind was elsewhere, his thoughts far from the council chamber. He was not interested to whatever they were discussing. His mind was shifting to Georgia who had been banished, wondering where she could have been, and to his other duties in the pack. Anything else but the current discussion in the chamber.

Finally, the former Alpha King Lucus turned to his son. “Maxton, you have heard our recommendations. It is your decision, but know that the future of the pack rests on your shoulders. You have a duty, not just as an Alpha, but as a leader, to ensure the pack’s continuity. A Luna is essential, not only for ruling but also for producing an heir.”

Maxton’s gaze flickered, but he gave little away. “I understand my duty,” he said quietly, his tone nonchalant. “But this is not a decision to be made lightly. I will consider your recommendations.”

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Maxton’s words hanging in the air. The former Alpha King studied his son, recognizing the burden that lay on him but also knowing that duty must come before personal desires.

The Luna, sensing the tension, spoke softly. “Maxton, we all want what is best for you and the pack. We only ask that you consider the importance of choosing a Luna who can stand beside you, strong and unwavering.”

Maxton nodded slowly, acknowledging her words but not committing to any course of action. He knew the importance of the decision before him, but his heart was not in it. The thought of selecting a Luna from a list of candidates felt empty, devoid of meaning. Yet, he could not ignore the responsibilities that came with his position.

As the meeting drew to a close, the advisors left the chamber, their discussions continuing in hushed tones. The former Alpha King and Luna lingered for a moment, watching their son as he remained seated, lost in thought.

“Maxton,” the former Alpha King said gently yet firmly and with authority in his tone, “remember, the pack’s future depends on you making the right choice, the pack always comes first before anything else,” he reminded him.

Maxton looked up at his father, exhaustion, and indifference in his eyes. He hated being told what to do, and he was still in pain from the rejection, and yet they were already discussing the replacement for Georgia.

Maxton remained in the chamber. He knew what was expected of him, and before he had ever found his mate, he was all devoted to the pack, that the pack would always come first no matter what. He was drunk with power and authority, and he relished it. 

But since he had found his mate, he had met her, felt her, drawn to her, despite the rejection that happened, he could not seem to shake off her presence in his mind. He could not easily forget about her despite what he initially thought. He was firm about not honoring the mate bond before because he did not want any weakness.

But truth be told, he underestimated the power of the mate bond weaved by the gods and goddesses. It was not a light feeling or emotion that anyone could brush off. It was like an addiction. Anyone who had met their mate felt drawn, attached, and craving like their mate was the best drug in their system. 

It is maddening.

And it was driving the Alpha King to depths.