Luna's Rejection, Alpha's Regret

Seven days later…

I stood on the balcony of my family’s pack house, watching Cyrus and his entourage approach with a mixture of emotions burning in my chest.

Anger, hurt and a stubborn flicker of hope warred within me as I observed the man who had both captured my heart and shattered it. As expected, they came bearing the finest of gifts and if I was not so angry, I would have laughed at their faces.

Cyrus too was playing the perfect, contrite actor. His shoulders were tense, his steps were heavy and he looked as innocent as morning dew. I knew without doubt he had come to beg for a second chance.

No sooner had he arrived than a maid rushed up to me.

“Miss Elara, your father, is requesting for your presence at the great hall,” she said quietly.

I nodded and dismissed her. If I didn’t honour my father’s call, it’d be disrespectful. Drawing in a deep breath, I started towards the great hall. As soon as I entered, Cyrus who had been kneeling in front of my father suddenly rose to his feet, and came to me, his face the picture of contritely.

“Elara!” Cyrus breathed but I avoided his gaze and continued moving as if he hadn’t just called my name. “Darling, I know I hurt you,” he continued. “But I am here to make things right. Our packs need this alliance, and I… I need you too".

“Father,” I bowed when I reached my dad. “You called for me".

My father nodded giving me a tender look. “Yes dear,” he nodded “Alpha Cyrus, came looking for you and was sprawled on the floor making a fool of himself, insisting he will not leave until you grant him audience".

I turned to Cyrus now but still silent, my impassive mask in place. Immediately, he rushed to where I was and tried to reach for my hand but I cringed and moved back.

“I’m sorry, my love,” he repeated. I don’t know what came over me that wedding day and I’ll do anything to prove to you how sorry I am. Please, give me the chance to make this right".

“So, you’re tired of sending people to come apologize on your behalf?” I scoffed. “Why are you here? Did you suddenly realize that it was you who was at fault and not me?”

He nodded slowly. “I was ashamed to come before you but I’m here now and I’m sorry".

“Daughter,” my father said, his voice grave. “I know you’ve been wronged, but we must consider the bigger picture. The rogue packs grow stronger every day and neither Winterfang nor Stormhowl can survive the coming war alone".

I turned, surprised at my father. I had expected him to be furious with Cyrus. Why was he speaking for him?

“Dad, you cannot seriously expect me to just forgive him… I would never raise my head high if I return to Stormhowl with him. He disgraced me and our family".

“I assure you dear, that soon no one will talk about it again,” my father persisted. “Just do this as your duty to the pack and your mate. I’m sure he was carried away and you can see how haggard he looks… he really miss you".

My wolf, Nyx, growled within me, urging me to reject Cyrus’s plea. But as a princess raised to put my pack’s needs first, I knew I couldn’t let my personal feelings jeopardize our survival.

After hours of discussion, negotiations and pleas mostly from Cyrus. He finally made a solemn vow. “I promise you, Elara, I will give you the grandest weddings our packs have ever seen next month. I’ll make it memorable,” he said enthusiastically.

With great reluctance, I agreed. The alliance was too important to discard, regardless of my wounded pride and heart. We finally hugged it out and I insisted I would come on by the next day.

By Noonday, I arrived at Stormhowl Pack but as the gates opened, I noticed there was a crowd at the entrance of the gate, thinking they had come for me, I came out of my transport, only for me to spot Nadia at the centre of the crowd, talking and greeting them. Our gaze met and she skipped to where I was.

“Welcome Luna Elara,” she said with a warm smile that seemed sincere, her voice sweet as honey. “We’re so honored to have you join our pack".

I forced a smile, returning her greeting with as much grace as I could since the people were staring at us now. “Thank you, Nadia. I look forward to getting to know everyone".

As she hugged me, Nyx’s voice reached my ears. “Be careful of her. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. She could be dangerous".

Cyrus then appeared, moving to my side and placing a gentle hand on the small of my back. “Welcome home, my love,” he said, loud enough for the crowd to hear.

I managed another smile and we started towards the pack house. As we went, Cyrus leaned in close to whisper in my ears.

“I know there’s been tension between you and Nadia but I hope you can both move past it. Her father was Beta Marco, he died saving my life in the last rogue war and I’ve looked after her like a little sister since then. I hope you can understand and bear with her presence. You’ll like her once you get to know her more".

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. I understood Cyrus’s sense of obligation but something about the way Nadia looked at him made me think she wanted more than just brotherly affection.  

That night, I laid in bed, willing sleep to come but the unfamiliar sound of Stormhowl pack kept me on edge. After hours of tossing and turning, I decided that a run might help clear my head.

“Perhaps, Cyrus would like to join us,” Nyx suggested and I agreed. Some time running together might help rebuild the connection we had lost.

I slipped out of my room crossed the hallway to Cyrus’s door and knocked on it, wearing a big smile on my face.

But as the door swung open, instead of Cyrus, I saw Nadia standing at the doorway, a towel wrapped over her wet, naked body.