The Alpha's Hidden Mate

That night, the moon was full. Like a silver coin glowing in the sky, it hung high above the trees. Pale light shimmered on the ground as its rays filtered through the forest's dense foliage. The forest was silent save for the sound of soft footsteps rushing across the ground, and the air was cool and still. Elena was on the run.

Why she had come this far was a mystery to her. Hours before, her wolf had taken over and led her far into the forest. These were not just any woods. Young, unmated she-wolves were warned not to go into these sacred woods. Elder after elder told tales of ancient magic, danger, and the invisible force that lurked among the trees. But here she was, rushing right into the center of everything.

Her heart pounded rapidly. It was more than just the length of time she had been running. Something else was involved. She had been experiencing an odd sensation all day. She felt as though she was being pulled through the trees by an unseen thread. Her wolf trusted it, but she had no idea where it was taking her. She did the same now.

Elena staggered into a clearing after finally breaking through the final row of trees. Abruptly, she stopped. Everything froze. Time appeared to stop. The forest held its breath.

A man stood in the middle of the clearing.

He had broad shoulders, strong arms, and a tall stature. His shirt was ripped at the collar as if he had been running or fighting, and his black hair was disheveled. Breathing quickly and deeply caused his chest to rise and fall. She was initially drawn to his eyes, though. In the moonlight, they were glowing and golden, burning like fire. Anger twisted his face, but beneath the rage was something else. Something crazy. Something wild.

She was familiar with him.

He was the Blood Moon Pack's Alpha Kael.

The Alpha. The wolf with the greatest strength. I was afraid. Honored. strong. At the border between their packs, she had once or twice seen him from a distance, but never in this manner. Never this close.

She now had a crystal-clear understanding of something.

He was her mate.

With a force that nearly knocked her off her feet, the bond clicked into place. Her entire body felt as though a lightning bolt had struck it. Joyful, hungry, and yearning, her inner wolf howled. She had located him. the one the Moon Goddess selected for her. Her perfect match. Her other half

Kael's nostrils widened. He had sensed it, too. She could tell by the tenseness in his body. She caught a glimpse of surprise in his glowing eyes for a single heartbeat. Perhaps even hope.

Elena took a step forward and spoke softly in awe. "You're my mate."

Then Kael's expression changed.

He stepped back, growling low in his throat. His mouth twisted into a nearly snarling shape. His eyes were no longer filled with joy. Just coldness. and rage.

He declared, "I reject you."

The words were like a blow to her. Elena staggered back. She was so shocked that her mouth dropped open. "W-what?" she muttered.

Kael treated her as if she were inconsequential. As if she were dirt underfoot. He remarked, "You're weak." He sounded disgusted. "You're not fit to be the Luna of the Blood Moon Pack."

Elena's eyes were filled with tears. In an attempt to comprehend, she shook her head. Confused and hurt, her inner wolf whimpered. "But... I was chosen by the Goddess."

Kael stepped closer and said, "She made a mistake." He spoke in a low, warning voice. "Ignore that this ever occurred. Don't tell anyone. if you wish to survive.

Although Elena's heart broke, her inner wolf emerged. defensive. fierce. Furious. She raised her chin to look into his bright eyes. She said, "You'll regret this." Her hands shook, but her voice remained steady.

Kael's face softened for a brief moment. Something she couldn't read flickered in his eyes. Did it involve guilt? Anguish? She would never be aware of it. Because he turned away and vanished into the darkness the next instant.

Elena was left in the clearing by herself. Above her, the moon continued to shine. There was still silence in the forest. But she was different on the inside.

That night, she didn't go back to her village. She was unable to. The bond had split her soul in two, and her heart was too broken. She spent a considerable amount of time sitting on the ground in the woods, gazing at the moon. She sobbed until her eyes dried up. Then, slowly, she got up and moved farther into the woods.

Something started to change inside her that night. It was the beginning of something new, but she was unable to identify it at the time. Something strong. Something that would completely alter the situation.

Days went by. Elena took refuge in an ancient, deserted cabin that was obscured by moss and vines. She drank water from a nearby stream and hunted with her wolf. Despite being alone, she didn't feel scared. She settled in the forest. Her strength started to increase.

After three weeks, she became aware of an oddity. Something was off with her body. She had keener senses. The smell of raw meat made her stomach turn. Her moon cycle was then missed.

She initially told herself it was stress. Her body had endured a great deal. But she knew when it happened again. She touched her stomach tenderly.

She was pregnant.

Her throat tightened with breath. She felt a mixture of wonder and fear in her chest. Alpha Kael's child was inside her.

The Moon Goddess had not made a mistake after all.

The story was just beginning.