Chapter 3 The Ultimatum

The next day, Ember woke up with a sad expression on her face. She had just had a dream, a vision of her future with her mate's family being a threat to their love.

"Hi, my love, I hope you had a good night's rest. I'll be back soon; don't miss me too much. I've gone to meet my father, so I can change his mind, then the council won't have a say in our affair. Meet me at our usual spot, Leavenworth waterfall," Asher's note read.

Ember's anxiety kicked in. She knew about Asher's determination, but she also knew how the pack and his father disliked her.

In King Mark's chamber, Asher stood before his father.

"Father, you summoned me?" Asher asked.

"Asher, you need to focus more on your duties as future alpha. Ember is a distraction," King Mark replied.

Asher clenched his jaw. His inner wolf, Ralph, roared at him.

"Ember is my mate, Father. I'll never abandon her," Asher declared.

King Mark's expression turned cold.

"You're putting the pack at great risk, Asher. You must choose between that girl and your duties," King Mark commanded.

Asher was in shock, his heart rebelling against his father's words.

Later that night, he went to meet Ember at their special place.

"What happened?" Asher's eyes locked with hers.

"My father," Asher began. "He has given me an ultimatum: choose between you or my duties as an heir to this land."

Ember's grip on his hand tightened.

"You won't, will you?" she asked, though she knew his answer already and the consequences of it, but she wanted to hear it from him.

Asher's face twisted with a confused look.

"I don't know, Ember. I'm torn," Asher admitted.

"It's like everyone is against our love," Ember said, her voice breaking. "You've been a blessing to my boring life. After the demise of my mother, I've always felt alone until you came. I can't see myself with anyone but you."

Ember was breaking as she spoke.

"I'll never ask you to choose between me and the pack, but I need to know whether you'll stand for us," Ember said.

"I will, Ember, I promise," Asher vowed.

Today was the day when the council decided Ember's and Asher's fate together.

Asher's eyes didn't shine bright as before; he had dark circles due to sleepless nights thinking of how to convince his father.

"Asher, please calm down; I'm getting a migraine already watching you walk around. Let's just go; everything will be fine," Ember said.

Asher and Ember were both present at the council unit.

King Mark spoke out.

"My son Asher's loyalty is divided. He must choose between Ember and the pack."

Caleb spoke up.

"But, sir, she has proven herself. She's loyal and strong."

The council debated.

Asher's heart pounded, hoping for luck to be on his side.

Finally, the decision was made.

King Mark made his declaration.

"Ember Thornhill is not suitable as the alpha mate, but instead, I present you with someone better: Lila Shadowglow. She is the one I approve of; she's the royal blood princess of the Darkhaven Pack. Her pack is an ally of ours, and she'll be of great benefit to us."

Asher and Ember both looked at each other, shocked at the King's announcement.

"Isn't she a stunning she-wolf?" the King laughed.

Lila had green eyes, just like the color of the trees, and showed signs of possessiveness.

"Why was she looking at my man, and why is he looking at her too?" Ember wondered.

Asher's stomach turned; his heart pounded in horror.

Lila was the last person he wanted as a mate; she wasn't trustworthy, a manipulator seeking power.

"Ember is the one I want, Father," Asher protested, his voice firm.

The King's expression turned cold.

"Ember is not suitable, Asher. She won't be good for you. Lila is pack-born, she's strong and loyal. She'll ensure our pack's future, unlike this girl you brought. We don't want commoners here, and if she's really one of us, she would've transformed a long time ago. She's 19, for God's sake; most wolves get theirs at 16, if one is late, then 18."

Lila's eyes showed excitement; her voice praised the King.

"I'm honored to be chosen, Your Majesty. I promise to stand by your son's side and support him as a mate should."

"Gosh, she is disgusting," Ember thought. "This wolf didn't care about me, all she wanted was power and control.

Ember's presence beside him was the only thing keeping him grounded. He reaches for her hands but the king intervenes.

"Asher's anger boiled. 'I won't accept. Ember is my mate and I'll fight for her". I chose her.

King Mark's face darkened. " you won't disobey me son, you'll do as you're told. If not, I'll make her disappear.

You wouldn't dare

Try me and see.

Lila smiled, her smile grew wilder, "I'll make sure Asher understands his duties".

Asher's heart sank deep. His father was like a blow to him, but why? Why so much hate on Ember... to the extent of sacrificing his happiness.

Ember's grip on Asher's hands tightened. "We'll figure something out, 'she whispered quietly.

He nodded, his heart torn into pieces. His Father's betrayal was too deep.

That same day at night, Asher confronted his father.

Why are you doing this father?. "Do you have a riff with Ember's family or you're just doing this for selfish reasons?".

King Mark didn't budge at his son's outburst, his face wasn't readable. "I'm doing what's best for you and the pack Asher".

How is Lila the best for me?

She's a princess, her family and ours are allies. Our both families partnering together would be the most feared for generations to come.

Asher's voice cracked, you're tearing me apart. You did all this just for power?. I don't think so. Do you know something about Ember's family that is why you don't want her.

King Mark's eyes flashed with anger. I don't have anything personal against her. "You're weak son. Lila will make you stronger".

Asher's world shattered. His own father has betrayed him.

As he storms out of his father's chamber hears laughter that echoed through the halls.

He was about to walk past her and Lila purposely bumped into him.

Oh I am so sorry, it was an accident. She smiled.

Why are you here Lila?

Don't you miss me Asher? We used to be all over each other.

Well that ended when you cheated on me with another werewolf.

I apologised, I said I was sorry. I wanted to make up for my mistakes but you didn't give me a chance.

That was a year ago, cheating isn't a mistake. I needed my sanity intact so I left. Besides, you wanted our affair a secret. It's all in the past move on Lila.

I want to fix my mistakes Asher. "I want you back,I want us again". I still love you.

I don't love you anymore, just admit it you're here because of the offer given to you as the next Luna. I'll never accept someone as greedy as you.

Lila worked closely to Asher and whispered into his ears if you don't behave, I'll go to your little girlfriend and tell her everything about us.

You wouldn't dare.

She laughed devilishly, you know me too well Asher I don't make empty threats and she walks away.

Asher knew he had to escape this dilemma, he needed to always be with Ember but he doesn't want to lose the throne. But the pack's expectations and his father's greed is after his happiness.

Ember waited patiently for Asher outside, her eyes teary but she quickly got hold of herself when she sights Asher.

What did he say?" Ember asked.

"He wants me to mate with Lila".

Ember's face twisted, "she knew they had both lost and there was no hope for their love. "We'll fight this, Asher together".

Asher only felt love for Ember, she was his rock,She meant everything to him. He watched how his mother suffered being with his father, there was no love, the pain in her eyes even though she always faked being happy. She was going through hell in silence until she eventually died of a strange illness.

I can't go through all that, he thought to himself.

But as they both walked out of the council headquarters Asher knew the battle ahead wouldn't be easy