Chapter 2 Choices

Damian changed his direction immediately and began walking towards her cabin. He couldn't explain his attraction to her. It was like a compass being drawn to the true north.

"Selene," he said, his voice unusually soft.

She looked up, and smiled lightly. Her smile changed her features from beautiful to stunning. "Alpha," she greeted him, and her tone clearly showed her love and admiration for him.

"Successful hunt?" She asked softly

"Always." He said and pointed toward her basket. "Midnight gathering again?"

"The moonflowers only bloom for a few hours during the full moon," she explained. "Their essence heals fever dreams some of the younger ones have during their first transformation"

This was a pattern for them. They usually had brief and casual conversations that intensified emotions and feelings. It had been four years since Selene returned from the Northern pines where she had learnt healing . Yet they had never spoken about their feelings.

The pack's traditions didn't give them a chance. The timing was never right. As Alpha, Damian was expected to choose his Luna based on strength and bloodline. His personal preference wasn't an option. However, the moon goddess, Selara had the final say.

Soon, his true mate will be known during the Lunar Bonding Ceremony.

"The elders are waiting," Damian said with reluctance in his tone.

Selene's lips curved. "I assume it's more discussions about the ceremony."

"You can't imagine," Damian replied.

"They are simply worried about the future of the pack." Her gaze softened. "As are you."

Damian's jaw tightened. "My concerns for the pack are not just about traditions, you know that."

"I know" She hesitated, then added quietly, "The ceremony is in three days. Are you sure you're ready for what the moon goddess might reveal?"

Damian's heart skipped a beat. This was the closest they had come to talking about their feelings for each other. He always hoped the goddess would be kind, and see the truth in his heart.

"You know I didn't believe in leaving my fate to the goddess," he said carefully.

Selene's eyes lit up in hope. However before she could respond, a call came from the direction of the lodge.

"Alpha! The council is waiting."

Damian didn't hide his anger this time around. "I have to go," he said to Selene.

"I understand. " She smiled but they had a hint of sadness.

"Goodnight, Damian."

A rush of possessiveness flooded his veins. He would have pulled her into his arms at that moment, to hell with the council. But he simply nodded and turned, facing the direction of the lodge.

The council chamber was warm, with dozens of candles serving as lightning. Seven elders sat around a circular table, their aged faces carried wisdom but were also stubborn. They rose and bowed as Damian entered.

"Alpha," Elder Kai, the oldest among them, spoke first. "We were afraid you wouldn't join us tonight."

"Oh I wasn't aware I had a choice," Damian replied sternly, taking his seat at the head of the table. As the others sat at their places, he noticed a familiar tension in the air. "What urgent matter requires my attention this time?"

Elder Miriam, the pack's seer and the only female among the elders, motioned to speak. She wasn't really afraid of Damien like the others. "The Lunar Bonding Ceremony is near, Alpha. The preparations are nearly complete, but we have concerns."

"Sure you do" Damian leaned back, he seemed relaxed but he was boiling within. "Let me guess, you have more questions about who the goddess will choose?"

"It is not a small matter," Elder Kai retorted. "The mate of the Alpha becomes Luna, the mother of future generations. The pack's survival depends on this union."

Damian's face wore no expressions, but he had concerns about it too. The elders already made it clear the bloodline of she-wolves they deemed fit. She -wolves who were warriors and had strong bloodlines and could produce powerful heirs. Selene's name didn't even make the list.

"I know our traditions well." he replied coldly. "But let's not forget that the moon goddess has the final say."

"You do too," Elder Miriam added softly. "The goddess reveals, but the Alpha can decide if he accepts."

Silence followed her words. Rejecting a mate chosen by the goddess had never happened. Everyone knew challenging the goddess ended in tragedy. Yet he had the right as Alpha to exercise it.

Elder Kai cleared his throat. " Alpha, there are many fine she-wolves fit for the goddess's blessing. Lyra of the Silver Ridge pack is one of such beautiful choices. "Her lineage is perfect and your union with her would strengthen our borders to the east."

Damian wore his expressionless face again. He knew Lyra was from a powerful bloodline. Infact, her ambition to become the Luna of the Blood moon pack was public knowledge. She was beautiful, strong, and ruthless just like Damian. According to traditions, she was a perfect match. But the thought of being bound to her for life made his insides boil.

"Let us leave the final choice to the goddess," Damian said

"Is there anything else that requires my attention tonight?" He asked

The elders looked at each other. They didn't like the fact that he dismissed their concerns but couldn't push further. They resorted to bringing up minor pack issues like fights over hunting territories, reports from the borders and so on. Damian addressed each one carefully and decided on all matters with wisdom.

The meeting ended but Elder Miriam stayed behind. As soon as they were alone, she looked at Damian with a sharp gaze.

"I know your heart has already chosen," she said quietly. She wasn't asking for his choice, she knew.

Damian looked back at her but didn't confirm nor deny her accusations.

"Be careful, Alpha," she warned. " I know that your heart wants what it wants, but rebellion against fate has its consequences. I do hope you are prepared to bear the consequences of your actions.

"What do you mean Elder?" Damian growled, he was losing patience.

"You know whom I speak of". Her eyes were kind and gentle. "I know she has brought healing to a pack that has experienced much bloodshed. But you must ask yourself if she is strong enough to be the Luna of the most feared Alpha in the territories. Can she stand by your side in battle? And are you prepared for the goddess's wrath if you defy her?

She didn't give Damian a chance to respond. She simply bowed and took her leave.

Later that night in his quarters, Damian stood by the window, gazing at the moon. It was three more nights until the ceremony.

From his quarters, he could see the soft glow of light from Selene's cabin. His wolf became restless within him. He wanted to race to her cabin and claim her for himself.

"Soon," he whispered to the moon.

"Soon we will know."