SHE IS OURS. STOP FIGHTING IT

Alejandro's POV

I sat in my study, as I stared at the flickering flames in the fireplace. The weight of my decisions pressed heavily on my shoulders.

The events of that night, two nights ago, replayed in my mind—Roxanne’s trembling hands, the way her eyes had filled with pain when I rejected her, and the bond that had sparked between us, only for me to sever it ruthlessly, coupled with the way I had discarded her just after taking pleasure from her body.

I clenched my fists, my wolf growling within me. He was restless and agitated. "She is ours," he snarled, "Why did you fucking reject her, without asking me about it?"

Just like the first time, I shut him out, refusing to entertain the thought. Roxanne was nothing more than a means to an end. She was here to bear my heir. She would bear my heir, and then she would be gone. The bond didn’t matter. It couldn’t matter.

My wolf had forced me into going to see her in the dungeon some minutes ago, and I went even though it was dark and now he's trying to scold me for rejecting her.

I don't feel bad for rejecting her one bit. She's weak. I sensed it the moment I set my eyes on her. No Alpha wants a weak Luna. Every Alpha wants someone that's powerful enough to fight for the pack and that girl is too fragile for that.

Just what cruel joke was the moon goddess playing with me? Giving me a weak woman as my Luna?

A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Enter," I barked, my tone harsher than intended.

The door opened and my Beta, Mason, stepped inside, his expression tense. “Alpha, Elder Kaitlyn is here. She demands to see you immediately.”

I froze, my blood running cold. My grandmother, Matriarch Kaitlyn, was not a woman to be trifled with. Even as the Alpha of the pack, I knew better than to ignore her summons—or her wrath. What could she want at such an hour?

"Where is she?" I asked, standing abruptly.

"In the sitting room," Mason replied. "And, Alpha... she doesn’t look pleased."

I cursed under my breath and strode out of the study, my mind racing. What could she possibly want at this hour of the night? And why did I have the sinking feeling that it had something to do with Roxanne?

“Well, you can't be too sure. It could be something else and we wouldn't know until you meet her” Mason replied and it dawned on me that I was thinking out loud.

Without another word, I walked out of the room and made my way to the sitting room. When I entered the sitting room, my grandmother was seated in her usual chair, her posture regal and her expression thunderous. Her silver hair was pulled back into a severe bun, and her piercing blue eyes, just like my father's, bore into me as I approached.

Mason was right. She didn't look pleased. Not even for one bit.

“Grandma…” I started, but she cut me off.

"Alejandro," she said, her voice calm but laced with anger. "Sit."

I obeyed without question, as I took the seat across from her. "Grandmother, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, especially at such an hour?"

She raised an eyebrow, unamused by my attempt at deflection. "Do not play coy with me, boy. I heard the most disturbing news tonight. Care to explain why your mate is currently rotting in the dungeon?"

I stiffened, my jaw tightening. My guesses were right! She was here because of that weak kid.

"She is not my mate."

"Don’t lie to me, you fool," she snapped, her voice sharp enough to make even my wolf cower. "The entire pack felt the bond snap into place. And yet, instead of cherishing her, you threw her into the dungeon like some common criminal. What is the meaning of this, Alejandro?"

Here we go again! With her exaggeration!

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms defensively. "She is here for one purpose, Grandmother. To bear my heir. Nothing more. The bond changes nothing."

My grandmother's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she might strike me. But instead, she leaned forward, her voice dropped to a low and dangerous whisper. "You listen to me, Alejandro. The bond is a gift from the Moon Goddess herself. To reject it is to spit in her face. And to treat your mate, your true mate, with such disrespect is unforgivable."

I opened my mouth to argue, but she held up a hand, silencing me.

"I don’t care what your reasons are. You will release her from the dungeon immediately. And you will treat her with the respect she deserves as your mate and the future Luna of this pack."

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling within me. "Grandmother, you don’t understand—"

"No, son, I understand perfectly," she interrupted, her voice rising. "You are letting your pride and your past cloud your judgment. But mark my words, Alejandro, if you continue down this path, you will lose everything. The pack, your heir, and the one person the Moon Goddess destined for you."

Her words struck a nerve, but I refused to back down. "She is not what I wanted," I said through gritted teeth. "She is weak, fragile—"

“Enough!” My grandmother roared, as she slammed her hand on the table in front of her. The sound echoed through the room and even I flinched.

"You will bring her out of the dungeon tonight. And you will apologize to her. Did I make myself clear?"

I glared at her, my pride warring with my fear of her wrath. Finally, I nodded, my jaw clenched so tightly it ached. "Fine. I’ll have the guards release her right away"

"Good," she said, her tone softening slightly. "And Alejandro... do not make me regret putting my faith in you as Alpha. The pack looks to you for strength, I do too, but strength without wisdom is nothing more than arrogance."

With that, she stood and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sat there for a long moment, my mind racing. Finally, I stood and called for Mason.

“Bring Roxanne to my chambers,” I ordered. “And ensure she is cleaned up and given proper clothing. Understood?”

Mason nodded, though I could see the surprise in his eyes. "Yes, Alpha."

I made my way to my chambers as he left to carry out my orders. The Old witch's words echoed in my mind. I didn't want to admit it, but a small part of me wondered if she was right. Had I let my pride blind me to what truly mattered?

After what felt like forever, Roxanne was brought to my chambers. I was struck by how she looked, how fragile. But there was a fire in her eyes, the same fire I had seen in her eyes when I got to the dungeon some minutes ago, a defiance that managed to intrigue me.

"You wanted to see me, Alpha?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fear I could smell on her.

I studied her for a moment, my grandmother’s words still ringing in my ears. "You will stay here tonight," I said finally. "The dungeon is no place for you."

She blinked, clearly surprised. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

“That's none of your business, kid. Just do as you are told without asking unnecessary questions. Got it?”

Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. Instead, she simply nodded. "Thank you, Alpha," she said quietly.

I turned away, unable to meet her gaze. "Remember, do not mistake this for kindness," I said, my voice cold. "You are still here for one purpose. Nothing more."

She didn't respond, but I could feel her eyes on me as I walked out of the room. As I walked away, my wolf stirred within me, in a low guttural growl.

"She is ours. Stop fighting it."