CHAPTER FOUR: HEAVY IS THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN.

ALPHA ETHAN's POV.

Entering the house, my Luna greeted me with a bright smile. "Hey, how was your day?" her face showed concern.

The anger that had been boiling inside all through the day dissipated directly when I pulled her against my chest, holding her close to me. "It was hell," I growled into her hair.

Ruby's hands began to knead my tight muscles. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

I exhaled hard, blowing out a frustrated sigh. "As is the council breathing down my neck to get another woman pregnant is not has enough . And then, at the ceremony tonight, all the women looked like they'd been hit by a makeup truck and then run over by cheap cologne vans."

Ruby's soft laughter soothed my riled nerves. "It's all right, Ethan. You're doing this for our pack. And at least one of them wasn't hit by that makeup truck."

I looked up, meeting her gaze. "Do you like her?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Ruby's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "I like Scarlett Blackwood. She's pretty, and her answers seemed genuine, not rehearsed like the others."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "I'm glad you like her," I said, smiling.

Just as we were getting cozy, my mother, the former Luna, walked into the room. "Ethan, what did you do out there?" she asked, an edge of disapproval in her voice.

I rolled my eyes, sarcasm dripping from my voice. "Oh, I chose a concubine, just like the council and you wanted me to."

My mother's expression had turned grave. "We need to talk in private."

I nodded, gesturing for her to follow me. With every step I took toward my chambers, I could feel her stare burning into my back.

The minute they were alone, she bombarded him with questions. "Why did you choose Scarlett? What was running in your mind?

Just to get her off my back, I agreed we would speak later. "Right now, I have matters of greater priority to attend to."

I then called my waiting messengers, standing by the door. "Tell Scarlett Blackwood to be present in my chambers this night."

I smiled sweetly as my mother's face inflamed with a flush of furious anger. "We'll be talking later, Mother."

Out she stormed, leaving me to wonder if I had just made a huge mistake.

I followed my mother to her chambers, having in mind that I was being rude to her, which made me feel guilty. As we entered, I closed the door behind us and approached her.

"Mother, I am so sorry," I said, taking her hands into mine. "I was out of order earlier. A lot has been weighing on my mind lately, what with the council breathing down my neck to produce an heir."

My mother's face softened as she leaned over to pat my hands. "I'm not angry, Ethan. I only want what is best for you and the pack. I just want you to pick a mate that will bear healthy pups and be loyal to you."

I nodded, understanding her concern. "Don't worry, Mother. I'm sure Scarlett is really great. She doesn't seem like trouble.

 Worry danced in her shining eyes. "I hope she is, Ethan, and I pray she's fertile and give the pack what Ruby couldn't.

I felt a surge of defensiveness on Ruby's behalf. "Mother, it is not Ruby's fault if the gods decide she's not meant to carry a child of her own. Besides, Ruby has other gifts. She's a rare wolf who can heal others by connecting with their souls. That's a precious gift, one that should be valued just as much as bearing an heir. She is the best Luna this pack can ask for.”

My mother playfully hit my chest. "You're a good son, Ethan. And I was a good Luna, too, don't forget."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "I could never forget, Mother. Thank you for understanding."

My mother nodded, her expression serious once more. "Now, go. You have a lady waiting for you in your chambers. It's rude to keep her waiting too long."

I kissed her hair, grateful for her wisdom and understanding. As I left her chambers, I made my way back to my own, wondering what the night had in store for me and Scarlett.

As I entered the room, I saw Scarlett standing with her back to me, close to the table where a book lay open. My heart skipped a beat as I approached her.

"A bookworm, too?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Scarlett turned toward me, a smile on her lips. "Yes, Alpha," she said, accompanying the word with a curtsy.

“This is rare, because most women can never be found with a book in their hand, even if dead.” I joked.

Scarlet let out a soft giggle.

  “You do know what the concubine role entails?” I asked.

“Y-yes alpha.” I mumbled.

I leaned forward, my hand delicately brushing a lock of hair back behind her ear. Scarlett looked into my eyes, and that spark of attraction shone there in her reflection.

I lowered my head toward her without any more words. My lips touched hers as Scarlett's mouth parted, and the stroke of tongues sent a shiver down my back.

Kissing, my need grew, and my body moved to Scarlett's touch. I deepened the kiss, hands roaming over her body, searching out every bend.

Scarlett's hands circled my waist, drawing me closer. I felt her heat, her passion, and I knew I had to have her.

I lifted her, carrying her up to the bed. We collapsed onto the mattress, lips unparting, and Scarlett hooked her legs into me, making me move farther in.

As we moved with each other and our bodies meshed together and after what seemed like an eternity, I let poured my seeds inside her with a grunt.

  Looking at the frail figure in front of me, I suddenly felt a t

ug in my heart.

What do I know about this lady?

 And what really made me chose her?