The alpha’s CHOICE

Lila’s POV

I woke with a heavy body, clouded mind and sore fingers, but I noticed the rash and itching reduced.

Slowly and carefully, I sat up then made my way to the bathroom where I took a quick bath before stepping out. I reached for a gown in the most delicate of pale blues—one I recognized would better compliment my eyes. I told myself, It isn’t as if I want to impress him; I merely wish to look presentable. But the truth was buried down deep somewhere.

I dressed for him.

For Adrian.

Thinking of him was treason itself. I bit my lip as I tugged on the ribbons at my waist. He wasn’t mine. Never could be! The very thought of his voice u as he defended me, with calmness and command, like yesterday in the hall, had sunk into me deeply; I wanted to be around him again, even if it means just breaking my own heart a little.

When I got mixed up with breakfast, following Sophia and my mother in my half-formed plans, a miniature dining chamber greeted me with only Adrian present.

For a moment, the world froze.

He looked at me, his eyes like silver coins, and I found it hard to breathe. "You're awake," he said, as if those words were enough to shake me.

"Yes, my lord," I said softly, fixing my dress as I sat down across from him. My heart beat fast; it was just us in this big room.

"I think everyone else ate breakfast early," he said, nodding at a servant who came to pour my tea. "Today is busy and they needed to start. I thought you should rest."

I nodded, unsure if I should thank him or keep quiet. As I sat upright, I picked at the bread on my plate with slightly trembling hands. Then I forced myself to speak.

"About yesterday..." My voice quavered. "Thank you—for stepping in when you did. I don't know what might have happened if—"

"It's fine," he gently interrupted, his tone flat. His eyes softened in such a way that my chest felt tight. "You needn't thank me."

"But I must," I persisted, my voice low as my gaze darted back to look down into my tea. "No one else would have said anything for me."

He was silent for a moment. Then he reclined a little in his chair. "How are you feeling?"

I blinked. "Pardon?"

"Your health," he elaborated. "The rash, the dizziness. Has it lessened?"

I swallowed hard. Of all the questions to spring out of his mouth, concern for me had hardly figured in my calculations. "Better," I admitted, my voice soft. "I—I slept longer than I meant to, but the itching has faded. I should be fit."

His shoulders eased down a notch. "Good. Then you'll be able to manage the rehearsals today, Sophia will be very happy to see you back on your feet, she was extremely worried last night."

The spell broke. I forced a little smile and nodded, while on the inside, my heart broke into a million pieces . He cared. But not for me, for Sophia.

By midday, halls buzzed with life as evyone moved around preparing for the coronation ceremony.

Sophia moved smooth and bright, flooded with kind words from her helpers.

Adrian was busy with his dad and the big group, while I stood by, almost out of sight.

I was not hidden though.

Wherever I went, Victoria's gaze followed me. Her words were sharp, cutting deep.

"See how Sophia stands," she said loud, making sure others heard. "A Luna must be graceful. Simple is okay for some, but not for us."

Her words burned my ears. I looked down, wishing I could just vanish.

But then Adrian entered, filling the room with his presence. "Lady Lila's simplicity is no flaw," he said evenly, his voice full of weight. "It is perfect. In truth, I have counted on her judgment more than once in the last two days. Perhaps others ought to do the same."

Victoria lost her smile yet she did not speak.

My heart raced. He had not said my name with some sort of tender affection, not even as a friend; no, he had said it as someone who understands and respects my worth. I wanted to capture that moment and keep it forever.

Later began the rehearsals for the wolf dance. I had heard rumors about it but had never seen the dance. The dancers moved with expertise; their wolves rose within them, glowing eyes and sharpened grace weaving power into art. Sophia looked radiant, her wolf shimmered beneath her skin.

"Lady Lila, you must also join!" one of the instructors urged kindly. "It is tradition for the sisters of a future Luna to dance beside her. It symbolizes unity."

The throat felt tight. "I...I cannot."

"Cannot?" Victoria's brows raised. "Or won't?"

Sophia advanced quickly. "She doesn't-"

"Oh, that's right. You don't have a wolf, do you?" Victoria smiled cruelly.

"And what is a Hayes daughter without a wolf?" Victoria continued, her voice slicing clean through the hall. "How does she belong to this house if she cannot even stand among her kind?"

Sophia's eyes blazed with fury as she rushed to my side. "That's enough! She's still my sister-"

"Then let her act like one," Victoria retorted. "Those bonded to the throne must have strength. If she cannot dance, then she should not be here at all."

Shame suffocated me. When all at once, I remembered Ethan rejecting me, the secret I shared with Adrian, and my mother standing by silently, each of those weighing down upon me-I bit into my cheek until I tasted the metallic taste of my blood.

And then-

"Mother."

Adrian's thunderous voice rocked the very foundation of the hall.

He didn't shout. He didn't need to. His stare locked with Victoria's, sharp as ice. "The pack does not condone bullying. Not from anyone. Not even you."

The silence thickened.

The tiniest crack appeared in Victoria's composure before her face set cold. "Bullying? I am teaching her what you refuse to. She is weak—"

"Enough," Adrian said again, firmer. His eyes flicked toward me, just for an instant, and I saw the truth-concern buried beneath command. "Her presence is not yours to question. She belongs."

Victoria's hands curled at her sides. Her smile turned into a frown. "Belongs? Then tell me, my son...is it her? Or me?"

The air froze.

My chest was tightening; my heart was drumming so loudly that they would hear it.

And then his answer came.

"Her. I choose her, Mother."