Chapter 3: She's Back?

Alaric's POV

One year later…

“There is no way we can get an Alpha without a Luna,” Elder Adolf shifted to the edge of his seat, attempting to make his stance understandable, “This has been how we have operated for decades and the Alpha has consented to it,” he added. It felt like he was directing it more to me than Rylan.

I looked out the window absentmindedly. They already knew I was hurting from the news of losing my mate but then, father was frail and dying. This was beyond me and I needed to yield to the culture of our Pack.

“When will the ceremony be held? Seer Ashina, what do you advise?” Father's beta, Farkas questioned. He was working tirelessly to see that father get to his feet again but to no avail.

“This has to be done soonest or we risk being seen as weak and become vulnerable to rogue attacks,” Adolf commented, making other members of the council uncomfortable and slightly scared.

“Oh, come off it Adolf. We have two strong sons of the Alpha in our midst, what could possibly go wrong?” elder Boris noted

“When has that ever stopped anything? The news flying around is that our Alpha is dying. We need the position to be occupied,”

“Enough of the long talk,” Beta Farkas turned and asked, “Ashina, what can be done?”

“We need to hold the mating ceremony tonight. It's the only way to choose the Alpha,”

Ashina was a great seer whose words were respected and obeyed. She was father's friend and had watched his back, protecting the Pack against attacks and so, she earned the trust of all and sundry.

“It is settled then,” Farkas stood up. “Rylan, Alaric, get prepared for the mating ceremony at once,” he said and with that, the meeting was over. Everyone gradually exited the meeting room and I could see the happiness in Rylan's eyes. He enjoyed seeing me in pain and since the news of Gina’s death, he has been happier than ever.

I sighed in exasperation. I did not want to be mated to anyone who wasn't my love, Gina. I was still in pain but this was my duty and I needed to adhere to it for the betterment of our Pack. So, I got up and went to my quarters.

It was a full moon night, and the Howlstar pack assembled for the mating ceremony. I stood proudly, attracting admiring glances, yet my mind was elsewhere. This night dredges up memories, tormenting my hardened heart. As the rightful heir to the alpha position, I blended with my pack, but the echoes of my lost mate, Gina, followed me. Her scent lingered, a poignant melody, a constant reminder of a past that held my soul captive.

I paced around my room, knowing I shouldn't let her occupy my thoughts, yet her presence lingered. The air thickened with anticipation as destiny urged me toward the mating ceremony. Nervous, I whispered to myself, "I'm Alaric, the future Alpha of the Howlstar pack," an attempt to fortify my faltering heart.

The atmosphere buzzed with the scent of potential mates, a fragrance both captivating and unsettling. An internal battle raged, one I had struggled to control for the past nine months since the fruitless search for Gina.

She was dead, a reality I didn't want to live. Gina was my mate, strong and part of the pack's soldiers. But the regret was that I wasn't there to save her.

"It's time," Darius whispered to me, a friend and confidant. I nodded in return, and I could see he understood my reservations.

He held my shoulders and smiled at me as he uttered his words. "Move on."

Darius is a man of few words, that conveys volumes through his sparse expressions.

"Some wounds don't heal easily," I defended against the inner conflict.

“Here, this will help.” At the small bar, Darius handed me a tequila. I downed it in one gulp, the burning sensation offering a brief escape from the harsh reality.

I downed a few more shots, moving gracefully toward the ceremony ground, with admiration trailing my every step.

My gaze wanders through the luxurious pack house, a realm of sheer elegance. Crystal chandeliers light up the grand foyer adorned with intricate artwork.

The air carries the lingering scent of rare orchids, leading to spacious living areas with plush carpets where the mating ceremony occurs. Yet, beneath the opulence, tension crackles among the ladies, each vying to be the prince's mate.

My eyes locked onto Rylan, my stepbrother and fellow heir. He smirked in response, both of us carrying the weight of our pack's expectations and the unspoken rivalry for the alpha position.

Tradition dictated that potential female mates would be veiled, their identity unveiled through a unique scent that would draw the Alpha to his match. The drums echoed, syncing with our hearts, marking the beginning of the ritual.

We were soon surrounded by veiled ladies, each emitting a distinct and enticing scent, my senses heightened, instincts kicking in as anticipation peaked.

"Here we go, brother," Rylan patted my shoulders. "Don't let Gina's ghost ruin the fun. It's time to move on," he mocked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Easy for you to say, Rylan. Let's see if your confidence holds up when you catch a whiff of your mate's scent." I glared back at him with a fake smile.

His jaw clenched, and he shot back a retort.

Suddenly, the air thickened with the scents of potential mates, and my heart quickened. I found myself drawn towards a fragrance that seemed to echo Gina's essence. "No, it can't be..." my eyes glowed.

The scents of potential mates filled the air, instantly enveloping me and causing my eyes to glow further, triggering my wolf instincts. The crowd's excitement and cheers heightened.

Moving through the sea of veiled females, my mind toggled between the present and memories of Gina. Despite my inner turmoil, I assured myself I wouldn't show weakness and would embrace whoever the moon goddess had chosen for me.

I clenched my fists to resist lashing out, standing towering over the girl who was my destined mate. For some reason, her physique resembled that of Gina. Her scent of cinnamon intensified, fueling my emotions, and for a fleeting moment, I hoped it was Gina.

Observing her keenly through her pink veil, I thought of Gina's fondness for pink and wondered what trick the moon goddess had to play with my emotions. Anger surged as I forcefully removed the veil, only to find a woman with Gina's exact look, adorned in pink shades.

I dampened my face with my hands to be sure I wasn't daydreaming, standing there shocked, dumbfounded, frozen to the spot.

"Gina...?" were the only words that proceeded from my thoughts, which seemed stiffened.