My Place

Veyra POV

I was born to rule. In the werewolf kingdom, the first child is always a male so there’s an alpha to run the pack in the future. Only for my family, they got a girl first.

I’ve spent my entire life proving that I can be the alpha to our pack. Everyone doubted me, everyone believed I would fail, and tonight, I’ve proved them wrong.

Tonight, I’m handed the title and become the alpha. I watch as the maids rush around me, each one doing something different. They are making sure I fit the part, look ready, and come across as powerful.

Tonight isn’t just the night I get the title handed to me and take on my family’s pack. I marry my mate, and we claim each other.

One of the maids pulls my dress, tightening it more.

“Are you nervous, Miss Veyra?” the maid smiles as she straightens my dress.

“No, I’m actually excited.”

The maids smile at me softly.

“And so you should be. The first female Alpha! The firstborn female, you were destined for greatness.”

Their words are nice to hear, but I don’t see it as destiny. I see it as something I worked for. I didn’t sit back and let destiny make this up for me. I worked hard, I showed people I can do this, and I proved I’m worthy.

The large doors open, and the beta looks towards me, nodding softly. It’s time.

I step out, and the maids stay close as we move through the pack grounds. As I get closer to the large wooden doors that lead to the mating hall, I spot someone I didn’t expect to see.

Lyra waves at me, and I stare at her. Why is she in a dress? A wedding dress? I don’t stop walking, I keep going, and as I get closer, she looks at me in disgust.

“You foolish girl,” she snarls and shoves me back. I hold my ground, refusing to fall.

“Excuse me, I have a wedding to get to,” I reply politely and go to step around her.

“Oh, you mean my wedding with Kieran?” She smiles, and I stare at her in shock. “He’s so handsome, right?” She takes a step closer.

“Lyra, you’re not welcome in our pack, now leave.” I stand my ground, waiting for her to back up, but she doesn’t.

She laughs loudly like this is amusing. “You have no idea what’s happening. I’ll give you a clue, turn around and walk away, as you’re not marrying Kieran.”

Sighing, I shake my head, tired of her games. “Lyra, I’m marrying Kieran, now you can either move out of my way, or I will throw you.”

I watch her, and after a moment, she steps back. The maids open the doors, and I walk into the mating hall. At the front, I can see Kieran and my father.

Pushing Lyra out of my mind, I make my way to the front. Both packs are here, Dravenwood and Nightveil. They watch as I walk down the centre to Kieran.

As I get closer, he turns, but his eyes don’t land on me. They look over me towards the door, and I hear her footsteps. Lyra again.

I’m not sure how she got into our pack, but I’m going to ensure she never does again.

Reaching Kieran, I sigh. “I’ll sort her, I apologise. She’s my issue, she’s here to spite me, to cause trouble.”

“We should talk,” Kieran pulls me aside.

“Kieran, we need to get married before the moon moves,” I argue, not wanting to waste time.

“I’m marrying Lyra.”

Wait, what? I stare at him.

“No.” He’s lying, he has to be! “We’re mates, how can you marry Lyra?”

“Well, you see, her brother has agreed that I can be alpha of her pack if I marry her.”

I laugh at his words, more out of shock than anything else. “Is that a joke?”

“I’ve got a choice here. I can marry you, and you take the title of alpha, and I just exist at your side as your mate, or I marry Lyra and become the alpha of her pack as well. Or, you could agree to give me the pack once we marry.”

My head shakes. “I’m not giving up my title to you.”

“You would still be Luna, of my pack and this one, but I will be alpha here as well.”

No, that’s not a choice. “This is my pack, Kieran, I will not give you the title of alpha.”

“Then I don’t marry you.” He steps around me and stands beside Lyra. Everyone is watching, confused and surprised.

Stepping forward, I stand before them. “You can’t do this, we’re mates.” My words are loud, and he laughs.

“I gain nothing from marrying you, Veyra. I don’t become Alpha of this pack, you do.”

“This was never about you getting something!”

“That was always my plan, but I realized recently that you’re not likely to give me the pack, so I found Lyra.”

My head shakes. “Lyra, the one person who hates me more than everything? My biggest enemy?” This can’t be right. “She’s the daughter of the pack that is our rival.”

“Step aside, Veyra, now.” Lyra shoves me, and I move, pushing her out of Kieran’s hold. She falls to the floor and cries.

“You’re picking her over me? Someone weak?"

Lyra clutches her stomach. “I’m pregnant!” Her words are loud, and I freeze.

“What?” No, she can’t be. My stomach flips, and I look at Kieran. He doesn’t even deny it. “You slept with her?”

He doesn’t answer. He helps her stand and shoves me to the side. “Continue the wedding, but I’m marrying Lyra.”

My body doesn’t move, and I see my father walk over to me. He grips my arm, his glare burning through me. How is this my fault?