One

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Okay, so we have a carefree, arrogant and spoiled Alpha who's used to getting his way. He's handsome and charming but not exactly powerful and strong as an Alpha is required to be. He's about to meet a fierce and determined assassin who's on a mission to kill him. What happens when these two very different people meet? Sparks will fly, but will It be from their undeniable chemistry or their clashing swords?

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Author Name: Edo-osagie Ijeoma Abieyuwa

Pen Name: Dark Angel

Inst.a Handle: Eddy_.a_

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Thane's POV

"... In a shocking turn of events, reports have emerged that a mysterious assassin, believed to be responsible for the death of the seven Alpha leaders 16 years ago, may be returning to kill the next generation of leaders. The rumors have sparked fear and commotion among the people for years, and authorities are on high alert to ensure their utmost safety. No one knows the Identity of the assassin, but her reputation as a skilled and merciless killer has made her a legend in some circles… "

"That's enough, Mirabel." Alpha Nathaniel's cold voice swept across the room, rendering hush silence amongst the others who spoke in whispers over what was currently playing right in front of us.

Luna Mirabel, bowed.

"Yes, My Lord." She turned off the large plasma TV before settling on the seat next to her mate, looking as graceful and regaliant as her posture knowing fully well she was the mate of the most powerful Alpha in Lupusia.

Alpha Nathaniel suddenly rose, and I fixed my posture, sitting with my back straight and hands on the table In front of me when his cold eyes ran across the meeting room, settling on my previously slouched position with a grimace.

"You're choosing to trample on Nathaniel's temper and at a time like this? Behave, Child." Alpha Elara said, her eyes on Alpha Nathaniel who was preparing to address us. Luckily for her, she didn't see the sneer I directed at her before I focused on the Alpha about to speak.

Alpha Nathaniel was the Alpha of Dusk Hollow Pack, the most populated and prestigious well to do pack in the whole of Lupusia. Of all the seven Alphas, he was the oldest, automatically making him the Alpha King, our leader.

Alpha Nathaniel was tall and huge, with a hard-edged face and dark hair. His eyes were a piercing shade of blue, and he had a way of looking at people that made them feel intimidated- almost like he was capable of seeing right through them. He was the type of person who could command attention without even trying, and his aura, his presence, was simply too impossible to Ignore.

With his beautiful mate, Luna Mirabel by his side, they ruled their pack with the strength and dedication of leaders who were ready to protect their people even with their last drop of blood.

The perfect role models for the other Alphas and their respective mates.

Today happened to be one of the days I dreaded, knowing fully well I'd be in the midst of such people of powerful auras and intimidating presence with accomplishments in their past I couldn't match up to simply because I was too young and incapable.

"My fellow leaders," He began, his voice solemn despite his audacious and cold aura. "As we are all aware, we face a threat like any other. 16 years ago, an unknown assassin known only by us as Mortema had killed all seven of our Alpha leaders, and now threatens the safety of us all. We must take action to protect ourselves and our people. What measures can we take to ensure our safety and of our people?"

The room was silent, solemnity the order of the day as the weight of the Alpha King's words settled over us.

Alpha Monica suddenly spoke up.

"Permit me, My lord, to speak."

Alpha Nathaniel sat down, crossing his arms on the table In Front of him.

"Please, Monica."

Alpha Monica got up, her soft but cold and audacious brown eyes running through each of our faces filled with grief and concern as we waited for her to speak.

Alpha Monica was 29 years but despite her age, she was small and yet quite strong for her stature with long dark hair and warm brown eyes. She usually had a smile that could light up a room when in a good mood. However, there was a steely determination beneath her gentle exterior, and although her stature may look deceiving, she was fiercely loyal to those she cared about. She had a heart of gold, but It was guarded heavily by a shield of steel.

She didn't have a mate like the others but a son, Blue who was currently in training to take over her position in time due (He was five). No one, not even her court maids could tell how she had come about the child. It had been confirmed numerous times that It was hers, but she had refused to relay the information of the father to anyone.

"Perhaps, we should consider increasing our security measures. We could install more pack guards at our residences, and increase night patrols, especially around the borders. We must also do everything in our power to prevent Mortema from having access into our territory."

The meeting room was filled with whispers from all sides before Alpha Elara spoke up without bothering to be permitted to speak nor did she stand.

"While I agree that we must take action, I worry that these measures will only serve to make our people afraid. We must not allow Mortema to control our lives with fear. We must show strength and resolve, not cower in the shadows like scared puppies."

Her words caused commotion as everyone began a round of tireless debate and banter back and forth, both Lunas and Alphas chipping in Ideas and arguments from all sides while Alpha Elara just sat back, finding the cuticles of her nails more fascinating than what was going on at the moment.

Alpha Elara was the Alpha of Midnight Forest pack. She was 30 as well, and probably bore a grudge against us as we had all picked Alpha Nathaniel as Alpha King over her, because she was a woman despite being the same age as him. She was tall and slender, with long black hair and striking gray eyes. She carried herself with regal grace and pride, and her voice was cool and commanding when needed but usually she was too lazy to voice out her opinions. She was both fierce and compassionate, a leader worthy of respect.

Did I mention she was annoying as hell. Fucking referring to me as a child like she didn't act like one sometimes.

"Silence!" Alpha Nathaniel's voice boomed in the room like a thunderbolt, rendering the whole place silent and reminding me to fix my posture again, especially as the Alphas and Lunas had begun sitting back down, the tension in the air spiraling out of control.

I was too scared to ask when the snacks for the meeting would be arriving. Why did Alpha Elara have to always cause commotion like this in our meetings?

"Thane," My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach hearing my name and seeing everyone's eyes settling on me. "stand up."

I quickly got up, almost falling face first on the table but quickly fixing my posture and standing straight and tall, my hands crossed behind my back.

Alpha Nathaniel looked me all over before turning to the others. "Let's finally address the second main reason for this meeting. We shouldn't ignore the issue of one of our members not having a mate or heir."

Shit. Not this again.

"If he were to be a victim of Mortema, It would leave his territory vulnerable and without a leader."

"It is not so simple as finding a mate. We must find someone who is not only compatible with them but who is also capable of leading a territory by his side as he's incapable enough already" Alpha Amos snorted and I glared at him but calmly bowed my head when Monica's eyes caught mine.

Alpha Amos was 28 years and the only Alpha who had gone against the rules and all odds and had had two mates. Although they were twins so he was let off after weeks of debate over his atrocious behavior. He was average height with a sturdy build and sandy brown hair. His eyes wore a piercing blue color and he had a strong, undeniable handsome face. He carried himself with a mix of arrogance and confidence as If he was determined to face anyone head on.

I hated him.

"A bride finding ceremony… " my head shot up at Alpha Elara's shocked but amused voice as she smirked at Alpha Nathaniel. "That has not been done in centuries, are you sure that is the best course of action?"

Bride finding ceremony? Where was my mind? When did they bring this up?

"I understand It's old fashioned, but truly, Thane is quite young and incapable and as such, his mate won't just be anyone but someone worth being by his side and capable of protecting him."

"Protecting me?" I couldn't help but cut in, feeling greatly insulted.

"You will speak when I permit you to." Alpha Nathaniel said without even giving me face.

I scoffed, a butter smirk on my face before I spoke up again.

"This is ridiculous. You are all determining my future and deciding what course of action to take for me like I'm some child. I do not need a mate and certainly not one who'd protect me. I am well capable of protecting myself. A mate could come in when I'm ready to settle."

He finally turned to me, and for a split second, I had this urge to bolt out of the meeting room for daring to speak up to him, but I stood my ground, holding his cool gaze with a fierce glare.

"Unfortunately Thane, this decision isn't yours to make anymore."

My eyes glitched as I blinked severally before my gaze traveled across the room to find everyone looking at me.

"W- what do you mean?"

"If you had bothered to come to the last meeting, you'd have been informed that we had already taken a vote as to how we intend on finding you a bride and It was all voted in your favor."

My eyes widened when I realized that I really had no say In this as whatever decision which had more than three Alphas voting for would be carried out no matter what.

"Not like your presence would have made any difference." Alpha Elara sneered and I squeezed my fist and gritted my teeth, holding back from snapping when Alpha Nathaniel's voice rang in the room.

"Get ready Thane. Next week, a bride of our choosing will be introduced to the world as your Luna."