Unexpected News

Darina had just finished leading the female warriors through their morning training. She designed the program herself—believing that real strength lay not only in muscle, but in agility, stamina, and flexibility. They began with twenty laps around the track, moved to forty-five minutes of sparring, and ended with yoga to stretch and center their bodies. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they trained in wolf form, letting instinct guide movement and discipline.

She also organized specialized classes for the youngest wolves—pups aged 5–7 and 7–10. The older boys and adolescent males trained under Gamma Caleb’s guidance.

After training, her body humming with spent energy, Darina headed for a quick shower before her shift at the clinic. She’d been gifted with healing, and every moment outside of training and meetings, she spent assisting the pack doctors. Two years had passed since the mating ball, and in that time, she had poured herself entirely into pack life. Some days, watching the pups run and laugh, she’d feel a dull ache in her chest—an echo of a dream she hadn’t allowed herself to speak. Her own mate. A family. Love.

But she brushed it off. Second-chance mates were rare. She wasn’t foolish enough to hope. And a chosen mate? That idea never sat right with her.

This was her path. She believed that. The Moon Goddess had placed her exactly where she needed to be—and she was proud of what she’d built with her own two hands.

After her shower, she slipped into wide-legged jeans and a white tank top, her damp curls falling loosely down her back. She tugged on her white sneakers and made her way toward the clinic, stopping to grab a cup of coffee and an apple from the kitchen.

“Hi, Firefly,” a warm voice greeted.

She turned, smiling as her twin brother leaned in to kiss her cheek.

“Hi, handsome.”

Daniel—taller than her by an inch and older by twelve minutes—was her mirror in so many ways. Dark curls, bright blue eyes, matching mischief. He had met his mate, Jenna, at their first mating ball. She was now carrying the heir to the Full Red Moon Pack.

“Dar, Mom and Dad are waiting for you in Dad’s study,” he said.

She raised a brow. “Why?”

He shrugged. “No clue. Just told me to send you in.”

Curious, she sent a quick mindlink to the head physician letting them know she’d be late, then made her way through the stone corridors to her father’s study. She knocked lightly.

“Come in,” came Alpha Claus’s voice.

Her father was behind his desk, tall and sharp-jawed as always, his grey eyes unreadable. Though in his forties, he looked barely thirty—broad-shouldered and powerful. Unmated females still swooned when he passed, but his heart had never strayed from his mate.

On the sofa sat her mother, Luna Elena, petite and graceful in a yellow sundress. But her soft blue eyes were clouded with guilt.

“Hi, honey. Sit next to me,” her mother said gently. “We need to talk.”

Darina’s stomach dropped. She sat, glancing between them.

Alpha Claus cleared his throat, unusual hesitation in his tone. “You know we love you, Darina. But as Alpha’s daughter, you understand what duty means. Sometimes we must do what’s best for the pack, even when it’s hard.”

Darina straightened slowly, the air around her sharpening. “What’s going on?”

He continued, “Tensions are rising. Rogues are organizing. We’re the second strongest pack after the Royals. That makes us a target—and a threat. The best way to solidify an alliance is through blood. Through marriage.”

She felt her stomach twist.

“Alpha Prince Kai needs a bride,” her father said evenly. “And you are the most suitable match.”

Her blood ran cold.

“You’re joking,” she said flatly. “An arranged marriage? To him? I’ve told you—I don’t want a mate. And especially not that arrogant asshole.”

“Watch your language!” Alpha Claus snapped.

“I don’t care if he’s a prince or the damn Moon Goddess’ favorite,” she bit back. “He’s not my mate.”

Her mother reached for her hand. “Sweetheart, neither of you are mated. Many girls would dream of becoming Luna Queen—”

“I’m not one of them!” she hissed. “I’ve trained warriors, healed the sick, kept this pack running when others fell apart. And this is how you thank me? By handing me over like some political bargaining chip?”

“This isn’t about you,” her father said coldly. “It’s about the pack. And this marriage is already arranged. There is no way out.”

Her breath caught. The betrayal seared deep. “You didn’t even ask me.”

Darina stood sharply, chair scraping back. Her pulse thundered in her ears.

“You’ve made your choice,” she whispered. “Now I’ll make mine.”

And with that, she stormed from the study. Rage bubbled beneath her skin like fire beneath ice. As soon as she was outside, she shifted.

Her sleek black wolf burst forth—Coral, fierce and wild. Together they sprinted into the forest, claws tearing at the soil. Branches blurred around her, wind whipping past, the scent of moss and pine sharp in her lungs. She ran faster, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of betrayal.

They hadn’t just taken her choice.

They’d taken her freedom.

Her wolf howled, the sound echoing through the trees like a war cry.

After miles, when they finally slowed, Coral spoke softly.

“We swore to protect the pack. Maybe… maybe this isn’t a punishment, Darina. Maybe this is the beginning of something greater. Maybe the Moon Goddess has a plan.”

Darina stood still, chest heaving.

“I’m not a girl they can push around,” she growled through their bond. “And if I must marry a prince… then he better be ready for war.”