Chapter 2

ALPHA KYLIAN'S POV

I sat at the head of the table in the grand conference room of my palace. I felt the weight of responsibility heavy on me as I looked at my trusted advisors, Oscar, the palace butler and Yaz, my beta.

Even though Oscar was a butler, his advice meant a lot to me. He took care of me ever since I was a child. He was like a father to me. In fact, he was the only father figure I ever had in my life.

Yaz and I had been friends ever since we were kids. He was basically my brother. Yaz and Oscar are the only two people I trusted.

They both stood before me. Their expressions were so serious that it irked me a bit. I hated how tense the atmosphere was. What I hated even more was the topic they came here to speak of - the idea of me finding a mate. They always talked about it. They were bothered about the growing threat to my claim to the throne.

"Alpha Kylian" Oscar started "You already know the reason we're here"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"Enlighten me, Oscar" I told him "Why are you here? I don't want to assume"

"It is important that you secure your position as the rightful Alpha by finding a Luna to stand by your side"

The thought of finding a mate never appealed to me.

Why would I want to be bound to one woman for the rest of my life? Especially when there were so many beautiful women. A life of commitment wasn't something I saw for myself. I didn't believe any woman would be worth committing to. I could play my roles as Alpha just fine without a woman. I didn't need anyone to secure my position, talk more of a woman. That was an insult to me.

"Why would I need anyone to secure my position?" I asked "What title do you call me? Everyone refers to me as 'Alpha', do they not? I am king. No force on earth can take that away from me"

"That's what you think" Yaz said "Our spies tell us a lot of things. There are rumors that Cole and his mother have plans and connections that grow stronger each day. Cole has a mate, which is something that you do not have. When he gets mated, the council will have no choice but to give him the throne. Him and his mom are making moves as we speak. I heard that they also have the backing of a foreign Council; The blue stone pack"

For the first time, I felt a bit threatened. His words told me how serious the situation was. I never realized how important a mate was to secure a royal position. No wonder most kings would find contract Lunas to bear their heirs just to remain in power.

Cole was my step brother. He was the legitimate heir to the throne. I was only considered to be Alpha because I was older then him and I showed more promise. I was an illegitimate son, a bastard. My mother was a maid that my father slept with. I didn't know much about them. Later on, my dad legitimately married Cole's mother which made him the rightful heir. I couldn't let him have the throne. That could only happen over my dead body.

If they had formed connections with the blue stone pack then my position was truly threatened. Apart from our pack, theirs was the most formidable. We also had affiliations with each other which meant that they had a fair say in our matters.

"A mate will solidify your claim to the throne." Oscar said "Whether you like it or not, you need one"

"He's right, Kylian" Yaz spoke "You need a Luna to protect you and ensure the stability of our pack. It's not just about love or forming connections, it's about securing your legacy and protecting our people. I know you have no intentions of falling in love but you need to pick someone"

He was right. The idea of finding a mate, of opening myself up to love and vulnerability, was something I had always resisted. Born as the illegitimate son of the previous Alpha, I had grown up with a deep-seated belief that love was a weakness. I heard how much my father loved my mom but he couldn't marry her because of her status. I was mocked growing up. I was always called 'the bastard child of the alpha'. The challenges I faced growing up strengthened my resolve for the throne.

"I understand your concerns," I finally spoke,  "But I cannot bring myself to be with anyone. It wouldn't be fair to the woman."

Oscar and Yaz exchanged a knowing glance. Yaz face palmed himself and groaned.

"Surely, there must be another way to secure my throne" I said.

"There isn't" Yaz said "Don't you see? You need a heir! For you to get that, you have to take a mate. You can't have an illegitimate child because you are one already. I'm sorry to say that but it's the truth. Do you want to lose your throne just because you can't stand the thought of love? ".

Despite my reluctance, I knew that he spoke the truth. The time had come for me to make a decision.

"Put all sentiments aside, Kylian" Oscar said "Do what's right for yourself and for the pack. I think I have a solution. Since you are opposed to the idea of love, why not get a contract Luna? A lot of Alphas do this secretly"

"If he's caught, they'll have his head" Yaz said "The Council will call it deceit or treason even"

"Not if he plays his cards right" Oscar whispered "It won't necessarily be an act of deceit. We could arrange a meet up of different single women in the pack. We'll tell the council that the Alpha is finally ready to take a bride. Kylian will choose one. He can even choose one before hand and make an agreement with her. We'll set up a meet up to make it seem like he had pure intentions. We'll lie to them that he's found someone and our problems are solved. With that, they'll never know it's a contract. It'll be just between us, you and the woman"

Yaz nodded "That could work. You'll pay her for her services. It's a win win situation"

I stared into space thinking of Oscar's suggestion. Itwas a strategic move. I actually agreed with him. This way, emotions wouldn't be involved. The woman would know what she was getting herself into and I on the other hand will be free to do as I pleased.

Why didn't I think of this sooner?

"It's settled then" I said "Oscar, I'll take your advice. Set up a meeting with the single women in the pack"

"The meeting is just a decoy, right?" Yaz asked "We would already have our choice beforehand"

"Yes" I said "Look for a suitable bride for me. Someone who is trustworthy"

"Yes Alpha" they chorused.

They bowed and left the room.

I rose from my seat and made my way out of the conference room. I was relieved. It felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I would find a Luna, not for love or connection, but for duty and to secure my throne.

As I entered my quarters, the sight that greeted me made me excited

Five partially naked women were lounged on my bed with seductive smiles playing on their lips. The air was thick with anticipation. I noticed the different sex toys that were spread out on the bed.

A grin tugged at the corners of my lips.

I would worry about my duty later. Now, it was time to have some real fun.