One ~Dax Delimma

Dax paced back and forth in his private quarters, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He couldn't believe what had just happened. His true mate, Blaire, had eloped with his younger brother, leaving him heartbroken and in need of a replacement mate.

He had always known that his family was not entirely supportive of his relationship with Blaire. As the Lycan King, he had certain duties and obligations to his pack, and some members of his family felt that Blaire was not the right choice for him. But he loved her with all his heart and was willing to do whatever it took to make their relationship work,since they were mates bound together by the moon goddess.He winced in pain,His heart filled with heavy and, gradually the pain had sunk in.

He had been planning to marry Blaire and take his rightful place among the pack. But now, with her sudden departure, he was left in a difficult position. As the Lycan King, he needed to have a mate by his side to lead the pack, but he couldn't just choose anyone. It had to be someone he had a deep connection with, someone he could trust and rely on.

He let out a frustrated sigh and collapsed onto his bed. He couldn't stop thinking about Blaire and how much he loved her. But he also knew that he had to put the needs of the pack first. He couldn't leave them without a leader, especially with the threat of rival packs always looming in the distance.

As he lay there, lost in thought, he heard a knock at his door. Slowly,with a heavy heart he stood up ,composed himself before opening the door to reveal his trusted advisor, Marcus.

"Your Highness, we need to discuss your next steps," Marcus said, his voice laced with concern.

Dax nodded, gesturing for Marcus to come in.

"I know. I've been thinking about it all night. I need to find a replacement mate quickly, but I don't know who I can trust."He stated, confused and frustrated at what happened and the Betrayal .

Marcus nodded in agreement.

"I understand, Your Highness. But we must act fast. The pack is already starting to question your leadership."Marcus responded,Hurt to see his king in that manner .

He knew that Marcus was right. He couldn't afford to wait any longer. He needed to find a replacement mate and fast, before things spiraled out of control. But how could he replace the one person he had always believed was meant to be by his side?His mate who he had always loved ,his mate who he had sacrificed everything he had for just to make sure she was happy.

He let out a deep sigh and leaned against the wall, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He didn't know how he was going to get through this, but he knew one thing for certain he had to keep his pack safe, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness

As Dax continued to struggle with his dilemma, Marcus cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Your Highness, I know this may not be the ideal solution, but have you considered Aria as a possible substitute mate?"He Speak , looking at Dax expression.Just as he expected

Dax's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing in anger.

"What? Aria? Blaire sister? How could you even suggest that?"He said , staring at Marcus who was damn serious.

Marcus held up his hands in a calming gesture.

"I understand that it may be difficult, Your Highness, but Aria is a strong and capable woman. She could be an asset to the pack and a valuable partner for you." He tried his best to convince the king ,as he shook his head, his fists clenched in frustration.

"I can't just replace Blaire with her sister. It's not fair to either of them, and it's certainly not fair to me. I love Blaire, Marcus. I always have, and I always will. I can't just forget about her and move on."He paused trying to hide his anger and pain .

"She's my mate ,my one true mate "His Voice was barely above a whisper as he sank sorrowfully in his predicament.

Marcus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I know, Your Highness, and I'm not asking you to forget about Blaire. But the pack needs a leader, and you need a mate. Aria could be a good match for you. You could learn to love her and build a life together."Marcus said , trying to convince him.

Dax sighed heavily, his mind reeling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, he knew Marcus was right. The pack needed a leader, and he needed a mate. But on the other hand, he couldn't bear the thought of betraying Blaire by marrying her sister.Then again he was immediately alert of the fact that Blaire was the one who caused everything.If she hadn't ran away a night before their wedding,he won't be doing this right now .

"I don't know, Marcus," he said, his voice heavy with pain.

"This is all so complicated. I just wish things could go back to the way they were before. I wish Blaira was still here with me."He said ,his voice filled with hurt and pain .

Marcus squeezed his shoulder in agreement.

"I know, Your Highness. But we can't change the past. We can only look to the future and do what's best for the pack. And right now, that means finding a mate who can help you lead and protect your people."He responded, taking a closer look at the confused Lycan King.

Dax nodded slowly, his mind still whirling with conflicting emotions. He knew he had to do what was best for his pack, but he couldn't help feeling like he was betraying Blaire by even considering the idea of marrying her sister.

He watched as Marcus left his quarters, lost in his own thoughts. He knew that Marcus was right. He needed to act fast and find a replacement mate, but he couldn't help but feel conflicted about the idea.

He didn't know how he was going to make Aria agree to his proposal. He had always respected her as his subject and also Blaire's sister, The thought of telling her to be his mate or marry him clouded his mind as he wondered if she would be willing to take on the responsibility of being his mate. And even if she did agree, could he ever truly love her the way he loved Blaire?.

Left with no choice,he let out a frustrated sigh and ran his fingers through his hair. As he felt like he was trapped, forced to choose between his duty as the Lycan King and his own happiness.

But he knew that he couldn't let his emotions get the best of him. He had to do what was best for the pack, even if it meant sacrificing his own desires.

Slowly with mixed Emotions,he stood up and walked to the window, staring out at the moonlit forest,with a heavy heart and a troubled mind .

He knew that he had to talk to Aria and see if she would be willing to take on the role of his mate. It was a difficult conversation that he was not looking forward to, but he knew that he had no other choice.

With a deep breath, Dax turned away from the window and then headed out of his quarters.in search of Aria ,since he needed to find Aria and have a serious talk with her about their future together with the mixed Emotions he felt in his heart .

A mile away from his quarters and ,at the training center he caught sight of her in the training grounds, practicing her fighting skills.He stopped to admire her for sometime before,he decided to approach her tentatively, feeling nervous and unsure of himself. He cleared his throat and spoke,

"Aria, can we talk?"He asked ,his heart beating so faster than usual.

Aria turned to face him, her expression guarded,she noticed the tune in his voice and the fear that was taking the best part of him.For a moment,she was scared that something bad might have happened to her sister or perhaps,they had a big fight just when it's a day before their wedding.

"What do you want, Dax?"she asked,as she tried to hide her fears and then , focus on Dax and also whatever he had to say to her .

He took a deep breath , thinking of a way to start the conversation but he was lost in his thoughts,he finally braced himself. Realizing the fact that this wasn't going to be easy.

"I need to ask you something. It's about Blaire."He said , causing Aria to look up at him as her expression softened slightly, and she gestured for him to continue

He explained the situation to her, telling her how Blaire had eloped with his younger brother Damien, leaving him without a mate. He knew that it wasn't fair to ask Aria to be his substitute mate, but he didn't know what else to do.

"How could she even do this without me having any clue of it "Aria winced ,hurt by her sister's actions .She felt betrayed by her own little sister .She soon stares at Dax.She felt the pain in his heart .

"What will happen to your wedding?"She asked,with disbelief.

"Aria, I know this is a lot to ask, and I understand if you say no. But I need someone by my side, someone I can trust and rely on. And I can't think of anyone better than you. Will you marry me and be my substitute mate?"Dax finally said , leaving Aria in shock .

She looked at him for a long moment, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she spoke, "Dax, I appreciate your offer, but I can't just marry you because you need a mate. It's not fair to either of us."She stated plainly,as she was careless about how Dax feel.Her anger was taking the best part of her ,The fact that her sister had eloped with her notice got her angrier.

Dax on his own part ,felt his heart sink at her words, but he knew she was right. He couldn't force her to marry him.

"I understand," he said quietly.

"I just don't know what else to do."He paused, staring at her as She studied him for a moment before speaking again.

"I'll think about it, Dax. I can't promise anything, but I'll think about it."She responded to him .

Dax nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Aria. That's all I can ask for."he said, staring at her face.

They parted ways, as Dax spent the next few days anxiously waiting for Aria's answer. He knew that even if she agreed, it wouldn't be easy. But he was willing to do whatever it takes to protect his pack and keep his throne.

Dax paced round his room anxiously,he reflected on his actions and the decision he had taken so far. His mind filled with the thought of the huge decision, as he wasn't sure if it was the right one. He stares at the moon . hoping the moon goddess will see him through this phase of his life

Soon enough,he closed his eyes and then took a deep breath, allowing the cool night air to fill his lungs. Then he began to speak, his words a quiet prayer to the goddess.

"Moon goddess, I come to you tonight with a heavy heart. I know that I have made a difficult decision, but I did it in the interest of my pack. Please guide me in this new path that I have chosen. Help me to be a good leader, a good mate, and a good king."He whispered .

As he opened his eyes and gazed up at the bright full moon. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, as if the goddess was listening to his prayer and granting him her blessing. He smiled and whispered a quiet thank you before turning away from the window and heading to bed.

he lay down, he couldn't help but think about Aria and the proposal he had just made to her. He hoped that she would accept, but he knew that it wouldn't be easy. He knew that he had a lot of work to do to win her trust and affection.

With that thought in mind, he closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep, knowing that the next day would bring new challenges and opportunities for him to prove himself to Aria and the rest of the pack.