Page 51 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

We should’ve planted proper grass here.

The tarp on top seems to be leaking in several places. I should’ve also gotten a cement roof installed.

The sight of snack boxes lined up for everyone after their showers makes me smile.

The joy of small routines.

I notice Luke approaching me from the corner. He looks like death as he shakes his head. We exchange a brief hug before he whistles. Slowly the pairs disengage.

“I’ve called the elders. They should be here any second now.”

I offer him a smile. “Thanks, man.”

I remind myself that I’m still the alpha. I straighten my posture, tighten my muscles, and keep my expression neutral.

There have never been any speaker systems or microphones used in this area. I feel I might need them today. I clear my throat and wait for everyone to settle down.

“Pack, your alpha wants to address everyone. Hear him out first, and then if anyone has any questions, those will be addressed,” Luke announces.

There are soft murmurs on the grounds, but soon it goes quiet.

“This pack was formed over four hundred years ago by the legendary Hagen Blackwood. Growing up, I heard stories about him. I guess we all did. He was courageous, he took risks, and he protected his people, but most of all, he made the pack prosper. I tried to do all of that as best I could, but one thing I did not do as a leader was be honest.”

While everyone looks at me expectantly, I notice Elder Marek is absent from the gathering.

“For months, I’ve led you under a veil of pretense while carrying the title of alpha. The fact is, I’m not the leader you deserve. I did not value the blessing of the Moon Goddess when I recognized my fated mate. I disrespected her in every way until she rejected me and left.”

The words taste rancid on my tongue. A collective gasp ripples through the crowd. The realization hits like a wave, and the murmur grows louder, filled with shock and confusion.

“My chosen mate gave her life for me and this pack. I couldn’t protect her. I couldn’t…because I lost my wolf at our mating ceremony.”

The hall erupts into chaos. Questions fly around, cutting into me like knives.

“How could you deny your fated mate?”

“What about Luna Vanessa?”

“How did you manage to lead without your wolf?”

“Will you ever get it back?”

“The truth is,” I continued, “the pack needs an alpha who is whole, one who has his wolf beside him, guiding him. I am not that alpha. Effective immediately, I am stepping down from my position.”

I take a step back but stand my ground, ready to answer their questions and taking in their confused expressions.

I’m surprised when I notice a large number of members howling and grunting in protest. But I’m shocked when their cries merge into a collective “No.”

Once an alpha abdicates from his position, the elders of the pack have the collective responsibility to select an interimalpha. For the next six months, his leadership is under review, and if after six months the pack votes in his favor, he takes over as alpha and his mate becomes the luna.

At the far end of the crowd, I notice Elder Marek striding over to me purposefully. Raising his hands, he instructs everyone to pipe down.

“We, the elders, are aware of the situation with Alpha Theron’s wolf and have sought guidance from beyond our world. We contacted a great coven of witches, led by the enigmatic High Priestess Morwen, who has offered us a glimmer of hope. In the darkest hours of the night, under a full moon, she had a vision. She has foreseen Alpha Theron’s wolf returning in six months and our pack prospering greatly under his leadership.”

I don’t even allow myself to consider the possibility. I know what I felt when Titan left my body. It was irreversible. Elder Marek is lying to force me to give six more months of my life to the pack.

CHAPTER 19

SEREN

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