Page 73 of Alpha's Hated Mate

“Students of Moonhelm Academy,” his thin voice carries across the hall. “Today’s assembly has been called at the request of a most distinguished visitor.” He pauses, his bird-like features more pronounced in the stage lighting. “Please welcome His Majesty, the Alpha King.”

The assembly hall erupts in gasps as the Alpha King himself strides onto the stage from the side entrance. His presence commands the large auditorium as easily as it did the day before in the small meeting room.

Every student and faculty member instantly rises, applauding before bowing their heads in the traditional sign ofrespect. I do the same, still not quite used to the idea that this intimidating figure is my uncle.

“Please, be seated,” the King says, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

We settle back into our chairs. Yarra glances at me with surprise as I try to control my pounding heart.

The Alpha King stands at the podium, surveying the audience with measured intensity. “Young wolves of Moonhelm,” he begins, “you are the future of Clarion and our ambassadors to the Outer Lands. What you learn within these walls will shape not just your futures, but the future of all wolf-kind.”

His gaze sweeps the room, and I swear it lingers on me for just a moment.

“Recent events have brought to light deep-seated prejudices that have plagued our society for far too long.” His voice hardens. “While I can never begin to right the injustices experienced by the targets of these prejudices, as Alpha King to all wolves in Clarion, I swear, from this day forward, to do better. To be clear: I have officially outlawed discrimination against any wolf based on their genetic make-up or lineage.”

Murmurs ripple through the crowd.

“As Alpha King to a hybrid Luna Queen, I will not tolerate ‘purist’ rhetoric of any kind.” He lets the words settle, and I feel dozens of eyes shift in my direction. “Those who cling to outdated hatreds will find themselves on the wrong side of both the law and history.”

My fingers absently find the moon pendant hanging around my neck, grounding me like an anchor as the King continues.

“But laws alone cannot change hearts. True change must come from within our communities.” He turns and gestures to Aydan. “Mr. Vaultmore and Mr. Robertson, please step forward.”

Aydan rises and approaches the podium with the confidence of a born leader. His eyes find mine in the crowd, and a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. My heart flutters as the regal, handsome wolf who marked me as his Luna stands before the entire school.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Aydan begins. “Students of Moonhelm, many of you know me as Alpha to the Vaultmore pack. Today, I stand before you not just as an Alpha, but as someone who has witnessed firsthand the damage caused by prejudice and fear.”

He pauses, and I can see him gather his resolve. He gestures to Chad, standing beside him.

“With the support of Mr. Robertson as faculty mentor, I am announcing the formation of the Scarlet Wolf Protection Society.” His gaze locks with mine again. “Our mission is to foster communication and understanding among all wolves while ensuring Scarlet wolves can live without fear.”

I can’t believe that Aydan did this.Tears well in my eyes, blurring my vision. This man—this incredible, evolving man—is using his privilege and position to protect wolves like me.

“Our organization will provide education about Scarlet wolf history and abilities, create safe spaces for dialogue about minorities and hybrids, and work with the administration to establish protocols to ensure all wolves feel secure at Moonhelm and beyond.” Aydan’s voice grows stronger as he speaks. “Because a divided wolf community can never reach its full potential.”

I use my sleeve to wipe away tears as they run down my cheeks. Yarra wraps an arm around my shoulders and gives me a gentle squeeze.

The Alpha King returns to the podium, placing a hand on Aydan’s shoulder. “This is exactly the initiative we need—the first step toward a new era of wolf unity. I encourageevery student here to consider joining Mr. Vaultmore and Mr. Robertson in rewriting the future of our kind.”

The assembly hall erupts in applause. Not everyone is cheering—I notice several students sitting stone-faced or whispering to each other—but the supportive voices far outnumber the disapproving ones.

Epilogue—Saffron

Five months have passed and I still can’t believe how drastically Moonhelm Academy has changed. The End-of-Year Celebration at Shatterstone Hall buzzes with energy as I watch several Scarlet wolves twirling freely on the dance floor, their red hair flashing like flames under the twinkling lights.

“Are you seeing this?” I nudge Aydan, who stands beside me with his arm draped casually around my waist.

His eyes follow my gaze to where a Scarlet sophomore laughs openly with a group of wolves that once wouldn’t have acknowledged her existence. “Progress,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple. The clean scent of rain after a storm envelops me, and I lean into his touch.

Who would have thought that in less than a year, we’d witness the beginning of real change? Students who used to avoid Scarlets in the hallways now happily hang out with them. I spot three—no, four—mixed couples scattered throughout the party.

The Scarlet Wolf Protection Society that Aydan and Chad started has grown beyond our wildest expectations. Chapters are now forming at other academies and even in towns across Clarion.

Dean Fowler passes by us, nodding respectfully. “Quite the turnout,” he remarks, his bird-like features softening with pride.

“You must be busy supervising Neutral DNA tests,” I say, unable to resist teasing him a little.

He straightens his bow tie. “Safety precautions. We can’t have another Lamedia Hall incident. The financial cost alone . . . “ He trails off with a theatrical shudder before moving along to greet other students.

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