#Alpha Lucas's POV
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The forest was alive with its usual quiet symphony, but I could only focus on the haunting image of her—Elaine. Her blue eyes had been wide with fear, yet there was something in her gaze that held its ground, refusing to crumble. I had met many wolves, but none had stirred this feeling within me.
"Mate." My wolf's growl echoed in my mind, his tone firm and fierce. "Impossible," I muttered under my breath.
My Beta, Marcus, walked beside me, his gaze sharp as always. "You've been quiet since we got back, Alpha. Something on your mind?"
I ignored the question, keeping my stride steady. But the truth was, I couldn't stop thinking about her. That scent, that pull—it had been unmistakable. I had felt it before, years ago when I first met Selene. But this was different. Stronger. Unshakable.
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Back at camp, the air was heavy with the mingled scents of my packmates. I strode past the training grounds, where the younger wolves sparred under the watchful eyes of senior warriors. A flicker of golden hair caught my attention.
Selene.
She stood near the edge of the grounds, her arms crossed as she watched me approach. Her gaze, as sharp as her tone usually was, softened briefly when it met mine. But I knew her too well to miss the questions lurking in her hazel eyes.
"You've been gone longer than usual," she said when I drew close.
"There were matters to attend to in the forest," I replied curtly, brushing past her.
Her lips thinned, but she didn't follow. Selene wasn't one to cause a scene in public, though I knew this conversation was far from over.
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In the quiet of my quarters, I sank into the chair by my desk. The fire crackled in the hearth, but its warmth did little to ease the tension in my chest.
"Alpha?"
Marcus's voice broke the silence as he stepped into the room.
"What is it?"
"It's about the Omega," he said carefully.
I straightened, the sound of her title sending a ripple through me. "What about her?"
"She's from the Moon Shade Pack," Marcus continued. "And she's not just any Omega. She's been on the run from Dennis."
I stiffened at the mention of that name. Alpha Dennis was notorious for his brutality, particularly toward Omegas. If Elaine had been under his rule, her scars—both seen and unseen—would be many.
"Why was she running?" I asked, though I suspected the answer.
"Word is, she failed to bear him an heir. He was planning to sell her to another Alpha."
Marcus's tone was careful, but the words sent a wave of rage crashing through me. My wolf bristled, his growl echoing in my mind. She's been hurt. She's ours to protect.
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. "Does Dennis know she's here?" "No. At least, not yet. But if he finds out..."
Marcus didn't need to finish the sentence. The Moon Shade Pack wasn't known for letting go of what it considered its property, and Elaine would be no exception.
"Spread the word," I said, my voice low and firm. "She's under my protection now. If anyone from the Moon Shade Pack sets foot in our territory, they'll regret it."
Marcus nodded but hesitated. "And Selene?"
My jaw tightened at the mention of her name. "This doesn't concern her." Marcus gave me a skeptical look but wisely said nothing.
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Days passed, but Elaine's presence lingered in my mind like a shadow. I tried to distract myself with pack duties, but my thoughts always drifted back to the forest, to the defiance in her eyes and the bond I couldn't ignore.
Selene, of course, noticed. She always noticed. Her sharp gaze followed me wherever I went, her questions unspoken but unmistakable.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, she finally cornered me outside the training grounds.
"Lucas," she said, her tone deceptively calm. "We need to talk." I sighed, turning to face her. "What is it, Selene?"
"You've been... distant," she began, her hazel eyes narrowing. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
I held her gaze, refusing to let my unease show. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me," she snapped, her calm facade breaking. "This isn't like you, Lucas. If something's going on, I have a right to know."
Her words grated against my nerves, but I couldn't deny her point. Selene wasn't just my Luna—she was part of an alliance that had kept our pack strong. Breaking that trust could unravel everything.
"There's nothing to discuss," I said, slowly but firmly.
Her eyes flashed with anger, but she didn't press further. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked away, her posture rigid with tension.
I watched her go, my wolf growling softly in the back of my mind. Selene wasn't someone to underestimate. If she suspected anything about Elaine, she wouldn't rest until she uncovered the truth.
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Later that night, as I sat by the fire outside my tent, Marcus returned with more news.
"Dennis has been asking questions," he said. "It won't be long before he learns she's here."
I clenched my jaw, the flames casting shadows across my face. "Then we'll be ready."
"And Selene?"
I didn't answer. But even as I stared into the fire, I knew the truth. The storm brewing between Selene, Elaine, and me was inevitable.
"Damn Moon goddess". I muttered under my breath.
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