Loving the Cold-Hearted Alpha Lionel

Regina is heartbroken when she’s told she’ll be the substitute Luna for Lionel Williams, the cold and ruthless Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack.

Lionel turns out to be her fated mate, but due to the hatred he feels for her, he rejects her right away.

Regina tries to make their marriage work, but Lionel brings his ex-girlfriend back into his life, making things difficult for her.

Regina decides to focus on her dream of becoming an actress, but Lionel crushes her hopes.

Tired of the pain, rejection, and frustration, she decides to leave and give up on her love, but Lionel isn’t ready to let her go.

Why can’t he just let her go? Get ready for a captivating story filled with betrayal, hatred, revenge, and the power of love.

Marriage Alliance

Regina

“Where is she?”

My father’s voice boomed out angrily, making me startled. I wished I could be anywhere but here.

“I don’t know, Father; she didn’t tell me where she was going,” I replied, my voice trembling with fear. I hated seeing my father looking so pissed and angry.

My elder sister, Marcy, had suddenly left the pack without telling anyone where she was going.

She was supposed to get married in a few days to Lionel Williams, the renowned cold and heartless Alpha of the Silver Moon pack, but she suddenly disappeared without a word.

Our pack, the Moon Jade Pack, had been rivals with the Silver Moon Pack for over a decade. No one knew how two packs that were once close allies became bitter enemies, but that was how it had been until the Silver Moon Pack suddenly proposed a peace treaty.

Why would they do that now, after so many years of rivalry? We weren’t threatening them, so why the sudden desire for peace?

To make matters worse, they proposed a marriage alliance to seal the deal. Who would want to marry a heartless Alpha like Lionel? Certainly not me.

I was shocked when my father agreed to the proposal, betrothing Marcy to Lionel without hesitation.

“Did she tell you anything about where she was going?” my father asked suspiciously.

“No, Father, she didn’t.” I was just as confused as he was. Marcy was even supposed to go for her dress fitting today, and it wasn’t like her to leave without telling anyone.

My father’s phone screen suddenly lit up with a message notification. He glanced at it, and I watched as his face twisted from anger to rage. Before I could react, he hurled the phone at me.

“You just told me you knew nothing about her whereabouts! How could you lie to me?” he roared angrily.

I flinched, barely missing the phone by a few inches as it landed on the sofa. What was he talking about? And why was he so angry at me?

Hesitantly, I went through the message on the screen. It read, “I am sorry, Father, but I can no longer continue with this arranged marriage. I found my true mate a few weeks ago, and as Regina would say, ‘True love can never be replaced.’ I have found my true love, and I want to be with him. I love you so much. Forgive me for disappointing you. Your daughter, Marcy.”*

I immediately gasped. Marcy had found her mate and eloped with him! But why would she drag me into this?

That quote—“True love can never be replaced”—was something I had said to her after reading a movie script. I never imagined she would take it so seriously!

“Father, I swear I don’t know where she is. I just said that quote randomly. I never thought she would act on it,” I stammered, desperately trying to clear my name.

“How could you girls do this to me? This alliance means everything to me. Nothing must go wrong!” My father’s anger made me feel there was something deeper for him about this alliance that he wasn't saying.

I mean, why was this alliance so crucial to him? Our pack wasn’t as powerful as the Silver Moon Pack, but we weren’t weak either. What made this marriage so important?

“I’m sorry, Father, but I think we should call the Silver Moon Pack and cancel this—”

“No! This alliance must not be broken!” he snapped at me before I could finish. I had never seen him react this strongly before.

I took a deep breath, trying to slowly reason with him. “But, Father, Marcy is gone, and you know how good she is at hiding when she wants to. We don’t have time to find her. Besides, would you really want to deny her the joy of being with her true mate?”

He fell silent, and I felt I was slowly convincing him so I pressed on, “How would you feel if your parents had kept you from being with our late mother, your mate?”

Immediately I said those words, I regretted it. His eyes darkened, and I saw his wolf, Leo, struggling for control. Oh my! I was doomed!

Quickly, I bowed my head, avoiding his gaze, and bared my neck in submission. Leo was a very dominant Alpha wolf who wouldn't hesitate to discipline me despite being his pup.

After a very tense moment, my father regained control and spoke in a low and dangerous voice. “Don’t ever do that again. Your mother is a sensitive topic for me and Leo. Don’t ever try to use her to make your point.”

My wolf whimpered inside me, cowering under the weight of my father’s powerful aura. “I’m sorry, Father. I’ll never do that again,” I said quickly.

My mother’s death had always been a sore spot for him. She had died giving birth to me, and he had mourned her for years, refusing to remarry and forbidding anyone from mentioning her name.

I didn’t know why I thought I could use their bond to convince him that Marcy deserved to be with her mate. How stupid of me!

“But I guess you’re right. Marcy does deserve to be with her true mate,” my father said, his tone softening.

Finally, he was starting to see reason. He was beginning to understand my point.

“So, when will you call the Silver Moon Pack and tell them the news?” I asked, relieved that this arranged marriage drama was finally over. But I spoke too soon.

“I don’t think you understand me, Regina,” he said, his voice firm. “Since Marcy has found her true mate and can’t marry Lionel, you will have to marry him.”

I immediately froze when I heard him declare, “You will be his substitute Luna.”

Substitute Luna

Regina

I stood there, shocked, unable to believe what I had just heard. Maybe he was joking, right? But I could tell from his expression that he clearly wasn't!

When I finally regained my composure I exclaimed, “What? Father! What do you mean by that? His substitute Luna? Me? I can’t! Certainly not, Father!”

“I have made my decision, Regina. You will become his Luna. Start preparing yourself,” he declared firmly.

A chill instantly ran down my spine, causing me to panic. “Father, please, no! I don’t want to! I don’t want to marry Alpha Lionel!”

I felt my body weaken as the reality of what he was asking hit me. Before I knew it, hot tears began streaming down my face.

“There’s nothing that can be done about this,” my father said, his voice as cold as stone. “You obviously haven’t found your mate, and Marcy has gone to be with hers. You are the only one who can make this alliance happen.”

“What did I do to deserve this, Father?” I cried out. “Why are you treating me this way? I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, I’m sorry for whatever I must have done, but please don’t punish me like this.”

Oh moon goddess, please don't let this be my fate! I can't be Alpha Lionel's Luna!

Father sighed, and said in a low voice. “You haven’t done anything wrong, my dear, but there are certain sacrifices one has to make for the greater good.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. “So, am I that sacrifice?” Am I the one to be sacrificed for the greater good of the pack? Why, Father? Why is this alliance so important to you? Why can’t you just say no to the Silver Moon pack?”

He stared at me for a few seconds before saying, “There are certain things you just wouldn’t understand at the moment, but in due time, you will come to understand the reasons for my actions.”

No! This couldn’t be my reality! I don't want this!

I dropped to my knees, my hands clasped together in a desperate plea. “Father, I’m begging you, please don’t make me do this. I don’t want to marry him.”

I wished Marcy would just suddenly appear from nowhere. I wished I never told her that stupid quote! I wish I could turn back the hands of time!

He looked at me, his gaze softening just slightly, but his decision remained unchanged.

“I will call the Alpha and explain the current situation. Start preparing yourself, and don’t even think of running away. The Silver Moon Pack is not a pack to be toyed with. The fate of your sister and the pack lies on your shoulders.”

My father turned and walked away, leaving me kneeling on the cold floor. Was this how life could be so cruel? How could I possibly accept this fate?

Just yesterday, I had been thinking about pursuing my acting career, traveling around the world and exploring places. And now, in less than a day, I was to be married to a man I didn't know and taken away to another pack. Why did I have to suffer for Marcy's decision? She was the one who agreed to this arranged marriage, not me!

I curled up on the floor, hugging my knees as if it would protect me from the storm that was about to engulf my life.

My phone rang beside me, jolting me out of my thoughts. I saw Gwen’s name flash on the screen. I wasn’t in the mood to talk, but Gwen was the one person who could always lift my spirits when I was feeling down.

“Hi, Gwen,” I answered, my voice hoarse from crying.

“What’s wrong, Regina? Are you okay?” She asked, immediately noticing my mood over the phone. “What happened? Was it Richie? I swear, I’ll knock out a couple of his teeth if he was the one who made you cry!”

I chuckled softly, feeling slightly better. Gwen was my best friend who was always ready to stand up for me, no matter the circumstances. She always has a solution to every problem, but sadly, I didn't think she would have a solution to this one.

“This isn’t about Richie, Gwen,” I replied softly. “This is something much worse.”

Richie was that annoying guy from college who wouldn’t stop bothering me about going out with him. When I kept turning him down, he started making fun of me to make me feel bad. But he was nothing compared to what I was facing now.

“I’m coming over right now, Gina. Don’t cry anymore, okay?” Gwen said, her voice filled with concern before she hung up.

I tried calling Marcy again, but her phone was still switched off. I texted her, letting her know how her reckless decision had turned my life upside down.

Gwen arrived a few minutes later. As I told her everything that had happened, I struggled to hold back the tears, but it was no use. The pain was too deep.

“Oh, Gina! I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this,” Gwen said, wrapping me in a tight hug. I melted into her arms, feeling a bit of comfort in her embrace.

“You know what? Don't let this ruin your mood, okay. Remember the cocktail party invitation that was sent for you and Marcy?”

“Yes, I remember, but what does that have to do with anything?” I asked, confused as I wiped a lone tear.

“Well, you and I are going to that ball tonight,” she declared proudly. “We'll go there, have the best time of our lives and then tomorrow, I will speak with my father about this. As your father's beta, I think the Alpha will listen to him.”

“No, Gwen, I don’t feel like going anywhere tonight. I just want to…”

“Sit on your bed and eat ice cream,” Gwen finished my sentence with a grin. I couldn’t help but laugh a little. Gwen knew me all too well.

“I knew you were going to say that, Gina, but come on. It’s going to be fun, and it’ll take your mind off things, even if it's just for the night. I've promised to help you speak to my father, cheer up!”

I still didn't feel like attending any party and declined. “You can go without me, Gwen. I really don’t feel like going out.”

“I can’t go without you, Gina,” Gwen insisted. “We’re the double G: Gwen and Gina. I can’t go without my partner.” She smiled, and then nudged at me playfully as she began singing the ridiculous song she made up using our names.

I laughed and knew I couldn't say no to a free-spirited person like Gwen who wouldn't take no for an answer.

If only I knew that something worse would happen at the party, I wouldn't have attended.

Finding my mate

Lionel

"Come on, man, let's go to the party. You know it will be fun," Ryker, my beta, urged as he tried to convince me into attending a party I had no interest in.

"I don't want to," I replied flatly.

"Come on, Lionel, you need to mingle with other ladies before you are officially taken," he insisted, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I glanced at him, resisting the urge to smack that smirk off his face.

Yes, I was getting married to the daughter of the Alpha of the Moon Jade Pack, a pack I deeply hated. Our packs had been rivals for more than ten years after an incident, caused by them, that led to my parents' deaths, and the bitterness from that loss had never left me.

But I was being forced to bend to the whims of my grandfather, the only family I had left. He'd proposed an alliance with that pack behind my back, and it didn't stop there—he even arranged a marriage.

Ralphael Donovan, the Alpha of the Moon Jade Pack, had to be the most shameless man I had ever met. He agreed to marry his daughter off to me without a second thought, not caring about the consequences. If he thought I'd support or back up his pack as allies, he was mistaken.

"If you don't want to go, at least accompany me. You owe me for helping you get Alpha Maxwell to invest in our company," Ryker pressed, trying so hard to convince me.

"I have other pressing things to attend to. Attending a party isn't on my schedule.”

"You should go, Son. Ever since you heard about this alliance, you’ve been locked up in this house," my Grandfather, Leonard Williams, suddenly interjected as he stepped into the balcony where me and Ryker were having a drink.

Despite his old age, he was still a strong and agile werewolf. His hair was mostly gray, though some darker strands remained, and his chin was covered in a rough stubble. The lines on his face showed his years of experience, but it was his sharp, piercing eyes that stood out the most—eyes that could make anyone stop and listen.

"Not now, Grandfather. I think I’ve already yielded enough for you," I said wearily. My grandfather knew I rarely denied him anything, and recently, he had been taking full advantage of that.

"Just go, Lionel. You're making the whole house grumpy, and I don't want to see your grumpy face," he added, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Ryker burst into laughter at the joke, but I stared at him hard, making him stop abruptly, though I could see him trying to hide his amusement.

With a sigh, as usual, just to please him, I finally conceded. "Fine, let's go. I’m not ready to keep arguing with either of you."

"Great! Thanks, Grandpa. You really know how to get him to do your bidding," Ryker said, grinning widely like a clown. An ugly clown.

Later that night, Ryker and I were dressed in our tuxedos and on our way to the party. Ryker kept talking about the beautiful women that would be there, but I wasn’t interested. My mind was elsewhere, occupied with the growth and development of my pack, which was my top priority.

When we arrived, the paparazzi went wild. Our arrival caused a sensation, as usual. Being one of the most successful and eligible bachelors in the country, as well as having the biggest pack in the country certainly brought such attention.

Women practically threw themselves at us, trying to grab our attention. I hated this kind of drama. The attention, the fake smiles, the giggling—it was all so exhausting.

Ignoring them, I went to speak with some of my friends from other packs. The Lunas were practically shoving their daughters at me, while the Alphas tried to corner me into business deals. This was one of the reasons I hated parties!

Ryker, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying himself. He thrived on this kind of attention, flirting and chatting with every woman who approached him. But for me, it was nothing but a headache.

Finally, unable to take any more of the fake pleasantries, I excused myself and stepped outside. The party venue was located in a peculiar spot—far from the bustling city but close to the forest.

I went into the forest and shifted into my wolf, Lucius. I felt free, more powerful and at peace as I felt the earth beneath my paws as we ran through the trees. At this point, I momentarily forget about everything—my responsibilities, the unwanted marriage, all of it.

After spending some time alone, I decided it was time to head back to the party. But as I was making my way back, I heard a shriek and a group of people laughing. Lucius stirred within me, growing agitated, urging me toward the sound.

I hesitated, not wanting to get involved, but Lucius was insistent, his concern pushing me forward. I moved closer and saw a scene of a girl surrounded by some guys. It seemed she was being bullied.

"We have no business here, Lucius. I am no hero, sweeping in to save the lady in distress," I flatly told him, intending to leave, but he refused to back down.

"We need to save her, Lionel. She's ours! She belongs to us! she's our mate!"

Lucius’s voice echoed in my mind as he declared excitedly. I instantly stopped on my tracks, not believing what I'd just heard. My mate was there! Or rather, she was the one being bullied.

Oh no! Not on my watch!

Unexpected Mates

Lionel

Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself and moved closer to the group. As I approached, the guys turned to face me, and I finally got a clear view of the girl they were harassing. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and I found myself staring in awe.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here? Leave right this instant and pretend you didn't see anything," the leader of the group snarled, tightening his grip on her waist. It was clear they didn’t recognize me. What a bunch of fools.

I stared at his hand, gripping my mate's waist in a possessive manner as if she was his. I growled and without a second thought, I shifted into Lucius, who let out a furious howl, ready to tear them apart. That particular hand he used to hold her waist must go!

"Shit! He's an Alpha! Come on, let's get out of here! He's really huge," one of them yelled as they all fled in terror.

But their stupid leader hesitated, still holding onto my mate.

“It’s good that he foolishly waited; I would make sure to tear that hand away from his arm so that he will learn never to touch our mate again,” Lucius growled as he began walking toward the fool, emitting a deadly aura.

The Bastard suddenly pushed our mate away and ran for his life.

Lucius was ready to chase him down, to pounce and crush him. Even as a group, they stood no chance against him. Lucius was a warrior wolf, known for his speed and agility, and he would have enjoyed the hunt.

But then we heard her cry; we heard our mate cry out from the impact of her fall. Lucius immediately turned back, abandoning the chase to rush to her side.

Immediately she saw Lucius' enormous size, she became terrified and started retreating from him. But Lucius approached slowly, nuzzling her cheek to offer comfort.

Her fear melted away as she relaxed in his presence, and in no time, she also shifted into her wolf form. Her brown beautiful wolf was small compared to Lucius, but he didn’t mind. He nuzzled her affectionately, excited. I could feel his intense desire to claim her right then and there and I instantly knew what he was planning to do.

"Easy there, Lucius. One step at a time," I quickly mind linked, taking back control and shifting back to my human form and my mate followed suit.

"You are really beautiful," I found myself saying again, as I walked toward her, my hand gently stroking her cheek.

She leaned into my touch, and I knew she could feel the mate pull between us. She hadn't said a word but through her actions, I knew she had already accepted us. It was as if the world around us had disappeared, leaving only the two of us.

I had never been so captivated by a woman before. She was like an angel, gentle and looking so innocent, and I knew, in that moment, that I wanted her to be mine forever.

She still hadn’t spoken a word, but I could tell she was as mesmerized by me as I was by her. The mate bond was indeed a powerful thing, binding us together in a way I couldn't explain.

Just as I was enjoying her presence, a voice suddenly called out, breaking the magical moment between us.

"Regina Donovan! Where are you, and why did you leave the party just like that?"

We both turned to see a tall, striking girl with fiery red hair approaching. She quickly moved to my mate’s side, taking her hand protectively.

"Greetings, Alpha Lionel. I didn't know you were the one Gina went to meet." She bowed respectfully, then turned to my mate. "Gina, you should have told me you were going to see your betrothed; you got me worried."

Wait—did she just say "betrothed"? And did she call her as "Regina Donovan"?

My hand on her cheek instantly dropped as the pieces fell into place. No! It couldn't be! She possibly couldn't be! It was impossible!

Regina Donovan, my supposed substitute Luna, was my mate?