Stormhowl Pack - Elara and Alpha Cyrus' Wedding day.

Weddings were supposed to be one of the happiest days in the life of any girl but here I was, standing at the wedding stage of Stormhowl pack, my heart pounding with anticipation and growing unease with no sign of my mate and husband-to-be - Alpha Cyrus.

The old joining priest cleared his throat noisily as he shifted from one foot to another. Although he wasn’t saying anything, I had a feeling that he was not happy about the delay and so was I.

The elaborate wedding decoration adorning the pack grounds seemed to mock me as minutes ticked by, turning into an hour of agonizing wait. It was clear – I had been stood up by my mate on my wedding day.

The whispers of the gathered pack members grew louder, their concerned glances, piercing through me like daggers. I clutched my bouquet tighter, the delicate flowers crushing beneath my trembling fingers. How could Cyrus do this to me? We had grown up together, our bond strengthening over the years until we became mates after shifting.

As the princess of Winterfang pack, I had always known my duty. When me and Cyrus, the Alpha Prince of Stormhowl Pack, discovered our mate bond, it seemed like destiny. We were the perfect match in everyone’s eyes – a union that would strengthen both packs and bring prosperity to our people.

My mind raced, recalling the countless moments and memories I had shared with Cyrus. He had always treated me with kindness and respect. His touch had always been gentle, his words gentler and we were so in love with each other.

But in the recent months, I noticed that something had changed. Since the arrival of Nadia, daughter of the late Beta Marco, a shadow had been cast over our relationship.

First, it started with Cyrus always finding fault in everything I do and subtly comparing me with Nadia at the slightest whim. Whenever I complained about him spending too much time with her instead of me, Cyrus would tell me that I was jealous and could not keep him cooped up because we were mates.

At first, I had seen reasons with him and had dismissed my concerns as mere jealousy. Surely, Cyrus wouldn’t be swayed by another woman. Not only had we been together for years, but we were practically soulmates, so there was no way another woman would deceive him, especially on the eve of our wedding.

But as I stood here, alone and humiliated, doubt began to creep into my heart.

Telling myself to be calm, I turned to the joining priest and murmured.

“I’m sorry for the delay. I’m sure something must have come up. Let me reach out to him".

He nodded but didn’t look pleased. I closed my eyes and attempted to mind-link him once more.

“Cyrus, where are you? Are you alright dear? Everyone is waiting. I am waiting,” my mental voice was filled with desperation, but only silence greeted me.

I tried again and again, each attempt more frantic than the last, but to no avail.

The murmurs of the crowd grew louder and I could feel the weight of their stares. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I realized the extent of my humiliation. I was a princess, soon to be Luna, and yet here I stood, abandoned at the altar like a common wolf.

Unable to bear their pitying looks any longer, I stepped down from the stage. Hurling the traditional Stormhowl wedding dress in both hands and began to march towards the pack house. I needed answers and I knew just who to ask.

Kane, Cyrus’s head warrior and closest confidant, stood near the entrance of the pack house. His usually hardened expression faltered as he saw me approach. I couldn’t blame him, my eyes were blazing with a mixture of hurt and fury.

“Kane,” I started, my voice low and dangerous. “Tell me why I am dressed in this wedding dress that weighs like a thousand pounds, have been standing in front of the wedding crowd for hours and yet my mate and my husband-to-be had disappeared into thin air. And may the goddess help you, if you dare try to lie to me,” I growled.

He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. “Luna Elara, I…”

“I am not your Luna yet,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “And I may never be if you don’t tell me what’s going on. Where is Cyrus?”

Kane hesitated; I know most warriors were loyal to their Alphas but I didn’t care. I continued glaring at him until finally he spoke.

“There was an incident at the training grounds. Miss Nadia was injured and Alpha Cyrus is… taking care of her".

I stood there frozen with shock as I processed Kane’s words. Cyrus had abandoned our wedding, our future, to tend to Nadia? In a pack that had more than a hundred healers running around? The thought of it alone sent a wave of nausea through me.

“How convenient,” I spat, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “And I suppose this injury was so severe that he couldn’t spare a moment to inform his bride?

Kane remained silent, his gaze pointed to the ground. I didn’t need him to confirm what I already knew in my heart. I’d always known and trusted my instincts and my instincts never lied to me regarding Nadia.

Cyrus had made his choice and it wasn’t me.

With a deep, ragged breath, I straightened my spine, calling upon every ounce of royal training I had received. I would not let them see me break.

“Very well,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. “You can inform Alpha Cyrus that this wedding is canceled".

Ignoring Kane’s protests, I turned on my heel and strode back towards the wedding stage fighting the tears at the corners of my eyes that threatened to fall. As I ascended the steps, a hush fell over the gathering.

“Members of Stormhowl Pack and honoured guests from Winterfang,” I announced, trying not to cry. “I thank you all for your presence and support but I regret to inform you that there will be no wedding today. Alpha Cyrus has chosen to attend to other matters he deems more important than our union. I apologize and I pray you’ll enjoy the feast that has been prepared. Thank you".

Seven days later…

I stood on the balcony of my family’s pack house, watching Cyrus and his entourage approach with a mixture of emotions burning in my chest.

Anger, hurt and a stubborn flicker of hope warred within me as I observed the man who had both captured my heart and shattered it. As expected, they came bearing the finest of gifts and if I was not so angry, I would have laughed at their faces.

Cyrus too was playing the perfect, contrite actor. His shoulders were tense, his steps were heavy and he looked as innocent as morning dew. I knew without doubt he had come to beg for a second chance.

No sooner had he arrived than a maid rushed up to me.

“Miss Elara, your father, is requesting for your presence at the great hall,” she said quietly.

I nodded and dismissed her. If I didn’t honour my father’s call, it’d be disrespectful. Drawing in a deep breath, I started towards the great hall. As soon as I entered, Cyrus who had been kneeling in front of my father suddenly rose to his feet, and came to me, his face the picture of contritely.

“Elara!” Cyrus breathed but I avoided his gaze and continued moving as if he hadn’t just called my name. “Darling, I know I hurt you,” he continued. “But I am here to make things right. Our packs need this alliance, and I… I need you too".

“Father,” I bowed when I reached my dad. “You called for me".

My father nodded giving me a tender look. “Yes dear,” he nodded “Alpha Cyrus, came looking for you and was sprawled on the floor making a fool of himself, insisting he will not leave until you grant him audience".

I turned to Cyrus now but still silent, my impassive mask in place. Immediately, he rushed to where I was and tried to reach for my hand but I cringed and moved back.

“I’m sorry, my love,” he repeated. I don’t know what came over me that wedding day and I’ll do anything to prove to you how sorry I am. Please, give me the chance to make this right".

“So, you’re tired of sending people to come apologize on your behalf?” I scoffed. “Why are you here? Did you suddenly realize that it was you who was at fault and not me?”

He nodded slowly. “I was ashamed to come before you but I’m here now and I’m sorry".

“Daughter,” my father said, his voice grave. “I know you’ve been wronged, but we must consider the bigger picture. The rogue packs grow stronger every day and neither Winterfang nor Stormhowl can survive the coming war alone".

I turned, surprised at my father. I had expected him to be furious with Cyrus. Why was he speaking for him?

“Dad, you cannot seriously expect me to just forgive him… I would never raise my head high if I return to Stormhowl with him. He disgraced me and our family".

“I assure you dear, that soon no one will talk about it again,” my father persisted. “Just do this as your duty to the pack and your mate. I’m sure he was carried away and you can see how haggard he looks… he really miss you".

My wolf, Nyx, growled within me, urging me to reject Cyrus’s plea. But as a princess raised to put my pack’s needs first, I knew I couldn’t let my personal feelings jeopardize our survival.

After hours of discussion, negotiations and pleas mostly from Cyrus. He finally made a solemn vow. “I promise you, Elara, I will give you the grandest weddings our packs have ever seen next month. I’ll make it memorable,” he said enthusiastically.

With great reluctance, I agreed. The alliance was too important to discard, regardless of my wounded pride and heart. We finally hugged it out and I insisted I would come on by the next day.

By Noonday, I arrived at Stormhowl Pack but as the gates opened, I noticed there was a crowd at the entrance of the gate, thinking they had come for me, I came out of my transport, only for me to spot Nadia at the centre of the crowd, talking and greeting them. Our gaze met and she skipped to where I was.

“Welcome Luna Elara,” she said with a warm smile that seemed sincere, her voice sweet as honey. “We’re so honored to have you join our pack".

I forced a smile, returning her greeting with as much grace as I could since the people were staring at us now. “Thank you, Nadia. I look forward to getting to know everyone".

As she hugged me, Nyx’s voice reached my ears. “Be careful of her. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. She could be dangerous".

Cyrus then appeared, moving to my side and placing a gentle hand on the small of my back. “Welcome home, my love,” he said, loud enough for the crowd to hear.

I managed another smile and we started towards the pack house. As we went, Cyrus leaned in close to whisper in my ears.

“I know there’s been tension between you and Nadia but I hope you can both move past it. Her father was Beta Marco, he died saving my life in the last rogue war and I’ve looked after her like a little sister since then. I hope you can understand and bear with her presence. You’ll like her once you get to know her more".

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. I understood Cyrus’s sense of obligation but something about the way Nadia looked at him made me think she wanted more than just brotherly affection.  

That night, I laid in bed, willing sleep to come but the unfamiliar sound of Stormhowl pack kept me on edge. After hours of tossing and turning, I decided that a run might help clear my head.

“Perhaps, Cyrus would like to join us,” Nyx suggested and I agreed. Some time running together might help rebuild the connection we had lost.

I slipped out of my room crossed the hallway to Cyrus’s door and knocked on it, wearing a big smile on my face.

But as the door swung open, instead of Cyrus, I saw Nadia standing at the doorway, a towel wrapped over her wet, naked body.

For a moment, I stood there, staring at the dripping Nadia with shocked silence not knowing what to do or say.

I recovered long enough to step back and check the sign on the room, clear enough it was Alpha Cyrus’s room or did he change?

“Oh, Luna Elara! What a pleasant surprise to see you here. Did you need something?”

I struggled to find my voice, trying to still the buzzing in my head. “I was looking for Cyrus,” I managed to say, hating how weak my voice sounded.

“Oh!” her voice dripped with innocence. “He’s not in his room presently. Maybe he stepped out to deal with some pack business or something,” she explained.

“So, you’re saying I am not mistaken and this is Cyrus’s room?” I asked trying not to make it sound like I was whining.

“Yes, Luna Elara,” she nodded, a smile still on her face as if this was as normal as breathing.

 I felt the blood drain from my face again as I stared at her, hoping that my eyes had played tricks on me the first time. But no, she was barely covered by the towel and she was in Cyrus’s room.

The hallways seemed to spin and my vision narrowed to focus solely on the innocent smile that was still playing on Nadia’s lips. Was she pretending not to know her disgrace?

But then, as if sensing the anger that was slowly growing within me, Nadia’s expression shifted. Her eyes widened with something that resembled panic and she clutched the towel tighter around herself.

“Oh, Luna Elara,” she gasped, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry for this misunderstanding. It’s not what you think it is, I swear by the moon. Alpha Cyrus wasn’t even in the room when I came in. The truth is, I… I was hit by the werewolf heat unexpectedly. In my confusion, I must have run to the wrong door thinking it was my room,” she rambled.

My brows furrowed, my mind racing to process this new information. Werewolf heat was indeed a powerful and often disorienting experience, especially for younger wolves. But there was something about Nadia’s explanation that sounded fishy.

She continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. “You have to believe me, Luna. Alpha Cyrus wasn’t in his room. I… I took a shower to try and sober up. I feel so embarrassed".

As Nadia spoke, Nyx roared within me. “She’s lying! This bitch is trying to seduce Alpha Cyrus and steal your position as Luna. Don’t fall for her act! Remember the little stunt she pulled earlier today at your arrival… that’s also one of her tricks. She’s faking everything!”

The combination of Nyx’s fury and my suspicions caused something to snap within me. Before I could fully process my actions, I lunged forward, my hand closing around Nadia’s throat. I could feel angry tremors coursing through my body, as my eyes blazed with the evidence of the rage, I was feeling within. Unable to stop myself, I pinned Nadia against the doorframe.

“Listen carefully,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous. “I don’t know what stupid games is it you’re playing or whatever the hell you think you’re doing, it ends now. I allowed you to get away disrupting my wedding and I won’t let you get away with anything this time. Stay away from Alpha Cyrus, or you’ll have me to deal with".

Nadia’s eyes widened in genuine fear, her hands scrabbling at my iron grip. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Suddenly, her eyes filled with tears, but at this point, I was past caring. I just wanted to take my pound of flesh for everything she has made me go through.

Suddenly, a powerful force slammed into me, tearing me away from Nadia. I found myself flying through the air, only to crash hard against the opposite wall of the hallway. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs and I slumped to the floor, momentarily dazed.

As my vision cleared, I looked up to see Cyrus standing protectively in front of Nadia, his pupils were still dark, to show he had used his Alpha power. The sight of him defending the other woman sent a fresh wave of rage through me.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Cyrus roared, his voice echoing with authority.

I pushed myself to my feet, my own eyes flashing in response to the challenge. At this point, all I could think of was to fight back.

“What am I doing?” I yelled walking up to him and shaking my fists at him. I should be asking you that question, Cyrus. What are you doing? I was going to ask you if you’d care for a midnight run only to find her practically naked in your doorway and you’re defending her. Do I look like a joke to you?”

Cyrus’s jaw clenched, his gaze darting between me and Nadia then suddenly, I felt his anger dissipating. “This isn’t what it looks like, Elara. If you’d just calm down and listen to reason. I wasn’t even in the room. I’m sure there must be…"

But I was beyond listening. Weeks of pent-up anger, hurt and suspicion came boiling to the surface. I took a step forward, my body still tensing for a fight as I interrupted him.

“Oh, I’m sure you have a perfectly reasonable explanation for why your ‘little sister’ is wandering around naked in your room. Why don’t you run in and oil her body like you always do?"

“Elara for moon’s sake!” Cyrus screeched, “Why would you even…"

The words had barely finished from his lips when a soft thud made him stop. Nadia had collapsed to the floor, her body convulsing slightly.

The anger drained from Cyrus’s face, replaced by concern. Without a moment’s hesitation, he scooped Nadia into his arms, cradling her unconscious form against his chest.

“I need to take her to the pack clinic,” he said, his voice tight with worry. “We’ll discuss this later, Elara".

Before I could respond, Cyrus was already moving, practically running with Nadia like she weighed nothing down the hallway and once again, I was left standing alone…