Chapter 1

ALPHA GREY’S POV I closed my eyes, trying to get rid of the ache in my head. Everything had happened so fast. After the death of my brother, I had to step up as Alpha of the pack. I had to think of my responsibilities now but that was so hard to do when I was still mourning. The silence in my office was a rare blessing, especially after days of condolences and whispered suspicions in the hallways. Being the new Alpha wasn’t the honor it should have been. Not with Darius dying in a mysterious way. Half-brother or not, we’d shared a bond, and now it felt as if that very bond was being torn apart. A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I didn’t have to ask who it was; I’d known this conversation was coming. It was just a matter of when. “Come in,” I said. The door opened, and my Beta, Liam, entered first. Following him was Ben, the eldest of the council advisors. Ben’s cane tapped the floor as he entered. These two were my greatest supporters but even at that, their support usually came with questions- questions I wasn’t sure I had the patience to answer. “Alpha Grey,” Ben greeted, bowing his head. Liam bowed as well “Alpha. We offer our condolences once more” “It’s fine” I replied dryly. For a few seconds, they just stood there looking at me. I could see the uneasiness on their faces. I knew what they were here for. “I assume this isn’t just a condolence visit” I said “Is it?” Liam exchanged a glance with Ben before he spoke. “We thought it would be best to discuss... the future.” “And by ‘the future,’ you mean?” I leaned back, crossing my arms. “Your leadership,” Ben answered. “The pack needs a clear sign of stability after Darius’s passing. And for better or worse, that burden falls on you now.” I clenched my jaw. “I assumed that becoming Alpha would be enough to show my commitment to this pack.” Liam shook his head “Alpha, you know that’s not all. The pack is grieving, confused... and some are still suspicious. You stepping up as Alpha was necessary, yes, but it isn’t enough to solidify your rule. They need assurance.” “Assurance.” I nearly laughed, though there was no humor in it. “I assume you have a suggestion on how to provide that?” Liam paused. His eyes moved to Ben who took it as his cue to speak. Why am I surprised? They obviously planned this beforehand. It was basically an ambush. “A Luna,” Ben said, simply. “The pack needs to see you with a Luna and in due time, an heir.” I closed my eyes, letting his words sink in. I’d known this would come up eventually, yet the thought of tying myself to anyone, of giving someone that much control, that much closeness felt suffocating. I couldn’t bear to think of it. “You think taking a mate will somehow soothe the council’s suspicions?” I asked. “Since when did my rule depend on being shackled to someone else?” . “You’re Alpha now” Ben said “Whether you like it or not, your personal life is their concern. Darius was... adored. The council respected him because he represented unity. You, on the other hand... have a reputation for avoiding commitment.” I looked away. I could feel the anger rising inside me but I didn’t want them to see that. “Darius and I were different men. I won’t apologize for who I am. I never will.” Liam sighed, running a hand through his hair “Look, Grey, no one’s asking you to change who you are. But you need to see this from their perspective. Taking a Luna shows loyalty, stability. It’s a message that you’re here to stay. “I don’t want a mate bond” I said “I’ve never wanted it. That bond is a distraction. It’s... restrictive.” Ben walked forward “That’s where you’re wrong, Grey. Being Alpha doesn’t mean being free of all bonds. It means choosing the ones that strengthen your rule. And if you don’t want a true bond—” he hesitated, and then continued, “then consider a contractual one.” “A contract Luna?” I frowned. “A union for appearances,” Ben explained. “It wouldn’t require a bond. Just a partnership in the eyes of the pack. You’ll need a strong, stable woman who can play the part without demanding the devotion you don’t wish to give.” Liam nodded. “Ben’s right. It’s practical, and it buys you the time to focus on your work without the council breathing down your neck.” They were both staring at me expectantly and for a moment, I felt trapped. A Luna, contract or not, would only complicate things. I was certain of that. A mate was... something I’d never yearned for, even as other wolves dreamt of finding their other half. To me, it had always seemed like a weakness. It felt like a chain that could be used against me. I didn’t want to be tied down to one woman. I’d always hated the idea of it. I’m a free person and I would like to remain that way I let out a long breath “I’ll think about it.” It was a hollow promise. In fact, it was one I had no intention of keeping, but it was enough to get them off my back. I had other things to worry about now. “Good,” Ben said. “The council will want to see that you’re... considering all possibilities.” I couldn’t take any more of this conversation. The walls felt too close. I stood, straightening my jacket. “I have other business to attend to.” Liam opened his mouth to speak, but I was already moving toward the door, not giving him the chance to try convincing me further. They could stay here and talk themselves in circles for all I cared. I was done with this. I needed a moment to breathe. I stepped into the hallway and took a turn to my room. I would think about this later….or not.