Chapter 4: Unexpected Revelation
Lucas
The meeting room of the Blood Moon Pack was shrouded in an air of tension and authority, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of important decisions and strategic discussions. As Alpha, my responsibilities often demanded my presence here.
Beta Marcus, a trusted and reliable member of our pack, stood before the assembled leaders, his voice carrying a mixture of excitement and incredulity. "Alpha, esteemed pack members, I bring news that will surely pique your interest. It concerns none other than the youngest daughter of the Silver Moon Pack."
My attention sharpened as the room fell into a hushed silence. The Silver Moon Pack had always been a thorn in our side, a rival whose presence demanded vigilance and caution. But now, it seemed their youngest daughter had become entangled in our affairs in a most unexpected manner.
Beta Marcus continued, his expression carefully neutral. "It appears that the young Omega from the Silver Moon Pack, Ariana, had quite the eventful evening at our recent birthday celebration."
A murmur of intrigue rippled through the room, and I leaned forward, my curiosity piqued. Ariana—her name was familiar, though I had never met her personally. She was the one who had been the topic of countless rumors, whispered tales of her supposed promiscuity and lack of virtue. I had dismissed such gossip as idle talk, knowing well the power of baseless accusations.
But Beta Marcus' words held a different kind of weight—a gravity that demanded my attention. "Explain further, Beta," I commanded, my voice steady but edged with curiosity.
"During the party, Ariana was found in a rather compromising situation with one of our pack members," Beta Marcus explained, his gaze steady. "She was mistaken for your mate, Alpha. And ...she also claims to be your mate."
A ripple of disbelief surged through me. Mistaken for my mate? I shifted in my seat, my mind working to piece together the puzzle. The notion was preposterous—how could anyone confuse a mere Omega with a mark as prestigious and rare as my mate's?
My Mate should be the female warrior, Seraphina.
I felt my lips curl into a skeptical smile. "Beta, you can't be serious. The Moon Mark is unmistakable. How could anyone mistake her for my mate?"
Beta Marcus hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty before he continued. "Alpha, it is not the Moon Mark on her face that led to the confusion, but rather the one on her back."
My skepticism gave way to genuine surprise, a shockwave of realization coursing through me. The Moon Mark on her back? It was an anomaly, an occurrence that had never before crossed my mind. I had been so focused on the Moon Mark that adorned the face of my destined mate that I had neglected to consider the possibility of its appearance elsewhere.
As my thoughts raced, Beta Marcus elaborated further. "The young Omega, Ariana, bears a Moon Mark on her back—a mark that was seen by those present at the party."
My mind whirled with the implications of this discovery. If the Moon Mark was indeed on her back, it would explain the confusion that had arisen. A sense of intrigue blossomed within me, accompanied by an unsettling curiosity. Could it be possible? Could this Omega truly be my mate?
The room around me seemed to fade into the background as I considered the possibilities. Ariana—her name now held a weight that it hadn't before. The youngest daughter of the Silver Moon Pack, the subject of rumors and gossip, was now an enigma that demanded my attention.
Beta Marcus cleared his throat, drawing my focus back to the present. "Alpha, it seems that Ariana's presence at the party was not well-received by our pack members. There were those who ridiculed her, mocking her as an Omega who dared to pretend to be your mate."
My jaw tightened at the blatant disrespect displayed by some of our own. The Blood Moon Pack was renowned for its strength and unity, but even within our ranks, there were those who lacked the sense of honor and camaraderie that defined us. I don't want to blame Ariana because she is Seraphina's sister after all.
A flicker of irritability burned within me as I addressed Beta Marcus. "Continue."
Beta Marcus nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Word has spread that Ariana is nothing more than a flirtatious Omega, engaging in casual encounters with different men. The rumors claim that she is far from virtuous and that her claim of being a virgin is an outright lie. I fear this rumor will spread and it will affect your wedding to Miss Seraphina."
“Since... it has started to be said that Seraphina stole her sister's mate.”
A surge of frustration coursed through me, a potent mix of indignation and concern for Seraphina. I had always believed in the power of truth, in reserving judgment until all facts were laid bare. The notion that my mate—the one meant to stand by my side and bear my mark—was the subject of such scornful rumors was unacceptable.
"Beta, I want to know more about Seraphina. And now, please tell Ariana to leave and warn her to stop talking nonsense." I declared, my voice carrying the weight of my authority. "For Seraphina, gather information about her, delve into her history, and separate fact from fiction. And I want to meet her—personally."
Beta Marcus nodded, his expression one of steadfast determination. "Of course, Alpha. I will ensure that everything is brought to light, and I will arrange a meeting with Seraphina as you request."
Little did I know that this unexpected revelation would be the catalyst for a journey that would forever alter the course of both our lives, weaving a tapestry of challenges, secrets, and undeniable destiny.