Alison’s POV
They say the morning of a monumental day can set the tone for everything to follow, but the air this morning felt heavy, almost electric, like a storm brewing just beyond the horizon. The day of the Alpha Council meeting had arrived, and despite the flurry of activity in the castle, there was an unnerving stillness in my chest.
I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the elegant, deep emerald dress I had chosen, a symbol of strength and grace. It fit snugly against my frame, the fabric shimmering faintly under the soft light. “Today is the day,” I whispered to my reflection, inhaling deeply, willing my nerves to settle.
All week, I had poured everything into this event, every detail painstakingly perfected to meet expectations, most especially Katherine’s and now it was time to prove my worth as Luna-to-be. “No mistakes, Alison. Not today.”
With a final glance, I headed toward the kitchen, determined to make sure the preparations were flawless. But as I turned the corner into the bustling corridor, I collided with someone, as I raised my face I saw the slight smile of none other than Caitlyn.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, didn’t see you there,” she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. She clutched my arms briefly, a fleeting smile plastered on her lips.
I pulled back, maintaining my polite facade. “Oh drop the pretense, Caitlyn. It’s just the two of us here.”
Her expression shifted instantly, her fake concern dissolving into an amused smirk. “Well, look who’s grown a backbone,” she quipped, crossing her arms. “if I were you I’d enjoy it while it lasts, Alison. Confidence can be fleeting, especially for someone so out of their league.”
I tilted my head, giving her a pointed smile. “If talking me down helps you feel relevant, then by all means, go ahead. It must be exhausting playing second fiddle all the time.”
Her smirk faltered, her eyes narrowing. “This isn’t over yet, watch your back,” she hissed before sauntering away, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
I exhaled, relieved but not entirely shaken. The sound of slow clapping broke my thoughts, and I turned to see Beta Luke leaning casually against the wall.
“Well, color me impressed,” he said, his lips quirking into a grin. “That’s the second time I’ve seen you hold your own against Caitlyn and this is by far my best.”
I chuckled softly, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through me. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without your advice and encouragement, Luke. Thank you.”
“It’s my job to have my Alpha’s back and he loves you so I got your back too,” he replied, his tone shifting to something more serious. “But don’t get too comfortable. Caitlyn won’t go down without a fight, and she’ll get dirtier the closer you get to securing your place here.”
I nodded solemnly, appreciating his warning but refusing to let fear consume me. “I’ll be careful. Promise.”
With a final nod, Luke walked off, leaving me to continue my preparations.
The grand dining hall brimmed with energy as the Alphas arrived. Their conversations mingled with the rich aroma of the feast I had carefully planned. My hands trembled slightly as I served the final dishes, but I kept my composure, exchanging polite smiles with the guests. As I placed a plate in front of Alpha Magnus, a towering man with a booming voice, he looked up and said, “Well, I must say, this meal is exquisite. You’ve outdone yourself, Luna.”
Heat crept up my cheeks, and I glanced at Xander, who sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on me with unmistakable pride.
“Thank you, Alpha,” I said softly, bowing my head in acknowledgment.
“Xander,” another Alpha chimed in, “you’re indeed a lucky man. Not every pack has a Luna who’s not only beautiful but also so capable.”
The compliments poured in, and while I tried to remain humble, I couldn’t deny the small flame of pride that flickered inside me. This was my victory, proof that I belonged here.
As the table grew lively with conversation, I excused myself, retreating to the kitchen for a moment of quiet. I leaned against the counter, letting the silence wash over me. But the peace was short-lived.
The sound of the kitchen door creaking open barely registered as more than background noise. I assumed it was one of the staff until a voice, low and taunting, whispered in my ear.
“Long time no see, Ally.”
I froze. That voice. Slowly, I turned, and my breath caught as I faced Kendrick.
“What the hell are you doing in here? What do you want?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my attempt at steadiness.
He stepped closer, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Just to see you. You’ve cleaned up nicely since the last time I saw you. I didn’t realize you could look this beautiful.”
I tried to back away, but he was faster, closing the gap between us. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
“Don’t,” I snapped, swatting his hand away.
“Oh, feisty now, are we?” he said with a dark chuckle. “I like them feisty.”
Before I could react, he grabbed me by the waist, pulling me flush against his body. My hands pressed against his chest, trying to push him away, but he was too strong.
“Let me go, Kendrick,” I demanded, my voice shaking.
His breath quickened, and I could see the faint glow of his wolf surfacing in his eyes. “You’re even more irresistible when you fight back,” he murmured, leaning in, his lips dangerously close to mine.
I clenched my eyes shut, bracing myself for what was to come, but it never did. Instead, there was a deafening growl, followed by the sound of a body hitting the floor. My eyes snapped open to see Xander towering over Kendrick, his fists pounding into him with relentless fury.
“No.. VXander, stop!” I cried, rushing to his side.
He didn’t hear me, his wolf fully unleashed as he pummeled Kendrick, who was already bloodied and gasping for air. Desperate, I grabbed Xander’s arm, but he shrugged me off with such force that I stumbled backward, hitting the ground hard. A sharp pain shot through my wrist, and I let out a yelp.
The sound snapped Xander out of his rage. He turned to me, his expression horrified. “Alison…” he whispered, rushing to my side. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean… ”
I pushed his hand away, anger flaring briefly before it fizzled into exhaustion. His face softened, regret etched into every line. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
I nodded, letting him help me to my feet. Together, we turned to Kendrick, who was struggling to stand, his face a mess of blood and bruises.
“If I ever see you in my pack again,” Xander growled, his voice deadly, “I’ll kill you.”
Kendrick smirked, wiping blood from his mouth. “This isn’t over, Ally,” he said, his eyes locking on mine. “You belong to me, and I’ll make sure everyone knows it.”
With that, he staggered out of the kitchen, leaving an ominous silence in his wake.
Xander turned to me again, his expression softening. “Are you hurt?”
“No,” I said, though my wrist throbbed slightly. “I’m fine.”
He reached for me, hesitating for a moment before leaning in to kiss me softly. I allowed it, the warmth of his lips momentarily easing the tension in my chest. But the moment was short-lived, interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
One of the staff stepped in, her eyes wide with embarrassment. “I’m sorry for interrupting, Alpha…”
“It’s okay,” Xander said, stepping back. He gave me one last look before leaving, his jaw tight.
As the door closed behind him, I sank into a chair, my body heavy with exhaustion. Peace was supposed to be within reach, but Kendrick’s words lingered like a dark cloud. Peace, it seemed, was still far away.