CHAPTER ONE: IN THE SHADOW OF LEGACY

Alexander Blackwood stood, staring out the window at the calm, serene gardens below. Watching the skinny old gardener tend carefully to the plants, But despite the peaceful view, his mind was racing with worry. He was waiting for a decision from the pack, one that would determine his future as their leader.

He paced about the office, worried, scared and annoyed. Heaving a deep sigh he resorted to just sit calmly and wait patiently.

As he sat there, Alexander's anxiety grew. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside him. He stood up again, trying to compose himself, but his body betrayed him. His palms were sweaty, despite the cool air conditioning in the huge office.

They want him to take a bride, to provide the pack with an heir, His mind wandered to that night she died in his arms, "Not again." he groaned, trying to subdue the flashes of what happened that night, wishing he could just forget.

Alexander's eyes wandered to the large framed photo of his father, hanging proudly above his desk. His father, the late alpha, had always been his guiding light, his mentor and his hero. He had occupied this office, sat behind this desk. But now, he was gone and Alexander was left to navigate the challenges of leadership on his own, it wasn't simple as he had thought.

He gazed at his father's smiling face, Alexander felt a sharp pang in his heart. It was a pain he knew all too well, a pain that had become his constant companion since his father's passing. The pain quickly turned into rage and Alexander's fists clenched in anger. He felt like smashing something, like letting out the pent-up emotions that had been building up inside him.

But as suddenly as it had begun, the rage dissipated, replaced by a deep sorrow. Alexander missed his father terribly. He wished he was here to offer guidance, He wished he could turn to him for advice on how to lead the pack, on how to make the difficult decisions that came with being an alpha, He wished he had said sorry before walking out of the Blackwoods mansion that fateful day.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew he had to be strong, not just for himself, but for the pack. He is a leader now and had to show them that he was capable of leading, of making tough decisions and keeping them safe. But for now, he just stood there, lost in thought, missing his father and wondering what the outcome of the meeting would be.

The massive door swung open and his mother, Catherine, walked in. She was an elegant woman with a commanding presence, her silver hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her eyes sparkled with concern as she approached Alexander.

"Alexander, darling," her voice low and soothing, she walked slowly towards him, a defeated look in her soft eyes. "I've just come from a meeting with the pack elders. They're... unhappy."

Alexander's gaze snapped back to his mother, his eyes a bright, burning green. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of frustration.

Catherine hesitated, she drew out a chair and sat. "They're threatening to strip you of your title, Alexander. They say you're not taking your responsibilities seriously enough."

Alexander's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding in anger. "Because I haven't found a suitable bride yet?" his voice rising, and now he really wished he could smash anything.

A lot was running through his mind, every second wasted seemed like the whole pack was beginning to divide. Was this what his father would have wanted. The plots from the pack?.

"The pack needs an heir and they're growing impatient. They think you're too focused on your business dealings and not enough on your duties as alpha." his mother replied, pulling him out out of his thoughts.

Alexander felt a surge of emotions, anger, frustration and helplessness. He turned away from his mother, leaning on the table to calm his nerves. "Mother, I can't take a bride...not yet?" his voice barely above a whisper, closing his eyes, the incident from that night came flooding back.

Catherine's expression softened. "You've to find a bride and stop holding onto the past, Son. You need to provide an heir and secure the pack's future."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "And if I don't?"

Catherine's voice was laced with a hint of warning and motherly fear. "Then, dear, you risk losing everything. Your title, your position, your family's legacy... everything your father ever worked for." her voice fell, as memories of her husband came rushing.

Alexander's eyes dropped, his gaze falling to the floor as he struggled to process the weight of his mother's words. He felt a lump form in his throat, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He had always known that being the future alpha would come with its challenges, but he had never felt so suffocated by the responsibility.

His mother's words cut deep, striking at the very heart of his identity. He thought of his father, of the man he had always admired and aspired to be like. He thought of the family legacy, of the generations of Blackwoods who had led the pack with honor and integrity. He couldn't afford to fail.

Feeling a sense of resolve harden within him. He took a deep breath, his chest expanding as he drew in a lungful of air.

"I won't let you down, Mother," his voice low and husky with emotion. "I won't let Father's memory down. I'll uphold the family legacy, no matter what it takes."

Catherine's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her son. She saw the determination on his face, the fire burning in his eyes. She knew that Alexander was capable of greatness, that he had the heart and soul of a true leader.

"I know you will." she said, touching his cheek. "I have every faith in you."

Alexander held her warm hands. "I'll find a bride," the words torn from his very soul. "I'll find someone who can help me secure the pack's future. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure the Blackwoods legacy continues."

He felt a sense of calm wash over him as he spoke. He knew that he had made a decision, one that would change the course of his life forever. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to do whatever it took to protect his family's legacy.

Alexander's eyes met his mother's, a sense of understanding passing between them. He knew that he had just made a promise, one that he was determined to keep. He would find a bride and he would produce an heir. No matter what it took. It was getting longer than expected but he was going to eventually get a bride, and the pack was going to remain silent, or so he thought.