Pressure to get Luna

Alpha Kieran Blackthorn sat at the head of the long oak table in the dark council room, his gray eyes boring into the faces of the elders in front of him. The air was thick with tension, the silence stretching out like a rubber band as Kieran leaned back in his chair, looking utterly unimpressed. His face was blank, but he filled the room, radiating power and barely contained anger no one was brave enough to challenge.

The elders looked at each other, none willing to speak first, until finally Elder Magnus, the oldest and most respected of them all, cleared his throat. His voice was rough, carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and the burden of leading the pack through so many trials. "Alpha Kieran," Magnus started, his tone even, "we have called this meeting because of grave concern for the Nightshade Pack's future."

Kieran's eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign of recognition he gave. He already knew where this was going and he felt the familiar annoyance rising up. He had no time for the pack's interference, not when rogues from the Blood Moon Pack were trespassing on his territory with more and more impunity. The last thing he needed was another lecture on tradition and responsibility.

Magnus didn't let up. "As Alpha it's your duty to safeguard the pack's future. Without a Luna by your side our power is diminished. We need stability now more than ever with the rogues at our borders."

Kieran's jaw clenched. "I don't need a Luna to keep this pack strong," he said, his voice cold as steel. "I've kept us safe and undefeated without one. And I will continue to do so."

The room murmured uneasily and Kieran's father, the former Alpha, finally spoke up, his voice a mix of worry and exasperation. "Kieran, this isn't just about power. A Luna is more than a mate; she is the pack's heart. Without her the balance—"

"Balance?" Kieran interrupted, his voice dripping with contempt. "You think a Luna is what's going to balance us when rogues are at our door? This isn't a storybook, Father. It's war."

His father's eyes softened but remained firm. "I'm not asking you to believe in storybooks, Kieran. I'm asking you to think about the pack's future. You're pushing yourself too hard and it's starting to show. Even Alphas have limits."

Kieran snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm fine," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "The pack is fine. What we need right now is to focus on the threat at our borders, not on some ancient notion of fate and mates."

The old Alpha sighed, his face etched with fatigue. "Kieran, I know you're under a lot of pressure. But the council has made a decision. If you won't find your fated mate we've agreed to let the pack's witch choose a Luna for you."

The room fell silent, the words hanging in the air. Kieran's eyes narrowed, his anger rising. He could feel the elders' eyes on him, waiting for his response. But it was his younger brother, Lyle, sitting at the far end of the table with a sly grin, who caught Kieran's attention. Lyle was excited, almost giddy at the prospect of Kieran failing. As the second-born, Lyle had always been jealous of Kieran's position and it was no secret he wanted to be Alpha himself.

Lyle leaned forward, his voice oily and sneering. "Looks like big brother can't handle the pressure after all," he said. "If you can't find a Luna maybe you're not fit to be Alpha."

Kieran's eyes locked onto Lyle and darkened. He rose from his chair so fast the room fell silent. The elders stiffened and even Lyle's smirk faltered under Kieran's glare.

"You think you can take my place, Lyle?" Kieran's voice was low and menacing. "You think the title of Alpha is something you can just take without earning it? I am Alpha because I've fought for this pack every damn day. Because I've bled for it. I don't need a Luna to prove my worth and I sure as hell don't need you questioning my strength."

Lyle's face fell but he said nothing, intimidated by the fury in Kieran's eyes. Kieran turned his back on the table and his patience was gone. He strode to the edge of the room, his shoulders tight, his mind racing. He could feel his father's disappointment, the elders' disapproval and his brother's envy all weighing on him. But he couldn't afford to be distracted—not by them, not by talk of a Luna and certainly not by the weaknesses they thought he had.

"Find a mate or don't," Magnus said finally, his voice worn but firm. "But know this, Kieran: we're not indestructible. The rogues are pushing us to our limits and without a Luna you're more exposed than you think."

Kieran paused at the door, his hand gripping the frame so hard his knuckles were white. He didn't turn around as he spoke, his voice slicing through the silence. "I'll handle the rogues and I'll handle this pack. But no one—no witch, no elder and certainly no brother—will decide my fate for me."

And with that he was gone, his mind made up and his determination unwavering. The weight of leadership was crushing him but he wouldn't yield. The Blood Moon Pack was something he could face head on but this? This demand for a Luna felt like an assault on his freedom, an attack on his very Alpha tittle.

Outside, the cold night air chopped down on him like a broadsword, sharp and bracing. Kieran inhaled deeply, letting the chill calm the anger that simmered in his gut. Above Ravenridge, the moon rode high, casting its pale light upon town and sprawling forests beyond. It was a tangible reminder of the legacy he had to uphold-whipped by so many unforeseen circumstances, and now still more threatened by those he was under oath to defend.

For now, he pushed thoughts of Luna, mates, and pack politics aside. He had a pack to lead, and rogues to crush. He'd do that his way-or not at all.