ch 5

Amber~

A Revealing Day

The day broke, illuminated by a bright sun that contrasted with my melancholy mood. My father's words still echoed in my mind as I tried not to be overwhelmed by the events of the previous night. After a refreshing shower, I began to search for an appropriate outfit to return to the leader's house and hand back the uniform. It was also crucial to confront Alpha Tyler about the incidents that occurred the day before. I wondered: what could be the worst consequence? If I wasn't welcome, he could always reject me, which would allow us both to move on. However, the idea of being cast aside by him filled me with anxiety.

The Fears That Assail Me

If he ignored me, I risked being alone for the rest of my days, while he could choose another mate, even without a predestined bond. As an alpha, he had the power to reject any she-wolf designated as his partner by the Moon Goddess. And what if he truly decided to reject me? This thought crossed my mind as a cold sweat trickled down my temple.

"He won't reject you. Stay calm and talk to him," Amber tried to reassure me.

"Amber! Could you come here for a moment?" my stepmother shouted from downstairs.

"I'm coming," I replied. I quickly styled my hair and pinned back my fringe, as it was getting too long. I had inherited my mother's long, silky hair and fair skin, while the brown streaks and grayish eyes came from my father. I was truly a blend of both.

"Amber! Come down immediately!" my stepmother called again.

It was time.

I expressed my dissatisfaction, wondering why there was so much fuss so early in the morning. I grabbed the bag containing my neatly folded uniform, along with my cell phone, and left the room.

"What do you want, Mathilde?" I began to say before my words froze upon meeting the piercing gaze of icy blue eyes watching me.

"Alpha Tyler," I declared, surprised and breathless. He stood in the center of our small room, accompanied by his gamma and Mrs. Nala.

"Amber, show more respect," hissed Mathilde beside me, snapping me out of my stupor.

"Sorry. Good morning, Alpha Tyler, Gamma Romain, Mrs. Nala," I said, bowing my head respectfully.

"Miss Crey, we are here to retrieve an item you took during last night's gala. We are not accusing you of theft, but we consider this incident a warning," announced Gamma Romain.

"An item I took? I didn't take anything," I replied, shocked and confused. What were they talking about?

"You took the uniform with you last night, Miss," clarified Mrs. Nala.

"Oh, that? I was about to return it..." I began to explain before being interrupted by Alpha Tyler.

"Theft is not tolerated in this Pack, Miss Crey. You are lucky to receive a warning this time. Next time, the punishment will be severe, and you will be locked in the dungeon for a month," he warned in a firm voice, making me tremble.

"I'm sure it's a misunderstanding, Alpha Tyler. I know Amber, she would never do such a thing," pleaded Mrs. Nala.

"That's right," added Mathilde. "I assure you, Alpha, that my Amber is not a thief. Something or someone prompted her to leave the party abruptly. She came home crying last night."

Mathilde stood in front of me, trying to defend me.

In her haste to return home safely and away from any danger, she had failed to return her uniform.

Unable to speak, I remained still, trembling and barely holding back my tears. Why was he acting this way towards me?

"Who did this to you, Amber?" Lady Nala suddenly asked.

I glanced at the alpha, who silently signaled me to say nothing. I then lowered my eyes, not responding.

"May I speak with Miss Crey in private?" Alpha Tyler requested.

Turning to Mathilde, I briefly observed her visual exchange with the three present.

"Uh. Of course," she finally said. My heart raced, overwhelmed by panic. "This way. I'll prepare some tea for you."

She led the gamma and Mrs. Nala to the kitchen, leaving me alone with the alpha.

We remained silent for a few minutes before he initiated the conversation.

"I will only say this once, so listen carefully, Miss Crey. I am the alpha of this pack, known for my strength and ability to watch over this village, just as my father and ancestors did."

He fixed his gaze on mine.

"A lot of expectations rest on me, particularly regarding the choice of my Luna..."

He paused, examining me from head to toe.

"And I am convinced that you are not qualified. I hope, for your sake, that you haven't spoken to anyone about this. For I will deny it categorically."

That was it. He remained impassive, his expression unchanged.

This was my greatest fear. His rejection would condemn me to eternal solitude.

"Why am I not worthy, alpha?" I dared to ask, my voice trembling.

"What?"

"I'm asking you... Why am I not good enough for you? Why do you want to condemn me to be a lone wolf?" I repeated, holding his gaze.

Tears streamed down my face.

"Because you are just a commoner. You would represent a risk for me if you became my partner," he declared.

Tyler shook his head.

"I ordered an investigation on you. You possess neither talent nor ability that would be useful to me as a leader, to govern and protect my pack."

I lowered my head, ashamed. Such were his convictions about me.

A risk. A person devoid of value. Someone who had nothing to offer as a partner.

"I... I understand..." I murmured, not daring to look at him. Could my life really get any worse?