Alpha Kade's Regret

ene'

r the Mate Ceremony. The air hummed with excitement. I stood near the edge of the clearing

s she fidgeted in place. "Can you believe it, Selene? This is our yea

h churned. "Yeah, it's exciting," I said

e. "Don't lie. You have been

he chill that had me on edge. "I am just... what if he doesn't w

p that. You're one of the strongest warriors in this pack, Selene. You have

the storm brewing inside me. "What if he is not w

ead. "That is not going to happen. The Moon Goddess doesn't make

, stirred restlessly in my mind. You're overthinking agai

er to the gathering crowd. "Come on, let's

e sacred bond of mates, how it was a gift from the Moon Goddess to strengt

illuminated by the moonlight. His dark hair fell just above his collar and his piercing bl

her voice trembling with e

raven? The ruthless, stoic A

hile nudging me. "Why are yo

r. "Rachel...

oss her face. "Oh my goddess, Selene! Kade Stormraven i

to panic. "He doesn't even know

"Stop doubting yourself. You're amazing, and Kade will

to the platform. Kade's eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something flash in his gaze-rec

shaking despite my best efforts.

expression on his face. The silence str

e. His tone was

No

ed. I was unsure if I had heard him c

sed the crowd instead. "Selene Dr

gh the pack. My chest tightened

pping closer. "You can't

eeds someone who can secure alliances

me as he said the words that shattered my heart. "I

een us crumbling under the weight of his words. Tear

speration creeping into my voice.

," he interrupted. "My pack need

but I forced myself to stand tall. The crowd stared. Thei

ornwood. She stepped forward gracefully, her perfect features illuminated by the moonl

ia Thornwood as my m

iliation became unbearable. I wanted to scream, to demand answ

n, their murmurs followi

u see h

thought she

e the rig

coming in short, ragged gasps. Lyra whimpered in my mind.

oice called after me

e sound of the pack's murmurs faded, replaced by t

es. Rain began to fall. The droplets were soaking through my

she appeared, her curls plastered to her face from the rain. Sh

er voice thick with emotion. "I

shoulder. "Why, Rachel?

op it, Selene. This isn't about you. This is about hi

the b

You're strong, loyal, and kind. You

ain, and I nodded weakly. "I just... I

dess has something better in store for you. M

ng around us. Despite the cold and

offered me a small, encouraging smile.

ack to the packhouse, I cast one last glance toward the clearing. Ka

is, Lyra said so

ll," I whispered. "But we'l

happens, Selene, I'll be right by y

n washed away my tears, I made a silent vow to myself. Kade Stormra

inning. And I would r