I felt anger bubbling within me. 'Why should my father's actions punish me for being with my mate and Luna?' I demanded.
'My father will force me to reject you, regardless of how pure your heart may be. I'm so sorry,' she whispered, wiping away a tear, her voice filled with despair.
'We can figure this out, my love! Please, just come down. I will speak to your father and show him that I will treat you like a queen,' I pleaded with all the sincerity in my heart. Tears continued to stream down her face as she shook her head, her refusal breaking my heart.
Her voice wavered as she replied, 'I can't, Zenith.' The torment in her eyes mirrored the torment in her voice.
'If you won't come down here, I will go up there to you!' I declared, breaking down the front door and charging up the stairs. With sheer determination, I shattered the bedroom door, advancing toward the beautiful she-wolf who radiated sadness.
Her breaths came in quick, shallow gasps as I approached. I could see the fear in her eyes, but there was also something else there, something unspoken.
Leaning over her, I gently held her chin in my hand. The electric charge between us was undeniable as I lowered my lips to brush against hers. I cradled her face in my hands while she rested her palms on my chest.
Our lips melded together with an intensity that felt like destiny itself. It felt so right, so perfect. The warmth of our connection washed over us, momentarily pushing aside the fear and uncertainty.
When our lips finally parted, she burst into tears.
'My sweet love, who is your father?' I asked gently, my heart heavy with anticipation.
Alyssa's voice quivered as she answered, 'Alpha Bane of Moonstone Crest is my father,' she confesses.
I took a step back, shock coursing through me. 'You are Alyssa, the daughter of Alpha Bane?' I questioned, my voice tinged with disbelief. She met my gaze with a mournful nod.
I pulled Alyssa into my chest, comforting her with gentle strokes through her hair. The conflicting emotions swirled within me as I realized our situation.
Despite our fathers being the greatest of enemies, I couldn't help but believe that there had to be a way for us to be together. 'Come, Alyssa, take my hand. Let's go to the dance. If everyone sees us happy together, our fathers might approve of us. We need to try at least, my love,' I suggested.
Alyssa nodded, and we smiled as we walked hand in hand to the ceremonial dance. All eyes were on us in shock as we entered. The room fell silent, the unexpected pairing drawing gasps from the crowd. No one had expected us, of all people, to be chosen by the Moon Goddess.
We began dancing among the others, sparks of connection flying around us. Alyssa's radiant smile lit up the room as we gazed lovingly into each other's eyes.
'What is the meaning of this? Get away from my daughter now!' Alpha Bane's voice boomed across the room. Gasps rippled through the crowd as they parted to allow him through. Alyssa clung to my coat, looking up at me with tear-filled eyes.
'Alpha Bane, it is a pleasure to meet you,' I said, respectfully bowing. My voice was calm, but beneath the surface, I wasn't.
'Alyssa, come here now!' He ordered with anger and disbelief.
His eyes bore into mine, and I could feel the tension in the room rising.
Alyssa hesitated momentarily but then spoke up with a nervous smile, 'Father, it's okay. Zenith is my mate.' Her voice wavered as she confessed, and her grip on my coat tightened.
Alpha Bane's face drained of colour instantly, his voice thundering as he responded, 'No, no, no, no. Alyssa, the Moon Goddess, would not be so cruel as to mate you with the lowest of packs, the most hated pack in the world!' His anger radiated.
My back stiffened at his words. 'Alpha Bane, please, I can assure you that Alyssa is my fated mate, and I am deeply honoured to accept her as such. I understand that you and my father don't see eye to eye, but—' I began before being interrupted.
'See eye to eye? Your father murders humans for fun! He beats his pack members and is the only pack known to use pack members as slaves! He is sick and twisted!' Alpha Bane raged, his accusations piercing the room.
'Enough!' My father shouted as he stepped out of the crowd, his eyes going to Alyssa, who clung to me, tears in her eyes, and my arm around her waist, holding her protectively. A strange, almost unsettling chuckle escaped his lips, a reaction that seemed out of place in the tense atmosphere.
'Who would have thought, my son, blessed with your daughter?' My dad chuckled, his laughter carrying amusement. 'The Moon Goddess must surely hate you, Alpha Bane, to curse you to share grand-pups with me!' His words reverberated through the room in jest and genuine wonder.
'Dad! This is a blessing for me and Alyssa. You need to keep your taunts to yourself!' I shouted, frustration welling up inside me. My dad, however, didn't take kindly to my open disrespect in front of all these gathered packs. His reaction was fierce as he let out a horrid growl, his eyes locking onto mine with a warning.
'Alyssa! You are to reject Zenith right now!' Alpha Bane ordered, and the sheer force of his command caused Alyssa and me to flinch simultaneously. Our eyes met, mirroring the turmoil in our hearts. I subtly shook my head, my silent plea to Alyssa not to go through with this painful act.
It was apparent that Alyssa didn't want to reject me; her tear-filled eyes and trembling form conveyed her inner turmoil.
‘Now!’ Alpha Bane's demand was relentless, causing Alyssa to jump in response.
My father was not one to stay silent in the face of such a command. ‘You wouldn't dare make her reject my son!’ He bellowed. His voice fierce.