The Matchmaker’s Dilemma
A sharp knock echoed through the small house.
Amber barely had time to react before her younger sister, Tania, rushed to the door, her curiosity getting the best of her.
“It’s late. Who—” Tania’s voice trailed off as she swung the door open, revealing Lilian, the Beta’s sister, standing tall with a polished grace that didn’t quite match the warm smile she attempted to put on.
In her hands was a basket brimming with fresh fruits—apples, grapes, peaches, and a few exotic ones that weren’t even in season.
Amber, sitting on the wooden bench in the corner, frowned slightly. She and Lilian were not exactly friends. In fact, they barely spoke. Lilian was known to be proud, always carrying herself like she was already mated to a high-ranking wolf. So why was she here?
“Lilian,” Amber greeted cautiously.
“Amber,” Lilian returned, stepping inside without invitation. She placed the basket on the table as if she had been there a hundred times before.
Tania looked between the two women before excusing herself, sensing the tension.
Amber folded her arms. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”
Lilian smirked. “Straight to the point. I like that.” She glanced around briefly before her gaze settled on Amber. “I heard you’re in charge of finding the Alpha a mate.”
Amber’s expression didn’t waver. “Word travels fast.”
“Indeed.” Lilian stepped closer, her sharp blue eyes assessing Amber carefully. “I’ll get to the point—I want you to match me with the Alpha.”
Amber blinked. Of all the things she had expected, this wasn’t one of them.
Lilian continued, mistaking Amber’s silence for hesitation. “I know what you’re thinking. Why would I need a matchmaker when I’m already a perfect candidate?” She smiled, tilting her head. “The truth is, I want to secure my position. And you—you hold the key.”
Amber narrowed her eyes. “What makes you think you’re fit to be the Luna?”
Lilian laughed softly. “Please, Amber. Do we really need to go through the obvious? I’m strong. I come from a respected family. I know how to handle responsibilities, and let’s be honest, the Alpha needs someone with status.”
Amber tilted her head. “And what if the Alpha wants more than just status?”
Lilian’s smile didn’t falter, but there was something sharp in her gaze. “That’s where you come in. Make him see me as the right choice. You’re the matchmaker. Do what you do best.”
Amber let out a slow breath. She had been wary of matchmaking for Alpha Damon from the start, but now it was more dangerous than she thought.
If she matched him with the wrong person, it wouldn’t just reflect badly on her—it could affect the entire pack. And if she refused Lilian outright, she could make an enemy out of the Beta’s sister.
As if reading her mind, Lilian stepped closer and placed an envelope on the table.
Amber eyed it suspiciously. “What’s that?”
Lilian smiled. “A token of appreciation. If you help me, there will be more where that came from. I promise I’ll treat you well.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “You’ll never have to worry about money again.”
Amber stared at the envelope. She didn’t need to open it to know it was filled with money.
Lilian mistook her silence for agreement and turned to leave. “I’ll be waiting for good news.”
“Take it back,” Amber’s voice cut through the air.
Lilian stopped mid-step and turned slowly. “What?”
Amber picked up the envelope and held it out to her. “I don’t take bribes.”
Lilian let out a small chuckle. “Bribe? No, no, Amber. Think of it as an incentive. A friendly gift.”
Amber’s grip on the envelope tightened. “A gift comes without conditions. This? This is a demand. And I don’t work like that.”
Lilian’s smile faltered for the first time. “You’re making a mistake.”
“No.” Amber’s voice was firm. “I’m making sure I don’t regret anything later.”
For a long moment, Lilian stared at her, the tension thick in the air. Then, with a sigh, she snatched the envelope back.
“Suit yourself,” she muttered.
Just as she turned to leave, a commotion erupted outside.
Shouts. Screams.
Amber’s head snapped up.
Lilian frowned. “What’s going on?”
Amber didn’t wait to answer—she raced to the door, her heart pounding.
As she stepped outside, her eyes widened in disbelief.
A crowd of women had gathered in front of her home, all holding baskets of fruits, some spilling over onto the ground. But they weren’t here for her. They were fighting—shoving—trying to push their way to the front.
Amber’s jaw dropped.
Lilian let out a low whistle. “Well, well. Looks like you’ve got a situation on your hands.”
Amber’s mind spun.
These weren’t just any women. They were all unmated she-wolves from the pack.
And they were fighting for the chance to be matched with the Alpha.