The Unexpected Name
Amber’s pen scratched against the parchment, as she tried so hard to focus solely on the list of names she had been compiling for the Alpha.
Her mind kept drifting to what happened between her and the Alpha yesterday. She didn't want to give it any meaning but she couldn't help but wonder why he did that.
She couldn't deny that he was charming but she had to focus. She accepted the challenge to find him a mate and she had to focus.
Alpha Damon sat across from her, his piercing gaze locked onto her face. She could feel it, but she refused to be affected by it.
“So?” His deep voice broke the silence. “I assume you’re here because you’ve finally found a match?”
Amber looked up, shaking her head. “Not yet.”
Every time she thought she had the perfect match, he dismissed the candidate with little interest.
His brow lifted slightly. “Then what are we doing here?”
She exhaled, flipping a page. “I need to confirm a few things before finalizing my selection.”
Damon crossed his arms. “Go on.”
Amber cleared her throat. “You’ve already ruled out Cecilia, the Healer's first daughter, and Lilian, your Beta’s sister.”
“Obviously,” he said flatly. “I don’t want a bully for a Luna.”
Amber nodded. “Understood.” She struck out their names with a firm stroke of her pen. “What about the others? There are still a few strong contenders.”
Damon shrugged. “Name them.”
She listed several names, watching his expression for any flicker of interest. One by one, he turned them down.
Amber frowned. “You’re being too picky.”
“Or maybe you’re suggesting the wrong women,” he countered smoothly.
She clenched her jaw, holding back her frustration. “You don’t want any of the women who actively want to be Luna. You don’t want any of the women whose families are pushing for a match. That doesn’t leave many options.”
Damon leaned back, studying her. “Did you consider those who aren’t interested at all?”
Amber blinked, slightly caught off guard. “What?”
“You heard me.” His eyes darkened with intrigue. “You’ve been focusing on those who want me. What about those who don’t?”
Amber hesitated. “I—”
“Do you have their names?” he pressed.
She shook her head. “There are only a few of them. I didn’t see the need to write them down since I know them well.”
“Henceforth, I want to deal with those who don't have any interest in being the Luna, okay?”
Amber couldn't hide her surprise. Why would he want someone who didn't want to be a Luna?
“Alpha, I don't think that is a good idea. What we want for you is a compatible and good candidate. Someone who at least has an interest in you…”
“Why?” He cut her short.
“I don't need anyone who has an interest in me. I want someone who doesn't. So list them,” he ordered.
Amber sighed, flipping her notepad closed. “Fine. There’s Rachel, the baker’s daughter. She’s engaged.”
Damon waved dismissively. “Next.”
“Seraphina, the healer’s apprentice. She’s devoted to her training and uninterested in marriage.”
“Next.”
“Dahlia, the warrior’s sister. She prefers traveling over settling down.”
He exhaled impatiently. “Next.”
Amber hesitated before mentioning the last name. “And then there’s… well, Ciara and Becky.”
Silence filled the chamber.
“Who are they?”
“Becky has a weak wolf and Ciara seems to have a few of the qualities you want in a woman. I intend to see her next.”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Why is your name not on the list?”
Amber’s breath hitched slightly as she looked up to lock eyes with the Alpha.