MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 105: Seeking Death

Chapter 105: Seeking Death

Upon learning that the road had been reopened, Reana and her warriors resumed their journey, only to be halted once more - this time by the beta of the West Wood Pack.

"Forgive me, Luna Reana," the beta said, his tone respectful as he stood in front of Reana’s horse, "but I’ve been instructed to request a meeting with you."

"And that would be?" Reana’s voice was cold but laced with a hint of impatience, her eyes narrowing slightly as she awaited the beta’s response.

"Alpha Killian wants to—" the beta started, but his words were abruptly cut off as Reana’s heels dug sharply into her horse’s flanks, sending the animal surging forward.

"Hyaah!" Reana’s cry echoed through the air as she urged her horse forward.

The beta barely avoided being trampled, leaping out of the way just in time as the horse thundered past, Reana’s long hair streaming behind her.

She had no time for that nonsense. If Alpha Killian wanted to have a meeting, he knew where to find her. Also, by sending his beta instead of coming himself showed that the Alpha wasn’t desperate enough.

Reana intended to use Alpha Killian’s desperation to her advantage. She would obtain full ownership of the crystal mountain within his territory, and she was willing to drag the waiting game until winter.

The beta stood frozen, watching as Reana and her warriors thundered past him, their horses’ hooves kicking up clouds of dust as they disappeared into the distance.

"Beta, that’s disrespectful of her," one of the West Wood Pack members murmured from the sidelines, assuming the beta would share his indignation. However, the beta’s expression remained neutral, his eyes fixed on the fading dust cloud that marked Reana’s departure.

The beta’s gaze snapped to the warrior, his eyes blazing with a stern warning. "Perhaps," he growled, his voice dripping with disdain, "your Alpha can do better."

The beta’s gaze lingered on the spot where Reana had vanished, a flicker of envy for the members of the Black Moon Pack burning within him.

He dared not admit it aloud, lest it be seen as a betrayal to his pack, but he couldn’t help but admire the Black Moon Pack’s leader. Her strength, wisdom, cunning, and unwavering determination that made her pack so proud, fearless, and motivated.

He wished his own Alpha could evoke such devotion.

The thought to help Alpha Killian’s younger brother to overthrow Alpha Killian had grown stronger these days, but what guarantee was there that the self-serving, womanizing, power-hungry sibling would prove a better leader?

That one had not even contributed anything, not even his own strength to save the pack from monster attacks.

The beta’s shoulders slumped, as if the weight of his pack’s uncertain future had settled squarely upon him. He let out a weary sigh, the sound carrying on the wind as he stood there, lost in thought.

...

Ever since the Luna left the pack, Vivian had stopped hiding in the basement and on this day, she was standing under a tree, staring into space.

Despite getting informed of Beta Ryan’s betrayal, she’d been unable to get over his death, especially because he was killed by her mortal enemy, Reana.

"Vivian?" her mother’s gentle voice called, breaking the silence.

Vivian turned, her eyes meeting her mother’s as she approached. But Vivian quickly turned away, her back to her mother once more. "When is Kael coming home?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I’m not sure," her mother replied softly. "But I’m sure he’ll return before winter begins."

Vivian’s fist clenched in frustration. "That’s too long," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Winter will be here in less than three months."

Her mother frowned, "What are you intending to do?" Ever since news of Ryan’s death had reached Vivian, her mother had sensed a simmering restlessness in her daughter, a feeling that now seemed to be boiling over into something more.

Madam Katherine was well aware that her daughter wouldn’t take Ryan’s death lightly, that the news would ignite a fire within Vivian, one that would be difficult to extinguish, but she didn’t think it would lead her to be unreasonable.

How could she not know her daughter’s thoughts? Vivian planned to seek revenge, but she’d spoken to her, begged her repeatedly to wait until her brother returned, but now, it seemed Vivian’s patience had worn thin.

Vivian stayed silent for a moment, before responding, "Nothing, mother." But Madam Katherine wasn’t fooled. She grasped Vivian’s shoulders, spinning her around, and gazed intensely into her eyes.

"Don’t lie to me, Vivian. I can see it in your eyes, sense it in your scent. You’re planning something, and I need to know what it is."

Vivian swallowed hard, her eyes darting away from her mother’s piercing gaze. She knew that if she revealed her true intentions, her mother would be frantic with worry and would stop at nothing to prevent her from seeking revenge.

"I’m telling you, it’s nothing," Vivian repeated, trying to sound convincing despite the turmoil brewing inside her.

Madam Katherine’s gaze bore into Vivian’s, her voice trembling with emotion. "I carried you to full term, I raised you, and I know how your mind works. Do you think you can hide anything from me?" She pulled Vivian close, her hands grasping her daughter’s as tears welled up in her eyes.

"I understand your desire for revenge, Vivian. But you can’t fight against Reana. She’s ruthless, cunning, and evil. She’s not like she used to be. If you go down this path, I fear I’ll lose you forever."

Vivian stayed silent, watching her mother’s sorrowful expression as tears welled up in her own eyes. Her mother didn’t understand the extent of the fire burning inside her.

She had loved Ryan with every fiber of her being. He was kind, gentle, and selfless - everything she had ever wanted in a partner. The memories of their time together, the way he made her laugh, the way he held her close, all swirled together in a maelstrom of grief and longing.

She craved his touch like a parched traveler yearning for water in the desert. Every moment without him felt like an eternity, and the ache within her seemed to grow with each passing day.