MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 106: Return To The Pack

Chapter 106: Return To The Pack

She thought she could forget and move on. She thought time would heal her wounds, but it had been over two weeks now, and still, it felt like time only made the ache sharper, the memories more vivid, and the longing more unbearable. Every passing day seemed to peel away a layer of numbness, exposing her raw, tender grief beneath.

Vivian wasn’t sure if she was consumed by her own desire for vengeance, but Ryan’s ghost haunted her every waking moment, his eyes beseeching her to seek revenge, his voice whispering in her ear, urging her to make Reana pay. And Vivian was willing to sacrifice everything – her own life, her very soul – to avenge the man she loved.

"Vivian, are you listening to me?"

Vivian blinked, snapping back to reality. She looked at her mother, who was staring at her with a mixture of concern and frustration. "Yes, Mother. I’m listening," Vivian replied, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil brewing inside her.

Madam Katherine’s breath shook, her hold on her daughter tightening. "Let’s wait for Kael. He’ll seek revenge for you, alright?"

Vivian nodded, a faint, unconvincing smile flickering across her lips, but her eyes betrayed her true intentions.

"Let’s go inside," her mother said, gently taking Vivian’s hand and leading her back towards the manor, the warm glow of the setting sun casting long shadows behind them.

Madam Katherine’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with a mix of concern and determination. She knew Vivian’s stubbornness and recklessness all too well. Her daughter wouldn’t wait for Kael’s return, and Madam Katherine couldn’t risk losing her to Reana’s ruthlessness.

With a steely resolve, she decided to take drastic measures: she would confine Vivian to her room, no matter how much her daughter protested, if that’s what it took to keep her safe.

But if only Madam Katherine knew...

...

Three days later...

The air was electric with excitement as the news spread like wildfire through the pack.

"The Luna has returned!"

"The Luna is back!"

A chorus of eager voices echoed through the streets, with a few children racing around, their laughter and shouts announcing the long-awaited arrival of their Luna, who, by the way, has been away from the pack for about two weeks.

Beta Thane was seen with the Elders and some pack members at the small moon gate, the entrance to the pack house, waiting for their Luna with anticipation.

As the first glimpse of her white horse appeared on the horizon, leading her entourage, a cloud of dust billowing behind her, the air seemed to vibrate with excitement. The Luna’s long black hair flowed behind her like a dark river, her presence commanding attention and inspiring awe.

Beta Thane let out a discreet sigh of relief as the Luna approached. With her return, he could finally shed the weight of responsibility that had been pressing down on him.

Managing the pack for over two weeks had taken a toll on him, leaving him with a perpetual headache and a few more gray hairs than he’d care to admit.

His mate had teased him yesterday, saying he looked twice older now. Even though he knew she was playing around, Beta Thane took it to heart. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was losing his edge.

He wanted to remain the young, virile warrior his mate had always admired, not some graying, worn-out old man struggling to keep up...even though in reality, he was over a hundred and twenty years old.

"Welcome back, Luna!" Everyone chorused and bowed their heads in unison, their voices echoing in harmony as they greeted Reana, who sat aloofly on her imposing horse.

Reana’s gaze swept over the assembled crowd, her expression unreadable, her piercing green eyes seeming to bore into the very souls of those before her as her horse ambled forward with pride and haughtiness.

As her gaze landed on Beta Thane, her eyes narrowed slightly. She’d seen the work at the western border. While she loved the speed and efficiency, she didn’t quite like how the eastern border became the main focus.

She had explicitly instructed the beta to distribute the workforce evenly across three borders, and prioritize the eastern border more.

By so doing, she’d roughly calculated a thousand workers for three borders, and one thousand, five hundred for the eastern border.

But as it seemed, the western border had over a thousand workers. And if Reana was not mistaken, one of the borders had fallen short of workers.

However, she was in no mood to seek answers right now. She was exhausted and needed rest, so she galloped past without stopping.

Unbeknownst to Reana, her orders had indeed been carried out to the last letter. Just that she didn’t include in her calculations, the one thousand, five hundred workers and warriors sent by the West Wood Pack.

...

"Get some rest. Let others do the job," Reana said, her voice low and cold, as Mirian trailed behind her into the chambers.

Mirian stood frozen, her head bowed in submission, unsure of how to react. The Luna had been cold and distant since their departure from the human village, and Mirian couldn’t shake the feeling that Reana was still angry with her.

Kira had forgiven her, but the Luna...

Reana settled into a chair, her slender fingers massaging her temples in a slow, soothing rhythm, with eyes closed.

After what seemed like forever, a soft sigh escaped her lips, and she opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Mirian’s. "Why are you defying me, Mirian?" she asked, her tone a gentle reprimand.

Mirian’s head jerked up, tears welling in her eyes as she struggled to hold back a sob. "I–I’m not, Luna," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I just want to serve you, like I’ve always done. But you... you want to replace me," she whispered, her words barely audible as a tear rolled down her cheek, revealing the depth of her hurt and insecurity.

Reana’s gaze settled on Mirian, a hint of subtle amusement dancing in her eyes. Replace her? The thought had never occurred to her.

"You’re sharp, indeed," she murmured, her voice laced with a hint of dry humor. Reana closed her eyes once more, resuming the gentle massage of her temples. "It’s a good suggestion. I’ll think about it."