MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 44: Rewarding The Hardworking

Chapter 44: Rewarding The Hardworking

"Gamma Kira is a formidable warrior, that’s not a disputable fact," she acknowledged. "However, the Beta position is not all about strength. Kira has no interest in politics - it bores her, and we can’t afford to have a Beta who doesn’t take an active interest in the pack’s governance."

Reana’s words were met with nods of understanding from the warriors, who recognized the importance of political savvy in a Beta.

Kira, on the other hand, was never interested in being a Beta. She’d had that conversation with Reana in the past and even now, her opinion hadn’t changed.

"As for the vacant Delta position," Reana announced, her voice firm and decisive, as her gaze swept through the expectant faces, resting on Tara. "Tara will step into the role."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Tara, who stood tall, her expression a mix of surprise and pride. Reana’s nod of approval sealed the decision, and the warriors erupted into a chorus of applause and congratulations, acknowledging Tara and Thane’s well-deserved promotions.

However, not everyone shared in the enthusiasm. Xavier, one of the two Deltas, stood with his arms crossed, his expression darkening into a scowl.

The Black Moon Pack was large with thousands of pack members, but only had one Beta, one Gamma, two Deltas, and four Zetas.

Xavier had been expecting to be promoted to Beta, convinced that his superior knowledge of pack politics made him the ideal candidate.

But unfortunately, Reana had rid him off that title. His eyes narrowed, gaze locked onto Reana with a hint of dissatisfaction, as if to say, ’You’ve made a mistake.’ The muscles in his jaw clenched, and for a moment, it seemed like he might challenge Reana’s decision outright.

But then, his expression smoothed, and he took a deep breath, reminding himself of the larger prize he sought. His scheme to seize the Alpha position was still in play, and he couldn’t afford to jeopardize it with a petty outburst.

With calculated control, Xavier extinguished his anger, replacing it with a sweet smile as he stepped forward like the others to congratulate the newly promoted.

"Tonight, we’ll hold a small gathering to celebrate your promotions, Thane and Tara," Reana announced, her face stoic, but the warmth in her eyes could be felt. "It’ll be a chance for us to come together, relax, and acknowledge the hard work and dedication that earned you both your new roles."

The warriors’ cheers and applause filled the air. It’s been a while since they had such gatherings - it meant more meat, more wine, and more women.

But Reana didn’t give them enough time to rejoice before her expression turned serious once more. "But before we celebrate, there’s work to be done," she said, her gaze sweeping the faces before her. "I’ve compiled a list of tasks and responsibilities for each of you, outlining your roles in the construction of our fortress. We must work efficiently and swiftly."

Reana’s eyes seemed to bore into the souls of her warriors, emphasizing the gravity of their task. "I’ll be leaving the pack tomorrow to scout for additional manpower. We cannot afford to delay this project. Our fortress is crucial to our survival and security, especially this coming winter. I expect each and every one of you to take your responsibilities seriously and work tirelessly to ensure its completion."

"Understood, Luna!" The warriors echoed each other, seemingly satisfied. With that, Reana left with Kira falling in step.

The Luna and Kira walked in comfortable silence to the study, where Reana handed Kira the list of tasks.

With her workload temporarily relieved, Reana’s thoughts finally turned to Ryder, and she wondered if he had regained consciousness. Her brow furrowed as she pressed her lips together, racking her brain for what to take alone to pay him a visit.

She didn’t feel like going there empty-handed was ideal.

However, after a prolonged period of contemplation, she still couldn’t think of anything befitting. In the end, she sought help from Mirian.

...

Shortly after, Reana made her way to the servant quarters. Behind her was Mirian, looking somber and lost in thought with a wicker basket hung from her arm, overflowing with a colorful array of fruits including oranges, crisp apples, bananas, grapes, and many more.

Although some of the fruits had lost their luster, having been out of season, the pack’s kitchen had reserved them especially for Reana, who had a well-known fondness for fresh fruit.

Normally, this wouldn’t have been an issue, as the pack had a standing trade agreement with merchants from other regions, who supplied them with fresh produce weekly, but thanks to Kael, Reana had suffered a loss from that angle.

Yet, despite the troubles surrounding their fruit supply, Reana was willing to part with the last of her precious stock for Ryder’s sake.

So how could Mirian not be sad? She used to sneak one or two fruits for herself but now, she couldn’t do that anymore until more fruits are sent in the future.

That aside, her encounter with Xavier had left her reeling. The young servant had tossed and turned last night, eaten up by dread and trepidation.

Xavier had given her a mysterious medicine to administer to Reana’s food, assuring her that it posed no danger to the Luna’s life. Yet, Mirian couldn’t bring herself to do anything to the Luna. She could trust her cousin, especially after what he did to her in the forest.

Despite her reservations, despite her anger and hatred for her cousin, Mirian was trapped in a vortex of indecision. The risk of confessing to the Luna was too high.

If she revealed to Reana that Xavier had secured this job for her, using her as a pawn to influence the Luna’s choice of a mate and secure his own interests, wouldn’t Reana kill her?

On the other hand, there is Xavier. If Mirian failed to carry out the task by tomorrow, he would make good on his threat to harm her family. He had done it before, and she had no doubt he would do it again.

Mirian was going crazy with anxiety and desperation, her thoughts racing with the impossible choices that lay before her.

"Are you done daydreaming?"

Mirian’s reverie was shattered by the sound of Reana’s voice. Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head, feeling a pang of embarrassment at having been caught lost in thought.

Reana’s brows creased. She’d been watching Mirian’s vacant stare for a while now, her usual vibrancy and enthusiasm noticeably absent. For the first time, Reana saw a dullness in Mirian’s eyes, accompanied by dark circles that hinted at a sleepless night.

A flicker of concern crossed Reana’s face, but her voice remained steady. "Hand me the basket," she said, her gaze never leaving Mirian’s. "You can take two days off. Go rest, you look like you need it."

However, Mirian’s eyes widened in horror.

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