1. Aria

1

ARIA

D awn’s light crept through the dense canopy of lofty maples, gigantic beech, and ancient ash trees, casting a glow on the training grounds. As the morning sun began its daily ritual of waking the world, nature’s vibrant chorus filled the air. The tranquil atmosphere of the lush forest was juxtaposed with the rhythmic thumping of paws and the low rumbles of exertion as my pack members and I engaged in our daily training regimen, honing our bodies and minds for whatever threats might lurk beyond our territory.

As the future alpha, my presence on the field extended past participation. It was a physical demonstration of my dedication to the pack, proof that I intended to lead by example. My muscles coiled and flexed under silver-gray fur that shimmered in the burgeoning sunlight, every strand catching the rays and highlighting my silver eyes that swept across my pack, silently motivating them to push their limits.

“ Focus ,” I encouraged each shifter through the mental link we all shared.

The sparring wolves tightened their stances, their movements becoming more deliberate. Power went beyond muscle and sinew; it was about having a strong mind and believing in one’s grit. And here, near rogue territory, where the untamed wilds met the border of our pack lands, such belief was paramount.

We practiced combat in shifting forms, the dance between human and wolf fluid as water, each strike evidence of our versatility. My own form blurred between two legs and four, the transition seamless and instinctual. I led a complex drill, evading and retaliating with a grace that hid the ferocity behind each movement. Living so close to the Crimson Fang pack, a pack with whom we had a tenuous peace at best, meant we always had to be prepared. Having previously engaged in warfare with them, the Silver Claw pack knew their regime was far stricter than ours. I had to ensure our pack was ready to fight should Crimson Fang ever rescind the truce.

Eldan’s muscular form lunged toward me, snarling as he aimed for my flank. I pivoted on the balls of my feet, the tension in my muscles mounting before I sprung away from his assault.

“Your head isn’t in this fight,” Eldan said.

I bared my teeth in annoyance. He was right. My mind was preoccupied with more difficult matters. Father had been unrelenting in his discussions with me about his retirement, insisting that it was time I assumed the responsibility of alpha. The very thought sent tremors of anxiety through me. Allowing doubt to seep into my bones was not an option, not in this setting, not with the pack watching. Father wouldn’t approve of them perceiving any disharmony between us or my uncertainty about what was planned for my future.

I shook off my unease and returned my focus to Eldan. We circled each other, our movements fluid thanks to years of disciplined training. My body moved intuitively, every muscle and tendon poised for action, allowing my mind to drift to my father’s edict and the future he’d mapped out for me. Each strike I delivered was a silent scream against my impending duties, my claws cutting through the air with precision.

“Someone’s feisty today , ” Eldan grunted as he deftly blocked my advance. “Is this about your talk with Alpha Ragnar later?”

“Just practicing my negotiation skills. ” I allowed a chuckle to flow through me.

The truth was, true leadership was inching closer, encircling me like a cloak too heavy to bear alone. Father believed in strength through unity, but in moments such as these, the predetermined path that others expected me to walk with unwavering certainty made me feel isolated.

As we continued to spar, Eldan matched my every move with equal finesse, pushing me to the limits of my agility and endurance.

“You’re holding back. What’s eating at you?” Eldan reared up on his hind legs and dodged a swipe of my paw with ease.

“Nothing I can’t handle.” My frustration was an intense undercurrent of restlessness that threatened to spill over.

Part of me longed to confide in him, but Eldan was a warrior, not a confidant, and some burdens were mine alone. I poured all my frustration into the dance of our sparring, finding solace in the simplicity of physical exertion and the clarity it brought.

Eldan transformed into his human form and reached out, his fingertips nearly grazing my snout. I pulled away, then lunged at his leg, snapping my jaws dangerously close to his skin, when his attention abruptly shifted away from me as an unknown scent wafted towards us.

I saw an unfamiliar figure casually strolling past the fence encircling the Silver Claw training ground.

“Lost your way, rogue? Or just here to admire how a real pack trains?” Eldan’s malicious taunt was aimed at the lone figure skirting our territory, dark-furred and solitary against the backdrop.

I tracked the rogue wolf’s progress, my ears twitching at the dismissal in Eldan’s tone. The rogue spared us nothing but an indifferent glance before continuing on. My sparring partner’s laughter grated on my nerves, fueling a growing urge to reprimand him.

I shifted from my wolf form to address him. “Enough. Judgment isn’t ours to cast so carelessly.”

“Oh, come on.” Eldan grimaced, the mirth dropping from his expression. “He’s just a fucking rogue, walking too close to the borders of our territory. Should be grateful I even acknowledged his existence instead of just eviscerating him.”

I cringed at the narrow worldview Eldan clung to like a lifeline. The unclaimed territories harbored a multitude of rogues, those who either chose to live independently of pack life or those who’d been banished for their transgressions. Yes, we were creatures driven by pack instincts and loyalty, but compassion was a strength, not a weakness. It was a lesson I wished Eldan would learn, not just for his sake but for the harmony of the pack.

As if in response to the tension, the skies above churned ominously, dark clouds swallowing the azure canvas. A low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance.

“Storm’s brewing,” I said. The weather had grown wild and unpredictable of late, much like the emotions I wrestled with each day.

“Isn’t that the truth?” Eldan replied.

The charged air buzzed around us, a reminder that there were forces at play far greater than our individual squabbles or prejudiced beliefs.

“Let’s finish this round quickly,” I suggested, refocusing on Eldan, who nodded in agreement. The looming storm served as a fitting backdrop for the internal one I fought against, the pressure of the future bearing down on me as heavily as the promise of rain.

“Come on,” he taunted, his stance both mocking and challenging. “You’re not much of a sparring partner when you’re so riled up. Show me you can harness that energy, demonstrate your true potential.”

I bared my teeth in a snarl, my skin bristling with the electricity in the air. The impending conversation with my father pressed down on me, heavy and unyielding. He wanted to talk, but it was more than that. I was prepared to become alpha, had been groomed for the role all my life. What I wasn’t prepared for was fulfilling the requirement that an alpha must be paired—mated—before assuming full command. Such were the intricate laws that governed the pack, however.

Because while my father hadn’t said as much, I knew down to my bones that he had someone picked out for me, someone he deemed worthy and suitable. All that was left was for him to spring the news on me.

“Careful what you wish for,” I warned Eldan, shifting as I lunged.

We clashed, our bodies colliding in a powerful display of skill. With each swipe of my paw, I could feel my fury burning, a powerful rebellion against the chains that tried to restrain me. Eldan met my attacks with equal fervor, his own frustrations lending to his defense.

“Easy.” He panted. “You’re going to take my head off at this rate.”

“Isn’t that the point of sparring?” I feinted left before barreling into him from the right.

Eldan stumbled but regained his balance quickly. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were looking to start a war.” He dodged a particularly vicious strike.

“Enough,” I said, shifting into my human form and halting Eldan mid-attack as the sky opened up and fat droplets of rain began to fall. I stood there, panting, drenched in both sweat and the beginnings of the downpour. A warrior queen.

“Seriously, what the fuck is eating at you?” Eldan shook his fur like a dog shedding water, though the gesture did little against the deluge.

“Let’s just say I’m not looking forward to tonight’s pack meeting,” I said. Thoughts of the rogue we’d encountered earlier lingered. The rogue wolf was a symbol of the freedom I yearned for, even as I prepared to accept the responsibility of leadership.

Eldan stepped closer, his eyes earnest. “Whatever it is, you’ll face it head-on. You always do.”

With a last glance at the skies, now a tapestry of lightning and filled with the booming echoes of thunder, I turned, steeling myself to face the unknowns that lay ahead inside the alpha’s manor.

Half an hour later, the steam from the tub clung to my skin and beads of water trickled down my back as I padded across the plush carpet of my bedroom. My sanctuary was a harmonious blend of earthy tones and natural textures, the rich dark wood furniture contrasting with the soft-hued walls. The large bed, with its iron-wrought headboard and heap of embroidered pillows, was unmade. Par for the course. The thought of making my bed irritated me. It was a pointless waste of energy, as it would only end up messy again when it was time to go to bed. The darkness of the brooding sky seeped in through the wide windows.

I’d spent too long in the tub, letting the hot water pound the knots out of the muscles in my back. When I’d realized the time, I hastily put together an outfit appropriate for a meeting with the alpha. I opted for a smart pair of black slacks and an emerald-green silk blouse that complemented my silver hair and eyes. Stealing a wistful look at the inviting bed, I sighed and left my bedroom, closing the door behind me.

The creaking of the staircase echoed through the empty hallway, intensifying my dread as I headed towards my impending doom. Father was waiting in his office. The alpha’s aura filled the space, the power, duty, and legacy all a part of the whole.

“Father.”

“Aria.” My father, Ragnar, acknowledged me with a nod. “Sit. We must discuss the future of our pack and your role in it.”

Straight to the point. I knew what was coming. Hearing it would make it real—too real. But his words were a velvet trap, soft yet inescapable.

“I caught some of your training today.” His voice carried a note of pride. “You looked formidable.” He waited for me to acknowledge the compliment, ensnaring me with his gaze. “But strength alone does not an alpha make. During a meeting of the elders, it was determined that you are to be mated.”

He held up his hand, stopping me before I could even begin to protest.

“Aria, it is done. You’ve had ample opportunity to court someone, yet you haven’t made any effort to begin the process. So, after carefully reviewing the potential candidates in the pack, you’ve been paired with Larkin Ranger. The elders agree it is time for you to be mated for the future of the Silver Claw pack.”

There it was. I bristled, the word mated making me want to run screaming.

“I am aware of my responsibilities, Father. But why do I not have a say in this? Why can’t I choose who I?—”

“Because you had your chance and showed no interest. I have chosen Larkin for you.” The finality in Ragnar’s tone bounced off the high ceilings of his office. “He is of strong lineage, respected. His alliance with you will fortify our pack.”

Fury and despair warred within me. “I don’t want to marry someone just because of their genes and family name. I should be able to find a person who I love, who is suitable for me. For us.”

“Suitability is not about feelings,” my father dismissed. “It is about unity and survival. You will wed Larkin. It is your duty.”

My fingers curled, nails digging into my palms to anchor me. Love for my father, for Silver Claw, clashed with my desire for autonomy. I wanted to lead, to protect our pack, but at what cost?

“Is this how it must be?” I asked, trying to keep the desolation out of my tone.

“Affairs of the pack eclipse personal desires,” Ragnar said. “In time, you will understand. I’ve said enough on this matter, Aria. It is done.”

Done. The word hung between us, as heavy as the clouds outside.

The revelation threatened to drag me down. I had always known that as the future alpha, finding a mate would be among my duties, a tradition written in the indelible ink of pack law. Yet, a feral part of me had clung to the hope that I might evade that particular rule with cunning and persuasion.

I was Aria, after all—headstrong, resourceful Aria who’d never met a rule she couldn’t bend to make it fit a little more loosely.

“You know how I value the freedom to make my own choices,” I said. “Surely there’s room for flexibility here.”

Ragnar’s stern face softened momentarily before the alpha’s ironclad will returned. “The spirits are restless,” he said. “Our forest has been waning. The elders speak of omens and unrest in the earth beneath our paws. We must act swiftly to regain favor.”

It was true. The woodland had become different, its once-vibrant greens now fading to muted tones, its wildlife scarce and skittish. Even the storms, like the one we experienced today, seemed angrier, unleashing their wrath and punishing the land with relentless fury.

“Aligning with Larkin is more than politics. It’s a covenant with the spirits to restore what’s been lost.” My father turned from me, gazing out the rain-streaked window. “You’ve seen it yourself. Even those fucking rogues sense the imbalance. They’re prowling closer to our borders, drawn to the chaos.”

The bluster outside brewed with increasing ferocity, mirroring the tumult inside me. The rogue from earlier flashed across my mind’s eye, a fleeting image that left an unexpected twinge. But no, it wasn’t about his presence. It was about freedom and choice—or rather, the lack thereof—that he represented.

“Survival isn’t just about strength. It’s about unity, yes, but not one that’s forced,” I argued.

“Unity through strength is how we have survived.” Ragnar looked at me, unflinching, like the trees that had guarded our territory for centuries. “And how we will continue to thrive.”

The opulence of the alpha’s quarters had always served as a stark reminder of our legacy. The walls of the room were adorned with tall bookshelves, each filled with old tomes that showcased the pack’s illustrious history. The space itself seemed to exude prestige.

Ragnar’s presence dominated the space, much like the grandeur surrounding us. His broad shoulders, cloaked in the finest fabrics, held the pack’s future effortlessly. Yet, as we faced each other, I caught the subtle softening around his eyes, a glimpse into the caring heart of a father behind the authoritative alpha.

“Remember,” he said, “we prioritize the pack in every single choice we make.”

I nodded, his words sinking heavily into my chest, though agitation simmered just beneath my skin. With one last look at the masterful paintings of our ancestors watching over us, I turned and left him among the splendor that was more like a cage than a home.

Exiting the imposing chamber, I nearly collided with Seren, my best friend from childhood, in the hallway. Her bright smile briefly melted my frustration.

“Hey, watch where you’re going, future alpha,” she joked, although concern washed over her as she took in my troubled expression.

“Sorry.” I tried to muster a semblance of a smile. “Just lost in my head.”

Grabbing my arm, she changed direction and walked with me to my private quarters. Seren gestured toward the balcony doors, where dark clouds roiled in the distance. We stepped outside, cool droplets of rain brushing against our skin.

“Looks like it’ll be another nasty one.” She leaned on the railing beside me. Her proximity was a comfort, her familiar scent anchoring me. “This afternoon’s storm is barely finished, and a new one is already upon us.”

“Seems fitting,” I said over the distant rumbles. “Nature’s fury reflecting my own.”

Seren’s hand found mine, her grip strong and reassuring. “You’re not alone in this. Whatever comes, I’m here.”

As lightning crackled across the night sky, I squeezed her fingers, seeking comfort in the midst of the storm—the one in the clouds and the one in my heart.

“Thanks.” The heavens really opened up then, unleashing their torrent on the land. “My father has decided that I am to be mated to Larkin. For the sake of the pack and its future, my destiny has been determined.”

The words hung in the air, their significance amplified now that I’d spoken them.

“Who knows?” She raised her voice to be heard above the downpour. “Maybe you can bend fate to your will, just like you do with everything else.”

I allowed myself a small smile. In Seren’s unwavering faith, I found a sliver of hope amid the deluge, an anchor in the storm that threatened to sweep me away.

Seren turned and leaned against the balustrade, looking at me in the dimming twilight. “Larkin is a catch. He’s strong, respected... hot, even.” She offered a light-hearted chuckle, attempting to lift the oppressive tension threatening to suffocate me.

I snorted, the sound muffled by the raging storm. “It’s not about his attributes. This is about having a choice—or in this case, the utter lack of one.”

Her face softened. “I get it. It’s tough.” She reached out to brush a strand of hair from my face. “But you’re not just anyone. You have a position of privilege, responsibilities as the alpha. Sometimes, that means sacrifice.”

I shook my head, flinging droplets of rain from my silver hair. “Sacrifice shouldn’t mean surrendering the right to choose who I share my life and soul with,” I said, speaking from the heart. “I want to marry for love. To find someone who understands me, challenges me… and makes my toes curl in ways I’ve yet to experience.”

“Love is a luxury,” Seren said plainly. “And who knows, maybe you could fall in love with Larkin over time? He seems amiable enough.”

“Amiable?” I scoffed, the word tasting sour on my tongue.

“Your mother, Mona, was stoic, lovely, and strong.” Seren squeezed my hand. “She would want you to be happy, certainly. But even she understood duty.”

The mention of my mother stirred a well of sorrow, a longing for guidance and tenderness that had been abruptly severed when I was seven years old. The void my mother’s death had left in me seemed to widen into a vast chasm as the gap between Seren’s practicality and my yearning for autonomy became more pronounced.

“Mother would’ve listened.” A rare tear mingled with the rain coming under the awning. “She would’ve understood the words I couldn’t speak.”

“I’m listening.” Seren pulled me into a comforting embrace. “I just think if anyone can make this union work, it’s you. Because you are every bit as formidable as she was.”

The storm raged around us, and I allowed myself a moment to simply be held. To bask in the comfort of friendship that required no pretense. Yet, Seren’s words, intended to comfort me, had the opposite effect. They intensified my determination. In the wild dance of lightning across the sky, I saw not just Larkin’s image but the silhouette of a future where my choices mattered.

“Thank you.” I finally stepped back. “But I will not let fate dictate my decisions. Not without a fight.”

Seren nodded. “I kinda figured.”