Chapter Thirty Nine
LUCAS POV
The heavy weight of responsibility pressed on my shoulders as I paced restlessly through the moonlit woods. The elders' words echoed in my mind like a constant drumbeat: to become the next alpha, I had to find a mate, a wolf to stand by my side and rule the pack with me. It wasn't just about fulfilling a ritual; it was about finding someone to share my burden, my life, and my heart with. But it wasn't as simple as asking someone to be my mate; I had to prove myself worthy. "Ha ha ha, Was that what they wanted me to think?" I chuckled to myself.
"Would I be able to win again Damian, he's much more qualified than I am" I muttered as I walked along. That was the only thing that had me worried. I had a lot of wolves running to my feet if I said I needed a mate. The attitude of the elders towards Damien showed how much they favored him. I was sure they might even show favoritism by getting him a mate before Leo and i
The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the expansive territory of our wolf pack. I walked along, grappling with the weight of the elders' words echoing in my mind. The criteria for becoming the next Alpha were clear - to lead, I needed a mate by my side. What were the elders thinking?
For too long, I had embraced a life of reckless abandon, taking for granted the responsibilities that came with my lineage. Now, with the realization that the position I coveted required a commitment I had avoided, regret gnawed at my conscience.
The decision was clear - if I wanted to claim the mantle of leadership, I had to find a mate. It was a path I had sidestepped for far too long, but the urgency of the situation left me with no other choice.
The sun climbed higher in the sky as I ventured into the heart of the pack territory, contemplating the enormity of the task ahead. I needed a mate, not just as a formality but as a genuine partner who would stand by my side through the trials that awaited us. It seems I have to take this seriously. I might have to stop bedding other female wolves.
I had to seek counsel from the elders, seeking guidance on the qualities that would complement my role as Alpha. At first, it was because I wanted to get them to my side but as I spent more time with them that day, I realized that
Their wisdom echoed through the ancient trees, emphasizing the importance of strength, loyalty, and unity. It wasn't just about finding a mate; it was about forging a bond that would strengthen the pack.
I couldn't shake the feeling of unworthiness that had taken root within me. The reckless, carefree ways of my past felt like shackles binding me to a life I no longer wanted. I had always yearned for the position of alpha, but the reality of it was now a daunting presence. I couldn't let it pass me by. I refused to let it pass me by.
As the moon hung high in the sky, I made a resolve that cut through the tumult of my thoughts like a blade: I would change. I would become the wolf my pack needed, and I would find a mate who would stand by my side. It was time to turn over a new leaf, to become a leader that my father would be proud of.
Despite the weight of my determination, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt.
"Would I be able to change enough?"
My instincts told me that it wasn't about changing who I was at the core, but about embracing the best parts of myself. The parts that were patient, unwavering, and strong.
The next morning, a new energy surged within me. I sought out the advice of the elders, seeking their wisdom on how to go about finding a mate.
"Lucas," Elder Finn greeted me with a solemn nod. "You seek guidance on the path to finding a mate?"
I nodded, my determination solidifying with each passing moment.
"Yes, Elder Finn. I want to make things right. I want to fulfill the criteria and become the alpha our pack deserves."
Elder Finn's gaze held centuries of wisdom, and he regarded me with a sense of understanding.
"The path is not an easy one, Lucas. It will require patience, kindness, and understanding. You must seek a mate who balances your strengths and weaknesses, one who will not simply stand by you, but walk beside you as an equal. Do you understand?"
"I do, Elder Finn," I replied, feeling the weight of his words settling over me. This was about more than just fulfilling a requirement; it was about finding a partner who would help me lead our pack with wisdom and strength.
"But that is not a big problem," he said and I was confused.
"Why do you say so?" I asked secretly getting happy. Could it he he wanted to find one for me?
"You seem to have forgotten the making ceremony, the moon goddess herself would choose you a mate that would compliment you as the next alpha," he said and I was sad. "What if the moon goddess doesn't want me as alpha?
I knew I needed to do everything possible to attain that position but then, I'll continue my search after my father's burial.
That evening, it was time for the burial, I was on my favorite cloth colorful enough to grace the occasion.
"you look adorable alpha," Marcus said and I smiled.
"Yes....I do, thank you" I said almost immediately walking toward the east palace where the funeral ceremony was to take place.
I got to the east palace and saw my brothers, I had to pretend to be happy with them to the outside world so I smiled.
we all knew we didn't mean well for ourselves.
"I just wish they'd die so I can take over the pack," I said within me while exchanging glances with them.
I noticed the way people stared at us while we were seated, whispering to themselves.
I looked around the crowd trying to find the tiny figure of Natalie, I caught myself immediately. Since when was I interested in her that much? I scolded myself but throughout the ceremony, I could be stop searching for her.
Towards the end of the ceremony, she came in with another elder maid.
"you're drooling," Leo smirked and I hurriedly wiped the corner of my mouth to find it dry. I glared at him.
"you are showing too much emotion and attention to her, if not how did I notice?"
"At who? Ohh....you mean Nathalia, I wasn't," I denied.
"I was just looking to see if she held any food I could eat," I said again and he looked at me like he figured out what I had in mind.
"you probably didn't know that she was assigned to the laundry earlier but now, she would soon become Damien'd personal maid," he said and I looked at him incredulously.
For the rest of the ceremony, I was out of it. I barely heard what happened next.
I barely waited for the conclusion of the burial ceremony before Rushing over to where Damian was but he was preoccupied with some matters so I left.
After an hour, he finally had my time and I went to challenge him. The pack members and the slaves were gone leaving only the elders and my father beta.
"Why did you want to transfer her?" I asked angrily.
"Who?" he asked calmly. it was that calm voice I hated the most about him.
"Why are you asking me who like you doesn't know what I am talking about?"
"Is it Natalie?" he asked again while frowning.
"Yes,"
"Well I am a little interested in her, isn't that enough reasons? Who are you to stop me?" he said.
"You've forgotten that she's a slave and I'm in charge of all the slaves in the palace" I continued
"Enough!!" Damian shouted at this point.
He leaned in, his tone unwavering.
"I do what I want and you don't have the right to question me," he said.
"You're not the alpha, why can't I question you?" I said already getting close to him. if he said any other word at that moment that pissed me off, we might just fight.
"If you were to be the alpha of the pack, you shouldn't let your emotions control you, how could you fall for a slave?" he taunted and my face turned green. he used my tactics against me.
As we faced each other, the air was heavy with tension, till Matthew came to stand in between us.
"Let's go, Alpha Lucas," he said and I was thankful for him. if Damien and I fought right now, I might not necessarily have the upper hand after all he is more experienced than I am.
"you guys shouldn't be doing this"
"Damian, let's end it here, you just go to your quarters and leave the rest to me," he said dragging me away from Damian.
"Just follow me," he said to me but I kept resisting.
when it got to a point that I couldn't resist again, I just gave up and followed him.
"listen to me....just listen to me," he said dragging me.
he finally let me be when he saw that I was a bit...
"don't try to argue with him, you won't win him in arguments, Take action!" he said.
"What do you mean by that? I asked and he looked at me with a knowing look.
"Do you know the elder council are trying, not even trying planning to make Damien the alpha? you and Leo are just Cannon fodder. moreover, they said if they can't use Damien, then they would use Leo, you have to be careful," he said and I started to think about it. I wasn't ready to speak to anyone so I just acted like I didn't care for what he said and dismissed him.
"You can go, I've heard you,"
I need to take action indeed but what action was I to take?
As I made my way through the grand halls of the palace, my eyes caught a glimpse of her, Nathalia. A flicker of recognition sparked within me, reminding me of our first encounter.
I had treated her with scorn because I couldn't bear to see someone with an unbroken spirit.
Approaching her, I cleared my throat, hoping to catch her attention. her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and wariness.
"May I help you, Alpha Lucas?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of apprehension.
"You may," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual.
"Don't think you are off the hook, I just decided to let you go today because of some things, What did you do to gain Damien's attention?" I asked.
Nathalia's eyes widened slightly as if she was taken aback by my question. She hesitated, then answered cautiously, "I believe your brother appreciates my dedication and efficiency in my work, my lord"
I smirked, not satisfied with her answer. There was something more to her, something that made her stand out from the other slaves in the palace.
"Come now, Nathalia, there must be something else. You've piqued my curiosity."
She paused, her brows furrowing slightly. "Forgive me for speaking freely, but perhaps it is because I am not afraid to voice my opinions, even if they differ from those around me. And I try my best to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status."
Her words struck a chord within me. I realized that Nathalia possessed a strength and conviction that exceeded her role as a slave. She had a fire in her eyes, a fierce determination that I found irresistible.
"I see," I murmured, unable to tear my gaze away from her. "Tell me, Nathalia, would you consider me worthy of your respect?"
She glanced at me, surprise evident in her eyes. "I don't think respect should be earned solely based on one's status or title, my lord. It should be earned through one's actions and character."
Her response struck me like a blow. Nathalia saw right through the facade I had carefully constructed. I had grown accustomed to people treating me with deference solely because of my position as one of the triplets of the dead alpha. But here she was, questioning my worthiness for respect.