The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 22

"You brought nothing with you. I'll give you a nightie to wear," she says, crossing the hallway to her room. 

"Thanks." I smile and accept the nightie and towels she gives me. 

"Here you go," she says. "Have a good sleep. I'll see you tomorrow," she says, skipping to her room. Once in the bathroom, I lock the door behind me and shower. I step out into the corridor and explore. It's just bedrooms and bathrooms, so I return to my room and sit by the window.

"Moon Goddess, I know I've only just learnt you exist and that I know little about you. Please watch over Ryker. I miss him so much and wish things were different and will treasure the short time we had together, how he would gaze into my eyes, and how he would hold me tenderly. I am so grateful you matched us as mates, but I'm sorry it cannot be."

Pushing myself up from the floor, I fold a blanket back and climb into bed for much-needed rest.

I can barely sleep. Ryker is on my mind all night. I'm apprehensive and nervous about my first shift in four days. After a yawn and a stretch, I get dressed, make the bed, and go downstairs to the dining room for breakfast. A few members are already at the table eating. Amelia is one of them.

"Good morning, Astrid," she says. 

"Good morning, everyone," I say, sitting beside Amelia. The other ladies smile. 

"You'll have to tell me all about Shady Crest," I tell Amelia. 

"Alpha Zenith is obviously our Alpha," she giggles. 

"Yep. I think I got that." I chuckle.

"We train here daily, including she-wolves. Alpha Zenith likes to keep our reputation intact. We're the strongest pack, and he wants us prepared if another pack becomes a threat so that we can take them out. His eldest son James hasn't found his mate yet. Alpha Zenith has one in mind. He won't say who just yet, but says he will only settle for the strongest she-wolf, as James will eventually take over as Alpha," she explains.

"What if James finds his true mate in the meantime?" I ask. 

"Alpha Zenith is part of the council called the elders. They have the power to vote and choose an Alpha's mate for them if they feel their current mate is inadequate. If they don't suit as Luna or don't benefit the pack," she explains.

Alpha Zenith is part of the Elders' council! Ryker said they had wanted Vanessa as Ryker's mate. Why would Alpha Zenith make Vanessa Luna of Shadow Crest when she was the pack slave here at Shady Crest? It makes little sense.

"That's terrible, to remove someone's true mate. A mate that the Moon Goddess chose for you. Love is all that should matter. Being with your true mate, your one true love," I say, feeling my eyes well up, thinking of Ryker. 

"Amelia? Where is Alpha Zenith's mate? Where is the Luna of Shady Crest?" I ask. Amelia bites her lip and looks at the other two ladies sitting at the table eating breakfast. 

"Um, you see-' They quickly stand and bow their heads. Alpha Zenith walks into the room.

"Astrid. Good to see you're ready for work," he smiles.