The Alpha’s Bride – Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – Stephanie

Marcy’s mind was a mess after receiving the news that tomorrow she would meet Alpha Damon, the Alpha of the notorious Dark Howlers pack, her future husband.

She still hadn’t recovered from finding and rejecting her mate, yet now she had to think about another man. And this was not just any man. Alpha Damon has a grim reputation on the battlefield and an even worse reputation with women.

Seeking solitude, Marcy went to her room.

To her horror, Nora was two steps behind, cooing about how this was the best thing ever.

Marcy was exasperated. “What do you know about Alpha Damon?”

Nora whipped out her phone. “Very handsome! This one was taken two months ago when he visited the Silverburn pack. I have a friend there, so we exchange hottie-related info, and Damon is a hottie. I can’t believe he’s coming here!”

Marcy looked at the photo. Well, he was handsome.

“I guess with you marrying him, I’ll have the hottest info on him.”, Nora grinned. “You’ll be OK with me reporting things to my friends about your hot husband, right? Damon being married won’t make him less handsome, and we’re only talking and looking. Not touching.”

Marcy sighed. “Take as many photos as you want. This is my father’s doing, for the pack’s benefit. No one asked me how I feel.”

Nora cocked an eyebrow. “How do your feelings change the fact you’re set to marry the hottest werewolf in North America? He has looks, money, and thousands of warriors at his disposal. I can only imagine how lavish his mansion is. His territory is larger than ours, with forests, lakes, and mountains as far as the eye can see. It’ll all be yours.”

“What about his womanizing?”, Marcy asked.

Nora rolled her eyes. “Hellooooo! Damon is the Alpha of the largest pack in North America. He never lost a challenge, and he’s young, handsome, and single. Do you expect him to be a monk? Women throw themselves at him.”

Marcy groaned. “I was not talking about hookups. Didn’t you hear about numerous women offering themselves as brides and Alpha Damon rejecting them?”

Nora shrugged. “One or a hundred, why does it matter? You’re beautiful, well-educated, and your father is the Alpha of the Red Moon pack. Even if Damon doesn’t fall for you right away, as long as he doesn’t reject you, you’ll get your chance to seduce him.”

Marcy agreed. She had confidence in herself, and she hadn’t met a guy who would refuse her. No matter how guarded Damon was, she believed she could win him over.

At the mention of rejection, Marcy remembered George, the Greek God who gave her a few minutes of bliss before plunging her into agony.

Does Damon have a mate? Marcy guessed he probably has several women at home, willing to please him. What if he has a harem?

“Do you know if Alpha Damon found his mate?”

“Maybe he did, and it didn’t work out…”, Nora mused. “But focus on the fact that he’s available. After the mating ceremony, it won’t matter if his mate exists because the bond between you will overshadow any others. You’ll be the Luna of the most powerful pack and he’ll adore you.”

Marcy pursed her lips, imagining being Luna of the most powerful pack in North America. Only a fool would pass that opportunity.

Marcy told herself that no matter what mate the Moon Goddess set for her, she could choose. Once bonded, any other connection would disappear, including her longing for George.

Marcy put her hand over her chest. She rejected him. Why did she still feel restless thinking of him?

“Are you OK?”, Nora asked.

“Yes, yes.”, Marcy smiled. “Tomorrow is a big day. Help me pick what to wear. I didn’t pack some of my favorite dresses, so we might need to go shopping.”

Nora squealed at the idea.

—

Meanwhile, in the Dark Howlers pack…

Damon exited the packhouse and, as usual, paused to observe the three-story building.

The first floor housed common rooms. The second floor had offices, guest bedrooms, and Beta quarters. The third floor was reserved for Alpha and his family.

Damon remembered when the packhouse was lively. His mother, Luna Violet, was kind and welcoming, loved by all. Now, only a handful remained, and regular pack members visited rarely.

It was quiet.

Damon turned to the car where Caden and Maya waited. It was time to head to the Red Moon pack to meet Marcy, the next Luna candidate.

“Cheer up!”, Caden shouted. “You look like you’re going to a funeral, not to get laid! Picture Marcy spreading her legs for you!”

Maya slapped Caden.

“What?”, he asked innocently.

“Why can’t you pick your words?”, Maya scolded.

Caden smirked. “Since when do you mind when I talk dirty?”

“It’s fine when it’s just the two of us…”, Maya whispered.

Caden chuckled, pulling her closer for a kiss.

Damon watched, not enthused about witnessing their PDA on a long drive.

“Wait!”, a breathy female voice called from the hallway. A middle-aged woman with curly red hair appeared, holding food containers. “This is food for the road. I don’t want you kids to go hungry.”

Damon stifled a laugh. “Thank you, Steph.”

Stephanie handles the packhouse, covering duties usually done by the Luna. Damon often jokes that he will marry her.

The Luna ensures the packhouse runs smoothly and members are happy, while the Alpha manages security and pack operations. Together, they keep the pack prosperous.

Without a Luna, Stephanie and Maya split the duties—Stephanie for the house, Maya for the pack members.

Stephanie was Damon’s mother’s best friend. Her mate had been the Beta of the Dark Howlers; he died with Damon’s parents.

Stephanie’s daughter, Lisa, eight at the time, was treated by Damon like a baby sister. After Alpha and Luna of the Black Howlers died, Stephanie ensured Lisa’s safety by sending her to her sister. Lisa adapted and occasionally visits.

For the past decade, Stephanie had been treating Damon as her child, earning love and respect from the entire pack.