Chapter 1: Alpha Burden
Al's POV
The cold wind whispered through the towering pines as I sat in front of my father's grave, the weight of the past pressing down on me like a mountain. The moonlight bathed the stone marker in an eerie glow, illuminating the engraved name that still sent a sharp pain through my chest. It had been years since the tragedy, but the wound never healed—it festered, a silent reminder of the life ripped away from me.
I exhaled slowly, my breath a mist in the crisp night air. I had done everything in my power to strengthen the pack, ensuring no enemy could ever catch us off guard again. Yet, no matter how much I prepared, how many battles I won, there was always something looming over me—something I couldn't fight with fangs or claws.
The burden of legacy.
A crunch of footsteps broke my thoughts. "Sir," came a familiar voice.
I didn't need to turn to know who it was. Shadow—my best friend, my second-in-command, and the only one who truly understood the weight I carried. He stepped into my peripheral view, his muscular frame blending seamlessly with the darkness, his usual emotionless expression fixed on me.
"Yes?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.
"We need to go," he said simply before shifting into his massive wolf form, his dark fur shimmering in the moonlight.
With one last glance at my father's grave, I let out a slow breath before shifting as well, the sensation of bones snapping and realigning second nature to me now. My paws barely made a sound as I took off after him, the forest blurring around us as we ran through the trees, weaving through shadows like ghosts.
The headquarters loomed ahead, its wooden structure blending into the thick forest. As soon as we arrived, pack members gathered, their gazes heavy with expectation. I knew what was coming before they even opened their mouths.
"When are you getting married, Alpha?"
I forced myself not to sigh. It was the same question every time. I shifted back to my human form, revealing my toned body, and someone immediately rushed forward to hand me clothes. As I dressed, I caught sight of Stone standing in the corner, his arms crossed, his sharp gaze piercing through me like a blade.
He had aged, but his presence remained as imposing as ever. My father's former second-in-command, and now the closest thing I had to a father figure.
"Where have you been?" he asked coldly.
I met his stare, unflinching. "Looking for my mate," I lied smoothly.
He scoffed. "Liar. I can smell it."
A quiet chuckle from behind told me Shadow found this amusing. Of course he did.
I sighed. "Fine. I was at my father's grave."
Stone's expression didn't soften. "You should be focusing on finding your mate."
"I will," I said, exasperated.
"You should have done it already," he pressed. "You're twenty-three. Your father met your mother at twenty."
I ran a hand through my hair. "Why is everyone in such a rush?"
"Because you're our Alpha," Stone snapped. "You need a Luna. The future of the pack depends on it."
I clenched my jaw. I knew my responsibilities, but the constant reminders grated on me. Before I could respond, Stone turned to Shadow.
"And you! Why haven't you been pushing him harder?"
Shadow raised his hands in surrender. "I do," he defended. "He just hasn't found the right one yet."
"What do you mean you haven't found someone?" Stone turned his sharp gaze back to me. "There are plenty of strong females in the pack."
"Yeah, but…" I hesitated. "None of them feel right."
Stone's scowl deepened. "You don't have time to be picky. You need to find her before the last full moon of this year."
I inhaled sharply. That meant I had four moons left. I was running out of time.
"Fine," I muttered, wanting to escape this conversation. "I'm going to my room."
I shot a look at Shadow, who wordlessly followed. As soon as the door shut behind us, I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Why is everyone in such a rush?" I mumbled.
Shadow leaned against the couch, arms crossed. "Maybe because you're taking things really slow?"
I turned my head to glare at him. "We're supposed to take things slow."
"Yeah, but you're taking it really slow," he emphasized. "There are girls literally throwing themselves at you, and you dismiss all of them."
"They're not the type of mate I want," I defended.
"What is your type then?"
I hesitated. "…I don't know."
Shadow exhaled, rubbing his temples. "You can't just wait to be interested in someone. The pack needs an heir."
I groaned, rolling onto my side. "They dismiss me the moment they see I'm not interested. It's not like they try either."
Shadow sighed. "Whatever you say, Alpha."
Silence stretched between us until I muttered, "And I still have to deal with the state of the pack's business empire."
"You're managing the pack and running a multi-million-dollar company," he said. "No wonder you're overwhelmed."
"Yeah," I whispered. "I think I'm too young for all this."
Shadow's expression softened. "Think about your father."
I closed my eyes, exhaustion finally creeping in. Sleep claimed me before I could think of anything else.
I jolted awake to the sound of knocking. Shadow stood over me, arms crossed. "Time to go," he said.
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. The weight of responsibility pressed down on me the moment I sat up.
"You have a meeting at the Silver Moon Corporation," Shadow reminded me. "Your father left it in your care, remember?"
I sighed, getting up and stretching. "Yeah, I know."
Minutes later, I was dressed in a sharp black suit, ready to face yet another grueling day. Leading the pack was one thing, but handling the empire my father built was an entirely different beast.
As I stepped out of my room, Shadow smirked. "Maybe you'll find your mate in the city."
I rolled my eyes. "Not you too."
He chuckled. "Hey, just saying. You never know."
With that, I headed out, the morning sun barely rising over the horizon. Another day, another burden to carry. But I wouldn't let my father's legacy crumble—not now, not ever.
As I drove toward the city, I gazed out at the skyline, the towering buildings standing as a reminder of my responsibilities. The Silver Moon Corporation was a titan in the business world, and it was up to me to keep it thriving.
The weight of expectations sat heavily on my shoulders. Between the pack and the empire, where was there room for me?
I sighed, leaning back into my seat as I drove. The city loomed closer, and with it, another day of endless demands.
Maybe today would be different. Maybe today, fate would finally lead me to her.
Or maybe, it would just be another day drowning in responsibilities.