Mated To The Beastly Alpha
Chapter 30

The next few days weren't any easier for Liam. They had made progress with the witch hunt. James and some scouts stumbled on a cabin where the witch had set up camp for her previous operations. After investigating it, they set it on fire. From the cabin, they were trailing the witch. She was weeks ahead of them, but werewolves had stronger senses and were fast.

Liam's problem was still Nicole. Although they had developed some sort of rapport, she was still unresponsive to him. He knew that he was falling for Nicole and that he was falling hard. It was upsetting because he was the Alpha, and he wanted to remain an untamed beast, free to roam and protect his pack without any distractions.

But now, he couldn't deny the way he felt about her. He had never met anyone like her before; someone who was that strong, independent, and beautiful. He couldn't help but be drawn to her.

This time, he sensed that it was not the mark that was prompting him. It was something that he felt himself. He had tried to talk to her, but she was scared of him and cold towards him, so instead of pressuring her, he decided to let her be.

As they trained, Liam couldn't help but steal glances at Nicole, marveling at the way her ash-brown hair shone in the moonlight and cascaded down her back and the way her hazel eyes sparkled when she smiled.

He knew that he was in trouble. Because this time, if he made any move, it wouldn't be because of the mark. He had always been able to control his urges with other females, but now, with Nicole, it was like all his self-control was slipping away.

Liam was even more impressed by Nicole's skill and determination, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride whenever he saw her in action. Liam knew that he had to keep his distance, though. He couldn't afford to let himself be distracted by his feelings for her. Not when he had a witch to destroy.

They had just finished a feedback meeting with the scouts on the witch's trail. Liam was burnt out and wanted to rest when his sister Lilian, who was Luna in another pack, waltzed in.

"Hello, brother," she said, beaming as she approached him. "Always here to save the day. I heard that you've been in a lot of shit lately, and it has something to do with a certain she-wolf."

She was the splitting image of him. She had colored her blonde hair to brunette, but her light blue eyes were as prominent as ever.

Liam grinned. He didn't know how much he had missed her until now. She was always the breath of fresh air that he needed. They were only a few months apart in age, with him being the senior. Both of them possessed similar ruthlessness, and anytime one of them strayed, the other was always available to correct the other.

"I was beginning to think that you had abandoned me," Liam teased. Lilian was the only person he could be vulnerable to.

She smirked, "If I abandon you, big brother, I'm afraid you'll set the world ablaze. News of your struggles with a witch is making rounds."

Liam sighed. He didn't want it to spread.

"Don't worry, no one is stupid to see it as an advantage. They are all watching. If you win, of which I know that you will, they will be terrified of you forever.

Surviving war with witches is death-defying these days, especially since we foolishly wiped out witch banes. They'll only attack when they see you losing and you are proving them wrong. I'm proud of you as always, brother."

Liam's heart warmed. It was nice hearing from the only person in the entire universe who had similar experiences and thoughts as him.

"I have a witch-bane," he boasted.

"Interesting," she mused, "I'm guessing it is the same she-wolf that you mistakenly marked?"

Liam's smile wilted, "You know too much, little sister."

She sighed, "When did my knowing everything about you become too much? Ah, it seems you've bitten more than you can chew recently. It's indeed affecting you very much then."

"Who feeds you with information?" Liam grumbled.

He was trying as much as possible to steer the discussion about Nicole. Liam's heart skipped a beat at the thought of her. He tried to play it cool, but he knew that his sister could see right through him.

"And what's it to you?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Lilian rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm your sister, and I care about you. But you're starting to act like a lovesick puppy, and it's not a good look for an alpha."

Liam bristled at her words. "I'm not a lovesick puppy," he protested. "I just... it's complicated. That's all."

Lilian gave him a knowing look. "You are feeding into the pull of the mark, and it's making you weak. You need to focus on your duties as an alpha, not on some she-wolf who's making you lose your edge. Remember who you are, Liam. Remember who we are." Liam sighed. Lilian was always right, but he couldn't control what was happening. "What do you suggest I do, then?" he asked.

Lilian thought for a moment before speaking. "I have an idea. I'll introduce you to a new lady, one that will cure you of this infatuation with Nicole."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "And who is this lady?"

Lilian grinned. "She's a she-wolf from a neighboring pack. She's strong and beautiful, and she's been asking about you. I think you two would make a great match."

Liam didn't feel excited about the idea, but he knew that he had to do something to get over Nicole. "Fine," he said, begrudgingly. "I'll meet her."

A few days later, Lilian brought the she-wolf to their pack. Her name was Luna Isabella, and she was indeed beautiful. Her hair was a soft shade of gray, and her eyes sparkled like emeralds. She carried herself with confidence, and Liam could tell that she was a strong and capable wolf. "Alpha Liam," Isabella said as she approached him. "It's an honor to meet you."

Liam bowed his head respectfully. "The honor is mine, Luna Isabella. Please, call me Liam."

They spent the afternoon together, getting to know each other. Isabella was charming and witty, and Liam found himself enjoying her company. But despite her many good qualities, he couldn't help feeling that something was missing. He knew what it was, but he refused to accept it.

As the sun began to set, Isabella turned to him and said, "Liam, I've had a wonderful time with you today. I hope that we can spend more time together in the future."

Liam smiled politely, but he knew that he didn't feel the same way about her as he did about Nicole. "Thank you, Luna Isabella. I would be honored to spend more time with you as well."

Lilian watched the exchange with a satisfied expression. "See, Liam? You don't need Nicole to be happy. Luna Isabella is a wonderful match for you."

Liam gave her a fake smile. His wolf, on the other hand, was raging in his subconscious.

As Isabella left, Lilian approached her brother. "Well, what do you think?" she asked.

Liam hesitated before answering. "She's a great wolf, but... I don't know. I just didn't feel it, Lilian."

Lilian raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Liam sighed and ran his hand through his hair," This is more complicated than you can understand, Lilian. I think what I feel is becoming more than the mark. I am beginning to see Nicole as she is. I know it's foolish, but I can't help the way I feel. I don't think I can just switch off my feelings like that."

Lilian shook her head. "Liam, you're making a mistake. Nicole is a distraction. You need to focus on your duties as an alpha. This is weakness sneaking in on you. Remember what happened to our parents?" Liam gulped. He didn't like to think of it.

"Look at me, brother. You were born to shine alone. I'm not asking you to take Isabella as your Luna, I'm asking you to use her to get over it."

"I've tried. Do you think I haven't tried it? I've done all the shit I should," he growled. He was riled up.

"Try harder," Lilian snapped. "You cannot fumble Liam! You can not let this end you!"

Liam nodded. He didn't have the energy for an argument with his sister. She could be vicious when she wanted to be. He excused himself and went for a walk in the forest, hoping to clear his head.

As he walked, he thought about Nicole and how much he missed her. He knew that his feelings for her were foolish and that he needed to focus on his duties as an alpha, but he couldn't help himself. He was falling for her, and he didn't know what to do about it. Suddenly, he heard rustling in the bushes. He was tensed, ready to defend himself, but then he saw who it was. It was Nicole.

"Nicole," he greeted, his wolf was excited to see her.

She gave him a tentative smile, "Hi," she said.

"We should talk?" Liam said, feeling nervous.

Nicole looked up at him, her eyes filled with curiosity. "What is it, Liam?"

Liam took a deep breath before speaking. "Remember how I told you that doing things together is the only thing that will free us?"

Nicole folded her arms and tilted her head but nodded.

"We should get to know each other well. It'll let us know if we are compatible."

Nicole shifted on her feet uncomfortably.

"I don't think that's necessary. We can do things together, but getting to know each other personally is not something I want to do."

Liam held back a growl. On seeing his expression, Nicole shrugged and added, "I'll try Alpha."

"F**k, stop with this Alpha shit!"

Nicole swallowed, "sorry Alpha Liam."

"Stop, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," Nicole whispered, "Can I go now?"

She didn't wait for him to respond before she scurried away.

Liam watched her with a feeling of resignation and bitterness. But it wasn't her fault, she was doing what he asked. Yet, it didn't make it any easier to accept.

Lilian was on his neck, she was putting enough pressure on him and suggesting more women. She didn't understand that he couldn't bring himself to want another woman.

"Liam, I've been thinking. Maybe I was wrong to suggest Isabella to you." She said one evening.

Liam was growing tired of the pressure she was putting on him.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Lilian hesitated before speaking. "I mean...maybe there's someone else you should consider."

Liam felt a spark of hope. "Who?"

Lilian smiled. "Someone strong, intelligent, and beautiful. Someone who I think would be perfect for you."

Liam's heart raced. "Who is it?"

Lilian leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "Another Luna."

"No, I cannot do it. I don't want to do it. Stop it."

Lilian sighed, "we have another option."

Despite himself, Liam was filled with hope, "what is it?"

"Send her away. She's an Omega, right? Send her away. Let her go far away to train as the witch bane or command her to go after the witch. You have a group trailing her, right?"

Liam was taken aback. "What? Lilian, you're... I can't... Lilian, I don't know..." Liam trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Lilian took a step closer to him, her eyes full of determination. "Liam, I know this might seem strange, but we're not like other wolves. We're alphas. We have to make tough decisions and we have to be willing to do whatever it takes to lead our pack. And if that means breaking a few rules, then so be it. Besides, being away from her will let you breathe."

Liam couldn't deny that his sister had a point. As an alpha, he had to make tough decisions and he couldn't let his personal feelings get in the way of his duty to his pack. But he couldn't send Nicole away just like that, it sounded wrong.

"Lilian, I need some time to think about this. It's a big decision." It was a silly excuse but he needed to get away from his sister, they were too similar. She tended to do anything to get what she wanted.

Lilian smirked, then nodded. "Take all the time you need. Just remember, Liam. You're alpha. You can't afford to be weak. Sending her away will not only free you but prove once again that you're powerful. After all, she's the only one that can kill the said witch. It will reduce a lot of casualties."

Liam was shocked. This offer would have been tempting if he hadn't begun to feel something for Nicole. Now he only ached to protect her.