The Lunas Second Chance Mate
Chapter 56

Ryan's POV

I pranced around my mansion as if walking on clouds, completely elated after Alyson was so affectionate with me. If forming a true mating bond would be even half as amazing as the other day, then I would always have hope. She was my love, and my life, and I could only think of her. Her sudden insecurities still tickled my concerns. She had seemed a little closed off towards the end. While this hurt me, it was Alyson, I had to expect that she might always struggle to be vulnerable, and she had shown a lot of vulnerability already that day. The same day, business was as usual till I received an invitation from the elders to meet at their house of council. I hoped that nothing negative would come of it, but the note indicated that they had "important and exciting news to share." The familiar room had books filling the shelves that made up every inch of the wall. The elders sat around their ovular table, and invited me in to sit with them. This time, thankfully, Jacob was not present. I was happy that any news was from the elders and not including him.

Elder Fritz initiated the conversation with the usual formalities, then told me, "We are excited to share that Crowalt Pack has warmed to you a lot since you moved here. It seems that people speak of you well for winning the competition against Jacob, and acting within the rules."

I was nodding, this did sound like good news. I hated the man more than ever now that I knew who he'd been to Alyson and what he'd done to her. I could hardly face him without the urge to kill him. It was probably best to avoid.

He continued, "Jacob is already twenty-five, and beginning to show some signs of illness, so we are looking for Alpha candidates to be in place."

I immediately wondered if he was already feeling the effects of poison that Alyson was lacing his Blood's Bane with. I would delight in sharing that tidbit of information with her next time we see each other.

"To uphold the ways of Alexander, we always like to have more than one Alpha candidate at any given time, especially important when the current Alpha begins to show his age. We have only had one Alexander with appropriate level of talents, and now you. Would you accept this honor?"

I could hardly believe my ears; they were offering me the status of Alpha candidate. I was almost too flabbergasted that I hesitated before I accepted eagerly, "Yes, I would be honored to be considered an Alpha candidate for Crowalt Pack." Elder Fritz beamed at me. "We are happy to hear it. That gives us peace of mind that the ways of Alexander will continue. In the case of your acceptance, we have even more to offer you ..."

I could hardly imagine what more they could have to say that would top that. I was even smiling back at them, probably partially because I was still radiating the happiness that Alyson had instilled in me yesterday.

"As a true Alexander with this high of rank, and appropriate mating age, you will need a blood provider and mate. We have one she-wolf with high quality blood that has not yet been matched because no one was worthy of her blood quality." The smile dropped off my face. I did not want that. I had only just promised Alyson yesterday that I was hers. They were honoring me with all the rights of a true Alexander, and could I risk losing the Alpha candidate status if I did not accept? I could only love Alyson. It would be terrible to hurt her that way, and it would rip me apart inside to even consider another she-wolf. I only had eyes for her, and my heart beat only for her. I could not fathom taking any other as my mate. Even in that moment, my mind raced through all the most beautiful moments we'd shared, and even the fights. I never wanted to hurt her, and no matter how she denied me, she would hate this as much as I did.

I thought carefully before responding, "I thank you for your offers. This is truly an honor. I have been living my life without a blood provider, and I'm not sure about having one."

"It is the way of Alexanders," the elder who had been against me spat out at the other end of the table.

Elder Fritz looked concerned before he said, "It is perhaps a lot for you to take in for the moment. Diana is too young now; she will not be your mate for around two more years if you should accept her. And you should accept her, I cannot imagine a successful Alpha without a blood provider. It is the Pact between Clan Clark and Clan Alexander."

I sighed with relief. At least the girl they were trying to promise me was a couple years too young for the moment, so it's not as if they planned to marry me off tomorrow. I had to play by their rules, but in this case, I needed to work around it. Maybe before Diana was old enough, Alyson and I would no longer be a secret.

"I will consider your she-wolf. But as you know, my parents had an ill-fated bond that ended in catastrophe. I'm hesitant for this reason. Before I accept any, she-wolf as my mate, I would need to meet her. I know it's not as conventional, but perhaps I could have my own choice in Clan Clark she-wolves?"

I wasn't sure how bad a violation this was. I had not grown up here entirely so my memory of all the nuances was foggy about some issues.

One of the oldest elders said, "The needs of Alexander for Clan Clark blood is so strong, we hardly ever have anyone reject one of the she-wolves when offered. I don't think it's bad for him to meet her. There was one other Alpha who chose his own mate amongst Clan Clark. If you meet Diana, I'm sure she will suit you. With her quality of blood, you can hardly resist her."

Another elder agreed, "He can consider Diana if he insists. As an Alpha candidate, he could choose his own Clan Clark she-wolf if for some odd reason he cannot imagine mating with Diana. But his choice would have to be approved by this council, and prove to have high enough quality blood."

Elder Fritz looked jollier again. "This is all fine and good news. We are happy of your acceptance and will accommodate this request. But I must say, that if you cannot pick an adequate blood provider by the time Diana is at the ripe age for marriage, you must take her as your mate."

I swallowed hard. This would not go over well with Alyson. The great news of becoming an Alpha candidate was overshadowed by this other side of the equation. It would be hard to share this moment with her since a dark cloud came with it.

If someday Alyson did not come out as a Clan Clark she-wolf and accept me as her mate, then I would have to accept another or forgo any chance to be Alpha. Ultimately, I decided there and then, that if that moment ever came, I would not be Alpha because I had to be with Alyson.

The rest of the decisions leading to that point would be up to her. I hoped that she would eventually choose me, even if I felt wary of telling her all this because I had told her that I would not pressure her anymore.