The Alpha’s Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger

170 When you love someone ….

Ramsey I stood before the floor length mirror in my room , watching as the servant meticulously adjusted my ceremonial attire for the Harvest Moon Festival , which would begin at midnight .

My room , which used to be a sanctuary , felt suffocating despite its size .

My grandfather , Elder Eldric , stood near the tall windows , his cane lightly tapping the floor as he gazed at the servant .

intently , as if taking his eyes away would cause something to go awry .

Lenny my Beta leaned against the small reading desk at the corner of my room , reviewing my itinerary for the evening and reminding me what I had to do or not while Cassidy lounged on the chaise , scrolling through her phone .

Even the servant assisting me with my attire moved silently .

yet managed to add to the suffocating atmosphere .

It was weird that I had almost everyone in the room who adored me , yet I felt like the most unloved person in the world .

For the longest time , my grandfather would always come to hang around whenever there was a big festival to watch me dress up .

He loved it more than anything .

And then , you have to recognize , Alpha Ray , his pack had the most bountiful harvest this year up West and they paid all their taxes and pledges , too .

Theres also Alpha Cade , who helped a lot of the smaller packs when they suffered through those Feral attacks months back .

He sent out his warriors and protected his own pack with his family .

I heard theyre all skilled warriors , Lenny was saying .

One year after a child is born , regardless of the sex , theyre made to start learning basic combat skills , my grandfather chirped .

So , the entire population from the West can fight .

I wish we had implemented it before .

It would give me peace if I knew half the members of the White Moon Pack can deflect a blow .

Dont worry , Elder Eldric , Lenny soothed him .

This generation of kids were raising will become skilled warriors .

Lexhaled slowly again , wishing the knot in my chest would loosen , but my chest was still heavy with emotions I could barely name .

My mind wandered to the scene at the bonfire earlier Lyla and Nathan .

Their happiness had radiated like the flames themselves .

Lylas laughter , their shared glances filled with want for each other , had stirred up a storm of conflicting emotions within me .

The image of them together refused to leave my mind .

Their happiness had been genuine , unforced .

It was the kind of bond Id always imagined for myself- the kind of bond my parents had and something Id never quite managed to find .

I sighed wearily , hoping the ached would subside .

Ramsey , my grandfather broke through my thoughts .

As he came closer to me , meeting my gaze in the mirror .

The Harvest Moon Festival would be the perfect time to announce the new date of your joining ceremony officially .

With all the packs at ease and the joy that comes from this celebration , I think its time to let everyone know and it would not be selfish to go ahead as planned .

I nodded silently , my reflection showing a perfect mask of composure they hid the turmoil 14 When you love somecon … I nodded silently , my reflection showing a perfect mask of composure they hid the turmoil withing me .

Then my grandfather turned to Cassidy .

Are you ready for a wedding as soon as the festival ends , my dear ? Cassidy glanced up from her phone , her expression calm but distant .

Yes , Elder Eldric .

Im ready , she replied evenly , though there was a quietness in her tone that I couldnt ignore .

She doesnt seem like herself these days .

My grandfather must have noticed it too , because he frowned slightly , his eyes narrowing at her .

Youve been quiet lately , Cassidy .

Almost too quiet .

Is everything all right ? Im fine , she replied quickly .

Our gaze met for a brief moment in the mirror , but she turned away immediately , offering a smile to my grandfather that didnt quite reach her eyes .

Weve gone for a few days , more than a week , without any altercation , and I noticed she was no longer in my shadows like before .

It was either shed be in her pack or , if she was around , she would remain confined in her room .

Satisfied or maybe unwilling to press further , my grandfather nodded .

The servant finally finished fastening my cloak , bowed and excused himself .

My grandfather also muttered something about last minute arrangements and gestured for Cassidy to follow him .

She rose gracefully , sparing me one last lingering glance before she left the room with my grandfather without saying a word to me .

Which was so unlike her ! I was used to her complaints and ceaseless questions about things that didnt matter , so seeing this mute version of her … I loved it so much .

Finally , it was just me and Lenny .

His gaze was on me , filled with concern and curiosity as soon as the door clicked shut .

He came closer , folding the itinerary and tucking it into his pocket .

Are you alright ? Lenny asked softly .

I sighed and shook my head .

Ill be lying if I say I am .

Im not , Lenny I turned to the mirror , my reflection staring back at me with a weariness that felt bone deep.

Nathan came to see me earlier , I began with a hollowness in my voice .

He asked for my permission to propose to Lyla during the Harvest Moon Festival Lennys eyes widened in surprise .

And you said yes ? A bitter laugh escaped my lips .

I did .

That was the hardest yes Ive ever given in my life .

Standing there , watching him as something inside me tore apart and pretending I wasnt green with envy , but the truth ? Its killing me .

I adjusted my already perfect attire moving the pins as my hands trembled slightly .

Everything the Moon Priest said about destiny , about balance , about me and Lyla … I dont believe it anymore , Lenny .

Not when its this hard : Lenny sighed and patted me comfortingly on my back .

Shes happy with him , Ramsey , and sometimes , the greatest way to love someone is to let them go , knowing you cannot provide 170 When you love someone ….

Dont I deserve to be happy ? A sad smile curved my lips .

Dont I deserve to be with the woman my heart loves dearly ? The woman Ive longed for .

Im just worried that Ill never be what Cassidy wants and it breaks my heart every time I try to imagine our future together ..

I paused , closing my eyes , literally picturing myself and Cassidy as mates .

Well make each other unhappy ; I know that much .

I wish I can love her even for a bit but , my heart is closed off from her entirely and I feel so bad because she deserves better .

She deserves a man who worships the ground she walks on .

She chooses this path herself , Ramsey .

More than anyone , I know your history clearly and I know how much shes practically being chasing after you .

Its not your fault that happened , and I think you should tell Lyla about that thing What difference will it make ? I scoffed .

Its not like she would leave him for me .

Maybe if you had been clear about everything from that first day and tried not to be a Lycan Leader around her , maybe none of this would have happened .

You see how easy it is to bond with her when you stop overthinking things and just let your feelings lead ? I dont want your lecture now , Lenny I glared at him .

For all your talks about things like this , youre still single .

You dont want to find a mate ? I turned away from the mirror .

Come to think of it , are you even dating anyone ? He chuckled .

I am seeing someone currently , but you know I love to keep all my relationships private .

That way it makes breakup less messy and Im not really the marrying kind .

Im the lets have fun for now kind of guy Good for you ! I smirked .

our worst Lennys face softened , and he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder .

Sometimes , our fears about something can turn out to be nothing but a farce .

You could … maybe , just maybe , find something real with Cassidy and then both of you might actually have a good marriage .

I wanted to tell him that this was reality and not some made up fairytale , but I nodded absent mindedly .

I want to be alone .

He hesitated , but finally stepped back as he started for the door .

Just as he reached the door , I stopped him .

Have there been any sightings of the two tailed werewolf ? And whats the situation with the Ferals ? He shook his head .

No sightings of the two tailed werewolf , but were sti ports about the Ferals either .

Its as if they were never here reports Thank you , I murmured .

Lenny nodded and left the room , closing the door softly behind him .

looking , and no new Alone at last , I walked to my desk and pulled open a drawer .

From it I retrieved a small , worn out picture frame .

Inside was a photography of my parents .

They smiled back at me from the picture , their smiles frozen in a moment of happiness I will always remember .

My fathers strong arm around my mom , her eyes filled with warmth and love .

I traced the edge of the frame with my thumb my heart heavy with longing and rearet 170 When you love someone … I stared at it , lost in thought until a knock startled me from my The door creaked open and Lyla peered in .

Can I come in ?