Chapter 8: The Truth
Emily’s POV
The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions. Alexander and I spent every moment we could together, catching up on the years we’d lost. He told me about his struggles with his father, about how he’d spent the last five years searching for me, refusing to give up.
I told him about my life in King Alpha’s army, about the battles I’d fought and the scars I’d earned. But there was one thing I hadn’t told him—one secret I’d been keeping close to my chest.
“Emily,” Alexander said one evening as we sat by the river, the moonlight reflecting off the water. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
I froze, my heart skipping a beat. “What do you mean?”
He turned to me, his blue eyes searching mine. “I can feel it. There’s something you’re holding back.”
I looked away, my chest tightening. “Alexander, I…”
“Emily,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I’m not going anywhere.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I took a deep breath. “I… I have a wolf.”
Alexander’s eyes widened in shock. “What? But you never shifted on your 18th birthday. Everyone thought…”
“I know,” I said, my voice trembling. “I thought so too. But a few months after I left the pack, I shifted for the first time. It was during a battle, and I was cornered. I thought I was going to die, but then… it happened.”
Alexander stared at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and awe. “Emily, that’s incredible. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was scared,” I admitted, my voice breaking. “I didn’t know how you’d react. I didn’t know if you’d still want me.”
Alexander reached out, gently taking my hand. “Emily, you’re my mate. Nothing could ever change that.”
Tears streamed down my face as I looked into his eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“It’s okay,” he said, pulling me into a tight embrace. “I’m just glad you’re here now.”
As I leaned into his warmth, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time in years, I felt like I could truly be myself.
But the peace was short-lived.
The next morning, we were summoned to King Alpha’s council chamber. The air was thick with tension as we entered, and I could feel the weight of everyone’s stares.
“Emily,” King Alpha said, his voice commanding. “We’ve received word that your old pack is in danger. Alpha Cole has been overthrown, and a rogue Alpha has taken control.”
My heart sank as I looked at Alexander. His face was pale, his jaw clenched.
“We need your help,” King Alpha continued. “You know the pack, the territory. You’re the best chance we have of taking down this rogue Alpha and restoring order.”
I nodded, my mind racing. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Alexander stepped forward, his voice steady. “I’m coming with you.”
King Alpha nodded. “Very well. But be warned—this won’t be easy. The rogue Alpha is powerful, and he won’t go down without a fight.”
As we left the council chamber, I turned to Alexander. “Are you sure about this?”
He nodded, his expression determined. “This is my pack, Emily. My family. I’m not letting some rogue Alpha destroy everything we’ve built.”
I took his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Then we’ll face this together.”
And as we prepared for the battle ahead, I knew that no matter what challenges we faced, we’d face them side by side.