Chapter 33 - Chapter 33 : Unprepared mate

Brian hesitated, glancing back at his pack members who were waiting for him. "I appreciate the offer, Reed, but I really should be getting back."Reed's smile remained, but his eyes held a hint of something deeper. "Come on, Brian. Just one drink. We've been through so much, and it would be good to catch up, don't you think?"Brian considered it for a moment, remembering their shared times on the basketball court and the camaraderie they once had. With a nod, he relented. "Alright, just one drink."The two alphas walked into the Laufey pack's territory, engaging in casual conversation. They reminisce about their college days, the games they played, and the challenges they faced during the war. The atmosphere was relaxed, almost nostalgic.As they entered Reed's home, the conversation shifted to more serious matters. "So, how have things been with you?" Reed asked, pouring two glasses of whiskey.Brian took the glass, his expression thoughtful. "It's been tough. The war took a toll on all of us. But I'm hopeful that this peace agreement will hold."Reed raised his glass. "To peace," he said, clinking his glass against Brian's.As they drank, an uneasy silence settled between them. Brian could sense that Reed had more on his mind. "Is there something you're not telling me, Reed?"Reed looked into his glass, then back at Brian. "There's something you need to know, Brian. Something important."Before Reed could elaborate, the door burst open. Thalia stormed in, her eyes blazing with fury. "What's going on here?" she demanded, her gaze flicking between Brian and Reed.Reed stood up, a mixture of surprise and irritation on his face. "Thalia, this isn't the time—"But Thalia cut him off. "You don't get to decide that, Reed." She turned to Brian, her expression softening slightly. "Brian, you need to leave. Now."Brian frowned, confused and on edge. "Thalia, what's happening?"Thalia took a deep breath, her voice trembling with urgency. "There's more going on than you know. Please, trust me. You need to leave before it's too late."Reed stepped forward, his face hardening. "Brian isn't going anywhere. Not until we've had a chance to talk."Brian felt the tension rising, his instincts screaming that something was very wrong. Torn between his old friendship with Reed and the desperation in Thalia's eyes, he realized he had to make a choice.The tense confrontation in Reed's home dissipated abruptly when Brian's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then back at Thalia and Reed. "I have to go. Something important has come up," he said, his tone apologetic but firm.Thalia's eyes followed Brian as he left, her mind racing with unanswered questions. Reed, meanwhile, felt a sense of frustration and unease, his plans interrupted.***************Days turned into weeks, and the Laufey pack began preparing for a significant event. The announcement came that the new pack leader would be enthroned soon, and Reed was the chosen successor. The entire pack buzzed with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming ceremony.The day of the enthronement arrived with great fanfare. The pack members gathered in the central clearing, the air filled with the scent of pine and the sounds of nature. A grand stage was set up, adorned with the symbols and colors of the Laufey pack.Reed stood at the center of the stage, his father by his side, ready to pass on the mantle of leadership. The ceremony was a blend of tradition and celebration, with elders performing rituals to honor the occasion. As the final rites were completed, Reed stepped forward, now officially the pack leader.The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating their new alpha. Reed raised his hand to quiet them, a proud smile on his face. "Thank you, everyone. I am honored to lead the Laufey pack. Together, we will usher in a new era of strength and unity."The cheers grew louder, reverberating through the forest. As the noise subsided, Reed's father took the microphone. "And now, it is time to announce Reed's mate, who will stand by his side as we face the future."The crowd hushed, everyone eager to hear the name. Reed took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the gathered pack members. His gaze settled on a figure standing at the edge of the crowd, someone who had supported him quietly and steadfastly."Thalia," Reed announced, his voice strong and clear. "Will you join me here?"Thalia's heart skipped a beat. She had suspected this might happen, but hearing it aloud was still a shock. She stepped forward, feeling the weight of hundreds of eyes on her. As she made her way to the stage, she couldn't help but think of all the events that had led to this moment – her unrequited love for Brian, the war, and now this new chapter.Standing beside Reed, she felt a mix of pride and apprehension. Reed smiled at her, his eyes filled with warmth and determination. "Together, we will lead this pack to greatness," he said, his words meant for her but resonating with everyone present.Thalia nodded, returning his smile. "I'm ready," she said, her voice steady.The crowd cheered once more, the atmosphere electric with hope and possibility. But amidst the celebration, Thalia couldn't shake the feeling that there were still many challenges ahead. Secrets, unresolved tensions, and the ever-present threat of betrayal lingered in the shadows.Despite her new role as Reed's mate and the future Luna of the Laufey pack, Thalia couldn't let go of the burning desire for revenge. The betrayal and heartbreak she felt from Brian and Mia haunted her, gnawing at her every thought. Their happiness had been a constant reminder of her pain, and now, with the power and influence that came with her new position, she planned to make them pay.As the days went by, Thalia began to quietly gather information about Brian and Mia. She knew that Brian's pack, the Manian pack, prided itself on its divine abilities, and Mia's gift of communicating with the moon goddess made her a formidable adversary. Thalia, however, was determined and cunning.One evening, after a long day of fulfilling her new responsibilities, Thalia sat alone in her room, poring over old notes and plans she had kept hidden for years. Her thoughts were interrupted when Reed entered the room, his expression softening when he saw her."Thalia, you've been working too hard," he said, walking over to her. "You should get some rest."Thalia looked up, forcing a smile. "I know, Reed. Just trying to make sure everything runs smoothly."Reed sat beside her, taking her hand. "You're doing an amazing job. The pack is lucky to have you.""Thank you," she replied, her mind still racing with thoughts of her plan.Reed kissed her forehead and left the room, unaware of the turmoil within her. Once he was gone, Thalia resumed her plotting. She had learned from various sources that Brian and Mia were planning to attend a diplomatic gathering hosted by a neutral pack. This would be her chance.Thalia decided she needed an ally, someone who shared her sentiments or could be easily manipulated. She found that ally in Chris, her shadow guard. Chris had always been fiercely loyal to Thalia, and she knew she could count on him to support her, no matter the cost."Chris," she said one night, summoning him to her quarters. "I need your help with something very important."Chris nodded, his eyes steady. "Anything, Thalia. What do you need?"She took a deep breath, her eyes hardening with resolve. "I need you to gather information about the Manian pack's movements, specifically about Brian and Mia. We need to find out when they will be vulnerable."Chris hesitated for a moment, sensing the dangerous path she was on. "Thalia, are you sure about this?""Yes," she replied firmly. "They need to pay for what they did. For the pain they caused."Chris saw the determination in her eyes and knew he couldn't dissuade her. "I will do as you ask."