Chapter 3

• The heavy wooden door creaked softly on its hinges, announcing Alpha Randall's presence in the dimly lit chamber. The flickering flames of torches mounted on the walls cast dancing shadows, creating a warm atmosphere.
• The air was thick with the sweet scent of lavender and rose petals. He sniffed in the air as it was calming to his raging soul. He always found peace here.
• Randall's gaze swept across the room as his eyes finally rested on the figure sitting gracefully at the other end of the room - The woman he loved more than life itself.
• His eyes twinkled with satisfaction as he gave her a slight smile.
• "Visha..." His throaty voice called out her name in the most possessive tone as his eyes drank in the sight of her.
• "Alpha Randall," her silvery voice called out in its usual tone that held nothing but peace and innocence as she stood up and made her way toward him.
• "How have you been? I missed you all day," Randall said, staring into her deep blue eyes but as usual, she averted her gaze.
• "I have been well, Alpha," she replied shyly, brushing off a strand of her long, flowing blonde hair.
• "You don't seem well," Randall inquired, examining her, "did anyone do anything to hurt you? Tell me and I'll get their heads on a platter for you," his tone was firm.
• "I... It's not in my place to question the moon goddess, Alpha Randall..." She paused briefly, swallowing the lump in her throat, as she sadly looked away, "but... What would become of me, now that you've found your mate?"
• Her innocence made his heart quake, "Visha..." he cupped her face, wiping off the lone tear that ran down her succulent cheek, "It doesn't change anything, and you know that. She means absolutely nothing to me."
• "Then why haven't you rejected her yet? You were going to make me your chosen mate, remember?" Visha's lips trembled as she searched his eyes for an assurance... Just anything to make her know he wasn't going to choose Reyana over her.
• This was one trait that got Randall so attracted to this woman - her compassion. He looked at her with admiration. He wished she could see through his coldness to know how much he cherished her, because, no matter how hard he tried, his expressions never seemed to convey the depth of his emotions.
• Randall let out a brief chuckle - that's all he could ever offer to people, no matter who they were - no one had ever seen him smile since the death of Valerie.
• "I hate her with every fiber in me and you know that, Visha." He replied, his voice tinging with bitterness as he stood up from the large wooden bed and walked over to the center of the room where freshly picked flowers lay.
• "But what if you have been wrong all along? What if she had nothing to do with Valerie's death? Have you ever thought it through?" She knew how sensitive this topic was to Randall, therefore, she threaded with caution.
• Randall felt a surge of anger run through his veins, "Stop it. Don't talk about it anymore." he said with measured control of his emotions, sniffing one of the fresh flowers he had in his hand in a bid to calm himself. He knew she was just being kind and he wouldn't want to take out his anger on her.
• Randall turned around and walked towards her, crouching in front of her to meet her small frame as she sat at the edge of the bed, he took her fragile palms in his.
• "I was scared of losing you, Randall. You are all I've got and I don't know what I'd do if I ever lose you," she broke down in fresh tears.
• "Visha... You're never going to lose me... Not even to Reyana. You are the one I love and nothing is ever going to change that." He held her chin and tilted her head to meet his gaze.
• "Not even the mate bond?" She asked, knowing how difficult that question was, but she needed assurance.
• There was a brief silence before he spoke, "Not even the mate bond, Visha. I have utmost control over my feelings and you know that. I don't think I have so much of a choice. But I want you to know that she'll never take your place."
• "I... I totally understand, Randall..." her heart quaked the more.
• "She'll be the pack's Luna, but you... You'll be my wife."
• Visha felt a slight surge of hope come alive in her, as her eyes lit up with questions, "How do you mean?" she cleaned off the tears from her face, waiting to hear his ultimate plan.
• "After the coronation, I'll make you my wife... You'll bear my mark and have my pups," he stroked her cheek lovingly.
• "Randall..." Her tender voice called out as her face lit up with excitement.
• "I love you, Visha." He gently pulled her closer to himself, planting a soft, wet kiss on her plump lips, "I've missed this so much," he whispered, his voice heavy with lust as he deepened the kiss.
• He wrapped his strong arm around her slender waist, gently pushing her onto the bed. His kiss was urgent and needy, conveying all the emotions his expressions failed to convey.
• "Visha..." His husky voice called out, "What's wrong? Don't you want this?"
• Just when he thought he could finally get a release after the torment Visha's body had put him through all day, there suddenly comes a knock on the door.