The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

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. There’s 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 they’re all skilled warriors, Lenny was saying.

“One year after a child is born, regardless of the sex, they’re 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.”

“Don’t worry, Elder Eldric, Lenny soothed him. “This generation of kids we’re 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.

Lyla’s 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 I’d always imagined for myself- the kind of bond my parents had and something I’d 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 it’s 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

you love somecon…

reflection showing a perfect mask

withing me.

grandfather turned to Cassidy.

as soon as the

“Yes, Elder Eldric. I’m ready, she replied evenly, though

it too, because he frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing at her. “You’ve been

mirror, but she turned away immediately, offering a smile to my grandfather that didn’t quite reach her

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 she’d be in her pack or, if she was

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

was so

questions about things that didn’t matter, so seeing

soon as the door clicked shut. He came closer,

alright? Lenny asked softly.

lying if I say

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”

surprise.

ever given in my life. Standing there, watching him as something inside me tore apart and pretending I wasn’t green with envy, but the

my hands trembled slightly. “Everything the Moon Priest said about destiny, about balance, about me

“She’s happy with him, Ramsey, and sometimes, the greatest way to

you love someone….

my lips. “Don’t I deserve to be with the woman my heart loves dearly? The woman I’ve longed for. I’m just worried that I’ll never be what Cassidy wants and it breaks my heart every time I try to

picturing myself and Cassidy as mates. “We’ll 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

know your history clearly and I know how much she’s practically being chasing after you. It’s not your fault that happened, and I think you

difference will it make?” I scoffed. “It’s not like she would leave

none of this would have happened. You see how easy it is to bond with her

talks about things like this, you’re still single. You don’t want to find a mate?” I turned away from the mirror.

to keep all my relationships private. That way it makes breakup less messy and I’m not really the marrying kind.

you!” I