An Alpha's Favor

Chapter 1: Looking For A Mate

Note: This series is a darker werewolf series not following the usual "plot" of fated mates.

Be aware of darker elements such a described violence and abuse.



-Hunter-

Being king… It’s fun, I’ll tell you that! All the money, parties, expensive cars and clothes, the way people find you both scary and intriguing—it’s intoxicating! But sadly, the fun always ends.

“Alpha?”

There was a knock on my office door. I stood by the window at the far end, gazing out at the road leading back to London. My family’s castle wasn’t far from the city, nestled amidst a sprawling forest.

“Enter,” I called, still looking outside and leaning on the cane in my hand.

The door opened, revealing my beta, Archer. He was tall and broad, with auburn-colored eyes and black hair, and he was the kind of person who shot first and asked questions later, which I liked.

“Yes?” I asked.

“We’ve got a plane to catch, remember?”

“Ah yes…”

The plane. I was going to visit the king again.

“Let us go,” I said.

I slowly followed Archer, my legs feeling especially stiff today. I knew what that meant, but I tried to ignore it. Thank the Goddess, Archer didn’t offer to help. He understood that I wanted none.

-Elijah-

I sat across from yet another female, this one luna-born, of course, twirling the wine in my glass as I listened to her drivel. Actually, I had drifted off long ago. I knew it was rude, and I truly tried my best to engage, but it wasn’t always easy. Not like it had been with Selene. She made those dinners fly by.

Interesting, beautiful, and smart, she was undoubtedly the best candidate I had encountered… but she had chosen someone else. I respected that. Really. She was happy with her mate and her kids, but sometimes I thought how easy it would have been if it had just been her.

I wouldn’t have to endure these boring dates anymore, listening to the latest gossip, watching my date lose control of her alcohol intake because it was how she coped, or hearing about how wealthy they were and how good a match they would be for me.

It was truly awful to listen to, and I just wanted to pull out a gun and end it all!

Not literally, of course.

“…Isn’t that just the craziest thing you’ve ever heard?” My date’s voice suddenly pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked at her, seeing her expectantly waiting for my answer.

“Yes, it is,” I said, forcing a smile and taking a sip of my wine.

“You didn’t even listen,” she replied, leaning back and crossing her arms with an annoyed smile.

“I did,” I lied.

“No, you didn’t. But why would you care about Michael Wilson being killed by his own daughter?” Mica inquired.

“Selene?” I ventured.

Mica was actually an old “friend” of Selene’s, I had learned earlier in the evening. I hadn’t intended to target one of her friends, but as the night wore on, it became clear why they no longer kept in touch.

“No! Lara! The younger one—the not-so-beautiful one. She’s on the council now,” she said.

“Ah… her,” I replied.

I had heard a bit about the situation, but I hadn’t paid much attention, too focused on my own life. Besides, Michael’s absence wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. He was nothing but trouble, plain and simple.

“Yes, can you believe it? And the king isn’t even going to punish her for it.”

“Why would he?” I inquired, trying to hide my boredom and hoping to end this evening quickly.

“She killed him!”

“Most likely in self-defense. I can’t see Selene’s sister as a murderer, and if she were, the king would punish her,” I replied.

“Not likely,” she said, a smug smile on her face, as if she held some insider knowledge.

“Oh?”

“Her sister is mated to the king’s brother and is the aunt to their kids. That practically makes them family! He’s covering for her!” she sneered, as if she thought it unfair that the young luna was being treated this way.

I sighed, downing the last of my wine. “I think it’s time we go home. It’s getting late,” I said.

Mischa shrugged, probably thinking I was boring for wanting to end the night instead of heading to some party afterwards, as she had suggested. But I wasn’t in the mood to spend another minute with her. So, I called for a waitress, paid the bill, and drove her home. Once I got back, I collapsed into bed, feeling utterly exhausted.