The Snow Moon Healer

Chapter 1: Contracted Mate

"This is not acceptable!" I shouted inside my father's office. Many of the elders and high ranking wolves gasped at my reaction.
His dark aura looming inside the room but I didn't care. It was my future we were talking about. He should have fought the pack. We were wolves for moons sake!
"Mika, this arrangement was made by our ancestors. I can't say no to them. It's our duty to protect our pack at any cost." Alpha Malcolm said. He was my father, the Alpha of the Snow Moon pack. This contract was the living proof of our grand ancestors making allies with the Silver Moon pack. They helped us a long time ago in a war. The Alpha's made a sealed contract binding the third generation to marriage, potential mate or not.
"This is my life! How can you force me to mate with that blood sucker Alpha? We know them, they have a very bad reputation specifically the leading Alpha now. I will not marry him." I said firmly. Alpha Shad was known for his cruelty and prestige. He made them even stronger when he acquired the Alpha title five years ago. They became conquerors and destroyers of their enemies' packs. He was living proof of hell on earth.
I didn't know why the moon goddess let this happen, but this was too much for all of us to handle. We, the Snow Moon pack, were known for having white fur and the snow land we have. We were a strong pack for a long time and that's because the Silver Moon pack helped our precious Alpha and our continuous alliance since then. "If you don't do this Mika our pack will be shattered. They will kill us all if we break the contract." Alpha Malcolm said.
"Do you want to see us all dead before you agree with this? We are wolves Mika! We are leaders of this pack. You are one of the best female warriors and healers here, even you still can't shift. Do you want us all to fight for you? For your life? Is your life more important then the whole pack?" Alpha Malcolm asked.
I almost broke down when I heard his questions. Could I risk their lives in exchange for mine? Could I start a war for the sake of my own freedom? My family, the family of our pack members, was I really willing to sacrifice them all? "Maybe get to know him before you decide. He doesn't even know this contract exists either. Maybe he is furious just like you, they can break the contract, Mika. You can at least try this before the choice is made." Father said.
I fell back in my seat. I looked at everyone's faces. They were all looking at me, pleading to do what is necessary for the pack. If I could make the Alpha hate me, maybe he would withdraw the arrangement and break the contract. That idea gave me strength to agree. "Okay fine! I'll do it. I want all of you to know that this is not easy for me to do. My chance to have my own mate is at risk now, I may never see him or feel him again because of this. But for the sake of the pack, I'll do it." I said half smiling. I knew I needed to be strong and show no weakness to my people. I was the daughter of Alpha Malcolm of Snow Moon pack. It was my duty to protect my pack at any cost.
        "Thank you, Mika. This is a huge sacrifice for you but you made the right choice for the pack." First Beta Sargent said. He was as old as my father. Soon, when Mateo was old enough, he would take over the Alpha position. Though I was the first born, still a female, my brother deserved the title because he had worked hard. "I will do whatever I can to make this work." I said to them. I knew it was a lie but I couldn't make excuses when the day came. "We're counting on you Mika." Mateo, my brother said.
        "Father, does he know that I can't shift?" I asked. Maybe I could use that as a reason for him to back out of this stupid contract or whatever arrangement they made. "Yes, but he still wants to continue this since they are known to have a word of honor. Alpha Shad ensures me that he will follow this arrangement." Alpha Malcolm said. I felt weak at this time. 'So, he knew that I couldn't shift?!' I said to myself. Though I knew my wolf inside was sleeping, I could feel her. 'How long will I wait for you wolf? How long?' I asked her, but still she was sleeping.
        "Can I go now father? I'm too exhausted. I need to pack my things, right?" I asked upset. My father looked defeated. I knew he didn't want this but he couldn't say no and start a war between us and one of the most powerful packs in the world. "The first beta of Silver Moon will be here tomorrow to pick up you and your things." He said. "So, I guess, I really need to pack my things." I responded. "This meeting is over. You all can go home now." Father ordered them as the whole council of the pack left the room except for Dad, Mateo and I.
        "Father, are we really doing this to Mika?" Mateo asked, unsure. "Yes, Mateo." My father sighed. "I don't have a choice. The leaders, elders,  and high-ranking warriors already decided this. Me being the Alpha, needed to address to their concern. They want me to give your sister to the Silver Moon pack, even if they have to send her caged up with ribbons on top." He said.
        He was the Alpha, but this was the majority of the people's votes. He couldn't say no. "I'll be fine Mat." I said to him reassuringly, even though I didn't know what was waiting for me. A whole life of hell. "I don't agree with this! This is wrong." Mateo said angered. He looked angry and upset at the same time. "Get over it Mat! I'm your big sister, stop acting like a crazy person little brother." I said trying to change the mood. "Be careful Mika." Father said. I smiled at him and hugged my brother.
I was sure I was going to miss them a lot. They were my best buddies when mother died giving birth to Mateo. That's why I took good care of him until now.