Dark Heart

4.

"It will be okay," Kira whispered to Luella. They stood in what could only be described as a throne room. They came from the Veris Pack and were recently conquered by the Lunar Alpha. Their Alpha surrendered, not wanting to see his whole pack slaughtered. But was living under such a cruel ruler worse than death?

The Lunar Alpha demanded a tribute, that each household must pay the price for his protection. The Veris Pack was located in a forest, access to wood and a large lake that provided plenty of fish. They were simple wolves who relied on trade. No one had much to offer.

Especially Luella.

She was a single mother, her mate dying months after she came birth. Her son was the only reason she could move each day. She was just a simple seamstress and only made enough to provide for her and her son. The pack took care of them, making sure they always had enough, providing extra supplies for harsh winters.

The Alpha demanded precious gift and supplies as tribute. Others from her pack, mostly men, had gold and silver trinkets to give. Others had the best vegetables and fruits from their harvest. Luella had nothing.

And she was terrified of what would happen.

Kira, a warrior's wife, didn't have to be there since her mate would be presenting their tribute. She was one of Luella's closest friends and her presence helped calm Luella. The Veris Pack stood in a line, with Kira and Luella at the end.

"It will be okay," Kira repeated.

She had been trying to calm Luella ever since they arrived. Although her voice was calm, it couldn't hide her nervousness.

They knew the ruthlessness of the Alpha. Had witnessed it firsthand.

"Promise me you'll watch over my son," Luella said.

"It will not come to that," Kira said, harshly.

Before Luella could respond, the entrance opened and in walked the Alpha. He was as terrifying as last time. Dressed in harsh, black fighting leathers as if ready for battle any minute. Behind him was his Beta and a young woman.

Her white hair was like a light in a sea of darkness. She wore clothes fit for gardening and her eyes remained to the ground. Luella couldn't stop staring at her. They had heard the rumors of the Alpha finding his mate, but they had not expected someone so small and beautiful. Someone from the Solar Pack.

Luella knew the Solar Pack were not fighters, that this poor girl must have been taken from her home. But then the Alpha looked behind him and took her hand, and she smiled at him.

Actually smiled and looked him in the eyes in what could only be described as love.

The Alpha returned the look.

It made Luella sick. She wondered if his mate knew what laid under his skin. That he was a murderer, a fraud, a monster that did not deserve love. How could she stand touching a hand that was stained with blood?

The Alpha led his mate to a simple throne, carved from stone. He whispered something to her, that made her blush before she sat down. She looked so out of a place, like a butterfly sitting on a double-edged sword. He stood in front of her, hiding her from view.

"Now," he said with a smirk, "shall we begin?"

For the next hour, one by one, the Veris Pack presented their tribute to the Alpha. He stood there with no expression, nodding his head at their gifts until Luella was the last one. The Veris Pack were waiting on the side, looking at her with sorrow and pity.