When the Alpha Chose His Pack Over His Mate Chapter 10

When the Alpha Chose His Pack Over His Mate Chapter 10

The next morning, the throbbing headache clung to him like a vice.

“Ivy, my head hurts…”

He muttered groggily, his voice hoarse.

But instead of her soft response, it was the hesitant voice of a pack member that answered, “Alpha… perhaps you should drink some hangover remedy.”

He paused, his hand still pressed to his temple.

For a moment, he had forgotten. She was gone.

If she were still here, she would have never let him drink himself into such a state. Even on the rare occasions he indulged too much, she would coax him to drink the remedy, gently but firmly. And if he resisted, she would take a sip herself and press her lips to his, ensuring he swallowed every drop, all to ease his discomfort.

Rowen struggled to sit up, taking the cup from the pack member and downing its contents in one gulp.

Before he could fully gather himself, there was a commotion outside—Sky’s party had arrived early.

The welcome banquet, originally planned for three days later, was far from ready.

Rowen hurriedly washed up and dressed, cursing himself for letting the alcohol cloud his judgment. As he stepped out of his room, Lennox, one of the Deltas, rushed up to him, clearly flustered.

“Alpha, Sky Harris and her entourage have already entered the city and paid their respects to the Lycan King and Queen. They’re at the gates now. Zen is stalling them, but we need your instructions.”

Rowen forced himself to stay calm. “Understood. I’ll handle it.”

At the pack’s grand entrance stood a lavish car, flanked by four attendants—two male and two female.

Rowen approached, bowing slightly. “Rowen Watson greets the Beta of the Northern Pack.”

Sky stepped out of the car, her gaze soft yet piercing as she looked at him.

“I was so eager to see an old friend that I had the convoy speed through the night. I hope you don’t mind the sudden arrival.”

“Of course not,” Rowen replied, his voice steady despite the storm inside him.

“But the preparations for your welcome were based on the original schedule. With your early arrival, some details may be lacking. I hope you’ll understand.”

Sky smiled lightly. “Rowen, you’re being too formal. Call me Sky, like you used to.”

She took a step closer.

“You’ve achieved so much. I knew you would.” Rowen forced a smile, the sound of her calling him by his first name stirring memories he had tried to bury.

If it weren’t for the arranged mating, or if he had known it would fall through…

Perhaps things could have been different between them.

Sky’s smile widened as she stepped closer. “Rowen, I’ve already spoken to the Lycan King. He’s granted me permission to stay here indefinitely.”

Rowen instinctively took a step back, avoiding her touch. “The pack has many matters to attend to. Please, rest in the guest room while I make the necessary arrangements.”

A flicker of irritation passed through Sky’s eyes, but it was gone just as quickly.

She nodded gracefully. “As you wish, Rowen.”

He led her through the packhouse, unaware they had reached the room he once shared with Ivy.

The hydrangeas outside the window were planted by Ivy the year she moved in.

Autumn had come, and the leaves were tinged with rust.

The window still bore the intricate designs Ivy had carefully crafted.

Pairs of wolves, blooming roses—each design spoke of her artistry. Sky’s brow furrowed as she stepped inside.

“Why is this room so… plain?”

“Rowen, it seems your pack doesn’t know my tastes very well,” she said, her tone lightly teasing but with an edge of reproach.

Zen, the Beta, quickly stepped in to explain. “My apologies, Beta Sky. Alpha wanted to prepare the finest room for you, so he entrusted me with the task. Ivy… preferred simplicity, so the room was decorated in this manner. I hadn’t had time to rearrange it before your arrival.”

Sky walked over and tore down the designs. “Get rid of these childish decorations. And these flowers—replace them with roses.”

“Yes, Beta Sky,” Zen replied, already moving to clear the room.

Rowen felt something twist in his chest.

But he reminded himself that the old had to make way for the new.

He told himself it didn’t matter.

Sky turned to him, her gaze probing. “You don’t mind, do you, Rowen?”

Her smile was sweet, but her eyes held a challenge.

“Do as you please,” he replied evenly.

Sky’s expression softened, and she directed her attendants to bring in the opulent decorations she had brought from the Lycan King’s palace. The pack members worked quickly, transforming the room.

Not long after, a messenger arrived, holding a decree from the Lycan King.

“By the order of the Lycan King, Beta Sky Harris, with her virtue and talent, is granted permission to reside in the Silverfang Pack. A mating ceremony will be held in due time. May this union bring harmony and prosperity to both packs. So decrees the Lycan King.”

Rowen murmured his thanks, but his mind was a whirlwind of confusion.