Chapter 3 THE ALPHA'S CHOICE

**Point of View: Lila**

I keep hearing Clara say, "Make sure Lila's gone." I'm afraid she'll hear how loudly my heart beats. Outside, the moon is brilliant once again, although it's chilly. What if Ethan doesn't believe me? I want to hurry up and tell him what I heard. With Clara and the elders, he has always been so different. I clutch my knees and snuggle up on my bed. I feel so little, but I have to have courage.

When morning arrives, the camp is bustling. I go outdoors and massage my eyes. My stomach feels too twisted to eat, yet the air smells like freshly baked bread. Sarah is seen carrying buckets of water. She gives me a grin, but her eyes are troubled.

She remarks, "You're pale, Lilia." "What's the matter?"

I'm afraid, but I want to tell her about Clara. Looking down, I reply, "Just tired."

She gives me a shoulder pat. "Come assist me. It will improve your mood.

I go to the brook after her. My hands are splashed by the chilly water as we fill buckets. It somewhat awakens me. I keep scanning my surroundings in case Clara or that frightful guy bursts out. Sarah observes.

"You're jittery," she remarks. "Explain the situation to me."

I inhaled deeply. Clara was heard yesterday night. She said that she wants me to go.

Sarah opens her eyes wide. "Gone? As in, abandoning the pack?

My throat tightens as I nod. "I believe she has a sinister plan."

Sarah scowls. We must inform Ethan. He is your partner. He will pay attention.

I don't know. Ethan has been so distant that it seems like he is no longer mine. I do, however, nod. "All right. I'll give it a go.

I search for Ethan once we have finished bringing the water. He is conversing with Elder John near the training field. Clara is also present, grinning as if she were the greatest. Once again, my stomach turns. My hands are sweating as I approach.

"Ethan," I murmur in a low voice. "Is it possible for us to speak?"

His hazel eyes are fatigued when he glances at me. "I'm busy, Lilia. Okay, later?

Senior John clears his throat. "Ethan, pay attention. We are discussing the alpha ceremony.

Clara gives me a sly smile. "You need to assist with the cooking, Lilia. It's crucial.

Despite my need to shout, I just nod and turn to go. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest. Sarah and I go to the kitchen tent to cut wood. I feel stronger after striking the wood, even if the axe seems heavy.

Sarah chuckles and remarks, "Lila, you're hitting hard." "Reserve some wood for the next day."

I attempt to smile, but I can't get Clara's grin out of my thoughts. It is imperative that I speak with Ethan before it is too late. I discovered him polishing his boots by the fire pit by himself after lunch. I sat next to him after taking a big breath.

I say, "Ethan, I have something to tell you."

For a moment, his face is gentle as he glances up. "Lila, what is it?"

I add quickly, "I heard Clara last night." She was conversing with a guy. She said that she wants me to go. I believe she has a sinister agenda.

Ethan puts his boot down and frowns. "Clara? Why would she act in such way?

I say, "She doesn't like me." "She desires to be your partner."

He gives a headshake. "You're my partner, Lilia. However, the elders advise that I need a stronger person. Clara has been really helpful.

My heart stops. "More powerful? Ethan, I'm strong. I cherish you.

He rubs his neck and turns his head away. "I understand. Simply said, being alpha is difficult. I have to consider the pack.

I blink away the tears that hurt my eyes. "Are you in love with me?" I inquire.

His eyes are sorrowful when he stares at me. "Lila, I do. However, I am unsure of what to do.

I get to my feet, trembling. "I'm supposed to be your choice."

My boots thumping the ground, I sprint to the trees. I sob while hiding behind a large tree. The birds remain silent, as if they are aware of my sadness. I consider Clara's strategy. The alpha ceremony is tonight. What if she forces me to leave at that point?

I return to camp after wiping my face. Everyone is preparing for the ceremony as the sun sets. While I assist with lamp hanging, I continue to observe Clara. She is behaving sweetly while laughing with Elder John. The dude from last night with the scar is here. He's observing me from the woods. My skin is chilly.

Sarah discovers me. She says, "Lila, did you speak with Ethan?"

"Yes," I replied. "He didn't think I was real. He is perplexed.

She gives me a hug. "We'll work it out." Tonight, stay near me.

I'm afraid, yet I nod. The pack assembles around a large fire as the ritual begins. Ethan, who seems confident yet uneasy, stands in the center. Elder John rises and speaks loudly.

"We select our alpha tonight," he states. "An alpha needs a mate who can support him, but Ethan will take the lead."

I wait for Ethan to shout my name while holding my breath. However, he gazes at the floor. With a broad grin, Clara takes a step forward. She declares, "I'm prepared to assist Ethan in leading."

The group shouts, but I feel like I'm falling. Ethan avoids eye contact with me. My heart shatters. Sarah takes hold of my hand and squeezes it tightly.

"Remain strong, Lilia," she murmurs.

I remain even if I want to flee. I can't hear Elder John, but he continues talking. The guy with the scars is getting closer, staring at me. My stomach turns around. I take Sarah's hand in mine.

"I saw that man with Clara," I mumble, gesturing.

Sarah opens her eyes wide. "You must leave this place."

Elder John shouts my name before we go. "Come forward, Lilia," he says.

I got a cold. Everyone's eyes are on me. When we eventually look at one other, Ethan's face is expressionless. My legs are unsteady as I make my way to the fire. Clara glares at me and no longer smiles.

Elder John explains, "Lila, the pack needs unity." Some people claim that you lack the strength to be an alpha's partner.

My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Ethan takes a step forward. He adds, "Lila's my mate," but his tone is low, as if he's unsure.

Clara chuckles. "Ethan needs a leader, not a follower."

The group whispers. I feel like I'm becoming smaller. I gaze at Ethan, pleading with him to choose me. He starts to say something, but the scarred guy emerges from the darkness before he can finish.

He yells, "She's a traitor!" and gestures at me. "She is collaborating with outlaws!"

The group lets out a gasp. Ethan's gaze widens. I cry as I shake my head. "No! That is untrue!

With a sly smile, Clara approaches Ethan. You see? We don't have her.

I wait for Ethan to protect me while I stare at him. His face is ripped as he looks at me. Then he looks aside. He responds in a chilly tone, "Lila, you must go."

My whole universe collapses. The scarred guy approaches me, but Sarah snatches my arm. I see Clara whispering to him as the pack begins to shout. My heart is pounding. I have no idea what to do. Abruptly, a peculiar breeze blasts across the camp and the fire ignites brightly. Everyone becomes cold. "Run, Lila, now!" is whispered in my ear by a quiet but powerful voice.