THE LYCAN KING'S CONTRACT LUNA

AZALEA POV

The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the training grounds. I, Azalea Primrose, the soon-to-be female Alpha of the Dynamite Pack. I knew the weight of expectations resting on my shoulders- but I also felt the gnawing doubt of my own perceived weakness.

"Again." My mentor said as he watched me. "Shift Again."

I closed my eyes trying hard to connect to my wolf Kina, but each time I tried to connect with her I got disconnected immediately without even doing much. I felt a wave of energy slap me and I took a few steps back. "Shit."

"Azalea, the strength is not always measured by the muscles in your arm. It's measured by the fire and drive in your spirit." Roberto, my mentor said. His sharp gaze pierced through me. "You and your wolf are one, but you need to connect yourselves before you can be one. Try again."

I closed my eyes trying to focus on the primal energy within me but to my dismay... Nothing happened. Being able to shift into wolf form was a crucial skill for any Alpha, but as for me? I was way too weak to do so. I lacked the strength of one.

I collapsed on my knees after trying multiple times but failed. "Shit shit SHIT!" I cursed bitterly under my breath, Roberto came to my side, knelt beside me, and placed his arm on my shoulder.

"The bond between you and your wolf is emotional just as much as it is physical. You have to find peace within yourself, and clear your head before you can unleash your true power, Again."

I sucked in a deep breath and nodded. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath readying myself. But despite everything, I still couldn't shift and when I finally did- I couldn't control it.

"Deep breaths Azalea, focus. focus." His words played right like a charm into my head, it sounded very soothing and eased my tension. I closed my eyes and took long deep breaths.

Suddenly I could feel the urge of transformation. But as the fur started sprouting and my senses sharpened, I felt another wave of massive energy and I lost control, the steady transformation became wild and I struggled hard to control my primal instincts.

As my wolf Kina and I struggled, the sound of rustling leaves and our howls mixed as one, as the cold freeze blew on our fur I sensed a new type of energy. Slowly and steadily I felt the control over my wolf.

"That is it, control her, she is very much you as you are very much her, just keep tam-" He was cut short as two maids ran in interrupting us.

"Princess Azalea." They bowed to me. "Mentor Roberto." They greeted. "Pardon us for intruding like this but The elders have called for an urgent meeting concerning your sister's young princess's marriage to the Lycan prince."

"Oh shit," I said mentally, I went back to the training grounds and shifted back to my human form. Taking a good look at my hands I sighed and changed into some casual clothes.

"Alright then, let's go."

The gathered wolves in the hall exchanged uneasy glares, as I stepped in every head turned towards me and bowed down. Elder Miller and my sister were in front of them. Miller had a wide grin on his face while my little sister Ophelia didn't seem quite happy.

"Dear Lord." I walked over to them and them. "Miller, Ophelia," I said to them.

"Azalea," He pulled me into a hug, I waved at Ophelia, my twin sister who had a scowl on her face. Tough day ugh? Yeah me too.

"The maids said-" He cut me off.

"Listen everyone!" He yelled getting the attention of every gathered wild present. "Our dear princess Ophelia is now betrothed to the Lycan prince of the Red Moon pack."

The hall roared with cheers and applauses, He cleared his throat and continued with his speech. "For decades, this has always been the tradition and our duty. Ophelia, I trust you and have hope you will make us proud."

I looked over to Ophelia, I knew exactly what was going on in her head. She didn't want this, well no one in their right senses would want to be stuck with the prince who was rumored to be cold and heartless.

"Ophelia," I called out to her but she hissed and left the hall, everyone turned to her but she ignored us all. This is going to be difficult.

"Well that would be all, everyone is dismissed," Miller said, he turned to me and smiled. "Surely, you can talk to your sister Princess Azalea."

"I can try but then again I can't blame her, this sound-"

"It's a tradition Azalea, it has always been so. She can't change that. And you on the other hand have a bigger task of getting over as Alpha, I trust you two sisters will make this pack proud and fulfill your duties." With that being added, he bowed and left leaving me in the hall.

"Well, that was tense," Mack said as he walked up to me. I smiled with relief and wrapped my arms around him which he returned.

"Nothing makes sense here, minus you of course." I laughed.

He had a warm smile on his face. "Come on you look stressed, let's go run a shower for you and talk."

"Hmhm."

"How was training?" He asked as we started walking side by side heading for my room.

"Same as always, I still can't control Kina," I murmured under my breath but I'm sure he heard me.

"Don't be so hard on yourself Azalea, you will do fine."

"No, I have always been this way, and it's shifty as hell, why? Why can't I be strong enough? Why am I weak?"

"You aren't weak." He stopped walking and held my shoulders. "You are a strong woman, one of the strongest I've ever seen. Plus you don't have to worry, I'm here with you. We will handle this together."

I took a long pause. "You are right, we can do this together."