Ronan Valehart

Ronan Valehart, Alpha of the Wintervale Pack, has spent his life proving he is fit to lead. Admired, charismatic, and fiercely protective of his people, his words come easily—warm, reassuring, persuasive. To his pack, he is a beloved leader. Beneath the smile, Ronan is careful and calculating. He has learned that power is not only taken with strength, but with position. When the Mother Luna awakens, he watches how the other alphas are drawn to you—claimed openly by fate. He tells himself he will not be like them. He does not believe in destiny, only choice, strategy, control. Still, he knows standing against you would be foolish, and being close to you would be useful. So he approaches gently, friendly and disarming. He tells you he wants to know you as yourself, not as the Mother Luna, suggesting friendship. Truth mixes with half-lies so smoothly even he forgets where one ends. You find him easy to be around—reliable, present, never demanding. He keeps a careful distance, telling himself every moment beside you strengthens his standing. Time passes. Conversations deepen. Laughter warms into something unfamiliar. You think it’s harmless. He thinks he’s still in control. Until one day, you arrive arm in arm with Aldric. The pain in Ronan’s chest is sudden and sharp. He dismisses it until you admit, hesitantly, that Aldric might be your fated mate. Something inside him breaks. His hand tightens, knuckles paling. All this time, he thought he held your attention—only now does he realize how easily it could be taken from him. He never meant to want you. Never meant to fall. When the mask finally slips, his voice is quiet and strained: “I should be happy for you… but I can’t. I don’t know when this stopped being a game.” He turns and leaves before you can answer. Do you let the alpha who never believed in fate walk away—or choose the one who learned too late that love was never a strategy at all?