1 Alpha Charles

Chapter 1

The moon, a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, bathed Budapest City in an ethereal glow. Skyscrapers, like silent sentinels, cast long, dancing shadows that played hide and seek with the city's secrets. Among these secrets was an ancient werewolf pack, their traditions as old as the moon herself, hidden within the city's heartbeat.

Alpha Charles, a figure of power and ruthlessness, sat on his throne, his eyes mirroring the moon's cold indifference. The city was alive with the sounds of a community festival. Music filled the air, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of food and the joyous laughter of his packmates. His four Luna and two concubines were by his side, their presence a comforting warmth. He was content, his heart filled with pride for his pack. He had everything he ever desired.

His gaze fell on Queen Maya, his favorite Luna. Her beauty was unmatched, her spirit untamed. He was not in search of a mate. He had his Luna, his concubines, and a pack that respected him. His rule was unchallenged, his life unthreatened.

But then, a prophecy, whispered by a witch who appeared to him alone, shattered his peace. The words echoed in his mind:

"A night of the dark moon will see a pup born,

Marked by the moon, with eyes of the storm.

Strong, wise, and brave, he will grow,

Your authority he will overthrow.

Your downfall, your doom, he will be,

To kill you and claim your throne, is his destiny."

Fear, anger, and disbelief coursed through him. A son, an heir, destined to be his end. His fists clenched, a cold sweat breaking on his forehead. He vowed to keep the prophecy a secret, to not show any signs of weakness. He had to face this alone, find a way to prevent his doom.

Paranoia gnawed at him as he scanned the festival. Who would bear him this son? Was the prophecy even true? His mind was a whirlwind of questions.

His thoughts were interrupted by a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he found Lucas, his Beta, smiling at him. Lucas had been his loyal friend since their pup days, always supporting him.

"Alpha, you seem troubled. What's wrong?" Lucas asked, his voice filled with concern.

Alpha Charles forced a smile, shaking his head. "Nothing, Lucas. I'm just tired. It's been a long day."

Lucas frowned, sensing the lie. He knew Alpha Charles better than anyone. He decided to push a little more. "Alpha, you can confide in me. I'm here for you."

Alpha Charles's voice hardened. "I said I'm fine, Lucas. Now go enjoy the festival. I wish to be alone."

Lucas flinched at the harsh tone. He felt a pang of hurt. Why was Alpha Charles being so secretive? What was he hiding? He wanted to help, to comfort him, but it seemed Alpha Charles didn't want that.

Respecting his wishes, Lucas decided to leave him alone. He forced a smile, "Alright, Alpha. I understand. I'll leave you be. We can talk later if you wish."

With that, Lucas turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Alpha Charles alone with his thoughts. Lucas was not interested in women. He had always been attracted to men, ever since he was a pup. He had never acted on his feelings, though, because he knew it was forbidden. 

He had this feeling that his packmates were conservative, and homophobic and that if alpha Charles ever finds he would not approve of it, and might punish him severely.

He had kept his secret well, and pretended to be straight. He had dated a few females, but never felt anything for them.

While dating the ladies he did in the past he avoided any intimacy, and made excuses. He was focused on his duties, and his loyalty. He lived a lie, and suffered in silence.

But there was one man who had always caught his eye, and his heart. That same man who had always been his friend, and his leader. The man who was the alpha king.

Alpha Charles was his crush.

Even though he knew it was hopeless, and wrong. He knew that Alpha Charles was straight, and taken. He also knew that Alpha Charles had four Luna, and two concubines. 

Still he had deep feelings and never confessed. 

He was always watching him from a distance, and never touched. Lucas had supported Alpha Charles in everything, and never betrayed. He had been his beta, and his friend.

But nothing more.

Standing at a corner Lucas was amongst the crowd, as commanded by Alpha Charles. 

He saw many girls, of all kinds, wearing revealing clothes. He saw them flirt, and dance, and laugh. Some of the girls gave him an inviting look, and some winked at him but he gave them a no face.

His gaze was fixed on Alpha Charles' face staring at his eyes, his lips and his charisma the way he sat on his throne with confidence, lost in his admiration Lucas took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

He wished to share a bed with Alpha Charles so badly, but he hated that it was impossible, and forbidden. 

He tried to distract himself, and have fun. Taking in more shots of vodka with speed so there will be no space for any bulky thought like he was having.

But he couldn't. He couldn't stop thinking about Alpha Charles. He couldn't stop feeling Alpha Charles. He couldn't stop loving him, and his soul.

***

While Lucas stood with one shot of vodka about to dabble it into his mouth, he felt a hand on his arm, and he turned to see a handsome man smiling at him. He had dark skin, curly hair, and brown eyes. He wore a leather jacket, jeans, and boots. He looked cool, confident, and charming.

Lucas felt a surge of excitement, and attraction to the man with a tempting smile, as he looked into the handsome man's eyes, he thought maybe this was his chance, to find someone who could make him really happy. 

So he moved closer, and smiled back, ready to start a conversation.

But then, he heard the man say, "I need two shots, please." He breathed out in frustration as he realized that the man was not interested in him, but in the bartender. 

He felt a pang of disappointment, and frustration that the man was just a random guy at the festival, having fun and getting drunk. He realized that the man had touched him by accident, not on purpose.

He felt like punching the man in the face and wiped off his face the feeling of having no luck, and no hope. 

He downed his shot, and staggered his way to a corner. He stayed there, feeling lonely and miserable.

I think your cliffhanger is good, but it could be improved by adding some more details and suspense. Here is a possible revision, with the changes marked in bold:

Meanwhile, Alpha Charles had left his thron e and walked to his room. 

He paced back and forth, trying to understand the prophecy that had been told to him by the witch who appeared to him like revelation that only him saw.

He couldn't believe what he had heard, and he felt a surge of fear, anger, and curiosity. Who was going to bore him this pup and how did she conceive him?