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“Ah Volkan! ”She gasped, clinging to my neck, “You seem so vigorous tonight, my king.”

I forced a smile at my fiancee, feeling guilty. She thought I was excited because of her. But no. It was because of her maid, Thora.

Thora was just outside the door, and her intoxicating scent was driving me crazy. No one knew that she was my true mate, not even my fiancee.

Why hadn’t I claim Thora? Because when I first saw her, she was sitting on her Alpha’s lap, kissing him. I kept my cool as the king, but inside, I just wanted to shift and rip that Alpha’s head off.

It wasn’t until she told me that she was not a vergen that I totally lost it.

I had waited 26 freaking years for her, refusing numerous woman, fearing I’d betray my true mate. Yet she couldn’t save herself for me?

My pride wouldn’t let me marry a mate without virtue. And my Kingdom wouldn’t accept her as their queen.

I should have rejected her, but not before punishing her. So, I brought Thora back to my castle, making her the maid for my fiancee- the future queen chosen by the council.

“Mate is in pain, why keep shunning her? Hear her out!” My wolf whined in my head and I pushed him back to my mind.

Thora must have heard everything from outside the door. Good. I smirked.

I wanted her to hear me making lve to another woman, I wanted her to beg me to touch her and regret her betrayal, I wanted to return a hundred times what she had done to me.

But then I paused, catching her arosl. Shtttt! My mate was in heat!



---

"Locked under the magic of witchcraft is a wolf strongest known to exist.
With eyes red as blood and fur dark as night, he was a sight no one remained alive to describe.
Many have tried bringing it to life,but failed to give away their lives.
Until an innocent girl comes, sealing her and the fate of entire mankind
The girl named Thora Valentine"

7:15 am
Bloodmoon pack grounds
A girl lay on the cold freezing ground.Her breath came out heavy as she tries to move.
Her muscles were sore with the punishment,lips cracked and dried.
She pulls on her arms to hear the cranking of steel chains tied around her hands and legs,sighing. She leaves the struggle ,once again.

12 hours 42 minutes

The exact time she was tied there,to serve her punishment ordered by the Alpha.
And this was not the first time anyway.
She was used to the treatment till now.
After all, she was just a weak Omega in the strongest pack in the world.
This was inevitable.
She was thirsty. And her senses were playing games with her.
She gulped and tried to moisten her lips ,but they only aggravated it.

"What a shame Thora. Had you accepted my offer, you would have been enjoying the luxury of my mattress right now."

A voice spoke from behind her and she already knew who it was.
Her punisher,her tormentor, her Alpha
She refused to reply,let alone look at him, and this didn't settle well with him.
Placing a bottle of water in front of her,he crouches at her level.
An evil smirk was present on his lips.

"Thirsty princess? Here ,have it"

She knew better, nothing came for free.
Nothing except pain and sufferings.
He studied her dropping brown eyes and trembling body.
The thought of her being helpless and completely at his mercy, excited him.
Opening the cap,he gulps the liquid to only leave a sip in the end.
Moving the brim to her lips, he urges her to take it.

She bites her lip,looking up at him and her beautiful brown eyes lock on him.
Defiance and confidence.
So much broken ,yet so much still to break.
Ruined,but only partially.
Used but not surrendered.

"Put it up your as...you bad guy!"

Her words surprised him ,and he chuckled and got up.
Whenever he thinks he has broken her,she comes back.
Stronger and braver.
A weak Omega by strength but a strong willed by brain.
Interesting.
"Okay princess. If you don't like my generosity,I won't be offering you any."

His voice turns cold as he continues,fingers placed on her chin to make her look up at him.

"12 hours more and the lashes will be complimentary."

She will not be able to remain conscious after this,she already knows.
But her eyes refused to lower down in submission.
She will die before she accepts defeat to a man like him.


"Bring it on Alpha"


He leaves her chin and stares at her for a minute.
And then ,leaves as the first rays of sunlight penetrate to melt the freezing snow surrounding her.
Her body continues to tremble and soon she falls into a deep slumber.

"Alpha Landon! The punishment has been served"


The guard informs the Alpha ,who stops writing for a second and acknowledges him.
"Is she conscious?"
"I am afraid not Alpha. Do you want me to wake her up ?"
"No need. Call the pack doctor and let him check on her. Once done , escort her to her quarters."
The guard nods and leaves,closing his door.
Alpha Landon sighs and looks down at the paper in his hands.


Invitation to the Alpha King and members of the werewolf council.
The Alpha King was coming to his territory with his council members. He hopes he is satisfied and gives him the approval on the latest pack acquisition deal.
If he gets it, Redmoon pack will be not only the strongest, but also the largest pack in warewolf history.
It will be his biggest milestone.
Smiling at himself,he places the invitation card in the drawer and runs his hand through his hair.
He was too stressed ,he needed to let it out.
Now that the Omega was unconscious,he needed to find a replacement.
Picking up his phone,he dials the one he enjoys the most, after his Omega offcourse.
"Greetings Alpha. How are you doing?"
"Cut the crab. My room in 5 "
Ending the call,he loosens his tie and gets up from his seat.
Ready to leave for the night.
London Anderson was a true bast*** in all senses.
And no one knew him better than the girl that had seen his worst.
The Omega who he tried his best to break.
But he failed even after 7 years of his tortures and games.
Was she truly indestructible or was it just a facade?
For even rocks break when subdued to high temperatures and pressures.
And what she had suffered was way more than that.
Landon sat in his seat,waiting for the Alpha king's arrival.
His eyes landed on Thora,who stood beside him in his chosen dress.


A small maid's dress ,with its hem barely covering her as. The blouse is tight,highlighting her thin yet perfect figure.


"You are to serve them the drinks and food. No mistakes will be tolerated. Am I clear?"


She nods ,not in the mood to fight with him after the punishment last night.
The whip marks were still fresh on her back.


"Good. Now come here."


He says with a smirk and she already knew what this was about.
Grabbing her from her waist,he makes her land on his lap.


Before she could react,he crashed his lips on her.
Thrashing was no use. She was used to his behaviour till now.
Laying still ,she allows him to kiss her.


But then all of a sudden,her weak wolf thrashed in her mind and she started pushing him back.
This was not right,she doesn't feel right.


Landon leaves and smirks, looking at the entrance and that's when she felt her senses freeze all of a sudden.


No! This can't be.


Pinewood and rain fragrance hit her in full force and she clenched her fists.


"Greetings Alpha King!"


Landon spoke.
And that was it,her whole world collapsed right there.
The mate she thought would protect her , had seen her kissing another man the very first time they met.


And what did he say? Alpha King? No he can't be....a powerful man like him... impossible..... he must be one of the other men on his council.


She didn't dare to look back. Her mind froze.
His aura surrounded him in deadly waves,making her wish this ground to open and swallow her down.


The Alpha King didn't speak. His silence made her more uneasy.


Landon stares at her confused and then whispers in her ear, making her body tremble.


"Turn around and greet the Alpha princess. He doesn't take disrespect lightly."


But she couldn't.
She can't see those eyes staring at her in hate.
She can't let her only hope of escaping this one die.


Before she couldn't say another word,Landon's arm coiled around her waist and he turned her around.


"Bow"


He orders and she does,keeping her eyes on the floor.
She could feel a burning gaze on her and she knew then.


He would hate her .


"I have been waiting for you Sir. Please take a seat."


The Alpha didn't move , making her shift her weight from one leg to another.


Should I look up at him? Who is he? That stare...it's burning and suffocating...I have to look up...but I am an Omega... it will be considered disrespect.


She was debating in her mind when she felt a rough grip on her arm.
She flinched as Landon whispered in her ear.


"Get drinks. Don't stand like a innoncent here."


And that's all she needed, without looking back at those burning eyes. She scurried down the hall, arranging for the starters.
Her heart beating heavily in her chest as she leans her head on the wall and tries to calm herself.


Volkan's pov


My eyes were fixed on the back of my mate. It was bare in that filthy maid's dress.


My fists clenched as my eyes went lower to see the tunic barely covering her as.


"Alpha King , please have a seat"


The bad guy speaks, giving me a small smile.
Alpha Landon ,one of the strongest and well reputed Alpha's in our Kingdom.
I wanted to believe that he was a playboy ,who tried to lure my mate.


But his reputation said otherwise.


He was respected by all and no one had heard of him disrespecting girls.
It was either he was masking it well or he was really a genuine man.


But that kiss....he kissed my mate and the worst part was that she didn't even push him.


Sitting down on the table,I take deep breaths to calm my wolf.
The very thought of our mate, losing her purity to some bad guy, making a fire of fury to burn in me.


Had she already betrayed me?


I have waited for her for so many years,yet she couldn't wait for me.
Sleeping around with other men to satisfy her heat?


The meeting progressed and my council members started discussing ,while I remained silent.
My mind is lost in assumptions and betrayals.


When suddenly, the door opens and her scent hits me before I see her.
So addicting, yet impure and defiled.


Intermingled with this bad guys. Have they done it today?


She steps forward,balancing a tray in her hands.
Her hands shake as she walks with those high 4 inch heels,making her legs look longer.


Her hair was veiling her face as I stared at those downcast eyes.


Daring them to look at me. Her steps turned hasty and then all of a sudden Landon ordered her, having her beautiful brown eyes to look at him.


"Hurry up "


He says and she again nods like an obedient pet, lowering her eyes to the floor.


My beast was struggling,seeing her getting ordered around like that. Her being so submissive to him, like the bad guy Landon owned her.


God! I have to leave. My emotions are going out of control.


"Excuse me"


Pardoning myself ,I got up to leave when I almost crashed into her as I turned.


"Ahhhh"


She shrieks in surprise. The champagne glasses shattered as they hit the floor and the sound of the tray hitting the floor, echoing in the corridor.


My breathing stopped for a second as I saw her staring at me.
Her innocent eyes met mine and my wolf went crazy in my mind.


Mate! Mate!


Her mouth opened and closed in shock as she realised who I was.


Her mate. The man she had already betrayed.


"I....I....am sorry...I ..."


She stutters,her eyes looking innocent and beautiful.
If only she was as well.


She looks lower to stare at my tuxedo and next I know,she bravely takes a napkin from the table and dabs it on my chest, trying to clean the stain on my shirt.


"Please...I...am really...sorry...I was..not looking...."


Her fingers touched my chest and that's when, what they call, the explosion of tingles blasted into full force.


She freezes and her hands stop.


As she looked up at me ,shocked and surprised. I stepped back, making agony and pain flood through her innocent eyes.


Her fingers stopped in mid air and she clenched her hand.
While I continue to look at her with indifference and coldness.


"Thora! What on earthl!"


Landon screams and she starts apologising again.


"Alpha...I beg pardon..she is -"


I barely show him my hand and he stops in between. She looks down at the broken pieces of glass, her hands fidgeting as she sits down to pick them up and place them in the tray.


I looked down at her picking up the broken pieces of glass near my feet and I saw the other other men staring at her behind.


I clench my fist.


The pathetic excuse of her tunic was hiding nothing and my beast was infuriating.
I wanted to kill my own men because of her.


God!


I have to leave. Side stepping her,I leave the meeting as murmurs follow behind me.


But I didn't care.


I have to leave before my beast is unleashed and this place turns into a bloodbath.


Going away from her scent,my senses calm down as I shift into my wolf , approaching the bordering forest.


My paws hit against the ground and the cold winds on my fur,calms my chaotic mind.


I have to meet her once, to know if she has really betrayed me.


And with this thought,I roared, looking at the moon , making the ground shake under my feet.



Thora's pov


I was trembling,like literally. The dirty utensils shaking in my hands as I cleaned them under the freezing water.


Surprisingly Landon didn't scold me or punish me after that small accident.
But I guess that's because he was very busy at today's meeting.


My mate's grey eyes make a shiver run down my spine. And I move my head, trying to forget about him.


But who was I kidding? My mate was no ordinary man.


He was the werewolf King.


King Volkan Knight


Gulping ,I clean the sweat on my forehead with my sleeve and place the last utensil in the utensil tray.
Done with today's work.


Sighing, I looked up at the full moon , wondering what my future will hold.


He already hates me.I saw it in his eyes.
He thinks I have betrayed him,if only he knew the truth.


My mate is going to reject me.


This was the harsh reality. Every wolf feared this and mine was just going to become true.


There is no escape from this place now. I guess I have to die here as well.
Being a slave to that bad guy all my life, pleasing him till I forgot myself.


My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a strong gust of wind hit me, his tempting scent lingering with it.


Knowing what it meant,I stood up. Trying to pull down this useless skirt, which was really uncomfortable.


I looked around to sense him ,when my eyes stopped at a silhouette near a tree.
His back leaning against it and hands crossed in front of his chest.


I gulp , moving closer. I already know why he was here.


No man would accept a used mate. He was not going to be an exception.


"Alpha...King...you needed something...you should have sent someone for it..."


I said , bowing down in respect. He was a powerful man,the most powerful man in our Kingdom in fact.
And Omegas like me are killed for even making eye contact with him.


He didn't say anything,but his stare remained.
It is a strange feeling to erupt in my insides. I have never felt like this before.


"Let me know if I can help you...do you need-"


"Shut up"


He says , making my trap shut and mind to freeze.
Goosebumps appear on my skin and I bite my lips, scolding myself for blabbering in front of him.


He stares again.


And the silence stretches. Making my anxiety increase with every second.
A few minutes later, he straightens his back and stands up , making his way towards me.


My eyes remain rooted to the ground as he steps closer.
The storm of anxiety in my chest , thrashing.


"Have you had fun with him?"


He asks and my heart stops. My widened eyes looked up at his cold grey eyes and I forgot to breathe for a few seconds.


So direct?


How do I answer this? Yes ...I have, but not willingly...he blackmailed me..


"I....we.....few...times...but...I.. didn't-"


I stutter. That only makes his jaw harden. His closeness, plays with my brain,my body aching for him to touch me.
God! What was happening to me ? And then I remembered,it was a full moon today...the matebond is the strongest.


"Yes or No"


He commands and I lower my stare. Why? I wanted to explain...I thought he would trust me...if not, atleast give me a chance.


"Yes"


I say and saw his fist clench. I step back afraid I will be a target of it.
He again doesn't say anything for a minute , making my legs lose their strength and my wolf cry in my mind.


She was already very weak. She could die if he rejects me.
What can I do to save her?


"I waited 26 years for you. Not even touching a woman, fearing I would be betraying you. Yet you couldn't save yourself for me?"


He says and I am surprised. It's very rare, men's instincts are way stronger than women's and I have never heard of any man controlling his urges and saving his first for his mate.


Yet,he did it. But for whom?


For me. For someone who has lost everything in this life except for her indomitable will to survive.


"I am sorry ..I...."


He raises his hand again ,not letting me explain.
But even if I speak,I won't be able to tell him the full truth.


"Do you love him?"


He asks and my mouth opens in surprise. Is he serious?
Which mate asks another if they love someone else.
I can see he is stopping himself or I would have already been rejected by him before this conversation.


"No..I.."


"Yet you kiss him back. Yet you don't stop him from kissing you?"


I gulp, moving my head in a no as he steps closer to me.
Fear enters my mind as the aura around him hits me.


"Alpha..King... please.."


"Yet you sit in his lap ,wearing these cheap clothes and let him kiss these lips?"


My back hits the tree bark and his eyes change colours. Placing my hands in front of me,I shivered.


"Please...I..."


"Tell me. Is he the only one or do you love doing this with others when you are in heat? How many bad guys have touched what only belonged to me?"


"Calm...down Alpha... please...I...."


"Tell me!"


He slams the tree bark on either side and I flinch in fear.
His arms prison me as he moves his face closer.


His breath hits my lips as his eyes are pools of hatred.
Shifting between grey and black, trying to get back his lost control.


I breathed heavily,unable to hold it in any longer.


Tears ran down my eyes as I closed them. Done with all this. I should have known this ,he is an Alpha. It would be a blessing if he didn't kill me after this betrayal.


"J...just reject...me"


I manage to whisper in my shaking voice,my lips wobbling and the saltness of my tears edible to my lips.


He froze at my words, but I refused to open my eyes.


I don't want to see the hate in them ,I have seen enough in my life. Not his as well.
Let him just reject me and get this over with .


My breathing hitched as I felt a soft touch on my lip. To only realise that I was biting it hard to draw blood from it .


I opened my eyes to see his grey orbs fixed on my lip,his thumb touching my lip to bring it out of the assault.


"I will"


He says and my wolf whines in my mind. Not ready to die so young. I am sorry...I hope you find someone else.


"But-"


He continues, my teary eyes to look back at him.


"After I have shown you how much your betrayal has hurt me. After, I have returned a hundred times what you gave me."


His hands move lower to rest on my waist and the tingles cause a warmness to spread inside me.


"After I have made you to beg me to touch you and after I have replaced you."


My eyes widen and the warmness inside me freezes. The butterflies in my stomach die down as I look at those beautiful orbs in helplessness.


No he can't...I have already suffered so much.. Please no.


And that's when his lips crash on me and my body is pushed back on the tree bark.
To experience what they call it.


A Kiss of true love.


If only it was because of love and not coated by hate.
If only I had been truthful and I hadn't betrayed.


Landon stares at the Alpha King sitting in front of him.
Confusion was evident in his eyes as he dared to question him again.


"My apologies, Alpha King, but did I hear you right? You want to take that Omega along with you."


Volkan just stared at him harder. His words were evidence of his irritation.


"Yes. The girl is to come with me. And in exchange ,you will be given the tender to Redwood territory"


Landon couldn't believe this. Thora was a used and broken pathetic Omega of his pack. What could a powerful man like him have to do with her?


"The offer sounds quite attractive, Alpha King. But may I know why?"


Volkan clenches his fist, not happy with him questioning him.
But he couldn't tell anyone she was his mate. He was ashamed to be honest.


"She has a really foul mouth. You know I don't take disrespect lightly,yet she dares to disrespect me. I will deal with her using my way in my territory."


Landon was not finding this hard to believe, Thora can be feisty and rude at times. Her foul language ,very well versed to him.


"My apologies, Alpha King. This girl's audacity. I can punish her if you say-"


"No need. I will take care of it myself."


Landon nods, giving him an apologetic smile.


"I agree Alpha King. This is a really great deal you offer. You can take her in exchange. An Omega like her is of not much use to me anyways."


Volkan nods, getting up and leaving. While Landon smiles to himself.
He will surely miss her , but she could be easily replaced.
And anyway,he was already bored of the pathetic girl.


That has been nothing but a burden since the day she was brought into his pack to take care of.
An unnecessary baggage he was relieved to get rid of.


Thora pov


I sit in a luxurious car which could fit a dozen people ,yet we both sit alone.


He sits in front of me ,busy with some work on his laptop. Not even once looking at me.


Not that I wanted him to stare at me.
But the way I was sitting directly in front of him, clothed yet exposed to his scrutiny.
It caused awkwardness and uneasiness to stretch between us.


Bored, I looked down at my hands tied with a rope. The very proof of him not trusting me or respecting me in any way.
I wriggle,trying to loosen it, but it only results in red marks on my wrist.


"I won't be leaving...please can you open this."


I asked and his fingers stopped typing. Those stormy grey eyes looked up at me and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Why was this man so scary?


Not replying ,he continues typing again and I sigh.


My eyes shifted to the view outside and I pushed myself closer to the window.
Wow! It was so beautiful.


I have never been out of my pack territory,I was not allowed to.
And the roads,the trees, the houses.
They all looked so intriguing to me.


If only I could feel the wind on my face, and take out my hand to feel it.
Biting my lip,I stared at the button.


Can I? Will he scold me...but he looks busy.


Pressing the button,I let the window roll down and before he could scold me.
I place my elbows on the sill and lift myself up.


The cold wind hits my face, making a smile come to my lips. My hair trails behind me , flying with the wind.


Wow! This was heaven.


But heaven was short-lived as I was pulled back to be miserable.
I looked at my side to see. My long hair was touching his face and he looked beyond irritated.


He moved his hand forward, grabbing my waist as I screamed at him.


"No!... Please!.Let me!"


My force and pleas were no use as I was harshly pulled back from my waist to land on his lap.
I again struggled to only have him coil his arm around my waist and turn up the window with his other hand.


"No! Please!"


"God! Stop women! Stop it!"


He curses behind me. His breath hits my ears, making a warmness to spread inside me.


"It's beautiful... please.."


I again try to only have his grip to tighten on my waist.
My back against his chest as I breathed heavily.


"Are you ok? Sit here silently."


He says and I feel frustrated. Why such words? I just wanted to look outside.


He hates you Thora. What do you expect? He will hate everything you do.


We continue to sit like this and the tingles start exploding. His scent overpowering, making me hold my breath.
When, suddenly, I was pushed to the seat next to him harshly.
Like my touch just burned him.


Because of my hands being tied,my head hits the headrest of the seat and a slight pain hits my skull.


He doesn't move,not bothered.


While I wringle, trying to adjust on my seat . He goes back to typing again and I just stare outside in longing.


I was going away from the prison Landon kept me in.I just hoped he would be better than him.


He hates me but I can see ...maybe he still feels something for me. The tingles,the warmness that I am feeling,he must be feeling it too.


I have a chance.


A chance to show I can be loyal to him. That I can love him like mates are supposed to.


And I won't let it go to waste. I will try to win him back no matter what it takes.


"What's your name?"


He asks suddenly , breaking me from the chain of my thoughts.
I thought he must have asked someone till now,but it seems he didn't care to even know his mate's name.


"Thora"


I answered,still looking outside. When he suddenly slams his laptop shut and the Aura around him changes drastically.


He was angry.


"Look at me when I ask you something."


I gulped, adjusting myself on the seat and turning my neck to look at him.
His grey eyes were boring holes into me.


"Full name. Pack of birth and parents name?"


He asks and I lower my eyes. He will hate me more. I know it already. After all, I was a nobody.


"I...I... don't know"


I say , staring at my hands as he turned to give me his full attention.


"What do you mean you don't know? Did you fall from the sky or what?"


He asks, irritated.


"I was found near the river by Landon's mother. I...I.am an orphan."


Silence. He just stares and then sighs, running his hand through his thick locks that have managed to fall on his forehead.


"See Thora. Let me get a few things straight before we enter my borders."


I shyly nodded, knowing things were going to go bad from here.


"First. No one, I repeat, no one is to know that you are my destined mate."


He was ashamed of telling them ,I know. God! Why am I feeling so hurt?


"Two. You are to follow my orders,no matter what. I ask you to come,you come. I ask you to leave,you do without questioning. No ifs and buts or you will be punished just like others."


I nodded again, looking down. I will try my best to be the perfect mate. I will change his perspective on me.


"And three..."


He goes silent and I look up at him from below my eyelashes.
Why did he stop?
His eyes took me from top to bottom.
From my legs to my face and I feel suffocated.


His features cover in disgust and I prepared for the worst.


"If I see you flirting around with my men. I swear on moon goddess Thora. I will first kill you before I kill him. Am I understood?"


I gulp. His words made me shiver.


"Y..es Alpha"


I say and before I know ,my chin is roughly grabbed and he pulls up my face.
My widened brown eyes met his cold grey ones as he uttered with pure hatred.


"I said look at me and answer, do I have to remind this the hard way?"


I move my head in a no and he leaves my chin. Sitting back on his seat and adjusting his tuxedo.
I take a deep breath, tears stinging my eyes.


So much hatred? How will I teach him to love me ?
What does it take to amend one's mistakes?


"Clean your tears. We are approaching."


He orders and I look up to see a castle welcoming us.
I used my shoulder sleeve to clean the traces of tears in my eyes, as I took in the beauty of the place through my hazy vision.


The Volkan Empire


Read a big stone encryption on the entrance and I felt my heart drop in the pit of my stomach.




...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

"Looking for something?" Frank's voice comes from behind. I find him standing at my door, hands behind his back.

"Oh, I'm just looking for something for one of my classes." I lie, not wanting to tell him that I lost my diary where I had written about him.

"Did you mean this?" A smile covers his face like a mask, while my heart stops beating. In his hands, he holds my notebook, the one I was looking for.

"Um, y"yes." I swallow hard, trying to keep calm and composed.

"You have a talent for writing, Lola." He closes the door behind him, my heart spinning in my body, not knowing what to do.

"I um...” Speechless, I could do nothing but move my trembling hands and look down.

"Lola, whatever feelings you have for me." He pauses, lifting my head by the chin with his gentle fingers. "I... I feel that too..." He whispers, and a small sigh escapes my lips.

"F"Frank..." His name trembles on my lips as I melt in his presence. His smug expression moves closer to me, getting closer to my lips.

"Are you wearing the lipstick I gave you?" He asks softly.

"Yes."

"Can I borrow it? I left my spare one at work."

"Of course." I turn to grab it from my desk, when he takes my hand, pulling me into his solid chest and captures my lips. Shock fills me, but my lips move with the deep, passionate strokes of his. He pulls away, letting me take in some necessary air. He slowly licks his lips, looking at me.

"Delicious." He smiles, his brown orbs narrowing with lust and desire.

My face burns as my shyness surfaces on the surface of my fair skin.

"We must keep this a secret, darling. You mustn't tell anyone, promise?" He extends his pinkie finger and I intertwine mine with his, kissing my thumb along with his.

"I promise." I say softly.

"And next time you write about me, don't put my name. God knows what will happen if your mother finds out you feel something for me." He winks at me and hands me back my notebook. I nod, biting my lip.

"Goodnight, darling." His velvety voice rolls the dark words of his language so perfectly.

"Goodnight, Frank." I speak timidly, and he closes the door behind him. I fall onto my bed, completely speechless.

He just kissed me... My stepfather just kissed me...

---

Lola
" So, who's going to pick me up again?” I ask my mom as I grab my luggage.
" Tom, Frank's butler.” My mom answers from the other side of the line.
"Okay, I'm just grabbing my luggage now, so I'll be there soon.”
" Alright, dear, there's a sign with your name on it, so you won't get lost.”
" Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.”
" I love you.”
" I love you too.” We hang up and I pick up my luggage from the baggage claim. I head towards the airport exit when I see an older man dressed in black, along with a white shirt and gloves. He's holding a sign that says:
Miss Moore.
We make eye contact and I quicken my pace to avoid making him wait for me.
" Hello, Miss Moore. My name is Tom. I'll take you to Mr. Evans's property.” He bows and starts picking up my luggage.
" Oh, I can carry that.” I try to stop him, but he already grabs the suitcases before I can.
" It's not polite for a gentleman to let a lady carry such heavy bags.” He insists and I just awkwardly smile. We leave the airport and he takes me to a matte black limousine. He puts my bags in the back and opens the door for me.
" How long will it take to get home from here?” I ask him before he closes the door.
" About fifteen minutes, why?” He asks.
" I need to use the bathroom, but I can wait.”
" Are you sure? I don't mind waiting until you're done.”
" Alright, but thank you. I can wait.”
" Of course.” He closes my door and gets behind the wheel. I notice people looking at the limousine, amazed by its beauty. If I wasn't being driven in it, I would be amazed too.
I take out my phone and continue coloring my giraffe, which I've been coloring throughout the flight. I love coloring.
Actually, it's very fun and it helps me relax. I color my giraffe to distract myself from the fact that my bladder might burst at any moment.
I ended up grabbing a soda water from the fridge along with some chocolates. It was nice to eat real food and not some airplane junk.
" We've arrived, Miss Moore.” Tom announces. I gather my things as he holds the door open for me. I grab my purse and step out. My jaw immediately drops to the floor as a white mansion with a blue roof captivates my eyes. Palm trees stand on both sides of the black glass front doors. The garden is blooming with white, red, and black roses, with fountains and statues placed in the middle.
I didn't even realize Tom was holding the door open for me, I was too impressed by the mansion. But I forced myself to snap back to reality, climbed three steps, and entered.
My eyes meet black, gold, and marble. The walls are black, with golden baseboards. A marble crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, illuminating the entire space.
" Lola!” My mom calls me. I follow the sound of her soft voice and find her in the kitchen.
" Mom!” We hug tightly, and I inhale her vanilla extract scent.
" I missed you so much, dear.” She holds the sides of my face in her delicate hands. I look at her and she seems younger than before.
" Mom, you look amazing.” I say to her.
" Thank you, dear, you look beautiful too.” She hugs me once again before leading me back to the living room to sit on the couch.
" Are you excited for the wedding?” I ask.
" Yes. Frank and I are so happy. I just can't believe I'm getting married. I'm so nervous, I've never been married before.” She fidgets with her nails nervously.
" It's okay, mom.” I gently squeeze her hands. " Whatever happens during your wedding, I know you and Frank can overcome it together.” I reassure her.
Ever since my poor father left me and my mom when I was only thirteen, my mom has been a mess. It was just the two of us, without anyone's help. She had several boyfriends, but they always broke her heart.
So, for me, seeing her glowing and happy like this, melts my heart.
" Where's Frank?” I ask, noticing the absence of my future stepfather.
He'll be here any minute. My mom tells me. " Frank doesn't have any children, does he?”
" No, it's just you.”
" That's great.” We laugh and continue talking.
" Dear, I'm home.”
Suddenly, a man dressed in a black suit and gray tie enters the room. My mouth waters as I find myself falling in love when I see that man standing right in front of me, he looks so powerful.
Should I curtsy? Should I kiss his hand?
" Frank, this is my daughter, Lola.” My mom introduces me.
" Well, Lola, you definitely inherited that beautiful face from your mother.” He smiles, his brown eyes looking at me.
"Thank you.” I search for my words, without knowing what to say to such a handsome man. I reach out and, when I take his hand to greet him, I realize that I had a cliché moment where my heart stopped. But that wouldn't be enough to describe the feeling I felt when our hands collided.
My body was electrified, my knees wanted to give way beneath me, but again, very cliché.
" I'm sorry for leaving you so quickly, but I have a meeting in twenty minutes. I just stopped by to say 'hi'.” He explained, with his eyes on my mother.
" It's okay, dear.” She smiles at him.
" I'll be here for dinner, I promise. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lola.” He turns to me, with a charming smile on his lips.
" Nice to meet you too.” I hide my blushing cheeks by looking at the polished floor, and at my reflection.
" Are you shy?” Frank laughs.
" She is.” My mother chuckles back. They exchanged a quick kiss, and he ran out the door, Tom closing it behind him.
Oh...
I bit my lower lip when thousands of lewd scenarios, concerning Tom and me, played in my mind like a five-hour-long movie. To prevent myself from doing something that I'll regret, I took a shower.
I don't know what's really happening to me. I just met my mother's fiancé and I'm completely horny. Anxious to be with him. God, what's wrong with me?
I take off my clothes and turn on the hot water before stepping into the shower. I let the water run over me as I try to cleanse myself of the unnatural thoughts I have about my future stepfather.
Everything was so wrong. I couldn't even imagine the disgusted hatred my mother would have for me if she knew what I was thinking. I don't even want to know what Frank would think of me.
I should be mortified by my thoughts, but somehow a part of me isn't. As sick and twisted as my thoughts may be, I can't help but smile to myself at the thought of Frank becoming mine.
...
" Hi mom.” I walk down the stairs and go to the fridge while my mother reads a magazine at the island.
" Hello dear. How was your day?” She asks, flipping the page of her magazine.
" It's all right. I took a shower.”
" Okay, Frank made dinner reservations at a fancy country club.”
" Oh?”
" It'll be nice. We leave in an hour.”
" Alright.”
" There's a dress in my room that I want you to wear, I put a post-it on it.”
" Okay, thanks mom.”
" No problem, dear.” She smiles and I go back up the marble stairs. I open the door and immediately get nervous when I see Frank's shirtless back in front of me.
" Oh, sorry, I didn't know you were here.” I look down and hear a laugh coming from him.
" Okay, are you here because of the dress?” He asks and I look back to see him in pants.
" Yes.” I nod and bite my lip. He walks to the closet, I observed how his body complemented his polo and pants.
" Here you go.” I smile and our fingertips touch during the exchange, sending a spark down my spine.
" Thanks.”
" No problem, beauty.” He murmurs.
" What?” I raise my eyebrows, knowing what he said.
" I didn't say anything.” He says.
" Go get ready, sweetheart.” He laughs and I leave the room.
He called me beauty...
I bite my lip and blush as my heart beats fast.
" Ready, sweetheart?” Frank's tender voice fills my room as he stands in the doorway.
" Almost, I just need help with the zipper on my dress.” I smile awkwardly as I try to finish closing the zipper on the red silk dress that my mother gave me.
" Here.” I point.
He walks up to me and zips it up for me.
" Let me see.”
I turn around and he slowly examines my body, nodding with satisfaction.
" Impressive. That color suits you so well.” He praises, leaving me excited inside.
" Thank you.” I timidly bite my lip.
He looks around my room, searching for something.
" Do you have a diamond choker or necklace to wear with this?” He asks. I shake my head. He leaves the room, only to come back with a diamond-encrusted choker.
" Put this on.” He orders, I obey as he puts the choker around my neck, fastening it with the clasp. " Now you look complete.” He smiles.
" Shall we?” He extends his arm for me to take it.
" We shall.” I laugh and grab his arm. We go down the stairs with my mother taking pictures as if it were my prom.
" Lola dear, you look beautiful in that dress. And with that choker, everyone will turn their heads to look at you.” My mother is surprised and hugs me.
" You look more impressive than I do.” My jaw drops as she wears an olive green velvet dress, with a diamond necklace.
" Well.” Frank says. " I said that I'll be the luckiest man there. I'll be arriving with my stunning fiancée and my perfect future stepdaughter.” He laughs, hugging the two of us.
He takes us outside, where the driver is holding the limousine door open. He helps me and my mother get in before he does. He sits between my mother and me, holding her hand tightly. They whisper softly to each other as I browse the internet.
I like checking social media. I never thought I'd be in a mansion or wear anything remotely sophisticated. Yet, here I am. In a tight red silk dress with diamonds around my neck. Being driven in a limousine, while my mother's fiancé is filthy rich. I wish everyone could have this life, never having to worry about money or debt. Being prepared for life basically. My mother and I definitely needed this when it was just the two of us and she was working three jobs just to keep the lights on.
She's very lucky to catch someone like him, which makes me feel worse about the bold dream I had before. I mean, who dreams of sleeping with their future stepfather? Me, apparently.
My love life doesn't exist. I've always been a boring girl, as they say. I've never had a real boyfriend before. The only guy I thought I had a chance with turned out to be gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it hurt at the time.
" Lola.” Frank's seductive voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
" Yes?” I push a lock of my curls behind my ear.
" We've arrived.” He laughs as I realize my mother is outside the limousine.
" Oh, sorry.” I turn around and get out, with Frank behind me. I look around and admire the beauty of the country club. It was white paneled, with golden light illuminating it, giving it a richer appearance.
A water fountain stood in the center of the white brick"style concrete.
" Like it?” Frank asks, his minty breath brushing down my neck and giving me chills.
" You're handsome.” I blurt out without thinking. " I mean...” I look at him, who's staring at me.
" This place is beautiful.” I smile and follow him and my mother inside.
" Good evening, Mr. Evans.” Two men hold the doors to welcome Frank. He nods and walks away, my mother's arm sliding into his. I walk behind them, catching the stares of the two men. I smile to myself and thank them with a seductive smile, which only makes their faces turn red.
I sit in the chair once again, swirling the glass in my hand. My mom and Frank have disappeared somewhere, probably taking pictures or signing documents.
" Is this seat taken?” The familiar buzz of a voice from the depths of the ocean asks me. I look up to find Mark smiling, with his perfectly white teeth.
" Be my guest.” I smile slightly.
" You look pale.”
" I'm just tired.”
" I can see.”
" Where's your girlfriend?”
" She went home.” He shrugs, taking a sip from his beer mug.
" Do you want to go somewhere quieter?”
" Yes, please.” I laugh and quickly send a message to my mom saying that I'm going to my hotel room because of a strong headache.
Silently, Mark and I manage to escape from the dancing crowd. Thank God no one tried to talk to us.
" My hotel room or yours?” He suddenly asks.
" Yours.” I shrug. My room is next to my mom and Frank's room, and I really don't want to be close to them when they go to 'sleep' tonight.
" Okay, do you like vodka?”
" Of course.”
" Good, because that's all I have.” He laughs and wrinkles his nose. We take the two-story elevator and walk through a few corridors until we finally reach our destination. He swipes the card, opens the door, and holds it open for me like the gentleman he's pretending to be.
"I forgot to take clothes from my room to change into.” I say, getting a little mad at myself for now having to sit in this dress that is already bothering me.
" Don't worry, I have a shirt you can borrow.” He smiles and hands me a black t-shirt. I thank him and he unzips my dress, then I go into the bathroom to change. I pull his shirt over my head, now that the monstrosity is off my body, I notice that the shirt only goes down to the middle of my thigh.
I bite my lower lip as I try to fix my clothes, but it's useless. I swallow any shyness I have and look at myself in the mirror.
He has a girlfriend, he wouldn't try anything.
I tell myself several times as I leave the bathroom. I find him lying on his bed in shorts and a shirt, typing on his phone.
" Does it look good on you?” He asks, noticing my awkward figure standing in the middle of the room.
" Yes, thank you.” I climb onto the bed next to him, covering my lower body with sheets to prevent him from seeing anything he might like.
" Do you want me to order pizza?”
" That would be great.” My stomach growls at the thought of pizza.
Mark calls room service to have the pizza delivery guy let in while I order a large pepperoni and cheese pizza.
" Are you enjoying being rich?” Mark asks me as we stuff our faces with pizza and have a shot or two of vodka to wash it down.
" Oh my God, it's amazing. Like I have the wardrobe I've always wanted. I can go to fancy places. But I think I'll get a job, just so I won't empty Frank's bank account.”
" Well, I'm glad you liked it.”
" Do you work for Frank?”
" Yes, he and my dad own the company, but I'm training to be the CEO.”
" That's really cool.”
" I worked hard to get it. Many people think I got the job because of my dad and Frank. But actually, I worked hard to get it. He couldn't stop talking about his job.” His words slurred as we drank more and more of the vodkas he had to offer.
" So tell me, how did you meet Patricia?” I laugh.
" Her dad works for us. God, I honestly can't stand her!” He laughs as I crack up.
" Break up with her.”
" I would, but then her dad will sue me for breaking her heart.”
" That sucks, man. That's so fvcked up.”
" I know. She doesn't understand me and she bosses me around. She would honestly kill me if she knew you were here.”
"That sucks.”
" She can go off, I'm not giving her any more power over me.”
" Why?”
" She's an inappropriate woman and I'm not going to lose myself to such woman I'm waiting for when I meet her, you know?”
I sighed and felt sorry for him. I wish I could say that I understood, but I don't. I've been dishonored, and I'm sorry, even more now.
" Do you want to spend the night here? ”Mark asks, slowly cleaning up our mess.
" If it's not a big deal.” I bite my lip and help him.
" I want you to stay.” He smiles, his eyes buzzing with desire.
We get back to the queen-size bed and turn off the lights. We face each other when his hand brushes against the side of my cheek.
" I want to kiss you, but I can't. No matter how much I hate my relationship, I wouldn't dare betray her.” He murmurs sleepily.
" I understand. Goodnight, Mark.”
" Goodnight, Lola.” I put my hand on top of his, which keeps my face still, and I watch his eyes slowly close. I watch him for a moment, or as much as I can, since the room is dark.
Why do I feel like something is about to begin inside me?
I pull away from him and sigh. I couldn't have a crush on a guy I just met for a hot minute. Once again, I think about Frank.
I shake my head and close my eyes as I try to force myself to sleep, hoping to forget all the feelings I have for Frank and Mark.
.....
" Hi dear.” My mom greets me as she enters my hotel room.
" Hey.” I rub my eyes as I continue packing my things.
" Where were you last night? I came here to check on you and you weren't here.”
" I was with Mark.”
" I see, is that your shirt?” She raises a thin eyebrow at me and I shake my head.
" Yes, but it's not like that, mom. We're just friends.” I wave at her as I feel her eyes piercing me as if she was trying to see if I was really lying.
" So, nothing happened?”
" No, he has a girlfriend and he's loyal. He just let me spend the night in his room.”
" I see.” She hums, clearly not believing my truth. " Well, Frank and I are leaving. It's a long flight to Fiji.” She wraps her peach-colored arms around me as the scent of vanilla extract fills my senses.
" I love you, have fun.” I kiss her cheeks.
" Love you more.” She kisses me on the forehead before a turn of the doorknob interrupts our goodbye.
" I came to say goodbye.” Frank enters the room and hugs me, his cologne filling my nostrils, leaving me with a tingling sensation. My body presses tightly against his, I could feel his abdomen pressing against mine.
" Try not to destroy my house while we're gone.” He laughs as he lets go of me.
" I should try.” I laugh. We say goodbye and they leave my room.
I finish packing my bags and put on a t-shirt and jeans when I hear a knock on the door.
" Come in.” I shout to whoever is on the other side of the door as I lean inside, closing my luggage.
" Ready?” Marks' melodious velvety voice asks.
A waiter arrives and takes us to a table, away from the eyes of others. I look over my shoulder, noticing how men of all ages were looking at me, even the boys were looking. I laugh quietly to myself and sit in front of my mother and Frank.
We order our drinks and food. I'm very basic, so I ordered cheese ravioli and soda water with lemon.
"So," Frank says. "How's college going, Lola?" He asks with a charming smile on his perfect pink lips.
"Very well," I shrug.
"What's your major?"
"Creative writing, I want to be an author."
"I see, well, I certainly think you have talent for it. Maybe I can take a look at some of your work someday, if that's okay with you."
"Sure, definitely."
"Excellent," he smiles, my mother looking at him. It's good to see her happy with him, but I also envy her. She's so lucky.
Our food arrives and we eat. I ended up drinking four bottles of water before the bill comes. "Thanks for dinner, Frank," I smile as he pays the bill.
"It's a pleasure. I have to treat my new family well," he laughs and holds my mother's hand in his. The engagement ring on her finger, valued at $50,000, shines in the lighting.
Very lucky.
...
"How do I look?" My mother asks me, a bright smile spreading across her face. Her ivory wedding dress with gold lace and diamond embellishments shines in the light shining through the windows of our hotel rooms.
"Oh, mother... I can't find the words to describe how beautiful she looks," I hug her carefully, not wanting to ruin our makeup that took about half an hour each.
"Thank you, dear, you look stunning in that dress," she stands up and holds me in her arms to get a full view of my shining body.
"Thank you, Mom," I smile back. She is helped by her best friend, Sarah, and we all leave the room and head to where the wedding reception will be.
"Hey," I am nudged on my arm and find Mark, Frank's best friend's son, standing next to me.
"Hello," I speak timidly, not expecting him to be as beautiful as he is, with his dark brown hair shaved on the sides and curled on top. His tan skin looks smooth, his face sculpted while his smoothed eyebrows peacefully rest on his green irises.
"Ready to do this?"
"Yes, and you?"
"Totally. It must be nice to see your mom getting married."
"It really is. It's her first time, and I've never seen her so happy."
"Mr. Evans is a good man, he'll treat her like the queen she is."
"I know he will, he has to or I'll kill him." We both laugh at that. The music starts. After Sarah and Mr. Brown, Mark's father, walk down, it's our turn. We descend slowly, my arm wrapped around Mark's as I try to block out the crowd of over a hundred people looking at me.
I stand next to Sarah and notice Frank gives me a reassuring smile, instantly calming me.
How did he do that?
I return my attention to the aisle as I watch my mother walk alone down the aisle. She holds the bouquet with both hands, her eyes fixed on Frank the whole time. It was actually kind of sad to see that my grandfather refused to walk her down the aisle. In fact, our whole family rejected the idea of coming to the wedding.
Upon reaching Frank and the officiant, he starts reading from his Bible. Of course, I completely tune out, because who has time for that?
I slowly scan my eyes around the room, admiring the grand ballroom we were in. Everything was gold and ivory, exactly the way my mother wanted.
They say yes and passionately kiss, which I'm not looking at while they do. I reconnect with Mark and we all leave the room and head up to our rooms. All the bridesmaids changed into our second dresses so we could dance and move during the reception. My mother also changed into a different wedding dress that was easier to walk in.
"Mind if I join you?" Mark asks as I sit alone, sipping champagne, watching everyone dance.
"Sure." I pull out my chair and he sits next to me. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired. It's been a long day."
"I understand. Don't you dance?"
"Not really."
"Neither do I. My girlfriend always drags me to clubs and I hate it." He laughs and I sigh to myself.
Of course he has a girlfriend, he's like a god of bronze.
"Hey, Mark," at that moment, a snobbish voice sounds, and I look up to find a girl wrinkling her nose in disgust. "Come on, I want to dance." She pulls him away from me without letting him speak. He briefly says goodbye to me before being engulfed in the crowd of dancing bodies.I meet Frank and my mother talking to people at a table. Probably his friends, since no one came from my mother's side, except for the few friends she has. I can't help but contemplate his figure.
He was so fit and looked like he was 25 instead of 40. My eyes are glued to his movements as I admire the way his lips move while he rests his chin on his fist while listening to others speak.
I wish I could feel his lips. I bite my lip without thinking before realizing what I was thinking. I snap out of my thoughts and drink more until my glass is empty. I grab my phone and start playing games when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
" What are you doing sitting here alone?” Frank's charming voice sounds like magic in my ear.
" Oh, I don't dance.” I shrug.
" Well, now you dance, let's go.” He pulls me out of my chair and takes me to the dance floor where we find my mother. " We're making her dance.” He told her and she nodded.
" Thank you, mom.”
I reconsider rolling my eyes when he and my mother take my hands and start waving them in the air. Even though I want to be a piece of trash, I start moving on my own, mainly to loosen up my arms.

...

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"Have you fkkked her?" I asked my husband of 6 years who had just found his mate.
"No!" He yelled, as if insulted.
"Then reject her," I said with dead coldness.
"Ri, it will weaken my wolf...", he started the same song again and I wanted to laugh.
"You promised to reject your fated mate once you found her, Bray," I reminded my husband who had begged me to marry him. "That was why I agreed to marry you and brought my pack to merge with yours."
His lips twitched slightly. Sighing, he turned to his mate and spoke to her softly, "I am sorry. I'll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise."
"I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject...", he started to say in a firm voice, when the omega fell to her knees, bursting into tears.
"Please, no!" she whimpered, "I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I'll do anything!"
Bray froze. He turned to face me again. I could see pain in his eyes - he couldn't bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his.
"She is staying! We'll find a way around everything!" Bray said, clenching his fists.
And this was the moment when I realized that everything was lost.

...

Riannon stood there not quite believing her eyes. Her husband of six years had his arm wrapped around a petite girl in the middle of their pack house. The cute ginger head peeked at her discretely and Ria could swear that she saw a smirk for half of a second.

“Ri, dear,” Brayden, her legal husband, chosen mate and the Alpha of their pack addressed her in a way he always did when they were alone, “I need to confess… I have found my true mate. Her name is Roxanne.”

The silence in the room was deadly from the moment the two of them walked in, holding hands. Everyone stopped doing what they were doing and all eyes were on the three of them. The Alpha, the Luna and the Alpha’s mate.

Ria couldn’t force herself to say anything, so Brayden took the lead.

“Listen, I know that we are chosen mates and you will always be my Luna, I assure you of that. But since my wolf saw Roxy, he is going nuts. It would be bad for the pack if I rejected her now. He wouldn’t be able to deal with it. And it will weaken us.”

There it was - the excuse!

The two of them were school sweethearts, the perfect couple. Rhiannon was a daughter and the heiress of a powerful Alpha from a very strong pack. Brayden was her father’s best friend’s son and the future Alpha of his own pack. Since they started dating when she was just 15 and he was 16, everybody couldn’t stop buzzing that they were true mates. They were always the IT couple and everyone envied their love. Besides, as a daughter of any alpha, Ria was educated to become a Luna one day. And not just any Luna. The perfect one. She spent all her free time studying what she would have to do for the rest of her life. And she mastered every single thing to perfection. So that when she was 18 and ready to marry Bray, she would be prepared.

But Bray’s 18th birthday was before hers. She trembled to meet him on that day, longing to hear the one and only most significant word of both of their lives - mate.

He got to her pack early that day and she ran down the stairs to greet him. But as she ran, both their smiles faded a bit. She couldn’t feel anything, but he already knew.

“We are not mates, aren’t we?” she asked, tears trickling down her chin.

“Not the fated ones,” Brayden sighed heavily and locked her in his arms, his lips touching her hair. They stood like this for quite some time, waiting for the disappointment to wash away. And when they were ready, Bray took her face into his hands and said, “It doesn’t matter, Ri! I choose you! I will always choose you! No matter what, no one can break the love between us. You will be my mate, my chosen mate! My one and only!”

It did help that their families practically planned the whole wedding at this point. Her father had no son anymore since Riannon’s older brother died young trying to save their little twin sisters from the rogues. All of them died as a result and Ria was the only one left. So, there was a pressing matter of who would be inheriting the pack. And Bray seemed like the obvious choice. The two of them loved each other and no family members were against the merger of the two strong packs.

A contract was drawn but Bray suggested waiting until Riannon was 19. He told her that he had made his choice but wanted her to try and find her mate before she made hers. They were visiting other packs for the whole year before her next birthday. And then got married one month later, since no mates were found but their feelings were only getting stronger.

They became the power couple of the werewolf world and merged both their packs into one, year by year, working to make it stronger. And now, at twenty-five, Ria was a renowned Luna whom everyone loved and admired.

Riannon traced her gaze around the room and saw the shocked faces of her packmates. Yet she couldn’t help but notice that not everyone seemed startled by the recent events. Her husband’s Beta was watching quietly from the distance, his hands crossed on his chest. But absolutely no surprise in his eyes.

However, the most stunned among them all was still Riannon herself. Although not for the reasons that they all assumed.

Her fingers were trembling and lips twitching slightly as she looked at her husband and his true mate with wide eyes.

“No,” she muttered, “It couldn’t be!”

Why would the Moon Goddess return her to that exact moment in time when all her life was turned upside down, leading to her demise?

What was going on? For her it was one year ago. And just seconds ago, Ria was crawling on the ground in the woods, fighting for her life as two creatures followed her closely. The wolf found her first, digging his sharp canines into her flesh and making her wince in pain.

She was a strong wolf herself, but unfortunately, someone drugged her with aconite, making her weak, unable to shift and practically paralysed.

The wolf growled as he ripped a part of her thigh off and, for the first time during this attack, Riannon screamed loudly.

“You can shout all you want,” the girl who stepped forward said, “No one is going to hear you here. Especially now.”

Ria recognised that voice at once. Her tormentor was none other than her husband’s true mate, Roxanne.

“You?!” Ria panted, trying to sit up, “Why are you doing it? You already took everything from me! My husband, my position as Luna, my pack…”

The wolf growled at her and she tried to recognize him, but it was too dark and she was too weak. The only thing that she knew was that the werewolf was brown. Yet there were many brown wolves in the world, so it did not help.

“I have my reasons,” Roxy smirked, rubbing her round belly, “And I don’t have to explain them to you. Not anymore. Your time has passed. You are done, Riannon.”

“They will find everything out!” the ex-Luna pleaded, “You will not get away with it!”

Resounding laughter was her answer as Roxy kneeled next to her and grabbed a fistful of her hair, “Dear, Riannon, don’t you get it? I already did!”

She then forcefully threw Ria towards the ground and ordered the wolf, “Finish her off. Make sure nothing is left.”

Her arms and her legs were not listening anymore as Riannon watched Roxy walk away leisurely. As if she did not just order her murder.

A tear trickled down Ria's cheek as the wolf had a moment of hesitation.

She did not deserve it!

It was not fair!

If she had another chance, she would do everything differently.

“I am waiting!” Roxanne’s sweet voice broke her train of thought as the wolf jumped over her and ended her life in seconds.

Riannon gasped as she suddenly found herself in the reception room of her house. Something was off because all the old furniture that she loved so much was in place. She couldn’t understand what was going on until Bran walked in with Roxy in his arms and she recognized the day as exactly one year ago.

“The Moon Goddess has some sick sense of humour!” Ria thought to herself, “Out of all of the moments of my life, she brought me back into this most miserable and unpleasant one. What is up with that?!”

Luckily, she was always reserved and knew how to hide her feelings pretty well. So, she just lifted her chin up and met her husband’s gaze.

“I understand that this is very sudden,” Bray tried to sound considerate and she barely managed to hold back a scoff. Sudden? He had no idea!

“I know our agreement, but my wolf is going nuts. You are not only my Luna, but also my best friend, who always understands me. And I know that you always want what’s best for the pack. Roxanne is an omega and an orphan in her pack… Ri, it was horrible how she was treated there! They abused her and treated the girl like a slave! I couldn’t leave her there. It would be horrible and my wolf would never forgive me. I just need her presence here. That's all.”

He finally let go of Roxanne, leaving the redhead alone and went to his wife, taking her hands in his.

“Let her stay in the pack for the sake of it. My wolf is stronger next to her, the rejection would kill him. And we can give Roxy a peaceful life here. She will…”

“No,” the answer sounded calm yet loud enough for everyone to hear...

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Hello, this is my first published book on Dreame and I am very excited to start this journey. I promise you a bumpy ride with loads of twists and turns. Don't be shy and leave me a comment. I also have a group called Marissa Gilbert's Reading Circle where readers discuss chapters, characters and share visuals.

Right now the book is taking part in the Dreame Ace Book Contest. Please, consider giving it your vote by clicking on a gift box or finding the book on the ranking page.

Chapter 2. Rejection

They all stared at her in shock. Bray’s eyes were as wide as two saucers.

“Ri, my wolf…”, he started the same song again and she wanted to laugh. She had already heard it all back in her previous life. He was bringing up his wolf every time he wanted to spend time with Roxy. He never rejected her like they agreed and very soon she became his mistress.

Riannon tried to close her eyes even though it was extremely painful for her. But she was the one who truly cared about the pack and tried to drown herself in work. This was her other mistake. But since she got a second chance, she was not going to repeat it. She was going to get rid of Roxy here and now. Before it was too late.

Back then, Bray told her that it was her choice, and she chose wrong. Letting Roxanne stay for the sake of the pack was a big mistake. People died because of that and not only her. Ria’s eyes met with her best friend Maya’s and tears almost rolled in her eyes. Maya was one of those killed in Roxy’s schemes. She had her doubts before, but now she knew for sure. She was going to get rid of this evil once and for all.

“I said no,” she repeated herself and looked back at her husband with coldness, “We talked about this before and came to an agreement. We’ll find a good pack for her, who will take care of her. But she will not stay here. You need to reject her just as we agreed.”

One question that was bothering her was why Bran chose to have this conversation in public. But it wasn’t the time to think about it. Now she had more pressing matters.

“Riannon,” Bray suddenly got serious, stepping in front of Roxanne, who was hiding behind him and shaking like a leaf in the wind, “Think about this. I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t important. I am the Alpha of our pack and my wolf is going crazy for his mate. We can’t risk…”

“Brayden,” she addressed him calmly, “Our pack is one of the strongest in the country. We are not at war with anyone. And you are a strong Alpha. I believe in you, I always did. You know that. I am sure that rejecting your true mate would not be easy, but we will get through it. As a family that we are.”

“I just want what’s best for the pack,” Bray mumbled, not sounding so sure anymore and Ria felt a prick of hope.

“If you want what’s best for the pack, do it now,” she said, “The longer you put it off, the harder it would get. And if she is anything, she is your weakness. You already go back on your word and this is day one.”

His lips twitched slightly, and Ria knew what it meant. Her victory was close. She almost got rid of this redhead monster.

Sighing, Bray turned to Roxanne and spoke to her softly, “I am sorry. I’ll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise…”

Ria did not notice how hard she clenched the fabric of her dress. Was it always this easy? Could she stop all the disasters that happened to her if she simply said no at once?

“I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject…”, her husband started to say in a firm voice, when the omega in front of him fell to her knees, bursting into tears.

“Please, no!” she whimpered, “I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I’ll do anything!”

Bray froze. He couldn’t bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his. And this was the moment when Riannon realised that everything was lost. He turned to face her again and she held his gaze with pride.

“Please, Alpha!” Roxy started to sob and Ria had to give it to her. If she didn’t know who was before her, she would have bought it too. “I will be your slave! I can clean and I can cook! I can do anything! Just, please, spare me! Don’t do this! I will serve your Luna!”

A wave of electric shock went through Ria at the mention of her. She looked at her rival and met a gaze full of well-hidden hatred.

“Please, my Luna!” the girl kept begging still kneeling, “My fate is in your hands! Please, don’t kill me! Please, spare me! I will be your slave forever. Don’t kill me!”

No one spoke a word and the only sounds in the room were the pitiful sobs and sniffs of Roxanne.

“Sweet girl,” Riannon decided to try one last time, “There is no need for all that. You will be well taken care of, but just not here.”

“Please, my Luna!” Roxy crawled to her way faster than Ria managed to dodge her and grasped her dress, “The rejection will kill me! Please, spare me!”

“I…”, Ria wanted to say something but a loud growl made her stop.

“Enough!” Brayden roared, looking at her with his eyes shining red, meaning that his wolf was at the surface.

“Calm down,” his Luna said firmly but yet another growl emerged from him as he was furious.

“I said enough!” Brayden appeared next to Roxanne in no time and scooped her in his arms, “She is staying! We’ll find a way around everything!”

He walked firmly towards the huge staircase, taking his mate upstairs to one of the guestrooms. Ria knew very well which room it would be – the one in the far corner of the mansion, where her husband would practically move in no time. Roxanne’s head was tucked into Brayden’s neck and Riannon was sure that it was not a coincidence that she was now breathing into his collarbone, right where a mark should go.

Automatically, she touched the mark he gave her when she was nineteen and caught the omega’s gaze on herself. Roxanne was watching. And Ria knew that today she lost just like the last time.

Nothing changed. Her words and actions on that day played absolutely no part in what happened. It was like a very bad movie on repeat…

“Ri!” Maya came up to her when their Alpha was gone, “Are you okay?”

Riannon looked at her best friend, the one that she lost. Not thinking twice, she threw herself in Maya’s arms. After the death of her parents, this was the only person, apart from Brayden, whom she could trust with everything.

“There, there,” she patted her long platinum blonde hair, “It’s going to be all right. He will reconsider, I am sure.”

Only now did Ria realise how everything looked like to the people around her and distanced herself at once. She already lost her husband, there was no need to lose her face too.

“I am fine,” she said and caught the Beta’s gaze on her.

Ash nodded and gave her a soft sympathetic smile, before shouting loudly, “I feel like everyone forgot what they were supposed to be doing! The work is waiting!”

“Let’s go to your room,” Maya suggested, “We’ll talk about everything there.”

No, Ria did not need this conversation. She remembered it very well. Because they already had it.

What she really needed now was some time alone. Because she needed to process things and to come up with a new plan.

She couldn’t save her marriage, but she could still save Maya, other people who died with Roxy’s help, her pack and her own life.

“I just can’t right now,” she smiled at her friend, squeezing her hands, still not quite believing that she was here, “Let’s talk another time. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Work?” Maya’s eyes grew wide, “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Ria fixed the creases on her dress, “Now that our Alpha is… busy, I have to step in. The pack comes first.”

She gave her friend another warm smile and added, “Everything is going to be all right, Maya. We are going to be fine. All of us.”

Riannon locked the door of her Luna office and tried to control her ragged breathing. Too much! Everything was too much for her. She needed to clear her head and think of everything. She needed a plan. And a good one. She had to save everyone, herself included.

But the office was too stuffy. And she needed to breathe!

Only one thing could help her and it was shifting into her wolf.

Riannon went into the woods that were surrounding their pack and stripped, preparing to change her form.

But nothing happened.

"Onyx, are you there?" she spoke to her wolf for the first time since her sudden rebirth less than an hour before but did not get a reply. It was alarming. Onyx was there her whole life.

"Onyx!" Ria called for her second half but was met with silence. Angry, she ran as fast as she could using her human legs. She was still super fast and strong, which could only mean that her wolf was somewhere there. She was not weak. But what was wrong?

Chapter 3. The Call

CHAPTER 3

The Call

It did not take her long to get to her most favourite place in the world – the Silver Mirror Lake. This was the only place where Riannon could be alone. It was far enough from the packhouse and close to the borders of the pack. But it was safe since they did not have any rogue attacks in that area. Just one pack away from here was the Lycans territory and it was rumoured that the Alpha King residence was also somewhere close. No one was foolish enough to enter these lands and check though.

So, Ria did not think twice when she stopped by the ledge of the lake, naked, and jumped into the water. It was cold but at the same time, it was exactly what she needed to calm herself down.

She let herself embrace the dark night when only the full moon shone upon her, making crystals of water sparkle on her skin when she felt someone’s presence. It was powerful and dominating, yet did not belong to her husband and made her alert at once.

Pretending that nothing happened, Ria carefully looked around and her eyes caught a figure of a huge wolf at a hill on the other side of the lake. He was dark, probably black. And his eyes were shining golden.

It was a bad sign. Very bad.

Riannon decided not to risk it and went underwater, getting to the shore as soon as she could and running for her life. Only a loud howl followed her.

She was back in the safe territory in no time. Luckily, her clothes were right where she left them. She pulled her dress on and tried to do the zipper at the back but her fingers were not reaching it.

“Let me help,” two hands touched her back and Beta Asher helped her with her little problem. Ria wondered if he had been there the whole time. But it did not matter in the long run. Werewolves were used to naked bodies. It wouldn’t be the first time he saw her without clothes. It wouldn’t be the last… probably.

“What are you doing here?” she asked the man, turning to face him.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said with an unreadable expression on his face, “Found your clothes and understood that you were on a run. But why didn’t you shift?”

“I did,” she lied without blinking. If anyone knew that she couldn’t shift, then her fate would be decided even sooner. She couldn’t afford that. Ria knew that she needed time. “But that’s not important,” she decided to change the subject quickly, “There was an intruder at the Silver Lake. Send wolves to check it out.”

“Of course, Luna,” he said and his eyes lost focus for a second as he was giving orders via the mind link.

Riannon decided not to wait for him and walked slowly into the house. But Ash caught up with her quickly and opened the door to the mansion for her.

“It’s going to be alright,” he said to her all of a sudden and she stopped. Back in the day, he used to say it to her all the time. Yet when decisions had to be made, he always took her husband’s side. It was one of the betrayals that hurt the most because she was sure that her relationship with the Beta was good prior to all that. Yet he didn’t even object when they stripped her of her title… There were a lot of things that she wanted to tell him but she couldn’t.

So, she just placed her delicate hand on his broad shoulder and looked him in the eye, smiling sadly, “You knew, didn’t you?”

His expression changed as if a flash of lightning hit him and his lips parted slightly.

“Yes, Luna,” he confessed, darting his eyes to the ground.

“It’s okay,” she patted him, “I understand. You can’t go against your Alpha’s command.”

“If I could…” he started to speak but she placed her finger to his mouth making a shushing sound.

“Doesn’t matter,” she shrugged her shoulders, “At least I will always have your support, Ash. Right?”

“Always, Luna,” his breathing became heavy and Ria tilted her head, watching him. This was an interesting development. Why was he reacting like that?

“Then, of course, I’ll be fine,” she chuckled and went inside. She had to think of what to do next.

Ria locked herself in her bedroom. She knew that Brayden would not be coming back tonight to share the bed with her. As far as she remembered, he hadn't been sleeping with Roxy at that point yet and spent the whole night in his private office drinking and thinking of life. In the morning, he would bring her flowers and gifts… and an apology even. But Roxy would still stay.

After a long and relaxing bath, Ria went to her desk and got her old journal. She hadn’t been using it for many years, but it was dear to her heart. And it was just the right place to write down every single event that was important and that was going to happen within the year leading to her death.

She tried to remember everything while she still could.

And she knew very well what she was going to do with this information. The game was on.

The plan was simple, really. Since she couldn’t change the main event and get rid of Roxy, she had to leave. But she couldn’t leave without her pack and without making sure that all her dear friends were alive and well. Not to mention, that it was particularly important to try and show Brayden and the rest Roxanne’s true face. Everybody around thought that she was an angel while, in fact, she was the devil. Ria was afraid to even think what would happen if Roxy became the Luna for real, because she for sure wouldn’t have the pack’s interests at heart.

And although Ria’s own heart craved revenge, she didn’t want her life's work to be ruined. Plus, she didn’t have it in her heart to hate everyone. She saved it for just a selected few. The ones who betrayed her trust and led to her demise, the ones who promised her respect and protection but gave her humiliation and suffering. Yes, those were the ones she was going to concentrate on.

The door suddenly opened, and Brayden walked in, making her close the journal with the list of events and names rapidly and hide it back in the drawer. Luckily, he didn’t pay attention to that.

Guilt was all over his face and Ria wanted to roll her eyes, but held herself back. She couldn’t give herself away. This event did not happen prior. In her past life, he didn’t visit her that night. This was new and she had to be cautious.

“Ri,” he walked further into the room, “Ash informed me that you encountered an intruder. Are you okay?”

This was funny. She was sitting there, clearly looking well and in one piece. Who was he kidding? Was it guilt because she put up a fight and he still chose his mate?

“It was unpleasant,” Riannon shrugged her shoulders and stood up. If he decided to ignore the big pink elephant in the room, she could do the same. In the end, it was for the best. Their past conversations about Roxy never ended well. He would never believe what a monster his mate was. So, the less Riannon talked about her, the better.

“And also disappointing”, she went to the window to hide her facial expression.

“How so?” Brayden caught the bait.

“We are one of the strongest packs and some wolf is just wandering on our territory, spying on your Luna who is swimming naked in the lake…”

“He what?” Brayden growled possessively. Back in the day, it would drive her crazy in the best sense of the word. But right now… she was annoyed. He just claimed another woman in front of so many people. He had no right to growl like that in her presence anymore. She didn’t put it into words, of course.

“You heard me,” she said, “And instead of looking for that wolf the Alpha is doing goddess knows what. No offence, but this is exactly what I was talking about earlier today. Your mate already distracted you from what was important.”

It was a low blow. But she needed him to be busy with something else right now. In the past, the closer he got to Roxy, the more power and supporters she received. And the worse it got for Riannon and her close people. If she could postpone the wheel of events for at least one day, she would do it.

“You are angry,” he sighed, “I understand, of course. I broke my promise to you. I…”

“Let’s not speak of it,” she stopped him, “It is what it is.”

“Ri, baby,” he nibbled on her neck, right where he marked her years ago, bonding their two wolves forever, acknowledging her as his chosen mate. “I hurt you and I will do anything to fix that.”

Not everything. She knew that too well.

“Only you can be my Luna, you know that, right?” he started peppering her neck with kisses, trying to unzip her dress at the same time.

This was… odd. She hadn’t slept with him for a while. Their paths went in different directions more than half a year ago in her past life. She was his abandoned and rejected wife…

Ria clenched her fists and then turned to face him.

“No!” she made him stop, “Not today.” Or ever. He had his last chance and he blew it. She did not want him anymore. If her wolf Onyx was here now, she would be howling from pain as she was attached to Brayden’s wolf Ragnar. But she didn’t feel Onyx now. She wasn’t under her influence. And she was furious.

She did not show it though. Her mom trained her well to conceal emotions. Finally, it was useful.

“Ri?” Brayden looked at her in shock. Before this day they were happy together. Which reminded Ria that he probably found Roxy earlier and was lying to her for the past few days. Or maybe weeks. “Honey, don’t do this. I love you and we are family. We will always be family.”

“Believe it or not, but I am not feeling well after everything that happened today,” she looked him in the eye, “But it will make me happy if you bring me the intruder’s head.”

He nodded quietly, “Anything for you, Ri.”

Her husband brushed her cheek and she tolerated that. Even forced a smile for the sake of the show.

“You’ll have his head in the morning!” he promised before leaving her alone.

Maya tried to reach her mentally but Riannon just asked her to wait until the morning.

After a mostly sleepless night, she knew what she had to do and she also knew her first step.

In her office, she dialled the number that none other werewolves would risk dialling. But she was left with no choice.

“Hello, Beta Reid speaking,” the annoyed male voice sounded on the other end and Riannon gulped before speaking.

“Hello, Beta. This is Luna Riannon Thorn. Nee Michaels.”

It didn’t ring a bell to him.

“And?” he seemed bored.

“Seven years ago I saved your nephew during a rogue attack in one of the boarding schools. Back then you gave me this number and told me that you owe me one.”

The lycan paused before answering her.

“And I guess you are calling to collect?” he chuckled, “And here I thought that there were selfless people in this world…”

“I wouldn’t ask if lives did not depend on it,” she interrupted him. Lycans were hard to get in touch with. They did not mingle with regular werewolves with rare exceptions. But sometimes they attended elite boarding schools for shifters. That’s when Ria’s luck was on her side.

“Fine,” the man agreed, “What do you want then?”

“I need to speak to the Lycan Alpha King,” Riannon said firmly.

Chapter 4. Royal Confrontation

“Bold, aren’t we?” the Beta chuckled and Ria didn’t know what to think. “Do you think that the King will do whatever I tell him?”

“I hope he respects you enough to do you a little favour,” she bit her lip. She was walking on thin ice here and was aware of that.

But she had no choice either.

“Fine,” the man grunted softly and for the first time Ria wondered what he was doing, “Crystle, dear, that’s enough of sucking. I need to go.”

Then he groaned again and Riannon’s ears turned red with embarrassment. Was he in bed with someone? Why did he pick up then?!

There were sounds of rustling and a female voice, “See you tonight, Beta.” And then sounds of steps.

“Just so that you know,” the Beta spoke again, “I am sacrificing a lot right now to pay you back. So, after you talk to him, Consider us done.”

“Of course,” Ria cleared her throat, “I appreciate your… sacrifice.”

He chucked and then she heard a sound of a creaking door.

“Hey, G. I need you to speak to someone,” the sounds were muffled but she could still understand everything.

“Not interested,” the other man growled and now Riannon was very afraid. She thought if the king was… busy as well. He sure wouldn’t sacrifice his pleasure time for her.

“I am not trying to set you up with anyone,” the Beta burst out laughing, “It’s just some werewolf Luna. I owe her one, okay?”

“Not interested,” was the reply and Ria’s heart sunk. This was it. It was her best chance… In her past life, she called Beta Reid as well. Later in the timeline of events. But he never picked up. Lycans had some kind of trouble in their lands too by the end of the year. He was probably too busy by the time she gained the courage to call. She called him again and again until the calls stopped coming through, meaning that he probably blocked her.

“Give her 5 minutes,” from the sounds of it, the man shoved the phone into his king’s hands. Another growl emerged and Ria was about to give up. But then she heard a resounding metallic voice.

“Hello, Alpha Gideon speaking,” the man said and she sucked in a breath. He didn’t even use his title. Was that really the Lycan King?

“Hello, your majesty,” she decided to address him formally anyway, “ My name is Riannon Thorn. I am the Luna of the Silver River pack.”

He was silent and it bothered her. But she remembered that she only had 5 minutes with him.

“I need your help,” she breathed out, “My husband is the Alpha Brayden Thorn and we are planning to divorce in the nearby future.”

“Fascinating,” the man said without any emotions in his voice, “ But what does it have to do with me? You can divorce any time you like without my help.”

“I know, Alpha,” she agreed and heard him growl slightly, “That’s not the part that I need your help with. You see, we are chosen mates. And when we got married, we merged our packs. What I really want from you is to help me to get my people and my territory back. You are the Alpha King and when I raise this dispute, your word will be the last at the Alpha Council. They wouldn't be able to decline.”

“Hmm,” he sounded amused, “And you think that the case would go that far? You do know that the Alpha council consists of male alphas. What makes you think at least anyone will support you?”

“They will if they know that you are on my side,” Riannon felt braver now, “But also I have proven myself as a leader and warrior. This shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Then maybe everything is awesome and you don’t need my help at all?” He chucked.

“I do, your majesty,” she assured him, “I really do. And I would really appreciate it.”

“This is a complex matter,” he said after a short pause, “Not something I would decide over the phone. And to be honest, it doesn’t sound serious enough to bother.”

Ria felt rage boiling her blood. Was he serious?! Was that it?!

“But…”

“There is nothing to talk about. You got married and gave your pack to your husband. You didn’t think this through and it was your mistake only. Now it’s too late,” the Alpha King seemed bored, “He will still owe you generous alimony according to our laws. You will keep your luxurious lifestyle if that’s what bothers you…”

“It’s not about that!” She gritted her teeth, “I can’t leave my people with them!”

“Them?” The king scoffed, “So, this is the problem. He found another and you are bitter about it?”

This was useless. Ria hit her desk with her fist, almost breaking it. This kind of mocking was not new to her. By now she heard it all. Even from the people who were considered her friends.

“I am not bitter!” She spat, “I am furious. Because only now do I see how many flaws our system has! How unfairly and unequally women are treated when a male doesn’t stand by her side anymore! How few chances we are given to prove ourselves. Sure, you will make a woman a warrior and speak about equality but when it comes to higher positions, you will make a woman work three times harder than a man to even consider her for the job! I was doing an Alpha’s job for years by my husband’s side and I’ve done it flawlessly. But all you see is a wounded woman who can’t get over her husband’s betrayal. And you know what, it hurts like but here I am, not whaling in pain but trying to figure out my next move. You don’t even know what is going on but you already judged me. What a disappointing introduction to my king!”

She threw her phone away with force, looking at how it smashed over the wall into several pieces.

What a joke!

Gideon sat in his huge leather chair behind his desk staring at his Beta’s phone. What the was that now? Did she scold him and then hang up?

“O-kay,” Reid carefully took his cell back, “I see that went well.”

“Remind me again who was it?” Gideon looked at his friend furrowing his thick brows.

“What?” Reid let out a nervous laugh, “Before I tell you… Are you going to kill her or…”

“REID!” Gideon growled so loudly that probably all members of his pack heard him well.

“Fine!” the Beta fell into the chair opposite of him, “She is the Luna of the Silver River pack.”

Silver River… not far from Silver Lake.

“What else?” the king tapped his fingers over the top of his desk impatiently.

“Her name is Riannon Thorn, if my memory does not fail me, she has been a Luna for five or six years. Seven maybe.”

“You said that you owed her,” Gideon was piercing Reid with his gaze, “How so? Is she one of your many whores?”

“Of course not!” the Beta sounded offended, “She… she saved Kyle seven years ago. The rogues attacked his boarding school and she was visiting some event there. She wasn’t a Luna back then, by the way. But she was preparing for the role.”

“She saved him?” Gideon rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Yes, she killed a few rogues and protected him. He was just 12 back then. If she didn’t come on time…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the king groaned.

“There was no time!” Reid shook his shoulders, “And how could I know that you would be such a d*ck to her?!”

“Is there a good time to be a d*ck?” the Beta chuckled, just annoying him more.

“Find out where I can meet her,” Gideon cut him off, “I am intrigued. She does seem… feisty.”

“Just the way you hate them,” Reid stood up but when he noticed his Alpha’s glare, he wiped the smile off his face, “I’ll go… get to work.”

Gideon threw his back over his chair. He had a lot on his mind already and this woman… she got to him on some level. A smile curled onto his lips. It had been a while since someone dared to speak to him like that. Luna Riannon was amusing indeed.

And since she saved Kyle, he owed it to her to at least have a look at her case.

So be it.

Riannon prepared herself for the breakfast. She put on a simple yet elegant dress and brushed her hair so that it fell down her shoulders in soft waves. She didn’t use any makeup today because she knew very well what she was going to face once she went downstairs.

But she almost bumped into Maya at the door.

“Ria,” her friend tried to smile carelessly but she could tell that the latter was nervous, “How about we eat here and chat. Just the two of us?”

Riannon smiled. She knew that Maya tried to protect her from the new harsh reality. But luckily, she was ready for everything.

“Maybe another time,” she said, taking Maya’s hand and still not believing that she was alive, “Right now I need to do something. Just be by my side, okay?”

“Always,” Maya’s eyes glistened with tears.

The dining room was buzzing, but as soon as she stepped foot into it, everyone got quiet. On her first day in the pack, Roxy already sat at the table with the highest-ranked wolves and was clearly in the centre of the attention.

“Luna!” she jumped to her feet after she let Ria watch her succeed, “P-please, forgive my rudeness! I know my place!”

Here we go again…

Chapter 5. The Beta Female Best Friend

Goddess, she hated her. Roxy was looking at Ria with huge doe eyes in front of everyone and even shaking slightly to add some drama. She always did this. Their every meeting was a performance.

Riannon used to always be reserved towards her, leaving it her priority to supress her feelings and hide how hurt she was with the whole situation. And Roxy used it to her advantage masterfully, painting herself as the sweet girl and the Luna as the icy queen.

Well, Riannon wasn't going to let her do this anymore. This pattern had to change. Luckily, she had just the best teacher - Roxanne herself. She put her through so many awkward and humiliating situations in the past that now Ria was ready for everything.

Moreover, she knew that what she did before did not work.

So, she was going to try something else.

“I am so sorry, Luna,” Roxy prepared to fall to her knees again but Riannon rushed to her aid and gave her the biggest of hugs. The two women froze together like this while the room filled with awkward silence. Someone dropped a fork and from the corner of her eye Ria noticed that it was her friend Maya.

“Roxy,” Riannon finally distanced herself and sighed with a sad smile on her face, “I can call you that, right? I want you to know that this is a safe place for you. No one will ever hurt you. We are nothing like the pack that you came from. You will always be treated nicely here since you are a member now. The hard days for you are over.”

She grazed her eyes quickly over the room to see stunned expressions on the faces of her pack mates. They did not expect that. Back in her past life, she tried to ignore Roxanne as much as she could, while staying polite when they had to talk. Everyone understood but the more Roxy cried, the more they felt pity towards her. She found her way into people's hearts. Over time, a lot of them stood on her side because she was, after all, their Alpha’s true mate and she had a hard life prior. Meanwhile, Riannon was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. And however great of a Luna she was, they thought that it wasn’t a big deal since she was born and trained to do it. No one understood how much she worked and what she sacrificed to reach this perfection.

Suddenly, Roxy threw herself in Ria’s arms again.

“Thank you!” she whined, making Riannon want to strangle her. If Onyx, her wolf, was here, it could have ended fast. But Onyx wasn't close and she knew that this was a battle of acting skills now. Meanwhile Roxy went on, “I was sure that the nightmare in which I lived in this whole time would repeat here as well! But you are so kind! I am ready to do any job! However hard it is…I’ll be your personal maid if I have to.”

At the head of the table, her husband Brayden was watching them with his lips clenched. It was hard for Ria to hold back a laugh, since she knew by the way he looked that he had been busy all night looking for the intruder. He hated that his mate was ready to become a cleaner. And on top of that, his wife did not behave the way he expected her to. She was sure that she shocked him for life now.

Get used to that, my love.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Roxy!” Ria gasped and even forced a small tear to roll down her cheek. After all, hugging her worst enemy was horrible and a part of her did want to cry. “You suffered enough and my heart goes for you. I will assign you work according to your abilities. And if they aren’t enough at the moment for a decent job, we will send you to study at the local college. Everything will be fine, do not worry. You will not be mistreated here. Our pack is a fair one. Brayden and I were building it for years. Everybody gets what they deserve. And so will you.”

The omega frowned but quickly regained herself. Did she know that it was a promise?

“I am the luckiest girl alive,” she smiled innocently, flapping her eyelashes,“No wonder my mate… I mean, the Alpha is so in love with you, Luna. Now I see that what people say about you is true.”

“Oh, you will have to tell me later!” Ria giggled and pushed Roxy back to the chair she was sitting at prior. Luckily, she didn’t risk taking the Luna’s seat or the one right next to Bray. She would soon take it of course. But at least Ria didn’t have to deal with it today.

“I will be happy to!” Roxane shook her red locks and the oversized t-shirt that she was wearing fell off her shoulder “accidentally”, making Brayden look at her with eyes filled with lust. The mate bond was already working. And their time was slipping away.

“By the way,” Riannon took a sip of her coffee and it seemed more bitter than usual, “We need to assign a budget for Roxanne.”

Once again, the whole room went quiet.

“Are you sure, Luna?” Beta Asher spoke, “She is just an omega and…”

“She is not a simple omega,” Riannon raised her chin high and put a perfect smile on her face, “She is our Alpha’s mate. He did not reject her and she is a part of our pack now. She needs to look the part, so it’s time to throw away the worn-out t-shirts and jeans.”

“That’s very kind of you, Luna,” Maya couldn’t stay silent anymore, “Some would even say too kind. I mean, considering…”

“I do what I can,” Ria sent her best friend a warning gaze and as always, Maya understood her without words, “And let’s make this clear once and for all. I was very serious about Roxy being treated nicely here. I don’t want anyone to bully her just because the three of us are in a peculiar situation now. I wish her no harm and will have zero tolerance to the ones who try to do it.”

And with that, she started to eat her omelette as if nothing special happened, catching glances of her pack mates on her.

There they were. The looks they used to give to Roxy. Now they were rewarding Ria with those. Only that this time there was more respect than pity.

Back in the day, Ria did all the same things. But her mistake was not to announce it in front of everyone. And in the end, Roxy played them and made them believe that Ria mistreated her where she could.

She caught Brayden’s gaze on her and sent a small smile his way, startling him. At least she was getting exactly the reactions that she wanted. For the first day back, this was good.

Right after the breakfast Maya pulled her into the Luna office and made sure to lock the door properly. The room had sound isolation and they could talk in private without the fear of being overheard.

“What the are you doing?” she hissed at her friend, “You are welcoming his mate?! You should have insisted again and again on him rejecting her!”

“Oh, M,” Ria couldn’t help herself and hugged the girl once again. She still smelled of almonds and this made her broken heart warm again.

“Stupid perfect Luna! You can’t be this kind!” Maya almost sobbed, “You loved him all your life! He marked you for Goddess’s sake! What was he thinking?!”

“I know,” Ria sighed, stepping away, “But that ship has sailed. No one can fight the mate bond. That battle was lost the moment he met her and didn’t reject her.”

“You are so calm about it! I can’t believe this!” the girl shook her head, clear signs of worry on her face.

Ria contemplated for a few seconds but deep inside she knew, that if she could entrust this secret to anyone, it would be her best friend since childhood.

“I need to tell you something,” Riannon took Maya’s hands and led her to the armchair, sitting on the verge of her desk. “But I will need you to be open-minded about what I am about to say.”

She spoke and spoke, and the more she told her, the paler her friend became. She omitted the part about Maya’s own death. There was no need for that. She knew that the small fragments she was ready to share now would be enough for her.

When she was done, Maya looked at her with red eyes, “It’s…”

“Unbelievable, I know,” Riannon sighed.

“Horrible!” her friend took her hands and gave them a tight squeeze, “Ria! That’s awful! What you had to go through…”

“Wait, you meant you have no doubts in what I said now?” the Luna raised her brow. She expected that she would need longer to persuade her bestie.

“You wouldn’t joke about it at a moment like that,” Maya leaned back on her chair, “And as far as I know, you were madly in love with Brayden just yesterday. But now… You are so calm that it’s frightening. So this explains a lot. You don't get over love like that in one day.”

That was true. Riannon did not know for sure if all love she had for Brayden was gone, but she definitely wasn't the same girl from before. She was twenty-five but it felt as if she lived much longer now. Suffering and broken heart could do that to people.

“And it doesn’t bother you how crazy that sounds?” Ria decided to make sure they were on the same page.

“I believe in the Moon Goddess,” Maya shook her shoulders, “She may have wanted Brayden to be with someone like that… Roxanne. But I will never believe that she would want such a death for you! Anyone but you!”

“I missed you so much,” Ria couldn’t help herself and gave Maya another hug. She went quiet for a bit and I gave herself a promise that whatever happened, she would at least save her best friend. She was not going to lose her again.

“So, what’s the plan?” Maya went into the battle mode fast. She was one of those underappreciated wolves. They called her Luna’s assistant and both of them hated that. She had pure Beta blood and could take down an Alpha if she tried hard. Maybe not any Alpha but definitely most of them. They thought too much of themselves and always underestimated pretty girls.

“The plan is to divorce and take our pack back,” Ria smiled, knowing that she had a great ally on her side now, “The Pearl Moon.”

“Is this even possible?” Maya whistled, “I mean, if you quickly get pregnant with Brayden’s baby and then we kill him, we could get this all…”

“No, thank you,” Ria first with laughter, “Goddess you are so bloodthirsty!”

“My hands are just itching to cut his di…”

“I got you!” the Luna covered her face with her hands, trying to suppress another outburst of giggles.

“You know what, I have an idea!” Maya said all of a sudden, “How about we ask lycans for help?! This may actually…”

“Been there, done that. Their king is an a$shole,” Ria rolled her eyes.
“You what?!” her friend’s jaw dropped to the floor.

“I had one lycan who owed me and asked him to arrange a conversation with his king. But you have no idea how arrogant he is!” Ria explained.

“Worse than Brayden?” Maya chuckled.

“Worse than Brayden,” Ria confirmed.

“Okay then, what’s next?” the Beta female never gave up and this was one of the very many reasons they became friends in the first place.

“Simple, really. I need to get the support of as many Alphas as I can,” Riannon exhaled loudly, “So that when the divorce comes into force, they give me their votes when I raise the matter in the Alpha Counicl. And I will.”

“How many do you think will support you?” Maya asked bluntly, getting her cell our of her pocket, "Count on the alphas where mu cousins are Betas. I'll take care of them."

“Not sure yet, but I know where to strike first,” Ria tapped her fingers over the cold wood of her desk, waiting for Maya to tear her eyes off the phone and spare her a look.

“Do tell!” the girl seemed genuinely interested.

“The most important event of the year that is just around the corner,” Riannon smirked, "The annual Alpha ball"

Chapter 6. Dress to Impress

“Ri,” Brayden’s head popped out of the door of Riannon’s office right when she was finishing discussing the pack’s primary school budget with the headmistress, “Do you have a sec?”

“Yes, we are done here,” Ria handed the papers to the woman in front of her and the latter gave her a sympathetic smile. The Luna remembered very well that she was the one who stood by her by the very end. That was one of the reasons she managed to squeeze in a little extra cash for the school.

“Luna, Alpha,” the headmistress bowed her head and left, leaving the husband and the wife alone for the first time in a while. For the last few days, Riannon tried to avoid Brayden at all costs. She remembered too well that their every meeting in the past life was ending badly during those days. Back then she tried to keep her dignity and not approach him first. They had meals together with pack members as always. And work meetings with Beta, Gamma and so on. But other than that, every time Bray wanted to talk to her, Riannon was finding a perfect excuse to escape. There was no point in talking to him since nothing could be changed. She debated telling him the truth about her rebirth but swept that idea under the rug. He could decide that she was crazy and use that during their divorce when she planned to get her pack back.

The silence was getting awkward.

“Long time no see,” he came closer and she remained behind her desk to make it harder for him to approach her.

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” Ria threw herself back in her chair, “Is it about the Alpha Ball?”

“Did you get my flowers?” he asked.

The flowers kept coming. He was probably still feeling guilty.

“Yes, they are lovely,” she forced a smile, “Thank you. So, did you come to speak about the Alpha Ball?”

They already had this conversation. He caught her in her office and broke her heart.

“Yes,” Brayed pulled the collar of his shirt to make it easier to breathe while Ria watched him with an indifferent expression that was clearly making him uncomfortable. “It’s about Roxy… I mean Roxanne.”

“What about her?” she pretended not to know what it was about.

“Listen,” he sighed and averted her gaze, “I kind of promised her that I would take her to the ball as my partner.”

“Oh, really?” Riannon tilted her head, “I wonder when and how that happened?”

“It’s… a long story,” he cleared his throat, “Please, understand. My wolf is dying when she is unhappy. And she has never been to a ball like that.”

“Oh, my,” Ria gasped and shook her head, “Should I maybe take Enzo with me? He hasn’t seen an event like that either. And neither did Cole.”

She mentioned the hottest single warriors of the pack on purpose. And heard a growl emerge from her husband’s chest. That served him right.

“What is it with you lately, Ri?” he looked at her in disbelief, “My Luna will not be going with someone else!”

“But it’s okay if my Alpha goes with someone else? How is that fair?” she shot her brow up, challenging him. And Brayden hated challenge.

“Maybe you should sit this one out then!” he snarled at her and for the first time, she started to get worried here. She needed that ball. She needed it badly.

“No, thanks,” the Luna crossed her hands on her chest, “I got my own personal invitation. Besides, it’s important to mingle with other Lunas for the sake of our pack. We still need to organise student and warrior exchanges and a couple of mating events for over 18s. Or do you expect Roxy to be able to deal with it instead of enjoying her first big ball? What kind of Cinderella she would be then if she would have to work again?!”

He exhaled through his nostrils and she knew that she managed to win.

“Fine,” he grunted standing up, “But you will go with Ash then. He is going anyway since he is the pack’s Beta.”

“Now you are sucking the fun out of his life too?” Ria chuckled, “I am sure he had a girl to take there and impress.”

“He already agreed to be you plus one,” Brayden informed her, “He’ll protect you there too.”

“How thoughtful,” she decided just to go with it. Getting rid of Ash would be easy anyway. He would see some Alpha’s daughter and off he would go.

Brayden prepared to leave but stopped at the door and turned to look at her again

“Ri,” he looked her in the eye, “It’s just a transition period. We will get through this and everything will be fine.”

Lies.

“I will never take another Luna except for you.”

Lies.

“I still love you, it’s just that she had such a hard life and I am not a monster. She is just a sweet girl, she will never take your place.”

Lies, lies, lies.

“Thank you for telling me that,” she nodded, “I needed to hear that, Bray.”

She even forced a smile.

“Look, when the ball is over, let’s take a day off. Just you and me. What do you think?” he suggested all of a sudden and now she looked at him in surprise. This was new. It didn’t happen in the past.

“We’ll have to see our schedules for that,” she stretched her lips further, “But it’s a nice idea.”

“Then I’ll see you around?” he suddenly looked relieved as if he got rid of some kind of trouble here.

“I am your wife, am I not?” she chuckled and his smile faded.

He left and Ria’s phone buzzed with a notification that the dresses should have already arrived.

She paused just for a second. It worried her that he offered that day off thing. Was it a good sign or a bad? She wanted to change the events that caused so many disasters but this exact one wasn’t in her plans.

In the end, she was late for the fitting and entered the room full of the most important females of the pack. Maya was there along with their friends Tatiana and Aria. They greeted her in their usual friendly way. On the other side of the room sat Harper and her minions.

Harper was Brayden’s sister. And for some reason, she never liked Riannon too much since they were younger. She was one of the first to openly support Roxy. She was the one who opened the door for others who didn’t know what to do and actually promoted the evil redhead monster.

“Bring in the dresses,” Ria commanded firmly. She wanted to be done here quick.

It was a tradition of their pack that outfits for the ladies invited to the Alpha ball were chosen together and paid for by the pack. After all, they all were representing the Silver River pack and it was important to let others see how well they were doing.

A few omegas rolled in clothing racks with the most beautiful evening dresses from the top designers. Luna always was the first one to choose and then they went according to their ranks. The rest of the clothes was sent back.

Riannon knew very well which dress she was going to pick but still pretended to look at them all to avoid suspicion.

“How about that emerald one?” Harper suggested the colour that would never suit Riannon blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Do you like it?” she got the hanger and placed it to her chest with a smile, “It’s Zac Posen.”

“Beautiful!” her sister-in-law sneered.

“Then I will leave it for you,” Ria returned the facial expression and kept going. Soon she reached it. She remembered that dress well. Peach and shiny, with loads of rhinestones on the top.

She was choosing long enough and she took that one, moving to the mirror.

Any second now…

The door opened and Roxy barged in, gasping, “Oh, my goddess! Luna! I am so sorry! I’ll just go away not to ruin your mood.”

She was already doing it. Implying that just a sight of her was affecting Riannon.

And it was. But it was mean to bring this up.

“Stay,” Ria smiled gently and noticed how everyone was watching the two of them, “You are going to the ball too and you need an outfit.”

“I already got one,” Roxanne mumbled, “From all the money that you gave me. I got it in H&M.”

One of Harper’s minions snorted.

“This will not do,” Riannon turned and sighed, “You need a dress good enough for your new status.”

“And what is that?” Harper couldn’t help but ask the provocative question.

“Member of the Silver River pack,” Ria replied without any hesitation, “Look around. What do you like?”

A little sob emerged. And then a sniffle. Everybody turned to see the crying Roxy.

“This is so sweet!” she whined, “You are such a great Luna to take care of someone like me. I never had such a beautiful dress in my life!”

She pointed to the one that Riannon was holding.

“I thought I’d never…have… an opportunity.”

She burst out crying and Ria did her best not to roll her eyes.

“You can have it,” she stretched her hands with the garment towards the omega and pretty much everybody in the room was in shock.

“But Luna!” Aria gasped, “You need to be the first.”

“That’s fine,” Riannon shook her shoulders, “I saw a red one that I like too back there. Roxy can have that one since it’s the one that made you cry like that.”

Roxanne seemed a bit startled and Luna came closer, pushing the tasteless peach dress that was good enough for a middle school prom in some village.

“No, really,” Ria smirked, “I want you to have it.”

Their eyes met and Roxy gaped, realising that she had just been tricked.

“Now go to your room and try it on. It will look beautiful on you.” Or hideous.

As soon as Roxy left, Ria quickly went back to the rack and grabbed the first red dress she saw.

“I like this one,” she went out of the room as quickly as she could, followed by Maya, “Choose what you like, ladies.”

They came straight to Maya’s bedroom and as soon as they closed the door, they started laughing hysterically.

“Oh, my goddess!” Maya chuckled, “This was fun!”

“Indeed,” the Luna agreed, throwing away the red piece of fabric she had. Because the real dress that she was going to wear to the ball was right here. It was the most beautiful dress she had laid her eyes on. It was a stunning wine red off-shoulder gown made of silk chiffon, draped beautifully around the breast and down to the waist, creating a geometrical pattern and, but flowing freely to the ground.

It was a gown fit for a queen. And in the past life, Ria didn’t even order it for viewing as it was way out of her budget. But this time around she saw it again and thought to herself – just why the not?!

The last time she went to the Alpha Ball, it was the most awful experience for her. Roxanne was wearing a beautiful white dress and looking like the little innocent omega she loved to pretend, gaining everybody’s sympathy.

At the same time, Riannon gained pity from the Alphas and was mocked by some of the Lunas who never liked her. It was humiliating as it was to come as the third wheel for her husband and his mate. But on top of that, Brayden spent the whole evening by Roxy’s side. Ria was in a sour mood the whole time although she still managed to negotiate a few things.

This time, she knew what to expect and was ready. This time, she was going there to work.

“Do I look nice?” Maya grinned as she stepped out of the bathroom in a royal blue tight gown.

“You took one too, I see,” Riannon giggled as her friend twirled in front of her.

Today was a success thanks to Maya. She was the one who received all the dresses before the pack omegas got them and brought the one Ria wanted to her room without anyone seeing it.

“Of course,” she placed her hands onto her hips, “We are leaving this pack, so I am not going to save them money.”

“Just don’t shout about it around the mansion, okay?” Ria rolled her eyes, “It’s a secret after all. But you do look nice.”

“Thanks!” Maya seemed to agree, “Shame I am not going with you. But there is always next time, right?”

“When I am the Alpha and you are my Beta, you will attend it every year,” Luna winked at her.

***

In the evening, Ria finished her makeup and hair and walked out to the main part of her bedroom to find a blue box on the little table together with a new bouquet. She opened it and saw a luxurious and probably crazy expensive diamond necklace together with a simple card with one word only on it. Sorry.

“Huh,” she bit her lip, remembering that last time Brayden gave it to Roxy. And he got her some ruby earrings which she never wore. That changed too.

However, now wasn’t the time to think about all that.

She put the necklace on since it was finishing her look just perfect and left for the ball.

She was walking down the stairs, the skirt of her dress flowing beautifully as she looked at it. Most of her hair was up, with a few curly locks falling down her bare shoulders.

“You look beautiful tonight,” a male voice made her flinch.

...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

I open my eyes, sit up, and stretch my arms. My eyes immediately landed on the flowers laying on my window. A smile appears on my face and I walk towards the window to picks the flower. I smell the freshness of it indicating that it had been freshly picked. I kiss the flowers and put them in the vase on my night table. I then went inside the bathroom to do my daily routine and necessities. After changing, I went down to the kitchen and was greeted by my parents and sibling.

"Morning baby,” my mom said as I kissed her checks "morning mom!" I greeted back. I then went to my father who is looking at some papers while drinking his coffee. "Morning dad!" I kissed his cheeks too. "Morning sweetie pie” I smile at his endearment. "And good morning to you too, dear brother" I smiled at my brother who is seven years older than me.

"That’s General Charles McKnight to you little sister" my brother corrected me which I just smile. My brother was just appointed as a new general of the kingdom yesterday. He is assigned personally to be the overall in charge of protection for the crown princess. Which happens to be me.

That's right people! Yours truly is the crown princess of the werewolf kingdom! If you are wondering how it happened, well the only reason for that is because the crown prince of our kingdom is my fiancé.

Flashback (a week ago)

Phoebe is sitting on her stool looking at her reflection on her mirror as the make-up artist finishes his job on her face. Once satisfied "and it’s done, your highness!" The gay make-up artist said to her. "Thank you," she said smiling at him.

A warning knocks on the door before it opens, and his brother comes in. "Wow! Is that really you baby sis?!" He exclaimed.

She stands up and turns around to face her big brother. She smiles at him "none other than me!" She said. "Where's mom and dad?" She asks him about their parents. Their father is a lead warrior of the kingdom but he will soon retire once her brother is appointed as new general in charge of protection for the crown princess. While their mother is a nurse at the infirmary. A typical union of a warrior and a nurse aside from being mates to each other.

"They are both waiting downstairs," he motions his arm to her "let’s go, we don’t want to have your prince charming waiting too long now, do we?" He smiles mentioning my boyfriend soon to be fiancé and the kingdom's crown prince.

She raised her eyebrow to him "getting accustomed to your future duty dear brother?" I joke at him.

"Of course!" He seriously said as they walk out of her room in the castle. Yes, they are at the castle. In just a few moments, she will be announced as the fiancé of the werewolf prince and will be crowned princess and his counterpart.

As they descend the stairs, she saw her parents waiting at the bottom with a huge smile on their faces. As soon as she landed on the last step, she was hugged by her mom "oh my baby!" She is nearly tear eyed "mom don’t cry, you'll going to ruin both our make-up!" She said to her.

Her mother lets her go and this time her father hugs her. He kissed her on her forehead. "Sweetie pie, I don’t want to let you get married this early," he said.

She laughs at his comment "dad! We're just getting engage. We aren't getting married anytime soon" she told him while laughing.

He kisses her again this time on her cheeks, "oh I know sweetie pie, just want to say it now while I still can" he smiles earning a smack from his mate.

A guard walks in "lady Phoebe" oh it's ring really nice to her ears "everyone is waiting" he informed them.

She nodded and starts walking. They walked through the hall towards the huge hall where the throne and every one is already mingling.

The guard on the door announces our arrival. "Lead warrior, Alex McKnight with his mate Amelia. And Lady Phoebe McKnight escorted by warrior Charles McKnight!"

Everyone stops talking and turns their head on us, as one person on the throne stood up and descends it stopping at the bottom to wait. She smiles as she walks with her parents walking ahead of them. Once in front of the throne, they all bowed down to the ruler, the king, and queen of our race.

"Greetings your Highness! King Dominic, Queen Beatrice" her father said. The king raises his hand to motion for them to stand. The person patiently waiting at the bottom of the stairs couldn't stay still anymore and walk towards the family to pulled his beloved into a crushing embrace.

Everyone in the hall ohhhs at what they witness, women are blushing to see their prince showing affection in front of many subjects and in public.

The prince still embracing his beloved was pulled out of entrance as the king called him.

"Matthew, son, come up here," the king said.

Matthew releases his girl, "yes father" he nodded to him, "come" he takes her hand "thanks" he said to her brother to which he nods. He murmurs a thank you to her parents and then guided her up to the throne beside his father's chair.

Once they stood beside the king, she saw her parents walk to the side. Now everyone's attention is on the royal family, waiting for something to be announced.

The king stood and walk on the center, "my people!" He starts, "we call this gathering today to witness, and to announce to you all, that your prince" he looks at his son with a smile "prince Matthew, his engagement to none other than," he lifted his hand pointing to her, "Daughter of a great warrior of our kingdom, Alex McKnight," he for a moment and motion his son and her fiancé to come forward "lady Phoebe McKnight, your new crowned princess!" He said as his queen lay a beautiful crown on her head.

Prince Matthew took her hand and kiss her knuckles. She smiles and blushes at his affection. Not that it bothers her but more on the fact that their relationship is now official and known throughout the kingdom.

The king, side steps and said, "I give to you, Prince Matthew and Crowned Princess Phoebe!" The crowds applaud.

The prince whisper to her ear "now you cannot get away from me" he said smiling.

She faced him and smile, "so it seems"

Present

Phoebe and her family are now on their way to the castle. Her family is escorting her back as tomorrow is the most awaited day of our race. The wedding of the future leaders of the kingdom.

After thirty minutes of traveling, they've arrived at the castle. High security is being implemented as there might be an attack that might disturb this glorious occasion.

Their car stops at the front of the palace's huge door. Outside, her beloved fiancé is waiting together with her personal maid when she stays at the castle. Matthew opens the side door for her and lays his hand to help her get out.

She smiles as she took his hand. "What are you doing here?" She asks as she didn’t know that he will be welcoming her back. She knows that he has some business to finish as he won't be able to attend to the pack business after the wedding tomorrow.

Matthew puts his hand on her back, as he nods to her parents and brother. "I want to see you back so, I might, a little bit, skip my duties," he said as they walk inside the palace.

Once inside, we are greeted by the king and queen. My parents, my brother, and I bowed our heads to greet them and to show respect.

"Welcome back, daughter," the queen said, she kissed her cheeks after embracing her.

Phoebe smiles at the queen, who will be her second mother after tomorrow "thank you my queen" she turns to the king "your highness"

"It good to have you back here, princess," the king said, "Matthew is counting down the days he will embrace you in his arms again," he said like revealing some dark secrets.

"Father!" Matthew calls to his father, "you're embarrassing your son to his in-laws"

Everyone laughs at him.

"Why don’t we let them settle into their rooms so they can rest?" The queen suggested. "We will call you once the food is ready for dinner. Please rest before that."

"Thank you, your majesty," her mom said.

-----------------------------------------------
Matthew's POV

I am pacing back and forth in my room. Nervous and excited. It’s been a week since we've crowned my beloved as the crowned princess of the kingdom. A week since I hold her in his arms at night. It was what we agreed upon with her parents that she will stay with them until before the wedding. As we have been living together at the palace since we both turned adult. I, when I turned eighteen three years ago and she after a year.

I got a pack link that stops me from pacing and concentrate. "Tell me they have arrived, Orion" my best friend and soon to be beta.

Orion chuckles at me "yes they have. They've just entered the castle"

As soon as he said that, I rush to get down the palace to wait for her at the front door. I had a view of their car when I stand on the ground. I couldn’t help but smiles. A little bit more and I can hold her in my arms once again.

The car stops and I walk towards the side door to open it for her. I held my hand so I can help her move out.

She smiles as she took my hand. "What are you doing here?" She asks him as she didn’t know that I will be welcoming her back. She knows that I have some business to finished as I won't be able to attend to the pack duties after the wedding tomorrow.

I put my hand on her back, as I nod to her parents and brother. "I want to see you back so, I might, a little bit, skip my duties," I said as they walk inside the palace.

We get inside the palace to greet my parents. And after some time, they were allowed to have some rest before dinner time.

I took Phoebe to my room, where she has been staying for the last three years. Once we were inside, I embrace her from behind pressing myself behind her tightly.

She laughs at my action. Her laughter always brightens my day and life.

"Stop sniffing me! I'm full of sweat!" She said.

I buried my face deeper in her neck, "doesn’t matter" which she just laughs at. I walk us towards my bed.

"I love you so much!" I say as I kiss her lips once more.

She responded by reciprocating my kiss. "I..," she pecks my lips, " love...," my nose, "you.," my cheekbone, "more..." And my neck as she playfully bit it.

"Do you think they won’t mind if we won’t be able to join them in dinner?"

She chuckles, "oh, I don’t know," her hands travel down, "but I’m sure they won’t be able to stop you."

"Okay, that’s it!" I removed her clothes, "don’t blame me later!"

She laughs and soon loved what I'm doing.

------------------------------------------------

Phoebe's POV

The feeling of nature's call awoke me from my blissful sleep. A warm arm around my chest and warm breathing at my nape brought me to turn my attention from my back. And there he is, my dream mate. Yes, we are not each other's true mates, but we are in love. In love with each other for the past ten years. Yes, I was only ten when I fall in love with him, who is just my childhood friend then. We grew attached to each other that some hopes that we were mate. But when he turns sixteen and then after a year, there is no pull of bond. To everyone's disappointment.

But that didn’t stop us. Because even before that, we are already committed to each other. He's been my boyfriend since I was thirteen and he was fourteen. We agreed that if we find our mate on our sixteenth birthday, we will let each other go and be happy about it. Though we are disappointed we are not each other's mate, we're still happy that no one in the kingdom is our mate so we stay in our relationship.

I have been living with him for the past three years.
We waited for him to turn twenty-one before we get married. And tomorrow is the day he turns twenty-one.

I raise my hand to caress his face. I trace his eyebrow, nose, and lips. I was taken by surprise when my finger was suddenly sucked by his mouth, as his hand pulled me closer to his body, undressed body.

"Hmmm, yum" he smiled.

I chuckle at him, "I think we've missed the dinner" I look at the clock on his night table. "I'm hungry"

He positioned me on top of him with his both hand on my back caressing up and down and to my back cheeks. "Do we have to?"

I peck his lips, "yes we have to," and I remove myself from him. I cover my body with the bedsheet and walk towards the bathroom to change. After a few minutes, when I get out, he had already changed and fully clothed.

"I had mind link the chamberlain to prepare us some food." He then opens the door.

I nod and walk towards him.

Everyone is busy. Today is the day of their royal prince and princess' wedding. The invitation has been given a week before when their engagement was announced.


The wedding will take place at the grand hall this evening. Maids are cleaning, arranging the venue for the wedding. Outside, warriors are patrolling around the castle and throughout the kingdom. Security is on high alert. As many alphas with the Luna and beta, are attending this joyous event.

The princess is highly guarded and was kept in her room until before the wedding. And so is the crown prince, who as of this very moment is in a heated argument with his beta.

"Get out of my way Orion," he told him. The soon-to-be beta is blocking the door. He pasted himself to it as to not let his best friend leave the room and ruin his own wedding by going out of tradition.

Orion shakes his head and stands firmly still. "Sorry man, I was asked by the king to keep you here until they say it was time."

Prince Matthew growls at him. Orion flinches but didn’t move. "I want to see her"

"Relax man," he puts his hand on his shoulder, "you will be able to see her soon. In just a couple of hours. Surely you can hold on"

Matthew breathes in and out trying to calm himself and his wolf. His wolf has been on edge since this morning. He deduces that it’s because our princess has been away from us since yesterday.

"I am trying man," he turns around to sits on the chair, "but Legion is on edge since yesterday" he talks about his wolf as he brushes his hair with his hands.

His best friend laughs at him "take it easy and relax, in just a few hours, no one can take her away from you anymore"

Matthew is clutching his hands "I know I know"

-----------------------------------------------
Phoebe's POV

Today is our wedding day. In just a few more hours, we will be each other's husband and wife.

"Stay still my dear," the gay make-up artist said "we need to keep you steady or you might ruin my perfect creation for this day" he smiles at me.

Currently, we are locked in my room since yesterday. And since this morning Paula, this gay wolf, the one in charge of my overall appearance, has been busy making sure that my hair, makeup, and dress are all perfect.

I smile back at her "sorry, I’m just nervous and couldn’t stay still" I admitted.

Paula touches my shoulder, "I know, every woman feels the same about their wedding day." He then turns around and picks up my wedding dress "but, if you don’t calm down and let me finish my job," he shows me the dress "we won’t be able to be on time for your wedding" he winks at me.

I laugh and stand and to her and touch the dress. "Thank you," I said

"Oh, hush" he utters and waves his hand. "Now take off that robe and put this dress on"

---------------------------------------------------------

Third Person's POV

The grand hall of the palace where every event is being held is now decorated and arrange for this special occasion. The wedding of the prince and his crowned princess.

Chairs are placed as many guests were invited. All the alpha, with their lunas, or beta are invited for this wedding. At the front of the hall where the throne is, things are being arranged too. This is also an event where the king will transfer his title to the prince as the new king of the werewolf’s kingdom.

An hour before the wedding, alphas have arrived little by little. Welcoming them are the king and queen as it is their duty, to acknowledge the arrival of their people.

Soon, almost all the guest is inside. "Only two alphas have not arrived your majesties," the man in charge of introducing the guests.

"Who are those two?" The king asked him.

They check his list "it is alpha Emerson and alpha Brian, your majesty" he informed the king after checking his list.

The queen is worried, "what happened? Do we know the reason why they aren’t here yet? Are they delayed by something?" She asked her king.

The king didn’t answer but instead, he minds link his royal beta, "Sam," he called him "do we know why alpha Emerson and Brian are not here yet?" He asked him.

His royal beta answers him quickly. "Your highness, I just received a call from alpha Emerson and Alpha Brian, both of them have an emergency situation."

"What do you mean?" The king asked back

"Alpha Emerson just found his mate on the way here." He explained.

The king smiles, "well that’s good news!"

"Alpha Emerson's mate is a rogue, my king." The royal beta said.

"Oh" is the only thing the king can say. A rogue cannot enter the castle. Although she is a mate to an alpha, as long as she isn’t inducted into his mate's pack and becomes Luna, the alpha cannot bring her with him to the palace. "And what about alpha Brian?" He inquires the other alpha.

"Alpha Brian envoy is already in the territory, but he had a little family situation. It seems that her only daughter snuck with the convoy and he wants her to return back" he gives his king the details, "but apparently the little pup didn’t like the idea of going home so she suddenly dashes out of them."

"Oh, his fire spirit little pup" the king smiles, "I assume they are searching for her now?"

His beta nodded. "Alright, it cannot be helped. They will just make a courtesy call once everything settles down."

He takes his queen's hand and guided her towards the throne. "We cannot delay this ceremony," he tells his queen to which she nodded.

----------------------------------------------------
Phoebe's POV

"This is it!" I told herself. Together with my parents, we are standing in front of the grand hall's closed door. We are waiting for them to call my name.

I am nervous. Behind this door, my prince, Matthew, is waiting. The last time we saw each other was yesterday morning after breakfast. The whole palace suddenly breaks us apart telling us it was a tradition which we reluctantly follow.

I felt a brush on my arm and take a look, my mother is smoothing my nervousness by comforting me as brushing my arms. I smile at her and said "thanks, mom!"

She smiles at me "everything is fine" she said.

"Crowned Princess Phoebe McKnight" they announce and then the doors open. My father taps my hand that in his arms.

"Let’s go sweetie pie" he then guided me to enter the grand hall.

All eyes are on me as I walk the aisle. My off-shoulder wedding dress full of shiny glitters. My parents both at my side, walk me towards my prince who is waiting at the foot of the stairs with his best man.

I smile as I look at him which he returns with an equal smile too. And as soon as we stop in front of him, he suddenly pulls me in a tight embrace.

I blush as I heard everyone in there their 'ohs'. The priest fakes a cough to get Matthew's attention. But he wouldn’t budge. To which I laugh a little tapping his back.

When he still didn’t move from sniffing me, his beta whisper to his ears, "if you don’t let her go and finish this wedding, you wouldn’t be able to be alone with her as soon as possible, your highness" he said.

Funny, he reluctantly releases me but still holds my hand in his tightly.

He looks at his parents smiling at their throne and then to the priest who will conduct the ceremony. "Please begin, lets finished this quickly so I can take my wife away sooner," he said which makes everyone laugh.

The priest again fakes a caught then starts the ceremony.

---------------------------------------------------
Third Person's POV

The convoy had just entered the castle. They weren’t able to attend the wedding and coronation of Prince Matthew last month. Well, everything is this person's fault. Creating a scene at the kingdom, messing every schedule they have. This hardheaded person is a real pain in the a*s.

The car stops at the front of the palace. The door at the passenger's side was gently opened. The person inside slowly and confidently gets out of the car.

"Do not make a scene again, do you understand?" The voice of alpha was there. It got nothing else to say but a nod.

They were at the palace to make a courtesy call to the new king and queen. The guard guided them to the throne room.

Once in front of the door, it smells an addicting scent. It makes the wolf inside go wild. Once the guard opens the door, it quickly passes everyone and follows the scent.

It takes it to in front of the throne and as soon as their eyes met, one word escapes their lips.

"Mate!"

Phoebe's POV


We have been married and crowned as the new king and queen for a month now. I'm still getting used to all of these. The duties of the queen of all werewolves.

And today, we're waiting for a guest that’s making a courtesy call to us. We heard that they weren’t able to attend the wedding due to some emergency.

My thought was cut when I notice my husband, King Matthew, was being unsettled. I touch his hands.

"What’s wrong?" I asked him brushing his knuckles.

He shakes his head, "I don’t know but my wolf suddenly becomes agitated and won’t settle down." He holds the armchair tightly "I’m having a hard time controlling him"

I saw his eyes changing their color indicating that his wolf wanted to surface. I take his hand and intertwined our fingers. He looks at me at takes my hand and lays a kiss on it.

I thought everything is okay, when he suddenly snaps his head towards the door the opens, and there comes in a man in his early forties and a teen girl who looks just like the old man. The girl runs past him and the guard towards us.

I am confused as I look at her but when I look in the direction she's looking, a pain crosses my heart. It was verified when I heard that word. "Mate" they both said.

My husband, and king, Matthew descend the throne and pulls the girl into his chest.

Everyone in the room was shocked, wondering why, how, and what will happen now.

As no one said anything, I decided to descend from the throne as well and approached the newly confirmed mates.

"Your highness, my king" I called to Matthew. It was like he was just woken up upon hearing my voice calling to him, as he lets her go and turn around to me.

"Phoebe," his eyes, I can see confusion, he doesn’t know what he'll do "I-I..., t-this is," I smile at his staggering.

I raise my hand to him, "stop, you don’t need to explain," I say and turn my attention to the girl, "hi, what’s your name?" I asked her.

She snakes her arm around Matthew's waist, her other hand clutching the clothes on his chest, "Laura," she said, her eyes and expression are content with anger. Her wolf. Must be anger that I was married to his mate.

"Your majesties," the old man spoke, "I am alpha Brian, father of Laura" he bowed to us. "If I may ask, My King," he stares at Matthew, "is she really your mate?" Referring to his daughter.

The girl moves away from Matthew to walk back to his father, "dad! Of course, I am!" And then she points to me, "she is not the true mate, I am!" She proclaims.

I could counter what she said. It’s true.

Her father grabs his daughter's arms and pulls her to him. "Do not disrespect the royal!" He hissed at her.

In second, Matthew had grabbed the girl and puts her behind him and growls at the old man, "do not disrespect my mate!" He growls sending the old man backward.

At that moment, the door opens again, and came in are our predecessors, seems like they've been informed of what’s happening.

"Matthew" the ex-king called his son, "I heard what’s happening," he said and look at the girl and alpha Brian, "let’s take this talk in the office." He said and initiate the walk towards the royal office with his mate the ex-queen by his side that sends a sad look in my direction first.

Matthew looks at me, his eyes return back to normal. As he takes a step towards me, he was stopped by the girl and clench his arms, "let’s go, mate!" She said and drag him away.

I could move for a second, I really thought he will come to me and walk by my side. I sigh, one can’t really compete with one's mate. Pain crossed my heart. I breathe and follow them. I the queen, felt like I was left behind.

------------------------------------------------
Third Person's POV

Everyone enters the office. The former king and queen, Alpha Brian and his daughter, and Matthew and Phoebe
The former King sits behind the table with his queen next to him. Matthew sits on the couch, and even if Phoebe wants to sit next to him, that space was already occupied by his mate who didn’t let him go even for a second. So that makes her sits on the other couch across from him with alpha Brian beside her.

The former king cough to start, "Matthew, son I am happy that you finally found your mate," he said and the girl smiles bigger at the former king, "but what will you do now? You have completed the blood ritual with your queen. In the eye of the law and everyone in the kingdom, she is now the queen" he was stopped by a growl that is coming from the girl.

"Laura! Show some respect" alpha Brian said to his daughter.

Teary-eyed Laura looks at his father, and to the former king again, and then bowed her head, "sorry your majesty," she whispered.

Matthew brush his hair with his finger, "I know dad, I am already committed to Phoebe, nothing and no one can change that" he looks at Phoebe, his eyes are asking for understanding, "but my wolf is calling out to his mate" he now looks at the girl, "he wants to claim her as his"

At the mention of it, Laura has a huge smile on her face, she is happy his mate wants her.

"But I don’t want to let Phoebe go"

In Phoebe's mind, he still likes me, Matthew did, she thought to herself.

Alpha Brian speaks this time, "excuse me your majesty, but what would make my daughter that?" He asked, "you can no longer make her your queen as you have already blood bonded to queen Phoebe, but you still want my daughter as yours?"

"I don’t mind," Laura said, and everyone looks at them "I don’t want to be queen, the duty, the stress, it’s not my thing," she lay her head on Matthew's shoulder, "you can have the title," she said looking at Phoebe, "but Matthew is mine."

Phoebe was surprised, the determination in her voice is so powerful. She wouldn’t let him go.

"Laura," Matthew called to her, and she looks at him with longing, he holds her shoulder, "I admit we are mates and our wolf long for each other," he closes his eyes and breathes, "but I am in love with my wife and I will not let her go, I’m telling you now," he said firmly and look at everyone too.

"Son" the former queen speaks "I just want to remind you, although Phoebe is your wife and queen," she looks at Phoebe, "and we all love her," she smiles at her and then turns again to Matthew, "now that you have found your mate, you can only sire an heir with you true mate."

This statement has everyone speechless. That’s right. Once two mates found each other, their wolf will want no one except that mate. That is to say that the wolf will have a high energy to get his only mate pregnant.

It will be different had the two haven’t found their mate yet, in which the wolf doesn’t care if the female got pregnant.

Matthew sigh "I need to speak to the two of them privately." He said and look at his parents and alpha Brian.

His father nods and stands up and guides his wife to the door. And so is Alpha Brian. He gave one last look at his daughter before leaving the room.

----------------------------------------------
Matthew's POV

I remove Laura's hand on me and stood up. I walk around my table and sits. I look at the two women in front of me. My queen and my mate.

Why?! Why did she appear now?! My eyes are on my mate. I was happy. We were happy. Why would things be complicated now?

"Matthew" Phoebe called to me, "it’s alright," she said smiling, "I can step down and leave," she said.

"No! You will not leave me!" I said. The thought of her leaving me, no, I will not let that happen, I stand up and walk to her and kneel down and grab her hands on her lap, "you will not leave me, you are my wife, my queen." I pressed my forehead to hers. She nodded.

"Hey! What about me?!" Laura growls and walks to us, he grabs me towards her. "You are mine!" She said and pressed her lips on mine.

My wolf has gone wild, wanting to take over so he can ravish his mate, complete the mating and impregnate her. She rubs her face on my neck deeper. When she moans, it was like I was hit hard. I grab her shoulder and push her away.

I was shocked. The mate bond is pulling us closer. I look at my wife and saw sadness in her eyes but she quickly hides it by smiling at me.

"What was that?!" My mate shout, "I’m sorry" I quickly said to calm her. "But please try to understand, I," I pause and look at my wife "I love my wife"

"So what?! You don’t want me?!" She said her hands on her waist looking straight at me "are you going to reject me?" Her eyes not leaving mine.

"No!" I shout my wolf screams, I breathe to calm myself, I close my eyes and look at Laura again.

"Alright then," she says, "let's compromise," she sits back on the couch. "I am Matthew's mate," she said looking at Phoebe, "but you are now his wife. I know that his wolf wants me, but it seems that Matthew can’t decide as to who he will let go. So why don’t we make an agreement." She suggested.

Both Phoebe and I were confused. "What do you suggest?" I asked her.

"An agreement to share you" she pointed at me, "although you should be exclusively mine, but since you are so attached to her, I let it go as long as we can spend time together."

"What do you mean?" I asked again.

She stands and touch my face "darling, you are my mate, our wolf will long to be with each other. And it will drive them crazy if we keep them apart." She said a peck at my lips, "besides, I’m the only one who can give you an heir now," she winked at me. "So, whether you want it or not," she turns to Phoebe, "agree to it or not, you'll have to eventually sleep with me, darling" he turns to me again. "So, what do you think?"

Phoebe and I exchange a look. She nods to me saying to accept her suggestion. I sigh and "okay"

Laura smiles "good!" She clasps her hands, "now where is my room?"

Phoebe stands up "I’ll show you to the guest room"

Laura holds her hands up "no, I want my mate to show me my room," she said looking at me.

I look at Phoebe first to ask her permission to which she nods her head.

"Alright," I say, she then walks towards the door, and I towards Phoebe, "I’ll be right back," I say and kiss her lips,"

Someone groans as if hurting, we both turn around and saw Laura holding her chest, "goddess!" She looks at us angrily, "now remember here, Matthew, we have already found each other, so making out, like kissing or sleep with your wife, I will know it" she said accusing us of infidelity. "Unless it’s your time to spend with him," she looking at Phoebe, "I suggest you stay away from my mate, your highness," she said sarcastically. She walks back at me and grabs my hand and starts dragging me out of the room.
---------------------------------------------






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“Mate!” they both said.
My husband the newly crowned king, and a strange teen girl.
It was our wedding day, the day I became the newly crowned queen. And what a moment it was for him to discover his true mate.
“My king.” I called out to Matthew with a composed voice, as he drew the girl protectively into his embrace.
“Phoebe, I-I…this is,” he stammered.
“Son,” the ex-king called out, “I just want to remind you, although Phoebe is your wife and queen, you can only sire an heir with your true mate now.”
I turned to the girl, masking my turmoil. “I will show you to your room.” I offered, my voice steady but distant.
“No, I want MY MATE to show me OUR room.” With a firm tug, she led him away. “Let’s go, mate.”
I had hoped just for a second, that he would stand by me.
Instead, as the queen, I was left behind.


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Phoebe stood face to face with Matthew. "Mate! Mate! Mate!" Skylar shouts inside her head. Phoebe frowned and wondered. "Who? Matthew?" She asked her.



Matthew took another step forward, assessing his ex-wife’s reaction. "Phoebe?" He raised his hand to caress Phoebe's face.



The two of them locked eyes with each other, it was then that they have confirmed through their wolves that they are indeed each other's mate. Their eyes light up, their wolves have made a connection with each other.



"IT IS TRUE! They're our mate!"
Matthew smiled. The pleasure it feels is indescribable. For a long time, he dreamed to feel this electrifying touch with Phoebe. "I can't believe it!" He stroked his mate's cheek "you are my mate!"



Apparently, Phoebe quickly slipped out of the man's grasp. "No! Stay back! I-I'm not your mate!" She stepped back and turned around to walk away. She looked at her mother. Confusion and concern were on her mother's face. Quickly, she run to her and hugged her.



Matthew growls as Phoebe walks away from him. Janus didn't like it. "Get her back!". He told him "get our mate back!" He's crawling to emerge and take control. Matthew walks towards her again "Phoebe" he called. But Matthew was blocked by Phoebe's father and brother. "What are you doing?" He questions, raising an eyebrow to them.



Alex raised a hand to stop him from approaching further "your majesty, please don't come any closer." The males stood protectively in front of their daughter/sister while her mom wrapped her arms around her. Phoebe is mumbling something in her mother's chest.



Orion also approached and stood next to Matthew. "Your mate?" He asked, looking at the two friends alternately. He’s happy because the moon goddess has finally reunited the two as mates. "Congratulations. You've finally found her!"



Matthew ignored Orion's greeting. His attention is focused on the family in front of him. "Sir Alex" Matthew knows that Phoebe's family is still angry with him because of what happened, he also doesn't like what he has done before but because of his wolf before, he hurt the woman he loves. "Charles, Sir Alex, Phoebe is my mate" he informed them. Everyone who heard it was shocked. Phoebe's family, Sean, and Matthew's entourage.



"Your mate?" Sean also approached them "how did that happen?"



Matthew glared at Sean "what do you mean, Alpha Sean?" He didn't like the way he questioned his bond with Phoebe. As he asked him, his hearing sharpened, Janus seems to want to know what their mate is mumbling about.



At the same time that Sean answered Matthew's question, "She was already mated." They clearly heard the words Phoebe is mumbling about, "I already have a mate. Carlisle is my mate." She repeats these words again and again.
Matthew stood in front of Phoebe. He slowly raised her. "I have let you go before. I've caused you pain. It wasn't my intention, believe me, but at that time, my wolf made a choice that I couldn't stop." He caressed her face and his heart jumped in happiness as he felt their bond. The proof that they belong to each other. "But not now. You are my mate, Phoebe. And this time, I have our bond to hold on to. No one can take you away from me."


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“Ah Volkan! ”She gasped, clinging to my neck, “You seem so vigorous tonight, my king.”

I forced a smile at my fiancee, feeling guilty. She thought I was excited because of her. But no. It was because of her maid, Thora.

Thora was just outside the door, and her intoxicating scent was driving me crazy. No one knew that she was my true mate, not even my fiancee.

Why hadn’t I claim Thora? Because when I first saw her, she was sitting on her Alpha’s lap, kissing him. I kept my cool as the king, but inside, I just wanted to shift and rip that Alpha’s head off.

It wasn’t until she told me that she was not a vergen that I totally lost it.

I had waited 26 freaking years for her, refusing numerous woman, fearing I’d betray my true mate. Yet she couldn’t save herself for me?

My pride wouldn’t let me marry a mate without virtue. And my Kingdom wouldn’t accept her as their queen.

I should have rejected her, but not before punishing her. So, I brought Thora back to my castle, making her the maid for my fiancee- the future queen chosen by the council.

“Mate is in pain, why keep shunning her? Hear her out!” My wolf whined in my head and I pushed him back to my mind.

Thora must have heard everything from outside the door. Good. I smirked.

I wanted her to hear me making lve to another woman, I wanted her to beg me to touch her and regret her betrayal, I wanted to return a hundred times what she had done to me.

But then I paused, catching her arosl. Shtttt! My mate was in heat!

---

"Locked under the magic of witchcraft is a wolf strongest known to exist.
With eyes red as blood and fur dark as night, he was a sight no one remained alive to describe.
Many have tried bringing it to life,but failed to give away their lives.
Until an innocent girl comes, sealing her and the fate of entire mankind
The girl named Thora Valentine"

7:15 am
Bloodmoon pack grounds
A girl lay on the cold freezing ground.Her breath came out heavy as she tries to move.
Her muscles were sore with the punishment,lips cracked and dried.
She pulls on her arms to hear the cranking of steel chains tied around her hands and legs,sighing. She leaves the struggle ,once again.

12 hours 42 minutes

The exact time she was tied there,to serve her punishment ordered by the Alpha.
And this was not the first time anyway.
She was used to the treatment till now.
After all, she was just a weak Omega in the strongest pack in the world.
This was inevitable.
She was thirsty. And her senses were playing games with her.
She gulped and tried to moisten her lips ,but they only aggravated it.

"What a shame Thora. Had you accepted my offer, you would have been enjoying the luxury of my mattress right now."

A voice spoke from behind her and she already knew who it was.
Her punisher,her tormentor, her Alpha
She refused to reply,let alone look at him, and this didn't settle well with him.
Placing a bottle of water in front of her,he crouches at her level.
An evil smirk was present on his lips.

"Thirsty princess? Here ,have it"

She knew better, nothing came for free.
Nothing except pain and sufferings.
He studied her dropping brown eyes and trembling body.
The thought of her being helpless and completely at his mercy, excited him.
Opening the cap,he gulps the liquid to only leave a sip in the end.
Moving the brim to her lips, he urges her to take it.

She bites her lip,looking up at him and her beautiful brown eyes lock on him.
Defiance and confidence.
So much broken ,yet so much still to break.
Ruined,but only partially.
Used but not surrendered.

"Put it up your as...you bad guy!"

Her words surprised him ,and he chuckled and got up.
Whenever he thinks he has broken her,she comes back.
Stronger and braver.
A weak Omega by strength but a strong willed by brain.
Interesting.
"Okay princess. If you don't like my generosity,I won't be offering you any."

His voice turns cold as he continues,fingers placed on her chin to make her look up at him.

"12 hours more and the lashes will be complimentary."

She will not be able to remain conscious after this,she already knows.
But her eyes refused to lower down in submission.
She will die before she accepts defeat to a man like him.

"Bring it on Alpha"

He leaves her chin and stares at her for a minute.
And then ,leaves as the first rays of sunlight penetrate to melt the freezing snow surrounding her.
Her body continues to tremble and soon she falls into a deep slumber.

"Alpha Landon! The punishment has been served"

The guard informs the Alpha ,who stops writing for a second and acknowledges him.
"Is she conscious?"
"I am afraid not Alpha. Do you want me to wake her up ?"
"No need. Call the pack doctor and let him check on her. Once done , escort her to her quarters."
The guard nods and leaves,closing his door.
Alpha Landon sighs and looks down at the paper in his hands.

Invitation to the Alpha King and members of the werewolf council.
The Alpha King was coming to his territory with his council members. He hopes he is satisfied and gives him the approval on the latest pack acquisition deal.
If he gets it, Redmoon pack will be not only the strongest, but also the largest pack in warewolf history.
It will be his biggest milestone.
Smiling at himself,he places the invitation card in the drawer and runs his hand through his hair.
He was too stressed ,he needed to let it out.
Now that the Omega was unconscious,he needed to find a replacement.
Picking up his phone,he dials the one he enjoys the most, after his Omega offcourse.
"Greetings Alpha. How are you doing?"
"Cut the crab. My room in 5 "
Ending the call,he loosens his tie and gets up from his seat.
Ready to leave for the night.
London Anderson was a true bast*** in all senses.
And no one knew him better than the girl that had seen his worst.
The Omega who he tried his best to break.
But he failed even after 7 years of his tortures and games.
Was she truly indestructible or was it just a facade?
For even rocks break when subdued to high temperatures and pressures.
And what she had suffered was way more than that.
Landon sat in his seat,waiting for the Alpha king's arrival.
His eyes landed on Thora,who stood beside him in his chosen dress.

A small maid's dress ,with its hem barely covering her as. The blouse is tight,highlighting her thin yet perfect figure.

"You are to serve them the drinks and food. No mistakes will be tolerated. Am I clear?"

She nods ,not in the mood to fight with him after the punishment last night.
The whip marks were still fresh on her back.

"Good. Now come here."

He says with a smirk and she already knew what this was about.
Grabbing her from her waist,he makes her land on his lap.

Before she could react,he crashed his lips on her.
Thrashing was no use. She was used to his behaviour till now.
Laying still ,she allows him to kiss her.

But then all of a sudden,her weak wolf thrashed in her mind and she started pushing him back.
This was not right,she doesn't feel right.

Landon leaves and smirks, looking at the entrance and that's when she felt her senses freeze all of a sudden.

No! This can't be.

Pinewood and rain fragrance hit her in full force and she clenched her fists.

"Greetings Alpha King!"

Landon spoke.
And that was it,her whole world collapsed right there.
The mate she thought would protect her , had seen her kissing another man the very first time they met.

And what did he say? Alpha King? No he can't be....a powerful man like him... impossible..... he must be one of the other men on his council.

She didn't dare to look back. Her mind froze.
His aura surrounded him in deadly waves,making her wish this ground to open and swallow her down.

The Alpha King didn't speak. His silence made her more uneasy.

Landon stares at her confused and then whispers in her ear, making her body tremble.

"Turn around and greet the Alpha princess. He doesn't take disrespect lightly."

But she couldn't.
She can't see those eyes staring at her in hate.
She can't let her only hope of escaping this one die.

Before she couldn't say another word,Landon's arm coiled around her waist and he turned her around.

"Bow"

He orders and she does,keeping her eyes on the floor.
She could feel a burning gaze on her and she knew then.

He would hate her .

"I have been waiting for you Sir. Please take a seat."

The Alpha didn't move , making her shift her weight from one leg to another.

Should I look up at him? Who is he? That stare...it's burning and suffocating...I have to look up...but I am an Omega... it will be considered disrespect.

She was debating in her mind when she felt a rough grip on her arm.
She flinched as Landon whispered in her ear.

"Get drinks. Don't stand like a innoncent here."

And that's all she needed, without looking back at those burning eyes. She scurried down the hall, arranging for the starters.
Her heart beating heavily in her chest as she leans her head on the wall and tries to calm herself.

Volkan's pov

My eyes were fixed on the back of my mate. It was bare in that filthy maid's dress.

My fists clenched as my eyes went lower to see the tunic barely covering her as.

"Alpha King , please have a seat"

The bad guy speaks, giving me a small smile.
Alpha Landon ,one of the strongest and well reputed Alpha's in our Kingdom.
I wanted to believe that he was a playboy ,who tried to lure my mate.

But his reputation said otherwise.

He was respected by all and no one had heard of him disrespecting girls.
It was either he was masking it well or he was really a genuine man.

But that kiss....he kissed my mate and the worst part was that she didn't even push him.

Sitting down on the table,I take deep breaths to calm my wolf.
The very thought of our mate, losing her purity to some bad guy, making a fire of fury to burn in me.

Had she already betrayed me?

I have waited for her for so many years,yet she couldn't wait for me.
Sleeping around with other men to satisfy her heat?

The meeting progressed and my council members started discussing ,while I remained silent.
My mind is lost in assumptions and betrayals.

When suddenly, the door opens and her scent hits me before I see her.
So addicting, yet impure and defiled.

Intermingled with this bad guys. Have they done it today?

She steps forward,balancing a tray in her hands.
Her hands shake as she walks with those high 4 inch heels,making her legs look longer.

Her hair was veiling her face as I stared at those downcast eyes.

Daring them to look at me. Her steps turned hasty and then all of a sudden Landon ordered her, having her beautiful brown eyes to look at him.

"Hurry up "

He says and she again nods like an obedient pet, lowering her eyes to the floor.

My beast was struggling,seeing her getting ordered around like that. Her being so submissive to him, like the bad guy Landon owned her.

God! I have to leave. My emotions are going out of control.

"Excuse me"

Pardoning myself ,I got up to leave when I almost crashed into her as I turned.

"Ahhhh"

She shrieks in surprise. The champagne glasses shattered as they hit the floor and the sound of the tray hitting the floor, echoing in the corridor.

My breathing stopped for a second as I saw her staring at me.
Her innocent eyes met mine and my wolf went crazy in my mind.

Mate! Mate!

Her mouth opened and closed in shock as she realised who I was.

Her mate. The man she had already betrayed.

"I....I....am sorry...I ..."

She stutters,her eyes looking innocent and beautiful.
If only she was as well.

She looks lower to stare at my tuxedo and next I know,she bravely takes a napkin from the table and dabs it on my chest, trying to clean the stain on my shirt.

"Please...I...am really...sorry...I was..not looking...."

Her fingers touched my chest and that's when, what they call, the explosion of tingles blasted into full force.

She freezes and her hands stop.

As she looked up at me ,shocked and surprised. I stepped back, making agony and pain flood through her innocent eyes.

Her fingers stopped in mid air and she clenched her hand.
While I continue to look at her with indifference and coldness.

"Thora! What on earthl!"

Landon screams and she starts apologising again.

"Alpha...I beg pardon..she is -"

I barely show him my hand and he stops in between. She looks down at the broken pieces of glass, her hands fidgeting as she sits down to pick them up and place them in the tray.

I looked down at her picking up the broken pieces of glass near my feet and I saw the other other men staring at her behind.

I clench my fist.

The pathetic excuse of her tunic was hiding nothing and my beast was infuriating.
I wanted to kill my own men because of her.

God!

I have to leave. Side stepping her,I leave the meeting as murmurs follow behind me.

But I didn't care.

I have to leave before my beast is unleashed and this place turns into a bloodbath.

Going away from her scent,my senses calm down as I shift into my wolf , approaching the bordering forest.

My paws hit against the ground and the cold winds on my fur,calms my chaotic mind.

I have to meet her once, to know if she has really betrayed me.

And with this thought,I roared, looking at the moon , making the ground shake under my feet.

Thora's pov

I was trembling,like literally. The dirty utensils shaking in my hands as I cleaned them under the freezing water.

Surprisingly Landon didn't scold me or punish me after that small accident.
But I guess that's because he was very busy at today's meeting.

My mate's grey eyes make a shiver run down my spine. And I move my head, trying to forget about him.

But who was I kidding? My mate was no ordinary man.

He was the werewolf King.

King Volkan Knight

Gulping ,I clean the sweat on my forehead with my sleeve and place the last utensil in the utensil tray.
Done with today's work.

Sighing, I looked up at the full moon , wondering what my future will hold.

He already hates me.I saw it in his eyes.
He thinks I have betrayed him,if only he knew the truth.

My mate is going to reject me.

This was the harsh reality. Every wolf feared this and mine was just going to become true.

There is no escape from this place now. I guess I have to die here as well.
Being a slave to that bad guy all my life, pleasing him till I forgot myself.

My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a strong gust of wind hit me, his tempting scent lingering with it.

Knowing what it meant,I stood up. Trying to pull down this useless skirt, which was really uncomfortable.

I looked around to sense him ,when my eyes stopped at a silhouette near a tree.
His back leaning against it and hands crossed in front of his chest.

I gulp , moving closer. I already know why he was here.

No man would accept a used mate. He was not going to be an exception.

"Alpha...King...you needed something...you should have sent someone for it..."

I said , bowing down in respect. He was a powerful man,the most powerful man in our Kingdom in fact.
And Omegas like me are killed for even making eye contact with him.

He didn't say anything,but his stare remained.
It is a strange feeling to erupt in my insides. I have never felt like this before.

"Let me know if I can help you...do you need-"

"Shut up"

He says , making my trap shut and mind to freeze.
Goosebumps appear on my skin and I bite my lips, scolding myself for blabbering in front of him.

He stares again.

And the silence stretches. Making my anxiety increase with every second.
A few minutes later, he straightens his back and stands up , making his way towards me.

My eyes remain rooted to the ground as he steps closer.
The storm of anxiety in my chest , thrashing.

"Have you had fun with him?"

He asks and my heart stops. My widened eyes looked up at his cold grey eyes and I forgot to breathe for a few seconds.

So direct?

How do I answer this? Yes ...I have, but not willingly...he blackmailed me..

"I....we.....few...times...but...I.. didn't-"

I stutter. That only makes his jaw harden. His closeness, plays with my brain,my body aching for him to touch me.
God! What was happening to me ? And then I remembered,it was a full moon today...the matebond is the strongest.

"Yes or No"

He commands and I lower my stare. Why? I wanted to explain...I thought he would trust me...if not, atleast give me a chance.

"Yes"

I say and saw his fist clench. I step back afraid I will be a target of it.
He again doesn't say anything for a minute , making my legs lose their strength and my wolf cry in my mind.

She was already very weak. She could die if he rejects me.
What can I do to save her?

"I waited 26 years for you. Not even touching a woman, fearing I would be betraying you. Yet you couldn't save yourself for me?"

He says and I am surprised. It's very rare, men's instincts are way stronger than women's and I have never heard of any man controlling his urges and saving his first for his mate.

Yet,he did it. But for whom?

For me. For someone who has lost everything in this life except for her indomitable will to survive.

"I am sorry ..I...."

He raises his hand again ,not letting me explain.
But even if I speak,I won't be able to tell him the full truth.

"Do you love him?"

He asks and my mouth opens in surprise. Is he serious?
Which mate asks another if they love someone else.
I can see he is stopping himself or I would have already been rejected by him before this conversation.

"No..I.."

"Yet you kiss him back. Yet you don't stop him from kissing you?"

I gulp, moving my head in a no as he steps closer to me.
Fear enters my mind as the aura around him hits me.

"Alpha..King... please.."

"Yet you sit in his lap ,wearing these cheap clothes and let him kiss these lips?"

My back hits the tree bark and his eyes change colours. Placing my hands in front of me,I shivered.

"Please...I..."

"Tell me. Is he the only one or do you love doing this with others when you are in heat? How many bad guys have touched what only belonged to me?"

"Calm...down Alpha... please...I...."

"Tell me!"

He slams the tree bark on either side and I flinch in fear.
His arms prison me as he moves his face closer.

His breath hits my lips as his eyes are pools of hatred.
Shifting between grey and black, trying to get back his lost control.

I breathed heavily,unable to hold it in any longer.

Tears ran down my eyes as I closed them. Done with all this. I should have known this ,he is an Alpha. It would be a blessing if he didn't kill me after this betrayal.

"J...just reject...me"

I manage to whisper in my shaking voice,my lips wobbling and the saltness of my tears edible to my lips.

He froze at my words, but I refused to open my eyes.

I don't want to see the hate in them ,I have seen enough in my life. Not his as well.
Let him just reject me and get this over with .

My breathing hitched as I felt a soft touch on my lip. To only realise that I was biting it hard to draw blood from it .

I opened my eyes to see his grey orbs fixed on my lip,his thumb touching my lip to bring it out of the assault.

"I will"

He says and my wolf whines in my mind. Not ready to die so young. I am sorry...I hope you find someone else.

"But-"

He continues, my teary eyes to look back at him.

"After I have shown you how much your betrayal has hurt me. After, I have returned a hundred times what you gave me."

His hands move lower to rest on my waist and the tingles cause a warmness to spread inside me.

"After I have made you to beg me to touch you and after I have replaced you."

My eyes widen and the warmness inside me freezes. The butterflies in my stomach die down as I look at those beautiful orbs in helplessness.

No he can't...I have already suffered so much.. Please no.

And that's when his lips crash on me and my body is pushed back on the tree bark.
To experience what they call it.

A Kiss of true love.

If only it was because of love and not coated by hate.
If only I had been truthful and I hadn't betrayed.

Landon stares at the Alpha King sitting in front of him.
Confusion was evident in his eyes as he dared to question him again.

"My apologies, Alpha King, but did I hear you right? You want to take that Omega along with you."

Volkan just stared at him harder. His words were evidence of his irritation.

"Yes. The girl is to come with me. And in exchange ,you will be given the tender to Redwood territory"

Landon couldn't believe this. Thora was a used and broken pathetic Omega of his pack. What could a powerful man like him have to do with her?

"The offer sounds quite attractive, Alpha King. But may I know why?"

Volkan clenches his fist, not happy with him questioning him.
But he couldn't tell anyone she was his mate. He was ashamed to be honest.

"She has a really foul mouth. You know I don't take disrespect lightly,yet she dares to disrespect me. I will deal with her using my way in my territory."

Landon was not finding this hard to believe, Thora can be feisty and rude at times. Her foul language ,very well versed to him.

"My apologies, Alpha King. This girl's audacity. I can punish her if you say-"

"No need. I will take care of it myself."

Landon nods, giving him an apologetic smile.

"I agree Alpha King. This is a really great deal you offer. You can take her in exchange. An Omega like her is of not much use to me anyways."

Volkan nods, getting up and leaving. While Landon smiles to himself.
He will surely miss her , but she could be easily replaced.
And anyway,he was already bored of the pathetic girl.

That has been nothing but a burden since the day she was brought into his pack to take care of.
An unnecessary baggage he was relieved to get rid of.

Thora pov

I sit in a luxurious car which could fit a dozen people ,yet we both sit alone.

He sits in front of me ,busy with some work on his laptop. Not even once looking at me.

Not that I wanted him to stare at me.
But the way I was sitting directly in front of him, clothed yet exposed to his scrutiny.
It caused awkwardness and uneasiness to stretch between us.

Bored, I looked down at my hands tied with a rope. The very proof of him not trusting me or respecting me in any way.
I wriggle,trying to loosen it, but it only results in red marks on my wrist.

"I won't be leaving...please can you open this."

I asked and his fingers stopped typing. Those stormy grey eyes looked up at me and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Why was this man so scary?

Not replying ,he continues typing again and I sigh.

My eyes shifted to the view outside and I pushed myself closer to the window.
Wow! It was so beautiful.

I have never been out of my pack territory,I was not allowed to.
And the roads,the trees, the houses.
They all looked so intriguing to me.

If only I could feel the wind on my face, and take out my hand to feel it.
Biting my lip,I stared at the button.

Can I? Will he scold me...but he looks busy.

Pressing the button,I let the window roll down and before he could scold me.
I place my elbows on the sill and lift myself up.

The cold wind hits my face, making a smile come to my lips. My hair trails behind me , flying with the wind.

Wow! This was heaven.

But heaven was short-lived as I was pulled back to be miserable.
I looked at my side to see. My long hair was touching his face and he looked beyond irritated.

He moved his hand forward, grabbing my waist as I screamed at him.

"No!... Please!.Let me!"

My force and pleas were no use as I was harshly pulled back from my waist to land on his lap.
I again struggled to only have him coil his arm around my waist and turn up the window with his other hand.

"No! Please!"

"God! Stop women! Stop it!"

He curses behind me. His breath hits my ears, making a warmness to spread inside me.

"It's beautiful... please.."

I again try to only have his grip to tighten on my waist.
My back against his chest as I breathed heavily.

"Are you ok? Sit here silently."

He says and I feel frustrated. Why such words? I just wanted to look outside.

He hates you Thora. What do you expect? He will hate everything you do.

We continue to sit like this and the tingles start exploding. His scent overpowering, making me hold my breath.
When, suddenly, I was pushed to the seat next to him harshly.
Like my touch just burned him.

Because of my hands being tied,my head hits the headrest of the seat and a slight pain hits my skull.

He doesn't move,not bothered.

While I wringle, trying to adjust on my seat . He goes back to typing again and I just stare outside in longing.

I was going away from the prison Landon kept me in.I just hoped he would be better than him.

He hates me but I can see ...maybe he still feels something for me. The tingles,the warmness that I am feeling,he must be feeling it too.

I have a chance.

A chance to show I can be loyal to him. That I can love him like mates are supposed to.

And I won't let it go to waste. I will try to win him back no matter what it takes.

"What's your name?"

He asks suddenly , breaking me from the chain of my thoughts.
I thought he must have asked someone till now,but it seems he didn't care to even know his mate's name.

"Thora"

I answered,still looking outside. When he suddenly slams his laptop shut and the Aura around him changes drastically.

He was angry.

"Look at me when I ask you something."

I gulped, adjusting myself on the seat and turning my neck to look at him.
His grey eyes were boring holes into me.

"Full name. Pack of birth and parents name?"

He asks and I lower my eyes. He will hate me more. I know it already. After all, I was a nobody.

"I...I... don't know"

I say , staring at my hands as he turned to give me his full attention.

"What do you mean you don't know? Did you fall from the sky or what?"

He asks, irritated.

"I was found near the river by Landon's mother. I...I.am an orphan."

Silence. He just stares and then sighs, running his hand through his thick locks that have managed to fall on his forehead.

"See Thora. Let me get a few things straight before we enter my borders."

I shyly nodded, knowing things were going to go bad from here.

"First. No one, I repeat, no one is to know that you are my destined mate."

He was ashamed of telling them ,I know. God! Why am I feeling so hurt?

"Two. You are to follow my orders,no matter what. I ask you to come,you come. I ask you to leave,you do without questioning. No ifs and buts or you will be punished just like others."

I nodded again, looking down. I will try my best to be the perfect mate. I will change his perspective on me.

"And three..."

He goes silent and I look up at him from below my eyelashes.
Why did he stop?
His eyes took me from top to bottom.
From my legs to my face and I feel suffocated.

His features cover in disgust and I prepared for the worst.

"If I see you flirting around with my men. I swear on moon goddess Thora. I will first kill you before I kill him. Am I understood?"

I gulp. His words made me shiver.

"Y..es Alpha"

I say and before I know ,my chin is roughly grabbed and he pulls up my face.
My widened brown eyes met his cold grey ones as he uttered with pure hatred.

"I said look at me and answer, do I have to remind this the hard way?"

I move my head in a no and he leaves my chin. Sitting back on his seat and adjusting his tuxedo.
I take a deep breath, tears stinging my eyes.

So much hatred? How will I teach him to love me ?
What does it take to amend one's mistakes?

"Clean your tears. We are approaching."

He orders and I look up to see a castle welcoming us.
I used my shoulder sleeve to clean the traces of tears in my eyes, as I took in the beauty of the place through my hazy vision.

The Volkan Empire

Read a big stone encryption on the entrance and I felt my heart drop in the pit of my stomach.

...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

I notice Lola left the door open and the fan on. I enter, intending to turn it off, when something catches my attention. I walk over to her desk and find a notebook on the table.
The Word: Thoughts. It's engraved on the cover.

Curiously, I turn to the most recent page, which was yesterday.

The subtitle is: Strawberry lipstick.
Intrigued, I bite my lip and read the page. Strawberry lipstick, I could taste the touch of your lips on mine as I applied the lipstick to my own lips.

I pretend that your lips are the lipstick, covering my dehydrated lips with the sweet drip of your refreshing strawberry drizzle.

How I sincerely wished he had kissed me then. I imagine your lips as soft and warm as you, beloved lipstick, and savoring your strawberry scent.

I long for your touch on my skin, changing my colors like leaves when the autumn breeze spreads.

Every feeling I have is wrong, I know.

My desire for him is forbidden and would cause such a commotion among those who know us, but I don't care. I would do anything to lay my head on his chest, his heartbeat gently echoing in my ear, telling me how much he loved me.

Oh, Frank, if I could tell you how I feel, if you hadn't married my mother, but me, then it would be easier.

However, this love is not reciprocated. And as painful as it is to say, I know you will never feel the same...

I sit there, on your bed, reading the poem several times. My eyes grow larger with each word.

Darling, if only you knew that I love you too...

---

Lola
" So, who's going to pick me up again?” I ask my mom as I grab my luggage.
" Tom, Frank's butler.” My mom answers from the other side of the line.
"Okay, I'm just grabbing my luggage now, so I'll be there soon.”
" Alright, dear, there's a sign with your name on it, so you won't get lost.”
" Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.”
" I love you.”
" I love you too.” We hang up and I pick up my luggage from the baggage claim. I head towards the airport exit when I see an older man dressed in black, along with a white shirt and gloves. He's holding a sign that says:
Miss Moore.
We make eye contact and I quicken my pace to avoid making him wait for me.
" Hello, Miss Moore. My name is Tom. I'll take you to Mr. Evans's property.” He bows and starts picking up my luggage.
" Oh, I can carry that.” I try to stop him, but he already grabs the suitcases before I can.
" It's not polite for a gentleman to let a lady carry such heavy bags.” He insists and I just awkwardly smile. We leave the airport and he takes me to a matte black limousine. He puts my bags in the back and opens the door for me.
" How long will it take to get home from here?” I ask him before he closes the door.
" About fifteen minutes, why?” He asks.
" I need to use the bathroom, but I can wait.”
" Are you sure? I don't mind waiting until you're done.”
" Alright, but thank you. I can wait.”
" Of course.” He closes my door and gets behind the wheel. I notice people looking at the limousine, amazed by its beauty. If I wasn't being driven in it, I would be amazed too.
I take out my phone and continue coloring my giraffe, which I've been coloring throughout the flight. I love coloring.
Actually, it's very fun and it helps me relax. I color my giraffe to distract myself from the fact that my bladder might burst at any moment.
I ended up grabbing a soda water from the fridge along with some chocolates. It was nice to eat real food and not some airplane junk.
" We've arrived, Miss Moore.” Tom announces. I gather my things as he holds the door open for me. I grab my purse and step out. My jaw immediately drops to the floor as a white mansion with a blue roof captivates my eyes. Palm trees stand on both sides of the black glass front doors. The garden is blooming with white, red, and black roses, with fountains and statues placed in the middle.
I didn't even realize Tom was holding the door open for me, I was too impressed by the mansion. But I forced myself to snap back to reality, climbed three steps, and entered.
My eyes meet black, gold, and marble. The walls are black, with golden baseboards. A marble crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, illuminating the entire space.
" Lola!” My mom calls me. I follow the sound of her soft voice and find her in the kitchen.
" Mom!” We hug tightly, and I inhale her vanilla extract scent.
" I missed you so much, dear.” She holds the sides of my face in her delicate hands. I look at her and she seems younger than before.
" Mom, you look amazing.” I say to her.
" Thank you, dear, you look beautiful too.” She hugs me once again before leading me back to the living room to sit on the couch.
" Are you excited for the wedding?” I ask.
" Yes. Frank and I are so happy. I just can't believe I'm getting married. I'm so nervous, I've never been married before.” She fidgets with her nails nervously.
" It's okay, mom.” I gently squeeze her hands. " Whatever happens during your wedding, I know you and Frank can overcome it together.” I reassure her.
Ever since my poor father left me and my mom when I was only thirteen, my mom has been a mess. It was just the two of us, without anyone's help. She had several boyfriends, but they always broke her heart.
So, for me, seeing her glowing and happy like this, melts my heart.
" Where's Frank?” I ask, noticing the absence of my future stepfather.
He'll be here any minute. My mom tells me. " Frank doesn't have any children, does he?”
" No, it's just you.”
" That's great.” We laugh and continue talking.
" Dear, I'm home.”
Suddenly, a man dressed in a black suit and gray tie enters the room. My mouth waters as I find myself falling in love when I see that man standing right in front of me, he looks so powerful.
Should I curtsy? Should I kiss his hand?
" Frank, this is my daughter, Lola.” My mom introduces me.
" Well, Lola, you definitely inherited that beautiful face from your mother.” He smiles, his brown eyes looking at me.
"Thank you.” I search for my words, without knowing what to say to such a handsome man. I reach out and, when I take his hand to greet him, I realize that I had a cliché moment where my heart stopped. But that wouldn't be enough to describe the feeling I felt when our hands collided.
My body was electrified, my knees wanted to give way beneath me, but again, very cliché.
" I'm sorry for leaving you so quickly, but I have a meeting in twenty minutes. I just stopped by to say 'hi'.” He explained, with his eyes on my mother.
" It's okay, dear.” She smiles at him.
" I'll be here for dinner, I promise. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lola.” He turns to me, with a charming smile on his lips.
" Nice to meet you too.” I hide my blushing cheeks by looking at the polished floor, and at my reflection.
" Are you shy?” Frank laughs.
" She is.” My mother chuckles back. They exchanged a quick kiss, and he ran out the door, Tom closing it behind him.
Oh...
I bit my lower lip when thousands of lewd scenarios, concerning Tom and me, played in my mind like a five-hour-long movie. To prevent myself from doing something that I'll regret, I took a shower.
I don't know what's really happening to me. I just met my mother's fiancé and I'm completely horny. Anxious to be with him. God, what's wrong with me?
I take off my clothes and turn on the hot water before stepping into the shower. I let the water run over me as I try to cleanse myself of the unnatural thoughts I have about my future stepfather.
Everything was so wrong. I couldn't even imagine the disgusted hatred my mother would have for me if she knew what I was thinking. I don't even want to know what Frank would think of me.
I should be mortified by my thoughts, but somehow a part of me isn't. As sick and twisted as my thoughts may be, I can't help but smile to myself at the thought of Frank becoming mine.
...
" Hi mom.” I walk down the stairs and go to the fridge while my mother reads a magazine at the island.
" Hello dear. How was your day?” She asks, flipping the page of her magazine.
" It's all right. I took a shower.”
" Okay, Frank made dinner reservations at a fancy country club.”
" Oh?”
" It'll be nice. We leave in an hour.”
" Alright.”
" There's a dress in my room that I want you to wear, I put a post-it on it.”
" Okay, thanks mom.”
" No problem, dear.” She smiles and I go back up the marble stairs. I open the door and immediately get nervous when I see Frank's shirtless back in front of me.
" Oh, sorry, I didn't know you were here.” I look down and hear a laugh coming from him.
" Okay, are you here because of the dress?” He asks and I look back to see him in pants.
" Yes.” I nod and bite my lip. He walks to the closet, I observed how his body complemented his polo and pants.
" Here you go.” I smile and our fingertips touch during the exchange, sending a spark down my spine.
" Thanks.”
" No problem, beauty.” He murmurs.
" What?” I raise my eyebrows, knowing what he said.
" I didn't say anything.” He says.
" Go get ready, sweetheart.” He laughs and I leave the room.
He called me beauty...
I bite my lip and blush as my heart beats fast.
" Ready, sweetheart?” Frank's tender voice fills my room as he stands in the doorway.
" Almost, I just need help with the zipper on my dress.” I smile awkwardly as I try to finish closing the zipper on the red silk dress that my mother gave me.
" Here.” I point.
He walks up to me and zips it up for me.
" Let me see.”
I turn around and he slowly examines my body, nodding with satisfaction.
" Impressive. That color suits you so well.” He praises, leaving me excited inside.
" Thank you.” I timidly bite my lip.
He looks around my room, searching for something.
" Do you have a diamond choker or necklace to wear with this?” He asks. I shake my head. He leaves the room, only to come back with a diamond-encrusted choker.
" Put this on.” He orders, I obey as he puts the choker around my neck, fastening it with the clasp. " Now you look complete.” He smiles.
" Shall we?” He extends his arm for me to take it.
" We shall.” I laugh and grab his arm. We go down the stairs with my mother taking pictures as if it were my prom.
" Lola dear, you look beautiful in that dress. And with that choker, everyone will turn their heads to look at you.” My mother is surprised and hugs me.
" You look more impressive than I do.” My jaw drops as she wears an olive green velvet dress, with a diamond necklace.
" Well.” Frank says. " I said that I'll be the luckiest man there. I'll be arriving with my stunning fiancée and my perfect future stepdaughter.” He laughs, hugging the two of us.
He takes us outside, where the driver is holding the limousine door open. He helps me and my mother get in before he does. He sits between my mother and me, holding her hand tightly. They whisper softly to each other as I browse the internet.
I like checking social media. I never thought I'd be in a mansion or wear anything remotely sophisticated. Yet, here I am. In a tight red silk dress with diamonds around my neck. Being driven in a limousine, while my mother's fiancé is filthy rich. I wish everyone could have this life, never having to worry about money or debt. Being prepared for life basically. My mother and I definitely needed this when it was just the two of us and she was working three jobs just to keep the lights on.
She's very lucky to catch someone like him, which makes me feel worse about the bold dream I had before. I mean, who dreams of sleeping with their future stepfather? Me, apparently.
My love life doesn't exist. I've always been a boring girl, as they say. I've never had a real boyfriend before. The only guy I thought I had a chance with turned out to be gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it hurt at the time.
" Lola.” Frank's seductive voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
" Yes?” I push a lock of my curls behind my ear.
" We've arrived.” He laughs as I realize my mother is outside the limousine.
" Oh, sorry.” I turn around and get out, with Frank behind me. I look around and admire the beauty of the country club. It was white paneled, with golden light illuminating it, giving it a richer appearance.
A water fountain stood in the center of the white brick"style concrete.
" Like it?” Frank asks, his minty breath brushing down my neck and giving me chills.
" You're handsome.” I blurt out without thinking. " I mean...” I look at him, who's staring at me.
" This place is beautiful.” I smile and follow him and my mother inside.
" Good evening, Mr. Evans.” Two men hold the doors to welcome Frank. He nods and walks away, my mother's arm sliding into his. I walk behind them, catching the stares of the two men. I smile to myself and thank them with a seductive smile, which only makes their faces turn red.
I sit in the chair once again, swirling the glass in my hand. My mom and Frank have disappeared somewhere, probably taking pictures or signing documents.
" Is this seat taken?” The familiar buzz of a voice from the depths of the ocean asks me. I look up to find Mark smiling, with his perfectly white teeth.
" Be my guest.” I smile slightly.
" You look pale.”
" I'm just tired.”
" I can see.”
" Where's your girlfriend?”
" She went home.” He shrugs, taking a sip from his beer mug.
" Do you want to go somewhere quieter?”
" Yes, please.” I laugh and quickly send a message to my mom saying that I'm going to my hotel room because of a strong headache.
Silently, Mark and I manage to escape from the dancing crowd. Thank God no one tried to talk to us.
" My hotel room or yours?” He suddenly asks.
" Yours.” I shrug. My room is next to my mom and Frank's room, and I really don't want to be close to them when they go to 'sleep' tonight.
" Okay, do you like vodka?”
" Of course.”
" Good, because that's all I have.” He laughs and wrinkles his nose. We take the two-story elevator and walk through a few corridors until we finally reach our destination. He swipes the card, opens the door, and holds it open for me like the gentleman he's pretending to be.
"I forgot to take clothes from my room to change into.” I say, getting a little mad at myself for now having to sit in this dress that is already bothering me.
" Don't worry, I have a shirt you can borrow.” He smiles and hands me a black t-shirt. I thank him and he unzips my dress, then I go into the bathroom to change. I pull his shirt over my head, now that the monstrosity is off my body, I notice that the shirt only goes down to the middle of my thigh.
I bite my lower lip as I try to fix my clothes, but it's useless. I swallow any shyness I have and look at myself in the mirror.
He has a girlfriend, he wouldn't try anything.
I tell myself several times as I leave the bathroom. I find him lying on his bed in shorts and a shirt, typing on his phone.
" Does it look good on you?” He asks, noticing my awkward figure standing in the middle of the room.
" Yes, thank you.” I climb onto the bed next to him, covering my lower body with sheets to prevent him from seeing anything he might like.
" Do you want me to order pizza?”
" That would be great.” My stomach growls at the thought of pizza.
Mark calls room service to have the pizza delivery guy let in while I order a large pepperoni and cheese pizza.
" Are you enjoying being rich?” Mark asks me as we stuff our faces with pizza and have a shot or two of vodka to wash it down.
" Oh my God, it's amazing. Like I have the wardrobe I've always wanted. I can go to fancy places. But I think I'll get a job, just so I won't empty Frank's bank account.”
" Well, I'm glad you liked it.”
" Do you work for Frank?”
" Yes, he and my dad own the company, but I'm training to be the CEO.”
" That's really cool.”
" I worked hard to get it. Many people think I got the job because of my dad and Frank. But actually, I worked hard to get it. He couldn't stop talking about his job.” His words slurred as we drank more and more of the vodkas he had to offer.
" So tell me, how did you meet Patricia?” I laugh.
" Her dad works for us. God, I honestly can't stand her!” He laughs as I crack up.
" Break up with her.”
" I would, but then her dad will sue me for breaking her heart.”
" That sucks, man. That's so fvcked up.”
" I know. She doesn't understand me and she bosses me around. She would honestly kill me if she knew you were here.”
"That sucks.”
" She can go off, I'm not giving her any more power over me.”
" Why?”
" She's an inappropriate woman and I'm not going to lose myself to such woman I'm waiting for when I meet her, you know?”
I sighed and felt sorry for him. I wish I could say that I understood, but I don't. I've been dishonored, and I'm sorry, even more now.
" Do you want to spend the night here? ”Mark asks, slowly cleaning up our mess.
" If it's not a big deal.” I bite my lip and help him.
" I want you to stay.” He smiles, his eyes buzzing with desire.
We get back to the queen-size bed and turn off the lights. We face each other when his hand brushes against the side of my cheek.
" I want to kiss you, but I can't. No matter how much I hate my relationship, I wouldn't dare betray her.” He murmurs sleepily.
" I understand. Goodnight, Mark.”
" Goodnight, Lola.” I put my hand on top of his, which keeps my face still, and I watch his eyes slowly close. I watch him for a moment, or as much as I can, since the room is dark.
Why do I feel like something is about to begin inside me?
I pull away from him and sigh. I couldn't have a crush on a guy I just met for a hot minute. Once again, I think about Frank.
I shake my head and close my eyes as I try to force myself to sleep, hoping to forget all the feelings I have for Frank and Mark.
.....
" Hi dear.” My mom greets me as she enters my hotel room.
" Hey.” I rub my eyes as I continue packing my things.
" Where were you last night? I came here to check on you and you weren't here.”
" I was with Mark.”
" I see, is that your shirt?” She raises a thin eyebrow at me and I shake my head.
" Yes, but it's not like that, mom. We're just friends.” I wave at her as I feel her eyes piercing me as if she was trying to see if I was really lying.
" So, nothing happened?”
" No, he has a girlfriend and he's loyal. He just let me spend the night in his room.”
" I see.” She hums, clearly not believing my truth. " Well, Frank and I are leaving. It's a long flight to Fiji.” She wraps her peach-colored arms around me as the scent of vanilla extract fills my senses.
" I love you, have fun.” I kiss her cheeks.
" Love you more.” She kisses me on the forehead before a turn of the doorknob interrupts our goodbye.
" I came to say goodbye.” Frank enters the room and hugs me, his cologne filling my nostrils, leaving me with a tingling sensation. My body presses tightly against his, I could feel his abdomen pressing against mine.
" Try not to destroy my house while we're gone.” He laughs as he lets go of me.
" I should try.” I laugh. We say goodbye and they leave my room.
I finish packing my bags and put on a t-shirt and jeans when I hear a knock on the door.
" Come in.” I shout to whoever is on the other side of the door as I lean inside, closing my luggage.
" Ready?” Marks' melodious velvety voice asks.
A waiter arrives and takes us to a table, away from the eyes of others. I look over my shoulder, noticing how men of all ages were looking at me, even the boys were looking. I laugh quietly to myself and sit in front of my mother and Frank.
We order our drinks and food. I'm very basic, so I ordered cheese ravioli and soda water with lemon.
"So," Frank says. "How's college going, Lola?" He asks with a charming smile on his perfect pink lips.
"Very well," I shrug.
"What's your major?"
"Creative writing, I want to be an author."
"I see, well, I certainly think you have talent for it. Maybe I can take a look at some of your work someday, if that's okay with you."
"Sure, definitely."
"Excellent," he smiles, my mother looking at him. It's good to see her happy with him, but I also envy her. She's so lucky.
Our food arrives and we eat. I ended up drinking four bottles of water before the bill comes. "Thanks for dinner, Frank," I smile as he pays the bill.
"It's a pleasure. I have to treat my new family well," he laughs and holds my mother's hand in his. The engagement ring on her finger, valued at $50,000, shines in the lighting.
Very lucky.
...
"How do I look?" My mother asks me, a bright smile spreading across her face. Her ivory wedding dress with gold lace and diamond embellishments shines in the light shining through the windows of our hotel rooms.
"Oh, mother... I can't find the words to describe how beautiful she looks," I hug her carefully, not wanting to ruin our makeup that took about half an hour each.
"Thank you, dear, you look stunning in that dress," she stands up and holds me in her arms to get a full view of my shining body.
"Thank you, Mom," I smile back. She is helped by her best friend, Sarah, and we all leave the room and head to where the wedding reception will be.
"Hey," I am nudged on my arm and find Mark, Frank's best friend's son, standing next to me.
"Hello," I speak timidly, not expecting him to be as beautiful as he is, with his dark brown hair shaved on the sides and curled on top. His tan skin looks smooth, his face sculpted while his smoothed eyebrows peacefully rest on his green irises.
"Ready to do this?"
"Yes, and you?"
"Totally. It must be nice to see your mom getting married."
"It really is. It's her first time, and I've never seen her so happy."
"Mr. Evans is a good man, he'll treat her like the queen she is."
"I know he will, he has to or I'll kill him." We both laugh at that. The music starts. After Sarah and Mr. Brown, Mark's father, walk down, it's our turn. We descend slowly, my arm wrapped around Mark's as I try to block out the crowd of over a hundred people looking at me.
I stand next to Sarah and notice Frank gives me a reassuring smile, instantly calming me.
How did he do that?
I return my attention to the aisle as I watch my mother walk alone down the aisle. She holds the bouquet with both hands, her eyes fixed on Frank the whole time. It was actually kind of sad to see that my grandfather refused to walk her down the aisle. In fact, our whole family rejected the idea of coming to the wedding.
Upon reaching Frank and the officiant, he starts reading from his Bible. Of course, I completely tune out, because who has time for that?
I slowly scan my eyes around the room, admiring the grand ballroom we were in. Everything was gold and ivory, exactly the way my mother wanted.
They say yes and passionately kiss, which I'm not looking at while they do. I reconnect with Mark and we all leave the room and head up to our rooms. All the bridesmaids changed into our second dresses so we could dance and move during the reception. My mother also changed into a different wedding dress that was easier to walk in.
"Mind if I join you?" Mark asks as I sit alone, sipping champagne, watching everyone dance.
"Sure." I pull out my chair and he sits next to me. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired. It's been a long day."
"I understand. Don't you dance?"
"Not really."
"Neither do I. My girlfriend always drags me to clubs and I hate it." He laughs and I sigh to myself.
Of course he has a girlfriend, he's like a god of bronze.
"Hey, Mark," at that moment, a snobbish voice sounds, and I look up to find a girl wrinkling her nose in disgust. "Come on, I want to dance." She pulls him away from me without letting him speak. He briefly says goodbye to me before being engulfed in the crowd of dancing bodies.I meet Frank and my mother talking to people at a table. Probably his friends, since no one came from my mother's side, except for the few friends she has. I can't help but contemplate his figure.
He was so fit and looked like he was 25 instead of 40. My eyes are glued to his movements as I admire the way his lips move while he rests his chin on his fist while listening to others speak.
I wish I could feel his lips. I bite my lip without thinking before realizing what I was thinking. I snap out of my thoughts and drink more until my glass is empty. I grab my phone and start playing games when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
" What are you doing sitting here alone?” Frank's charming voice sounds like magic in my ear.
" Oh, I don't dance.” I shrug.
" Well, now you dance, let's go.” He pulls me out of my chair and takes me to the dance floor where we find my mother. " We're making her dance.” He told her and she nodded.
" Thank you, mom.”
I reconsider rolling my eyes when he and my mother take my hands and start waving them in the air. Even though I want to be a piece of trash, I start moving on my own, mainly to loosen up my arms.

...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

"Locked under the magic of witchcraft is a wolf strongest known to exist.
With eyes red as blood and fur dark as night, he was a sight no one remained alive to describe.
Many have tried bringing it to life,but failed to give away their lives.
Until an innocent girl comes, sealing her and the fate of entire mankind
The girl named Thora Valentine"

7:15 am
Bloodmoon pack grounds
A girl lay on the cold freezing ground.Her breath came out heavy as she tries to move.
Her muscles were sore with the punishment,lips cracked and dried.
She pulls on her arms to hear the cranking of steel chains tied around her hands and legs,sighing. She leaves the struggle ,once again.

12 hours 42 minutes

The exact time she was tied there,to serve her punishment ordered by the Alpha.
And this was not the first time anyway.
She was used to the treatment till now.
After all, she was just a weak Omega in the strongest pack in the world.
This was inevitable.
She was thirsty. And her senses were playing games with her.
She gulped and tried to moisten her lips ,but they only aggravated it.

"What a shame Thora. Had you accepted my offer, you would have been enjoying the luxury of my mattress right now."

A voice spoke from behind her and she already knew who it was.
Her punisher,her tormentor, her Alpha
She refused to reply,let alone look at him, and this didn't settle well with him.
Placing a bottle of water in front of her,he crouches at her level.
An evil smirk was present on his lips.

"Thirsty princess? Here ,have it"

She knew better, nothing came for free.
Nothing except pain and sufferings.
He studied her dropping brown eyes and trembling body.
The thought of her being helpless and completely at his mercy, excited him.
Opening the cap,he gulps the liquid to only leave a sip in the end.
Moving the brim to her lips, he urges her to take it.

She bites her lip,looking up at him and her beautiful brown eyes lock on him.
Defiance and confidence.
So much broken ,yet so much still to break.
Ruined,but only partially.
Used but not surrendered.

"Put it up your as...you bad guy!"

Her words surprised him ,and he chuckled and got up.
Whenever he thinks he has broken her,she comes back.
Stronger and braver.
A weak Omega by strength but a strong willed by brain.
Interesting.
"Okay princess. If you don't like my generosity,I won't be offering you any."

His voice turns cold as he continues,fingers placed on her chin to make her look up at him.

"12 hours more and the lashes will be complimentary."

She will not be able to remain conscious after this,she already knows.
But her eyes refused to lower down in submission.
She will die before she accepts defeat to a man like him.

"Bring it on Alpha"

He leaves her chin and stares at her for a minute.
And then ,leaves as the first rays of sunlight penetrate to melt the freezing snow surrounding her.
Her body continues to tremble and soon she falls into a deep slumber.

"Alpha Landon! The punishment has been served"

The guard informs the Alpha ,who stops writing for a second and acknowledges him.
"Is she conscious?"
"I am afraid not Alpha. Do you want me to wake her up ?"
"No need. Call the pack doctor and let him check on her. Once done , escort her to her quarters."
The guard nods and leaves,closing his door.
Alpha Landon sighs and looks down at the paper in his hands.

Invitation to the Alpha King and members of the werewolf council.
The Alpha King was coming to his territory with his council members. He hopes he is satisfied and gives him the approval on the latest pack acquisition deal.
If he gets it, Redmoon pack will be not only the strongest, but also the largest pack in warewolf history.
It will be his biggest milestone.
Smiling at himself,he places the invitation card in the drawer and runs his hand through his hair.
He was too stressed ,he needed to let it out.
Now that the Omega was unconscious,he needed to find a replacement.
Picking up his phone,he dials the one he enjoys the most, after his Omega offcourse.
"Greetings Alpha. How are you doing?"
"Cut the crab. My room in 5 "
Ending the call,he loosens his tie and gets up from his seat.
Ready to leave for the night.
London Anderson was a true bast*** in all senses.
And no one knew him better than the girl that had seen his worst.
The Omega who he tried his best to break.
But he failed even after 7 years of his tortures and games.
Was she truly indestructible or was it just a facade?
For even rocks break when subdued to high temperatures and pressures.
And what she had suffered was way more than that.
Landon sat in his seat,waiting for the Alpha king's arrival.
His eyes landed on Thora,who stood beside him in his chosen dress.

A small maid's dress ,with its hem barely covering her as. The blouse is tight,highlighting her thin yet perfect figure.

"You are to serve them the drinks and food. No mistakes will be tolerated. Am I clear?"

She nods ,not in the mood to fight with him after the punishment last night.
The whip marks were still fresh on her back.

"Good. Now come here."

He says with a smirk and she already knew what this was about.
Grabbing her from her waist,he makes her land on his lap.

Before she could react,he crashed his lips on her.
Thrashing was no use. She was used to his behaviour till now.
Laying still ,she allows him to kiss her.

But then all of a sudden,her weak wolf thrashed in her mind and she started pushing him back.
This was not right,she doesn't feel right.

Landon leaves and smirks, looking at the entrance and that's when she felt her senses freeze all of a sudden.

No! This can't be.

Pinewood and rain fragrance hit her in full force and she clenched her fists.

"Greetings Alpha King!"

Landon spoke.
And that was it,her whole world collapsed right there.
The mate she thought would protect her , had seen her kissing another man the very first time they met.

And what did he say? Alpha King? No he can't be....a powerful man like him... impossible..... he must be one of the other men on his council.

She didn't dare to look back. Her mind froze.
His aura surrounded him in deadly waves,making her wish this ground to open and swallow her down.

The Alpha King didn't speak. His silence made her more uneasy.

Landon stares at her confused and then whispers in her ear, making her body tremble.

"Turn around and greet the Alpha princess. He doesn't take disrespect lightly."

But she couldn't.
She can't see those eyes staring at her in hate.
She can't let her only hope of escaping this one die.

Before she couldn't say another word,Landon's arm coiled around her waist and he turned her around.

"Bow"

He orders and she does,keeping her eyes on the floor.
She could feel a burning gaze on her and she knew then.

He would hate her .

"I have been waiting for you Sir. Please take a seat."

The Alpha didn't move , making her shift her weight from one leg to another.

Should I look up at him? Who is he? That stare...it's burning and suffocating...I have to look up...but I am an Omega... it will be considered disrespect.

She was debating in her mind when she felt a rough grip on her arm.
She flinched as Landon whispered in her ear.

"Get drinks. Don't stand like a innoncent here."

And that's all she needed, without looking back at those burning eyes. She scurried down the hall, arranging for the starters.
Her heart beating heavily in her chest as she leans her head on the wall and tries to calm herself.

Volkan's pov

My eyes were fixed on the back of my mate. It was bare in that filthy maid's dress.

My fists clenched as my eyes went lower to see the tunic barely covering her as.

"Alpha King , please have a seat"

The bad guy speaks, giving me a small smile.
Alpha Landon ,one of the strongest and well reputed Alpha's in our Kingdom.
I wanted to believe that he was a playboy ,who tried to lure my mate.

But his reputation said otherwise.

He was respected by all and no one had heard of him disrespecting girls.
It was either he was masking it well or he was really a genuine man.

But that kiss....he kissed my mate and the worst part was that she didn't even push him.

Sitting down on the table,I take deep breaths to calm my wolf.
The very thought of our mate, losing her purity to some bad guy, making a fire of fury to burn in me.

Had she already betrayed me?

I have waited for her for so many years,yet she couldn't wait for me.
Sleeping around with other men to satisfy her heat?

The meeting progressed and my council members started discussing ,while I remained silent.
My mind is lost in assumptions and betrayals.

When suddenly, the door opens and her scent hits me before I see her.
So addicting, yet impure and defiled.

Intermingled with this bad guys. Have they done it today?

She steps forward,balancing a tray in her hands.
Her hands shake as she walks with those high 4 inch heels,making her legs look longer.

Her hair was veiling her face as I stared at those downcast eyes.

Daring them to look at me. Her steps turned hasty and then all of a sudden Landon ordered her, having her beautiful brown eyes to look at him.

"Hurry up "

He says and she again nods like an obedient pet, lowering her eyes to the floor.

My beast was struggling,seeing her getting ordered around like that. Her being so submissive to him, like the bad guy Landon owned her.

God! I have to leave. My emotions are going out of control.

"Excuse me"

Pardoning myself ,I got up to leave when I almost crashed into her as I turned.

"Ahhhh"

She shrieks in surprise. The champagne glasses shattered as they hit the floor and the sound of the tray hitting the floor, echoing in the corridor.

My breathing stopped for a second as I saw her staring at me.
Her innocent eyes met mine and my wolf went crazy in my mind.

Mate! Mate!

Her mouth opened and closed in shock as she realised who I was.

Her mate. The man she had already betrayed.

"I....I....am sorry...I ..."

She stutters,her eyes looking innocent and beautiful.
If only she was as well.

She looks lower to stare at my tuxedo and next I know,she bravely takes a napkin from the table and dabs it on my chest, trying to clean the stain on my shirt.

"Please...I...am really...sorry...I was..not looking...."

Her fingers touched my chest and that's when, what they call, the explosion of tingles blasted into full force.

She freezes and her hands stop.

As she looked up at me ,shocked and surprised. I stepped back, making agony and pain flood through her innocent eyes.

Her fingers stopped in mid air and she clenched her hand.
While I continue to look at her with indifference and coldness.

"Thora! What on earthl!"

Landon screams and she starts apologising again.

"Alpha...I beg pardon..she is -"

I barely show him my hand and he stops in between. She looks down at the broken pieces of glass, her hands fidgeting as she sits down to pick them up and place them in the tray.

I looked down at her picking up the broken pieces of glass near my feet and I saw the other other men staring at her behind.

I clench my fist.

The pathetic excuse of her tunic was hiding nothing and my beast was infuriating.
I wanted to kill my own men because of her.

God!

I have to leave. Side stepping her,I leave the meeting as murmurs follow behind me.

But I didn't care.

I have to leave before my beast is unleashed and this place turns into a bloodbath.

Going away from her scent,my senses calm down as I shift into my wolf , approaching the bordering forest.

My paws hit against the ground and the cold winds on my fur,calms my chaotic mind.

I have to meet her once, to know if she has really betrayed me.

And with this thought,I roared, looking at the moon , making the ground shake under my feet.

Thora's pov

I was trembling,like literally. The dirty utensils shaking in my hands as I cleaned them under the freezing water.

Surprisingly Landon didn't scold me or punish me after that small accident.
But I guess that's because he was very busy at today's meeting.

My mate's grey eyes make a shiver run down my spine. And I move my head, trying to forget about him.

But who was I kidding? My mate was no ordinary man.

He was the werewolf King.

King Volkan Knight

Gulping ,I clean the sweat on my forehead with my sleeve and place the last utensil in the utensil tray.
Done with today's work.

Sighing, I looked up at the full moon , wondering what my future will hold.

He already hates me.I saw it in his eyes.
He thinks I have betrayed him,if only he knew the truth.

My mate is going to reject me.

This was the harsh reality. Every wolf feared this and mine was just going to become true.

There is no escape from this place now. I guess I have to die here as well.
Being a slave to that bad guy all my life, pleasing him till I forgot myself.

My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a strong gust of wind hit me, his tempting scent lingering with it.

Knowing what it meant,I stood up. Trying to pull down this useless skirt, which was really uncomfortable.

I looked around to sense him ,when my eyes stopped at a silhouette near a tree.
His back leaning against it and hands crossed in front of his chest.

I gulp , moving closer. I already know why he was here.

No man would accept a used mate. He was not going to be an exception.

"Alpha...King...you needed something...you should have sent someone for it..."

I said , bowing down in respect. He was a powerful man,the most powerful man in our Kingdom in fact.
And Omegas like me are killed for even making eye contact with him.

He didn't say anything,but his stare remained.
It is a strange feeling to erupt in my insides. I have never felt like this before.

"Let me know if I can help you...do you need-"

"Shut up"

He says , making my trap shut and mind to freeze.
Goosebumps appear on my skin and I bite my lips, scolding myself for blabbering in front of him.

He stares again.

And the silence stretches. Making my anxiety increase with every second.
A few minutes later, he straightens his back and stands up , making his way towards me.

My eyes remain rooted to the ground as he steps closer.
The storm of anxiety in my chest , thrashing.

"Have you had fun with him?"

He asks and my heart stops. My widened eyes looked up at his cold grey eyes and I forgot to breathe for a few seconds.

So direct?

How do I answer this? Yes ...I have, but not willingly...he blackmailed me..

"I....we.....few...times...but...I.. didn't-"

I stutter. That only makes his jaw harden. His closeness, plays with my brain,my body aching for him to touch me.
God! What was happening to me ? And then I remembered,it was a full moon today...the matebond is the strongest.

"Yes or No"

He commands and I lower my stare. Why? I wanted to explain...I thought he would trust me...if not, atleast give me a chance.

"Yes"

I say and saw his fist clench. I step back afraid I will be a target of it.
He again doesn't say anything for a minute , making my legs lose their strength and my wolf cry in my mind.

She was already very weak. She could die if he rejects me.
What can I do to save her?

"I waited 26 years for you. Not even touching a woman, fearing I would be betraying you. Yet you couldn't save yourself for me?"

He says and I am surprised. It's very rare, men's instincts are way stronger than women's and I have never heard of any man controlling his urges and saving his first for his mate.

Yet,he did it. But for whom?

For me. For someone who has lost everything in this life except for her indomitable will to survive.

"I am sorry ..I...."

He raises his hand again ,not letting me explain.
But even if I speak,I won't be able to tell him the full truth.

"Do you love him?"

He asks and my mouth opens in surprise. Is he serious?
Which mate asks another if they love someone else.
I can see he is stopping himself or I would have already been rejected by him before this conversation.

"No..I.."

"Yet you kiss him back. Yet you don't stop him from kissing you?"

I gulp, moving my head in a no as he steps closer to me.
Fear enters my mind as the aura around him hits me.

"Alpha..King... please.."

"Yet you sit in his lap ,wearing these cheap clothes and let him kiss these lips?"

My back hits the tree bark and his eyes change colours. Placing my hands in front of me,I shivered.

"Please...I..."

"Tell me. Is he the only one or do you love doing this with others when you are in heat? How many bad guys have touched what only belonged to me?"

"Calm...down Alpha... please...I...."

"Tell me!"

He slams the tree bark on either side and I flinch in fear.
His arms prison me as he moves his face closer.

His breath hits my lips as his eyes are pools of hatred.
Shifting between grey and black, trying to get back his lost control.

I breathed heavily,unable to hold it in any longer.

Tears ran down my eyes as I closed them. Done with all this. I should have known this ,he is an Alpha. It would be a blessing if he didn't kill me after this betrayal.

"J...just reject...me"

I manage to whisper in my shaking voice,my lips wobbling and the saltness of my tears edible to my lips.

He froze at my words, but I refused to open my eyes.

I don't want to see the hate in them ,I have seen enough in my life. Not his as well.
Let him just reject me and get this over with .

My breathing hitched as I felt a soft touch on my lip. To only realise that I was biting it hard to draw blood from it .

I opened my eyes to see his grey orbs fixed on my lip,his thumb touching my lip to bring it out of the assault.

"I will"

He says and my wolf whines in my mind. Not ready to die so young. I am sorry...I hope you find someone else.

"But-"

He continues, my teary eyes to look back at him.

"After I have shown you how much your betrayal has hurt me. After, I have returned a hundred times what you gave me."

His hands move lower to rest on my waist and the tingles cause a warmness to spread inside me.

"After I have made you to beg me to touch you and after I have replaced you."

My eyes widen and the warmness inside me freezes. The butterflies in my stomach die down as I look at those beautiful orbs in helplessness.

No he can't...I have already suffered so much.. Please no.

And that's when his lips crash on me and my body is pushed back on the tree bark.
To experience what they call it.

A Kiss of true love.

If only it was because of love and not coated by hate.
If only I had been truthful and I hadn't betrayed.

Landon stares at the Alpha King sitting in front of him.
Confusion was evident in his eyes as he dared to question him again.

"My apologies, Alpha King, but did I hear you right? You want to take that Omega along with you."

Volkan just stared at him harder. His words were evidence of his irritation.

"Yes. The girl is to come with me. And in exchange ,you will be given the tender to Redwood territory"

Landon couldn't believe this. Thora was a used and broken pathetic Omega of his pack. What could a powerful man like him have to do with her?

"The offer sounds quite attractive, Alpha King. But may I know why?"

Volkan clenches his fist, not happy with him questioning him.
But he couldn't tell anyone she was his mate. He was ashamed to be honest.

"She has a really foul mouth. You know I don't take disrespect lightly,yet she dares to disrespect me. I will deal with her using my way in my territory."

Landon was not finding this hard to believe, Thora can be feisty and rude at times. Her foul language ,very well versed to him.

"My apologies, Alpha King. This girl's audacity. I can punish her if you say-"

"No need. I will take care of it myself."

Landon nods, giving him an apologetic smile.

"I agree Alpha King. This is a really great deal you offer. You can take her in exchange. An Omega like her is of not much use to me anyways."

Volkan nods, getting up and leaving. While Landon smiles to himself.
He will surely miss her , but she could be easily replaced.
And anyway,he was already bored of the pathetic girl.

That has been nothing but a burden since the day she was brought into his pack to take care of.
An unnecessary baggage he was relieved to get rid of.

Thora pov

I sit in a luxurious car which could fit a dozen people ,yet we both sit alone.

He sits in front of me ,busy with some work on his laptop. Not even once looking at me.

Not that I wanted him to stare at me.
But the way I was sitting directly in front of him, clothed yet exposed to his scrutiny.
It caused awkwardness and uneasiness to stretch between us.

Bored, I looked down at my hands tied with a rope. The very proof of him not trusting me or respecting me in any way.
I wriggle,trying to loosen it, but it only results in red marks on my wrist.

"I won't be leaving...please can you open this."

I asked and his fingers stopped typing. Those stormy grey eyes looked up at me and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Why was this man so scary?

Not replying ,he continues typing again and I sigh.

My eyes shifted to the view outside and I pushed myself closer to the window.
Wow! It was so beautiful.

I have never been out of my pack territory,I was not allowed to.
And the roads,the trees, the houses.
They all looked so intriguing to me.

If only I could feel the wind on my face, and take out my hand to feel it.
Biting my lip,I stared at the button.

Can I? Will he scold me...but he looks busy.

Pressing the button,I let the window roll down and before he could scold me.
I place my elbows on the sill and lift myself up.

The cold wind hits my face, making a smile come to my lips. My hair trails behind me , flying with the wind.

Wow! This was heaven.

But heaven was short-lived as I was pulled back to be miserable.
I looked at my side to see. My long hair was touching his face and he looked beyond irritated.

He moved his hand forward, grabbing my waist as I screamed at him.

"No!... Please!.Let me!"

My force and pleas were no use as I was harshly pulled back from my waist to land on his lap.
I again struggled to only have him coil his arm around my waist and turn up the window with his other hand.

"No! Please!"

"God! Stop women! Stop it!"

He curses behind me. His breath hits my ears, making a warmness to spread inside me.

"It's beautiful... please.."

I again try to only have his grip to tighten on my waist.
My back against his chest as I breathed heavily.

"Are you ok? Sit here silently."

He says and I feel frustrated. Why such words? I just wanted to look outside.

He hates you Thora. What do you expect? He will hate everything you do.

We continue to sit like this and the tingles start exploding. His scent overpowering, making me hold my breath.
When, suddenly, I was pushed to the seat next to him harshly.
Like my touch just burned him.

Because of my hands being tied,my head hits the headrest of the seat and a slight pain hits my skull.

He doesn't move,not bothered.

While I wringle, trying to adjust on my seat . He goes back to typing again and I just stare outside in longing.

I was going away from the prison Landon kept me in.I just hoped he would be better than him.

He hates me but I can see ...maybe he still feels something for me. The tingles,the warmness that I am feeling,he must be feeling it too.

I have a chance.

A chance to show I can be loyal to him. That I can love him like mates are supposed to.

And I won't let it go to waste. I will try to win him back no matter what it takes.

"What's your name?"

He asks suddenly , breaking me from the chain of my thoughts.
I thought he must have asked someone till now,but it seems he didn't care to even know his mate's name.

"Thora"

I answered,still looking outside. When he suddenly slams his laptop shut and the Aura around him changes drastically.

He was angry.

"Look at me when I ask you something."

I gulped, adjusting myself on the seat and turning my neck to look at him.
His grey eyes were boring holes into me.

"Full name. Pack of birth and parents name?"

He asks and I lower my eyes. He will hate me more. I know it already. After all, I was a nobody.

"I...I... don't know"

I say , staring at my hands as he turned to give me his full attention.

"What do you mean you don't know? Did you fall from the sky or what?"

He asks, irritated.

"I was found near the river by Landon's mother. I...I.am an orphan."

Silence. He just stares and then sighs, running his hand through his thick locks that have managed to fall on his forehead.

"See Thora. Let me get a few things straight before we enter my borders."

I shyly nodded, knowing things were going to go bad from here.

"First. No one, I repeat, no one is to know that you are my destined mate."

He was ashamed of telling them ,I know. God! Why am I feeling so hurt?

"Two. You are to follow my orders,no matter what. I ask you to come,you come. I ask you to leave,you do without questioning. No ifs and buts or you will be punished just like others."

I nodded again, looking down. I will try my best to be the perfect mate. I will change his perspective on me.

"And three..."

He goes silent and I look up at him from below my eyelashes.
Why did he stop?
His eyes took me from top to bottom.
From my legs to my face and I feel suffocated.

His features cover in disgust and I prepared for the worst.

"If I see you flirting around with my men. I swear on moon goddess Thora. I will first kill you before I kill him. Am I understood?"

I gulp. His words made me shiver.

"Y..es Alpha"

I say and before I know ,my chin is roughly grabbed and he pulls up my face.
My widened brown eyes met his cold grey ones as he uttered with pure hatred.

"I said look at me and answer, do I have to remind this the hard way?"

I move my head in a no and he leaves my chin. Sitting back on his seat and adjusting his tuxedo.
I take a deep breath, tears stinging my eyes.

So much hatred? How will I teach him to love me ?
What does it take to amend one's mistakes?

"Clean your tears. We are approaching."

He orders and I look up to see a castle welcoming us.
I used my shoulder sleeve to clean the traces of tears in my eyes, as I took in the beauty of the place through my hazy vision.

The Volkan Empire

Read a big stone encryption on the entrance and I felt my heart drop in the pit of my stomach.

...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

"Locked under the magic of witchcraft is a wolf strongest known to exist.
With eyes red as blood and fur dark as night, he was a sight no one remained alive to describe.
Many have tried bringing it to life,but failed to give away their lives.
Until an innocent girl comes, sealing her and the fate of entire mankind
The girl named Thora Valentine"

7:15 am
Bloodmoon pack grounds
A girl lay on the cold freezing ground.Her breath came out heavy as she tries to move.
Her muscles were sore with the punishment,lips cracked and dried.
She pulls on her arms to hear the cranking of steel chains tied around her hands and legs,sighing. She leaves the struggle ,once again.

12 hours 42 minutes

The exact time she was tied there,to serve her punishment ordered by the Alpha.
And this was not the first time anyway.
She was used to the treatment till now.
After all, she was just a weak Omega in the strongest pack in the world.
This was inevitable.
She was thirsty. And her senses were playing games with her.
She gulped and tried to moisten her lips ,but they only aggravated it.

"What a shame Thora. Had you accepted my offer, you would have been enjoying the luxury of my mattress right now."

A voice spoke from behind her and she already knew who it was.
Her punisher,her tormentor, her Alpha
She refused to reply,let alone look at him, and this didn't settle well with him.
Placing a bottle of water in front of her,he crouches at her level.
An evil smirk was present on his lips.

"Thirsty princess? Here ,have it"

She knew better, nothing came for free.
Nothing except pain and sufferings.
He studied her dropping brown eyes and trembling body.
The thought of her being helpless and completely at his mercy, excited him.
Opening the cap,he gulps the liquid to only leave a sip in the end.
Moving the brim to her lips, he urges her to take it.

She bites her lip,looking up at him and her beautiful brown eyes lock on him.
Defiance and confidence.
So much broken ,yet so much still to break.
Ruined,but only partially.
Used but not surrendered.

"Put it up your as...you bad guy!"

Her words surprised him ,and he chuckled and got up.
Whenever he thinks he has broken her,she comes back.
Stronger and braver.
A weak Omega by strength but a strong willed by brain.
Interesting.
"Okay princess. If you don't like my generosity,I won't be offering you any."

His voice turns cold as he continues,fingers placed on her chin to make her look up at him.

"12 hours more and the lashes will be complimentary."

She will not be able to remain conscious after this,she already knows.
But her eyes refused to lower down in submission.
She will die before she accepts defeat to a man like him.

"Bring it on Alpha"

He leaves her chin and stares at her for a minute.
And then ,leaves as the first rays of sunlight penetrate to melt the freezing snow surrounding her.
Her body continues to tremble and soon she falls into a deep slumber.

"Alpha Landon! The punishment has been served"

The guard informs the Alpha ,who stops writing for a second and acknowledges him.
"Is she conscious?"
"I am afraid not Alpha. Do you want me to wake her up ?"
"No need. Call the pack doctor and let him check on her. Once done , escort her to her quarters."
The guard nods and leaves,closing his door.
Alpha Landon sighs and looks down at the paper in his hands.

Invitation to the Alpha King and members of the werewolf council.
The Alpha King was coming to his territory with his council members. He hopes he is satisfied and gives him the approval on the latest pack acquisition deal.
If he gets it, Redmoon pack will be not only the strongest, but also the largest pack in warewolf history.
It will be his biggest milestone.
Smiling at himself,he places the invitation card in the drawer and runs his hand through his hair.
He was too stressed ,he needed to let it out.
Now that the Omega was unconscious,he needed to find a replacement.
Picking up his phone,he dials the one he enjoys the most, after his Omega offcourse.
"Greetings Alpha. How are you doing?"
"Cut the crab. My room in 5 "
Ending the call,he loosens his tie and gets up from his seat.
Ready to leave for the night.
London Anderson was a true bast*** in all senses.
And no one knew him better than the girl that had seen his worst.
The Omega who he tried his best to break.
But he failed even after 7 years of his tortures and games.
Was she truly indestructible or was it just a facade?
For even rocks break when subdued to high temperatures and pressures.
And what she had suffered was way more than that.
Landon sat in his seat,waiting for the Alpha king's arrival.
His eyes landed on Thora,who stood beside him in his chosen dress.

A small maid's dress ,with its hem barely covering her as. The blouse is tight,highlighting her thin yet perfect figure.

"You are to serve them the drinks and food. No mistakes will be tolerated. Am I clear?"

She nods ,not in the mood to fight with him after the punishment last night.
The whip marks were still fresh on her back.

"Good. Now come here."

He says with a smirk and she already knew what this was about.
Grabbing her from her waist,he makes her land on his lap.

Before she could react,he crashed his lips on her.
Thrashing was no use. She was used to his behaviour till now.
Laying still ,she allows him to kiss her.

But then all of a sudden,her weak wolf thrashed in her mind and she started pushing him back.
This was not right,she doesn't feel right.

Landon leaves and smirks, looking at the entrance and that's when she felt her senses freeze all of a sudden.

No! This can't be.

Pinewood and rain fragrance hit her in full force and she clenched her fists.

"Greetings Alpha King!"

Landon spoke.
And that was it,her whole world collapsed right there.
The mate she thought would protect her , had seen her kissing another man the very first time they met.

And what did he say? Alpha King? No he can't be....a powerful man like him... impossible..... he must be one of the other men on his council.

She didn't dare to look back. Her mind froze.
His aura surrounded him in deadly waves,making her wish this ground to open and swallow her down.

The Alpha King didn't speak. His silence made her more uneasy.

Landon stares at her confused and then whispers in her ear, making her body tremble.

"Turn around and greet the Alpha princess. He doesn't take disrespect lightly."

But she couldn't.
She can't see those eyes staring at her in hate.
She can't let her only hope of escaping this one die.

Before she couldn't say another word,Landon's arm coiled around her waist and he turned her around.

"Bow"

He orders and she does,keeping her eyes on the floor.
She could feel a burning gaze on her and she knew then.

He would hate her .

"I have been waiting for you Sir. Please take a seat."

The Alpha didn't move , making her shift her weight from one leg to another.

Should I look up at him? Who is he? That stare...it's burning and suffocating...I have to look up...but I am an Omega... it will be considered disrespect.

She was debating in her mind when she felt a rough grip on her arm.
She flinched as Landon whispered in her ear.

"Get drinks. Don't stand like a innoncent here."

And that's all she needed, without looking back at those burning eyes. She scurried down the hall, arranging for the starters.
Her heart beating heavily in her chest as she leans her head on the wall and tries to calm herself.

Volkan's pov

My eyes were fixed on the back of my mate. It was bare in that filthy maid's dress.

My fists clenched as my eyes went lower to see the tunic barely covering her as.

"Alpha King , please have a seat"

The bad guy speaks, giving me a small smile.
Alpha Landon ,one of the strongest and well reputed Alpha's in our Kingdom.
I wanted to believe that he was a playboy ,who tried to lure my mate.

But his reputation said otherwise.

He was respected by all and no one had heard of him disrespecting girls.
It was either he was masking it well or he was really a genuine man.

But that kiss....he kissed my mate and the worst part was that she didn't even push him.

Sitting down on the table,I take deep breaths to calm my wolf.
The very thought of our mate, losing her purity to some bad guy, making a fire of fury to burn in me.

Had she already betrayed me?

I have waited for her for so many years,yet she couldn't wait for me.
Sleeping around with other men to satisfy her heat?

The meeting progressed and my council members started discussing ,while I remained silent.
My mind is lost in assumptions and betrayals.

When suddenly, the door opens and her scent hits me before I see her.
So addicting, yet impure and defiled.

Intermingled with this bad guys. Have they done it today?

She steps forward,balancing a tray in her hands.
Her hands shake as she walks with those high 4 inch heels,making her legs look longer.

Her hair was veiling her face as I stared at those downcast eyes.

Daring them to look at me. Her steps turned hasty and then all of a sudden Landon ordered her, having her beautiful brown eyes to look at him.

"Hurry up "

He says and she again nods like an obedient pet, lowering her eyes to the floor.

My beast was struggling,seeing her getting ordered around like that. Her being so submissive to him, like the bad guy Landon owned her.

God! I have to leave. My emotions are going out of control.

"Excuse me"

Pardoning myself ,I got up to leave when I almost crashed into her as I turned.

"Ahhhh"

She shrieks in surprise. The champagne glasses shattered as they hit the floor and the sound of the tray hitting the floor, echoing in the corridor.

My breathing stopped for a second as I saw her staring at me.
Her innocent eyes met mine and my wolf went crazy in my mind.

Mate! Mate!

Her mouth opened and closed in shock as she realised who I was.

Her mate. The man she had already betrayed.

"I....I....am sorry...I ..."

She stutters,her eyes looking innocent and beautiful.
If only she was as well.

She looks lower to stare at my tuxedo and next I know,she bravely takes a napkin from the table and dabs it on my chest, trying to clean the stain on my shirt.

"Please...I...am really...sorry...I was..not looking...."

Her fingers touched my chest and that's when, what they call, the explosion of tingles blasted into full force.

She freezes and her hands stop.

As she looked up at me ,shocked and surprised. I stepped back, making agony and pain flood through her innocent eyes.

Her fingers stopped in mid air and she clenched her hand.
While I continue to look at her with indifference and coldness.

"Thora! What on earthl!"

Landon screams and she starts apologising again.

"Alpha...I beg pardon..she is -"

I barely show him my hand and he stops in between. She looks down at the broken pieces of glass, her hands fidgeting as she sits down to pick them up and place them in the tray.

I looked down at her picking up the broken pieces of glass near my feet and I saw the other other men staring at her behind.

I clench my fist.

The pathetic excuse of her tunic was hiding nothing and my beast was infuriating.
I wanted to kill my own men because of her.

God!

I have to leave. Side stepping her,I leave the meeting as murmurs follow behind me.

But I didn't care.

I have to leave before my beast is unleashed and this place turns into a bloodbath.

Going away from her scent,my senses calm down as I shift into my wolf , approaching the bordering forest.

My paws hit against the ground and the cold winds on my fur,calms my chaotic mind.

I have to meet her once, to know if she has really betrayed me.

And with this thought,I roared, looking at the moon , making the ground shake under my feet.

Thora's pov

I was trembling,like literally. The dirty utensils shaking in my hands as I cleaned them under the freezing water.

Surprisingly Landon didn't scold me or punish me after that small accident.
But I guess that's because he was very busy at today's meeting.

My mate's grey eyes make a shiver run down my spine. And I move my head, trying to forget about him.

But who was I kidding? My mate was no ordinary man.

He was the werewolf King.

King Volkan Knight

Gulping ,I clean the sweat on my forehead with my sleeve and place the last utensil in the utensil tray.
Done with today's work.

Sighing, I looked up at the full moon , wondering what my future will hold.

He already hates me.I saw it in his eyes.
He thinks I have betrayed him,if only he knew the truth.

My mate is going to reject me.

This was the harsh reality. Every wolf feared this and mine was just going to become true.

There is no escape from this place now. I guess I have to die here as well.
Being a slave to that bad guy all my life, pleasing him till I forgot myself.

My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a strong gust of wind hit me, his tempting scent lingering with it.

Knowing what it meant,I stood up. Trying to pull down this useless skirt, which was really uncomfortable.

I looked around to sense him ,when my eyes stopped at a silhouette near a tree.
His back leaning against it and hands crossed in front of his chest.

I gulp , moving closer. I already know why he was here.

No man would accept a used mate. He was not going to be an exception.

"Alpha...King...you needed something...you should have sent someone for it..."

I said , bowing down in respect. He was a powerful man,the most powerful man in our Kingdom in fact.
And Omegas like me are killed for even making eye contact with him.

He didn't say anything,but his stare remained.
It is a strange feeling to erupt in my insides. I have never felt like this before.

"Let me know if I can help you...do you need-"

"Shut up"

He says , making my trap shut and mind to freeze.
Goosebumps appear on my skin and I bite my lips, scolding myself for blabbering in front of him.

He stares again.

And the silence stretches. Making my anxiety increase with every second.
A few minutes later, he straightens his back and stands up , making his way towards me.

My eyes remain rooted to the ground as he steps closer.
The storm of anxiety in my chest , thrashing.

"Have you had fun with him?"

He asks and my heart stops. My widened eyes looked up at his cold grey eyes and I forgot to breathe for a few seconds.

So direct?

How do I answer this? Yes ...I have, but not willingly...he blackmailed me..

"I....we.....few...times...but...I.. didn't-"

I stutter. That only makes his jaw harden. His closeness, plays with my brain,my body aching for him to touch me.
God! What was happening to me ? And then I remembered,it was a full moon today...the matebond is the strongest.

"Yes or No"

He commands and I lower my stare. Why? I wanted to explain...I thought he would trust me...if not, atleast give me a chance.

"Yes"

I say and saw his fist clench. I step back afraid I will be a target of it.
He again doesn't say anything for a minute , making my legs lose their strength and my wolf cry in my mind.

She was already very weak. She could die if he rejects me.
What can I do to save her?

"I waited 26 years for you. Not even touching a woman, fearing I would be betraying you. Yet you couldn't save yourself for me?"

He says and I am surprised. It's very rare, men's instincts are way stronger than women's and I have never heard of any man controlling his urges and saving his first for his mate.

Yet,he did it. But for whom?

For me. For someone who has lost everything in this life except for her indomitable will to survive.

"I am sorry ..I...."

He raises his hand again ,not letting me explain.
But even if I speak,I won't be able to tell him the full truth.

"Do you love him?"

He asks and my mouth opens in surprise. Is he serious?
Which mate asks another if they love someone else.
I can see he is stopping himself or I would have already been rejected by him before this conversation.

"No..I.."

"Yet you kiss him back. Yet you don't stop him from kissing you?"

I gulp, moving my head in a no as he steps closer to me.
Fear enters my mind as the aura around him hits me.

"Alpha..King... please.."

"Yet you sit in his lap ,wearing these cheap clothes and let him kiss these lips?"

My back hits the tree bark and his eyes change colours. Placing my hands in front of me,I shivered.

"Please...I..."

"Tell me. Is he the only one or do you love doing this with others when you are in heat? How many bad guys have touched what only belonged to me?"

"Calm...down Alpha... please...I...."

"Tell me!"

He slams the tree bark on either side and I flinch in fear.
His arms prison me as he moves his face closer.

His breath hits my lips as his eyes are pools of hatred.
Shifting between grey and black, trying to get back his lost control.

I breathed heavily,unable to hold it in any longer.

Tears ran down my eyes as I closed them. Done with all this. I should have known this ,he is an Alpha. It would be a blessing if he didn't kill me after this betrayal.

"J...just reject...me"

I manage to whisper in my shaking voice,my lips wobbling and the saltness of my tears edible to my lips.

He froze at my words, but I refused to open my eyes.

I don't want to see the hate in them ,I have seen enough in my life. Not his as well.
Let him just reject me and get this over with .

My breathing hitched as I felt a soft touch on my lip. To only realise that I was biting it hard to draw blood from it .

I opened my eyes to see his grey orbs fixed on my lip,his thumb touching my lip to bring it out of the assault.

"I will"

He says and my wolf whines in my mind. Not ready to die so young. I am sorry...I hope you find someone else.

"But-"

He continues, my teary eyes to look back at him.

"After I have shown you how much your betrayal has hurt me. After, I have returned a hundred times what you gave me."

His hands move lower to rest on my waist and the tingles cause a warmness to spread inside me.

"After I have made you to beg me to touch you and after I have replaced you."

My eyes widen and the warmness inside me freezes. The butterflies in my stomach die down as I look at those beautiful orbs in helplessness.

No he can't...I have already suffered so much.. Please no.

And that's when his lips crash on me and my body is pushed back on the tree bark.
To experience what they call it.

A Kiss of true love.

If only it was because of love and not coated by hate.
If only I had been truthful and I hadn't betrayed.

Landon stares at the Alpha King sitting in front of him.
Confusion was evident in his eyes as he dared to question him again.

"My apologies, Alpha King, but did I hear you right? You want to take that Omega along with you."

Volkan just stared at him harder. His words were evidence of his irritation.

"Yes. The girl is to come with me. And in exchange ,you will be given the tender to Redwood territory"

Landon couldn't believe this. Thora was a used and broken pathetic Omega of his pack. What could a powerful man like him have to do with her?

"The offer sounds quite attractive, Alpha King. But may I know why?"

Volkan clenches his fist, not happy with him questioning him.
But he couldn't tell anyone she was his mate. He was ashamed to be honest.

"She has a really foul mouth. You know I don't take disrespect lightly,yet she dares to disrespect me. I will deal with her using my way in my territory."

Landon was not finding this hard to believe, Thora can be feisty and rude at times. Her foul language ,very well versed to him.

"My apologies, Alpha King. This girl's audacity. I can punish her if you say-"

"No need. I will take care of it myself."

Landon nods, giving him an apologetic smile.

"I agree Alpha King. This is a really great deal you offer. You can take her in exchange. An Omega like her is of not much use to me anyways."

Volkan nods, getting up and leaving. While Landon smiles to himself.
He will surely miss her , but she could be easily replaced.
And anyway,he was already bored of the pathetic girl.

That has been nothing but a burden since the day she was brought into his pack to take care of.
An unnecessary baggage he was relieved to get rid of.

Thora pov

I sit in a luxurious car which could fit a dozen people ,yet we both sit alone.

He sits in front of me ,busy with some work on his laptop. Not even once looking at me.

Not that I wanted him to stare at me.
But the way I was sitting directly in front of him, clothed yet exposed to his scrutiny.
It caused awkwardness and uneasiness to stretch between us.

Bored, I looked down at my hands tied with a rope. The very proof of him not trusting me or respecting me in any way.
I wriggle,trying to loosen it, but it only results in red marks on my wrist.

"I won't be leaving...please can you open this."

I asked and his fingers stopped typing. Those stormy grey eyes looked up at me and I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Why was this man so scary?

Not replying ,he continues typing again and I sigh.

My eyes shifted to the view outside and I pushed myself closer to the window.
Wow! It was so beautiful.

I have never been out of my pack territory,I was not allowed to.
And the roads,the trees, the houses.
They all looked so intriguing to me.

If only I could feel the wind on my face, and take out my hand to feel it.
Biting my lip,I stared at the button.

Can I? Will he scold me...but he looks busy.

Pressing the button,I let the window roll down and before he could scold me.
I place my elbows on the sill and lift myself up.

The cold wind hits my face, making a smile come to my lips. My hair trails behind me , flying with the wind.

Wow! This was heaven.

But heaven was short-lived as I was pulled back to be miserable.
I looked at my side to see. My long hair was touching his face and he looked beyond irritated.

He moved his hand forward, grabbing my waist as I screamed at him.

"No!... Please!.Let me!"

My force and pleas were no use as I was harshly pulled back from my waist to land on his lap.
I again struggled to only have him coil his arm around my waist and turn up the window with his other hand.

"No! Please!"

"God! Stop women! Stop it!"

He curses behind me. His breath hits my ears, making a warmness to spread inside me.

"It's beautiful... please.."

I again try to only have his grip to tighten on my waist.
My back against his chest as I breathed heavily.

"Are you ok? Sit here silently."

He says and I feel frustrated. Why such words? I just wanted to look outside.

He hates you Thora. What do you expect? He will hate everything you do.

We continue to sit like this and the tingles start exploding. His scent overpowering, making me hold my breath.
When, suddenly, I was pushed to the seat next to him harshly.
Like my touch just burned him.

Because of my hands being tied,my head hits the headrest of the seat and a slight pain hits my skull.

He doesn't move,not bothered.

While I wringle, trying to adjust on my seat . He goes back to typing again and I just stare outside in longing.

I was going away from the prison Landon kept me in.I just hoped he would be better than him.

He hates me but I can see ...maybe he still feels something for me. The tingles,the warmness that I am feeling,he must be feeling it too.

I have a chance.

A chance to show I can be loyal to him. That I can love him like mates are supposed to.

And I won't let it go to waste. I will try to win him back no matter what it takes.

"What's your name?"

He asks suddenly , breaking me from the chain of my thoughts.
I thought he must have asked someone till now,but it seems he didn't care to even know his mate's name.

"Thora"

I answered,still looking outside. When he suddenly slams his laptop shut and the Aura around him changes drastically.

He was angry.

"Look at me when I ask you something."

I gulped, adjusting myself on the seat and turning my neck to look at him.
His grey eyes were boring holes into me.

"Full name. Pack of birth and parents name?"

He asks and I lower my eyes. He will hate me more. I know it already. After all, I was a nobody.

"I...I... don't know"

I say , staring at my hands as he turned to give me his full attention.

"What do you mean you don't know? Did you fall from the sky or what?"

He asks, irritated.

"I was found near the river by Landon's mother. I...I.am an orphan."

Silence. He just stares and then sighs, running his hand through his thick locks that have managed to fall on his forehead.

"See Thora. Let me get a few things straight before we enter my borders."

I shyly nodded, knowing things were going to go bad from here.

"First. No one, I repeat, no one is to know that you are my destined mate."

He was ashamed of telling them ,I know. God! Why am I feeling so hurt?

"Two. You are to follow my orders,no matter what. I ask you to come,you come. I ask you to leave,you do without questioning. No ifs and buts or you will be punished just like others."

I nodded again, looking down. I will try my best to be the perfect mate. I will change his perspective on me.

"And three..."

He goes silent and I look up at him from below my eyelashes.
Why did he stop?
His eyes took me from top to bottom.
From my legs to my face and I feel suffocated.

His features cover in disgust and I prepared for the worst.

"If I see you flirting around with my men. I swear on moon goddess Thora. I will first kill you before I kill him. Am I understood?"

I gulp. His words made me shiver.

"Y..es Alpha"

I say and before I know ,my chin is roughly grabbed and he pulls up my face.
My widened brown eyes met his cold grey ones as he uttered with pure hatred.

"I said look at me and answer, do I have to remind this the hard way?"

I move my head in a no and he leaves my chin. Sitting back on his seat and adjusting his tuxedo.
I take a deep breath, tears stinging my eyes.

So much hatred? How will I teach him to love me ?
What does it take to amend one's mistakes?

"Clean your tears. We are approaching."

He orders and I look up to see a castle welcoming us.
I used my shoulder sleeve to clean the traces of tears in my eyes, as I took in the beauty of the place through my hazy vision.

The Volkan Empire

Read a big stone encryption on the entrance and I felt my heart drop in the pit of my stomach.

...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

“You’re soaked, honey.” Calix voice was husky. “If you need to come, you have 3 mates who are more than capable of satisfying you.”

“Feel what you do to us sweetheart.” Alex boldly took my hands and put one on his mennber and the other on Felix’s.

“I'd never been with more than one person at once...” I had heard of girls with multiple mates passing out because their rgasms were so intense. I felt overwhelmed just thinking about it.

“We’ll be going easy on you babe.” said Felix with hungry eyes at my chest. “Gosh they are gorgeous. I can’t wait to taste them.”

I couldn’t help but let out a groan.

“I want... All of you. Now.” I opened my leegs wider and blurted out.

------

Tomorrow was my birthday, not that anyone cared or even remembered because it was also the birthday of the Thorn Triplets. The Thorn Triplets were the pride and joy of the Winter Moon Pack. They were the sons of Alpha Romeo Thorn. They were filthy rich, devilishly handsome and disgustingly arrogant. All the young she-wolves adored them wholeheartedly and stroked their egos on a daily basis. I was cursed to share a birthday and a home with them.

At the tender age of nine, my drug-addicted parents left the pack to go rogue and had not been seen or heard from since. They left no instructions regarding their wishes for me so I was taken into the pack house under the care of Alpha Romeo and his wife, Ronnie. As if I had not been devastated enough, I now had three twelve-year old tormenters. The identical triplet sons of the Alpha were, in order of birth, Alex, Felix and Calix. They despised me and ensured that I knew I was beneath them. My parents had incurred a huge debt due to their drug seeking habits which was paid off by the Alpha. Thus, I had to earn my keep and repay my debt by doing as many chores as possible while the triplets enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the very same house.

In some packs the new Alpha ascends at age eighteen when they first shift but in mine, the age for ascension was twenty one. Thus tomorrow, on November eleventh, the triplets would turn twenty-one and take over the pack while I would turn eighteen and experience my first shift. Eighteen was also the minimum age when werewolves found their fated mate but I did not care about that. All I wanted was to come of age so I could leave this behind.

At least, the pack house had beautiful scenery. We were close to the north pole so snow was an everyday affair though there was no sign of Santa Claus. I certainly did not expect any birthday presents this November or Christmas presents come December. The pack made it clear that I owed them money and they were subtracting everything they did not spend on me from the huge debt. They also subtracted my “wages” from the debt so I was never given any money. I was allowed food, clothes and shelter, the basics.

I slowly got out of bed. The sun was just peeking out from behind a snow-covered horizon. Everything glistened. I gazed out my window at the wintry terrain. I sighed. I had to start making breakfast for everyone. Despite the huge size of the pack house with its luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms, I was given a small empty storage room to stay in. I had a cot, a shelf of second-hand books and a single drawer full of second hand clothes. The other drawers contained extra cleaning supplies as I did the housekeeping work also.

I used the common room’s bathroom, showering quickly. I looked at myself in the mirror. My parents had name me Chasity but everyone in the pack called me Charity. This was started by the triplets as a joke and because they said it so often, even decent pack members thought it was my real name. I was so shy and scared as a child that I never bothered to correct them so it had stuck.

I detangled my waist-length dark blonde curls and put them up in a huge bun. Whenever I left them down the triplets would pull my hair ever since we were little. They had not grown out of this habit even in adulthood. I sighed. There were dark circles forming under my large brown eyes. My light brown skin looked sallow. I had been overworking myself or rather the Thorn family had been overworking me. They used to have a maid and a cook with me as the sole assistant of both, but they had fired them last month after numerous conflicts between them and the spoilt triplets. For the past month, I had been drowning in work while attending my final year of high school. I had seven more months of high school before I could leave this place. That was the deal. At eighteen and after high school, I got my freedom and whatever I had paid off by then would be the end of it. The current Alpha and Luna seemed to think they were being extremely generous.

The pack house had a really good heating system so despite the fact that outside looked like the frigid tundra, inside was pretty warm. I put on a long-sleeved white babydoll top that covered my behind as I was wearing just black leggings underneath. I started on breakfast. As it was the Triplets’ “birthday week” and they would soon be Alphas, everyday was a feast day. I made waffles, pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs and sausages. I put the butter and maple syrup on the table. I made coffee. I quickly drank some sweet, milky coffee for some energy and started setting the table.

Luna Ronnie entered the dining room, eyeing me, scrutinising my handy-work. She was a tall woman with dark brown long straight hair, pale skin and green eyes.

“The table looks nice,” she said, a rare compliment. “But have you washed all the wares? Wash them all before you eat!”

Alpha Romeo sauntered in, kissing his Luna gently. He nodded in approval at the breakfast spread. I smiled feebly at him. I heard heavy footsteps on the stairs and I took a deep breath. The Triplet Terrors were coming. They towered over me at six feet and four inches each, exactly a foot taller than me. They resembled their father with their shoulder-length thick shiny black hair, chiseled faces, baby blue eyes, dimples and chin-clefts. As they were Alphas they were all broad-shouldered and muscled blessed with super speed and super strength even beyond what was considered extraordinary for a werewolf. They were perfectly identical and perfectly heinous or at least they were to me. Their deep voices boomed as they shouted excitedly, shoving each other playfully. They would be twenty-one tomorrow but they still acted like they were twelve.

Alex was the eldest and the most serious and severe. He would surely rule with an iron fist and a surly demeanour. Felix as the middle triplet loved being the centre of attention and was naturally filled with wise-cracks, jokes and quips. Classic middle child. The youngest, Calix, was the charmer, a professional sweet-talker and Mommy’s favourite. He almost treated me like I was human.

“Did you make all of this, Charity?” Asked Calix, immediately trying to pull my hair out of its bun. I nodded, dodging him, only to bump into Felix who smirked and slipped my hair tie off. My curls tumbled down all around me. Felix and Calix laughed.

“Stop!” I implored them, reaching for my only hair tie. Felix held it high above my head. He threw it to Alex who caught it and put it in his pocket. I tried to lunge towards Alex but Felix grabbed me. Felix and Alex started shoving me back and forth between them like I was a ball and they were playing catch.

“I give up! I give up!” I said while they snickered.

Calix said, “All right. Cut it out. Let her go wash the wares. Mom wants the place kept as clean as possible so there’ll be less to do tomorrow.”

The elder two relinquished me. I ran into the kitchen. My heart was racing. I started on the dishes. By the time I was done, the family of five hungry werewolves, four of them from Alpha stock, had devoured literally everything I made except for one pancake. The chairs were all empty. I went to get the last pancake but Felix snatched it up. He had zoomed in out of nowhere, fast as a cheetah and quiet as a mouse.

“I haven’t eaten anything,” I told him, my eyes wide.

“Good, you’re fat enough as it is,” he said, sneering. He ate the pancake in two bites.

I sighed. I refused to cry. I had not cried in front of them since the first year of torment when I was nine. My tenth birthday marked a very important vow I had made to myself after crying almost every single day at aged nine. The vow was that I would never let the Triplets make me cry ever again. I would be strong. I had kept that vow successfully for eight years come tomorrow. The comment stung though. The Triplets were widely regarded as the most handsome eligible bachelors in the Pack. They constantly attacked my weight. I was not overweight but I had a curvy hourglass figure. My waist was slender. I wore about a size 4 in clothes which was small enough in my opinion but all the Triplets had stick-thin size 0 girlfriends.

I had to take the bus to school. I had thrown on a man’s black coat over my white top and leggings, another hand-me-down. I managed to find another hair tie but this was truly the last one. The Pack high school was called Winter Moon High after the pack. Our pack colours, and therefore also the school colours, were white, blue and silver. The whole school was decorated with streamers and balloons in celebration of the new Alphas, the Triplets.

“You’re so lucky, Charity,” said Mina Toros, the most popular girl in my senior year. She tossed her long dark hair back and pursed her plump red lips in her locker’s inside mirror. She was wearing a pink skirt short enough to qualify as belt. Thank goodness she had opaque tights on underneath. She usually ignored me except for the occasional pronouncement of how “lucky” I was.

“The things I’d to those Triplets if I lived in that house,” Mina said, licking her lips.

“You’d have to drop out!” Squealed her best friend, the second most popular girl, Tina Gregory. “You’d get pregnant the first month there.”

Tina had flawless dark brown skin with curly hair. She was tall and waif-like and also wore a pink skirt short enough to be a belt with opaque tights. Mina and Tina usually matched as though they were twins. Mina cackled at Tina’s joke.

“You know, Charity,” said Mina suddenly. “You’re not totally hideous.”

Gee, thanks.

“Ok,” I said, clutching my books. The girls were blocking my locker which was sandwiched between their two lockers. Lucky me, indeed.

“Yeah,” agreed Tina. “Your hair is actually pretty. You’re like a biracial Goldie Locks.”

I smiled. That sounded like a real compliment.

“Thanks Tina!” I said.

“Ohhh! And those Triplets are the three bears!” Shrieked Mina. “If I were their Goldie Locks I’d make sure everything was just right, get it?”

“Or too big,” said Tina, giggling.

“That means one of the triplets has to be too small,” I said softly.

Being werewolves, Mina and Tina heard me and they burst out laughing. Wow. I was actually getting along with them for five minutes.

“That was a good one, Charity, surprising,” said Tina, looking at me like she was now seeing me for the first time.

“Yeah,” said Mina giving me the same strange appraising look. “You know, if you had the money, imagine how cute you could look.”

I fidgeted uncomfortably, suddenly hyperaware of the patches in my clothes. Mina and Tina strutted off and I hurriedly opened my locker and got out my Math book. Mr Johnson who coached football and taught Math looked like he should be an Alpha too. He was huge and really attractive for a teacher. He was married though to his mate, the Art teacher, Mrs Johnson. He handed out our graded tests while Tina and Mina made flirty faces at him. Those flirty faces were not doing them any good. I noticed they got an F and an F minus respectively. I did not know F minus existed before today. He smiled at me and winked. My heart skipped a beat. “A plus as usual Math champ,” he boomed. Mr Johnson was one of the few people in my life who was nice to me.

“Mina and Tina, see me after class,” Mr Johnson said.

After class, Ashton Peters, a tall buff redhead who played football and was well-liked in the pack, pretended to knock into my desk.The stack of papers on my desk went flying all over the room. Mr Johnson spotted it.

“Stay and help her pick those up, Aston, my boy,” boomed Mr Johnson.

“Aww, coach, I’ll be late for football practice,” he whined.

“And we’ll be late for cheerleading practice,” said Mina and Tina in unison, pouting.

“I’m the coach, Aston, go ahead and be late. I’ll explain to your cheerleading coach ok, girls,” said Mr Johnson.

Ashton grumbled. He glared at me as if this were my fault. He started picking up papers at werewolf speed which cause the ones I was picking up to fly around due to the displaced wind. I eavesdropped on the meeting with Mina and Tina.

“Mina, Tina, I’m giving you a homework assignment to make up those grades. If you don’t ace it there won’t be any cheerleading,” he said.

The girls gasped. He handed them a stack of papers each and told them they could work on it together and that he set the questions himself so they would not find the answers online. I snatched up the last few papers from the floor and took the stack Ashton was handing me without looking at me.

“Thanks,” I said softly to him.

He glanced down at me, surprised by my thanks. He looked a little guilty all of a sudden. Mr Johnson left the room, leaving Mina and Tina looking dejected. Ashton grabbed the hair tie from my hair just like Calix had this morning. My curls came tumbling down again. I shrieked. I was so fed up. Ashton laughed and ran away to football practice. There went my last hair tie and my birthday was tomorrow.

“Aren’t you going to cheerleading?” I asked the girls, actually feeling sorry for them as they had been sort of nice earlier.

“No,” said Mina.

“What’s the use. We’ll never ace this homework so we’ll fail the class and be banned from the squad anyway,” explained Tina.

I walked up to them and looked at the homework assignment. I snorted. I could get 100% in this in my sleep. I was suddenly struck by an idea.

“Remember how you girls said I had…potential,” I said, looking at them.

They shrugged.

“I’ll do the assignment and you copy it over in your handwritings and ace it ok,” I offered.

The girls squealed. They jumped up hugging each other and me.

“Wait!” Said Mina, raising her eyebrows.

“What’s the catch?” Asked Tina, narrowing her eyes.

“I’m turning eighteen tomorrow too,” I said.

They gasped.

“You have the same birthday as the triplets?” Mina asked.

“Wait that means everyone ignores your birthday like every single year,” said Tina.

It was my turn to shrug.

“And they will this year too but I at least wanna feel…special. I’m gonna shift for the first time at midnight and who knows…I might see my mate at the big party…not that I care…” I rambled.

“You wanna look hot! Is that it?” Mina said smirking.

“Yeah you want us to make you over?” Tina asked, smiling.

I nodded.

Chapter 2: Makeover!

I was supposed to go home immediately after school to help with the preparations for the huge birthday party tomorrow night for the Triplets but I had to do the assignment for the girls and they had to make me over. I knew I would pay for it later but whatever. The Thorns had hired a party planner. They should be okay for a few hours without their werewolf Cinderella.

I did the assignment for the girls literally in the car on the way to the mall. It was that easy. Math was my thing. I was a nerd in general and I was proud of this even though werewolves prized brawn and beauty over brains any day.

The girls were impressed. They quickly copied it over sitting in the freezing car parking lot with the heater turned up. Mina drove a sports car. I did not know what kind but I knew that Mina and Tina were almost as rich as the Alpha and his family. They dragged me into the mall, squealing excitedly as though I was doing them a favour even when it came to the makeover. I reminded them I had no money. They rolled their eyes and ignored me. I guessed I could consider the stuff they bought as part of the deal.

I tried on outfit after outfit. Mina and Tina rated each one and seemed to having a blast. This was actually kind of fun. They encouraged me to pick out a lot of miniskirts and mini dresses. They said I had “great legs” and “nice boobs” even though the Triplets called me fat. Honestly, the clothes they picked for me did look great. I had some trouble walking in heels but the girls made me practice in the store like it was a runway. They pretended to be on a catwalk too. They were so confident. I had to marvel at them. Next they showed me what makeup to wear and how to style my hair at Tina’s house. They did a test run. I looked in Tina’s floor-length mirror and my jaw dropped.

I had on high heeled black ankle boots with a mini pleated black skirt. I was wearing black stockings as it was cold out even for a werewolf. My long-sleeved white top had a sweetheart neckline that was really flattering. My hair was so shiny in loose bouncy curls down my back. My skin glowed and I had cat eyeliner and red lips that surprisingly suited me. I hugged Mina and Tina. Did I just make two friends?

They drove me to the pack house hoping to catch a glimpse of the triplets but they were not at home yet. Thank goodness! I started helping the party planner sort out all the decorations and the food. It was tomorrow night but there was a lot to do. I did my own homework in between all of this. I was a master multitasker. I heard three cars parking. It was the triplets. Alpha and Luna were out shopping for even more gifts despite the fact that I had already wrapped like a dozen gifts. The party planner was a bleached blonde in her thirties who was obsessed with the hunk-i-ness of the triplets. She seemed to dislike me even though I was the only one helping her. She had been over everyday this week and always tried to make me look bad in front of the triplets. I wanted to tell her that they already hated me so she could relax. Her name was Ronda Something. I kept forgetting her last name.

The triplets walked in. Each had their arm around a girl. They had different girlfriends every two months or so. It did not make sense learning the girls’ names. Also, the triplets were anxious to find their real mate. They were not sure if they had three separate mates or just one mate to share. Sounds crazy but when it came to identical multiples like twins and triplets, they usually shared a single mate since they had been one egg and one sperm that split to form the multiples. So theoretically identical twins and triplets were naturally occurring clones. Every girl wished she was their mate. That was so crazy to me. The triplets were handsome but they were awful and three mates sounded so complicated.

Ronda glared at their girlfriends, jealousy evident in her beady eyes. The girls did not stay long and when they left, Ronda told the triplets I had showed up really late to help her. I sighed. I had been under the table literally as I wrapped tiny presents for door prizes. All the pack members got to pick a mystery present from a huge box tomorrow.

I crawled out from under the table to make myself known before they had to look for me. Hiding from them would just set them off. The triplets stared at me, their eyes wide. They looked at each other. I remembered my makeover. I did not think they would notice or even care. Alex licked his lips, trailing his eyes from my head to my toes. I took a step back. Felix looked flabbergasted and Calix smirked at me.

“Leave it to us, Ronda,” said Felix, recovering his usual haughty sneer, “We’ll punish her.”

Ronda smiled maliciously at me. She was the most immature adult I had ever met including the triplets and that was saying something. The triplets had me backed against the kitchen island.

“I’m sorry,” I said, “I had to do some extra math for Mr Johnson.”

It was not a complete lie. The triplets knew Mr Johnson because they were his football stars back when they went to High school. They also knew I had won Math competitions before. They had really enjoyed making fun of me then.

“Ok,” said Felix simply. He took a step towards me. “What’s all of this?” He gestured to my outfit, makeup and hair.

“My eighteenth birthday is tomorrow too. I’m just trying out how I wanna look,” I said, looking down, waiting for them to insult me or call me fat.

“Do you have a boyfriend, is that it?” Asked Alex, anger rising in his voice.

Why did he even care?

“I’m too fat to get a boyfriend, remember?” I said, repeating one of their classic insults.

“Don’t play games with us,” said Felix softly. “Is all of this for your mate? Have you figured out who he is?”

“No!” I said. They were acting so strange like I had done something underhanded.

“You’ll only know for sure tomorrow. Your inner wolf will tell you who your mate is,” said Calix.

“I don’t want a mate,” I said honestly. I had never had a guy be nice to me and I could not picture it happening.

“Why the not?” Alex asked like I was crazy for saying that. The Triplets were eager to find their real mate. They talked about it every birthday. They would visit other packs hoping to get a whiff of their mate. They thought maybe their mate was younger than them. That would explain why they could not pick up her scent. Only mates who had come of age could be discovered.

“Because he’d just be mean to me and call me names and I get enough of that from you,” I snapped. I should not have snapped. I was a little frightened now. The triplets had not hit me since we were little. The last fight happened when I was eleven and they were fourteen. I had punched Calix, breaking his nose for calling me a “fat nasty ” with “dead druggie parents”. My parents whereabouts had never been confirmed and I always liked to think they were alive. After he had let out a blood-curdling scream and told his elder brothers about his nose, Alex slapped me and then Felix slapped me. Calix had been reluctant but they made him hit me. They dragged me out to the frozen river behind the pack house. There was a hole in it for fishing. I was small enough to dip in the hole. They had held me under the water until I blacked out. Their parents had been furious. I went to the hospital for hypothermia. I never knew what their punishments had been but after that we never got physical with each other, nothing more than a shove.

“Are you stupid?” Asked Alex.

I shrugged.

“No werewolf would insult his own mate or be mean to her,” said Felix, rolling his eyes.

“Don’t you know anything?” Added Calix.

“Ok, thanks, I get it now,” I said simply.

“You dressed up for us, didn’t you?” Said Felix smirking and rubbing his chin. The other two grinned. My heart leapt a little at the sight of their dimples. I shook my head. What was wrong with me? The triplets were monsters and good looks did not absolve them of that.

“Don’t make her admit it,” said Calix. “She’s embarrassed, Felix.”

“Admit it! You did this for us!” Felix exclaimed, grinning wickedly. He kept coming closer and my back was pressed against the kitchen island now.

Alex was quiet, smiling faintly and watching me closely. I just wanted them to go away. I was so frustrated with my whole life. There would not be a single present for me tomorrow. No one had counselled me about my shift at midnight and I was scared. I knew it would be painful and I did not need this from these three privileged assh0les who did not deserve the title of Alpha. They were physically Alphas but they had no integrity. They could not lead this pack. What a joke! I decided to play along.

“Yeah, ok,” I said softly, looking down to feign embarrassment and hugging myself tightly. “I dressed up for you. I asked two girls at school to help me. I really did have a math thing but I went to get dolled up after so that made me late as well. I’m sorry.”

I hid my face in my hands, stifling my laughter. They seemed to think I was crying.

“Hey, you know, we aren’t the stupid little boys we used to be when we would fight with you,” said Alex gently. “We’re taking over this pack tomorrow and as you’re part of this pack we just wanna know what’s going on with you that’s all.”

Huh?

“Don’t cry, stupid,” said Felix exasperadteay.

“Don’t insult her when you’re trying to cheer her up, stupid,” said Calix, turning on Felix. “Chasity,” said Calix, using my real name for the first time in nine years.

I dropped my hands. I was shocked. I just stared at him.

“You look pretty, ok” said Calix, winking.

My heart skipped a beat. He was bending down. His face was really close to me.

“Thanks for dressing up for us. I hope you wear an even shorter skirt tomorrow,” he said softly, smirking.

I rolled my eyes. Alex and Felix burst into laughter. I tried to brush past them but Felix grabbed my arms and put my back against the island again. My breath hitched in my throat.

“Did I say you could leave?” He asked, his nose brushing against my nose as he bent towards me. I squirmed in his arms.

“You need to have respect for your Alphas, Charity,” Alex said, using my awful nickname. The spell that Calix had cast on me was broken.

“Shoot you!” I screamed. “Let me go! Three Alpha males against one omega female is insane. You have no honour,” I cried, struggling against Felix. He released me.

“We were just playing with you Charity!” Said Felix “Good grief! Go! Run upstairs!”

I ran upstairs and to my room. I locked the door. I sat on my cot, hugging my knees to my chest. The Alpha and Luna came knocking on my door when darkness fell. I went out to them.

“We almost forgot, you have your first shift at midnight, same birthday as the triplets,” said Alpha Romeo rubbing the back of his neck.

I smiled. Were they going to counsel me or give me a gift?

“Yeah, so make sure and be out of the house at least by 11:45pm so you don’t break anything or make any mess when you shift,” said Luna Ronnie.

I nodded. I supposed that was one piece of advice. I left the house at half past eleven wearing my old clothes. I crunched through the snow. It was pitch-black. I sighed. I was nervous. I was scared of the pain. I wished my parents could be here. For the first nine years old my life, they had been in and out of rehabs. They were inconsistent but they actually seemed to love me a lot. They would always make my birthdays and holidays special no matter how high they were. They were deeply in love with each other as mates and back then I almost looked forward to having a mate of my own. It was almost midnight. I did not want to rip my clothes so I removed them and stood in the snow naked and barefoot my curls covering me to my waist. If I had not been a werewolf I would have frozen to death.

Midnight came and I felt my bones breaking.

Chapter 3: Shift and Sniff and Squirt

The pain shot through me. It was excruciating. I screamed. My bones lengthened and rearranged themselves. Sandy-coloured fur enveloped my form. My eyesight and hearing became so sharp. I stood on all fours. I howled. I was a wolf. I ran through the night, white snow beneath me and black sky above me. I practically flew. When I had tired of running. I made my way back to my clothes. They would probably so cold after lying in the snow. I focused on what I looked like human and my bones started breaking again. It was painful but not nearly as bad as the first time. I put on my clothes and headed inside. The triplets had gone out to ring in the first few minutes of their twenty-first birthday with some of their friends at a bar.

I passed by their rooms. The house had three floors. The Alpha and Luna slept on the top floor. The Triplets and I slept on the middle floor. I had a tiny converted storage room and each triplet had a master bedroom and bathroom. There was the most delicious smell coming from Calix’s room. I snuck in. He was the least scary of the triplets so I did not mind if he caught my scent when he came home and realised I had been in his home. His room literally smelled like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. I looked around. Maybe he had pot cookies or something. I did not find anything. Ugh. I had put my scent all over some of his stuff for nothing.

I walked out and caught another scrumptious scent. This one was coming from the middle master bedroom that belonged to Felix. I dared not go in there but I sniffed the doorway. The smell reminded me of sweet coconut shavings. There was a tropical edge to it. I breathed it in, wondering why I had never picked it up before. My heart started to race. I was afraid to go near Alex’s room but I had to know. If all three rooms suddenly smelled great to me then…

I refused to think about it. I walked over to Alex’s door. I picked up the scent. The strong smell of coffee and cocoa hit me. My mouth watered a little. Did Alex smell that good? The window blew open suddenly and all three scents wafted down the hallway. Their combined scents hit me and moisture pooled in my underwear. I was in big trouble. I went to my tiny room and locked the door. I tried to fall asleep but I kept tossing and turning. Those scents were plaguing me. Would they smell me when they returned home? Would I suddenly smell different now to them? I did not want to analyse it too much. Maybe my enhanced sense of smell was just picking up a lot that I had not noticed before. Maybe everyone smelled this good.

Third Person

Calix, Felix and Alex sauntered in the house at around three in the morning. It was Saturday. Later tonight, they had their official birthday party and alpha ceremony. Celebrating with their girlfriends and their “bros” from the town had left them exhausted and a little tipsy. It was difficult for werewolves to get drunk no matter how much alcohol they had but the triplets had really done their best. They said good night and happy birthday to each other and parted ways.

Calix stumbled into his room. A familiar scent greeted him but there was some unmistakable new element to it like a new ingredient enhancing an old favourite recipe of his. Someone had been in his room. A girl. She smelled like roses and honeysuckle. He shivered. That scent was driving him crazy. He could not sleep. It was all over everything. He felt as if he recognised the smell but he could not say exactly who it was. Surely he would have noticed and remembered someone who smelled this good.

He could not take it anymore when the sun came up. He banged on his brothers’ doors. They greeted him still half-asleep.

“What’s wrong, little bro?” Asked Alex, concern evident on his face.

“It better be good. It’s six o’ clock in the morning. We partied last night and we’re partying tonight,” said Felix, doing a little dance and yawning.

“Smell my room,” said Calix.

His brothers laughed. He walked away from them. They followed him.

“Enough !” Said Felix storming into Calix’s room. Felix stopped in his tracks. Alex entered and his eyes widened.

“Oh my God,” said Felix. “What is that?” The Alpha started sniffing about his brother’s room.

“Little Bro, who was in your room?” Asked Alex sharply.

“You’ve been with our mate!” Said Felix, growling. “You’re keeping her all to yourself.”

“No, I don’t know whose scent it is and it’s driving me crazy,” said Calix with tired eyes.

“Our mate’s been in this room,” said Felix gleefully. “She found us! Oh I can’t wait to get my hands on her.” Felix growled again.

“What about Sandra, Tonya and Avery?” Asked Calix, mentioning their current girlfriends.

“We’ve only been dating them like a couple weeks! They know they’re not our mates so it was a temporary thing! I’m gonna end it with Tonya over the phone,” said Felix dismissively.

“Yeah,” agreed Alex. “If we can find our mate in time for the party we don’t want the girls showing up and harassing her.”

“Yeah, they’d be jealous,” said Calix. “And there’s one of her and three of them so we better tell them before tonight.”

The brothers were in agreement, all sitting on Calix’s bed.

“Who would be in my room?” Calix wondered.

“There’s something familiar about the smell,” said Alex, smiling. “It kinda smells a little like…” Alex paused, frowning. He got up and ran down the hallway. He stood in front of the door to Chasity’s little makeshift room. The same smell hit him. It made him shiver. Honeysuckle and Roses. He sighed. He found her door unlocked and opened it eagerly to reveal an empty room with the cot in the corner made. His face fell.

It suddenly dawned on him just how small Chasity’s room was compared to the other bedrooms in the house. There were empty guest bedrooms bigger than this room. Why didn’t his parents give her one of those?

His brothers came up behind him. Felix looked dumbfounded. Calix walked into Chasity’s room and lay in her cot, hugging her pillow, deeply inhaling her scent.

“I’m gonna wait for her to come back, right here,” he said, curling up on her tiny cot. It was comically small for the six-foot-four Alpha.

“I wanna go get her right now,” said Felix, his eyes worried. “We have a lot of talking to do.”

“Relax, Felix,” said Alex. “Our mate already lives with us so we’re good,” said the eldest Alpha grinning.

“No, we’re not good you idiots!” Said Felix staring at them. “Our mate is Charity. Charity!”

“Don’t call her that!” Snarled Calix, his blue eyes turning black.

“Sorry! Sorry! Shit! It’s a bad habit. Chasity,” Felix said. Her real name felt good to say out loud.

“What’s your problem?” Asked Alex. He was looking through Chasity’s things, thinking of all the stuff he was going to buy her. She hardly had anything so she would be easy to surprise. It was her birthday too after all.

“We have to go to the mall as soon as it opens at ten,” he told his younger brothers. “It’s Chasity’s birthday too and I’m sure Mom and Dad didn’t get her anything.”

“Are you hearing yourself?” Asked Felix.

“Again! What is your problem?” Alex asked Felix. Calix opened his eyes to glare at Felix.

“Chasity is our mate! We had no idea because she was not of age until today!” Felix said, waving his arms around like a mad man.

Calix and Alex were not following.

“We’ve treated Chasity like shit! When she realises she’s our mate, she’s going to reject us!” Said Felix.

Calix shot up into a sitting position. “No, she’s not,” the youngest said. “No, she can’t. We’ve been waiting three years for our mate.”

“Chasity said she didn’t want a mate, remember?” Said Felix, spelling it out for them.

“Yeah,” said Alex. “But when the mate bond actually hits her, she’ll be putty in our hands.”

Calix beamed, grinning at Alex. “Yep,” Calix agreed.

Felix rolled his eyes. “Do you remember why Chasity did not want a mate? She said because he’d be mean to her like we were. Her mate is literally us.”

Calix and Alex were starting to look worried.

“She’s going to freak out!” Said Felix. “She’s going to try to leave. Remember, she’s been talking about turning eighteen, finishing high school and leaving!”

Alex smirked. “She has seven more months of high school. It’s November. We have until June or July with her to convince her otherwise.”

Felix calmed down a little, thinking it over.

Calix grinned wickedly, his dimples showing, mischief in his baby blue eyes, “Chasity might hate us now but by next summer we’ll be making her squirt.”

His elder brothers burst into laughter.

Chapter 4: Dangerously Cute

Chasity’s POV

I had to wake up at the crack of dawn as usual on the day of the party despite going to bed after midnight. I was so tired. I passed as far away from the Triplet’s rooms as I could so I would not have to smell those delicious scents. I had to keep away from them. I could not bear to look them in the eyes if just their smell was driving me wild now that I was eighteen. How could fate be so cruel? I wondered if they would be horrible abusive mates. I would not let it reach to that. I had never even had one boyfriend, now I had three mates. What would I be expected to do? How would I handle that? I felt overwhelmed just thinking about it. There was a heat in the lower part of my tummy when I thought about all three of them and me. They were all so big and with three of them I would not even know who was doing what to me. I bit my lip. I was getting hot again. I quickly pushed those dirty thoughts away.

Maybe they will reject me outright? I thought.

My heart threatened to cleave in two or maybe three when I thought about that. My inner wolf whimpered. I hushed her soothingly. My wolf kept pushing thoughts of the triplets into my mind as I worked on all the last minute party details. Felix would be the roughest. Calix would be the gentlest. I was not sure what Alex would be like. He would probably boss me around, telling me to have respect for him as his mate and Luna. A chill crept through me. Luna. The current Luna hated me. She would not want me as her successor. I did not think the current Alpha would care much. Around half past five in the morning, Ronda, the party planner showed up to help.

“Where are the birthday boys?” She said excitedly. I rolled my eyes. My inner wolf growled. She was possessive. I looked at Ronda’s micro mini skirt and tiny tube top. I was surprised she did not freeze to death on the way here. She was holding three identical baby blue gift bags.

“They’re asleep,” I said, frowning. “They usually don’t wake up until noon on weekends,”

“Oh,” she said. She looked crestfallen. She put a coat over her tiny outfit, probably to unveil it at noon. Around six o’clock, I heard heavy steps. It couldn’t be! The Triplets woke up early! I ran out of the house without thinking. I shifted. Ronda ran out after me, her eyes wide with shock. I went bounding through the snow. I had ripped my clothes shifting suddenly like that. I needed to clear my head and stay clear of the Triplets until I decided what to do.

Third Person

“This is stupid!” Said Calix. “I need my mate, right now. I want Chasity!”

He stormed out of her room and down the stairs with his brothers on his heels. He was surprised to find Ronda in the kitchen.

“Where’s Chasity?” Asked Calix, still sleep-deprived and grumpy.

“Hey, sleepy head! Good morning!” Cooed Ronda.

“Have you seen Chasity, Ronda?” Asked Alex.

“I have presents for the birthday boys!” She squealed.

“Is she here?” Felix asked, getting annoyed.

“Who?” Asked Ronda, handing each triplet a gift bag.

“Thanks, Ronda!” Said Alex. “Chasity! Where is she?”

Ronda frowned. “She shifted and went for a run,” Ronda said.

“Oh yeah!” Said Alex. “She can shift now,” he said, grinning. He was excited to see her wolf and go running through the snow with her.

“Ok,” said Ronda, rolling her eyes. “Since when do you guys care about Charity?”

Calix snarled. Alex glared at Ronda. Ronda was taken aback.

“It’s Chasity,” corrected Felix, though he was the one who originally gave her the nickname.

Chasity’s POV

I had been running for a few hours all around the pack lands. I started to tire out. I knew I would be in pain when I shifted back. My wolf was strong but my human form was weak. I had never been athletic. I could not shift back without going home because I did not have my clothes. I was stealthy on my way back to the pack house. I saw that one of the Triplet’s cars was gone. Hopefully they had all gone. I shifted back and snuck in a side door. I crept up the stairs as quickly as I could. I squealed when I reached my room. The door was closed and all three scents were incredibly strong. Were they in there? I peaked under the door. I sighed in relief and went in.

I put on my clothes. My clothes smelled like Alex. They had been here. All of them. Recently. Their scents were heavenly. Every single item of clothing and every book smelled like Alex. The bed smelled intensely like Calix. Felix’s scent was concentrated near the door. They knew. That’s the only thing that would have led them to my room. They enjoyed teasing me but in the last nine years they had never set foot in my room, not a single time.

I went back to the kitchen to find a seething party planner. Ronda was furious at me for taking off. The Triplets scents were here too. They probably had not noticed her skimpy outfit. I laughed to myself as I worked alongside her. I was incredibly jumpy, expecting the Triplets to return at any minute. I dared not ask Ronda where they had gone. The time passed by quickly. Before I knew it, it was four o’ clock. The party started at six in the evening and I needed enough time to get ready.

I was walking up the stairs when the Luna spotted me.

“Oh! Hey, I’m so sorry but one of the servers called in sick, so we’ll need you to help out with the serving? Ok?” She asked though it was not really a question. It was not like I could refuse. I did have one condition though.

“That’s fine but I’m not wearing a uniform,” I said, laughing.

She laughed too as if she had not even considered it but I bet she would have made me wear one if I had not brought it up first. Every pack member would be here soon. Thankfully, the pack house was huge with a sprawling living room. The DJ was setting up in there now. All the decorations were hung and the lights were dimmed. I wondered if I would have to watch the Triplets dance with their girlfriends. They would obviously be at the party. I sighed. I needed to stop feeling entitled to being with the Triplets. They were my mates but they hated me and I hated them.

I showered methodically. My muscles ached. I knew I would pay for that long run. My skin no longer looked sallow though. It was golden and had a healthy glow. My dark circles were still there though. My body needed some rest but I was always working or studying. I sighed. My hair looked shiny. I left it down. Mina and Tina seemed to think my dark blonde curls were my best feature. I put on the outfit they had picked out for me, a black sequin mini dress and high heels. I did my makeup the way they had taught me. I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I spritzed on some perfume and ran down the stairs.

People started arriving a bit early. I greeted them and took their coats. Everyone called me “Charity” genuinely thinking that was my name and it was too late to correct them. I would be leaving this place in a matter of months. My inner wolf growled at me. I sighed. I noticed Sandra, Tonya and Avery all arrived together, holding hands, looking disgruntled in their mini dresses. Their eyes were red. They approached me to talk for the first time ever.

“Hey…uh…Charity,” said Sandra, tossing her flaming red hair back.

“Hey girl!” Tonya said. She had long straight black hair and olive skin.

“Nice to see you again,” Avery said with a smile. She had shoulder-length blonde hair.

“Hey girls, welcome, please help yourselves, feel free,” I said, awkwardly motioning towards the refreshment tables.

“Have you seen the Triplets today?” Sandra asked, narrowing her green eyes at me.

“No,” I said honestly in the most innocent tone I could muster.

“Ok, well, here’s the thing…” Tonya paused exchanging glances with the other two.

“The guys broke up with us!” Blurted out Avery. The other two glared at her. “Well, it’s true,” she said to them.

My heart was pounding.

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” I said stiffly.

“They said they found their mate,” Sandra added tensely.

I felt lightheaded. I stumbled backwards a little but caught my balance, leaning against the wall.

“They brushed us off…they said we’d only been together six weeks,” Tonya said, folding her arms.

That was true. The longest relationships the Triplets had were all about two months so the girls were only missing out on two more weeks.

“So since you live here, we figured you’d know who she is,” said Avery. “Their mate.”

I braced myself against the wall. I felt nauseated. The Triplets had already ended their relationships…for me? They would have ended them anyway but I felt awful for the three girls. I bit my lip. Did that mean the Triplets wanted me? Like right away? They had wasted no time breaking up with their girlfriends. I did not answer the girls’ question.

“Please, excuse me, girls,” I said feebly. I went into the kitchen. What was I going to do when the Triplets arrived?

Third Person

The Triplets were late for their own party after spending so much time bickering at the mall over what to get Chasity. They ended up getting her a whole host of things and getting it wrapped and gift bagged at the mall. They loaded the stuff out of the car, greeting guests as they entered the pack house. They narrowly avoided a confrontation with their three ex-girlfriends. All three girls stormed out together hand in hand. At least they had each other. They showered and got dressed in a matter of minutes, all three in matching black blazers, black trousers and baby blue shirts.

“She’s not in her room,” said Calix anxiously.

“Of course, not,” said Felix. “Mom and Dad are making her help with the party”

“Ok, before we do anything else, we need to have a serious conversation with Chasity,” said Alex, the Alpha even among Alphas.

His younger brothers nodded.

Chasity’s POV

I stayed hidden in the kitchen until the Luna came in and found me doing nothing. She glared at me and handed me a tray of champagne glasses to serve so the current Alpha could make a toast to his sons before he officially handed over the position. My mates would be Alphas in a matter of minutes. I passed out the champagne. Everyone smiled. The pack members were in a great mood. I even got a few thank yous and a few compliments on my outfit. I was a really low ranking member of the pack but because I served the Alpha and his family everyone knew my name or at least they knew my cruel nickname.

I refilled the tray with more glasses and more champagne. I spotted the party planner in an even skimpier outfit than this morning if that were possible. I remembered the blue gift bags she had brought. I had not gotten my mates anything even though I helped put this party together. I had literally zero dollars and zero cents. I hope they understood that. Mina and Tina grinned at me. I hugged them. They actually seemed to like me now. Our hug elicited a few glares and disapproving looks from older pack members nearby. Mina and Tina were the daughters of rich pack members and some people considered me trash because my parents were addicts who borrowed a lot of money from the pack funds and pack members. I had been so little then. I felt it was unfair to blame me but I was the only one around to blame. I pushed those old memories away.

Mina and Tina said happy birthday to me. I was so happy, I got a little teary-eyed. They were the only ones who had remembered or said anything. They each handed me a sparkly pink gift bag. I was shocked. They had already bought me clothes as part of our deal.

“Girls! Thank you! I’m shocked!” I said, taking the bags.

“It’s nothing!” Said Mina.

“We dropped off our homework assignments during Saturday morning football practice cause we were so excited!” Said Tina.

“Just like you promised, we aced it! He corrected it right in front of us!” Added Mina.

I grinned. They flipped their hair in unison. They were wearing identical hot pink dresses.

The Luna caught me socialising and I quickly scampered off to get more champagne. I handed a glass to the Luna who smiled coldly. The Alpha took a glass and nodded at me. I almost dropped my tray when I turned around and saw the Triplets. They looked unbelievably handsome. My inner wolf was howling. Their scents were out of this world. They were staring at me. I could not read their expressions. I could not be with them but I could not be without them. I just hoped they would not reject me right away. It was my birthday too and I just wanted to enjoy it a little, without worrying too much.

I offered them the champagne glasses. Alex took the whole tray away from me to his mother’s chagrin. He handed the tray to an offended-looking Ronda. Calix grabbed my hand, causing tingles to shoot through my arm. Felix put his hands on either side of my waist from behind. My core started to moisten just from that. I bit my lip. Some pack members were regarding us with curiosity. Alex led us up the stairs with Calix pulling me by the hand and Felix gently pushing me forwards as he gripped my waist.

They took me to Calix’s room and shut the door, locking it. I quickly scurried away from them to the other side of the room, pressing my back against the wall. The spell of seeing my mates for the first time since I had come of age had broken now that we were alone and they were very real threats.

“Don’t be scared, Chasity,” pleaded Calix, his blue eyes widening with hurt due to me letting go of his hand. He was using my real name.

“We’re not gonna hurt you, Baby,” purred Felix, eyeing me intensely.

I was shocked at the pet name. The heat in my lower tummy was back.

“We need to talk,” said Alex sternly. “Ok, Chasity?”

At least they were being respectful for once and using my real name with the exception of Felix who seemed to think I was already his Baby.

The brothers sat on Calix’s bed on one side of the room. I sat in the chair by his desk with his computer. The chair had wheels. I spun on it a little. I had never been in any of their rooms at all before until early this morning when I inspected Calix’s room. The Triplets cleaned their own rooms. We had lived together but emotionally we were like strangers in a way. I knew the Triplets had to have normal personalities outside of bullying me because they were certainly admired by everyone else and I had seen them be good to others with my own eyes. It stung thinking that they had reserved their venom for just me. What had I done? Besides be born unfortunate? Just like that, I broke an eight year long promise to myself as the tears streamed down my face without warning.

Alex looked despondent.

“Shh, Baby, it’s ok,” said Felix softly, handing me a tissue.

Calix grabbed my hand again and pulled the chair, wheeling it over to them. I was within arms reach of all three of them now. My heart raced due to fear and my core moistened at the same time. My body was really confused when it came to them. I knew they could hear my heartbeat and smell my arousal.

“As you probably already know, Chasity,” Alex said gently, “you’re our mate. All three of us. Triplets tend to have just one mate because…”

“I know,” I said, annoyed. I was probably better at science than them. They were always treating me like I was stupid. Normally they would glare at me for interrupting them and even curse and complain but they just stared at me intently. “Because identical triplets are naturally occurring clones, one fertilised egg that split into three so one mate.”

“Exactly,” said Alex smiling. I dried my eyes and blew my nose.

“You smell so good, Baby,” said Felix. His eyes were black. He reached out and caressed my knee. I shivered.

“Easy, Felix!” Warned Alex, removing his brother’s hand from my knee. Alex sighed.

“We’re so so so sorry, Chasity,” murmured Alex. “The way we’ve treated you is disgusting. We won’t make any excuses for it. We don’t deserve you but we want you as our mate and Luna. We’re willing to spend the rest of our lives making everything up to you.”

I was shocked. I had always wanted an apology. Now I had one, I wasn’t sure if it would suffice.

“We’re so sorry, Chasity,” said Calix. “Please let us love you!”

I blushed. Calix was always so dramatic.

“We’re really sorry, Baby,” said Felix. I was pretty sure I would never hear my horrid nickname or my real name come out of him ever again. I was henceforth Baby as far as he was concerned. I giggled at that thought. That was the wrong move because it set Felix’s wolf off.

“Oh, you’re so cute!” Growled Felix just before he grabbed me."

"Chapter 5: Happy Birthday

Felix grabbed me before Alex could stop him. He pinned me to the wall. He pressed his nose against my neck, inhaling deeply. He bared his canines. He was going to mark me!

“Stop!” I squealed but Felix’s eyes were black. His wolf was in control. I was completely not ready for this. I was not even sure if I wanted to be with them.

In a flash, his brothers pulled him off of me. They pinned him to the other wall.

“Calm down!” Bellowed Alex in his Alpha voice making the whole room shake.

Felix took a few deep breaths. His eyes slowly turned blue. His brothers walked him back to the bed and they all sat down again.

“Oh my God,” he said, panting. “Chasity!” He said my name! “I’m so sorry, Baby.” We were back to Baby again.

“It’s…ok,” I said slowly. I laughed half-heartedly. “Actually that’s not the worst thing you’ve done to me by a long shot. That won’t even make the top ten.”

I laughed at my own feeble joke. The Triplets looked horrified and guilty.

“So after Felix has gone and ruined the scrap of a chance we had left…what do you say?” Said Calix.

That actually made me laugh. The brothers all smiled. I had seven more months until high school was over and I was still angry as with the Triplets but I was no fool. Rejecting them would mean I would have to move out. I had no idea what I wanted. My wolf craved them. She was filling my head with positions that I had not known were possible. I had never even been kissed. If I even decided to be with them, only one of them could be my first kiss. My eyes went instinctively to Calix. He grinned. The other two looked a little jealous, wondering why I was staring at just him all of a sudden.

“I don’t know what I want,” I told them honestly.

“That’s completely fine!” Said Calix.

“Take your time,” said Alex.

“All the time you need,” added Felix who had pinned me to a wall a few moments ago to try to forcibly mark me as his mate. Yeah, sure.

“Ok, that brings us to the second part of this discussion,” said Alex.

Huh?

“Happy birthday, Chasity!” Said the Triplets in unison.

I smiled. They pulled a lot of gifts out from under Calix’s bed. I squealed and then I felt guilty. I bit my lip and frowned.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Asked Felix quickly.

“I had thought about getting you something but I really couldn’t. I had literally no money,” I said apologetically, feeling ashamed.

Felix laughed. “Baby, we know you have no money. That’s ok.”

“You never let me forget it,” I muttered.

Felix frowned. They started prompting me to open my gifts. There were so many. It was so awkward for me. I had not gotten a single gift in nine years until today. Mina and Nina gave me gifts and now the Triplets had bought the whole mall. I wanted to open all my gifts later in the privacy of my room. I had already put the bags from Mina and Nina in there.

“Alex, Felix, Calix,” I said. They all reacted to their names. They all looked so gleeful.

“I want to open these later ok, when I’m thinking about stuff,” I said.

“We wanted to see your face…” pleaded Calix.

“It’s not about what we want,” interrupted Alex. I smiled.

“I’m just going to put the gifts in my room. Thank you so much!” I said.

I approached them shyly. We had never hugged before. Felix snatched me up first just as I expected. He squeezed me tightly, lifting my feet off the ground. I giggled. He let me down. Calix bent down to hug me gently, massaging my back soothingly with his hands. Alex lifted me by the waist and spun me around like I was a little princess. He put me gently on my feet. I started carrying an armful of gifts to my room.

“Wait!” They all said.

“You can’t stay in that room. It’s too small. We will organise the best guest room and turn it into your room,” Alex said.

This should have made me happy but it actually made me angry suddenly.

“So this room isn’t good enough for me now but it was good enough when you didn’t give a !” I snapped.

I immediately regretted saying that. I waited for the huge argument to start. They were quiet.

“If you’re not ready for your new room yet, that’s ok but I’m very uncomfortable with you staying there. It’s not even a bedroom and it’s a complete disgrace that my parents put you there,” said Alex.

We did not talk anymore as we moved the gifts to my room and went back down the stairs where everyone was still waiting impatiently for the birthday boys.

“Boys!” Said Luna Ronnie, narrowing her eyes. “Where have you been?” She seemed shocked to see me coming down the stairs with them.

“Do another lap to see if anyone needs more champagne,” she ordered me. Ronda handed me a fresh tray filled with glasses. The party planner had a smug look on her face.

Alex took the tray from me again and put it on the floor this time.

“Alex!” Said Ronnie to her eldest son.

“Let’s start the toast!” Said Alpha Romeo.

The Pack members cheered. Everyone gathered around the grand staircase and Alpha Romeo stood a few steps up so that everyone could see him. The Triplets pulled me with them to the same step as Alpha Romeo. The Luna who stood next to her husband was eyeing me suspiciously. I was pretty sure she was putting two and two together or in this case, one and three together. Alpha Romeo began his speech. It literally started with him meeting his mate, the Luna, their love, their wedding, honeymoon, childless years, having the triplets, their childhood, their teenage years and now their manhood and ascension to Alphas. It made literally no mention of me despite me being there for the past nine years since the triplets were twelve but the Alpha and Luna truly viewed me as a servant so I knew I should not expect to be mentioned. A lot of people kept glancing at me, wondering why I was there in the limelight. I tried to descend the stairs a few times but Alex kept grabbing my wrist. Felix put his hand absentmindedly on my behind. I stifled a gasp. He squeezed it and rubbed it gently. I started to cream my underwear. I glared at him and he blew me a kiss which many people noticed.

“I present to you, Alpha Alex, Alpha Felix and Alpha Calix Thorn, the Triplet Alphas,” boomed former Alpha Romeo using his Alpha voice for the last time.

The Pack members cheered. Their screams were deafening. Many girls shrieked and squealed over the Triplet Alphas. The Alpha Triplets went around the room to be congratulated by important pack members. They dragged me with them. No one asked about me but everyone’s eyes darted to me. Finally the Luna could take it no more. She marched her sons, me and the former alpha into the kitchen. The party planner nosily followed us.

“Since when are you three so close with Charity?” Asked the Luna.

“It’s Chasity, Mom,” said Felix.

“Sorry,” said the Luna. People truly thought my name was Charity so I never held it against them.

“She’s our mate,” said Alex, getting straight to the point. There was utter silence.

“And you’ve accepted her as your mate?” Said Romeo.

I felt a little offended. “Of course,” said Calix. “We want her more than anything.”

My cheeks burned. Felix started massaging my butt again.

“And has she accepted?” Asked the Luna.

There was more silence.

“I want to finish high school while I think about it,” I said.

The Luna laughed. “She wants to live here for as long as possible before she rejects you the day after she graduates high school and then goes off to search for her gambling drug-addicted parents.”

“Mom!” Said Calix, the Luna’s favourite.

She stared at him. “Honey! I…”

“Chasity has not been treated well here and you know it!” Said Calix.

The Luna sighed.

“She’s our mate and things around here will reflect that,” said Alex firmly.

The eavesdropping party planner was looking at me with so much envy I actually feared for my life a little.

“She hates you three you know,” said Ronda the party planner. “She thinks you’re all arrogant overrated snobs.”

I paled. I looked at the Triplets, half-expecting them to turn on me. Calix had not even been listening to her. He was still pleading with his Mother with his eyes. Alex was looking at the big birthday cake and Felix was still massaging my behind and looking at me, smirking. Felix was definitely going to try to sneak into my room tonight. I felt really warm thinking about it.

“They’re old enough to decide,” said Romeo.

“Let’s cut the cake with Chasity,” said Alex.

Ronda wheeled the huge cake out to the guests. Everyone began singing happy birthday and snapping pictures. I knew people wanted me out of the shot. They wanted pictures of the identical triplet alphas and birthday boys but the guys would not let me go. Calix grabbed one wrist and Alex grabbed the other. Felix was standing behind me, squeezing my waist. This was the first time all three of the Triplets had their hands on me and I felt like fainting. I was so overwhelmed. What was I going to do when they all really got their hands on me? I had thought I did not have to worry about that anytime soon but looking back on it, I should’ve worried more because all three brothers snuck me into one of their rooms that very night."

...
Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

"Looking for something?" Frank's voice comes from behind. I find him standing at my door, hands behind his back.

"Oh, I'm just looking for something for one of my classes." I lie, not wanting to tell him that I lost my diary where I had written about him.

"Did you mean this?" A smile covers his face like a mask, while my heart stops beating. In his hands, he holds my notebook, the one I was looking for.

"Um, y"yes." I swallow hard, trying to keep calm and composed.

"You have a talent for writing, Lola." He closes the door behind him, my heart spinning in my body, not knowing what to do.

"I um...” Speechless, I could do nothing but move my trembling hands and look down.

"Lola, whatever feelings you have for me." He pauses, lifting my head by the chin with his gentle fingers. "I... I feel that too..." He whispers, and a small sigh escapes my lips.

"F"Frank..." His name trembles on my lips as I melt in his presence. His smug expression moves closer to me, getting closer to my lips.

"Are you wearing the lipstick I gave you?" He asks softly.

"Yes."

"Can I borrow it? I left my spare one at work."

"Of course." I turn to grab it from my desk, when he takes my hand, pulling me into his solid chest and captures my lips. Shock fills me, but my lips move with the deep, passionate strokes of his. He pulls away, letting me take in some necessary air. He slowly licks his lips, looking at me.

"Delicious." He smiles, his brown orbs narrowing with lust and desire.

My face burns as my shyness surfaces on the surface of my fair skin.

"We must keep this a secret, darling. You mustn't tell anyone, promise?" He extends his pinkie finger and I intertwine mine with his, kissing my thumb along with his.

"I promise." I say softly.

"And next time you write about me, don't put my name. God knows what will happen if your mother finds out you feel something for me." He winks at me and hands me back my notebook. I nod, biting my lip.

"Goodnight, darling." His velvety voice rolls the dark words of his language so perfectly.

"Goodnight, Frank." I speak timidly, and he closes the door behind him. I fall onto my bed, completely speechless.

He just kissed me... My stepfather just kissed me...

---

Lola
" So, who's going to pick me up again?” I ask my mom as I grab my luggage.
" Tom, Frank's butler.” My mom answers from the other side of the line.
"Okay, I'm just grabbing my luggage now, so I'll be there soon.”
" Alright, dear, there's a sign with your name on it, so you won't get lost.”
" Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.”
" I love you.”
" I love you too.” We hang up and I pick up my luggage from the baggage claim. I head towards the airport exit when I see an older man dressed in black, along with a white shirt and gloves. He's holding a sign that says:
Miss Moore.
We make eye contact and I quicken my pace to avoid making him wait for me.
" Hello, Miss Moore. My name is Tom. I'll take you to Mr. Evans's property.” He bows and starts picking up my luggage.
" Oh, I can carry that.” I try to stop him, but he already grabs the suitcases before I can.
" It's not polite for a gentleman to let a lady carry such heavy bags.” He insists and I just awkwardly smile. We leave the airport and he takes me to a matte black limousine. He puts my bags in the back and opens the door for me.
" How long will it take to get home from here?” I ask him before he closes the door.
" About fifteen minutes, why?” He asks.
" I need to use the bathroom, but I can wait.”
" Are you sure? I don't mind waiting until you're done.”
" Alright, but thank you. I can wait.”
" Of course.” He closes my door and gets behind the wheel. I notice people looking at the limousine, amazed by its beauty. If I wasn't being driven in it, I would be amazed too.
I take out my phone and continue coloring my giraffe, which I've been coloring throughout the flight. I love coloring.
Actually, it's very fun and it helps me relax. I color my giraffe to distract myself from the fact that my bladder might burst at any moment.
I ended up grabbing a soda water from the fridge along with some chocolates. It was nice to eat real food and not some airplane junk.
" We've arrived, Miss Moore.” Tom announces. I gather my things as he holds the door open for me. I grab my purse and step out. My jaw immediately drops to the floor as a white mansion with a blue roof captivates my eyes. Palm trees stand on both sides of the black glass front doors. The garden is blooming with white, red, and black roses, with fountains and statues placed in the middle.
I didn't even realize Tom was holding the door open for me, I was too impressed by the mansion. But I forced myself to snap back to reality, climbed three steps, and entered.
My eyes meet black, gold, and marble. The walls are black, with golden baseboards. A marble crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, illuminating the entire space.
" Lola!” My mom calls me. I follow the sound of her soft voice and find her in the kitchen.
" Mom!” We hug tightly, and I inhale her vanilla extract scent.
" I missed you so much, dear.” She holds the sides of my face in her delicate hands. I look at her and she seems younger than before.
" Mom, you look amazing.” I say to her.
" Thank you, dear, you look beautiful too.” She hugs me once again before leading me back to the living room to sit on the couch.
" Are you excited for the wedding?” I ask.
" Yes. Frank and I are so happy. I just can't believe I'm getting married. I'm so nervous, I've never been married before.” She fidgets with her nails nervously.
" It's okay, mom.” I gently squeeze her hands. " Whatever happens during your wedding, I know you and Frank can overcome it together.” I reassure her.
Ever since my poor father left me and my mom when I was only thirteen, my mom has been a mess. It was just the two of us, without anyone's help. She had several boyfriends, but they always broke her heart.
So, for me, seeing her glowing and happy like this, melts my heart.
" Where's Frank?” I ask, noticing the absence of my future stepfather.
He'll be here any minute. My mom tells me. " Frank doesn't have any children, does he?”
" No, it's just you.”
" That's great.” We laugh and continue talking.
" Dear, I'm home.”
Suddenly, a man dressed in a black suit and gray tie enters the room. My mouth waters as I find myself falling in love when I see that man standing right in front of me, he looks so powerful.
Should I curtsy? Should I kiss his hand?
" Frank, this is my daughter, Lola.” My mom introduces me.
" Well, Lola, you definitely inherited that beautiful face from your mother.” He smiles, his brown eyes looking at me.
"Thank you.” I search for my words, without knowing what to say to such a handsome man. I reach out and, when I take his hand to greet him, I realize that I had a cliché moment where my heart stopped. But that wouldn't be enough to describe the feeling I felt when our hands collided.
My body was electrified, my knees wanted to give way beneath me, but again, very cliché.
" I'm sorry for leaving you so quickly, but I have a meeting in twenty minutes. I just stopped by to say 'hi'.” He explained, with his eyes on my mother.
" It's okay, dear.” She smiles at him.
" I'll be here for dinner, I promise. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lola.” He turns to me, with a charming smile on his lips.
" Nice to meet you too.” I hide my blushing cheeks by looking at the polished floor, and at my reflection.
" Are you shy?” Frank laughs.
" She is.” My mother chuckles back. They exchanged a quick kiss, and he ran out the door, Tom closing it behind him.
Oh...
I bit my lower lip when thousands of lewd scenarios, concerning Tom and me, played in my mind like a five-hour-long movie. To prevent myself from doing something that I'll regret, I took a shower.
I don't know what's really happening to me. I just met my mother's fiancé and I'm completely horny. Anxious to be with him. God, what's wrong with me?
I take off my clothes and turn on the hot water before stepping into the shower. I let the water run over me as I try to cleanse myself of the unnatural thoughts I have about my future stepfather.
Everything was so wrong. I couldn't even imagine the disgusted hatred my mother would have for me if she knew what I was thinking. I don't even want to know what Frank would think of me.
I should be mortified by my thoughts, but somehow a part of me isn't. As sick and twisted as my thoughts may be, I can't help but smile to myself at the thought of Frank becoming mine.
...
" Hi mom.” I walk down the stairs and go to the fridge while my mother reads a magazine at the island.
" Hello dear. How was your day?” She asks, flipping the page of her magazine.
" It's all right. I took a shower.”
" Okay, Frank made dinner reservations at a fancy country club.”
" Oh?”
" It'll be nice. We leave in an hour.”
" Alright.”
" There's a dress in my room that I want you to wear, I put a post-it on it.”
" Okay, thanks mom.”
" No problem, dear.” She smiles and I go back up the marble stairs. I open the door and immediately get nervous when I see Frank's shirtless back in front of me.
" Oh, sorry, I didn't know you were here.” I look down and hear a laugh coming from him.
" Okay, are you here because of the dress?” He asks and I look back to see him in pants.
" Yes.” I nod and bite my lip. He walks to the closet, I observed how his body complemented his polo and pants.
" Here you go.” I smile and our fingertips touch during the exchange, sending a spark down my spine.
" Thanks.”
" No problem, beauty.” He murmurs.
" What?” I raise my eyebrows, knowing what he said.
" I didn't say anything.” He says.
" Go get ready, sweetheart.” He laughs and I leave the room.
He called me beauty...
I bite my lip and blush as my heart beats fast.
" Ready, sweetheart?” Frank's tender voice fills my room as he stands in the doorway.
" Almost, I just need help with the zipper on my dress.” I smile awkwardly as I try to finish closing the zipper on the red silk dress that my mother gave me.
" Here.” I point.
He walks up to me and zips it up for me.
" Let me see.”
I turn around and he slowly examines my body, nodding with satisfaction.
" Impressive. That color suits you so well.” He praises, leaving me excited inside.
" Thank you.” I timidly bite my lip.
He looks around my room, searching for something.
" Do you have a diamond choker or necklace to wear with this?” He asks. I shake my head. He leaves the room, only to come back with a diamond-encrusted choker.
" Put this on.” He orders, I obey as he puts the choker around my neck, fastening it with the clasp. " Now you look complete.” He smiles.
" Shall we?” He extends his arm for me to take it.
" We shall.” I laugh and grab his arm. We go down the stairs with my mother taking pictures as if it were my prom.
" Lola dear, you look beautiful in that dress. And with that choker, everyone will turn their heads to look at you.” My mother is surprised and hugs me.
" You look more impressive than I do.” My jaw drops as she wears an olive green velvet dress, with a diamond necklace.
" Well.” Frank says. " I said that I'll be the luckiest man there. I'll be arriving with my stunning fiancée and my perfect future stepdaughter.” He laughs, hugging the two of us.
He takes us outside, where the driver is holding the limousine door open. He helps me and my mother get in before he does. He sits between my mother and me, holding her hand tightly. They whisper softly to each other as I browse the internet.
I like checking social media. I never thought I'd be in a mansion or wear anything remotely sophisticated. Yet, here I am. In a tight red silk dress with diamonds around my neck. Being driven in a limousine, while my mother's fiancé is filthy rich. I wish everyone could have this life, never having to worry about money or debt. Being prepared for life basically. My mother and I definitely needed this when it was just the two of us and she was working three jobs just to keep the lights on.
She's very lucky to catch someone like him, which makes me feel worse about the bold dream I had before. I mean, who dreams of sleeping with their future stepfather? Me, apparently.
My love life doesn't exist. I've always been a boring girl, as they say. I've never had a real boyfriend before. The only guy I thought I had a chance with turned out to be gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it hurt at the time.
" Lola.” Frank's seductive voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
" Yes?” I push a lock of my curls behind my ear.
" We've arrived.” He laughs as I realize my mother is outside the limousine.
" Oh, sorry.” I turn around and get out, with Frank behind me. I look around and admire the beauty of the country club. It was white paneled, with golden light illuminating it, giving it a richer appearance.
A water fountain stood in the center of the white brick"style concrete.
" Like it?” Frank asks, his minty breath brushing down my neck and giving me chills.
" You're handsome.” I blurt out without thinking. " I mean...” I look at him, who's staring at me.
" This place is beautiful.” I smile and follow him and my mother inside.
" Good evening, Mr. Evans.” Two men hold the doors to welcome Frank. He nods and walks away, my mother's arm sliding into his. I walk behind them, catching the stares of the two men. I smile to myself and thank them with a seductive smile, which only makes their faces turn red.
I sit in the chair once again, swirling the glass in my hand. My mom and Frank have disappeared somewhere, probably taking pictures or signing documents.
" Is this seat taken?” The familiar buzz of a voice from the depths of the ocean asks me. I look up to find Mark smiling, with his perfectly white teeth.
" Be my guest.” I smile slightly.
" You look pale.”
" I'm just tired.”
" I can see.”
" Where's your girlfriend?”
" She went home.” He shrugs, taking a sip from his beer mug.
" Do you want to go somewhere quieter?”
" Yes, please.” I laugh and quickly send a message to my mom saying that I'm going to my hotel room because of a strong headache.
Silently, Mark and I manage to escape from the dancing crowd. Thank God no one tried to talk to us.
" My hotel room or yours?” He suddenly asks.
" Yours.” I shrug. My room is next to my mom and Frank's room, and I really don't want to be close to them when they go to 'sleep' tonight.
" Okay, do you like vodka?”
" Of course.”
" Good, because that's all I have.” He laughs and wrinkles his nose. We take the two-story elevator and walk through a few corridors until we finally reach our destination. He swipes the card, opens the door, and holds it open for me like the gentleman he's pretending to be.
"I forgot to take clothes from my room to change into.” I say, getting a little mad at myself for now having to sit in this dress that is already bothering me.
" Don't worry, I have a shirt you can borrow.” He smiles and hands me a black t-shirt. I thank him and he unzips my dress, then I go into the bathroom to change. I pull his shirt over my head, now that the monstrosity is off my body, I notice that the shirt only goes down to the middle of my thigh.
I bite my lower lip as I try to fix my clothes, but it's useless. I swallow any shyness I have and look at myself in the mirror.
He has a girlfriend, he wouldn't try anything.
I tell myself several times as I leave the bathroom. I find him lying on his bed in shorts and a shirt, typing on his phone.
" Does it look good on you?” He asks, noticing my awkward figure standing in the middle of the room.
" Yes, thank you.” I climb onto the bed next to him, covering my lower body with sheets to prevent him from seeing anything he might like.
" Do you want me to order pizza?”
" That would be great.” My stomach growls at the thought of pizza.
Mark calls room service to have the pizza delivery guy let in while I order a large pepperoni and cheese pizza.
" Are you enjoying being rich?” Mark asks me as we stuff our faces with pizza and have a shot or two of vodka to wash it down.
" Oh my God, it's amazing. Like I have the wardrobe I've always wanted. I can go to fancy places. But I think I'll get a job, just so I won't empty Frank's bank account.”
" Well, I'm glad you liked it.”
" Do you work for Frank?”
" Yes, he and my dad own the company, but I'm training to be the CEO.”
" That's really cool.”
" I worked hard to get it. Many people think I got the job because of my dad and Frank. But actually, I worked hard to get it. He couldn't stop talking about his job.” His words slurred as we drank more and more of the vodkas he had to offer.
" So tell me, how did you meet Patricia?” I laugh.
" Her dad works for us. God, I honestly can't stand her!” He laughs as I crack up.
" Break up with her.”
" I would, but then her dad will sue me for breaking her heart.”
" That sucks, man. That's so fvcked up.”
" I know. She doesn't understand me and she bosses me around. She would honestly kill me if she knew you were here.”
"That sucks.”
" She can go off, I'm not giving her any more power over me.”
" Why?”
" She's an inappropriate woman and I'm not going to lose myself to such woman I'm waiting for when I meet her, you know?”
I sighed and felt sorry for him. I wish I could say that I understood, but I don't. I've been dishonored, and I'm sorry, even more now.
" Do you want to spend the night here? ”Mark asks, slowly cleaning up our mess.
" If it's not a big deal.” I bite my lip and help him.
" I want you to stay.” He smiles, his eyes buzzing with desire.
We get back to the queen-size bed and turn off the lights. We face each other when his hand brushes against the side of my cheek.
" I want to kiss you, but I can't. No matter how much I hate my relationship, I wouldn't dare betray her.” He murmurs sleepily.
" I understand. Goodnight, Mark.”
" Goodnight, Lola.” I put my hand on top of his, which keeps my face still, and I watch his eyes slowly close. I watch him for a moment, or as much as I can, since the room is dark.
Why do I feel like something is about to begin inside me?
I pull away from him and sigh. I couldn't have a crush on a guy I just met for a hot minute. Once again, I think about Frank.
I shake my head and close my eyes as I try to force myself to sleep, hoping to forget all the feelings I have for Frank and Mark.
.....
" Hi dear.” My mom greets me as she enters my hotel room.
" Hey.” I rub my eyes as I continue packing my things.
" Where were you last night? I came here to check on you and you weren't here.”
" I was with Mark.”
" I see, is that your shirt?” She raises a thin eyebrow at me and I shake my head.
" Yes, but it's not like that, mom. We're just friends.” I wave at her as I feel her eyes piercing me as if she was trying to see if I was really lying.
" So, nothing happened?”
" No, he has a girlfriend and he's loyal. He just let me spend the night in his room.”
" I see.” She hums, clearly not believing my truth. " Well, Frank and I are leaving. It's a long flight to Fiji.” She wraps her peach-colored arms around me as the scent of vanilla extract fills my senses.
" I love you, have fun.” I kiss her cheeks.
" Love you more.” She kisses me on the forehead before a turn of the doorknob interrupts our goodbye.
" I came to say goodbye.” Frank enters the room and hugs me, his cologne filling my nostrils, leaving me with a tingling sensation. My body presses tightly against his, I could feel his abdomen pressing against mine.
" Try not to destroy my house while we're gone.” He laughs as he lets go of me.
" I should try.” I laugh. We say goodbye and they leave my room.
I finish packing my bags and put on a t-shirt and jeans when I hear a knock on the door.
" Come in.” I shout to whoever is on the other side of the door as I lean inside, closing my luggage.
" Ready?” Marks' melodious velvety voice asks.
A waiter arrives and takes us to a table, away from the eyes of others. I look over my shoulder, noticing how men of all ages were looking at me, even the boys were looking. I laugh quietly to myself and sit in front of my mother and Frank.
We order our drinks and food. I'm very basic, so I ordered cheese ravioli and soda water with lemon.
"So," Frank says. "How's college going, Lola?" He asks with a charming smile on his perfect pink lips.
"Very well," I shrug.
"What's your major?"
"Creative writing, I want to be an author."
"I see, well, I certainly think you have talent for it. Maybe I can take a look at some of your work someday, if that's okay with you."
"Sure, definitely."
"Excellent," he smiles, my mother looking at him. It's good to see her happy with him, but I also envy her. She's so lucky.
Our food arrives and we eat. I ended up drinking four bottles of water before the bill comes. "Thanks for dinner, Frank," I smile as he pays the bill.
"It's a pleasure. I have to treat my new family well," he laughs and holds my mother's hand in his. The engagement ring on her finger, valued at $50,000, shines in the lighting.
Very lucky.
...
"How do I look?" My mother asks me, a bright smile spreading across her face. Her ivory wedding dress with gold lace and diamond embellishments shines in the light shining through the windows of our hotel rooms.
"Oh, mother... I can't find the words to describe how beautiful she looks," I hug her carefully, not wanting to ruin our makeup that took about half an hour each.
"Thank you, dear, you look stunning in that dress," she stands up and holds me in her arms to get a full view of my shining body.
"Thank you, Mom," I smile back. She is helped by her best friend, Sarah, and we all leave the room and head to where the wedding reception will be.
"Hey," I am nudged on my arm and find Mark, Frank's best friend's son, standing next to me.
"Hello," I speak timidly, not expecting him to be as beautiful as he is, with his dark brown hair shaved on the sides and curled on top. His tan skin looks smooth, his face sculpted while his smoothed eyebrows peacefully rest on his green irises.
"Ready to do this?"
"Yes, and you?"
"Totally. It must be nice to see your mom getting married."
"It really is. It's her first time, and I've never seen her so happy."
"Mr. Evans is a good man, he'll treat her like the queen she is."
"I know he will, he has to or I'll kill him." We both laugh at that. The music starts. After Sarah and Mr. Brown, Mark's father, walk down, it's our turn. We descend slowly, my arm wrapped around Mark's as I try to block out the crowd of over a hundred people looking at me.
I stand next to Sarah and notice Frank gives me a reassuring smile, instantly calming me.
How did he do that?
I return my attention to the aisle as I watch my mother walk alone down the aisle. She holds the bouquet with both hands, her eyes fixed on Frank the whole time. It was actually kind of sad to see that my grandfather refused to walk her down the aisle. In fact, our whole family rejected the idea of coming to the wedding.
Upon reaching Frank and the officiant, he starts reading from his Bible. Of course, I completely tune out, because who has time for that?
I slowly scan my eyes around the room, admiring the grand ballroom we were in. Everything was gold and ivory, exactly the way my mother wanted.
They say yes and passionately kiss, which I'm not looking at while they do. I reconnect with Mark and we all leave the room and head up to our rooms. All the bridesmaids changed into our second dresses so we could dance and move during the reception. My mother also changed into a different wedding dress that was easier to walk in.
"Mind if I join you?" Mark asks as I sit alone, sipping champagne, watching everyone dance.
"Sure." I pull out my chair and he sits next to me. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired. It's been a long day."
"I understand. Don't you dance?"
"Not really."
"Neither do I. My girlfriend always drags me to clubs and I hate it." He laughs and I sigh to myself.
Of course he has a girlfriend, he's like a god of bronze.
"Hey, Mark," at that moment, a snobbish voice sounds, and I look up to find a girl wrinkling her nose in disgust. "Come on, I want to dance." She pulls him away from me without letting him speak. He briefly says goodbye to me before being engulfed in the crowd of dancing bodies.I meet Frank and my mother talking to people at a table. Probably his friends, since no one came from my mother's side, except for the few friends she has. I can't help but contemplate his figure.
He was so fit and looked like he was 25 instead of 40. My eyes are glued to his movements as I admire the way his lips move while he rests his chin on his fist while listening to others speak.
I wish I could feel his lips. I bite my lip without thinking before realizing what I was thinking. I snap out of my thoughts and drink more until my glass is empty. I grab my phone and start playing games when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
" What are you doing sitting here alone?” Frank's charming voice sounds like magic in my ear.
" Oh, I don't dance.” I shrug.
" Well, now you dance, let's go.” He pulls me out of my chair and takes me to the dance floor where we find my mother. " We're making her dance.” He told her and she nodded.
" Thank you, mom.”
I reconsider rolling my eyes when he and my mother take my hands and start waving them in the air. Even though I want to be a piece of trash, I start moving on my own, mainly to loosen up my arms.

...

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"Have you f*kkkked her?" I asked my husband of 6 years who had just found his mate.
"No!" He yelled, as if insulted.
"Then reject her," I said with dead coldness.
"Ri, it will weaken my wolf...", he started the same song again and I wanted to laugh.
"You promised to reject your fated mate once you found her, Bray," I reminded my husband who had begged me to marry him. "That was why I agreed to marry you and brought my pack to merge with yours."
His lips twitched slightly. Sighing, he turned to his mate and spoke to her softly, "I am sorry. I'll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise."
"I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject...", he started to say in a firm voice, when the omega fell to her knees, bursting into tears.
"Please, no!" she whimpered, "I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I'll do anything!"
Bray froze. He turned to face me again. I could see pain in his eyes - he couldn't bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his.
"She is staying! We'll find a way around everything!" Bray said, clenching his fists.
And this was the moment when I realized that everything was lost.

...

Riannon stood there not quite believing her eyes. Her husband of six years had his arm wrapped around a petite girl in the middle of their pack house. The cute ginger head peeked at her discretely and Ria could swear that she saw a smirk for half of a second.

“Ri, dear,” Brayden, her legal husband, chosen mate and the Alpha of their pack addressed her in a way he always did when they were alone, “I need to confess… I have found my true mate. Her name is Roxanne.”

The silence in the room was deadly from the moment the two of them walked in, holding hands. Everyone stopped doing what they were doing and all eyes were on the three of them. The Alpha, the Luna and the Alpha’s mate.

Ria couldn’t force herself to say anything, so Brayden took the lead.

“Listen, I know that we are chosen mates and you will always be my Luna, I assure you of that. But since my wolf saw Roxy, he is going nuts. It would be bad for the pack if I rejected her now. He wouldn’t be able to deal with it. And it will weaken us.”

There it was - the excuse!

The two of them were school sweethearts, the perfect couple. Rhiannon was a daughter and the heiress of a powerful Alpha from a very strong pack. Brayden was her father’s best friend’s son and the future Alpha of his own pack. Since they started dating when she was just 15 and he was 16, everybody couldn’t stop buzzing that they were true mates. They were always the IT couple and everyone envied their love. Besides, as a daughter of any alpha, Ria was educated to become a Luna one day. And not just any Luna. The perfect one. She spent all her free time studying what she would have to do for the rest of her life. And she mastered every single thing to perfection. So that when she was 18 and ready to marry Bray, she would be prepared.

But Bray’s 18th birthday was before hers. She trembled to meet him on that day, longing to hear the one and only most significant word of both of their lives - mate.

He got to her pack early that day and she ran down the stairs to greet him. But as she ran, both their smiles faded a bit. She couldn’t feel anything, but he already knew.

“We are not mates, aren’t we?” she asked, tears trickling down her chin.

“Not the fated ones,” Brayden sighed heavily and locked her in his arms, his lips touching her hair. They stood like this for quite some time, waiting for the disappointment to wash away. And when they were ready, Bray took her face into his hands and said, “It doesn’t matter, Ri! I choose you! I will always choose you! No matter what, no one can break the love between us. You will be my mate, my chosen mate! My one and only!”

It did help that their families practically planned the whole wedding at this point. Her father had no son anymore since Riannon’s older brother died young trying to save their little twin sisters from the rogues. All of them died as a result and Ria was the only one left. So, there was a pressing matter of who would be inheriting the pack. And Bray seemed like the obvious choice. The two of them loved each other and no family members were against the merger of the two strong packs.

A contract was drawn but Bray suggested waiting until Riannon was 19. He told her that he had made his choice but wanted her to try and find her mate before she made hers. They were visiting other packs for the whole year before her next birthday. And then got married one month later, since no mates were found but their feelings were only getting stronger.

They became the power couple of the werewolf world and merged both their packs into one, year by year, working to make it stronger. And now, at twenty-five, Ria was a renowned Luna whom everyone loved and admired.

Riannon traced her gaze around the room and saw the shocked faces of her packmates. Yet she couldn’t help but notice that not everyone seemed startled by the recent events. Her husband’s Beta was watching quietly from the distance, his hands crossed on his chest. But absolutely no surprise in his eyes.

However, the most stunned among them all was still Riannon herself. Although not for the reasons that they all assumed.

Her fingers were trembling and lips twitching slightly as she looked at her husband and his true mate with wide eyes.

“No,” she muttered, “It couldn’t be!”

Why would the Moon Goddess return her to that exact moment in time when all her life was turned upside down, leading to her demise?

What was going on? For her it was one year ago. And just seconds ago, Ria was crawling on the ground in the woods, fighting for her life as two creatures followed her closely. The wolf found her first, digging his sharp canines into her flesh and making her wince in pain.

She was a strong wolf herself, but unfortunately, someone drugged her with aconite, making her weak, unable to shift and practically paralysed.

The wolf growled as he ripped a part of her thigh off and, for the first time during this attack, Riannon screamed loudly.

“You can shout all you want,” the girl who stepped forward said, “No one is going to hear you here. Especially now.”

Ria recognised that voice at once. Her tormentor was none other than her husband’s true mate, Roxanne.

“You?!” Ria panted, trying to sit up, “Why are you doing it? You already took everything from me! My husband, my position as Luna, my pack…”

The wolf growled at her and she tried to recognize him, but it was too dark and she was too weak. The only thing that she knew was that the werewolf was brown. Yet there were many brown wolves in the world, so it did not help.

“I have my reasons,” Roxy smirked, rubbing her round belly, “And I don’t have to explain them to you. Not anymore. Your time has passed. You are done, Riannon.”

“They will find everything out!” the ex-Luna pleaded, “You will not get away with it!”

Resounding laughter was her answer as Roxy kneeled next to her and grabbed a fistful of her hair, “Dear, Riannon, don’t you get it? I already did!”

She then forcefully threw Ria towards the ground and ordered the wolf, “Finish her off. Make sure nothing is left.”

Her arms and her legs were not listening anymore as Riannon watched Roxy walk away leisurely. As if she did not just order her murder.

A tear trickled down Ria's cheek as the wolf had a moment of hesitation.

She did not deserve it!

It was not fair!

If she had another chance, she would do everything differently.

“I am waiting!” Roxanne’s sweet voice broke her train of thought as the wolf jumped over her and ended her life in seconds.

Riannon gasped as she suddenly found herself in the reception room of her house. Something was off because all the old furniture that she loved so much was in place. She couldn’t understand what was going on until Bran walked in with Roxy in his arms and she recognized the day as exactly one year ago.

“The Moon Goddess has some sick sense of humour!” Ria thought to herself, “Out of all of the moments of my life, she brought me back into this most miserable and unpleasant one. What is up with that?!”

Luckily, she was always reserved and knew how to hide her feelings pretty well. So, she just lifted her chin up and met her husband’s gaze.

“I understand that this is very sudden,” Bray tried to sound considerate and she barely managed to hold back a scoff. Sudden? He had no idea!

“I know our agreement, but my wolf is going nuts. You are not only my Luna, but also my best friend, who always understands me. And I know that you always want what’s best for the pack. Roxanne is an omega and an orphan in her pack… Ri, it was horrible how she was treated there! They abused her and treated the girl like a slave! I couldn’t leave her there. It would be horrible and my wolf would never forgive me. I just need her presence here. That's all.”

He finally let go of Roxanne, leaving the redhead alone and went to his wife, taking her hands in his.

“Let her stay in the pack for the sake of it. My wolf is stronger next to her, the rejection would kill him. And we can give Roxy a peaceful life here. She will…”

“No,” the answer sounded calm yet loud enough for everyone to hear...

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Hello, this is my first published book on Dreame and I am very excited to start this journey. I promise you a bumpy ride with loads of twists and turns. Don't be shy and leave me a comment. I also have a group called Marissa Gilbert's Reading Circle where readers discuss chapters, characters and share visuals.

Right now the book is taking part in the Dreame Ace Book Contest. Please, consider giving it your vote by clicking on a gift box or finding the book on the ranking page.

Chapter 2. Rejection

They all stared at her in shock. Bray’s eyes were as wide as two saucers.

“Ri, my wolf…”, he started the same song again and she wanted to laugh. She had already heard it all back in her previous life. He was bringing up his wolf every time he wanted to spend time with Roxy. He never rejected her like they agreed and very soon she became his mistress.

Riannon tried to close her eyes even though it was extremely painful for her. But she was the one who truly cared about the pack and tried to drown herself in work. This was her other mistake. But since she got a second chance, she was not going to repeat it. She was going to get rid of Roxy here and now. Before it was too late.

Back then, Bray told her that it was her choice, and she chose wrong. Letting Roxanne stay for the sake of the pack was a big mistake. People died because of that and not only her. Ria’s eyes met with her best friend Maya’s and tears almost rolled in her eyes. Maya was one of those killed in Roxy’s schemes. She had her doubts before, but now she knew for sure. She was going to get rid of this evil once and for all.

“I said no,” she repeated herself and looked back at her husband with coldness, “We talked about this before and came to an agreement. We’ll find a good pack for her, who will take care of her. But she will not stay here. You need to reject her just as we agreed.”

One question that was bothering her was why Bran chose to have this conversation in public. But it wasn’t the time to think about it. Now she had more pressing matters.

“Riannon,” Bray suddenly got serious, stepping in front of Roxanne, who was hiding behind him and shaking like a leaf in the wind, “Think about this. I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t important. I am the Alpha of our pack and my wolf is going crazy for his mate. We can’t risk…”

“Brayden,” she addressed him calmly, “Our pack is one of the strongest in the country. We are not at war with anyone. And you are a strong Alpha. I believe in you, I always did. You know that. I am sure that rejecting your true mate would not be easy, but we will get through it. As a family that we are.”

“I just want what’s best for the pack,” Bray mumbled, not sounding so sure anymore and Ria felt a prick of hope.

“If you want what’s best for the pack, do it now,” she said, “The longer you put it off, the harder it would get. And if she is anything, she is your weakness. You already go back on your word and this is day one.”

His lips twitched slightly, and Ria knew what it meant. Her victory was close. She almost got rid of this redhead monster.

Sighing, Bray turned to Roxanne and spoke to her softly, “I am sorry. I’ll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise…”

Ria did not notice how hard she clenched the fabric of her dress. Was it always this easy? Could she stop all the disasters that happened to her if she simply said no at once?

“I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject…”, her husband started to say in a firm voice, when the omega in front of him fell to her knees, bursting into tears.

“Please, no!” she whimpered, “I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I’ll do anything!”

Bray froze. He couldn’t bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his. And this was the moment when Riannon realised that everything was lost. He turned to face her again and she held his gaze with pride.

“Please, Alpha!” Roxy started to sob and Ria had to give it to her. If she didn’t know who was before her, she would have bought it too. “I will be your slave! I can clean and I can cook! I can do anything! Just, please, spare me! Don’t do this! I will serve your Luna!”

A wave of electric shock went through Ria at the mention of her. She looked at her rival and met a gaze full of well-hidden hatred.

“Please, my Luna!” the girl kept begging still kneeling, “My fate is in your hands! Please, don’t kill me! Please, spare me! I will be your slave forever. Don’t kill me!”

No one spoke a word and the only sounds in the room were the pitiful sobs and sniffs of Roxanne.

“Sweet girl,” Riannon decided to try one last time, “There is no need for all that. You will be well taken care of, but just not here.”

“Please, my Luna!” Roxy crawled to her way faster than Ria managed to dodge her and grasped her dress, “The rejection will kill me! Please, spare me!”

“I…”, Ria wanted to say something but a loud growl made her stop.

“Enough!” Brayden roared, looking at her with his eyes shining red, meaning that his wolf was at the surface.

“Calm down,” his Luna said firmly but yet another growl emerged from him as he was furious.

“I said enough!” Brayden appeared next to Roxanne in no time and scooped her in his arms, “She is staying! We’ll find a way around everything!”

He walked firmly towards the huge staircase, taking his mate upstairs to one of the guestrooms. Ria knew very well which room it would be – the one in the far corner of the mansion, where her husband would practically move in no time. Roxanne’s head was tucked into Brayden’s neck and Riannon was sure that it was not a coincidence that she was now breathing into his collarbone, right where a mark should go.

Automatically, she touched the mark he gave her when she was nineteen and caught the omega’s gaze on herself. Roxanne was watching. And Ria knew that today she lost just like the last time.

Nothing changed. Her words and actions on that day played absolutely no part in what happened. It was like a very bad movie on repeat…

“Ri!” Maya came up to her when their Alpha was gone, “Are you okay?”

Riannon looked at her best friend, the one that she lost. Not thinking twice, she threw herself in Maya’s arms. After the death of her parents, this was the only person, apart from Brayden, whom she could trust with everything.

“There, there,” she patted her long platinum blonde hair, “It’s going to be all right. He will reconsider, I am sure.”

Only now did Ria realise how everything looked like to the people around her and distanced herself at once. She already lost her husband, there was no need to lose her face too.

“I am fine,” she said and caught the Beta’s gaze on her.

Ash nodded and gave her a soft sympathetic smile, before shouting loudly, “I feel like everyone forgot what they were supposed to be doing! The work is waiting!”

“Let’s go to your room,” Maya suggested, “We’ll talk about everything there.”

No, Ria did not need this conversation. She remembered it very well. Because they already had it.

What she really needed now was some time alone. Because she needed to process things and to come up with a new plan.

She couldn’t save her marriage, but she could still save Maya, other people who died with Roxy’s help, her pack and her own life.

“I just can’t right now,” she smiled at her friend, squeezing her hands, still not quite believing that she was here, “Let’s talk another time. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Work?” Maya’s eyes grew wide, “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Ria fixed the creases on her dress, “Now that our Alpha is… busy, I have to step in. The pack comes first.”

She gave her friend another warm smile and added, “Everything is going to be all right, Maya. We are going to be fine. All of us.”

Riannon locked the door of her Luna office and tried to control her ragged breathing. Too much! Everything was too much for her. She needed to clear her head and think of everything. She needed a plan. And a good one. She had to save everyone, herself included.

But the office was too stuffy. And she needed to breathe!

Only one thing could help her and it was shifting into her wolf.

Riannon went into the woods that were surrounding their pack and stripped, preparing to change her form.

But nothing happened.

"Onyx, are you there?" she spoke to her wolf for the first time since her sudden rebirth less than an hour before but did not get a reply. It was alarming. Onyx was there her whole life.

"Onyx!" Ria called for her second half but was met with silence. Angry, she ran as fast as she could using her human legs. She was still super fast and strong, which could only mean that her wolf was somewhere there. She was not weak. But what was wrong?

Chapter 3. The Call

CHAPTER 3

The Call

It did not take her long to get to her most favourite place in the world – the Silver Mirror Lake. This was the only place where Riannon could be alone. It was far enough from the packhouse and close to the borders of the pack. But it was safe since they did not have any rogue attacks in that area. Just one pack away from here was the Lycans territory and it was rumoured that the Alpha King residence was also somewhere close. No one was foolish enough to enter these lands and check though.

So, Ria did not think twice when she stopped by the ledge of the lake, naked, and jumped into the water. It was cold but at the same time, it was exactly what she needed to calm herself down.

She let herself embrace the dark night when only the full moon shone upon her, making crystals of water sparkle on her skin when she felt someone’s presence. It was powerful and dominating, yet did not belong to her husband and made her alert at once.

Pretending that nothing happened, Ria carefully looked around and her eyes caught a figure of a huge wolf at a hill on the other side of the lake. He was dark, probably black. And his eyes were shining golden.

It was a bad sign. Very bad.

Riannon decided not to risk it and went underwater, getting to the shore as soon as she could and running for her life. Only a loud howl followed her.

She was back in the safe territory in no time. Luckily, her clothes were right where she left them. She pulled her dress on and tried to do the zipper at the back but her fingers were not reaching it.

“Let me help,” two hands touched her back and Beta Asher helped her with her little problem. Ria wondered if he had been there the whole time. But it did not matter in the long run. Werewolves were used to naked bodies. It wouldn’t be the first time he saw her without clothes. It wouldn’t be the last… probably.

“What are you doing here?” she asked the man, turning to face him.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said with an unreadable expression on his face, “Found your clothes and understood that you were on a run. But why didn’t you shift?”

“I did,” she lied without blinking. If anyone knew that she couldn’t shift, then her fate would be decided even sooner. She couldn’t afford that. Ria knew that she needed time. “But that’s not important,” she decided to change the subject quickly, “There was an intruder at the Silver Lake. Send wolves to check it out.”

“Of course, Luna,” he said and his eyes lost focus for a second as he was giving orders via the mind link.

Riannon decided not to wait for him and walked slowly into the house. But Ash caught up with her quickly and opened the door to the mansion for her.

“It’s going to be alright,” he said to her all of a sudden and she stopped. Back in the day, he used to say it to her all the time. Yet when decisions had to be made, he always took her husband’s side. It was one of the betrayals that hurt the most because she was sure that her relationship with the Beta was good prior to all that. Yet he didn’t even object when they stripped her of her title… There were a lot of things that she wanted to tell him but she couldn’t.

So, she just placed her delicate hand on his broad shoulder and looked him in the eye, smiling sadly, “You knew, didn’t you?”

His expression changed as if a flash of lightning hit him and his lips parted slightly.

“Yes, Luna,” he confessed, darting his eyes to the ground.

“It’s okay,” she patted him, “I understand. You can’t go against your Alpha’s command.”

“If I could…” he started to speak but she placed her finger to his mouth making a shushing sound.

“Doesn’t matter,” she shrugged her shoulders, “At least I will always have your support, Ash. Right?”

“Always, Luna,” his breathing became heavy and Ria tilted her head, watching him. This was an interesting development. Why was he reacting like that?

“Then, of course, I’ll be fine,” she chuckled and went inside. She had to think of what to do next.

Ria locked herself in her bedroom. She knew that Brayden would not be coming back tonight to share the bed with her. As far as she remembered, he hadn't been sleeping with Roxy at that point yet and spent the whole night in his private office drinking and thinking of life. In the morning, he would bring her flowers and gifts… and an apology even. But Roxy would still stay.

After a long and relaxing bath, Ria went to her desk and got her old journal. She hadn’t been using it for many years, but it was dear to her heart. And it was just the right place to write down every single event that was important and that was going to happen within the year leading to her death.

She tried to remember everything while she still could.

And she knew very well what she was going to do with this information. The game was on.

The plan was simple, really. Since she couldn’t change the main event and get rid of Roxy, she had to leave. But she couldn’t leave without her pack and without making sure that all her dear friends were alive and well. Not to mention, that it was particularly important to try and show Brayden and the rest Roxanne’s true face. Everybody around thought that she was an angel while, in fact, she was the devil. Ria was afraid to even think what would happen if Roxy became the Luna for real, because she for sure wouldn’t have the pack’s interests at heart.

And although Ria’s own heart craved revenge, she didn’t want her life's work to be ruined. Plus, she didn’t have it in her heart to hate everyone. She saved it for just a selected few. The ones who betrayed her trust and led to her demise, the ones who promised her respect and protection but gave her humiliation and suffering. Yes, those were the ones she was going to concentrate on.

The door suddenly opened, and Brayden walked in, making her close the journal with the list of events and names rapidly and hide it back in the drawer. Luckily, he didn’t pay attention to that.

Guilt was all over his face and Ria wanted to roll her eyes, but held herself back. She couldn’t give herself away. This event did not happen prior. In her past life, he didn’t visit her that night. This was new and she had to be cautious.

“Ri,” he walked further into the room, “Ash informed me that you encountered an intruder. Are you okay?”

This was funny. She was sitting there, clearly looking well and in one piece. Who was he kidding? Was it guilt because she put up a fight and he still chose his mate?

“It was unpleasant,” Riannon shrugged her shoulders and stood up. If he decided to ignore the big pink elephant in the room, she could do the same. In the end, it was for the best. Their past conversations about Roxy never ended well. He would never believe what a monster his mate was. So, the less Riannon talked about her, the better.

“And also disappointing”, she went to the window to hide her facial expression.

“How so?” Brayden caught the bait.

“We are one of the strongest packs and some wolf is just wandering on our territory, spying on your Luna who is swimming naked in the lake…”

“He what?” Brayden growled possessively. Back in the day, it would drive her crazy in the best sense of the word. But right now… she was annoyed. He just claimed another woman in front of so many people. He had no right to growl like that in her presence anymore. She didn’t put it into words, of course.

“You heard me,” she said, “And instead of looking for that wolf the Alpha is doing goddess knows what. No offence, but this is exactly what I was talking about earlier today. Your mate already distracted you from what was important.”

It was a low blow. But she needed him to be busy with something else right now. In the past, the closer he got to Roxy, the more power and supporters she received. And the worse it got for Riannon and her close people. If she could postpone the wheel of events for at least one day, she would do it.

“You are angry,” he sighed, “I understand, of course. I broke my promise to you. I…”

“Let’s not speak of it,” she stopped him, “It is what it is.”

“Ri, baby,” he nibbled on her neck, right where he marked her years ago, bonding their two wolves forever, acknowledging her as his chosen mate. “I hurt you and I will do anything to fix that.”

Not everything. She knew that too well.

“Only you can be my Luna, you know that, right?” he started peppering her neck with kisses, trying to unzip her dress at the same time.

This was… odd. She hadn’t slept with him for a while. Their paths went in different directions more than half a year ago in her past life. She was his abandoned and rejected wife…

Ria clenched her fists and then turned to face him.

“No!” she made him stop, “Not today.” Or ever. He had his last chance and he blew it. She did not want him anymore. If her wolf Onyx was here now, she would be howling from pain as she was attached to Brayden’s wolf Ragnar. But she didn’t feel Onyx now. She wasn’t under her influence. And she was furious.

She did not show it though. Her mom trained her well to conceal emotions. Finally, it was useful.

“Ri?” Brayden looked at her in shock. Before this day they were happy together. Which reminded Ria that he probably found Roxy earlier and was lying to her for the past few days. Or maybe weeks. “Honey, don’t do this. I love you and we are family. We will always be family.”

“Believe it or not, but I am not feeling well after everything that happened today,” she looked him in the eye, “But it will make me happy if you bring me the intruder’s head.”

He nodded quietly, “Anything for you, Ri.”

Her husband brushed her cheek and she tolerated that. Even forced a smile for the sake of the show.

“You’ll have his head in the morning!” he promised before leaving her alone.

Maya tried to reach her mentally but Riannon just asked her to wait until the morning.

After a mostly sleepless night, she knew what she had to do and she also knew her first step.

In her office, she dialled the number that none other werewolves would risk dialling. But she was left with no choice.

“Hello, Beta Reid speaking,” the annoyed male voice sounded on the other end and Riannon gulped before speaking.

“Hello, Beta. This is Luna Riannon Thorn. Nee Michaels.”

It didn’t ring a bell to him.

“And?” he seemed bored.

“Seven years ago I saved your nephew during a rogue attack in one of the boarding schools. Back then you gave me this number and told me that you owe me one.”

The lycan paused before answering her.

“And I guess you are calling to collect?” he chuckled, “And here I thought that there were selfless people in this world…”

“I wouldn’t ask if lives did not depend on it,” she interrupted him. Lycans were hard to get in touch with. They did not mingle with regular werewolves with rare exceptions. But sometimes they attended elite boarding schools for shifters. That’s when Ria’s luck was on her side.

“Fine,” the man agreed, “What do you want then?”

“I need to speak to the Lycan Alpha King,” Riannon said firmly.

Chapter 4. Royal Confrontation

“Bold, aren’t we?” the Beta chuckled and Ria didn’t know what to think. “Do you think that the King will do whatever I tell him?”

“I hope he respects you enough to do you a little favour,” she bit her lip. She was walking on thin ice here and was aware of that.

But she had no choice either.

“Fine,” the man grunted softly and for the first time Ria wondered what he was doing, “Crystle, dear, that’s enough of sucking. I need to go.”

Then he groaned again and Riannon’s ears turned red with embarrassment. Was he in bed with someone? Why did he pick up then?!

There were sounds of rustling and a female voice, “See you tonight, Beta.” And then sounds of steps.

“Just so that you know,” the Beta spoke again, “I am sacrificing a lot right now to pay you back. So, after you talk to him, Consider us done.”

“Of course,” Ria cleared her throat, “I appreciate your… sacrifice.”

He chucked and then she heard a sound of a creaking door.

“Hey, G. I need you to speak to someone,” the sounds were muffled but she could still understand everything.

“Not interested,” the other man growled and now Riannon was very afraid. She thought if the king was… busy as well. He sure wouldn’t sacrifice his pleasure time for her.

“I am not trying to set you up with anyone,” the Beta burst out laughing, “It’s just some werewolf Luna. I owe her one, okay?”

“Not interested,” was the reply and Ria’s heart sunk. This was it. It was her best chance… In her past life, she called Beta Reid as well. Later in the timeline of events. But he never picked up. Lycans had some kind of trouble in their lands too by the end of the year. He was probably too busy by the time she gained the courage to call. She called him again and again until the calls stopped coming through, meaning that he probably blocked her.

“Give her 5 minutes,” from the sounds of it, the man shoved the phone into his king’s hands. Another growl emerged and Ria was about to give up. But then she heard a resounding metallic voice.

“Hello, Alpha Gideon speaking,” the man said and she sucked in a breath. He didn’t even use his title. Was that really the Lycan King?

“Hello, your majesty,” she decided to address him formally anyway, “ My name is Riannon Thorn. I am the Luna of the Silver River pack.”

He was silent and it bothered her. But she remembered that she only had 5 minutes with him.

“I need your help,” she breathed out, “My husband is the Alpha Brayden Thorn and we are planning to divorce in the nearby future.”

“Fascinating,” the man said without any emotions in his voice, “ But what does it have to do with me? You can divorce any time you like without my help.”

“I know, Alpha,” she agreed and heard him growl slightly, “That’s not the part that I need your help with. You see, we are chosen mates. And when we got married, we merged our packs. What I really want from you is to help me to get my people and my territory back. You are the Alpha King and when I raise this dispute, your word will be the last at the Alpha Council. They wouldn't be able to decline.”

“Hmm,” he sounded amused, “And you think that the case would go that far? You do know that the Alpha council consists of male alphas. What makes you think at least anyone will support you?”

“They will if they know that you are on my side,” Riannon felt braver now, “But also I have proven myself as a leader and warrior. This shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Then maybe everything is awesome and you don’t need my help at all?” He chucked.

“I do, your majesty,” she assured him, “I really do. And I would really appreciate it.”

“This is a complex matter,” he said after a short pause, “Not something I would decide over the phone. And to be honest, it doesn’t sound serious enough to bother.”

Ria felt rage boiling her blood. Was he serious?! Was that it?!

“But…”

“There is nothing to talk about. You got married and gave your pack to your husband. You didn’t think this through and it was your mistake only. Now it’s too late,” the Alpha King seemed bored, “He will still owe you generous alimony according to our laws. You will keep your luxurious lifestyle if that’s what bothers you…”

“It’s not about that!” She gritted her teeth, “I can’t leave my people with them!”

“Them?” The king scoffed, “So, this is the problem. He found another and you are bitter about it?”

This was useless. Ria hit her desk with her fist, almost breaking it. This kind of mocking was not new to her. By now she heard it all. Even from the people who were considered her friends.

“I am not bitter!” She spat, “I am furious. Because only now do I see how many flaws our system has! How unfairly and unequally women are treated when a male doesn’t stand by her side anymore! How few chances we are given to prove ourselves. Sure, you will make a woman a warrior and speak about equality but when it comes to higher positions, you will make a woman work three times harder than a man to even consider her for the job! I was doing an Alpha’s job for years by my husband’s side and I’ve done it flawlessly. But all you see is a wounded woman who can’t get over her husband’s betrayal. And you know what, it hurts like but here I am, not whaling in pain but trying to figure out my next move. You don’t even know what is going on but you already judged me. What a disappointing introduction to my king!”

She threw her phone away with force, looking at how it smashed over the wall into several pieces.

What a joke!

Gideon sat in his huge leather chair behind his desk staring at his Beta’s phone. What the was that now? Did she scold him and then hang up?

“O-kay,” Reid carefully took his cell back, “I see that went well.”

“Remind me again who was it?” Gideon looked at his friend furrowing his thick brows.

“What?” Reid let out a nervous laugh, “Before I tell you… Are you going to kill her or…”

“REID!” Gideon growled so loudly that probably all members of his pack heard him well.

“Fine!” the Beta fell into the chair opposite of him, “She is the Luna of the Silver River pack.”

Silver River… not far from Silver Lake.

“What else?” the king tapped his fingers over the top of his desk impatiently.

“Her name is Riannon Thorn, if my memory does not fail me, she has been a Luna for five or six years. Seven maybe.”

“You said that you owed her,” Gideon was piercing Reid with his gaze, “How so? Is she one of your many whores?”

“Of course not!” the Beta sounded offended, “She… she saved Kyle seven years ago. The rogues attacked his boarding school and she was visiting some event there. She wasn’t a Luna back then, by the way. But she was preparing for the role.”

“She saved him?” Gideon rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Yes, she killed a few rogues and protected him. He was just 12 back then. If she didn’t come on time…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the king groaned.

“There was no time!” Reid shook his shoulders, “And how could I know that you would be such a d*ck to her?!”

“Is there a good time to be a d*ck?” the Beta chuckled, just annoying him more.

“Find out where I can meet her,” Gideon cut him off, “I am intrigued. She does seem… feisty.”

“Just the way you hate them,” Reid stood up but when he noticed his Alpha’s glare, he wiped the smile off his face, “I’ll go… get to work.”

Gideon threw his back over his chair. He had a lot on his mind already and this woman… she got to him on some level. A smile curled onto his lips. It had been a while since someone dared to speak to him like that. Luna Riannon was amusing indeed.

And since she saved Kyle, he owed it to her to at least have a look at her case.

So be it.

Riannon prepared herself for the breakfast. She put on a simple yet elegant dress and brushed her hair so that it fell down her shoulders in soft waves. She didn’t use any makeup today because she knew very well what she was going to face once she went downstairs.

But she almost bumped into Maya at the door.

“Ria,” her friend tried to smile carelessly but she could tell that the latter was nervous, “How about we eat here and chat. Just the two of us?”

Riannon smiled. She knew that Maya tried to protect her from the new harsh reality. But luckily, she was ready for everything.

“Maybe another time,” she said, taking Maya’s hand and still not believing that she was alive, “Right now I need to do something. Just be by my side, okay?”

“Always,” Maya’s eyes glistened with tears.

The dining room was buzzing, but as soon as she stepped foot into it, everyone got quiet. On her first day in the pack, Roxy already sat at the table with the highest-ranked wolves and was clearly in the centre of the attention.

“Luna!” she jumped to her feet after she let Ria watch her succeed, “P-please, forgive my rudeness! I know my place!”

Here we go again…

Chapter 5. The Beta Female Best Friend

Goddess, she hated her. Roxy was looking at Ria with huge doe eyes in front of everyone and even shaking slightly to add some drama. She always did this. Their every meeting was a performance.

Riannon used to always be reserved towards her, leaving it her priority to supress her feelings and hide how hurt she was with the whole situation. And Roxy used it to her advantage masterfully, painting herself as the sweet girl and the Luna as the icy queen.

Well, Riannon wasn't going to let her do this anymore. This pattern had to change. Luckily, she had just the best teacher - Roxanne herself. She put her through so many awkward and humiliating situations in the past that now Ria was ready for everything.

Moreover, she knew that what she did before did not work.

So, she was going to try something else.

“I am so sorry, Luna,” Roxy prepared to fall to her knees again but Riannon rushed to her aid and gave her the biggest of hugs. The two women froze together like this while the room filled with awkward silence. Someone dropped a fork and from the corner of her eye Ria noticed that it was her friend Maya.

“Roxy,” Riannon finally distanced herself and sighed with a sad smile on her face, “I can call you that, right? I want you to know that this is a safe place for you. No one will ever hurt you. We are nothing like the pack that you came from. You will always be treated nicely here since you are a member now. The hard days for you are over.”

She grazed her eyes quickly over the room to see stunned expressions on the faces of her pack mates. They did not expect that. Back in her past life, she tried to ignore Roxanne as much as she could, while staying polite when they had to talk. Everyone understood but the more Roxy cried, the more they felt pity towards her. She found her way into people's hearts. Over time, a lot of them stood on her side because she was, after all, their Alpha’s true mate and she had a hard life prior. Meanwhile, Riannon was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. And however great of a Luna she was, they thought that it wasn’t a big deal since she was born and trained to do it. No one understood how much she worked and what she sacrificed to reach this perfection.

Suddenly, Roxy threw herself in Ria’s arms again.

“Thank you!” she whined, making Riannon want to strangle her. If Onyx, her wolf, was here, it could have ended fast. But Onyx wasn't close and she knew that this was a battle of acting skills now. Meanwhile Roxy went on, “I was sure that the nightmare in which I lived in this whole time would repeat here as well! But you are so kind! I am ready to do any job! However hard it is…I’ll be your personal maid if I have to.”

At the head of the table, her husband Brayden was watching them with his lips clenched. It was hard for Ria to hold back a laugh, since she knew by the way he looked that he had been busy all night looking for the intruder. He hated that his mate was ready to become a cleaner. And on top of that, his wife did not behave the way he expected her to. She was sure that she shocked him for life now.

Get used to that, my love.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Roxy!” Ria gasped and even forced a small tear to roll down her cheek. After all, hugging her worst enemy was horrible and a part of her did want to cry. “You suffered enough and my heart goes for you. I will assign you work according to your abilities. And if they aren’t enough at the moment for a decent job, we will send you to study at the local college. Everything will be fine, do not worry. You will not be mistreated here. Our pack is a fair one. Brayden and I were building it for years. Everybody gets what they deserve. And so will you.”

The omega frowned but quickly regained herself. Did she know that it was a promise?

“I am the luckiest girl alive,” she smiled innocently, flapping her eyelashes,“No wonder my mate… I mean, the Alpha is so in love with you, Luna. Now I see that what people say about you is true.”

“Oh, you will have to tell me later!” Ria giggled and pushed Roxy back to the chair she was sitting at prior. Luckily, she didn’t risk taking the Luna’s seat or the one right next to Bray. She would soon take it of course. But at least Ria didn’t have to deal with it today.

“I will be happy to!” Roxane shook her red locks and the oversized t-shirt that she was wearing fell off her shoulder “accidentally”, making Brayden look at her with eyes filled with lust. The mate bond was already working. And their time was slipping away.

“By the way,” Riannon took a sip of her coffee and it seemed more bitter than usual, “We need to assign a budget for Roxanne.”

Once again, the whole room went quiet.

“Are you sure, Luna?” Beta Asher spoke, “She is just an omega and…”

“She is not a simple omega,” Riannon raised her chin high and put a perfect smile on her face, “She is our Alpha’s mate. He did not reject her and she is a part of our pack now. She needs to look the part, so it’s time to throw away the worn-out t-shirts and jeans.”

“That’s very kind of you, Luna,” Maya couldn’t stay silent anymore, “Some would even say too kind. I mean, considering…”

“I do what I can,” Ria sent her best friend a warning gaze and as always, Maya understood her without words, “And let’s make this clear once and for all. I was very serious about Roxy being treated nicely here. I don’t want anyone to bully her just because the three of us are in a peculiar situation now. I wish her no harm and will have zero tolerance to the ones who try to do it.”

And with that, she started to eat her omelette as if nothing special happened, catching glances of her pack mates on her.

There they were. The looks they used to give to Roxy. Now they were rewarding Ria with those. Only that this time there was more respect than pity.

Back in the day, Ria did all the same things. But her mistake was not to announce it in front of everyone. And in the end, Roxy played them and made them believe that Ria mistreated her where she could.

She caught Brayden’s gaze on her and sent a small smile his way, startling him. At least she was getting exactly the reactions that she wanted. For the first day back, this was good.

Right after the breakfast Maya pulled her into the Luna office and made sure to lock the door properly. The room had sound isolation and they could talk in private without the fear of being overheard.

“What the are you doing?” she hissed at her friend, “You are welcoming his mate?! You should have insisted again and again on him rejecting her!”

“Oh, M,” Ria couldn’t help herself and hugged the girl once again. She still smelled of almonds and this made her broken heart warm again.

“Stupid perfect Luna! You can’t be this kind!” Maya almost sobbed, “You loved him all your life! He marked you for Goddess’s sake! What was he thinking?!”

“I know,” Ria sighed, stepping away, “But that ship has sailed. No one can fight the mate bond. That battle was lost the moment he met her and didn’t reject her.”

“You are so calm about it! I can’t believe this!” the girl shook her head, clear signs of worry on her face.

Ria contemplated for a few seconds but deep inside she knew, that if she could entrust this secret to anyone, it would be her best friend since childhood.

“I need to tell you something,” Riannon took Maya’s hands and led her to the armchair, sitting on the verge of her desk. “But I will need you to be open-minded about what I am about to say.”

She spoke and spoke, and the more she told her, the paler her friend became. She omitted the part about Maya’s own death. There was no need for that. She knew that the small fragments she was ready to share now would be enough for her.

When she was done, Maya looked at her with red eyes, “It’s…”

“Unbelievable, I know,” Riannon sighed.

“Horrible!” her friend took her hands and gave them a tight squeeze, “Ria! That’s awful! What you had to go through…”

“Wait, you meant you have no doubts in what I said now?” the Luna raised her brow. She expected that she would need longer to persuade her bestie.

“You wouldn’t joke about it at a moment like that,” Maya leaned back on her chair, “And as far as I know, you were madly in love with Brayden just yesterday. But now… You are so calm that it’s frightening. So this explains a lot. You don't get over love like that in one day.”

That was true. Riannon did not know for sure if all love she had for Brayden was gone, but she definitely wasn't the same girl from before. She was twenty-five but it felt as if she lived much longer now. Suffering and broken heart could do that to people.

“And it doesn’t bother you how crazy that sounds?” Ria decided to make sure they were on the same page.

“I believe in the Moon Goddess,” Maya shook her shoulders, “She may have wanted Brayden to be with someone like that… Roxanne. But I will never believe that she would want such a death for you! Anyone but you!”

“I missed you so much,” Ria couldn’t help herself and gave Maya another hug. She went quiet for a bit and I gave herself a promise that whatever happened, she would at least save her best friend. She was not going to lose her again.

“So, what’s the plan?” Maya went into the battle mode fast. She was one of those underappreciated wolves. They called her Luna’s assistant and both of them hated that. She had pure Beta blood and could take down an Alpha if she tried hard. Maybe not any Alpha but definitely most of them. They thought too much of themselves and always underestimated pretty girls.

“The plan is to divorce and take our pack back,” Ria smiled, knowing that she had a great ally on her side now, “The Pearl Moon.”

“Is this even possible?” Maya whistled, “I mean, if you quickly get pregnant with Brayden’s baby and then we kill him, we could get this all…”

“No, thank you,” Ria first with laughter, “Goddess you are so bloodthirsty!”

“My hands are just itching to cut his di…”

“I got you!” the Luna covered her face with her hands, trying to suppress another outburst of giggles.

“You know what, I have an idea!” Maya said all of a sudden, “How about we ask lycans for help?! This may actually…”

“Been there, done that. Their king is an a$shole,” Ria rolled her eyes.
“You what?!” her friend’s jaw dropped to the floor.

“I had one lycan who owed me and asked him to arrange a conversation with his king. But you have no idea how arrogant he is!” Ria explained.

“Worse than Brayden?” Maya chuckled.

“Worse than Brayden,” Ria confirmed.

“Okay then, what’s next?” the Beta female never gave up and this was one of the very many reasons they became friends in the first place.

“Simple, really. I need to get the support of as many Alphas as I can,” Riannon exhaled loudly, “So that when the divorce comes into force, they give me their votes when I raise the matter in the Alpha Counicl. And I will.”

“How many do you think will support you?” Maya asked bluntly, getting her cell our of her pocket, "Count on the alphas where mu cousins are Betas. I'll take care of them."

“Not sure yet, but I know where to strike first,” Ria tapped her fingers over the cold wood of her desk, waiting for Maya to tear her eyes off the phone and spare her a look.

“Do tell!” the girl seemed genuinely interested.

“The most important event of the year that is just around the corner,” Riannon smirked, "The annual Alpha ball"

Chapter 6. Dress to Impress

“Ri,” Brayden’s head popped out of the door of Riannon’s office right when she was finishing discussing the pack’s primary school budget with the headmistress, “Do you have a sec?”

“Yes, we are done here,” Ria handed the papers to the woman in front of her and the latter gave her a sympathetic smile. The Luna remembered very well that she was the one who stood by her by the very end. That was one of the reasons she managed to squeeze in a little extra cash for the school.

“Luna, Alpha,” the headmistress bowed her head and left, leaving the husband and the wife alone for the first time in a while. For the last few days, Riannon tried to avoid Brayden at all costs. She remembered too well that their every meeting in the past life was ending badly during those days. Back then she tried to keep her dignity and not approach him first. They had meals together with pack members as always. And work meetings with Beta, Gamma and so on. But other than that, every time Bray wanted to talk to her, Riannon was finding a perfect excuse to escape. There was no point in talking to him since nothing could be changed. She debated telling him the truth about her rebirth but swept that idea under the rug. He could decide that she was crazy and use that during their divorce when she planned to get her pack back.

The silence was getting awkward.

“Long time no see,” he came closer and she remained behind her desk to make it harder for him to approach her.

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” Ria threw herself back in her chair, “Is it about the Alpha Ball?”

“Did you get my flowers?” he asked.

The flowers kept coming. He was probably still feeling guilty.

“Yes, they are lovely,” she forced a smile, “Thank you. So, did you come to speak about the Alpha Ball?”

They already had this conversation. He caught her in her office and broke her heart.

“Yes,” Brayed pulled the collar of his shirt to make it easier to breathe while Ria watched him with an indifferent expression that was clearly making him uncomfortable. “It’s about Roxy… I mean Roxanne.”

“What about her?” she pretended not to know what it was about.

“Listen,” he sighed and averted her gaze, “I kind of promised her that I would take her to the ball as my partner.”

“Oh, really?” Riannon tilted her head, “I wonder when and how that happened?”

“It’s… a long story,” he cleared his throat, “Please, understand. My wolf is dying when she is unhappy. And she has never been to a ball like that.”

“Oh, my,” Ria gasped and shook her head, “Should I maybe take Enzo with me? He hasn’t seen an event like that either. And neither did Cole.”

She mentioned the hottest single warriors of the pack on purpose. And heard a growl emerge from her husband’s chest. That served him right.

“What is it with you lately, Ri?” he looked at her in disbelief, “My Luna will not be going with someone else!”

“But it’s okay if my Alpha goes with someone else? How is that fair?” she shot her brow up, challenging him. And Brayden hated challenge.

“Maybe you should sit this one out then!” he snarled at her and for the first time, she started to get worried here. She needed that ball. She needed it badly.

“No, thanks,” the Luna crossed her hands on her chest, “I got my own personal invitation. Besides, it’s important to mingle with other Lunas for the sake of our pack. We still need to organise student and warrior exchanges and a couple of mating events for over 18s. Or do you expect Roxy to be able to deal with it instead of enjoying her first big ball? What kind of Cinderella she would be then if she would have to work again?!”

He exhaled through his nostrils and she knew that she managed to win.

“Fine,” he grunted standing up, “But you will go with Ash then. He is going anyway since he is the pack’s Beta.”

“Now you are sucking the fun out of his life too?” Ria chuckled, “I am sure he had a girl to take there and impress.”

“He already agreed to be you plus one,” Brayden informed her, “He’ll protect you there too.”

“How thoughtful,” she decided just to go with it. Getting rid of Ash would be easy anyway. He would see some Alpha’s daughter and off he would go.

Brayden prepared to leave but stopped at the door and turned to look at her again

“Ri,” he looked her in the eye, “It’s just a transition period. We will get through this and everything will be fine.”

Lies.

“I will never take another Luna except for you.”

Lies.

“I still love you, it’s just that she had such a hard life and I am not a monster. She is just a sweet girl, she will never take your place.”

Lies, lies, lies.

“Thank you for telling me that,” she nodded, “I needed to hear that, Bray.”

She even forced a smile.

“Look, when the ball is over, let’s take a day off. Just you and me. What do you think?” he suggested all of a sudden and now she looked at him in surprise. This was new. It didn’t happen in the past.

“We’ll have to see our schedules for that,” she stretched her lips further, “But it’s a nice idea.”

“Then I’ll see you around?” he suddenly looked relieved as if he got rid of some kind of trouble here.

“I am your wife, am I not?” she chuckled and his smile faded.

He left and Ria’s phone buzzed with a notification that the dresses should have already arrived.

She paused just for a second. It worried her that he offered that day off thing. Was it a good sign or a bad? She wanted to change the events that caused so many disasters but this exact one wasn’t in her plans.

In the end, she was late for the fitting and entered the room full of the most important females of the pack. Maya was there along with their friends Tatiana and Aria. They greeted her in their usual friendly way. On the other side of the room sat Harper and her minions.

Harper was Brayden’s sister. And for some reason, she never liked Riannon too much since they were younger. She was one of the first to openly support Roxy. She was the one who opened the door for others who didn’t know what to do and actually promoted the evil redhead monster.

“Bring in the dresses,” Ria commanded firmly. She wanted to be done here quick.

It was a tradition of their pack that outfits for the ladies invited to the Alpha ball were chosen together and paid for by the pack. After all, they all were representing the Silver River pack and it was important to let others see how well they were doing.

A few omegas rolled in clothing racks with the most beautiful evening dresses from the top designers. Luna always was the first one to choose and then they went according to their ranks. The rest of the clothes was sent back.

Riannon knew very well which dress she was going to pick but still pretended to look at them all to avoid suspicion.

“How about that emerald one?” Harper suggested the colour that would never suit Riannon blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Do you like it?” she got the hanger and placed it to her chest with a smile, “It’s Zac Posen.”

“Beautiful!” her sister-in-law sneered.

“Then I will leave it for you,” Ria returned the facial expression and kept going. Soon she reached it. She remembered that dress well. Peach and shiny, with loads of rhinestones on the top.

She was choosing long enough and she took that one, moving to the mirror.

Any second now…

The door opened and Roxy barged in, gasping, “Oh, my goddess! Luna! I am so sorry! I’ll just go away not to ruin your mood.”

She was already doing it. Implying that just a sight of her was affecting Riannon.

And it was. But it was mean to bring this up.

“Stay,” Ria smiled gently and noticed how everyone was watching the two of them, “You are going to the ball too and you need an outfit.”

“I already got one,” Roxanne mumbled, “From all the money that you gave me. I got it in H&M.”

One of Harper’s minions snorted.

“This will not do,” Riannon turned and sighed, “You need a dress good enough for your new status.”

“And what is that?” Harper couldn’t help but ask the provocative question.

“Member of the Silver River pack,” Ria replied without any hesitation, “Look around. What do you like?”

A little sob emerged. And then a sniffle. Everybody turned to see the crying Roxy.

“This is so sweet!” she whined, “You are such a great Luna to take care of someone like me. I never had such a beautiful dress in my life!”

She pointed to the one that Riannon was holding.

“I thought I’d never…have… an opportunity.”

She burst out crying and Ria did her best not to roll her eyes.

“You can have it,” she stretched her hands with the garment towards the omega and pretty much everybody in the room was in shock.

“But Luna!” Aria gasped, “You need to be the first.”

“That’s fine,” Riannon shook her shoulders, “I saw a red one that I like too back there. Roxy can have that one since it’s the one that made you cry like that.”

Roxanne seemed a bit startled and Luna came closer, pushing the tasteless peach dress that was good enough for a middle school prom in some village.

“No, really,” Ria smirked, “I want you to have it.”

Their eyes met and Roxy gaped, realising that she had just been tricked.

“Now go to your room and try it on. It will look beautiful on you.” Or hideous.

As soon as Roxy left, Ria quickly went back to the rack and grabbed the first red dress she saw.

“I like this one,” she went out of the room as quickly as she could, followed by Maya, “Choose what you like, ladies.”

They came straight to Maya’s bedroom and as soon as they closed the door, they started laughing hysterically.

“Oh, my goddess!” Maya chuckled, “This was fun!”

“Indeed,” the Luna agreed, throwing away the red piece of fabric she had. Because the real dress that she was going to wear to the ball was right here. It was the most beautiful dress she had laid her eyes on. It was a stunning wine red off-shoulder gown made of silk chiffon, draped beautifully around the breast and down to the waist, creating a geometrical pattern and, but flowing freely to the ground.

It was a gown fit for a queen. And in the past life, Ria didn’t even order it for viewing as it was way out of her budget. But this time around she saw it again and thought to herself – just why the not?!

The last time she went to the Alpha Ball, it was the most awful experience for her. Roxanne was wearing a beautiful white dress and looking like the little innocent omega she loved to pretend, gaining everybody’s sympathy.

At the same time, Riannon gained pity from the Alphas and was mocked by some of the Lunas who never liked her. It was humiliating as it was to come as the third wheel for her husband and his mate. But on top of that, Brayden spent the whole evening by Roxy’s side. Ria was in a sour mood the whole time although she still managed to negotiate a few things.

This time, she knew what to expect and was ready. This time, she was going there to work.

“Do I look nice?” Maya grinned as she stepped out of the bathroom in a royal blue tight gown.

“You took one too, I see,” Riannon giggled as her friend twirled in front of her.

Today was a success thanks to Maya. She was the one who received all the dresses before the pack omegas got them and brought the one Ria wanted to her room without anyone seeing it.

“Of course,” she placed her hands onto her hips, “We are leaving this pack, so I am not going to save them money.”

“Just don’t shout about it around the mansion, okay?” Ria rolled her eyes, “It’s a secret after all. But you do look nice.”

“Thanks!” Maya seemed to agree, “Shame I am not going with you. But there is always next time, right?”

“When I am the Alpha and you are my Beta, you will attend it every year,” Luna winked at her.

***

In the evening, Ria finished her makeup and hair and walked out to the main part of her bedroom to find a blue box on the little table together with a new bouquet. She opened it and saw a luxurious and probably crazy expensive diamond necklace together with a simple card with one word only on it. Sorry.

“Huh,” she bit her lip, remembering that last time Brayden gave it to Roxy. And he got her some ruby earrings which she never wore. That changed too.

However, now wasn’t the time to think about all that.

She put the necklace on since it was finishing her look just perfect and left for the ball.

She was walking down the stairs, the skirt of her dress flowing beautifully as she looked at it. Most of her hair was up, with a few curly locks falling down her bare shoulders.

“You look beautiful tonight,” a male voice made her flinch.

...

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Riannon stood there not quite believing her eyes. Her husband of six years had his arm wrapped around a petite girl in the middle of their pack house. The cute ginger head peeked at her discretely and Ria could swear that she saw a smirk for half of a second.

“Ri, dear,” Brayden, her legal husband, chosen mate and the Alpha of their pack addressed her in a way he always did when they were alone, “I need to confess… I have found my true mate. Her name is Roxanne.”

The silence in the room was deadly from the moment the two of them walked in, holding hands. Everyone stopped doing what they were doing and all eyes were on the three of them. The Alpha, the Luna and the Alpha’s mate.

Ria couldn’t force herself to say anything, so Brayden took the lead.

“Listen, I know that we are chosen mates and you will always be my Luna, I assure you of that. But since my wolf saw Roxy, he is going nuts. It would be bad for the pack if I rejected her now. He wouldn’t be able to deal with it. And it will weaken us.”

There it was - the excuse!

The two of them were school sweethearts, the perfect couple. Rhiannon was a daughter and the heiress of a powerful Alpha from a very strong pack. Brayden was her father’s best friend’s son and the future Alpha of his own pack. Since they started dating when she was just 15 and he was 16, everybody couldn’t stop buzzing that they were true mates. They were always the IT couple and everyone envied their love. Besides, as a daughter of any alpha, Ria was educated to become a Luna one day. And not just any Luna. The perfect one. She spent all her free time studying what she would have to do for the rest of her life. And she mastered every single thing to perfection. So that when she was 18 and ready to marry Bray, she would be prepared.

But Bray’s 18th birthday was before hers. She trembled to meet him on that day, longing to hear the one and only most significant word of both of their lives - mate.

He got to her pack early that day and she ran down the stairs to greet him. But as she ran, both their smiles faded a bit. She couldn’t feel anything, but he already knew.

“We are not mates, aren’t we?” she asked, tears trickling down her chin.

“Not the fated ones,” Brayden sighed heavily and locked her in his arms, his lips touching her hair. They stood like this for quite some time, waiting for the disappointment to wash away. And when they were ready, Bray took her face into his hands and said, “It doesn’t matter, Ri! I choose you! I will always choose you! No matter what, no one can break the love between us. You will be my mate, my chosen mate! My one and only!”

It did help that their families practically planned the whole wedding at this point. Her father had no son anymore since Riannon’s older brother died young trying to save their little twin sisters from the rogues. All of them died as a result and Ria was the only one left. So, there was a pressing matter of who would be inheriting the pack. And Bray seemed like the obvious choice. The two of them loved each other and no family members were against the merger of the two strong packs.

A contract was drawn but Bray suggested waiting until Riannon was 19. He told her that he had made his choice but wanted her to try and find her mate before she made hers. They were visiting other packs for the whole year before her next birthday. And then got married one month later, since no mates were found but their feelings were only getting stronger.

They became the power couple of the werewolf world and merged both their packs into one, year by year, working to make it stronger. And now, at twenty-five, Ria was a renowned Luna whom everyone loved and admired.

Riannon traced her gaze around the room and saw the shocked faces of her packmates. Yet she couldn’t help but notice that not everyone seemed startled by the recent events. Her husband’s Beta was watching quietly from the distance, his hands crossed on his chest. But absolutely no surprise in his eyes.

However, the most stunned among them all was still Riannon herself. Although not for the reasons that they all assumed.

Her fingers were trembling and lips twitching slightly as she looked at her husband and his true mate with wide eyes.

“No,” she muttered, “It couldn’t be!”

Why would the Moon Goddess return her to that exact moment in time when all her life was turned upside down, leading to her demise?

What was going on? For her it was one year ago. And just seconds ago, Ria was crawling on the ground in the woods, fighting for her life as two creatures followed her closely. The wolf found her first, digging his sharp canines into her flesh and making her wince in pain.

She was a strong wolf herself, but unfortunately, someone drugged her with aconite, making her weak, unable to shift and practically paralysed.

The wolf growled as he ripped a part of her thigh off and, for the first time during this attack, Riannon screamed loudly.

“You can shout all you want,” the girl who stepped forward said, “No one is going to hear you here. Especially now.”

Ria recognised that voice at once. Her tormentor was none other than her husband’s true mate, Roxanne.

“You?!” Ria panted, trying to sit up, “Why are you doing it? You already took everything from me! My husband, my position as Luna, my pack…”

The wolf growled at her and she tried to recognize him, but it was too dark and she was too weak. The only thing that she knew was that the werewolf was brown. Yet there were many brown wolves in the world, so it did not help.

“I have my reasons,” Roxy smirked, rubbing her round belly, “And I don’t have to explain them to you. Not anymore. Your time has passed. You are done, Riannon.”

“They will find everything out!” the ex-Luna pleaded, “You will not get away with it!”

Resounding laughter was her answer as Roxy kneeled next to her and grabbed a fistful of her hair, “Dear, Riannon, don’t you get it? I already did!”

She then forcefully threw Ria towards the ground and ordered the wolf, “Finish her off. Make sure nothing is left.”

Her arms and her legs were not listening anymore as Riannon watched Roxy walk away leisurely. As if she did not just order her murder.

A tear trickled down Ria's cheek as the wolf had a moment of hesitation.

She did not deserve it!

It was not fair!

If she had another chance, she would do everything differently.

“I am waiting!” Roxanne’s sweet voice broke her train of thought as the wolf jumped over her and ended her life in seconds.

Riannon gasped as she suddenly found herself in the reception room of her house. Something was off because all the old furniture that she loved so much was in place. She couldn’t understand what was going on until Bran walked in with Roxy in his arms and she recognized the day as exactly one year ago.

“The Moon Goddess has some sick sense of humour!” Ria thought to herself, “Out of all of the moments of my life, she brought me back into this most miserable and unpleasant one. What is up with that?!”

Luckily, she was always reserved and knew how to hide her feelings pretty well. So, she just lifted her chin up and met her husband’s gaze.

“I understand that this is very sudden,” Bray tried to sound considerate and she barely managed to hold back a scoff. Sudden? He had no idea!

“I know our agreement, but my wolf is going nuts. You are not only my Luna, but also my best friend, who always understands me. And I know that you always want what’s best for the pack. Roxanne is an omega and an orphan in her pack… Ri, it was horrible how she was treated there! They abused her and treated the girl like a slave! I couldn’t leave her there. It would be horrible and my wolf would never forgive me. I just need her presence here. That's all.”

He finally let go of Roxanne, leaving the redhead alone and went to his wife, taking her hands in his.

“Let her stay in the pack for the sake of it. My wolf is stronger next to her, the rejection would kill him. And we can give Roxy a peaceful life here. She will…”

“No,” the answer sounded calm yet loud enough for everyone to hear...

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Hello, this is my first published book on Dreame and I am very excited to start this journey. I promise you a bumpy ride with loads of twists and turns. Don't be shy and leave me a comment. I also have a group called Marissa Gilbert's Reading Circle where readers discuss chapters, characters and share visuals.

Right now the book is taking part in the Dreame Ace Book Contest. Please, consider giving it your vote by clicking on a gift box or finding the book on the ranking page.

Chapter 2. Rejection

They all stared at her in shock. Bray’s eyes were as wide as two saucers.

“Ri, my wolf…”, he started the same song again and she wanted to laugh. She had already heard it all back in her previous life. He was bringing up his wolf every time he wanted to spend time with Roxy. He never rejected her like they agreed and very soon she became his mistress.

Riannon tried to close her eyes even though it was extremely painful for her. But she was the one who truly cared about the pack and tried to drown herself in work. This was her other mistake. But since she got a second chance, she was not going to repeat it. She was going to get rid of Roxy here and now. Before it was too late.

Back then, Bray told her that it was her choice, and she chose wrong. Letting Roxanne stay for the sake of the pack was a big mistake. People died because of that and not only her. Ria’s eyes met with her best friend Maya’s and tears almost rolled in her eyes. Maya was one of those killed in Roxy’s schemes. She had her doubts before, but now she knew for sure. She was going to get rid of this evil once and for all.

“I said no,” she repeated herself and looked back at her husband with coldness, “We talked about this before and came to an agreement. We’ll find a good pack for her, who will take care of her. But she will not stay here. You need to reject her just as we agreed.”

One question that was bothering her was why Bran chose to have this conversation in public. But it wasn’t the time to think about it. Now she had more pressing matters.

“Riannon,” Bray suddenly got serious, stepping in front of Roxanne, who was hiding behind him and shaking like a leaf in the wind, “Think about this. I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t important. I am the Alpha of our pack and my wolf is going crazy for his mate. We can’t risk…”

“Brayden,” she addressed him calmly, “Our pack is one of the strongest in the country. We are not at war with anyone. And you are a strong Alpha. I believe in you, I always did. You know that. I am sure that rejecting your true mate would not be easy, but we will get through it. As a family that we are.”

“I just want what’s best for the pack,” Bray mumbled, not sounding so sure anymore and Ria felt a prick of hope.

“If you want what’s best for the pack, do it now,” she said, “The longer you put it off, the harder it would get. And if she is anything, she is your weakness. You already go back on your word and this is day one.”

His lips twitched slightly, and Ria knew what it meant. Her victory was close. She almost got rid of this redhead monster.

Sighing, Bray turned to Roxanne and spoke to her softly, “I am sorry. I’ll make sure to take care of you afterwards. I promise…”

Ria did not notice how hard she clenched the fabric of her dress. Was it always this easy? Could she stop all the disasters that happened to her if she simply said no at once?

“I, Alpha Brayden Thorn of the Silver River pack, reject…”, her husband started to say in a firm voice, when the omega in front of him fell to her knees, bursting into tears.

“Please, no!” she whimpered, “I am still too weak! I will die if you reject me now! Please! I’ll do anything!”

Bray froze. He couldn’t bring himself to reject this little delicate mate of his. And this was the moment when Riannon realised that everything was lost. He turned to face her again and she held his gaze with pride.

“Please, Alpha!” Roxy started to sob and Ria had to give it to her. If she didn’t know who was before her, she would have bought it too. “I will be your slave! I can clean and I can cook! I can do anything! Just, please, spare me! Don’t do this! I will serve your Luna!”

A wave of electric shock went through Ria at the mention of her. She looked at her rival and met a gaze full of well-hidden hatred.

“Please, my Luna!” the girl kept begging still kneeling, “My fate is in your hands! Please, don’t kill me! Please, spare me! I will be your slave forever. Don’t kill me!”

No one spoke a word and the only sounds in the room were the pitiful sobs and sniffs of Roxanne.

“Sweet girl,” Riannon decided to try one last time, “There is no need for all that. You will be well taken care of, but just not here.”

“Please, my Luna!” Roxy crawled to her way faster than Ria managed to dodge her and grasped her dress, “The rejection will kill me! Please, spare me!”

“I…”, Ria wanted to say something but a loud growl made her stop.

“Enough!” Brayden roared, looking at her with his eyes shining red, meaning that his wolf was at the surface.

“Calm down,” his Luna said firmly but yet another growl emerged from him as he was furious.

“I said enough!” Brayden appeared next to Roxanne in no time and scooped her in his arms, “She is staying! We’ll find a way around everything!”

He walked firmly towards the huge staircase, taking his mate upstairs to one of the guestrooms. Ria knew very well which room it would be – the one in the far corner of the mansion, where her husband would practically move in no time. Roxanne’s head was tucked into Brayden’s neck and Riannon was sure that it was not a coincidence that she was now breathing into his collarbone, right where a mark should go.

Automatically, she touched the mark he gave her when she was nineteen and caught the omega’s gaze on herself. Roxanne was watching. And Ria knew that today she lost just like the last time.

Nothing changed. Her words and actions on that day played absolutely no part in what happened. It was like a very bad movie on repeat…

“Ri!” Maya came up to her when their Alpha was gone, “Are you okay?”

Riannon looked at her best friend, the one that she lost. Not thinking twice, she threw herself in Maya’s arms. After the death of her parents, this was the only person, apart from Brayden, whom she could trust with everything.

“There, there,” she patted her long platinum blonde hair, “It’s going to be all right. He will reconsider, I am sure.”

Only now did Ria realise how everything looked like to the people around her and distanced herself at once. She already lost her husband, there was no need to lose her face too.

“I am fine,” she said and caught the Beta’s gaze on her.

Ash nodded and gave her a soft sympathetic smile, before shouting loudly, “I feel like everyone forgot what they were supposed to be doing! The work is waiting!”

“Let’s go to your room,” Maya suggested, “We’ll talk about everything there.”

No, Ria did not need this conversation. She remembered it very well. Because they already had it.

What she really needed now was some time alone. Because she needed to process things and to come up with a new plan.

She couldn’t save her marriage, but she could still save Maya, other people who died with Roxy’s help, her pack and her own life.

“I just can’t right now,” she smiled at her friend, squeezing her hands, still not quite believing that she was here, “Let’s talk another time. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Work?” Maya’s eyes grew wide, “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Ria fixed the creases on her dress, “Now that our Alpha is… busy, I have to step in. The pack comes first.”

She gave her friend another warm smile and added, “Everything is going to be all right, Maya. We are going to be fine. All of us.”

Riannon locked the door of her Luna office and tried to control her ragged breathing. Too much! Everything was too much for her. She needed to clear her head and think of everything. She needed a plan. And a good one. She had to save everyone, herself included.

But the office was too stuffy. And she needed to breathe!

Only one thing could help her and it was shifting into her wolf.

Riannon went into the woods that were surrounding their pack and stripped, preparing to change her form.

But nothing happened.

"Onyx, are you there?" she spoke to her wolf for the first time since her sudden rebirth less than an hour before but did not get a reply. It was alarming. Onyx was there her whole life.

"Onyx!" Ria called for her second half but was met with silence. Angry, she ran as fast as she could using her human legs. She was still super fast and strong, which could only mean that her wolf was somewhere there. She was not weak. But what was wrong?

Chapter 3. The Call

CHAPTER 3

The Call

It did not take her long to get to her most favourite place in the world – the Silver Mirror Lake. This was the only place where Riannon could be alone. It was far enough from the packhouse and close to the borders of the pack. But it was safe since they did not have any rogue attacks in that area. Just one pack away from here was the Lycans territory and it was rumoured that the Alpha King residence was also somewhere close. No one was foolish enough to enter these lands and check though.

So, Ria did not think twice when she stopped by the ledge of the lake, naked, and jumped into the water. It was cold but at the same time, it was exactly what she needed to calm herself down.

She let herself embrace the dark night when only the full moon shone upon her, making crystals of water sparkle on her skin when she felt someone’s presence. It was powerful and dominating, yet did not belong to her husband and made her alert at once.

Pretending that nothing happened, Ria carefully looked around and her eyes caught a figure of a huge wolf at a hill on the other side of the lake. He was dark, probably black. And his eyes were shining golden.

It was a bad sign. Very bad.

Riannon decided not to risk it and went underwater, getting to the shore as soon as she could and running for her life. Only a loud howl followed her.

She was back in the safe territory in no time. Luckily, her clothes were right where she left them. She pulled her dress on and tried to do the zipper at the back but her fingers were not reaching it.

“Let me help,” two hands touched her back and Beta Asher helped her with her little problem. Ria wondered if he had been there the whole time. But it did not matter in the long run. Werewolves were used to naked bodies. It wouldn’t be the first time he saw her without clothes. It wouldn’t be the last… probably.

“What are you doing here?” she asked the man, turning to face him.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said with an unreadable expression on his face, “Found your clothes and understood that you were on a run. But why didn’t you shift?”

“I did,” she lied without blinking. If anyone knew that she couldn’t shift, then her fate would be decided even sooner. She couldn’t afford that. Ria knew that she needed time. “But that’s not important,” she decided to change the subject quickly, “There was an intruder at the Silver Lake. Send wolves to check it out.”

“Of course, Luna,” he said and his eyes lost focus for a second as he was giving orders via the mind link.

Riannon decided not to wait for him and walked slowly into the house. But Ash caught up with her quickly and opened the door to the mansion for her.

“It’s going to be alright,” he said to her all of a sudden and she stopped. Back in the day, he used to say it to her all the time. Yet when decisions had to be made, he always took her husband’s side. It was one of the betrayals that hurt the most because she was sure that her relationship with the Beta was good prior to all that. Yet he didn’t even object when they stripped her of her title… There were a lot of things that she wanted to tell him but she couldn’t.

So, she just placed her delicate hand on his broad shoulder and looked him in the eye, smiling sadly, “You knew, didn’t you?”

His expression changed as if a flash of lightning hit him and his lips parted slightly.

“Yes, Luna,” he confessed, darting his eyes to the ground.

“It’s okay,” she patted him, “I understand. You can’t go against your Alpha’s command.”

“If I could…” he started to speak but she placed her finger to his mouth making a shushing sound.

“Doesn’t matter,” she shrugged her shoulders, “At least I will always have your support, Ash. Right?”

“Always, Luna,” his breathing became heavy and Ria tilted her head, watching him. This was an interesting development. Why was he reacting like that?

“Then, of course, I’ll be fine,” she chuckled and went inside. She had to think of what to do next.

Ria locked herself in her bedroom. She knew that Brayden would not be coming back tonight to share the bed with her. As far as she remembered, he hadn't been sleeping with Roxy at that point yet and spent the whole night in his private office drinking and thinking of life. In the morning, he would bring her flowers and gifts… and an apology even. But Roxy would still stay.

After a long and relaxing bath, Ria went to her desk and got her old journal. She hadn’t been using it for many years, but it was dear to her heart. And it was just the right place to write down every single event that was important and that was going to happen within the year leading to her death.

She tried to remember everything while she still could.

And she knew very well what she was going to do with this information. The game was on.

The plan was simple, really. Since she couldn’t change the main event and get rid of Roxy, she had to leave. But she couldn’t leave without her pack and without making sure that all her dear friends were alive and well. Not to mention, that it was particularly important to try and show Brayden and the rest Roxanne’s true face. Everybody around thought that she was an angel while, in fact, she was the devil. Ria was afraid to even think what would happen if Roxy became the Luna for real, because she for sure wouldn’t have the pack’s interests at heart.

And although Ria’s own heart craved revenge, she didn’t want her life's work to be ruined. Plus, she didn’t have it in her heart to hate everyone. She saved it for just a selected few. The ones who betrayed her trust and led to her demise, the ones who promised her respect and protection but gave her humiliation and suffering. Yes, those were the ones she was going to concentrate on.

The door suddenly opened, and Brayden walked in, making her close the journal with the list of events and names rapidly and hide it back in the drawer. Luckily, he didn’t pay attention to that.

Guilt was all over his face and Ria wanted to roll her eyes, but held herself back. She couldn’t give herself away. This event did not happen prior. In her past life, he didn’t visit her that night. This was new and she had to be cautious.

“Ri,” he walked further into the room, “Ash informed me that you encountered an intruder. Are you okay?”

This was funny. She was sitting there, clearly looking well and in one piece. Who was he kidding? Was it guilt because she put up a fight and he still chose his mate?

“It was unpleasant,” Riannon shrugged her shoulders and stood up. If he decided to ignore the big pink elephant in the room, she could do the same. In the end, it was for the best. Their past conversations about Roxy never ended well. He would never believe what a monster his mate was. So, the less Riannon talked about her, the better.

“And also disappointing”, she went to the window to hide her facial expression.

“How so?” Brayden caught the bait.

“We are one of the strongest packs and some wolf is just wandering on our territory, spying on your Luna who is swimming naked in the lake…”

“He what?” Brayden growled possessively. Back in the day, it would drive her crazy in the best sense of the word. But right now… she was annoyed. He just claimed another woman in front of so many people. He had no right to growl like that in her presence anymore. She didn’t put it into words, of course.

“You heard me,” she said, “And instead of looking for that wolf the Alpha is doing goddess knows what. No offence, but this is exactly what I was talking about earlier today. Your mate already distracted you from what was important.”

It was a low blow. But she needed him to be busy with something else right now. In the past, the closer he got to Roxy, the more power and supporters she received. And the worse it got for Riannon and her close people. If she could postpone the wheel of events for at least one day, she would do it.

“You are angry,” he sighed, “I understand, of course. I broke my promise to you. I…”

“Let’s not speak of it,” she stopped him, “It is what it is.”

“Ri, baby,” he nibbled on her neck, right where he marked her years ago, bonding their two wolves forever, acknowledging her as his chosen mate. “I hurt you and I will do anything to fix that.”

Not everything. She knew that too well.

“Only you can be my Luna, you know that, right?” he started peppering her neck with kisses, trying to unzip her dress at the same time.

This was… odd. She hadn’t slept with him for a while. Their paths went in different directions more than half a year ago in her past life. She was his abandoned and rejected wife…

Ria clenched her fists and then turned to face him.

“No!” she made him stop, “Not today.” Or ever. He had his last chance and he blew it. She did not want him anymore. If her wolf Onyx was here now, she would be howling from pain as she was attached to Brayden’s wolf Ragnar. But she didn’t feel Onyx now. She wasn’t under her influence. And she was furious.

She did not show it though. Her mom trained her well to conceal emotions. Finally, it was useful.

“Ri?” Brayden looked at her in shock. Before this day they were happy together. Which reminded Ria that he probably found Roxy earlier and was lying to her for the past few days. Or maybe weeks. “Honey, don’t do this. I love you and we are family. We will always be family.”

“Believe it or not, but I am not feeling well after everything that happened today,” she looked him in the eye, “But it will make me happy if you bring me the intruder’s head.”

He nodded quietly, “Anything for you, Ri.”

Her husband brushed her cheek and she tolerated that. Even forced a smile for the sake of the show.

“You’ll have his head in the morning!” he promised before leaving her alone.

Maya tried to reach her mentally but Riannon just asked her to wait until the morning.

After a mostly sleepless night, she knew what she had to do and she also knew her first step.

In her office, she dialled the number that none other werewolves would risk dialling. But she was left with no choice.

“Hello, Beta Reid speaking,” the annoyed male voice sounded on the other end and Riannon gulped before speaking.

“Hello, Beta. This is Luna Riannon Thorn. Nee Michaels.”

It didn’t ring a bell to him.

“And?” he seemed bored.

“Seven years ago I saved your nephew during a rogue attack in one of the boarding schools. Back then you gave me this number and told me that you owe me one.”

The lycan paused before answering her.

“And I guess you are calling to collect?” he chuckled, “And here I thought that there were selfless people in this world…”

“I wouldn’t ask if lives did not depend on it,” she interrupted him. Lycans were hard to get in touch with. They did not mingle with regular werewolves with rare exceptions. But sometimes they attended elite boarding schools for shifters. That’s when Ria’s luck was on her side.

“Fine,” the man agreed, “What do you want then?”

“I need to speak to the Lycan Alpha King,” Riannon said firmly.

Chapter 4. Royal Confrontation

“Bold, aren’t we?” the Beta chuckled and Ria didn’t know what to think. “Do you think that the King will do whatever I tell him?”

“I hope he respects you enough to do you a little favour,” she bit her lip. She was walking on thin ice here and was aware of that.

But she had no choice either.

“Fine,” the man grunted softly and for the first time Ria wondered what he was doing, “Crystle, dear, that’s enough of sucking. I need to go.”

Then he groaned again and Riannon’s ears turned red with embarrassment. Was he in bed with someone? Why did he pick up then?!

There were sounds of rustling and a female voice, “See you tonight, Beta.” And then sounds of steps.

“Just so that you know,” the Beta spoke again, “I am sacrificing a lot right now to pay you back. So, after you talk to him, Consider us done.”

“Of course,” Ria cleared her throat, “I appreciate your… sacrifice.”

He chucked and then she heard a sound of a creaking door.

“Hey, G. I need you to speak to someone,” the sounds were muffled but she could still understand everything.

“Not interested,” the other man growled and now Riannon was very afraid. She thought if the king was… busy as well. He sure wouldn’t sacrifice his pleasure time for her.

“I am not trying to set you up with anyone,” the Beta burst out laughing, “It’s just some werewolf Luna. I owe her one, okay?”

“Not interested,” was the reply and Ria’s heart sunk. This was it. It was her best chance… In her past life, she called Beta Reid as well. Later in the timeline of events. But he never picked up. Lycans had some kind of trouble in their lands too by the end of the year. He was probably too busy by the time she gained the courage to call. She called him again and again until the calls stopped coming through, meaning that he probably blocked her.

“Give her 5 minutes,” from the sounds of it, the man shoved the phone into his king’s hands. Another growl emerged and Ria was about to give up. But then she heard a resounding metallic voice.

“Hello, Alpha Gideon speaking,” the man said and she sucked in a breath. He didn’t even use his title. Was that really the Lycan King?

“Hello, your majesty,” she decided to address him formally anyway, “ My name is Riannon Thorn. I am the Luna of the Silver River pack.”

He was silent and it bothered her. But she remembered that she only had 5 minutes with him.

“I need your help,” she breathed out, “My husband is the Alpha Brayden Thorn and we are planning to divorce in the nearby future.”

“Fascinating,” the man said without any emotions in his voice, “ But what does it have to do with me? You can divorce any time you like without my help.”

“I know, Alpha,” she agreed and heard him growl slightly, “That’s not the part that I need your help with. You see, we are chosen mates. And when we got married, we merged our packs. What I really want from you is to help me to get my people and my territory back. You are the Alpha King and when I raise this dispute, your word will be the last at the Alpha Council. They wouldn't be able to decline.”

“Hmm,” he sounded amused, “And you think that the case would go that far? You do know that the Alpha council consists of male alphas. What makes you think at least anyone will support you?”

“They will if they know that you are on my side,” Riannon felt braver now, “But also I have proven myself as a leader and warrior. This shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Then maybe everything is awesome and you don’t need my help at all?” He chucked.

“I do, your majesty,” she assured him, “I really do. And I would really appreciate it.”

“This is a complex matter,” he said after a short pause, “Not something I would decide over the phone. And to be honest, it doesn’t sound serious enough to bother.”

Ria felt rage boiling her blood. Was he serious?! Was that it?!

“But…”

“There is nothing to talk about. You got married and gave your pack to your husband. You didn’t think this through and it was your mistake only. Now it’s too late,” the Alpha King seemed bored, “He will still owe you generous alimony according to our laws. You will keep your luxurious lifestyle if that’s what bothers you…”

“It’s not about that!” She gritted her teeth, “I can’t leave my people with them!”

“Them?” The king scoffed, “So, this is the problem. He found another and you are bitter about it?”

This was useless. Ria hit her desk with her fist, almost breaking it. This kind of mocking was not new to her. By now she heard it all. Even from the people who were considered her friends.

“I am not bitter!” She spat, “I am furious. Because only now do I see how many flaws our system has! How unfairly and unequally women are treated when a male doesn’t stand by her side anymore! How few chances we are given to prove ourselves. Sure, you will make a woman a warrior and speak about equality but when it comes to higher positions, you will make a woman work three times harder than a man to even consider her for the job! I was doing an Alpha’s job for years by my husband’s side and I’ve done it flawlessly. But all you see is a wounded woman who can’t get over her husband’s betrayal. And you know what, it hurts like but here I am, not whaling in pain but trying to figure out my next move. You don’t even know what is going on but you already judged me. What a disappointing introduction to my king!”

She threw her phone away with force, looking at how it smashed over the wall into several pieces.

What a joke!

Gideon sat in his huge leather chair behind his desk staring at his Beta’s phone. What the was that now? Did she scold him and then hang up?

“O-kay,” Reid carefully took his cell back, “I see that went well.”

“Remind me again who was it?” Gideon looked at his friend furrowing his thick brows.

“What?” Reid let out a nervous laugh, “Before I tell you… Are you going to kill her or…”

“REID!” Gideon growled so loudly that probably all members of his pack heard him well.

“Fine!” the Beta fell into the chair opposite of him, “She is the Luna of the Silver River pack.”

Silver River… not far from Silver Lake.

“What else?” the king tapped his fingers over the top of his desk impatiently.

“Her name is Riannon Thorn, if my memory does not fail me, she has been a Luna for five or six years. Seven maybe.”

“You said that you owed her,” Gideon was piercing Reid with his gaze, “How so? Is she one of your many whores?”

“Of course not!” the Beta sounded offended, “She… she saved Kyle seven years ago. The rogues attacked his boarding school and she was visiting some event there. She wasn’t a Luna back then, by the way. But she was preparing for the role.”

“She saved him?” Gideon rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Yes, she killed a few rogues and protected him. He was just 12 back then. If she didn’t come on time…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the king groaned.

“There was no time!” Reid shook his shoulders, “And how could I know that you would be such a d*ck to her?!”

“Is there a good time to be a d*ck?” the Beta chuckled, just annoying him more.

“Find out where I can meet her,” Gideon cut him off, “I am intrigued. She does seem… feisty.”

“Just the way you hate them,” Reid stood up but when he noticed his Alpha’s glare, he wiped the smile off his face, “I’ll go… get to work.”

Gideon threw his back over his chair. He had a lot on his mind already and this woman… she got to him on some level. A smile curled onto his lips. It had been a while since someone dared to speak to him like that. Luna Riannon was amusing indeed.

And since she saved Kyle, he owed it to her to at least have a look at her case.

So be it.

Riannon prepared herself for the breakfast. She put on a simple yet elegant dress and brushed her hair so that it fell down her shoulders in soft waves. She didn’t use any makeup today because she knew very well what she was going to face once she went downstairs.

But she almost bumped into Maya at the door.

“Ria,” her friend tried to smile carelessly but she could tell that the latter was nervous, “How about we eat here and chat. Just the two of us?”

Riannon smiled. She knew that Maya tried to protect her from the new harsh reality. But luckily, she was ready for everything.

“Maybe another time,” she said, taking Maya’s hand and still not believing that she was alive, “Right now I need to do something. Just be by my side, okay?”

“Always,” Maya’s eyes glistened with tears.

The dining room was buzzing, but as soon as she stepped foot into it, everyone got quiet. On her first day in the pack, Roxy already sat at the table with the highest-ranked wolves and was clearly in the centre of the attention.

“Luna!” she jumped to her feet after she let Ria watch her succeed, “P-please, forgive my rudeness! I know my place!”

Here we go again…

Chapter 5. The Beta Female Best Friend

Goddess, she hated her. Roxy was looking at Ria with huge doe eyes in front of everyone and even shaking slightly to add some drama. She always did this. Their every meeting was a performance.

Riannon used to always be reserved towards her, leaving it her priority to supress her feelings and hide how hurt she was with the whole situation. And Roxy used it to her advantage masterfully, painting herself as the sweet girl and the Luna as the icy queen.

Well, Riannon wasn't going to let her do this anymore. This pattern had to change. Luckily, she had just the best teacher - Roxanne herself. She put her through so many awkward and humiliating situations in the past that now Ria was ready for everything.

Moreover, she knew that what she did before did not work.

So, she was going to try something else.

“I am so sorry, Luna,” Roxy prepared to fall to her knees again but Riannon rushed to her aid and gave her the biggest of hugs. The two women froze together like this while the room filled with awkward silence. Someone dropped a fork and from the corner of her eye Ria noticed that it was her friend Maya.

“Roxy,” Riannon finally distanced herself and sighed with a sad smile on her face, “I can call you that, right? I want you to know that this is a safe place for you. No one will ever hurt you. We are nothing like the pack that you came from. You will always be treated nicely here since you are a member now. The hard days for you are over.”

She grazed her eyes quickly over the room to see stunned expressions on the faces of her pack mates. They did not expect that. Back in her past life, she tried to ignore Roxanne as much as she could, while staying polite when they had to talk. Everyone understood but the more Roxy cried, the more they felt pity towards her. She found her way into people's hearts. Over time, a lot of them stood on her side because she was, after all, their Alpha’s true mate and she had a hard life prior. Meanwhile, Riannon was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. And however great of a Luna she was, they thought that it wasn’t a big deal since she was born and trained to do it. No one understood how much she worked and what she sacrificed to reach this perfection.

Suddenly, Roxy threw herself in Ria’s arms again.

“Thank you!” she whined, making Riannon want to strangle her. If Onyx, her wolf, was here, it could have ended fast. But Onyx wasn't close and she knew that this was a battle of acting skills now. Meanwhile Roxy went on, “I was sure that the nightmare in which I lived in this whole time would repeat here as well! But you are so kind! I am ready to do any job! However hard it is…I’ll be your personal maid if I have to.”

At the head of the table, her husband Brayden was watching them with his lips clenched. It was hard for Ria to hold back a laugh, since she knew by the way he looked that he had been busy all night looking for the intruder. He hated that his mate was ready to become a cleaner. And on top of that, his wife did not behave the way he expected her to. She was sure that she shocked him for life now.

Get used to that, my love.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Roxy!” Ria gasped and even forced a small tear to roll down her cheek. After all, hugging her worst enemy was horrible and a part of her did want to cry. “You suffered enough and my heart goes for you. I will assign you work according to your abilities. And if they aren’t enough at the moment for a decent job, we will send you to study at the local college. Everything will be fine, do not worry. You will not be mistreated here. Our pack is a fair one. Brayden and I were building it for years. Everybody gets what they deserve. And so will you.”

The omega frowned but quickly regained herself. Did she know that it was a promise?

“I am the luckiest girl alive,” she smiled innocently, flapping her eyelashes,“No wonder my mate… I mean, the Alpha is so in love with you, Luna. Now I see that what people say about you is true.”

“Oh, you will have to tell me later!” Ria giggled and pushed Roxy back to the chair she was sitting at prior. Luckily, she didn’t risk taking the Luna’s seat or the one right next to Bray. She would soon take it of course. But at least Ria didn’t have to deal with it today.

“I will be happy to!” Roxane shook her red locks and the oversized t-shirt that she was wearing fell off her shoulder “accidentally”, making Brayden look at her with eyes filled with lust. The mate bond was already working. And their time was slipping away.

“By the way,” Riannon took a sip of her coffee and it seemed more bitter than usual, “We need to assign a budget for Roxanne.”

Once again, the whole room went quiet.

“Are you sure, Luna?” Beta Asher spoke, “She is just an omega and…”

“She is not a simple omega,” Riannon raised her chin high and put a perfect smile on her face, “She is our Alpha’s mate. He did not reject her and she is a part of our pack now. She needs to look the part, so it’s time to throw away the worn-out t-shirts and jeans.”

“That’s very kind of you, Luna,” Maya couldn’t stay silent anymore, “Some would even say too kind. I mean, considering…”

“I do what I can,” Ria sent her best friend a warning gaze and as always, Maya understood her without words, “And let’s make this clear once and for all. I was very serious about Roxy being treated nicely here. I don’t want anyone to bully her just because the three of us are in a peculiar situation now. I wish her no harm and will have zero tolerance to the ones who try to do it.”

And with that, she started to eat her omelette as if nothing special happened, catching glances of her pack mates on her.

There they were. The looks they used to give to Roxy. Now they were rewarding Ria with those. Only that this time there was more respect than pity.

Back in the day, Ria did all the same things. But her mistake was not to announce it in front of everyone. And in the end, Roxy played them and made them believe that Ria mistreated her where she could.

She caught Brayden’s gaze on her and sent a small smile his way, startling him. At least she was getting exactly the reactions that she wanted. For the first day back, this was good.

Right after the breakfast Maya pulled her into the Luna office and made sure to lock the door properly. The room had sound isolation and they could talk in private without the fear of being overheard.

“What the are you doing?” she hissed at her friend, “You are welcoming his mate?! You should have insisted again and again on him rejecting her!”

“Oh, M,” Ria couldn’t help herself and hugged the girl once again. She still smelled of almonds and this made her broken heart warm again.

“Stupid perfect Luna! You can’t be this kind!” Maya almost sobbed, “You loved him all your life! He marked you for Goddess’s sake! What was he thinking?!”

“I know,” Ria sighed, stepping away, “But that ship has sailed. No one can fight the mate bond. That battle was lost the moment he met her and didn’t reject her.”

“You are so calm about it! I can’t believe this!” the girl shook her head, clear signs of worry on her face.

Ria contemplated for a few seconds but deep inside she knew, that if she could entrust this secret to anyone, it would be her best friend since childhood.

“I need to tell you something,” Riannon took Maya’s hands and led her to the armchair, sitting on the verge of her desk. “But I will need you to be open-minded about what I am about to say.”

She spoke and spoke, and the more she told her, the paler her friend became. She omitted the part about Maya’s own death. There was no need for that. She knew that the small fragments she was ready to share now would be enough for her.

When she was done, Maya looked at her with red eyes, “It’s…”

“Unbelievable, I know,” Riannon sighed.

“Horrible!” her friend took her hands and gave them a tight squeeze, “Ria! That’s awful! What you had to go through…”

“Wait, you meant you have no doubts in what I said now?” the Luna raised her brow. She expected that she would need longer to persuade her bestie.

“You wouldn’t joke about it at a moment like that,” Maya leaned back on her chair, “And as far as I know, you were madly in love with Brayden just yesterday. But now… You are so calm that it’s frightening. So this explains a lot. You don't get over love like that in one day.”

That was true. Riannon did not know for sure if all love she had for Brayden was gone, but she definitely wasn't the same girl from before. She was twenty-five but it felt as if she lived much longer now. Suffering and broken heart could do that to people.

“And it doesn’t bother you how crazy that sounds?” Ria decided to make sure they were on the same page.

“I believe in the Moon Goddess,” Maya shook her shoulders, “She may have wanted Brayden to be with someone like that… Roxanne. But I will never believe that she would want such a death for you! Anyone but you!”

“I missed you so much,” Ria couldn’t help herself and gave Maya another hug. She went quiet for a bit and I gave herself a promise that whatever happened, she would at least save her best friend. She was not going to lose her again.

“So, what’s the plan?” Maya went into the battle mode fast. She was one of those underappreciated wolves. They called her Luna’s assistant and both of them hated that. She had pure Beta blood and could take down an Alpha if she tried hard. Maybe not any Alpha but definitely most of them. They thought too much of themselves and always underestimated pretty girls.

“The plan is to divorce and take our pack back,” Ria smiled, knowing that she had a great ally on her side now, “The Pearl Moon.”

“Is this even possible?” Maya whistled, “I mean, if you quickly get pregnant with Brayden’s baby and then we kill him, we could get this all…”

“No, thank you,” Ria first with laughter, “Goddess you are so bloodthirsty!”

“My hands are just itching to cut his di…”

“I got you!” the Luna covered her face with her hands, trying to suppress another outburst of giggles.

“You know what, I have an idea!” Maya said all of a sudden, “How about we ask lycans for help?! This may actually…”

“Been there, done that. Their king is an a$shole,” Ria rolled her eyes.
“You what?!” her friend’s jaw dropped to the floor.

“I had one lycan who owed me and asked him to arrange a conversation with his king. But you have no idea how arrogant he is!” Ria explained.

“Worse than Brayden?” Maya chuckled.

“Worse than Brayden,” Ria confirmed.

“Okay then, what’s next?” the Beta female never gave up and this was one of the very many reasons they became friends in the first place.

“Simple, really. I need to get the support of as many Alphas as I can,” Riannon exhaled loudly, “So that when the divorce comes into force, they give me their votes when I raise the matter in the Alpha Counicl. And I will.”

“How many do you think will support you?” Maya asked bluntly, getting her cell our of her pocket, "Count on the alphas where mu cousins are Betas. I'll take care of them."

“Not sure yet, but I know where to strike first,” Ria tapped her fingers over the cold wood of her desk, waiting for Maya to tear her eyes off the phone and spare her a look.

“Do tell!” the girl seemed genuinely interested.

“The most important event of the year that is just around the corner,” Riannon smirked, "The annual Alpha ball"

Chapter 6. Dress to Impress

“Ri,” Brayden’s head popped out of the door of Riannon’s office right when she was finishing discussing the pack’s primary school budget with the headmistress, “Do you have a sec?”

“Yes, we are done here,” Ria handed the papers to the woman in front of her and the latter gave her a sympathetic smile. The Luna remembered very well that she was the one who stood by her by the very end. That was one of the reasons she managed to squeeze in a little extra cash for the school.

“Luna, Alpha,” the headmistress bowed her head and left, leaving the husband and the wife alone for the first time in a while. For the last few days, Riannon tried to avoid Brayden at all costs. She remembered too well that their every meeting in the past life was ending badly during those days. Back then she tried to keep her dignity and not approach him first. They had meals together with pack members as always. And work meetings with Beta, Gamma and so on. But other than that, every time Bray wanted to talk to her, Riannon was finding a perfect excuse to escape. There was no point in talking to him since nothing could be changed. She debated telling him the truth about her rebirth but swept that idea under the rug. He could decide that she was crazy and use that during their divorce when she planned to get her pack back.

The silence was getting awkward.

“Long time no see,” he came closer and she remained behind her desk to make it harder for him to approach her.

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” Ria threw herself back in her chair, “Is it about the Alpha Ball?”

“Did you get my flowers?” he asked.

The flowers kept coming. He was probably still feeling guilty.

“Yes, they are lovely,” she forced a smile, “Thank you. So, did you come to speak about the Alpha Ball?”

They already had this conversation. He caught her in her office and broke her heart.

“Yes,” Brayed pulled the collar of his shirt to make it easier to breathe while Ria watched him with an indifferent expression that was clearly making him uncomfortable. “It’s about Roxy… I mean Roxanne.”

“What about her?” she pretended not to know what it was about.

“Listen,” he sighed and averted her gaze, “I kind of promised her that I would take her to the ball as my partner.”

“Oh, really?” Riannon tilted her head, “I wonder when and how that happened?”

“It’s… a long story,” he cleared his throat, “Please, understand. My wolf is dying when she is unhappy. And she has never been to a ball like that.”

“Oh, my,” Ria gasped and shook her head, “Should I maybe take Enzo with me? He hasn’t seen an event like that either. And neither did Cole.”

She mentioned the hottest single warriors of the pack on purpose. And heard a growl emerge from her husband’s chest. That served him right.

“What is it with you lately, Ri?” he looked at her in disbelief, “My Luna will not be going with someone else!”

“But it’s okay if my Alpha goes with someone else? How is that fair?” she shot her brow up, challenging him. And Brayden hated challenge.

“Maybe you should sit this one out then!” he snarled at her and for the first time, she started to get worried here. She needed that ball. She needed it badly.

“No, thanks,” the Luna crossed her hands on her chest, “I got my own personal invitation. Besides, it’s important to mingle with other Lunas for the sake of our pack. We still need to organise student and warrior exchanges and a couple of mating events for over 18s. Or do you expect Roxy to be able to deal with it instead of enjoying her first big ball? What kind of Cinderella she would be then if she would have to work again?!”

He exhaled through his nostrils and she knew that she managed to win.

“Fine,” he grunted standing up, “But you will go with Ash then. He is going anyway since he is the pack’s Beta.”

“Now you are sucking the fun out of his life too?” Ria chuckled, “I am sure he had a girl to take there and impress.”

“He already agreed to be you plus one,” Brayden informed her, “He’ll protect you there too.”

“How thoughtful,” she decided just to go with it. Getting rid of Ash would be easy anyway. He would see some Alpha’s daughter and off he would go.

Brayden prepared to leave but stopped at the door and turned to look at her again

“Ri,” he looked her in the eye, “It’s just a transition period. We will get through this and everything will be fine.”

Lies.

“I will never take another Luna except for you.”

Lies.

“I still love you, it’s just that she had such a hard life and I am not a monster. She is just a sweet girl, she will never take your place.”

Lies, lies, lies.

“Thank you for telling me that,” she nodded, “I needed to hear that, Bray.”

She even forced a smile.

“Look, when the ball is over, let’s take a day off. Just you and me. What do you think?” he suggested all of a sudden and now she looked at him in surprise. This was new. It didn’t happen in the past.

“We’ll have to see our schedules for that,” she stretched her lips further, “But it’s a nice idea.”

“Then I’ll see you around?” he suddenly looked relieved as if he got rid of some kind of trouble here.

“I am your wife, am I not?” she chuckled and his smile faded.

He left and Ria’s phone buzzed with a notification that the dresses should have already arrived.

She paused just for a second. It worried her that he offered that day off thing. Was it a good sign or a bad? She wanted to change the events that caused so many disasters but this exact one wasn’t in her plans.

In the end, she was late for the fitting and entered the room full of the most important females of the pack. Maya was there along with their friends Tatiana and Aria. They greeted her in their usual friendly way. On the other side of the room sat Harper and her minions.

Harper was Brayden’s sister. And for some reason, she never liked Riannon too much since they were younger. She was one of the first to openly support Roxy. She was the one who opened the door for others who didn’t know what to do and actually promoted the evil redhead monster.

“Bring in the dresses,” Ria commanded firmly. She wanted to be done here quick.

It was a tradition of their pack that outfits for the ladies invited to the Alpha ball were chosen together and paid for by the pack. After all, they all were representing the Silver River pack and it was important to let others see how well they were doing.

A few omegas rolled in clothing racks with the most beautiful evening dresses from the top designers. Luna always was the first one to choose and then they went according to their ranks. The rest of the clothes was sent back.

Riannon knew very well which dress she was going to pick but still pretended to look at them all to avoid suspicion.

“How about that emerald one?” Harper suggested the colour that would never suit Riannon blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Do you like it?” she got the hanger and placed it to her chest with a smile, “It’s Zac Posen.”

“Beautiful!” her sister-in-law sneered.

“Then I will leave it for you,” Ria returned the facial expression and kept going. Soon she reached it. She remembered that dress well. Peach and shiny, with loads of rhinestones on the top.

She was choosing long enough and she took that one, moving to the mirror.

Any second now…

The door opened and Roxy barged in, gasping, “Oh, my goddess! Luna! I am so sorry! I’ll just go away not to ruin your mood.”

She was already doing it. Implying that just a sight of her was affecting Riannon.

And it was. But it was mean to bring this up.

“Stay,” Ria smiled gently and noticed how everyone was watching the two of them, “You are going to the ball too and you need an outfit.”

“I already got one,” Roxanne mumbled, “From all the money that you gave me. I got it in H&M.”

One of Harper’s minions snorted.

“This will not do,” Riannon turned and sighed, “You need a dress good enough for your new status.”

“And what is that?” Harper couldn’t help but ask the provocative question.

“Member of the Silver River pack,” Ria replied without any hesitation, “Look around. What do you like?”

A little sob emerged. And then a sniffle. Everybody turned to see the crying Roxy.

“This is so sweet!” she whined, “You are such a great Luna to take care of someone like me. I never had such a beautiful dress in my life!”

She pointed to the one that Riannon was holding.

“I thought I’d never…have… an opportunity.”

She burst out crying and Ria did her best not to roll her eyes.

“You can have it,” she stretched her hands with the garment towards the omega and pretty much everybody in the room was in shock.

“But Luna!” Aria gasped, “You need to be the first.”

“That’s fine,” Riannon shook her shoulders, “I saw a red one that I like too back there. Roxy can have that one since it’s the one that made you cry like that.”

Roxanne seemed a bit startled and Luna came closer, pushing the tasteless peach dress that was good enough for a middle school prom in some village.

“No, really,” Ria smirked, “I want you to have it.”

Their eyes met and Roxy gaped, realising that she had just been tricked.

“Now go to your room and try it on. It will look beautiful on you.” Or hideous.

As soon as Roxy left, Ria quickly went back to the rack and grabbed the first red dress she saw.

“I like this one,” she went out of the room as quickly as she could, followed by Maya, “Choose what you like, ladies.”

They came straight to Maya’s bedroom and as soon as they closed the door, they started laughing hysterically.

“Oh, my goddess!” Maya chuckled, “This was fun!”

“Indeed,” the Luna agreed, throwing away the red piece of fabric she had. Because the real dress that she was going to wear to the ball was right here. It was the most beautiful dress she had laid her eyes on. It was a stunning wine red off-shoulder gown made of silk chiffon, draped beautifully around the breast and down to the waist, creating a geometrical pattern and, but flowing freely to the ground.

It was a gown fit for a queen. And in the past life, Ria didn’t even order it for viewing as it was way out of her budget. But this time around she saw it again and thought to herself – just why the not?!

The last time she went to the Alpha Ball, it was the most awful experience for her. Roxanne was wearing a beautiful white dress and looking like the little innocent omega she loved to pretend, gaining everybody’s sympathy.

At the same time, Riannon gained pity from the Alphas and was mocked by some of the Lunas who never liked her. It was humiliating as it was to come as the third wheel for her husband and his mate. But on top of that, Brayden spent the whole evening by Roxy’s side. Ria was in a sour mood the whole time although she still managed to negotiate a few things.

This time, she knew what to expect and was ready. This time, she was going there to work.

“Do I look nice?” Maya grinned as she stepped out of the bathroom in a royal blue tight gown.

“You took one too, I see,” Riannon giggled as her friend twirled in front of her.

Today was a success thanks to Maya. She was the one who received all the dresses before the pack omegas got them and brought the one Ria wanted to her room without anyone seeing it.

“Of course,” she placed her hands onto her hips, “We are leaving this pack, so I am not going to save them money.”

“Just don’t shout about it around the mansion, okay?” Ria rolled her eyes, “It’s a secret after all. But you do look nice.”

“Thanks!” Maya seemed to agree, “Shame I am not going with you. But there is always next time, right?”

“When I am the Alpha and you are my Beta, you will attend it every year,” Luna winked at her.

***

In the evening, Ria finished her makeup and hair and walked out to the main part of her bedroom to find a blue box on the little table together with a new bouquet. She opened it and saw a luxurious and probably crazy expensive diamond necklace together with a simple card with one word only on it. Sorry.

“Huh,” she bit her lip, remembering that last time Brayden gave it to Roxy. And he got her some ruby earrings which she never wore. That changed too.

However, now wasn’t the time to think about all that.

She put the necklace on since it was finishing her look just perfect and left for the ball.

She was walking down the stairs, the skirt of her dress flowing beautifully as she looked at it. Most of her hair was up, with a few curly locks falling down her bare shoulders.

“You look beautiful tonight,” a male voice made her flinch.

...

Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)

I notice Lola left the door open and the fan on. I enter, intending to turn it off, when something catches my attention. I walk over to her desk and find a notebook on the table.
The Word: Thoughts. It's engraved on the cover.

Curiously, I turn to the most recent page, which was yesterday.

The subtitle is: Strawberry lipstick.
Intrigued, I bite my lip and read the page. Strawberry lipstick, I could taste the touch of your lips on mine as I applied the lipstick to my own lips.

I pretend that your lips are the lipstick, covering my dehydrated lips with the sweet drip of your refreshing strawberry drizzle.

How I sincerely wished he had kissed me then. I imagine your lips as soft and warm as you, beloved lipstick, and savoring your strawberry scent.

I long for your touch on my skin, changing my colors like leaves when the autumn breeze spreads.

Every feeling I have is wrong, I know.

My desire for him is forbidden and would cause such a commotion among those who know us, but I don't care. I would do anything to lay my head on his chest, his heartbeat gently echoing in my ear, telling me how much he loved me.

Oh, Frank, if I could tell you how I feel, if you hadn't married my mother, but me, then it would be easier.

However, this love is not reciprocated. And as painful as it is to say, I know you will never feel the same...

I sit there, on your bed, reading the poem several times. My eyes grow larger with each word.

Darling, if only you knew that I love you too...

---

Lola
" So, who's going to pick me up again?” I ask my mom as I grab my luggage.
" Tom, Frank's butler.” My mom answers from the other side of the line.
"Okay, I'm just grabbing my luggage now, so I'll be there soon.”
" Alright, dear, there's a sign with your name on it, so you won't get lost.”
" Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.”
" I love you.”
" I love you too.” We hang up and I pick up my luggage from the baggage claim. I head towards the airport exit when I see an older man dressed in black, along with a white shirt and gloves. He's holding a sign that says:
Miss Moore.
We make eye contact and I quicken my pace to avoid making him wait for me.
" Hello, Miss Moore. My name is Tom. I'll take you to Mr. Evans's property.” He bows and starts picking up my luggage.
" Oh, I can carry that.” I try to stop him, but he already grabs the suitcases before I can.
" It's not polite for a gentleman to let a lady carry such heavy bags.” He insists and I just awkwardly smile. We leave the airport and he takes me to a matte black limousine. He puts my bags in the back and opens the door for me.
" How long will it take to get home from here?” I ask him before he closes the door.
" About fifteen minutes, why?” He asks.
" I need to use the bathroom, but I can wait.”
" Are you sure? I don't mind waiting until you're done.”
" Alright, but thank you. I can wait.”
" Of course.” He closes my door and gets behind the wheel. I notice people looking at the limousine, amazed by its beauty. If I wasn't being driven in it, I would be amazed too.
I take out my phone and continue coloring my giraffe, which I've been coloring throughout the flight. I love coloring.
Actually, it's very fun and it helps me relax. I color my giraffe to distract myself from the fact that my bladder might burst at any moment.
I ended up grabbing a soda water from the fridge along with some chocolates. It was nice to eat real food and not some airplane junk.
" We've arrived, Miss Moore.” Tom announces. I gather my things as he holds the door open for me. I grab my purse and step out. My jaw immediately drops to the floor as a white mansion with a blue roof captivates my eyes. Palm trees stand on both sides of the black glass front doors. The garden is blooming with white, red, and black roses, with fountains and statues placed in the middle.
I didn't even realize Tom was holding the door open for me, I was too impressed by the mansion. But I forced myself to snap back to reality, climbed three steps, and entered.
My eyes meet black, gold, and marble. The walls are black, with golden baseboards. A marble crystal chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, illuminating the entire space.
" Lola!” My mom calls me. I follow the sound of her soft voice and find her in the kitchen.
" Mom!” We hug tightly, and I inhale her vanilla extract scent.
" I missed you so much, dear.” She holds the sides of my face in her delicate hands. I look at her and she seems younger than before.
" Mom, you look amazing.” I say to her.
" Thank you, dear, you look beautiful too.” She hugs me once again before leading me back to the living room to sit on the couch.
" Are you excited for the wedding?” I ask.
" Yes. Frank and I are so happy. I just can't believe I'm getting married. I'm so nervous, I've never been married before.” She fidgets with her nails nervously.
" It's okay, mom.” I gently squeeze her hands. " Whatever happens during your wedding, I know you and Frank can overcome it together.” I reassure her.
Ever since my poor father left me and my mom when I was only thirteen, my mom has been a mess. It was just the two of us, without anyone's help. She had several boyfriends, but they always broke her heart.
So, for me, seeing her glowing and happy like this, melts my heart.
" Where's Frank?” I ask, noticing the absence of my future stepfather.
He'll be here any minute. My mom tells me. " Frank doesn't have any children, does he?”
" No, it's just you.”
" That's great.” We laugh and continue talking.
" Dear, I'm home.”
Suddenly, a man dressed in a black suit and gray tie enters the room. My mouth waters as I find myself falling in love when I see that man standing right in front of me, he looks so powerful.
Should I curtsy? Should I kiss his hand?
" Frank, this is my daughter, Lola.” My mom introduces me.
" Well, Lola, you definitely inherited that beautiful face from your mother.” He smiles, his brown eyes looking at me.
"Thank you.” I search for my words, without knowing what to say to such a handsome man. I reach out and, when I take his hand to greet him, I realize that I had a cliché moment where my heart stopped. But that wouldn't be enough to describe the feeling I felt when our hands collided.
My body was electrified, my knees wanted to give way beneath me, but again, very cliché.
" I'm sorry for leaving you so quickly, but I have a meeting in twenty minutes. I just stopped by to say 'hi'.” He explained, with his eyes on my mother.
" It's okay, dear.” She smiles at him.
" I'll be here for dinner, I promise. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lola.” He turns to me, with a charming smile on his lips.
" Nice to meet you too.” I hide my blushing cheeks by looking at the polished floor, and at my reflection.
" Are you shy?” Frank laughs.
" She is.” My mother chuckles back. They exchanged a quick kiss, and he ran out the door, Tom closing it behind him.
Oh...
I bit my lower lip when thousands of lewd scenarios, concerning Tom and me, played in my mind like a five-hour-long movie. To prevent myself from doing something that I'll regret, I took a shower.
I don't know what's really happening to me. I just met my mother's fiancé and I'm completely horny. Anxious to be with him. God, what's wrong with me?
I take off my clothes and turn on the hot water before stepping into the shower. I let the water run over me as I try to cleanse myself of the unnatural thoughts I have about my future stepfather.
Everything was so wrong. I couldn't even imagine the disgusted hatred my mother would have for me if she knew what I was thinking. I don't even want to know what Frank would think of me.
I should be mortified by my thoughts, but somehow a part of me isn't. As sick and twisted as my thoughts may be, I can't help but smile to myself at the thought of Frank becoming mine.
...
" Hi mom.” I walk down the stairs and go to the fridge while my mother reads a magazine at the island.
" Hello dear. How was your day?” She asks, flipping the page of her magazine.
" It's all right. I took a shower.”
" Okay, Frank made dinner reservations at a fancy country club.”
" Oh?”
" It'll be nice. We leave in an hour.”
" Alright.”
" There's a dress in my room that I want you to wear, I put a post-it on it.”
" Okay, thanks mom.”
" No problem, dear.” She smiles and I go back up the marble stairs. I open the door and immediately get nervous when I see Frank's shirtless back in front of me.
" Oh, sorry, I didn't know you were here.” I look down and hear a laugh coming from him.
" Okay, are you here because of the dress?” He asks and I look back to see him in pants.
" Yes.” I nod and bite my lip. He walks to the closet, I observed how his body complemented his polo and pants.
" Here you go.” I smile and our fingertips touch during the exchange, sending a spark down my spine.
" Thanks.”
" No problem, beauty.” He murmurs.
" What?” I raise my eyebrows, knowing what he said.
" I didn't say anything.” He says.
" Go get ready, sweetheart.” He laughs and I leave the room.
He called me beauty...
I bite my lip and blush as my heart beats fast.
" Ready, sweetheart?” Frank's tender voice fills my room as he stands in the doorway.
" Almost, I just need help with the zipper on my dress.” I smile awkwardly as I try to finish closing the zipper on the red silk dress that my mother gave me.
" Here.” I point.
He walks up to me and zips it up for me.
" Let me see.”
I turn around and he slowly examines my body, nodding with satisfaction.
" Impressive. That color suits you so well.” He praises, leaving me excited inside.
" Thank you.” I timidly bite my lip.
He looks around my room, searching for something.
" Do you have a diamond choker or necklace to wear with this?” He asks. I shake my head. He leaves the room, only to come back with a diamond-encrusted choker.
" Put this on.” He orders, I obey as he puts the choker around my neck, fastening it with the clasp. " Now you look complete.” He smiles.
" Shall we?” He extends his arm for me to take it.
" We shall.” I laugh and grab his arm. We go down the stairs with my mother taking pictures as if it were my prom.
" Lola dear, you look beautiful in that dress. And with that choker, everyone will turn their heads to look at you.” My mother is surprised and hugs me.
" You look more impressive than I do.” My jaw drops as she wears an olive green velvet dress, with a diamond necklace.
" Well.” Frank says. " I said that I'll be the luckiest man there. I'll be arriving with my stunning fiancée and my perfect future stepdaughter.” He laughs, hugging the two of us.
He takes us outside, where the driver is holding the limousine door open. He helps me and my mother get in before he does. He sits between my mother and me, holding her hand tightly. They whisper softly to each other as I browse the internet.
I like checking social media. I never thought I'd be in a mansion or wear anything remotely sophisticated. Yet, here I am. In a tight red silk dress with diamonds around my neck. Being driven in a limousine, while my mother's fiancé is filthy rich. I wish everyone could have this life, never having to worry about money or debt. Being prepared for life basically. My mother and I definitely needed this when it was just the two of us and she was working three jobs just to keep the lights on.
She's very lucky to catch someone like him, which makes me feel worse about the bold dream I had before. I mean, who dreams of sleeping with their future stepfather? Me, apparently.
My love life doesn't exist. I've always been a boring girl, as they say. I've never had a real boyfriend before. The only guy I thought I had a chance with turned out to be gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it hurt at the time.
" Lola.” Frank's seductive voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
" Yes?” I push a lock of my curls behind my ear.
" We've arrived.” He laughs as I realize my mother is outside the limousine.
" Oh, sorry.” I turn around and get out, with Frank behind me. I look around and admire the beauty of the country club. It was white paneled, with golden light illuminating it, giving it a richer appearance.
A water fountain stood in the center of the white brick"style concrete.
" Like it?” Frank asks, his minty breath brushing down my neck and giving me chills.
" You're handsome.” I blurt out without thinking. " I mean...” I look at him, who's staring at me.
" This place is beautiful.” I smile and follow him and my mother inside.
" Good evening, Mr. Evans.” Two men hold the doors to welcome Frank. He nods and walks away, my mother's arm sliding into his. I walk behind them, catching the stares of the two men. I smile to myself and thank them with a seductive smile, which only makes their faces turn red.
I sit in the chair once again, swirling the glass in my hand. My mom and Frank have disappeared somewhere, probably taking pictures or signing documents.
" Is this seat taken?” The familiar buzz of a voice from the depths of the ocean asks me. I look up to find Mark smiling, with his perfectly white teeth.
" Be my guest.” I smile slightly.
" You look pale.”
" I'm just tired.”
" I can see.”
" Where's your girlfriend?”
" She went home.” He shrugs, taking a sip from his beer mug.
" Do you want to go somewhere quieter?”
" Yes, please.” I laugh and quickly send a message to my mom saying that I'm going to my hotel room because of a strong headache.
Silently, Mark and I manage to escape from the dancing crowd. Thank God no one tried to talk to us.
" My hotel room or yours?” He suddenly asks.
" Yours.” I shrug. My room is next to my mom and Frank's room, and I really don't want to be close to them when they go to 'sleep' tonight.
" Okay, do you like vodka?”
" Of course.”
" Good, because that's all I have.” He laughs and wrinkles his nose. We take the two-story elevator and walk through a few corridors until we finally reach our destination. He swipes the card, opens the door, and holds it open for me like the gentleman he's pretending to be.
"I forgot to take clothes from my room to change into.” I say, getting a little mad at myself for now having to sit in this dress that is already bothering me.
" Don't worry, I have a shirt you can borrow.” He smiles and hands me a black t-shirt. I thank him and he unzips my dress, then I go into the bathroom to change. I pull his shirt over my head, now that the monstrosity is off my body, I notice that the shirt only goes down to the middle of my thigh.
I bite my lower lip as I try to fix my clothes, but it's useless. I swallow any shyness I have and look at myself in the mirror.
He has a girlfriend, he wouldn't try anything.
I tell myself several times as I leave the bathroom. I find him lying on his bed in shorts and a shirt, typing on his phone.
" Does it look good on you?” He asks, noticing my awkward figure standing in the middle of the room.
" Yes, thank you.” I climb onto the bed next to him, covering my lower body with sheets to prevent him from seeing anything he might like.
" Do you want me to order pizza?”
" That would be great.” My stomach growls at the thought of pizza.
Mark calls room service to have the pizza delivery guy let in while I order a large pepperoni and cheese pizza.
" Are you enjoying being rich?” Mark asks me as we stuff our faces with pizza and have a shot or two of vodka to wash it down.
" Oh my God, it's amazing. Like I have the wardrobe I've always wanted. I can go to fancy places. But I think I'll get a job, just so I won't empty Frank's bank account.”
" Well, I'm glad you liked it.”
" Do you work for Frank?”
" Yes, he and my dad own the company, but I'm training to be the CEO.”
" That's really cool.”
" I worked hard to get it. Many people think I got the job because of my dad and Frank. But actually, I worked hard to get it. He couldn't stop talking about his job.” His words slurred as we drank more and more of the vodkas he had to offer.
" So tell me, how did you meet Patricia?” I laugh.
" Her dad works for us. God, I honestly can't stand her!” He laughs as I crack up.
" Break up with her.”
" I would, but then her dad will sue me for breaking her heart.”
" That sucks, man. That's so fvcked up.”
" I know. She doesn't understand me and she bosses me around. She would honestly kill me if she knew you were here.”
"That sucks.”
" She can go off, I'm not giving her any more power over me.”
" Why?”
" She's an inappropriate woman and I'm not going to lose myself to such woman I'm waiting for when I meet her, you know?”
I sighed and felt sorry for him. I wish I could say that I understood, but I don't. I've been dishonored, and I'm sorry, even more now.
" Do you want to spend the night here? ”Mark asks, slowly cleaning up our mess.
" If it's not a big deal.” I bite my lip and help him.
" I want you to stay.” He smiles, his eyes buzzing with desire.
We get back to the queen-size bed and turn off the lights. We face each other when his hand brushes against the side of my cheek.
" I want to kiss you, but I can't. No matter how much I hate my relationship, I wouldn't dare betray her.” He murmurs sleepily.
" I understand. Goodnight, Mark.”
" Goodnight, Lola.” I put my hand on top of his, which keeps my face still, and I watch his eyes slowly close. I watch him for a moment, or as much as I can, since the room is dark.
Why do I feel like something is about to begin inside me?
I pull away from him and sigh. I couldn't have a crush on a guy I just met for a hot minute. Once again, I think about Frank.
I shake my head and close my eyes as I try to force myself to sleep, hoping to forget all the feelings I have for Frank and Mark.
.....
" Hi dear.” My mom greets me as she enters my hotel room.
" Hey.” I rub my eyes as I continue packing my things.
" Where were you last night? I came here to check on you and you weren't here.”
" I was with Mark.”
" I see, is that your shirt?” She raises a thin eyebrow at me and I shake my head.
" Yes, but it's not like that, mom. We're just friends.” I wave at her as I feel her eyes piercing me as if she was trying to see if I was really lying.
" So, nothing happened?”
" No, he has a girlfriend and he's loyal. He just let me spend the night in his room.”
" I see.” She hums, clearly not believing my truth. " Well, Frank and I are leaving. It's a long flight to Fiji.” She wraps her peach-colored arms around me as the scent of vanilla extract fills my senses.
" I love you, have fun.” I kiss her cheeks.
" Love you more.” She kisses me on the forehead before a turn of the doorknob interrupts our goodbye.
" I came to say goodbye.” Frank enters the room and hugs me, his cologne filling my nostrils, leaving me with a tingling sensation. My body presses tightly against his, I could feel his abdomen pressing against mine.
" Try not to destroy my house while we're gone.” He laughs as he lets go of me.
" I should try.” I laugh. We say goodbye and they leave my room.
I finish packing my bags and put on a t-shirt and jeans when I hear a knock on the door.
" Come in.” I shout to whoever is on the other side of the door as I lean inside, closing my luggage.
" Ready?” Marks' melodious velvety voice asks.
A waiter arrives and takes us to a table, away from the eyes of others. I look over my shoulder, noticing how men of all ages were looking at me, even the boys were looking. I laugh quietly to myself and sit in front of my mother and Frank.
We order our drinks and food. I'm very basic, so I ordered cheese ravioli and soda water with lemon.
"So," Frank says. "How's college going, Lola?" He asks with a charming smile on his perfect pink lips.
"Very well," I shrug.
"What's your major?"
"Creative writing, I want to be an author."
"I see, well, I certainly think you have talent for it. Maybe I can take a look at some of your work someday, if that's okay with you."
"Sure, definitely."
"Excellent," he smiles, my mother looking at him. It's good to see her happy with him, but I also envy her. She's so lucky.
Our food arrives and we eat. I ended up drinking four bottles of water before the bill comes. "Thanks for dinner, Frank," I smile as he pays the bill.
"It's a pleasure. I have to treat my new family well," he laughs and holds my mother's hand in his. The engagement ring on her finger, valued at $50,000, shines in the lighting.
Very lucky.
...
"How do I look?" My mother asks me, a bright smile spreading across her face. Her ivory wedding dress with gold lace and diamond embellishments shines in the light shining through the windows of our hotel rooms.
"Oh, mother... I can't find the words to describe how beautiful she looks," I hug her carefully, not wanting to ruin our makeup that took about half an hour each.
"Thank you, dear, you look stunning in that dress," she stands up and holds me in her arms to get a full view of my shining body.
"Thank you, Mom," I smile back. She is helped by her best friend, Sarah, and we all leave the room and head to where the wedding reception will be.
"Hey," I am nudged on my arm and find Mark, Frank's best friend's son, standing next to me.
"Hello," I speak timidly, not expecting him to be as beautiful as he is, with his dark brown hair shaved on the sides and curled on top. His tan skin looks smooth, his face sculpted while his smoothed eyebrows peacefully rest on his green irises.
"Ready to do this?"
"Yes, and you?"
"Totally. It must be nice to see your mom getting married."
"It really is. It's her first time, and I've never seen her so happy."
"Mr. Evans is a good man, he'll treat her like the queen she is."
"I know he will, he has to or I'll kill him." We both laugh at that. The music starts. After Sarah and Mr. Brown, Mark's father, walk down, it's our turn. We descend slowly, my arm wrapped around Mark's as I try to block out the crowd of over a hundred people looking at me.
I stand next to Sarah and notice Frank gives me a reassuring smile, instantly calming me.
How did he do that?
I return my attention to the aisle as I watch my mother walk alone down the aisle. She holds the bouquet with both hands, her eyes fixed on Frank the whole time. It was actually kind of sad to see that my grandfather refused to walk her down the aisle. In fact, our whole family rejected the idea of coming to the wedding.
Upon reaching Frank and the officiant, he starts reading from his Bible. Of course, I completely tune out, because who has time for that?
I slowly scan my eyes around the room, admiring the grand ballroom we were in. Everything was gold and ivory, exactly the way my mother wanted.
They say yes and passionately kiss, which I'm not looking at while they do. I reconnect with Mark and we all leave the room and head up to our rooms. All the bridesmaids changed into our second dresses so we could dance and move during the reception. My mother also changed into a different wedding dress that was easier to walk in.
"Mind if I join you?" Mark asks as I sit alone, sipping champagne, watching everyone dance.
"Sure." I pull out my chair and he sits next to me. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired. It's been a long day."
"I understand. Don't you dance?"
"Not really."
"Neither do I. My girlfriend always drags me to clubs and I hate it." He laughs and I sigh to myself.
Of course he has a girlfriend, he's like a god of bronze.
"Hey, Mark," at that moment, a snobbish voice sounds, and I look up to find a girl wrinkling her nose in disgust. "Come on, I want to dance." She pulls him away from me without letting him speak. He briefly says goodbye to me before being engulfed in the crowd of dancing bodies.I meet Frank and my mother talking to people at a table. Probably his friends, since no one came from my mother's side, except for the few friends she has. I can't help but contemplate his figure.
He was so fit and looked like he was 25 instead of 40. My eyes are glued to his movements as I admire the way his lips move while he rests his chin on his fist while listening to others speak.
I wish I could feel his lips. I bite my lip without thinking before realizing what I was thinking. I snap out of my thoughts and drink more until my glass is empty. I grab my phone and start playing games when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
" What are you doing sitting here alone?” Frank's charming voice sounds like magic in my ear.
" Oh, I don't dance.” I shrug.
" Well, now you dance, let's go.” He pulls me out of my chair and takes me to the dance floor where we find my mother. " We're making her dance.” He told her and she nodded.
" Thank you, mom.”
I reconsider rolling my eyes when he and my mother take my hands and start waving them in the air. Even though I want to be a piece of trash, I start moving on my own, mainly to loosen up my arms.

...

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