A Rejected Luna: Sold And Tamed | Read Free Preview
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Chapter 1 — The Night Of A Full Moon
.........
The night breeze felt so cold against her skin, the full moon casted a little illumination in the woods, causing the tree shadows to lengthen on the rough ground. Diane sat there, her back leaning against a tree. She folded her knees closer to her chest and wraps her arms around it. She was shivering visibly, anticipating her dad's return.
*Thump * Thump * Thump.
Heavy footsteps approached where she sat and she saw an hefty shadow loom closer. Diane raised her head up from where she buried them between her thighs to relive the figure before her when it stops right at her presence.
" Dad" Diane whimpers, instantly getting the strength to stand on her feet.
" Let's get out of here" he authorized with an urgent note.
Eight year old Diane knew something was not right that instant. She assessed her father.. His bow hung loosely on his shoulders, his palm held on tightly to an arrow. His blue t shirt had blood stains all over it. Diane furrowed her brows and locked eyes with her father. Her expression holding enough questions you wanted answers to.
She wasn't privileged to ask them when suddenly the creature came to view. In her eight years of living, she never came across anything like it. It growled, snarled before attacking her father.
Diane swallowed the lump in her throat. She watched her dad in that present condition. He has never looked so helpless in his entire life. He tried to fight with his fists, unfortunately, he's no match for it. Diane gasped in horror when the creature sink it's teeth into her dad's neck line.
" Leave my daddy alone" she cried, throwing a pebble stone at the creature's hairy animal like face. It paused and brought its gaze upon her. Its silver eyes glistening with dangerous light.
It did, except that it took stealthy steps towards her. Diane's leg wobbled, her eyes widened as she tried to keep up with its intimidating glares. Gun shots echoed in the room and she caught sight of blood, oozing out from the wolf's hind leg.
" Run Diane. Run" her father yelled.
" I can't leave without you papa'
"It's an order. Leave, now!'
Little Diane did. She took to her heels, running as fast as her legs could carry her. She heard grunts as her dad tried to fight the wolf, more sounds of gunshots. She let her instinct guide her as she ran through the forest.
Years Later.
~Diane~
Crescent Pack~
The loud blaring of the alarm woke Diane. Although, dissatisfied with the abrupt interruption, she woke up to watch the clock tick. 11:59pm.. with a small smile on her face, she counted seconds till 12am hit. 'Happy birthday to me.' she congratulated herself, clapping lightly. She rolled lazily on the small sized bed, causing the metal legs to creak. It was one of the few things the family let her acquire asides the tiny store room she was forced to make her personal room.
It's been ten years since she became a part of this family. One that lured her off the streets and brought her into this nightmare she was living now. She had let her guard down because they really seemed like a nice couple on that day. If only she knew... Denying herself from wallowing in self pity, she laid back on her bed, her eyes blank as they stared expressionlessly onto the ceiling. They never celebrate her birthday or attach any special meaning to it but she knew today was going to be a different one. Supposedly, she'd be turning eighteen and it's a time where she 'must' discover her wolf and find her mate. That was it, what she needed and what they wanted from her. Truth be told, she had been preparing for this day half of her lifetime. It was like a game changer for her. She'd finally be free from the shackles of this household and finally get loved by someone at least. She was lost in thoughts until sleep folded her in its warm embrace.
... Rough hands gripped her shoulders, nudging them aggressively.
'Wake up.. Diane!!' a feminine voice screeched before hitting her relentlessly on the face. She steered, jerking awake and sitting upright on the bed asap.
'What are you doing still sleeping by this time?'
Diane's eyes met the raging expression of her mother, a slight tremble traveling her whole body.
'I'm sorry, mum. I promise it won't repeat itself'
Rather than acknowledging her apology, she dragged Diane by the ears, leading her into the kitchen. 'Get the plates washed this instant'.
Diane set to work, cleaning, washing, scraping and drying. It was still dark outside, probably the early hours of the morning. The house was silent as well, confirming the fact that everyone else is still asleep.
She finished with the plates and moved on to cleaning the entire house. It took only a matter of time for her to complete her chores. She went back to her room, picking out the best of her clothes for the upcoming event in few hours' time. It was a banquet the Alpha had set and made compulsory for every wolves in the pack. Young or Old.. he was setting it to celebrate truce with the Stealth Pack. The two packs had been enemies for decades. No one expected they'd suddenly go from enemies to friends. To Diane, the main purpose of the occasion is to find her mate. She must look attractive for her mate, make him want her once they come across each other. She rummaged through a set of faded jean trousers, faded t shirts. It was at this moment it dawned on her. No special outfit for the special occasion. She sighed, shoving her clothes back into her box, concluding that she'd plead with Hailey to help her with the perfect dress. Hailey was the daughter and only child of Diane's adoptive parents. One could say she's born with a silver spoon. Things go her way, she controlled her parents, gets what she wanted, whenever she wishes. In one word, Hailey Crooks is a spoilt, pompous, brat. She was lucky enough to have discovered her wolf when she was sixteen but her made was still out of reach.
Hours went by swiftly and it was almost an hour to the banquet, as predicted, Hailey turned her down, leaving Diane with no option than to wear the ones she had. Everyone was ready to go.
Just at the door, Her adopted father, Stewart Crooks, turned to face her. 'You must find your mate today, Diane. I don't need to remind you of the repercussions, if you don't. Do I?'
Diane shook her head. 'Of course not, Father'
Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see Hailey and her mother wearing a malicious smirk..
'She's such a low life. I wonder why you took her off the streets in the first place...' Hailey's last words before she stepped out of the house.
Diane followed suit, keeping her distance from them. As she walked down the road, people stared disdainfully, whispering all sorts to each other. Most of the pack members hated her because of the fact that she's an orphan and not an original member of the Crescent pack. Just few more minutes to reach her destination, she heard a desperate scream.
'It's an attack! An Ambush' someone cried
She glanced around, noticing the tension that grew thick in the air within seconds. Her eyes darted as she searched for her parents and sister but they were no where to be seen. In a matter of minutes, the street was eerily quiet. Torn between running back home or risking it to the banquet, Diane decided to do the latter. No matter what, she must make it to the event and find her mate. She took to her heels, running down with as much speed she could summon. A loud growl erupted from behind her. Beads of sweat broke on her forehead. It was after her..
Adrenaline shot through her like a lightening bolt, panic settled and the fear of losing her life made her almost break down. She couldn't die. Not now. Not when she promised her father she'd do whatever to survive,. not When she is yet to get her revenge on that wolf that killed him that day. Anger, Frustration, Anxiety, Dread burst through every part of her body as she ran for survival. Suddenly, she heard a bloodcurdling scream from a nearby alleyway. She risked a glance to the back. What she saw when she did made her blood run cold. Standing over her was the rogue wolf. It was one the pack had always talked about, one they put a huge reward on for whoever catches it. It had been serving as a great threat for almost two years now. Moves swift as a cheetah, stealthily as a leopard and quietly as the air.
Diane knew she had to act fast, run before it catches up with her. And that moment, was when something steered within her. She felt it.. how the transformation begin to take hold. She suddenly felt weak, an excruciating pain shot through her. Bones cracked and shifted, muscles bulged and fur sprouted from every inch of her skin. Diane let out an anguish cry. She had always dreamed of this day, always wanted it but what she didn't expect was this level of pain. The rogue was already close enough, snarling and poised for attack. Diane could not move, escape or act. She simply laid there, panting hard and waited for what's to come. Just at the last moment, it turned away and left, disappearing into thin air.
... The shock was still all over her when she got to the banquet. Strangely, everywhere seemed normal. They smiled, drank, conversed. It was as though nothing really happened and if not for the shock she still felt, Diane would have concluded it all happened in her head. She was able to catch sight of her parents and sister not long after. They also seemed unfazed and appeared to be enjoying the event.
Every young person In attendance looked their best and Diane could tell it isn't just her who is desperate for a mate. Colorfully decorated, the food laid out were mouthwatering and anyone can have whatever it is they wanted.
Since there was nobody to talk to at the banquet, unlike the others whose friends had gotten a hold of them, Diane made way to the food table. She could feel heated glares on her and the quiet murmurs reached her ears. She didn't let that bother her. Her first stop was the desert table, her belly growled in excitement at the sight. Reaching out for a plate, a sudden sweet smell filled her nostrils. Rather, Diane ignored it and placed a cake in her plate.
Things didn't go the way she wanted when the smell came stronger again. Diane sensed the awakening of her wolf within, goosebumps rose at their peak and she became restless. Her eyes searched the room hurriedly. She dropped the plate she placed her cake on earlier and rubbed her upper arm, the feeling intensifying every passing second. Her hair stood on ends and her wolf panted. 'Mate!'
A gasp escaped Diane's lips when she registered her wolf's call. Her mate is actually here, she's going to be free soon. Her mate is calling out to her. Excitement surged through her. Following the smell, she walked past the crowd standing in the way. Anxious to meet the one person who would help her live freely and maybe she would eventually have a dream then.
It felt like her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. For a moment, she guessed he was looking for her too. Locking eyes with the tall handsome blonde haired man, with an obvious dimple. Diane knew for a fact that she does not want anyone else. He moved with a proud gait and his attire looks expensive. It was obvious he was a person from a noble back ground.
"Mate?" He asked, his voice sounded like music to her ears.
Chapter 2 — Mate?
"Mate?" He asked, his voice sounded like music to her ears.
Diane nodded expectantly, staring up at him like he is an angel. 'Yes' she nodded enthusiastically. 'This is me'
He was about to say something when in an instant a lady about the same age as her, Pulled him to herself, kissing him passionately. The smile on Diane's lips faded as quickly as it came and her heart dropped dead.
She swallowed hard trying to make sense of the situation. On the other hand, people around them at that moment concentrated, curious to know whatever was happening... Tbh, she was also curious as to whatever was going to happen next. After ending the kiss that seem like forever. Her supposed mate looked down at her, disdain, iciness and hostility deep in those eyes as they held hers. Her wolf cowered.. so did she.
He took stealthy steps closer to where she stood, very much dumbfounded. Irritation spiking his features. Diane's heart churned. It just hurt differently. Maybe she had expected too much. More than she should have. 'Never come find me again! Don't dare say to the world that you're my mate. I don't want you and I'm making it clear' his cold voice smoldered. 'My Luna shouldn't be you.. you are way below my standard!' he completed before retreating.
Diane's legs wobbled while she made endeavours to find her voice. Once she did, she asked a question which already has an obvious answer. "Are you rejecting me?"
Silence ensued and the duo exchanged heated glares. Diane felt like she was going to explode any moment from now.
The lady beside him giggled childishly, her eyes color changing for the briefest moment. "are you that slow? This is the longest he has said to strangers and that is because he is quite thoughtful of other people's feelings. Anyways, what he is trying to tell you in a sentence is; he wants nothing to do with you. Have a good life." She snarled, eyeing Diane scornfully.
She felt her soul and heart wrenched away from her body abruptly. She folded, her palms gripping her chest defensively. Her heart writhed in pain, tears clouded her vision. She whimpered, howling in pains. What in the world is happening? What kind of trick is the universe or the goddess playing with her again, hasn't she suffered enough?
Dread and fright gripped her as she hugged myself, looking around the room. Diane's eyes met with that of Levi and Renee, the duo who majorly finds pleasure in bullying her. It appears their eyes never left her the whole while. To them, this would be another perfect subject to bully her about. That fact alone made her want to cower into a deep room and never show her face again. There has never been a time she felt this humiliated. on a second thought she looked towards her adoptive parents again. They still had their eyes on her even though it appears discreet this time around.
Tears stung at the back of her eyes like a laser. There goes her only chance of freedom. This was the end for her. The repercussions her father had mentioned was going to befall her. There's no escape for that. Diane gulped, wobbling on her heels. She almost fell flat on her face. She guessed the excitement she felt while trying to meet her mate didn't make her realize quickly the scratch she sustained.
Finding a chair next to the food table to sit on, she threw her head to the back to keep the tears from falling.
'I'm definitely cursed and freedom isn't in my fate' she lamented bitterly.
Small chatters erupted from the crowd and small claps followed. She dragged herself from her thoughts to focus on the centre of attraction. There stood two men, Alpha Asher, the recognizable Alpha of the Crescent pack and him. The blonde hair made it easier for Diane to recognize him... Her mate.. Alpha Asher introduced him as Xavier. The Alpha of the Stealth Pack. Diane was too numb to even react. There were already too many surprises in a day and every experience was so draining for her.
... Once it was all over, Diane left for her home where she was welcomed by her 'family'. Each of them wore a sinister smile on their faces. It was as though, they already knew she was rejected.
'Sit, Diane. I want to have a word with you...' her father mentioned, his voice calmer than usual.
Diane shakily helped herself to the chair, already getting an idea of what's coming next for her.
'It's obvious you were unable to find your mate. Am I wrong?' Mr. Crooks asked rhetorically.
Diane shook her head, deeming it better to tell them she didn't find her mate than to say she was rejected. They'd make mockery of her again and it would only make her cry.
'Good. So the condition doesn't change. I already made all preparation. You'll be sent to the Stealth Pack tomorrow, unfailingly. You're to serve as a maid in the Alpha's home...'
Diane's mind reeled, shutting out whatever words her adoptive father said next. Stealth pack. She'd be serving as a maid in the Stealth Pack. Not just that but to the Alpha.. her mate who had just cruelly rejected her.. who also made it clear he never wants to cross paths again. Diane's fear for what's to come intensified.
'Father. I don't wish to serve in the Stealth pack. I'm afraid I'll lose the bond with y'all as a family.' Diane implored. 'Please, let me stay and serve as a maid to the Alpha Asher instead'.
'You have no say in this situation, Diane. You should play by the rules. This family already did enough for you. Bringing a child up for ten years is no joke! It's time you pay us back for all the hard work now' Abigail shot back.
The tears came again, lurking in the corner of Diane's eyes, blurting her vision to an extent. She jerked to her feet, her chest heaving up in sheer anger, sadness and regret. 'You should have left me on the streets that day. You shouldn't have attempted to take me in when your plan the whole time was to exploit me. I should also have known better... I should have fled when you both offered to help me out of the blues.' She didn't wait for whatever unpleasant response she'd get for saying what she said! Instead, she ran into her tiny store room, locked the door behind and collapsed on the bed with a loud thud. Diane spent the next few minutes crying her eyes out till she made her choice. For three years now, she'd been saving the little money she earned from doing menial jobs here and there. She reached for her box, collected one of her trousers and emptied its pockets. She straightened out the money, counted it quietly. Her lips stretched into a smile when she realized the amount in it was enough for her to escape the pack and start over elsewhere. At least, till she gets a job to earn her keep.
Her wolf quietly growled, saddened with the idea that they'd have to leave behind Alpha Xavier. The mate who had rejected them. Diane curled up on her bed, intending to wait till midnight before making her escape...
....
Diane woke up to the sounds of her alarm clock yet again. Taking a peep out the window, she realized it was late already, the perfect opportunity to make her escape. Dread, accompanied with fright, settled right in her bosom when she found out the money she left in her jean pockets were all gone.
'Did you misplace something?' Abigail leaned on the door frame, staring at her disdainfully.
Diane stammered, handicapped for words..
Abigail waved her off. 'It's okay. I understand your predicament, honey. So, I'm going to advise you to stop searching. Your money is now in my possession.'
Diane gasped terrifically. 'It's mine mother. Please give it back. I spent three years saving the whole money'
Abigail walked into the room, arms crossed on her chest. 'I'm not stupid enough to give you the money so you can fulfil your plans of escaping. There's no way out of this. Accept to fate already.'
She sobbed. 'But Mother...'
'If you try to escape again, I'll make sure you suffer severe repercussions..' she threatened then exited the room.
Today which was her birthday happens to be the worst day of her life yet.. it was a tragedy.
Diane slid down the wall till her ass landed on the cold ground. She's doomed!
~~Stealth Pack~~
Alpha Xavier stared at his reflection in the mirror, a sly smile on his lips.
His blonde hair was weaved and packed in a bun with a hair band, he has the bluest eyes ever, full plump lips that always wear a mischievous smirk, a small cut ran above his eyebrow, sharpening his face.
'You look rather excited today. Is there something I'm missing?' Ace, Alpha Xavier's only brother asked, his eyebrows quirked up in question.
'There's nothing you're missing out on, dear brother. I'm excited we're going to be having a duel today. I can't wait to beat your little ass out there' He responded jokingly.
Ace was an exact opposite of his brother. With his grey eyes, dark wavy hair with short bangs that fall over one side of his forehead. He has a normal build, tanner skin to his brother's. Asides the physical difference, the only other difference between them was the tattoos that covered almost every part of Ace's arms. The striking different was quite understandable since the two were born of different mothers. Alpha Xavier was born to Luna Harriette, his father's human mate, while Ace was born to Luna Melanie, their father's werewolf mate. He was lucky enough to be blessed with two mates in his life time.
'You're way older than me, you're also the Alpha. So it's expected you get the upper hand, brother'.
'Ten Years older is not a big deal.'
Ace shrugged his shoulders. 'The duel isn't really necessary. I'm not fighting for the Alpha title. I really don't want it. So why do I have to fight a duel with my brother for it?!'.
Xavier straightened out, adjusting his shirt ,collar perfectly. 'You can't say the same for your mother. She desperately wants you to have the title because you're a full blooded wolf! She suggested the duel, wanting to test my capabilities as the Alpha. If I fail, the title automatically goes to you, brother...'
Through with dressing himself, Xavier left his room for his office and for the second time that day, gossips about the newly employed maid reached his ears, allowing his curiosity to heighten. He summoned one of the maids he had heard talking about it earlier.
'Alpha. Is there anything I should help you with?' she requested, her head bowed politely.
'Tell me, who is this new maid I hear you talking about?'
'She was brought in today from the Crescent pack and she's to serve in the Alpha's mansion for the next ten years..'
Xavier's brows furrowed. 'We have enough maids in the mansion, already.'
'In two days, one of the maids will be leaving. So the new will replace her'
He inclined his head. 'It's fine. You can leave.' he dismissed the maid..
Right after, the sound of the bell was heard. It was time for the duel.
.......
Sound of swords clashing against each other resounded on the ground as the two men fought like their lives depended on it.
Heavily Breathing, Xavier addressed his brother. 'You aren't bad yourself. I see your swordsmanship is close to perfect'
Ace grunted, not letting his guard down. 'It's a fight so I'm giving it my all'
Neither of the two men were ready to back down.
They had both drawn blood on each others body and have cuts here and there.
Just then, Xavier caught a whiff of a unique scent. It got stronger every passing minutes. It was a sweet flower Smell. Intoxicating and beckoning onto him at the same time.
He shook his head, trying to clear his mind off the scent, lest he lost to his younger brother. In a minute, the duel will be over. He needed to stay focused. Luckily for him, Xavier was able to find an opening. He attacked unapologetically. His sword blade piercing Ace's stomach. Ace dropped to his knees, his hands covering the spot he has just been stabbed.
'I'm sorry, brother' Xavier whispered, dropping his blade to the floor.
The crowd cheered on and on. Thinking about the scent, Xavier left the scene in search of whoever the scent was emitting from. The familiarity of that scent was undying. Xavier swore he'd smelt it somewhere before. Then it struck. At the banquet in Crescent Pack. That was where and it was from her. He came to an abrupt stop, recognizing her amidst the crowd. Utterly displeased by her presence.
'Follow me!' He snarled then left.
Why was she here? Did she stalk him because he rejected her?!.
He stopped in an enclosed area, which was quite far away from the place where people were still gathered. He spun around to face her.
'What are you doing here?!'.
Chapter 3 — Chased By Him
~
Diane trembled under his dark, death glare. The hatred in his eyes was evident and he did nothing to hide them. Terrified, she tore her gaze away from his, concentrated on the floor beneath her.
'I'm here to serve as a maid in the mansion of the stealth pack'
'Ohh, so you're the new maid everyone's talking about?'
Diane pressed her lips together. She doesn't know the others have already been talking about her...
'How dare you come here of all places to serve as a maid?!' he thundered..
'Coming here was against my wish.. I was forced'.
'You expect me to believe that?! That you were forced to come here against your wish? Are you doing all of these because I rejected you?'.
Her wolf whimpered, so did she. The pain of his rejection tearing through her heart again.
'N... Not t.. that'.
'It better not. Because no matter how much you try to get closer to me. I'll never accept you as my mate. Do you understand that?!'.
'Yes, I do, Alpha.'.
Diane's feet was still glued to that spot moment after he left. Her heart shedding tears from the hurtful words. She knew life had just gotten harder for her. Much more difficult than it was before.
Few days living in the pack and it was hell like Diane predicted. She was treated an outcast by the other pack members, hated, called ugly, weak and was also bullied. She made so many enemies already, yet no friends. To help suppress her depression and grief, Diane would always work extra time in the mansion. Clean, cook, wash and so on. When eventually there's nothing left to do, she would wander around the empty garden, pluck flowers and decorate herself with it. It was the only thing that managed to bring her happiness in this pack. It was one of those days where she was free enough to head to the garden. Half way to her destination, she bumped into a group of maids. About eight in numbers. They crossed her path, each of them wearing a mischievous smirk. Diane tried excusing herself from their midst but was crossed again.
'She's the girl. Isn't she?' one of them asked.
'It's her. The new maid from Crescent Pack' Another responded.
Almost immediately, the eight of them busted into laughter. 'I can't believe she's the one trying to throw herself at the Alpha of our pack. She's got no shame!!' Another uttered.
Diane appeared confused. Whoever's spreading the rumor about her throwing herself at the Alpha?! She is the Alpha's mate!.
'You mean the Alpha's Rejected Mate!' her wolf corrected.
Diane huffed. 'Whatever!'
'What shall we do with her? We need to teach her a lesson. No one messes with our Alpha!'.
'She's such a freak!. How about we beat her to a pulp' one of the maids suggested, being the first to slap Diane in the face.
'You've got it wrong. I'm not pushing myself on The Alpha. I'm only minding my Business...' Diane tried to defend herself in the last minute but they cared less. She tried to fight back but she wasn't a match for them.
The scurried off once they were done beating her. Tearfully, Diane scrambled to her feet, heading back into the mansion. Her legs wobbled, her face heating under the pressure of the slaps. She secured several scratches on her elbow and knees. She was to caught up in her thoughts that she didn't see the Alpha coming. She bumped into him. Realizing what she had done, she immediately dropped to her knees to apologize. Moments of silence passed before he walked out of her presence. Diane struggled to her feet again, successfully made it into the room she shared with four other maids. They were all present by the time she entered. She was scrutinized under their glares but they cared less about her situation or what really happened to her except for one of them who was also about her age.
'You were bullied again. Weren't you?'
A drop of tear escaped Diane's lids at the question.
'It's fine. I'll help you dress your wounds. Next time, you should try to stand up for yourself. Once they see you can fight for yourself, they won't bother you anymore'...
An abrupt knock on the door distracted them. The door soon came open and one of the pack guards entered the room.
'The Alpha requests to see you, Diane'.
****
'The Alpha requests to see you, Diane'.
Diane Stanfield shuddered visibly, obviously overwhelmed by the Alpha's request to see her. She searched her mind thoroughly, trying to come to a conclusion as to why. Maybe he is willing to finally acknowledge her as his mate? Perhaps, he's starting to see her in a different light and is ready to take her in?. Or he noticed the bruises when she bumped into him earlier and wants to know who did it to her so as to teach them a lesson.. one that'll serve to the others not to ever mess with her again. The idea alone made color rise to her cheeks. She enthusiastically trailed behind the guard, her heart ramming excitedly against her ribs. In few minutes, they arrived at the Alpha's office. The guard stood by the entrance, then motioned towards the door.
'The Alpha is waiting'.
For some reason, Diane felt the enthusiasm she sensed earlier, slowly slip away. She prolly had been so stupid to think he wants to accept her as his mate or come to her rescue. Not when he already made it painfully glaring that he wants nothing to do with her. Reluctantly, slowly and quietly, she turned the door knob, walked into the office with her gaze intensely on the ground beneath. She clasped her hands, placed them on her thighs and bowed in respect.
Silence... Utter Silence...
The silence was so deafening that Diane began to doubt if there was a soul in the room asides hers. Just when she was about to see for herself, a small pouch bag landed before her with a loud thud..
'Take it' He ordered.
Diane didn't dare to look up. She didn't want to see the hatred that's vividly portrayed in those eyes as he addressed her. In those eyes of her supposed mate. It was enough, hearing the hostility lace his every word.
'Can I know what it is?'.
He snarled. 'No questions! You're only allowed to do as I say'
Diane stooped low, picked up the pouch bag to check it's content. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
'Money. What do you need me to do with this much money?!'.
'I need you to leave this pack.'.
Her stomach tied in small knots, her heart writhed in anguish. Why? Does he hate her that much that he doesn't want to be around her?
She shook her head, still avoiding his gaze. 'I'm sorry but I can not!'..
'Why can't you? Didn't you swear it wasn't your idea to be here in the first place?'
'I promise. It really wasn't.' Diane responded.
'Then why not grab this opportunity and leave!'.
'I... I j... Just c... can't' she stammered.
She heard the sound of his chair skid across the room, his scent intoxicating all her senses as he drew nearer to where she stood.
'Look at me!'
Without much hesitation, she tore her gaze from the floor and made eye contact. Just as he requested. A wave of desire hit her as she did so, almost knocking her off her feet. She swallowed hard, holding her breath in. Chanting the twenty six Alphabets in her head like a mantra, hoping it would calm her nerves. It did nothing to help. With each passing second that their eyes remained locked, her wolf continued to fight out of control. Her wolf yearned for him... His claim.. his approval. A wolf's call. It's harder to control. Exactly like they said. Eyes as blue as the ocean, sharp cheek bones, Perfectly carved brows and long blonde hair. He'd be so hard to resist on a normal circumstance.. The question formed in her mind and blurted out her lips without control..
'Why, Xavier? Why do you keep chasing me away?!'.
She regretted asking that immediately. His powerful palms grabbed her neck, choking her hard till she pleaded to be released.
'It's Alpha to you! Not Xavier. Don't you dare make such mistake again!' his grip tightened around her neck.
She nodded amidst tears. 'I understand, Alpha'.
He released her, causing her to drop to the floor helplessly. Diane gasped for breath desperately, simultaneously wondering what really did come over her that she dared to ask such a question..
'Take the money and leave this pack before tomorrow noon. Go back to the crescent pack or go into the city. Mix with humans. No one will find out what or who you really are. I'll cover up if people start to notice your absence which I doubt. Nobody wants you here either.
Diane crawled to where the small pouch bag laid, picked it up and scurried out of the Alpha's office, tears gliding down her eyes effortlessly. It's true that she's cursed. Cursed by the goddess to never be happy or find happiness. As she walked through the lobby that'd lead to the room, she remembered her step mother's words. 'Try to run away again and you'll suffer the consequences!' will it be okay for her to run away from both packs and not get punished by her step mother? Could she escape into the human world when she's yet to learn control? Won't the humans see her as a monster if she shifted by mistake? She arrived into the confines of her room. Fortunately for her, it was empty now. The other maids had gone out to complete their chores for the day.
She stripped off her clothes, turned on the shower and buried herself in thoughts on the next step to take..
*The next day*.
'Alpha. Luna Melanie is here to see you' one of the pack guards announced.
Xavier gulped the last of the whiskey in his cup and pushed it away, displeased at the information brought to him.
'Why is she here? What does she want?'.
'That, I know nothing of. Should I lead her in?' the guard enquired.
Xavier rose to his feet, taking long strides to the couch. 'I'm too busy to see anyone for now'
'How busy are you that you aren't willing to see your own mother?' Luna Melanie asked, walking into the Alpha's front room without permission
Xavier sat up, glaring daggers at her. 'What do you want?!' he demanded irritatedly.
She scoffed. 'Really, Xavier. That's no way to address your step mother. Did your mother not teach you some respect at all?!'.
Xavier knew where she was getting at. She knows how much he hated his mother being shaded by anyone.
She waved dismissively. 'Ohh right. She didn't because she was too engulfed in claiming what's really not hers... My mate'.
Xavier palmed his face. 'Not today. I've had too much to deal with already. What exactly do you want?' he demanded, ready to get this over with.
'You do not deserve the Alpha title, Xavier. Hand it over to my son, Ace..'
Xavier's brows quirked up in question. 'And why should I?'
'Because it is rightfully is...'
Their conversation was cut short by an abrupt barge into the room.
'The rogue wolf. It's here' The guard screeched from the doorway, panting heavily.
Xavier furrowed his brows. 'how do you mean? What rogue wolf? We've never encountered one in this pack before...'
'I think it's the one Alpha Asher had talked about. The one on the loose, attacking pack members'
'Then do something! Call the pack warrior to action. Has there been any attack?!' Xavier asked, jumping to his feet and throwing on his shirt.
'It has one in its reach as we speak. The new palace maid'.
Xavier froze momentarily, carefully spelt out his next question. 'What palace maid do you speak of?'.
'Diane. Diane Stanfield'.
His hands clenched into fists, a muscle in his jaw ticked 'Get my sword this instant. I shall slash it open with my own hands!' he growled, his eyes flashing dangerously as Erin, his wolf, took over.
....
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