001A
“A,honey,canyoesitdownwithus?Wewanttotalkwithyou.”Dadcalledoutforme.Hopefully,theyfinallydecidedIcouldgoandlivewithDad’sparentsattheWhiteOakpack.Ihadbeenbeggingthemtoletmegoforayearafterall.IstartedaskingthemthedayafterDavidrejectedmeforbeingtheruntofthepack.
Iremembersmellinghimandrecognizinghimasmymate,Iwasbeyondhappy.Grandma’swordsranginmymind.“TheMoonGoddessdoesnotmakemistakesinwhomshepairstogether.”
me,5ft3.
Davidisright.Ihavebeentheruntofthepack.Dad’sgreatgrandmotherisararehumanmate.Grandmaisawerewolfasismydad,hisbrothers.andsister.ShewasmatedtomyGrandpaAlphaQuinnandaverypowerfulwerewolf.Dadisbigevenforawolf.Everyoneelseinmyfamilyiseitherbigoraverage–sizedforawolf.Thenthereisme,Aftershifting,Icanpassforaregrwolf.Ialwaysknowthatsomepackmembersarewhisperingbehindmyback.ButIgetlucky,MomistheonlypackdoctorandafterrefusingtobeUncleCedric’sBetatomoveinwiththeBloodtailpack,Dadbecamethepack’sleadwarrior.Theyarewell–respected.AndtheAlpha’ssonandfutureAlphaisoneofmybestfriends.
Itatleaststopstheotherpackmembersfromgossipingtoomuch.SowhenIfoundoutthemorningofhiseighteenthBirthdaythatheindeedwasmymate,likeIhadbeenhopingformostofmylife,andevenmore
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whenIdidn’tfindmymatewhenIturnedeighteen,ninemonthsbeforehedid,Iwasoverthemoon.IrememberWillowmywolfgoingcrazywhenwesensedDavidwalkinguptous.Andwhen hespokethethirteenwordsnowolfeverwantstohear,IfeltmyheartshatterasWillowclosedherselfofffromme.
“I,DavidBirch,rejectyou,AHemmig,asmymateandfutureLuna.
Rejectingmeinthepackkitchen,sothateveryonecouldhear.Tomakemattersworse,hefelttheneedtoexinwhyhewouldrejecthisbest.friend.
“You’reasweetgirl,A.YouwouldmakeanOmegaveryhappy.ButhowcouldtheruntofthepackeverbetheLunaweneed?”
Soonafter,hestartedavoidingme,beingshortwithmelikeitwasmyfaultthathismatewastheruntofthepackasheputit.Ofcourse,thiscausedtheothermembersofmypacktobullyme.Theyrespectedmyfamilytoomuchtogetphysicalbuttheirwordshurttoo.Thatwaswhy1-wantedtolivewithmygrandparents.Theirpackwasdifferent.Theywouldeptme.Asasmallunmatedwolf,becauseIwassureIwouldneverwantachosenmate.Second–chancematesareforthosewholosttheirmates.Notwolvesthatgotrejectedlikeme.
Deepinthought,Imademywaytothekitchentojoinmyparentsatthekitchentable.MomlookedsadandDadlookedconflicted.Heheldaletterinhishand.InstantlyIrecognizedtheroyalseal.SotherumorsweretrueCrownPrinceGriffinwouldpickachosenmate.Onhisfirst
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Birthday,hegotthemarkshowinghisfatedmatediedbeforetheymet.Infouryears,hewassupposedtorulethndandallthewerewolfpackstakingoverfromhisfatherandmother.HeneededaQueenbyhissidetodoso.Rumorshadbeenspreadinghewasinvitingallunmatedshe–wolvesfromeighteentothirtyteto aball,wherehewouldchoosehischosenmate.
“Therumorsaretrue.PrinceGriffinisinvitingalltheunmatedshe-wolvesbetweeneighteenandthirtytotheball.WeknowyouwanttolivewithGrandpaQuinnand GrandmaEmmy,Sweetheart.”DadstartedconfirmingwhatIwasthinkingassoonasIsawtheletter.
“Ifyougototheball,wewillgrantyoupermissionandwewillconvinceAlphaPhilliptoletyoumoveinwiththeWhiteOakpack.”
Thiswasthebestnewsever.IfIwasnotsuitableasaLunaevenasa
fated mate,therewasnowaytheCrownPrincewouldselectmeashischosenQueen.TheroyalfamilylivedclosertotheWhiteOakPack,soImightaswellpackallofmybelongings.MaybeIcouldconvinceMomandDadIcouldstayattheWhiteOaksafewdaysbeforethat.Afterall,itwasonlyafewhoursbyaiogettoSilverCreekwheretheRoyalslived.IhadneverbeentherebeforeandIwasexcitedtogo.Iwouldbeabletotastesomenewfoods,andmaybeevengetsomenewrecipes.
“You’renotsayinganything,honey.Doyouagree?”Mom’svoicepulledmebacktothehereandnow.
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“Sorry,Mom,Iwasdaydreaming.Ijustgotalittleexcited.Ofcourse,Iagree.IcannotwaittoseeSilverCreek.”Ihonestlytoldher.
Myparents‘widesmileshurtmealittle.TheywereexcitedandhappybecauseIseemedsoopentogivingthisachance.ButallIcouldthinkofwasgoingovertoJessa,soIcouldtellher.Shewastwentylikemeandunmatedtoo.MysisterKatenamedafterourhumangreat–great
grandmotherwasneenandunmated.Wewouldprobablygotogether,thethreeofus.
BeforeIevenasked,DadchuckledtellingmeIcouldgoandvisitJessa.Jessaandherparentsweretheonlypackmemberswhonevertreatedmedifferentlyasidefrommyfamilyofcourse.IwouldmissthemwhenImoved,buttheycouldalwayeoverandseeme.
IrushedovertoJessa’shouseandwasweedbyJessaandherfather
Theo.
“Gotthelettertoo,Isee?”Jessagreetedmewithawarmsmile.
Unlikeme,JessahopedtobepickedbyCrownPrinceGriffin.EvenwhenIpointedoutthatIdoubtedthefutureQueenofallthewerewolvesgottogetawaywithhercountry–rockaesthetic.
“Soareyourparentsgoingtotakeyou?Idoubtmyparentscantravelwithus.Wouldtheymindifwetraveledtogether?”Iaskedherabouttravelinginstead.
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“Siveety,yourparents,James,andIalreadydiscussedit.Ofcourse,wearenotlettingtwoyoungshe–wolvestravlone.Wewillgotogether,thefour ofus.Andyes.wewillstopattheWhiteOakpack.”Theosmiledatus.
“Wait.Mr.Silver,yousaid2unmatedshe–wolves.Doyounotmean3?Isn’tKatetravelingwithus,too?”IhadnotseenKateinthst2days,whichwasunusual,butifsomethinghappenedtoher,MomandDadwouldhavesurelytoldme.Allthefacesaroundmefell,andIknewsomethinghadhappenedtomydearsister.
“Ohsweety,hasnobodytoldyouwhyKatehasn’tbeenhome?”Theosaidavoidingmakingeyecontact.
“No,whatareyouguystalkingabout?”Allkindsofscenariosshed.throughmymind.
“Aetothepackhousenow.It’surgent.”Myfathermindlinked.me,rousingmefromthoughts.
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SayinggoodbyetoTheoandJessa,Iracedtothepackhouse.
“Ofcourse,KatecanmoveintoCresentMoon packwithhermateTim.‘ThemomentIwalkedintothepackhouse,IheardAlphaPhilliphappily.permitKatetoleavewithhermate.
Katerejoicedatthegreatnews,arminarmwiththemanstandingby.
Knowingmysisterwasfine,Isighedoutofgreatrelief.
“Wait,you’vefoundyourmate?”Withaquestioninggaze,Imindlinked
Kate.
Kateturnedtome,nodding.Herfaceblushedwithsparklesinhereyes
“Thankyou,AlphaPhillip.”Fatherbowed.Hegesturedformeteoverandadded,“AndAisintendedtogototheroyalball.Wouldyoumindshemoving totheWhiteOakpackafterthat?”
AlphaPhillipthoughtFather’swordsoverandlookedatme.Myheartskippedabeatunderhisintimidatinggaze.
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Finally,heshruggedhisshoulderandbrokethesilence.“Honestly,IhavenoissueswithAgoingtotheroyalball.ButweallknowthelikelihoodthatthePrincewillchooseherastheLunaofallLuna’sis
extremelysmall…”
Justlikehisfavorformembersofthepackgoingtolivein anotherpacktoformanalliance,AlphaPhillipwasveryinterestedintheprospectofoneofthepack’sunmatedshe–wolvesbingachosenmatetotheroyalfamilyaswell.Forhim,itwouldbetheidelliance,thoughhedeemedmeunworthyofbeingthefuturequeen.Hedidn’teventrytohidehisdisbelief..
“ButtellmehowitwouldbenefitourpackifAwasnottoreturntousaftertheball?”AlphaPhillipquestionedDad’swordsbluntly.“ThereisalreadyanalliancebetweentheBloodMoonandWhiteOak.”
Thatwastheproblem.AlphaPhillipwouldneverletpackmembersmovetoanotherpackifitdidn’tbenefithim.Inmostcases,formingorstrengtheninganalliancewouldsuffice.ButIwasn’tabouttomovetomymate’spack.Iwasabouttomovetofamily,sononewrtionshipswerebuilt.
“AlphaPhillip,somepackmemberswerughingatAafterDavidrejectedher.”Dadtriedtoreasonwithhim.“It’shardtoseemydaughtersuffering.”
“And howwouldthefutureLunafeelifshenoticedthatDavid’sfatedmatewasstilllivinginthepack?”Dadadded.
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“Noworries.Mysonhasalreadymadethegreatestsacrificeknowntowolves.HehasselectedHannahashischosenmate.Hannahisafineshe–wolf,strong,poised,graceful,andkind.ShewilltreatAexactlylikeshehasbeendoingeversincetherejection.”AlphaPhilliptolduslikehewasreassuringatoddlerthattherewerenomonstersunderthebed.
Washethatunawareofwhatwashappeningrightunderhisnoseorwashethatuncaring?Hannah hadalwaysbeenjealousofmyfriendshipwithDavid.SheimedDavidwashermateandseeingDavidhangingaroundmemadehercrazy.Shekeptmakingtroublesforme.Hearing.Davidrejectmethrilledher.Sherejectedhermate,anOmega,asweetguy,instantlyandwasdeterminedtobethepack’sLuna.ShestartedtotryandhititoffwithDavid.ThefactthatIwasDavid’sfatedmatewasenoughforhertobullymewithherminions.
NotscreamingabouteverythingHannahandherflyingmonkeyshaddomesofarwasalreadytakingallofmyself–control,Willowwas,alreadyitchingtotakeovercontrol.IknewIshouldn’t.
Ihadbeenenduringthebullying,thebeating,andtheabusefortwoyears.Nowsoclosetoescapingwasnotthetimetomessitallup.
EasiersaidthandonewhenDavidsmirkedatme,lickinghislipsbeforeaddressinghisfatherlikeagoodlittleAlphaintraining.
“CanIgivemyopinion,Father?”He askedpolitely,andofcourse,Daddydearestlethim.
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HisprideoverhissonstartingtopickupAlphadutieswasalloverhistface.
Withanevilsmile,Davidstartedtalkingagain.
“Idothinkthe HemmingsputtoomuchweightonmydecisiontorejectA.Everywolfwithasenseofself–preservationwouldwantamoresuitableLuna.PackmembersapudedmeforthesacrificeImadeinrecognizingtheMoonGoddess‘onlyfault.ManyseemedtothankforthematebondsbetweenmeandHannah.”
Right away,theairwasthickwithtension.MomandDadstiffenedattheinsult.Histantdisregardforme,mywishes,andthematebondweoncesharedseteveryoneoff.
“Iguesssheisallowedtostopbythe WhiteOakbeforegoingthetoroyalballthen…”Dadpled.Iknewtherewasnothingelsehecoulddo.
AlphaPhillipsmirked.“MakesureAylesbackhomeafterthat.”
Father’ssilentandquickeptanceofmyfatehurtme.
“What’sthepointofgoingtotheroyalballifIcan’tgotoWhiteOakandgetawayfromalltheseforever?”Imurmuredtomyselfindesperationandanger.
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YetAlphaPhillipsattherewithastraightfacetellingmeIwastheshe-wolfwhomadetroublestothepack.
Myangerwastakingover,andIneededtogettheseemotionsoutbeforetheywouldgetthebetterofme.Willowhadn’tstoppedfightingtotakecontrnditwouldbebettertoshiftwhenIwasstillincontrol.MywolftendedtoreactmoreprimndIhadnodoubtshewouldgoovertoDavidandfighthimthesecondIwasnolongerincontrol.
Tooupsetwithmyparents,ImindlinkedKatewhereIwasgoing,sothatmyfamilywouldnotworryaboutme.Then,Iwalkedoutintotheforest,tooneoftheemptytreetrunkswherewecouldkeepourclothesaftershifting.
Aftercheckingnoonewasthere,Ishiftedintomywolfformandjusttookoffrunning.I’vealwayslovedrunninganditwasthehingIwasbetterinbecauseofmysize.Beingsmallmademefasterandalotmoreagile.IcouldoutruneverywolfinmypackandmostintheWhiteOakpacktoo.
Thefeelingofthewindrushingthroughmyfair,thewhizzinginmycarsdrowningalltheothersoundsoutalwaysmademefeelpeaceful.Feelingpeaceful,calmingdown,andcollectingmyselfwasexactlywhatIneedednow.Thefirstfewminutesitfeltlikesomeonewaswatchingme.OnceIgotdeeperintotheforest,thefeelingfaded.Itmusthavebeenmyillusion.
Sunwasalreadysetting.Ihadignoredeverysinglefamilymemberthat
73.59%
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reachedouttomeoverthemindlink.Nowmylimbswereaching,Iwashungry,thirsty,andhonestlyexhausted.
WhenIfinallyreachedthetreetrunkwhereIstoredmyclothing,andwasabouttoshiftbacktomyhumanform,ahugewolfranintome.throwingmeontotheground.
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003A
Andofcourse,itisHannahandherlittlebandofbitches.
“Whatisitthistime,Hannah?”Iasked.
Notwantingtoshiftbacktomyhumanform,becauseIstoodabetterchancelikethis.
“Iheardyouaregoingtotheballhostedbytheroyalfamily.Doyoureallythinkyouarefittobethequeen,theLunaofallLuna’s,ifyouareunfittobetheLunaofourpack?”Hannahscoffed.
Ishouldhaveknownitwasherjealousyagain.AsIheardthatDavidhadtoldherhewantedtohaveherashischosenmate.However,Hannahdidnotwanttpletethematingprocess.Becauseshewantedtobeunmatedfortheprince’sball,hopingshewouldeitherbehissecondchancemateorhischosenmate,fullydelusionalthatshehadallittooktobethenextQueen.
WhileIwasnotlookingforwardtothisevent,andIknewthePrincewouldneverchooseme.Ididknowthattheroyalfamilyisseenaskindandfair.Iimaghefuturequeenhastopossessthosesamequalities,meaningitcouldneverbeHannah.Thesmartthingwastokeepmymouthshut.Noteggheronmore.Shame,thatIwasn’twise,IwasstubbornandIwouldneverletanyonegetawaywithoffendingme.
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“You’vegotalotoflipsforsomeonewhotheMoonGoddessherselfdeemedbarelyworthyofanOmega.Youthinktheroyalfamily won’tseeyouforthegarbageyouare?”
Inaninstant,allfiveofthemwereonme,head–buttingmeandbitingme.Scratchingmewiththeirpaws.Itriedhittingthembackwithmypaws,buttheywereallovermeandIcouldnotdefendmyselfsufficiently.
Mybodygrewlimp,but theydidn’tstop.TheirgrowlsandsnapstoldmeIwasabouttogetmorebeating.
“Whatthehelldo youthinkyouare?Doingfiveagainstone?”Anunfamiliarvoiceboomedthroughtheforest.
Ilookeduptoseesomeonewearingtheroyalsigilonhisjacket.
Everyoneshiftedbacktotheirhumanforms.Awkwardtensionfilledthe.air.Iwastheonlyonewhobroughtmyclotheswithme.SoIquicklygotdressedagain.
Ignoringtheroyalsigil,eitheroutofpurestupidityHannahstillbuckednakedinfrontoftheman.
orpurearrogance,
“F*ckoff!Whodoyouthinkyouare?Evenifyouareaservantoftheroyalfamily,youhavenorighttointerferewithourpackbusiness.”Hannahwarnedtheman.
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“Nowolfshoulddeemthemselvesworthyenoughtoattackasinglewolfinagroup.Honestly,Idon’tknowifIamprayingtotheMoonGoddessthatyouaremated,soyouwon’etotheroyalball.Ortoprayyouareunmatedtospareotherwolvesfromhavingamateashorrendousasyouare.”Hescoffed.
Theauthorityinhisvoicewasnotthatofalow–rankwolf.Infact,itterrifiedHannah.Shefadedawaywithherminionsquickly.
“Areyouokay?”Hewalkedtomeandhelpedmeup,hiseyesfocusedonmewithkindness.
“Ithinkso…”Gaspinginpain,Islowlyrosetomyfeet.
“Areyousure?”Heasked,worriesvisibleinhiseyes.
“Yes”Thenextsecond,Istumbledandfellbacktotheground.
“No,youarenot.”Hechuckled,“Comeon,letmewalkyouhome.”
“Thankyou…Um…”Istammered.
“CallmeDillion.”Heintroducedhimself,holdingmeupandwalkingmeoutoftheforest.
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“Nicetomeetyou.Dillion.I’mA.Thankyouforsavingmebackthere.”Ismiled.
“Noabigdeal.Asareturn,wouldyoupleasetellmehowtogettoAlphaPhillip?IamheretohanddelivertheinvitationforthePrince’sball.”Heasked.
“Noproblem.It’sjustafewblocksahead.”Ireplied.
“AndIknowthisisanoffensivequestioninmostcases,butIdon’tseeamarkonyou.Andyouseemtobeofage.Areyouunmatedorhaveyounopletedthematingprocessyet?”
Therewasnomaliceinhisquestions.Icouldtellthatfromhisgentle.voice.
“Ihavebeenrejectedbymymate.SoIwon’tbpletingamatingprocessever.”Iansweredimmediatelycursingmyself.
Alwaysspeakingmymindhadputmeintroublebefore.ThatiswhysomeofthepackmembersbelievemetobeunfitasaLuna.Theywantsomeonepoisedandgentle,andHannahdoesafarbetterjobpretendingsheisthanIdo.
“Neversaynever.“Dillionwinkedandhandedmetheinvitation.
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Iepteditwithabrightsmile,notforthereasonhemightthink.IwasnotexcitedtomeetthisPrince.ButgoingtoafancyballwhereIhavetooverdressatleastpresentmewithasmallbreakfromthebullyingandpain.Itmightbeagoodgetaway.
IthinkIlikeDillion.Heseemedtobeverydown–to–earth.Heremindedmeofmygreat–uncleNichs.Funny,spontaneousbutfair.Whenhewalkedmehome,wechattedalittleabouttheBloodMoonpack.HeaskedmehowIhadbeentreatedhere.Nowonderhewoulddothatafterseeingallthebruisesonmybodywhensavingmefromthefivepackmembers.Hepickeduponmostofthepack memberswhisperingonourwaytothepackhouseaswell.
Ididn’ttellhimanything.Itwasstillnotworththetroublethatwoulefromrevealingthis.
“Sis,Iamworried.Whereareyou?”Danielsoundedagitated,soIexcusedmyselftoDillionandmindlinkedmybrotherback.
“RanintoHannahbutwegotinterruptedbyamessengeroftheroyalfamily.I’mwalkinghimovertothepackhouseandwillbehomesoon.”
“You’reclosetoyourfamily.Itakeit.Wouldyoueverbeabletomovetoadifferentpackforachosenorsecondchancemate?”Dillionaskedme.
Ifitwasn’tforthebeautifulintricatemarkonhisneckIwouldthinkhewasflirtingwithme.Maybehewasjustbeingnice,makingmeawareof
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thefactthatIcanfindanothermate.OrmaybehewantedtoseeifIhadhonestintentionsiingtotheball.Eitherway.Ididnotknowhimwellenoughtolethiminonmynsorfeelings.
“Partofbeingawolfisthepotentialofneedingtomovetoanewpack.IalwaysknowandIstilldo.”IgavethemostnonmittnswerIcouldthinkofbeforetellinghimtheexactlocationofthepackhouseandsayingmygoodbyes.
Cominghomeindeedexhaustedthstbitofmyenergy.
MymothergaspedthesecondIopenedthefrontdoor,Kateandhermaterantocatchme,tostop mefromfallingover.DadwasgrowlingabouttoshiftwhenDanielstoppedhim.
“Thisiswhatyouallowtohappen.Shetriedtoprotectallofus,butthisiswhatyou’relettingthemgetaway with?!”
Danielhasneverscreamedateitheroneofourparents,Iwasabouttotellhimnotto,butthesecondIopenedmymouth,cknessovertook
<ol>
<li>me.</li>
</ol>
85.39<strong>%</strong>
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004A
WhenIwokeup,Iwasinmyownbed,dressedinasetofPJs.
Momsatattheendofthebedreading.ItwasalovewebothsharedbutIcouldtellfromherbodnguagenowthatshewasjustskimmingoverthepages.Notreallyreadingeventhoughitseemedlikeshewastrying
<ol>
<li>to.</li>
</ol>
Assoonasthesheetrustledasaresultofmymovement,shelookedupwithtearsinhereyes.Bynowitwapletelydarkoutside,soImusthavebeenoutforatleastanhour,maybeevenlonger.
“Baby,areyouokay?Whydidn’tyoutellusbefore?”Momaskedmewhilehuggingmetightly.
IknewHannah’shingoutatme wasn’ttheirfault.IknewthatifIhadtoldthemaboutwhatHannahwasdoing,theywouldn’thavelethergetawaywithit.
“Iamokay,Mom.It’sallhealing.IcouldnottellyouandDadbecauseitwouldgetyouintotroublewithAlphaPhillip.Itisnotyourfault.”
Shehuggedmealittletighter,whisperinghowsorryshewasinmyhair.
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Buryingmyheadinmyarms,Istartedtocry.
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Andthentwomorestrongarmswrappingaroundme.ThetwoarmsIleastwantedtfortmenowbutstillIcouldnothelpbutsinkintotheembrace.UnabletokeeponfightingbecauseIhadbeendoingthatfortoolongnow.
“Oh,sweetheart,Iamsosoterriblysorryfornotseeingwhatwashappeningtoyou.Pleaseforgiveme.”Dadkeptapologizingashehuggedme.
IknewIshouldn’tbeangrywithhim.Itwasnothisfaultafterall.Itwasmyownchoicetohidethetruthfromhim.However,Iwasdisappointedatthefactthathedidnotfightharderforme.HejustshruggedandgaveupwhenAlphaPhilliptoldthemIcouldnotchangepacks.ThatwaswhyIdidn’twanttotalkwithhimnow.
“IsthatwhyyouwanttomovetoWhiteOaktolivewithyourgrandparents?”Hehuggedmetighter.
InoddedandtriedtfortDad,“Iknow.Dad.ButtheleastthingIwanttoseeisyouarguingwithDavidandAlphaPhillipandleavingthepack.AlphaPhillipwouldneverallowthat.Itwillriskawar.YourknowUncleCedricwouldgotowaroverprotectinghisfamily.”
“Hewould,andyou’rehisfavoriteniecewhowouldhavemadeitworse.Still,wecouldhavetalkedaboutitasafamily.Doyoureallythinkwe
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wouldn’tbeabletocalmdownandthinkthisoverbeforejumpingintoaction?”Dadaskedme,thehurtclearinhisvoice.
Makingmefeelworse,nowIfeltlikeIdidn’tgivemyparentsenoughcredit.
“Sowhat?YouwouldjustkeeplivingherewithAlphaPhillipafteryouknowwhatheallowed.YouwouldeptHannahasyourLunawhensheistheonewho keepsbeatingourbeloveddaughterupsoseverely?”Mom’svoicegotlouder.
“No,Iwillneverepther,norwillIeptDavid.Heisn’tgoingtobeabetterAlpha.”Dadsaidwithasternlook.
“Heisacoward.Withoutaleadwarriorand apackdoctor,ayoungwolflikehimwouldbeverylesslikelytogotowarwithanexperiencedAlphalikeyourUncleCedric.ButyourcousinSebastianisonlyneen.YourUncleCedricandAuntKatrinahavetowaituntilweallmoveintotheWhiteOakpacksafelybeforechangingtheleadershipwithinthepack.”Hecontinued.
“Ihavediscussedwithyourmother,A.”Dadlookedintomyeyes.“Wewillythewaitinggame.”
yingthewaitinggame?Whatdidthatmean?MovingbacktotheWhiteOakpackwhenitwouldbesaferoreasiertodoso?ButIdidn’tunderstandbecauseAlphaPhillipshadalreadydeniedme.
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“Fornow,youwillgototheroyalballfirst.Afterthat,youwillgo.visitingyourgrandparentsandstaywiththemthere.AndwhentheSilver’eback,theywillexinyougotinjuredandneedtorestatyourGrandparent’sce.Bythen,hewillknowwhathissonandpossiblefutureLunadidandallowed.Iwillgivehimthechancetokeepitundertherug,aslongasheallowsyoutostaywithyourGrandparents.foraslongasyouneed.”Dadexined.
“WhatifAlphaPhillipsdoesn’tallowmeto?”Iaskedback.
“Hewindhehasto,Sweetheart.”Dadlockedhiseyeswithme.
MovingtotheWhiteOakpackseemedtobewithinreachnow,andIhuggedDadhappily,gratefulforhisdecision.
“ThismightnotbenecessaryifthePrinceissmartenoughtoseehowamazingyouare,sweety.”Momcutin.
Irolledmyeyes.Deepinmyheart.Iknowthiswouldneverhappen.Hannahwasright.HowcouldIbetheLunaofallLuna’safterIwasrejectedtobeDavid’smate?
Withallthoseoldmemoriesshinginmymind,Ifeltmyheadspinning.
MomandDadhadnoticedhowdizzyIwas.Theysettledmeonmybedandforcedmetotakeagoodrest.ItdidmybodygoodbutIstillhad
55.84%
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bruisesandscarsthathadn’thealedyetbecausemybodywasalwaysbusyhealing freshinjuries.NowthateverybodyinmyfamilyknewIwasn’tworriedaboutkeepingthemhiddenanymore.
ThstweekofstayingwiththeBloodMoonpackhasbeenweird.EvenafterIwasgettingmuchbetter,theyhardlyletmegooutalone.
Gettingbored,Istarted topackmybelongings.Sadly,Icouldn’tpackatlot.DadtoldmetopackonlytheessentialsintoiletriesandclothingsoIcouldtakemoresmallpersonalthingswith me.Mompromisedmeshewouldatleastsendallmybooksoutinpairsoftwo.Andsheinsisted.metakingtheballgownGrandmasenttome.
“YourGrandmasaidyoushouldnothideyourselfinthoseckthings.Ifnottofindamate,then toshowtheothershe–wolves,especiallythoseofBloodMoon,thatyouareaqueeninyour ownrights.Andshewouldlovetoseethisdressgetusedonsttime.Whatdoyousay,A?”
Caressingthebeautifulgolddressonthemannequin,Irecalleditwas thedressmyGrandmaworewhenGrandpaintroducedherashisLunatothepack.Thinkingofit,Inoddedinassent.
Whenbothmysuitcaseswerepacked,IlookedaroundmychildhoodroominthehousewhereIgrewup.Itseemed likeIwasstilllivinghere.becauseIwasrunningawayfromhomelikeanover–emotionalteenager.Toavoidbeingbeatendaily,Ipretendedtobeinterestedinmarryinga
prince.
“A,timetogo.”Mom’svoicecamedownstairs.“Youwon’twantto
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17
20%dari
<strong>005</strong>Griffin
288Vouchers
005Griffin
Forthstfewdays,IhadbeenwakingupachylikeIhavebeentrainingtoohard:Momhadnoticedandshewasworriedaboutme.ShethoughtImighthavebeenoverdoingmyselfinpreparationfortheroyalball.ProbablybecausethiswasthefirsteventIhadgottenpersonallyinvolvedwith.
Iclungtothehopeoffinallyfindingheratthisball.Ididmorethanhopingthough.JustasIdidtheveryfirstnightafterfindingoutthatIhadonefinalchanceofmeetingmysecondchancemate.Ihadbeenpraying to theMoonGoddesseverynight,bringingherofferings.AndIhadsenteverystaffmember avable,whomIfullytrusttobringtheinvitationspersonally.Tobothgetasmanyshe–wolvestetothebaspossible,andtoscopeoutthepacks.
SlowlybutsurelyIwasgettingsureofthefactthatIwouldfindmymate.EveryonearoundmesaidIhadmyheadinthecloud.ThatIwas ahopelessromanticandthatIneededtoconsiderthepossibilityofchoosingachosenmate.<strong>I</strong>hadpromisedmyparentsandIamnotsomehatgoesbackonhisword.ButIwillwaituntiltheclockstrikesmidnightIdonotfindmyfatedmatebeforethattime.Thinking,ofit,maybeIshouldstopthinkingaboutherasmysecondchancemate.MaybeIshouldjustrefertoherasmyfatedmate.Tonotmakeitsoundlikeshewassecondbest,orasecondchoice.
IhatedhowIwasreconsideringeverything.Itwasjustthepressureoffindingher.Normallywhenyoufindyourmate,youhavethetimetogettoknoweachotherbeforeyopletethematingprocess.Myparentswantedmetpletethematingprocesswithinamonth.MeaningI
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hadtoconvinceagirltomoveinwithme,leaveherownpackbehind,andfullyeptmeashermatewithinamonth.Cometothinkofitwithallofthestressaboutthis,andalltheextraworkIwastakingon.MaybeMomwasright.MaybeIwaswakingupsoreandachybecauseofallIwasdoing.
Itdidn’tstopmefromgivingmyallthough.Inervouslylookedaroundinmyroom.IwaswonderingwhetherIwouldjustpickadifferentroom.formeandmymatetomoveinto.OrshouldImovesomeofmypersonalbelongings,somymatecouldhaveherpersonalstuffandmakeitour
room.
“Yourroomisemptyenoughasitis,yourhighness.
IturnedaroundhappytohearDillion’svoiceagain.Hecouldreadmelikeanopenbook.Hejustgot me,justhowseeingmyback.HeknewIwasdoubtingmy roombeingreadyenoughformyLuna,mymate.Healsowasthstofmymessengersreturningfromhanddeliveringtheinvitationstomyball.
“So,howwasit?”Iaskedhim,sittingdownonthebedandsignallingforhimtositdownnexttome.
“Wordshadspreadquickly.AllAlphasconfirmedthattherewerequiteafewunmatedshe–wolvesfromtheirpacksandtheyweremorethanhappytoattendtheball.”Dillionbriefedthesituationtome.“Thenumberofgueststhatweexpectwillbenerve–wracking.”
“ItwouldbeallworthitifI canfindmymate.”Iscratchedmyhead,
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“Iknowyouareprayingforafated mate,andyouknowIhopeyoufindher,Griff.IwantyoutohavethesamehappinessasIhave.”HestatedandIknewwhathewasgoingtosay<strong>.</strong>
Dillionrecentlyfoundhisfatedmate,aguy.Hehadconfidedinbeingattractedto bothmaleandfemalewolvesbefore.Thatneverstoppedhimfrombeingfaithfultohismate.Towaituntilhemetthem.Butithadmadethemnervousnotknowingwhatheneededtolookoutfor.UntilhemetCollinhehadthemomentIwasdreamingofwhereheinstantlyknewwhohismatewas.LuckilyCollindidn’thaveanissuewithmovingtothecastle.Theyhapletedtheirmatingprocessandwereashappyascouldbe.Nowthathappilymatedwolfsittingonmybed.wasabouttotellmeIshouldnothopetofindwhathehadandchoosea
randommate.
“MoonGoddessknowsthatIwantyoutofindher.Butifyoudon’tmeetagindIwouldn’tmindherbeingourqueen.Sheseemsrightupyouralley,too.”Heteasedme.
“Bytheway.Imetasmallyetbraveshe–wolfatBloodMoon.Sheneverbackeddownthoughbeingattackedbyfiveotherwolves.Andtheroyalemblemonmycoatdidn’tchangeherattitudetowardsmeatall.”Hechuckled.“Sheisalittlefirecrackerthough.Youneedsomeonewhohelpsyougetyourheadoutofyourownasssometimes.”
“Thegirlsoundslikeafunpersontobearound.YouknowhowmuchI
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hatewolvesganginguponothers.”mented.“Willshetotheball?”
“Yes,I’dgivenhertheinvitationandsheseemedtobeinterestedinbeingpartofit.”Dillionreplied.
“Good.Don’tforgettopointoutwhosheisattheball.I’dliketomeether.”
“Okay,butonlyattheendofthenight.”Dillioncontinued,“Andone.morething,shehasbeenrejectedbyherfatedmate.”
Dillion’swordssurprisedme.Icouldnothelpwonderingthereasonbehindherrejection.Icouldnot imaginesomeonebeingrejectedbythepersontheMoonGoddessarrangedforher.Beingrejectedbyherfated.mate?Shemighthavedonesomethingterrible.
“Imaginegettingrejected,thatmustbetheworstfeelingintheworld,evenworsethanfindingoutyourmatehasdiedbeforeyou’vemetthem.”Isaidoutloud.
MoretomyselfthantoDillion.Itgavemeanotherthingtoworryabout..
“WhatifIfindmyfatedmateattheballbutsherejectsme?”Iasked.Dillion,worriesallovermyface.
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Dillionshookhishead,chuckling.“Stoppanicking,Griff.Everythingwillbefine.YoucouldnotbeprayingtotheMoonGoddesswhiledoubtingherpicksforyou!”
“Yes,you’reright.”Itriedtocalmmyselfdown.“ButwhatshouldIdonow?”
Therestoftheday,againstDillion’sadvice,Iclearedoutmorepersonalstufffrommyroom,hopingmymatewillfeelweeenoughtoputherownstuffinourroom.ItwasthstthingIneededtosettlebeforetheball.So now,allthatwaslefttodowascountdownthstfivedaysuntiltheball,prayingandbringingmyofferstotheMoonGoddess.Selene.
***
Finally,thedayarrived.ItseemedthatIunderestimatedthenumberofunmatedshe–wolveswillingtetotheroyalballtobepickedbyme.Itwas agoodthingthough.Themoreshe–wolveshere,thebiggerthechanceswerethatIrealizedmydreamoffindingmymateamongstthem.
WhenIenteredtheballroom,Icaughtawispofone scent.Ascentthatwas soenticingthatitstoppedmefromthinkingofanythingelse.Ascentthatwokemywolfup.Thesmellofalconasummernight.
Mymatewashere.
Tracingthescent,Ifeltmyheartpounding.
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Jamesescortedmetotheballroom,ashismateandhusbandTheoescortedJessatotheballroom.Theremustbeoverahundredshe–wolveshere.Howisthe CrownPrincesupposedtochoosebetweenallofus?Thereisnowayheisgoingtobeabletoseeallofusletalonespeakwithus.OneofthemanyreasonsIdonotwantachosenmate.LookatthePrincenow.Heissupposedtoannouncehischosenmatetoday.Outofalltheshe–wolveshere,butasofyethedoesn’tknowanyofuspersonally.Hedoesn’tevenknowwhywe donothaveamateyet.Whatifhestealsanotherwolf’smate?OrwhatifhelikesHannah.Wouldheknowshehasgotherfirstmatekilledbyrejectinghimbecausesheisapower–hungryhussy?
JustasIwasabouttoaskJessawhetherwehadtodisclosewhywehadn’thadamateyet,Isawherfacetwistintosomething.Confusion;followedbyhappiness.Followinghergaze,IsawshewasstaringattheguywhostoppedHannahandherminionsfrom attackingme.HewasstandingnexttothePrinceandseemedtobeahigh–rankingwolf.Atfirst,thatmademechuckle.Hannahwouldbesoembarrassedknowingshehadshownhertruecolors tosomeoneclosetotheroyalfamily,someoneofhigh–ranking.Jessalookedsmitten,thefaceofthewolfwhofoundhermatebutIrememberthatwolfDnorsomethingtold mehewashappilymated.
Suddenlythemanontheothersideoftheprincewalkeduptousinbigstrides.Ibreathedasighofrelief.ThismadefarmoresensethemarkonDn’snamewasbeautifndintricateindicatingitwasn’tachosen
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m?tebutafatedmate.MaybeIwasjusttooworried,nowthatIlosttheabsolutefateoffatedmatesinstantlylovingeachother.
“Hi,mynameisGerald,and you’remymate.Wow,you’rebreathtaking.Imean.Iamsureyouarekindtoo,buteuhm…”
TheogiggledanditwasobviousthatthisGeraldguywasanervouswreck.Jessaintroducedherself.Shewasn’tnervousbutsheseemedjust
asawestruck.ItturnedoutthatGeraldwouldbetheCrownPrince’s
Gemma.HenowworksasanassistanttotheCrownPrinceashehas
moreworkthanaregrAlphatobelikeDavidhas.
“DoesthatmeanthatguyDnisworkingdirectlyforthePrince,too?”Iasked,hopingtofindout justhowbadHannahmessedup.
“Dn?YoumeanDillion,theonenexttoPrinceGriffin?”Gerald?askedmewithouttakinghiseyesoffJessa.
AndwhenIlookeduptoseeifIindeedmeantDillion,ithappened.I.washitbyasmellthatwasevenbetterthanthesmellwhenIfoundoutDavidwasmymate.
Ismeltcedarwood,cinnamon,andcitrus.Tomyabsolutehorror,it wastheCrownPrincehimselfwhosmeltlikethat.Willowwasgoingcrazy,howlingoutforourmate.Butitcouldnotbe.Wefoundourmateherejectedus,humiliatedus.Myfatedmatedidn’tpassaway,soitwasnotlikeIwasgettingasecondchancemate.Everythingthathappenednext
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seemedtobehappeninginslowmotion.
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ThePrincepointedtomewithanunreadableexpression,Dillionwhisperedinhiscars,motioninginthegeneraldirectionwhereHannahwasstanding.Herecognizedme,andhemusthavetoldhimthatIwasrejected.
Myheartwaspounding,bloodrushingsohardthatIcouldnothearwhattheothersweretalking.Onlyhingwasgoingthroughmymindrightnow.Iwasgoingtoberejectedforasecondtime.
TheMoonGoddessdidmakemistakesandwithme,shekeptmessingup.Iwonderedifithurtjustasbadwhenyougotrejectedasecondtime.Evenifitwas nottrulymyfatedmate,becausethatcouldn’tbe.Ihadonebuthegaveuponme.HegaveuponthegirlunworthytobeaLunaletalheLunaofallLuna’s.
Attractingeveryone’sattentionthePrincestrodeovertome.WitheventmorepurposeinhisstepsthanGeraldhadinhis.EventheKingandQueenwerelookinguptoseewhatwashappening.Fromadistance,IheardJessasaysomethingaboutourwisingthrough.HervoicewasfarawayandIdidn’treallyunderstandwhatshewastalkingaboutnow.Ijustdidn’twantthehumiliationofbeingrejectedoutinpublicagain.
Withnothingelsetodo,Istartedrunning.Runninglikemylifedepends.onit.Runningasfastastheseidioticheelscouldcarryme.Guardswereabouttocloseinonme,tostopmefromrunningaway.Panicsettled
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intomychest.TherewasnowayIcouldoutruntheentireroyrmy.Therewereevensomeattendantsthatstartedtomaketheirwaytome.NodoubttryingtogetintothePrince’sgoodbook.
“Lethergo.Nobodystopher!Nobodytouchher!”Adeepvoiceboomed.throughtheballroom.
Thevoiceitselfwassoothing,butthewordsthatweresignallinghedidn’tmindmerunning.Thewordsprovingthathedidn’twanttomeetmeashismate.Hurtme,likeastabtotheheartbutevenwiththispainIcouldnotstoprunning.TherewasnowayIcouldkeepoutrunninghim,Iknewthat.MynwastoruntothebeautifulfountainIsawontheroyalgrounds.Atleastthiswouldgiveussomeprivacy.ThatwayIwouldn’tgetrejectedinpublicagain.Evenifitwillbebignewsamongstwerewolves.
PoorCrownPrinceGriffin,firsthisfatedmatediedwhenhewasonlyoneyearold.Andthenhemistakenlygotboundtoauselessshe–wolf.Makinghimbelievehehadtorejecthissecondchancematewhowastheruntofthepack.Thistimeitisn’treal,becauseIwon’thaveasecond‘chancematenotaslongasDavidisstilive.
“Pleasestop.Ijustwanttotalk.”Thesameboomingvoicecalledafter
<ol>
<li>me.</li>
</ol>
“Ijustwanttotalk”weretheexactsamewordsDavidusedtorejectme.Wewerestillfartooclosetothecastlewitheveryonewalkingoutsidetogetagoodviewofwhatwashappening.Jessatriedto calmmedownandtriedtogetmetostopthroughoutourmindlink.IfIwasn’tthis
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windedfrombeingpanickedandrunningaroundinhighheels,IwouldhavereassuredheraboutwhereIwasgoing.NowallIcoulddowasfocusonthefountainthatwasgettingcloserandcloserwitheverystepI
took.
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“You’remysecond–chancemate.Dillionrecognizedyou,soIknowwhoyouare.Whydidyourun away?DidyounotrealizewhatIamtoyou?”TerryfiyingmymatewastheleastthingIwanted,butIhadtoraisemyvoicetoattractherattentionandstopher.Keepingupwithherwasalittlebithard.She’ssuchagoodrunner.
WhenIfinallycaughtuptoher,thescentoflcoverwhelmedme.IhadcaughtawispofitthesecondIenteredtheballroom.Itriedtotraceit,butunfortunately,Ilostitsoonsinceitwasn’tstrongenough.
ThenmyGemmaandoneofmybestfriendsGeraldsniffedtheair.WhenIlookedathimthelookonhisfacesaiditall.Hehadfoundhismate,andIwantedtobehappyforthem.Iwantedmybestfriendstobehappy.Still,Icouldn’thelpbutfebitsadthatheistheofindhisfatedmateataneventhostedformetofindmine.Hewalkedovertohernotreallysayingmuchtous.IfIweretofindmymateIwasnotsosureIwouldbeabletocalmlyexintotheotherswhatwashappening.NowthatitwashappeningtoGeraldIhadtolookawayifonlyforamoment.Onlyforonesecond,Ineedthatsecondtposemyself.Tosteranotherfakesmileonmyface.InaminuteorsoIwouldwalkuptothegindgreether.Iwouldtellhershewasmostweeinourpack.Iwouldpretendlikeitwaslovelymeetingherevenifmymind,heart,andsoulwerealljustfocusedonmstdesperateattempttofindHER.
“PoorGerald,bythelookofwhatIsuspectisherfatherpoorGeraldismessingshitupalready.”Dillionchuckledearninghimachucklefromhismate.Inturn,forcingmetolookupandseewhattheyweretalking
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about.AndwhenIdid,itwashere.ThemomentI’ddreamedofsinceIwasfourteen.Lcfloodedallmysenses.Ihearedagiggleanditsoundedlikesummerraining.
“Dillion,herfriend,theshortone.Sheismymate.”IwhisperedmoretomyselfthantoDillionevenifIjustaddressedhim.
WasBelonging to N?velDrama.Org.
Finallyhavingmydreametruefeltunreal.MoonGoddes,sheworththewaitthough.Evenifshewasn’tmymateshestoodoutamongsttheseaofalmostdesperateshe–wolves.Shewaswearingagolddress,notascheap–lookingorrevealingasmostoftheothersarewearing.Itwasalluringhuggingallhercurves,herfitbody.ShewasontheshortsidewhichIneverknewwassobeautiful.Iamagoodelevenortwelveincheslongerthansheis.Shewillfitrightintomyarms,andIamalreadyimaginingfallingasleepwithhersmallframeallsnuggledup
tome.
“I’llbedamnedthat’sfirecracker.”Dillionmuttered,sessfullydrawingmyattentionawayfrommystunningmate.
“Doyouknowher?”Iaskedhim,forcingmyselftolookathimfora
second.
“Yes.Sheistheshe–wolfattackedbyfiveotherwolves.Someofthemwereoverthere.”Hesaid,pointingtoagroupofshe–wolvesthatoozeddesperationfromtheirverypores.
ItwasallIneededtoknowtolookbackather.Attheexactsamemoment,shelookedatme.EyecontactlikeIhadalwaysdreamedof,butwhatIneverdreamedaboutwasmymatetakingoffrunning.Itwasalmostasifshewasscaredofme.Ididn’tknowwhathadhappenedtoherbefore.Quitefrankly,Ididnotcareeither.Ididn’tcareaboutthe
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guests,myparents,orthegossipingthathappens.Allthatmatteredtomenowwasstoppingher,begginghertotalkto meandtoexinwhyshewasrunningawayfromme.
Myguardswereclosinginonher,andevensomebystanderswereabouttointerveneandstopherfromrunningaway.Panictookholdofme,astmuchasIwantedtogettohere.Imagingotherwolvestouchingherwaspissingmeoff.Imaginghergettingevermoreupsetbecauseshewas.caughtlikemoncriminalmademe feelevenmoreunsettled.It’sthatsamefear–thatpanic–thatmademe usemyAlphavoicewithouteventhinkingaboutit.Orderingeveryone intheroomtolethergo,tonotstopherortouchherinanyway.Perfect!Thismeantmyparents.knewitallnow.IneverusedmyAlpha’svoicebefore.AsfarasIwasconcerned,anAlphashouldonlyusethatasstresort.
Damn,mymatewasfast.Upuntilnow,IfiguredIwasingoodshapewithhowmuchItrainbutkeepingupishard.Letalonegainonher.Icalledafterher,shefalteredforasecond,soIknewsheheardme.Still,shekeptupraining,goingevenfasterbeforeshecametoafullstopinfrontofthefounadhadcustom–madeformymother:Ohtheironyinthat,maybeIwilltellheter.Therewereotherthingsmoreimportantthingsformetofocuson.Talktoher,showherthatshedid.nothavetofearme.Isloweddown,attemptingtowalkuptohercasually.BeforeIcouldevenreachhershespoke tome.Hervoicewasasweetmelodybutherwordswerelikeanicepick stabbingmyheart.
“Iamdonerunning.Ijustdidn’twanttoberejectedinpublicagain.”
Dillionmentionedsomethingabouthertellinghimshewasrejected.
Wav
Butitwasthesadnessinhervoicethatseemedabouttobreak.Thewhereyesweredowncast,shewasnotevenwillingtomakeeyecontact.
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Andmyheartachedformypoormate.Thewolfrejectingherdidmethebiggestfavorofmylife.Todoso,heclearlyhurtmypoormateimmenselyandforthat,Iwantedtopunishhim,
“WhyinthehellwouldIrejectyouwhentheMoonGoddessherselfblessedmewithyou?Nottomentionthefactthatyouarestunning,andanamazingrunner.euptoyoubecauseIamdyingtolearneverylittledetaboutyou.”
Shelookedupatme,tearsfillinghereyes.Ifitweren’tforherpretendingtonotbebothered,theywouldhavestreamedoverherbeautifulfacealready.Herfacewaslitteredwiththemostbeautiful.frecklesIhadeverseen.Tojusyunderthemoon,countingherfrecklesandkissingeverysingleoneasIimprintedthemonmybraintoneverforgetthem.Itsoundedlikeadreaetrue.AllIhadtodofirstisshowherhowseriousIwasaboutnotrejectingher.OnlyafoolwouldreceivesuchablessingfromtheMoonGoddessherselfandrejectit.Rejecther.Igotlostinmyownthoughtsmakingmywaytoherslowly.Unsureofwhattotellher,ofwheretostart.Shetookatentative?stepbackandansweredthequestionIdidn’tneedto answer.
“BecauseyouareaPrince,theCrownPrincetobeexact.Yourmatewill.eventuallybetheQueen.TheLunaofallLuna’s.I’vebeentoldoncebeforethatIamunfittobesomeone’smatebecauseonedayhewillbeanAlpha.SoIknowIamevenmoreunfittobeyourmate.Besides,Idon’tthinkitispossibleformetohaveasecond–chancemate.Mymateisnotdead.HeisverymuchalivenningtochoosemytormentorashisLuna.ThisisalljustamistakebecausetheMoonGoddesdoesmakemistakesandshekeepsonmakingthemwithme”Shetoldme,lookingdeted.
AllIneededtodowasshowherIwasnotgoingtorejecther.The
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problemwasthatitjustbecamepainfullciviousthatthiswouldn’tbeaneasytask.
“Hewasafool.Justdon’tmakeanydeimsvet,okay?Givemeachancetogettoknowyou.Andletyougettoknowme,I’llmakeitworkwithmyparents.Yourfriends,thegirlyou cameherewith,sheismyGemma’smate.Youcanstayhereforafewdaysorweeks,aslongasyouwanttogivemeachance.Giveusachance,please“IalmostwhinedasConanwantedtotakeover,beforeholdingmybreathandwaitingforheranswer.
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ShitJessa,herfather’sIjustwalkedoutonher.Shehasjustfoundhermate,andnowI–amruiningitforherbyrunningaway.NottomentionthatImademyselflooklikeafoolinfrontof hermate.BeforeIcandecideanythingIneedtotalktoher.OrwellbeforeIdecidehowtoletthismandowneasily.IwonderifitisevenlegaltorefuseamemberoftheRoyalfamily.Judgingbyhoweveryriedtostopmefromrunningawayfromhim.Itwouldbejustmyluck.
“Whydidyoustoptheguardsfromcapturingme?”IaskedbecauseitwastheonlyquestionIfelt1Icouldsafelyask.
Withoutrevealingallthethingsrunningthroughmymindrightnow.
“Youseemedscared,Ididn’twanttoscareyoumore.Besides,Ididn’tlovetheideaofothersgettingtheirpawsallovermymate”Herubstheback ofhisneckasheissayingthstpart.
It’sthekindofstatementapossessive AlphaMatewouldmake.SomethingIalwaysfiguredIwouldhate.Nowmyheartwasbetrayingmeasitflutteredatthiment.AsIwasstillcursingmyheartforbetrayingmymindhespokeagain.
“Ifyoudonotbelieveyouaremymate,thenwhydidmyAlphavoicenotworkonyou?”Helookssosincerewhenhe asksme.
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Butitcannotbe,itwouldmeanItrulyamhisfatedmate.A secondchancematebutthatdoesn’tmatteritwouldmeanheismysecondchancematetoo.AnotherAlphaandnotjust anyone,nottheKingtheAlphaofallAlpha’stobe.NotwantingtobelieveanyofitIshrugandmubbleavaguereply.
I
sawhewasclenchinghisfistsalready,gettingfrustratedatme.Thebrightglowingringsaroundhiseyestellingmethathiswolfwasbeggingtotakeover.Thiswasnormfterfindingyourmateyourwolfwasalwaysextraexcited,wantingtobeincharge.AnotherbitofprooftoafactIcannotbelieve.ForIknowwhatwillhappenwhenIdo.Evenifheisaswillingtoeptmeashismateashesays heis.Ihighlydoubthisparentsare.Fornowstandingoutsideinthisridiculousdressismakingmefeelcold.IneedtogobacktoJessa,beghertoforgiveme.MakeabetterimpressiononhermatethentheoneIjustmade.
“Okay,listenIgetthisisalot,withyourhistoryandall.Let’sgoinsidepleasegrantmeonedance.AfterIwillleaveyoualoneifyouwantmeto.Justenjoytheball,gettonoGeraldwhateveryoudecideyourfriendseemedhappytohavemethermate.SinceeveryoneisstayingforthelunchtomorrowIwilebackyouupafterbreakfastwecantalk thenandseehowthingswillgofromthere?”Hewaspleadingwithmeagain.
InresponseWillowcriedouttoatleastgivehimthatchance.FeelingcorneredandtiredoffightingwithWillow,Ijustnodded.Tryingtoignorethepitofwarmthforminginmyheartatthebrightsmilehegave
<ol>
<li>me.</li>
</ol>
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“Firstofletmeintroducemyselfthen,I’mGriffinandmywolf’snameisConan.Heisdyingtomeetyourwolfbytheway”Hesmiledatme,extendinghishand.
It’sweirdheisintroducinghimselflikeIdonotknowwhoheis.Evenifitisnicetoknowhiswolf’snamenow.Buthissmilecouldgetmeintoalotoftrouble.ShakingmyheadtoridmyselfofthesethoughtsItakehisoutstretchedhand andintroducemyself.
“I’mA,mywolf’snameisWillownicetomeetyou”Isaid,purposely nottellinghimWillowwaschompingattheseemstomeetConantoo..
GivinghimmorehopewhenIamstillnotsureaboutusbeingmateswouldbeunfair.It’snotlikeIdidn’tnoticehowtedhelookedwhen
thesparksofoursupposedmateboundcrawledoverourarmsthemomentwetouched.Hedoesn’tletgoofmyhandthough.Insteadcingitonhisarmasheguidesmebackinside.Alleyesareonus,JessashootsmeathumbsupwithaquestioninglooksoInodather.Reassuringher,soshecanfocusbackonhermate.Whichsheinstantlydoes,Icouldn’tfocusonGriffinevenifIwantedtoo,becauseIhearallthewhispering.Iseealltheirnasty,judgementallooks.HannahstandsoutthemostsheisringatmeandIwillnodoubtbegettinganotherbeatingforthisbeforethenightisover.
Griffinmindlinkedsomeonesomaybehewasnoticingthelooksweweregettingtoo.Hedidn’taddressthemthoughandhedidn’tSayanythingaboutittome.InsteadhelookedatJessaandhermatesmiling.
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“Geraldlookshappy,youknowatfirstIwasalittlejealousofhim.”hesaidstillstarringatthepairofthem.
Thereitis,hewilltellmeJessawouldbeafarbettercandidatetobehisqueen.Andtheonlywayhebackedofisbecauseheisloyaltohisfriend.
“EversinceIfoundoutaboutsecondchancemateswhenIwasfourteenI
wasdyingtomeetmine.Thisballwasmstattempttofindher.SowhenitseemedlikeonlyGeraldwouldfindhisIcouldn’thelpfeeljealous.IknowitisabadtraitbutIneversaidIwasperfect”Hejokedtryingtoeasethetension.
Hetookthehandthatwasstillrestingonhisarminhishandandcedtheotherhandonmywaist.Iappreciatedhewasn’ttryingtoholdmeaslowaspossiblejusttocopafeel.Andthenhecontinuedtalking.
“Iamhappyforhim,IwasfromthestartbutfinallylookingathismatewasthereasonwhyIrecognizedyou.SoactuallyGeraldfindinghismatewasthesecondbestthingtohappentome”Hesaid,swayingmearoundthedancefloor.
Ihardlynoticeheissayingthatfindingmewasthesecondbestthingtoeverhappentohim.MaybeIshouldpryhimformoreinformation.Askhimwhatthebestthingtoeverhappentohimwas.Iamtobusytostop.mybody,myheartfromgivingintohowamazinghistouchfeels.Howmuchdancingherewithhimfeelslikeanabsolutedream.
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Dillionandwhatmustbehismatewerewalkingovertous.Causing ustostopdancing,totonedownthephysicaltouchabit.Anditsuited me,it’sanicebreatherfromthefeelingsthatweregottenwayto
overwhelming.
“Spitfireitissonicetomeetyouagain.AftermeetingyouItoldGriffhereheshouldpickyouashischosenmatebutherefused”Dillion.bbers,ignoringtheangryreGriffinwasshootinghim.
HekepttalkingandtalkingbutallIcouldhearwas thepoundingofmyownheart.Andthemeaningofhiswordsrangthroughmymind.Hedidn’twantmeashismateonlynowthattheMoonGoddesshasforcedhimtooheisabouttoeptme.Orishe?Heissoverywillingtosuggestwewait,seehowthingsgobetweenus.Maybeheistryingtofindoutifthereisanothershe–wolfherehelikesthatwouldbemoresuitedtobehisqueen.Ormaybehejustwantstorejectmeinprivacy<strong>so</strong>thatitdoesn’treflectonhimpoorly.
“PrinceGriffin,Ihavepromisedyouonedance.IthinkIfulfilledmypromise,DillionitwasnicemeetingyouagainbutIhavetogotomyfriendnow”Itoldthemcurtly,tryingtohidethatIwasalreadygettinghurtbecauseofthisman’sdecisions.
Whycan’ttheMoonGoddessblessmewithasimplemate,anomegaforallIcare.JusthatwouldlovemeunconditionallynotjudgedonthefactifIamfittobeaLunaornot,basedonnothingbutmysize.
“ItisnicetomeetyouIamGerald,doyouwantmetoaddressyouas
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PrincessnoworcanIstilluseyourfirstname?IknowGriffinisveridback,butIhavealreadymadestingimpressiononmyfathersiw.Ihopetomakeabetteroneonmymate’sbestfriendandmyfutureQueen.”Inmymisery,IhardlynoticedIhadalreadywalkeduptotheSilversuntilGeraldspoketome.
“JustAisfine”ImanagedtocroakoutandwhenTheoputhishand.onmyshoulderallmyemotionsthreatentospilloutofmehereonthedancefloor.
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