Chapter- [ 6 ]

[ Gemma ]

“I don’t think it’s fair that I live with you under the same roof, Rowan. We are not mates and you told a big lie to your Alpha. What if he’ll find out? I am not worried about myself but you’d be in trouble.” I played with my food and shared my dilemma with Rowan.

“We can be friends, Gemma. Axel is a psychopath just like our father and he needs to be replaced. He isn’t good for the pack and I’ll be needing your help. I have seen your strength. Fatal wounds couldn’t kill you and your real identity, it should be kept hidden until we find a safe place for you.” He said.

After the revelation about his mate who was dead, I felt it was wrong to live with a man, pretending to be mates. This lie would not last long. Sooner or later, we’ll be expected to behave like mates and Sadie will never allow another man to be with us.

She still yearns for Adonis, our cruel mate.

“How did your mate die?” I asked after a momentary pause and his whole posture stiffened.

“Let’s finish the dinner and then I will show your room.” He said, obviously dodging my question.

“I am sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you about her. I know it’s hard to talk about a past which only reminds us of pain. I don’t want to remember my past as well.” I said with an ache in my heart.

I had given everything to Adonis. My happiness had no bounds when I found out that Alpha Adonis was my mate. I devoted myself to him and our pack but I only received his coldness in return. He treated me like any other pack member when we were alone. He was with me only for his wolf and for his Alpha position. He couldn’t rule without a Luna.

“I received a news about him.” Rowan spoke and I lifted up my face.

He was referring to Adonis.

Suddenly, my heart began to thump loudly with fear. Maybe he was looking for me. He wanted to kill me with his bare hands.

“Will he find out about me?” I asked, my voice came out like a broken whisper.

The wounds on my body were healed but the scars are imprinted on my heart, soul and mind forever. He snatched my only source of my happiness from me; our baby. He believed the lies they fed him.

“I don’t think so but he is sending delegation to other packs to turn them in his favour. He has sensed Alpha Axel’s intentions. Soon, my half-brother will be invading Blue Moon Pack. We’re growing in power. Defeating Blue Moon Pack isn’t a big challenge anymore.” He replied.

My stomach twisted. My mother is still there and a handful of people who cared about me.

“My mother is still there and I am worried about her. I don’t know what are they doing to her. We have endured humiliation for being the family of a traitor until I became the Luna and now, they labelled me as a traitor too.” I shook my head and wiped my freshly formed tears.

“Do you want me to do something for her? I can arrange an escape for her if you want.” He asked me with worry itched on his handsome face.

“No, you will be caught because the security system is too tight there. I have personally designed it. You or your helpers will be caught.” I declined his help.

“I am wondering why your mother gave a false testimony. She must know what is the punishment for a traitor, still she chose to side with them.’ He said.

My heart pained when I thought about it. I only cared and loved for two people and they both betrayed me in the worst way.

“Tomorrow, you will be told to show your skills in fighting. Your body isn’t healed completely so I will think of an excuse to save you from the death ring. The female wolves will try to kill you, it is the only way to test strength in this pack.” He added once we were done with the dinner.

“And if I lose, will I be killed?” I asked.

“No, they won’t kill you since you are my mate.” He blurted and my heart skipped a beat, “I mean they believe we are mates. So, your life will be spared but your rank will be determined. Being an omega or the Luna’s personal helper is the least if not killed.” He told me.

I chuckled and shook my head.

“What is so funny in this?” He asked with a frown.

“Still not as humiliating as an unloved and ridiculed Luna. At least, I will know my low position, it’s easier in this way. You know what is the worst feeling? When you hold the highest rank yet the lowest rank people have more respect and reputation than you.” I reflected on my own predicament.

His face contoured with bitterness.

“He treated you worse than a slave yet you chose to be his mate for three long years? You aren’t an ordinary wolf, Gemma.” He asked me.

“Even I ask this question to myself, Rowan. I hopelessly loved him because he didn’t hit me or called me with different names. He was just cold and distant towards me. I thought I still had a hope with him but I guess, I inked my own destiny.” I accepted.

Silence fell in the air.

“Do not accept the Alpha’s challenge tomorrow, Gemma. I won’t be able to save you if you willingly decide to fight.” He said.

“I don’t want you to shield me either, Rowan. This is my rebirth and I want to write my own destiny. I have to learn to fight for life because one day, I want to see Adonis in the same pain that he inflicted upon me.” I said with bitterness.

His eyes flickered on me for a few seconds. We were standing very close to each other under the night sky.

“You are truly your father’s daughter. He was kind and compassionate. If it wasn’t for him, I and Axel wouldn’t be alive to see this day. I feel bad how he is misunderstood as a traitor in your pack.” He said tucking my hairs behind my ears.

I was left stunned.

Rowan was the boy whom my father saved from Adonis’ father during the war and as a result, he ended up pushing our alpha in the mouth of death. He was only saving two young boys.

“Yes, I am the reason your father died and your family suffered the aftermath, Gemma and it is my duty to protect you from your demons and help you to fight them.” He said caressing my hairs.