Chapter- [ 8 ]

[ Gemma ]

“So, you are the new mate of our Beta?” A girl of my age eyed me from top to bottom.

Her gaze was judgemental and I felt self-conscious. With all the beating and malnutrition, my skin became dull and my bones were visible. I lost my charm, my hairs were no longer smooth and shiny. They were cut short just below my shoulders.

“I feel pity for Rowan. After having the most beautiful woman we had ever seen as his first mate, he got a clown for a second mate.” Another girl mocked me and this direct insult pinched me.

I was never called ugly by anyone before.

Time and wounds made me look like a homeless and I hate Adonis for this shame.

“Aren’t you supposed to help the Luna in choosing her dress? I think I have heard her calling out for you two.”

I heard another woman’s voice, it held authority and firmness because those girls’ face turned pale and in the next moment, they scurried away from there.

“Gemma, Beta Rowan’s mate, right?”

The question was directed at me so I looked up and saw a woman slightly older than me but tall and beautiful. She must be a high rank wolf. I could judge by her personality.

“Yes.”

I replied slowly and looked down because I wasn’t sure if I could be relaxed around her.

I was at the enemy’s pack and one wrong move could lead me to my death.

“You shouldn’t take such insults directed on you, Gemma. They are only some useless girls who bullied you despite knowing the fact that you are the second most important woman in the pack after the Luna. Live up to your title.” She advised me.

It was true in her opinion but I wasn’t what she perceived about me. I was only under refuge disguised in ugly pretence.

“I am Micheal, Rowan’s sister.” She introduced herself and my eyes widened.

All this while, I was standing in front of Rowan’s sister. How could I miss the resemblance between the two.

“Don’t worry, I am not going to bully you.” A smile broke on her stern face and it confused me even more.

“I am sorry, Miss-” I paused because I didn’t even know if I could address her by her name.

“Call me just Mick. I am only a year older than you. Sorry, I couldn’t meet you earlier because I was out of station and returned home in the morning.” She tried to ease my awkwardness.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mick.” I said with a polite smile.

“Stupid Rowan, he should have informed you about some noisome people here. I mean most of girls or high rank men are mean here but they should respect and fear the beta’s mate. I mean you are the Beta’s mate for them. The reality is a secret in Winters family.” She said and my head snapped in her direction.

She knew the truth. It made me feel even more embarrassed. I was an imposter in her family whom her brother brought home.

“I know everything, Gemma. My brother never keeps a secret from me. You can trust me. I won’t tell anyone and I am glad I got the chance to meet the daughter of the man who saved my brother’s life years ago.” She said.

I only smiled in response because I was still unsure of what to say in front of her.

“I and Rowan are born from our father’s second mate and Alpha Axel is our stepbrother. Our family is dysfunctional. You can say, we don’t like one another but for the sake of the pack’s unity, we stay together for outer front. I and Rowan are good at our work so Axel has no reason to throw us out of here.” She kept talking about her family.

“Mick, I want to do something. I can’t stay here idly and be a burden on Rowan. He has already done a lot for me.” I expressed my wish. It had been running in my mind since I was brought here.

She gave me an intense look before speaking, “Rowan told me that you were not just the Luna but also a warrior. You will get exposed if you show your fighting skills because then you will be sent to other packs and you have to represent the pack.” She said.

I again fell into deep thoughts. I had worked tirelessly both at borders, I trained young wolves and also handled the administration.

“I am also good in finance. I can work in the statics department.” I said.

“That will be a suicidal job, Gemma. You will be stuck in the piles of files. No, we have to think about it.” She flatly declined my idea.

“I can teach at the school. I don’t want to be burden on anyone, Mick. This is against my morals. I hope you understand.” I said pleading her through my eyes.

“Eventually, he will find you if he comes to know that you are alive, Gemma. I am coming from the pack house. Axel has received an invitation from the Alpha Adonis. They are celebrating his birthday and organized a charity gala. Do you realize what it means?” She said.

I was stunned. I felt like the destiny was playing hide and seek with me.

I gulped my forming nervousness, “Alpha Axel accepted the invitation? The two packs are arch enemies.”

“Yes, he accepted the invitation. Axel will be attending it along with his Luna Beatrice and Rowan.” She told me.

“Rowan is also going?” I asked, my heart was hammering against my chest.

“This is a direct order from Alpha which he can’t deny. You just pray that he’d not order you to tag along with Rowan or you’ll be doomed.” She said and I felt like I was going to collapse on the floor.

There’s no way I would be facing that pack and Adonis ever again.

Meanwhile, I saw Rowan walking into our direction. His face was as cold as ice and it made me shiver because he looked furious.

Our eyes met for a brief moment.

“Gemma, I need to pack a few clothes. We’re leaving the pack in an hour.” He said to me with impatience.

“Hey, what is with this sudden decision? Where are you going all of a sudden?” Micheal asked her brother.

I was anxious. An unknown fear gripped me.

“I received a message from Axel. He told me that former Beta of Blue Moon Pack is visiting us in the evening. It is an unannounced visit. I wasn’t expecting him to stop by here.” He said, he also looked tensed but I was frozen.

Seline’s father, old Beta Derek was coming and there’s no way I could hide from him. My body started shaking with fear and all those tortures started reeling in front of my eyes that he made me suffer.

“Gemma, are you okay?” Rowan asked me worriedly and tried to touch my arm but I was already breathing hard.

“He is com..coming. He…he…will find out..that..I…am alive. He will kill me.” I whispered. My vision fogged and I couldn’t think anything properly.

“Rowan, I think she is having a panic attack. We need to take her to the hospital.” Micheala’s eyes were filled with fear.

Rowan’s hands wrapped around my body and he picked me in his arms.

“Don’t worry, Gemma. Everything is fine. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He whispered softly to me. I could see his face through my blurred vision and felt him moving faster.

He took me to the infirmary. I desperately tried to feel Sadie. She was silent.

“Please, Sadie, don’t abandon me in this situation.” I begged her.

The doctors started treating me immediately and put an oxygen mask over my face. Rowan gripped my hand tightly to comfort me but I was restless.

“Beta, we can’t give her any medicines in this condition. ” The doctor looked troubled.

I was only staring at them, my body was weak and brain was foggy.

“Doctor, don’t waste time. Can’t you see that she is having a panic attack. if you don't treat her on time, she might be in danger.” Rowan yelled at him and he looked scared.

“I am sorry, Beta but if we inject her, it might affect adversely on the baby.” The doctor said and I felt like someone had poured hot lava into my ears.

“What are you saying, doctor?” Rowan frowned and stared at me blankly.

“Your mate is expecting, Beta. She’s three weeks pregnant.” The doctor announced and as soon as I heard it, I slipped into complete darkness.