Chapter - [ 5 ]

[ Celeste ]

My body was numb, I could hardly feel my pulse or any pain. I don’t even know how long I was kept in the dark cell, hearing painful whimpers and crying of other wolves, some dying and the guards dragging their bodies. The man who is my second chance mate, didn’t come back or his Beta to check whether I am alive or already dead.

“Kyra, are you there?” I asked my wolf, her strength was weaking, she could no longer heal me or keep me alive.

“I can’t do it more, Celeste. Without our mate, my powers are fading.” She whimpered and fell silent. I was more terrified for her. If she dies, I’ll die in no time.

Suddenly, the cell doors were opened and blinding lights forced me to coil in a corner. My body began to shake with fear. Perhaps, my end was here, they’d kill me. I could recognize the scent of Beta and the guards but there was a feminine scent, sweet as honey and roses.

“Free her hands right now.” I heard a melodious but angry female voice, she held authority.

I still had my eyes closed. My hands were freed in no time. I could feel immeasurable pain on my wrists due to burns. I heard soft slicking of heels and the scent grew intense.

“Open your eyes, dear. You don’t need to feel afraid. I won’t hurt you. In fact, no one will hurt you here.” I heard her saying again and a gently touch on my face forced me to jolt in fear and I slowly opened my burning eyes.

A beautiful face came into my view. She was a woman of my mother’s age but more prettier and stronger. She was smiling at me.

“You’re such a pretty girl. I apologize in behalf of the Alpha and his team for keeping you here. He can be a stubborn kid sometimes but don’t worry he won’t ever hurt you. In fact, none of us.” She spoke again and helped me to sit.

“Ahh..” I winced and bit my lip as pain shot through my ribs and back.

“I am sorry, dear.” Her face contoured worry. She wrapped a warm and soft shawl around me and embraced me, I stiffened by her sudden action. Honestly, I didn’t expect such generosity from the pack where I was considered an enemy.

“I am Julia, Alpha Darius’ mother and the former Luna of this pack.” She introduced herself and I immediately bowed my head in respect. No doubt why she held such powerful aura around her. She’s my second mate’s mother.

“I..am..Celeste.” I told her my name but stuttered. I couldn’t look at her face.

“Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl like you. I am feeling very angry on Beta Keith for not telling me on time that he captured you and when my son found his mate in you, he also kept you here.” She said, she sounded guilty but it shocked me how could she know that Alpha Darius is my mate.

“Don’t be shocked, Celeste. I am his mother and for a long time I have this wish to see my son finding his other half and I am a bit of a stalker when it comes to my only son.” She answered my unasked question as if she could read my mind.

I looked down in embarrassment.

“Come, stand up, dear. You won’t stay here for another second. I am taking you to pack house where you deserve to live with your mate and our family. Our pack needs its Luna. I can’t wait to announce that she’s here.” She said and helped me to stand on my feet but I buckled and fell down, hurting my knees in the process.

“Oh My Goddess! What these fools have done to you.” She gasped and palmed her mouth.

“I am fine, Luna.” I tried to say but my face contradicted with my words.

“You’re not fine, my dear.” She said with a hard face and then turned to face Beta Keith whose eyes were looking down, “Keith, you’re equally at fault. So, fulfil your responsibility and take her to the pack house. I am calling the pack doctor there. Nobody should know about her until she and Darius feel comfortable with each other.” She ordered the Beta and both our eyes widened in horror.

“I am fin..fine, Luna. I..can..I…can walk.” I tried to stand again to prove her but my body had no strength left due to the effect of silver.

“I am not asking you, Celeste. He isn’t only the Beta but also my sister’s son. He’s like a brother to you so you don’t need to feel shy around him.” She said in a commanding tone and walked out of the cell.

“I won’t move from here until you follow behind me with your new sister, Keith.” She said tilting her head slightly.

“Darius is going to kill me for sure.” I heard Beta Keith sighing and he knelt down to pick me in his strong arms. I jerked up but I was already in his arms. I felt uneasy in another man’s arms who wasn’t my mate.

“I won’t eat you.” I heard him saying to me but his face looked straight as he walked behind her.

My heart was beating faster. Darius’ mother knows about me. I was going to see him again.

I hid my face on his chest when bright sun rays hit my sensitive eyes. I bet I was looking like a homeless beggar. I didn’t change my clothes when I left Jesper’s house, I am sure blood stains were still on my skirt.

Will Darius accept me when he finds out that I was mated to another man before who rejected me for not bearing a child for him?

With these questions running in my head, I didn’t realize when we entered into a gigantic building. I could smell many different scents and people whispering among themselves due to my sharp senses.

“Keith, take her to the guest room. She’ll stay there. Ask Lilia to bring some fresh clothes for her.” I heard Luna Julia saying to Beta.

My face was hidden in my matted hairs.

“Yes, aunt.” He said in slightly frustrated voice.

“My mate would kill me if she sees me carrying a strange girl.” I heard him whispering and felt bad for him. I became this weak and disabled that a mated man has to carry me.

I was busy blaming myself when a low, dangerous growl sent a tremor to run down my spine because his scent hit me.

“PUT HER DOWN RIGHT NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE KILLED!”