Chapter 3

LAYLA'S POV

The handsome stranger took to his feet and held up his hands. “Come on. Let's go back inside.”

I stared down at his hands in shock. This was impossible. My wolf recognized him. He couldn't be my…

“Your Highness!” The other man thundered in annoyance.

“Relax, Hunter,” King Asher smiled. “You're going to scare my mate.”

Hunter drew near. “Mate?”

“No!” I slapped Asher's hands away and ran.

No, no, no. There has to be some kind of mistake. There was no way I could have a mate. Maybe, I sniffed wrong. That must be it or maybe the Moon goddess was playing games with me. There is no way Isabella’s soon-to-be husband would be my mate.

I had arrived at the entrance of the hall when I realised I had to use the bathroom. Damn it.

I knew I couldn't return to the hall. Asher will be there and so will everyone else. God, this was such a pain.

“If you want to use the bathroom, I know a good place.” A familiar voice said.

I lifted my head from my hands and looked at her.

A sudden wave of relief washed over me and I ran into her arms.

“It's going to be okay.” Elena palmed circles on my back.

“Where have you been?” I buried my face in her shoulder and sobbed.

“I’m sorry I wasn't here sooner but I'm here now.” Elena patted my head.

I pulled away and sniffled. “I'll still need your take on that bathroom.”

“Oh, that.” She smiled. “This way.”

After using the bathroom on the top floor, we wound our way back to the main hall downstairs.

“Let's go home, Elena.” I took her hand.

“No, Layla,” She shook her head and tucked a stray hair back in my red turban. “Our presence here is mandatory. Why do you think I arrived here last minute?”

I pouted my lips. “So you came here for the mating ceremony and not me?”

Elena pinched my cheeks. “You're such a big baby, Layla. Raven would probably think the same.”

“Yeah.” My voice trailed off.

Ever since Raven died 3 years ago, Elena took a break to take care of her family in the neighboring pack. I couldn't visit because priestesses such as myself were not permitted to leave the pack for any reason. We were distant but we communicated once in a while. I never expected she’d return but I was glad she was here.

“Let's go inside. The ceremony will be over before you know it.” She grabbed my wrist and pulled me back into the hall.

“No. I don't want to go.” I protested.

“Is it because people will insult you?” She asked, still pulling me along.

“Yes!” I answered immediately.

“You're lying.” she clicked her tongue.

“How do you always know?”

“Because I raised you.”

I rolled my eyes. She always said that to spite me.

Classical music was getting louder as we approached the door of the hall.

“No. Elena.” I pleaded.

“Not attending this ceremony is the same as treason.”

I nearly rolled my eyes. Why was the universe always against me? I didn't get any to attend the ceremony and besides, I was staying my very best to avoid Asher. There was no way I could face him there. Not when he was to be married to Isabella soon.

The doors parted and Elena dragged me inside with her.

I was glad everyone else was on the dance floor. Now, less attention would be on me.

Elena let off my hand as we found two empty seats. “Her, have a seat. I'll go grab us some food.”

“Sure.” I muttered under my breath.

“Cheer up,” she pinched my cheek. “It'll be fine.”

“Thanks.” I watched her walk away and exhaled.

Just as I looked ahead, I felt more eyes on me. Their lips didn't move but their eyes stared accusingly, wanting me to move.

I fisted my dress and hung my head. Elena was wrong about coming here. I’d prefer leaving her and face whatever consequence awaited me. Everyone’s angry faces weren't what I wanted to see right now.

Elena returned with a tray of food and wine.

“Can you imagine if one of the food servers said they can't serve you food?” Elena set it down on the table. “I schooled those children.”

“Thanks. You didn't have to.” And she didn't have to. Normally I would ignore them or walk away. I was more of a “evade” than “confront” the problem kind of gal.

“Bon appetit.” Elena put my food in front of me.

“Thanks.” I reached for the spoon and dug in. It was delicious. Dad must've spent quite a lot to make the ceremony this perfect.

I heard Isabella's loud cackle as she danced with someone. I craned my neck to see who it was because everyone else was blocking my view.

“Tch. Get out of the damn way.” Elena frowned.

I laughed. “Don't let them hear you.”

Just like magic, a few on-lookers parted and we could see clearly now.  

The skirt of Isabella's dress twirled as she danced, the silver colour shimmering in the spotlight. Of course, there were rounds of applause here and there.

“Your sister is beautiful.” Elena said not taking her eyes off her.

“Yeah. Isabella has that with people.” I sighed.

Isabella and I were born on the same day. We had different mothers and looked really different that most people think I’m adopted.

Sometimes when I'm asked, I just say I was truly adopted because I looked nothing like my father. My late mother, on the other hand, was a different case altogether. She died right after giving birth to me and there were no pictures of her.

I reached for my wine. I had barely swallowed a sip before a pair of familiar eyes held mine.

I choked into my drink and Elan helped me.

“Are you alright?” She asked, patting my back.

I heaved for air. “Yes. I'm fine.”

I looked up again and found him staring at me.

“Are you sure you're okay?” Elena repeated her question.

“Y - yeah.” I could only muster a fake smile so she wouldn't worry.

But why the hell was King Asher staring at me?

Throughout the ceremony, Lycan King Asher refused to take his eyes off me.  

After his dance with Isabella, he was supposed to share his wine with Isabella as tradition demands.

I watched them with an ill feeling in my gut.

Asher wouldn't take his eyes off me as he gave Isabella wine. I was even surprised he didn't spill a drop on her dress.

Eventually, dad took notice of his lingering gaze on me and frowned at it. Isabella equally noticed and burst out in anger. She didn't rant as I had expected her to but she pulled dad aside and began to whisper to him. As they talked, they looked at me.  time, I waved at them. That did not sit with Isabella. She looked like she would rip my head off my body.

Dad shook his head and asked away. Did they not reach an agreement like usual?

During the climax of the celebration, dad being the Alpha of the pack, summoned me, the priestess, to bless the couple’s future.

I felt Elena's wrinkled hand as she patted my hand and I rose to my feet.

The gathered crowd parted quietly as I made my way to the podium.

“Is Layla this beautiful?” I heard a man whisper.

His fiend joined him. “Of course. Now, I know why she looked different. It's the dress.”

“It's just sad that the beauty of the Crescent moon pack is cursed.”

“Why was she bound to the moon goddess? I want her in my bed.”

“Why wouldn't the Moon Goddess bind her? She's so beautiful that she made even the goddess jealous and that's why she had her bound for life.”

I found their explanations cringe-worthy but at least they could make up more stories than most writer's.

I approached the podium and gave my welcoming speech, which was  a very short one and then I blessed Isabella and Asher.

When I was done, I got off the stage and went to find Elena.

“Let's go. It's done.” I smiled.

“Yeah.” She smiled back.

Before we felt the hall, I met Cassandra’s gaze and what she mouthed startled me.