Chapter 2

The night was peaceful but quiet also. It was the only time I had to myself. Despite how poorly I was treated, they allowed me to sleep in peace because it helps my blood to be replenished.

It is now my favorite time of day. It was the only time I could visit the love of my life without prying eyes watching me.

I heard the familiar knock on my door and quickly stashed my torn dress underneath my bed. I caught a speedy glance in the mirror, made sure I was decent, then opened the door.

"Hey, Elara?" Kael spoke low and soft, as though he were afraid of waking everyone else up.

My heart skipped a happy beat at the mere sight of him. I smiled widely.

"You came," I whispered and moved back a little as I swung the door open wide.

Kael stepped inside my little room and I closed the door behind him. I was so happy he was able to come today.

Prince Kael was the best thing that had ever come my way in the pack. He was the Alpha's son and heir to the throne. He was the sole person who cared for me and asked about my day every night.

Despite him coming only at nights, I still cherished the moments spent with him.

"How is my princess doing today?" He asked, gazing at me.

I closed the gap between us and wrapped my arms around his waist, ignoring the slight stinging on my arms.

"I'm so tired tonight but having you here made it bearable," I whispered.

ELARA'S POV 

I was not just tired, though, I was aching. My body aches from Seraphina's assault a while back. But I was good at pretending nothing was wrong. I did not wish to worry him so I pretended I wasn't the girl who is used daily as a blood bank.

Kael hugged me too and kissed my head. With my small frame of five seven, Kael towered above me by far. He hugged me gently, as though he feared that I would shatter any moment. 

"You can hug me tighter, you know," I grumbled and inhaled his great sandalwood scent.

I could hear him take a deep breath before he sat on my bed, pulling away from me. Kael was tired. He had really big eyebags and his shirt was unbuttoned correctly. It made me smile slightly. It was a reminder that he was not perfect either.

"I'm truly sorry I have not been present to visit you in the past week. It's been quite busy and with the Mating ceremony coming up, I've been preparing to take over after I claim my mate."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of mate.

I shook my head, not needing an apology from him.

It's fine. You're going to be Alpha soon and…" I paused, a little scared of the upcoming mating ceremony.

"And you're going to be my Luna," he added and grasped my trembling hands.

My eyes widened for a moment. Was I so obvious?

I know what you're thinking Elara, and I swear it won't come to pass. I love you and will choose you as my Luna. If the Moon Goddess picks another for me, I have to decline her so that I can be with you."

"Really?" I asked, a bit insecure.

It was not unheard of to reject a mate but most Alphas keep their mates with them even if they do not love her.

Yes, we've been dating for three years already. I don't know a better Luna for my people."

His words melted all the doubts in my heart. Yes, we've secretly dated for three years now. Time flew too fast and now I am nineteen, whereas he is twenty one.

To a normal wolf, they would have already found their mates at age eighteen but Lycans are only able to do so at the time of a full moon which is when the mating ceremony took place.

I wanted to be Kael's mate. I have prayed that the Moon Goddess does not break this love between us. If Kael would not be my mate, my life as a member of the clan would be over. My agony would only worsen.

Kael gazed at me with piercing brown eyes that reminded me of coffee.

"I love you, Kael," I panted.

"I love you too," he replied and tugged my arm. I walked along and he pulled me in to kiss him.

The world melted around us and only the two of us existed at that moment. I returned the kiss, pouring out all the longing and love locked inside of me hoping that it would sweep aside the doubts swirling around my head.

***

Time flew by and before I knew it, the mating ceremony was looming. I was nervous and worried because tonight would either shatter or make me. But I hoped it was the latter.

I ironed my faded blue dress staring at myself in the mirror. My face had not changed for three years. I still looked extremely pale with dark eyes and red cheeks.

To other people, I could be beautiful but I never considered myself so. Kael's words echoed in my mind.

You're the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on," he whispered into my ears one night. He thought that I was already asleep and he departed after saying those words.

It was the most marvelous thing that I had ever heard and for a moment I believed it was true. Until Seraphina had to remind me that I was nothing but a living blood bank.

I caught a glimpse at myself for the last time before I left my room. Dr. Alder was standing outside the door, waiting for me. Unfortunately I could not join the ceremony since no one was willing to have me but Dr. Alder invited me to join him just in case something happened.

We headed to the garden, where all the maidens were gossiping among themselves. They wore very beautiful dresses and looked like princesses, not like me.

Dr. Alder took me aside, where I was single.

"Why the hell is this freak here?" a girl named Talia grumbled when she laid eyes on me.

"Do you think she's going to get her mate tonight?" Ivy asked another girl and the girls started to giggle.

I attempted to block them out but they kept talking loudly about me, aware that I could overhear them. I balled up my gown and attempted to focus on Kael.

The full moon had been reached so he should be showing up at any minute now.

Soon after, he came. Kael walked casually into the middle of the open space. My heart skipped a beat seeing him. Like a prince, he seemed to have an aura of superiority and strength that mesmerized all present.

I walked away from the girls and went to the other side of the garden. The entrance, to be precise. If Kael wasn't my mate, I was going to slip away quietly and bawl.

The time arrived and all of us inhaled simultaneously. One second later, a young man snarled and ran to a young woman. He picked her up and kissed her happily. All of us applauded them. He had found his mate.

I watched carefully as Kael's eyes searched the crowd, and for a moment, settled on me. My heart stopped. He spotted me.

My wolf, who had not stirred in a very long time, suddenly moved and growled low. Goosebumps ran over my entire body, my nostrils filled with the smell of cinnamon and lotus.

His nostrils flared and he came towards me. He stopped a few steps away, gazing into my eyes. "Mate," he growled, to the amazement of many as gasps filled the air.

I grinned from ear to ear. My joy knew no bounds. The Moon Goddess did hear my prayer and I thanked her in my heart for fulfilling my desires.

I rushed towards Kael and threw myself at him but to my shock, he moved back and I fell tumbling to the ground.

"Incredible," he muttered, and something shifted. His face became harsh, teeth clenched and the kindness in his eyes vanished. He looked at me with a frigid anger I had never witnessed.

"Ka… Kael," I stuttered, getting up from the ground. "What is wrong? This is what we have been waiting for, isn't it?"

"Shut up!" He yelled, pointing and shaking his finger at me.

"This is impossible. You cannot be my mate," he snarled.

My jaw dropped and I could hear my wolf whine within me.

"Wait, what are you saying? You said…"

"I said nothing to you, you freak!" He yelled and stepped closer to me threateningly.

I was speechless. This is not happening right now, right?

The Moon Goddess must be playing a trick on me right now on you. Did you suppose that I would take you as my mate? A girl who was raped!" He spat on the ground in revulsion.

I blinked twice, just to make sure that I was not dreaming. The bitter man in front of me could never be my Kael. My Kael could never say these things to me.

I was not raped and he knew it. I had been attacked, yes, but he saved me in time and rescued me. He said he loved me. He'd promised to do anything at all just to make me smile. So why the change of heart now?

I glanced around and noticed the sneering smirks on people's faces. I could not bear it and soon grabbed Kael's shirt.

"Oh please Kael, have I done anything wrong? And if I have, then forgive me? Why are you saying all these?" My voice trembled as I sobbed.

Kael pushed my hands away and started laughing hysterically. The other maidens joined him in his laughter.

"So you actually think that I have fallen for you?" He

taunted.

My lips trembled as tears filled my eyelids.

Fixing his gaze on me, he spat. "I, Kael Lincoln, reject you, Elara as my mate.”