Se connecterCHAPTER ONE — I REJECT ALPHA DARIUS.
MIRA HALE.
“Mother, please. Just talk to my father for me. I don't want this union. Everyone knows how ruthless the Alpha is. Please, mother.” I pleaded, voice low as I asked for mercy.
“It's been decided, Mira. We can't turn back now and breach the union, you know who exactly we're dealing with.” My mother said, voice low as if agreeing that she also didn't want the union.
A hot breath fanned against my nose. My shoulder dropped.
Mother was right. There was no turning back and even if there was a way, it was way impossible as it was my wedding day already.
“I, Mira Hale, reject you as my mate!“
.
.
.
.
.
The drums beat outside the hall, a reminder that it wasn't just any day. I was going to be claimed. Not by anyone, but Alpha Darius. Ruthless, controlling and powerful.
I strode into the pack hall, shoulders high as I walked through the cheering crowd while eyes scanned and judged me.
“The Luna would gain even more power!“ I heard one of them growl. My blood turned to ice.
“Doesn't that make it even better for us? She has always loved the society for our interest. It's the time to make it worthy, don't you think?“ Another had remarked.
I scoffed. My wolf pushed me further to the altar even though my mind screamed until I stood waiting and watching. My parents' eyes beamed with excitement but mine twitched. I sat down and sucked my breath in while I formed a fist with my sweaty palms.
Dancers performed, sweat covering their faces, full of energy until a questioning silence crept in.
They all scrambled away in a rush, order and quietness reigned. The door had burst open.
An announcement. A presence!
I rose to my feet immediately.
He walked in, cold, eye sharp as steel through the door.
As he strode in like a king, my wolf pulled me, bond snapped against me hot and demanding.
His gaze met mine, my heart thumped just like it had before.
This was bad. My parents had arranged me for the Alpha and since I had no say, I obliged.
My wolf whimpered in recognition of the one who would claim me tonight. A sharp kick from within made me grunt, I pressed my palm instinctively to my stomach. Not the nerves nor anxiety but my secret. A child.
Not the Alpha's.
A child of another.
I played a dangerous game. That's what they knew but not the child that swelled in me.
He stood beside me, his height overshadowing me as he raised me by the hands and roared deep.
“Tonight! The moon goodness witnesses the night, the claim and I, Alpha Darius claim Mira Hale as my Luna as..“ My wolf shrunk at his words, tail tucked, fear rolling off her in reels.
Luna?
Not as a wife? Or partner but some heir breeding machine? Just some title.
No. I declined.
If I did more than I was now, the Alpha would find out about my baby and that meant death.
My pulse pounded to my ears. Hard and rough when I suddenly jerked my hands away from his grip.
He shot me a dangerous glare and grabbed me by the wrist, rougher than earlier. I winded.
“Tonight, I, Alpha Darius claim..“ just when the crowd wondered what was going on as the powerful alpha declared his claim never had to repeat his words.
Fear surged through me. I was daring a do or die affair. My pulse hammered hard against my ears so that the whole hall could hear it.
Until I disrupted, “No!“
“You do not own me!“ I yelled.
My parents' eyes wandered, confusion lacing on them but with Alpha Darius' presence, they dared not move close to him if he didn't instruct.
I pressed my lips in as I matched up his gaze before I turned to the crowd.
My hands trembled but I still flung them to the air, “tonight, I, Mira Hale, reject Alpha Darius as my mate.“ I said as the words left a pounding beat to my ears.
The cheer amongst the crowd subsided, silence taking dominance. Their eyes spread wide, wondering.
I didn't need to wait any longer as another minute here, the Alpha could order me killed or caged.
I raised my flowing gown to my knees and dashed out of the pack hall in a run.
“You stupid guards, go get her!“
“… she's mine” I heard him roar behind me. His claim quickened how my heart raced but defiance burned hotter than fright. I scoffed, and ran even faster.
“I would never be yours.“ I spat.
And I didn't just run from the ruthless Alpha, I ran for the little life inside of me.
Chapter 31. BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENSKAI'S POV. “Where the fuck have you been?” A deep voice roared in the room and that was when I jolted out of reverie. I had walked from Selene's chamber to the palace and walked through the hallway of the king's chamber oblivious of whatever was going on as I marched towards the king's chamber. I had run my hands through my hair constantly, even as I walked. I just didn't get it. She wanted it. I did too. She even dared the king to know. “Then let it kill us.” Her voice replayed in my head causing me to curse underneath my breath. I formed a fist with my hand, my teeth gritted, brows arched in frustration as her words replayed in my head. “About last night, don't get any funny ideas. It was a mistake. We cannot undo it, so forget it.” I bit my lips painfully as it occurred to me that it was just all a lie. What did I even expect? That a king's mate would fall in love with a guard? ‘but she made out with us.’ my wolf barked. And as much
Chapter 30. A MISTAKE. KAI'S POV. A smile lazied at the edge of my lips as I recalled a night ago while the morning rays reflected into my eyes and I didn't move. “Then let it kill us.” A breath of relief escaped me as Selene's words replayed in my head and so I turned to face her on the bed where we had made out and now, we laid on. I tucked a strand of hair that fell over her pretty eyes as I stared into her face, not intending to look away anytime soon as I moved closer to her and caressed her arms gently. I bit my lips at the thought that crossed me once more, I was not sure I could manage still laying down with her. My legs suddenly grew numb, yet heavy at the same time and when she groaned slightly in her sleep, hell — she was undoing me. It took a whole lot of convincing not to wrap my arms around her and swoop her in to close the gap between us but I preferred to just let her lay there and sleep soundly. I glanced over at the wall clock, it was just around eight this mor
Chapter 29. KAI'S POV. THEN LET IT KILL US. The alpha had dismissed me after I had tendered the day's report to him and although he didn't seem to have an interest in the men that had ambushed our space and even killed the Luna, Mira; I dared not object. To him, guards are nothing but tools and I have learnt to guard that to mind which is why I'm the oldest of his servants at the palace. I walked through the hallway, ignoring the squeals of the palace maids that were busy with one or two things, some who dusted the windows as the Alpha can point at a spotless space and still find dirt. Some of them never even tried to leave those spots until I instructed them to. But today that the Alpha seemed to be in a bad mood, I dared not dismiss them else! Trouble. Her highness, Ma'am Selene. Her name clicked to my mind once a palace maid called my name. Kai. I didn't look back, it was normal. It happened everyday, if not her, others would but no one dared to court a partner in the pal
Chapter 28. DESIRE OVER DUTIES. SELENE'S POV. I had stormed outside of Alpha Darius' chamber with unsettlement waving in my chest. I stopped once I was before Kai, different from earlier as I faced him with my side and titled my head to him. “Don't forget to come over for soup by evening.”His eyes twitched and without waiting for him to bow, I walked away to my room with Lila behind me. “Prepare a nice soup for me and my guest.” I muttered almost breathlessly as I didn't care to see the look on her face. When we reached my quarters, I walked bigger steps and shut the door immediately after me, ignoring Lila’s concern. “Are you okay, Her majesty?” Alpha Darius..His name escaped my lips. My nose was filled with the scent of him that clung unto me like dirt. Filthy. I had not cared. I really didn't push. I hadn't wriggled free from his hands because I wanted him inside of me. But not in that manner, not with force, not one sided. Not possessive. But could that even happe
Chapter 27.DARIUS' POV. “Your highness.” she responded as she fought to keep her head raised to meet my gaze. I smirked, scaredy little cat. “What is it that has brought you here!” my voice rose sharper than intended and since It had been spilled, there wasn't any time to take it back. I was so aware I had put her to sleep for fifty days? Or maybe seventy? I had heard the maids rumor about it and once they saw me or even Kai, their lips always went sealed. Well, I didn't care. Now, I felt sweat gather at my forehead, Gabe was the only thing that struck me once Kai gave his report. I should have given order to track whoever the master was but if my consciousness had to be right?I dug my fingers against my palm, “stop it, Darius! We both know he's dead. He couldn't have survived.”I knew I was trying to comfort myself but just if any miracle happened, I felt my nerves tingle until my nose inhales a sharp feminine presence that I'm reminded of Selene. “Why are you here?” She pa
Chapter 26. SELENE'S POV. “Her Majesty isn't too strong yet, where is her highness going to?”“See, I've brought your food.” She added, glancing over the tray in her hands and walking towards the table. Shit, I had planned to just stand by the door and grab the food and leave but now, I was just rising when she had walked in. “To the Alpha. Hand me the tray.” I commanded, my eyes searching the content, well covered and neat. I smiled, although they didn't last. “His highness? He has stopped eating since the banquet. I told you Ma'am Mira died. He's been throwing plates around only and eats only in the middle of the night after many tantrums.”I glared at her, “you don't believe me too? That lady was not Mira!” But no matter how I had tried to make it clear to her a hundred days ago, she just didn't get it. “Hand those over now!” I commanded, a low growl rolling from it. Yet, even with the fear in her eyes, she didn't budge. I could appreciate that. After all, the king doesn't







