Cold Feet, Colder Heart: His Remorse Begins

My father had arranged for Cassian Locke to be my mate before I was even born.

He and Cassian's father, the Alpha of the Moonfall pack, had sworn to the Moon Goddess that I'd form a mate bond with Cassian once I came of age. I'd also become the Luna of the Moonfall pack then.

I'd met Cassian when I was younger. Back then, he was polite and gentle, the most perfect werewolf I'd ever known. Because of that, I willingly accepted the arrangement and went to the Moonfall pack, wearing a precious necklace that could conceal my bloodline around my neck.

However, I didn't expect that the Moonfall pack would impose such strict standards on their own Luna.

Cassian looked at me with obvious disdain. His tone was frosty as he asked, "Given how you aren't one of us, you can't be thinking that you can be the mother to the future heir of the Moonfall pack, can you?"

My wolf was growling in fury. Suppressing my displeasure, I flashed Cassian a polite smile.

I said, "I'm sorry, Alpha Cassian, but I would never swear such ridiculous oaths in front of the Moon Goddess."

I had barely finished speaking when Cassian shot me a fierce glare. He exuded the imposing air of an Alpha.

He remarked, "Are you defying me? Don't forget that while I'm the Alpha of the Moonfall pack, you're just a she-wolf from a small pack. If it weren't for my father's oath to the Moon Goddess, you'd never become my Luna. If you want to stay, you must listen to me."

He was overbearing and arrogant, and it disappointed me greatly.

My wolf, Iris, scoffed. "That's the werewolf you fell for? He's not even your fated mate."

I didn't know what to say to that.

He was nothing like the werewolf I'd met back when we were younger. Now, he was downright unreasonable, selfish, and domineering, just like the dictators in human society.

I cast him a cold look. "No Luna is obliged to swear such oaths. I will never do it."

Seeing that I refused to do what he told me to, he scoffed as he left the hall. The last thing he said to me was, "I'll only mark you when you come to your senses."

Iris barked, "Never!"

Staring after him, I frowned.

The patrol leader, Asher Cross, cast me a mocking look. He sounded impatient as he urged, "Luna… No, you aren't our Luna yet. Noelle, hurry up and make the oath. None of those who disobey Alpha Cassian will fare well."

Iris growled, "In his dreams! We are never pushovers!"

I shot Asher one last look before heading out.

However, Asher instructed the other werewolves to surround me. He swept an icy glance at me.

"Ms. Sawyer, the ceremony has yet to end. You can't leave. Besides, if Alpha Cassian doesn't mark you, you'll never become our Luna. Don't say I didn't remind you. As an outsider, you'll definitely have a rough time in our pack."

I asked indifferently, "Your Alpha has already left, so why can't I? If becoming your Luna means I have to make such oaths, I'd rather give up."

The moment I finished saying that, the other werewolves exclaimed in surprise, "Gosh, not only did she argue with Asher, but she also refused to be our Luna. How foolish."

"Our Alpha is the most valiant amongst all in the werewolf kingdom. As an outsider, she should be grateful for having the chance to be our Luna and attend to Alpha Cassian well. How could she be so ill-tempered?"

"How ungrateful. So what if Alpha Cassian doesn't want her to bear his heir? Isn't becoming our Luna enough for her?"

Their murmurs reached Asher's and my ears.

He looked at me smugly. "Reluctant to leave now, Noelle? To be our Luna is an unparalleled honor. Only those not in their right minds would defy Alpha Cassian."

I shot him an impatient glare. "I'm not the slightest bit interested in becoming your Luna. Now, get lost!"

Iris said scornfully, "That's right! The Moonfall pack might be courageous, but it's only risen up in recent years. They are much inferior to werewolves with a noble bloodline, like us. Cassian would benefit more from your bond if you two were to form one. Who is he to make you swear those oaths?"

Asher's temper flared up at my response. "You're but a lowly Omega! What gives you the right to tell me off? Just you wait—I'm going to report to the Alpha about your act of insolence!"

I snorted. "Do as you like."