Chapter 2

Ashina’s POV

“Tell them you’re mine, Leo.”

Leonard held my face, his bulge pressing against my stomach. I swallowed, getting lost in his eyes.

“I can’t tell them a lie, Ash.” he brushed my lips with his thumb. “No matter how much I want to be yours, I can’t forsake this kingdom.”

I rolled my eyes. “How is that forsaking the kingdom?” 

“We are step-siblings of the Alpha’s household. Our relationship could cause a riot that would give our rivals an upper hand against us.”

My shoulders dropped. “So you choose the world over me?” 

“No, I choose you both by refusing this bond. But if I get mated to you, it could ruin the pack.” He sighed and pulled up his pants, then he picked his shirt.

I rested my back on the wall. “So you are going to her? To Kate, who you are not even sure is carrying your seed?” 

“Not again, Ash.” He did the last button and took my hand. “I promise to stand by you and when it’s time, I will get a good man for you.”

My mouth opened as a pang ran through my chest. “You what?” He was mute. “I don’t need your help, okay. You don’t have to give me away, just because you don't want me.”

“Ash—”

I opened the door and walked out. Kate approaching. “Hi, Kate,” I grunted and stormed away. 

“What is wrong with her?” She asked Leo. 

“She is angry at me. But no need to worry, I know how to appease her. Tell me how is my baby doing?”

My fist curled up as I climbed down the stairs, heading to the kitchen. “I need to expose Kate, anyhow.”

The scent of beef and porridge straightened my thoughts as I entered the kitchen. My stomach groaned in hunger. 

“I haven’t eaten all day,” I muttered, wearing a bonnet. Three servants were already preparing the meals. It was like a ritual for me to always help, even if they could handle it.

I wore a black apron and washed my hands before walking to the island. “Let me help,” I said, smiling at Amy, the youngest.

“Thank you, Madam Ashina,” Amy said, glad to be relieved from her duties.

“Good evening.” I greeted the other two servants. Larry, in his mid-forties and Hana, around my age, nodded at me with a smile. 

“You came quite late today,” Larry said.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, cutting the vegetable. “Went to the stream. Don’t ask me why. My sisters fooled me.”

Hana rolled her eyes. “Those crafty twins–”

“No, Hana. Don’t get on their bad side because of me.”

“Hana, have you heard about Alpha Warrick’s mating ball?” Larry asked.

I raised a brow to look at Hana, who stared at Larry with large eyes.

“In Fangslore pack? Isn’t that the Alpha rumored for killing his mates and setting up a ball every year to get a new one?”

I furrowed my brows. “What?” I asked, eyes widened with shock.

Larry shook his head. “They say he’s an old, ruthless beast. He feeds on the young blood of his mates to stay alive.”

My stomach churned in disgust as I retched to the side. “Oh my.”

“Enough of the gossip. Get the food ready, I’m famished,” Nora grumbled from the kitchen entrance and then walked away.

Hana strangled the air. “Ughh. She’s so annoying. I heard she can’t cook. That was why her mate sent her away.”

I stared into space, my mind reeling about the Alpha who ate his mates. Fangslore was a popular pack, known for its wealth and power. But I never heard of the Alpha.

In a few minutes, we were done cooking. Hana, Amy and I arranged the dining table as Larry cleared up the kitchen. I sat down, heaving in relief after I placed the last dish in front of me. 

The whole family soon came down to their seat, as the aroma of the scrumptious meals beckoned to them. “Smells good. I hope it tastes just as nice,” Kora threw a remark, scoffing at me.

I turned away, my eyes searching the stairs, waiting for Leonard to come down. I recalled our moment earlier, and pressure pulled under my stomach. I pressed my thighs together, reminding myself that he didn’t want me.

The sound of giggling made us look up to see Leonard and Kate coming down, holding hands. She was whispering to him. My eyes flashed red as I balled up my fist, looking away.

“Greetings, everyone,” Kate greeted, sitting beside Leonard, right in front of me. Leonard’s gaze met mine. His jaw hardened, and he looked down at his food.

“How is the baby, Kate?” Mum asked, grinning at the couple.

“He’s doing well, as strong as his father,” Kate replied, rubbing Leonard’s shoulder. A pang ran through my chest. I struggled to eat. All my appetite was gone, and I just stirred my food.

“Ashina, my laundry is full again. Could you come help me with it tomorrow?” Kate asked after a while.

I used to help Kate clean, thinking I was helping Leonard’s child. But not anymore.

“Of course, she would come help you clean by dawn tomorrow,” Luna replied.

“It’s surprising how strong she is, despite being wolfless,” Kate snickered with a smile. “Right, Leonard?” She faced Leonard, but his gaze was locked on me. 

“She’s only good with chores. Nothing else.” Kora giggled.

How could they make fun of me like I wasn’t right in front of them? 

I gulped down my water fast, hoping it would squeeze the fire brewing in my chest.

Kate leaned in, whispering something to Leonard’s ear. He smirked in response, facing her.

That was the last straw for me. I dropped my spoon, it clattered against the porcelain plate.

“Would Beta Jerry be coming to your place tomorrow, too?” I asked, crossing my arms. Kate flashed me a glare. 

I smiled. “You seemed quite close to him the last time I saw you both. You were on him, right? Moaning his name and begging him for more.”

“Oh, that’s some crazy shit,” Nora chuckled, still eating. Kora’s eyes widened as she glared at me. 

Kate coughed, choking on her food.

Everyone faced me, terror written all over their faces. Leonard gritted his teeth. “Kate? What is she saying?” he growled.

“This wretch is lying against my friend.” Kora pointed at me. “You don't want to share Leonard’s care with Kate and his unborn child, right?” 

“Ashina, have you lost your mind?” Luna yelled at me, stomping to her feet. “What baseless accusation is that?”

I shifted my gaze to Leonard. “I tried telling you, so many times. But—”

“Quiet!!” Luna thundered, and I pinched my lips shut. “You’ve crossed the line.”

Leonard grabbed Kate’s arm, veins pulsing on his temple as his jaw hardened. “Are you sleeping with my Beta?” he asked.

Kate jolted up on her feet, pointing at me. “She’s lying. This wolfless b*tch! She’s trying to make me go mateless like her. I swear on my mother’s grave, I didn't do that.” Kate covered her face as she burst into crocodile tears and raced out of the dining room.

I shook my head. “You should have been an actress, Kate. Who is the father of your child—?!” Luna's slap on my cheek cut me off. 

I gasped, holding my cheek. My eyes, watering.

“First thing tomorrow, you’ll be sent to the Fangslore pack to attend the mating ceremony of Alpha Warrick. You’re a curse in this household,” Luna fired before she followed Kate.

“Alpha Warrick?” Nora swallowed at the sound of his name. Then she drew her thumb over her neck as she shook her head at me. Kora stormed off and Nora followed her.

“No.” My bulging eyes flicked to Leonard, who glared at me in anger. “Say something, Leo. I can’t go there.”

We were alone together in the dining, Leonard ran his hand through his hair as he lifted his gaze to me. “You’ve ruined everything. Why? Because you want me? Huh?” He asked, walking towards me. “I warned you not to take this too far.”

“No, Leo.” I shook my head. 

He reached me, his brows crossed with rage. I reached for his arm, then he stepped back, dodging my touch. I pinched my eyes shut, breathing heavily. “That was what I saw. She is sleeping with Jerry.”

“In your dreams?!” He snapped, then gritted his teeth and grabbed my hand. I gasped in pain. “You saw it in your wildest imaginations? Huh? Is this how you planned to bring us together, by ruining my relationship with deceit?”

I shook my head, trembling in his arms, my eyes red and swollen. “I— I swear on the Moon Goddess—”

“Pack your things, Ashina. I will drop you in Fangslore pack tomorrow morning.” Leonard groaned as he pushed me against the table and stormed off.