Chapter 3

Ashina’s POV

“Do you expect him to choose you with those red, puffy eyes?” Leonard’s voice cut through the veil of silence in the car. 

My fingers tightened against the fine fabric of my dress. Luna did her best to make me look good. She must have prayed that I wouldn't get rejected by Alpha Warrick.

“Are you mad at me?” he asked. Now I faced him. My lips pressed firmly as I shook my head.

“Not mad, I’m hurt and disappointed.”

He tightened his grip on the steering, his knuckles turned white. “It’s best for you to go.”

I gave a small smile and shook my head. “Yeah, to a beast. Sure. Because I deserve to die for trying to ruin your perfect relationship.”

He fired the car, narrowing his eyes on the road. The top left corner of his lip, raised into a sneer. “I’m only keeping my word.”

“To give me out? But you said to a good man.” I scoffed, looking away. “Why don't you just reject me and break this bond?”

“I can't. It would tear you apart from inside out. You're not strong enough for that.”

“Am I strong enough to face a beast?”

He didn't respond. The ride to Fangslore pack remained quiet, we crossed the neighbouring pack and reached it at dusk. 

I sat up as I noticed ‘FANGSLORE’ crested boldly on the gates leading into the city. A guard came to us from the troop guarding the gate.

“Alpha Leonard of Bloodmoon pack. I brought my sister for Alpha Warrick’s mating ceremony.”

The guard raised both brows, surprised, stared at me, then he nodded and gestured for the gates to be opened. The heavy gate creaked as four guards pulled it apart.

I pinched my chin watching him drive around the pack like he knew it as the back of his hand. When he reached the pack house, I couldn’t hide my curiosity. “Have you been here before?” I asked.

He nodded, stepped out of the car, opened my end and I came out. “Warrick is an acquaintance. I’ve been here a couple of times.”

So he is friends with the beast who allegedly eats his mates?

The pack house was twice as large as ours. A black and golden mansion that laid in front of us, majestic and quiet.

“Where’s the ceremony happening?” I asked, looking around the large courtyard. They held decorations and a few guards and servants but no guests were around.

He took my hand, heading in. “The thing is, no one ever comes for his mating ceremonies. If any had come, he wouldn’t be throwing one each year.”

I yanked my hand from his grip. “What do you mean?” I asked.

He heaved a deep breath. “Everyone is scared of Warrick– so they never came.”

A sudden pang of pity surged inside me, but I shook my head, clearing it out. After all, he had a bad reputation. No one was to blame for not coming. They were scared for their lives.

“So why are we here? If everyone is scared, isn’t this a suicide mission?” Fear gripped me as my hands turned cold, my feet glued to the ground.

“Trust me,” He said, softly. But I bit my bottom lip, dropping my gaze. It was hard to do. “Come.” He pulled me along with him, heading towards the massive doors.

An elderly butler stepped forward before Leonard could ring the bell. “Good evening, fine sir. May I help you?” He asked, taking a bow.

“I came to see Alpha Warrick,” Leonard replied.

“The Alpha is not in the mood for visitors, I’m sorry. So you and your wife might have to come some other time.”

Leonard glanced at me, my heart panting. Our bond pulsed as our eyes met. 

“She’s not my— wife,” he replied, his voice breaking. 

I closed my eyes and looked away as my insides twisted again at his rejection. 

When would I get used to this?

He faced the butler who was staring at us, confused. “I brought her for Alpha Warrick—” his Adam apple popped up and down as he closed his eyes. “For his mating ceremony.”

The butler's brown eyes lit up, a smile crawling up his face. “Hi Miss. Come with me.” I turned to Leonard, who took my hand to lead me in. “Just her, sir.”

His eyes dimmed as he stepped back, leaving my hand softly. “Go.” he breathed. My brows joined as my eyes watered. 

“GO. NOW.” He commanded and turned his back. 

I entered and saw him clenching his fist as the door clicked shut.

Inside, I was led through the classy sitting room, up the red rugged golden staircase. 

“Wait out here, Miss.” He said, then went inside a room.

“What are you doing here?” A deep, quiet growl came from inside. My heart skipped a beat. An electric wave running up my spine. 

Who was that? Him?

“Alpha, there’s a maiden brought for you.”

“A maiden? Isn’t it past the time for the ball? Why wasn’t she brought early?” He asked, annoyance evident from his voice. 

“Send her away. Let her come on time next year, then I’ll know if I want her.”

A wave of relief washed over me following the rejection. “Yes!” I squirmed, jumping. “He’s quite arrogant for someone who is in need of a mate. At least, he should be glad that someone came.”

“I can hear you. Come in.”

My eyes widened as I bit my tongue, shaking my head. “No. No. Stupid girl. You should have kept shut,” I grumbled, hitting my forehead.

“Brooks, Bring her in.”

My heart dropped. “Should I run away?” I asked, turning the way I had come. “Maybe Leo was still outside.”

“Miss, come in,” Brooks called out beside me, before I could take a step.

“Me?” I asked, touching my chest.

“Yes.”

My heart skipped another beat as he moved out of the way and gestured for me to go in. My legs felt like lead.

“Miss, please go in.”

I took a deep breath, held my dress and entered the study. The scent of cedar, coffee and old books filled my nostrils.

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed a movement. It was him.

I pinched my eyes shut, facing the wall. Slow steps neared me and I held my breath, goosebumps crawling all over my skin. The muscles around my neck tightened as my brows raised, almost touching. 

I felt something inside me, a stirring— a tiny voice, barely noticeable. Maybe it was my fear.

I trembled.  “Please, don’t eat me,” I muttered under my breath. “Please, don’t— eat me.”

“Open your eyes.”

I flinched on hearing him right in front of me. Then I opened my eyes, slowly stumbling back. 

In an ivory suit, white unbuttoned shirt, with a tie hanging on his neck, he stood there, shaped like a God. 

“How?” My eyes grew large.

I ran my eyes over the tall bodied man, chiselled abs and toned chest. Hazel brown eyes. Silver blonde hair packed in a pony tail, a few strands loose, framing his sharp jawline and high cheek bones. 

Is this a female model’s face on a male’s body? How was a man so breathtaking? 

“What is your name?” He asked, raising a perfect brow.

“Are— are you him?” I stuttered.