Chapter 2

Thalassa's POV 

Talia let out a humourless laugh. “Siblings bond?“ She repeated as if that was the dumbest word she had heard all year round. “Did you ever think of me as your sister? You had everything I ever wanted Thalassa. I have always lived in your shadows. Thalassa is beautiful, Thalassa is brave, Thalassa this and that—everyone won't stop singing your praises.“ Her voice became sharper and colder. “And you dared push me off the stairs, broke my legs and because of you, I couldn't play hockey anymore.“

When we were younger, we were playing, and I accidentally pushed Thalia down the stairs. She believed I did it on purpose so I could be the only one to play in the final tournament. Ever since then, she’s held a grudge against me.

“That was a mistake Talia. I swear… I didn't mean for it to happen!“

“But it did happen!“ She retort back. “So, you wouldn't mind if I take Lucien right?“

I wiped off my pathetic tears. “I'm going to tell our parents about this," I threatened, confident that they would reprimand her shameful act.

The both of them laughed out—the sound was sharp and mocking. Then Talia stepped closer and whispered, “You think our parents didn't know about this? Who did you think perform the ritual that I used to numb your bond with Lucien?“

My entire world tilted at her statement. I glanced at her, hoping that she was just lieing but her serious expression and smug smile gave nothing away. 

“You can't be serious! Mom and dad would never do that!“ I spat, even though a voice echoed in my mind that she was actually saying the truth.

Then she stepped back. “Ask them!“ Her voice was laced with confidence.

I nodded, pain churning at my insides. That explained why I never felt any of his betrayal through our bond. Why go to such lengths?

 “Well… I wish you both a happy life. You better prepare for the rejection ceremony Lucien.“

Lucien nose flared up. “Rejection? You think you'll reject me and embarrass in front of the entire pack? Have you forgotten the pack laws?“

I read the law out. “The fated mates that rejected one another shall be strip of everything and exiled. Is it?“ 

“Yes… thank Goddess, you know it every well. So don't you dare try to do something that could cause us everything. Let's try to figure something. We can all live harmoniously, Thalassa. You be my wife in public, while Talia would be my mistress and the mother of my child.“

“Yes, Thalassa,” Thalia chipped in. “Let's co-exist—after all Lucien is entitled to take as many woman as he wanted.“

I let out a humourless laugh. “Harmoniously? I, Thalassa would never be a party to this mediocrity. I would rather lose everything—than agree to your shenanigans.“ I turned away. “Prepare for the ceremony, Lucien.“

I forced my legs to be steady and headed out of the room.

“I won't let you reject me, Thalassa,” Lucien called after me. 

The moment I managed to downstairs, I quickly grabbed my phone and placed a call to the Pack doctor. He answered on the second ring. 

“Dr. Hart… is it possible for my husband to get a woman pregnant in his condition?“

One year ago, I had discovered the heartbreaking truth during one of the test we conducted to find out the cause of our childlessness. When I went to get the results, Dr. Hart had opened up to me that Lucien had a very low sperm. I had pleaded with him to keep it a secret as it would crush Lucien's soul. Even when everyone insulted me… I remained tight-lipped because of how much I loved him.

Dr. Hart remained silent for a while. “No, Mrs. Cross,” he finally replied. “His sperm is at the lowest count—unless a miracle happens from the Goddess.“

“Thank you, Dr. Hart.“ I ended the call.

A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat. There was no miracle at all. That bitch must have pinned another man's child on him. For a moment… I thought of retrieving the test results where I had hid it and hurled it at his feet, but I decided against it. It would be more grand and dramatic to have it revealed later—perhaps when the child was already born.

I ran a hand through my hair as I thought of my next line of action. Confronting my parents was useless. I need to find a way to reject him…. but then how?

I walked out of the room and made my way towards the palace that was just a stone throw away from the mansion.

_____

“Alpha… did you understand what I'm saying at all?“ I asked again because I'm still in disbelief of his words.

“Of course,” Alpha Sebastian affirmed as if I was just making an issue out of nothing. “You caught Lucien cheating with Talia and she is pregnant with his baby?!“

“Yes.“ I'm surprised he actually grabbed everything.

“Well… it's no big deal.“ He leaned forward, raw and untamed Alpha energy rolling off him. “He is a man, polygamous in nature—entitled to as many woman as he wanted. You can't simply reject him because of that.“

“This is my husband and sister we're talking about?“ I spat, forgetting the fact that he was my Alpha for a second. 

“Hey woman… watch your mouth,” Alpha Sebastian growled, his hands tightened around the armrests of his throne chair.

I bowed slightly. “I'm sorry, Alpha.“

Alpha Sebastian gaze softened a bit. “Him being with your sister is even better than some strange woman. You both share the same bloodline and grew up together… so you both already understand each other and would live peacefully.“

A wave of disappointment washed down on me. Never had i expected that the wise Alpha would spew such words, but I remained silent because if I said the words inside me, I might end up in the dungeon.

He continued. “The Pack is already going through a lot, especially with the BlueMoon Pack trying to take over our land mines. Remain quiet, Thalassa—any news of this or a rejection ceremony would further put the pack in bad light.“

I didn't respond.

“Understood?“ He growled.

“Yes, Alpha,” I mumbled.

Sebastian gestured at me to leave.

I bowed and walked out of the room.

Once outside, by the garden, I let out a long, exasperated sigh. I couldn't believe the Alpha's words.

“Lady Thalassa,” Luna Selena's voice echoed behind me.

I turned and forced a smile at her. She was dressed in a golden, majestic robe with her maids trailing behind her. She was a young, kind and beautiful Luna.

“My Luna.“ I bowed. “How are you doing?“

“I'm fine, my Lady,” she answered smoothly. “I heard about your efforts in the Ice She-wolves team. It's a pity you're not playing.“

“I'm only fulfilling my duties. It's nothing grand.“

She walked past me towards the flowers and I trailed behind her. The refreshing scent of the flowers hit my nostrils sharply, easing the tension inside me just by a little.

“I overheard your discussion with the king and I feel your pains, Lady Thalassa,” she started , her voice thick with emotions. “The werewolf world is unkind to women like us. We are forced to keep quiet and serve our mate regardless.“

“That is sickening, Luna,” I lamented bitterly. “We shouldn't be subjected to such unfair treatments.“

She turned, a sad smile curled up her lips. “I understand… but we have no choice. I have accepted mine and I hope the Goddess gives you the strength to accept yours.“

My brows knitted in shock  “You mean the Alpha also had a mistress?!“

She didn't reply; she only threw her head to the side and that was enough answer.

“I won't be forced to accept those miserable rules, my Luna,” I said, my voice dripping with determination. “I will fight back—no matter what.“

Luna Selena's eyes narrowed as if she couldn't understand me. “How?“ 

“Anyhow… but I won't submit to such shenanigans. I have submitted to Lucien for years but not anymore.“

I bowed and walked away before she tried to convince me further.

Yeah… I was right. I won't bend. Submission is not my style anymore.

The first thing to do… is take back my place on the rink. I had stopped playing in public because Lucien complained that him playing in the men's team and his wife playing on the women's team doesn't make him masculine enough.

Pathetic… thinking about it now, I think he was just afraid that I'd take all the praises since I was clearly better than him.

I placed a call across to Sierra. “Hey… how is your evening going?“ She said Immediately the call connected. “I bet your anniversary —”

My stomach churned at the mention of anniversary. “I'm playing in the pre-season,” I cut her off sharply.

“Okay.“ I can hear the confusion in her voice. “Did Lucien let you play now?“

“He doesn't matter anymore,” I said.

“What happened?“

“I will explain everything when we see.“

“Alright.“ Then her voice became cheerful. “The Queen of ice is playing! We would definitely ace the competition!“