Chapter 3
Elena’s POV
Silence momentarily filled the air after I said that as if they were weighing things out and had come to a realization.
Severing our ties completely would be the best solution for all this mess.
For the entire year, I had been an exceptional Luna, bringing improvements to our pack in every aspect. I was even using my own money to finance everything because the Swiftridge Pack didn’t have enough finances of their own.
Well, they must have realized it.
If I leave, the pack would feel my absence so bad, and that would cause a massive stir in the pack as the members would significantly feel the impact of my absence.
I watched as Bryson clenched his teeth in frustration as if contemplating what he should do.
And by the looks of it, he wasn’t the only one who fell into a dilemma because not even a second later, I observed Glenda’s hold on his arm tighten.
She pulled Bryson aside and boldly talked to Elena with a raised chin. “I don’t think you’ll be daring enough to do that. Just to remind you, there’s a consequence in rejecting a mate. You might be a Luna, and Bryson might just be your chosen mate. That’s why you think you can handle it, but let’s face it: your body isn’t as resilient as a warrior’s body.”
It’s true. Rejecting a mate would severely damage your bond with each other, and it's like losing another part of you. Most higher ranks, like the Lycan family, the Alphas, Lunas, and Betas, usually find rejections manageable because of our natural strength, but it would still hurt so much.
Some low-level members like Omegas even died from it.
I smirked in confidence after hearing their so-called concerns. “Really?”
I was a direct-born pup from alpha, and I’m far more trained than warriors my age. I think I could handle it just fine.
Looking at Bryson with a smug expression, I arrogantly asked, “Do you think the same? Between the two of us, who do you think will suffer most from a rejection?”
Of course, I could be smug about it. I had been taking care of his sick mother for a year and all of the pack members. Even if they combined all of the pack’s money, they couldn’t probably pay what I’ve spent for them.
But then again, they probably think that I was obliged to do all that – to go far and beyond for them.
Trying so hard to keep his cool, he replied, “Is that even a question, Elena?”
Spreading his arms, he motioned to the entire pack. “Where else could you belong but here? Do you really think you can have somewhere to go if we reject each other and you leave here?”
My eyes suddenly went blank in pain as I was reminded of the family and pack I’d lost.
“That’s why…” He took a sigh, sympathizing with me. “I won’t reject you and put you all through that pain. It’s for your future, Elena.”
“Look, Bryson is already being so generous with you. You should be thankful.” Glenda clung her arm to Bryson again. “Don’t play tricks, okay? Don’t say such words like rejection, like you’re talking about the weather, just to seek sympathy from the members. It will make you look more… pathetic.”
Couldn’t handle her endless interruptions anymore, I finally spoke up.
“Who are you to interrupt us? This is a conversation between me and my husband!” I asked nonchalantly and signed for Zara to come forward.
Immediately, Zara approached us and bowed her head.
“Luna”, she greeted.
I nodded in Glenda’s direction. “Send this outsider away.”
“Right away, Luna.” Zara didn’t waste any time and came rushing to pull Glenda away.
As soon as her hand touched Glenda, I saw Bryson taking protective but hesitant steps.
Zara then halted a second and looked back and forth between Bryson and Glenda as she scolded them, “You two are very ungrateful!”
I watched her in stunned as she did that, and so was Bryson. He’s an alpha, so I knew he would burst because of that.
Immediately, I took a step forward to protect her. As he raised his hand in the air and was about to slap Zara, I moved in between them and grabbed his wrist, totally stopping him effortlessly.
I heard gasped from Courtney and Glenda while Bryson was looking at me with wide eyes, not to mention his jaw almost dropped from shock. However, I didn’t care how surprised they probably were that I was actually strong.
After all, they didn’t bother enough to actually get to know me.
“How dare you hit my people?” I asked in a cold yet calm voice that brought chills to their spine before I pushed him back and blocked his path from Zara.
My demeanor changed utterly as I exuded Luna’s power while I looked at Bryson with blaring eyes.
If Bryson weren’t an Alpha, he’d probably shiver as well.
“She’s the one who—”
“I don’t care what she has done or what happened. When it comes to my people, my Omega, I’m the only one who can punish them.” My gaze turned sharp. “They answer only to me and no one else.”
With that, I turned around and pulled Zara with me, leaving them in a haze of shock.
“Luna, are you okay?” Zara worriedly asked while watching me pace around the room as I sorted my thoughts.
I raised my hand and told her to wait for a second.
After a while, I heaved a sigh and went serious.
Looking at Zara, I saw her observing me, and I let out a small smile as I looked at her with conviction.
“I know what to do now.”
“That is…”
I smiled. If he couldn’t reject me because he needed me, then I’d tie his hands like he did to me.
Staring at Zara, I determinedly voiced out, “I’ll meet with the Lycan King.”
Elena’s POVThe silky fabric of my wedding gown glides perfectly against my skin; every inch seems to be perfectly sized for me. We were now inside, for finalisation of choices. Trying on fittings so only final adjustment on their workshop would be needed later on.My imagination finally coming more and more alive.I felt the attendants coming to my aid, clasping my back, laying the hem of the gown perfectly to the ground, and whispering praises, but my mind was far from the joy the wedding bells were showering on everyone. My eyes were stuck in the mirror in front of me, but my vision was far from perfect. Instead, it’s on the red invitation stabilised on the table beside the watchroom, soothed by its intricate golden writing of Bryson’s name.Yes… It’s a wedding invitation.I was, without a doubt, flabbergasted, but not because my ex-husband was getting married, but because he’s getting married for the third time, and it’s not Glenda.Apparently, the king was furious about how he
Elena’s POVThe palace felt different in the following weeks. For the first time in years, I woke not to the call of duty or the clatter of steel, but to list the types of fabrics, flowers, and menus. Strange. That’s more of planning life rather than fighting for life, and yet I was enjoying every moment of it. Each day carried me closer to my wedding with Deacon. Though the rumours never stopped and even became worse since that encounter with Glenda and Bryson at the marketplace.Even with the rumours circling around, I could hear the laughter of the servants as they measured drapes and polished silver as a part of my wedding preparation. Everyone inside the palace helped me, no matter what they were thinking about me. Couriers came and went with swatches of silk. The cooks were also there whispering about the feast preparation.It was a different kind of chaos, and I couldn’t help but smile. I didn’t want to compare, but I felt a different kind of happiness, too, while preparing fo
Elena’s POVRafael pressed his body closer to mine. I could feel my nephew trembling. I looked at him. There was confusion and fear on his face.In my ears, I could hear the whispers of the crowd so loud as they continued to fix their gazes on us. Rafael remained by my side.Glenda’s words seemed to stay in the air.Illegitimate.Unfaithful.Glenda made sure that everyone in the marketplace would hear those words. Bryson, her ex-husband, stood by the woman’s side. It was as if I were the one who had done them wrong. His mother was standing beside them, looking satisfied with what was happening. I knew that they really planned to meet me in a place. They have successfully cornered me, but I wouldn’t give them what they desire. I may have lived in the palace now with Deacon, but I was still a warrior once.I had faced many men twice my size with steel in their hands, and I hadn’t flinched even a little. So, why should I feel fear towards these people?“Elena,” and that voice cut throug
Elena’s POVRafael’s small hand slipped into mine. He held me so tight as if he could feel danger around him all of a sudden.I felt my heart beating so fast, but I forced myself to be steady.Glenda walked forward towards our direction. The crowd parted without a word, as if they were really making a way for her. She took time taking every step. It was as if she wanted me to feel every step she took so I could feel that she had finally cornered me.By the time she stopped, I couldn’t explain, but my throat felt dry. I told myself that I was once a warrior. I had faced enemies stronger than her, so I had to be brave to whatever this woman was about to say and do.Glenda’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “We need to talk.”And in that moment, I knew that whatever she had to say would cut me deeper.I straightened. Every instinct from years of battle became alive inside of me again. I knew that would not be a very friendly meeting at all.I could feel that there was something in her voice.
Elena’s POVWe’re back. Back at the palace, where Rafael was given proper care, Deacon’s injury was already fully healed thanks to his Lycan blood.I thought I had gotten used to whispers by now. I thought I had accepted that being with Deacon means rumours here and there. I've already grown accustomed to hearing gossip about Deacon’s past, wealth, and reputation.But this time, it was not about those things. It was about me and, worse, about my nephew, Rafael.My life in the palace was supposed to be a new beginning for me and Rafael, but it felt more like I was trapped. Every word, every movement and breath I took seemed to echo through the walls, and strangers acted as if they knew me better than myself at all.I was a warrior. I had faced blades and bullets. I encountered ambushes, but I must admit that nothing had prepared me for this.I didn’t realise that words could slice deeper than steel.I knew myself as unbreakable, so why was I now feeling this way?Why was I flinching in
Elena’s POVAfter taking the antidote, Rafael remained calm, and he finally fell asleep. His breathing was still uneven, but it was steadier than before. It only meant that the antidote worked, though I must admit that the poison left my nephew weak and restless.Anger was inside my chest toward the people who did this to him.I tucked him into the backseat of the car and covered him with a blanket. I gently brushed his hair from his forehead.“I will do my best to protect you from harm. For now, I am thankful that the antidote is working. But I promise, you will get through this,” I said and gave him a kiss on his forehead.But my heart was still unsettled. Not only because Rafael attacked me and almost hurt me. His sudden lunge would really rip me if not for Deacon. The wild look in his eyes was really scary. But my heart was also overwhelmed when Deacon stepped in between me and Rafael without thinking of his own safety.At that moment, Rafael didn’t know what he was doing. The poi