Chapter 2

Raine Ashford 

Have you ever woken up and wondered why the hell the universe hates your guts? 

Yeah, that’s been me for the past week. The academy’s staff had dragged my sorry ass to the infirmary, and when the doc checked me out, it turned out it wasn’t just me who broke… Raven, my wolf, was practically dying on the inside, too. They pumped me full of whatever painkillers they had, sent me home, and told me to “rest.” 

After the biggest, most humiliating birthday of my life, I’ve been locked up in my room. The physical pain is gone, but my heart’s still in shambles. 

I shuffle over to the mirror, and holy hell… I look like a walking disaster. Puffy hazel eyes, red nose, the whole nine yards. But whatever, it’s not like I’ve got anyone to impress.

I run my fingers through my hair, trying to make the long-ass red curls look less like I’ve been crying for over a week. My oversized T-shirt and baggy pants don’t help, but these are the only things my parents let me wear. Apparently, looking like a walking bedsheet is the secret to being a good beta. Thankfully, they didn’t ask me to cut my hair. I’ve been growing it since I was five, and it’s waist-length now… a solid 30 inches. 

I suck in a deep breath, square my shoulders, and head downstairs to find something to eat. The house is empty, my parents are nowhere to be seen.

I stepped into the living room and was startled by several men in black standing behind the sofa. A 40-year-old, good-looking man is sitting on the couch. He was dressed in a suit, had deep features, blond hair, blue eyes, and looked very similar to Jason. I can figure it out with my toes. The only person who can enter other people's private homes without any scruples in the pack is Alpha Ken, the Alpha of the Nightthorn Pack that my father served, and Jason's father.

“Good morning, Alpha Ken,” I greet, bowing my head the moment my feet step into the living room. “My father is not home, but I can call him…”

"I’m here for you, Raine," Alpha Ken says, "I heard what happened last week. About my son rejecting you."

“Yes, my Alpha. But it's just the guidance of the Moon Goddess. And I will accept the rejection after returning to school.” I say, trying to keep my voice calm even though I hate the reminder.

I finally understand why he avoided my parents and specifically mentioned this to me, I can tell that Alpha Ken must not be proud, just like me. Accepting my mate's rejection was the best thing for me and everyone in the pack.

"I want you to be claimed by my son." 

The words hit me like a slap, and my eyes went wide. Excuse me? 

"What?" I mutter. "I mean, sorry, but Jason doesn’t want me. He is an Alpha and I’m just a Beta." 

Alpha Ken's brows knit together in a slight frown. "Jason’s about to graduate and take over as Alpha of the Night Thorn Pack. And he needs a mate beside him when he does. It’s tradition." 

"But..but..Jason does not want me…" Damn, he’s right, but I didn't expect he would choose to sacrifice me to maintain his son's power as an Alpha. In our pack, an Alpha has to have their mate before taking the title, or the elders throw a tantrum. And if Alpha Jason rejects me now and doesn’t find a second chance mate, he’s screwed. Not every werewolf gets blessed with a second chance. 

Alpha Ken immediately stands up and starts walking to where I'm standing. I take a step back, I could sense from Alpha Ken's aura that he was very unhappy with my objection. "Listen, little beta, you've worn out my patience. Let's make this simple. If you don’t keep that bond intact, I’ll make your parents pay the price." The way he stared at me gave me chills, as if he was staring at a piece of steak instead of his pack member.

“If I hear anything about Jason going to lose his mate before inheriting the title, I’ll strip your poor beta parents of their titles, throw them in the dungeon," he whispers, blue eyes ice cold. "You will hear them screaming in regret for not raising a good girl."

A strong Alpha aura emanated from around Alpha Ken, and my knees were weak, and I almost fell to the ground. My whole body shakes at that thought. I don't even want to think of it. 

He leans in to meet my eye level. “Think about it and let me know your determination." 

At that moment, the sound of keys opening the door was heard, and my parents came in, carrying a few bags of fresh vegetables. The air in the living room froze. My parents stood in the doorway, totally unprepared to find me alone with Alpha Ken.

“I am really happy that you have a good daughter,” Alpha Ken broke the silence first. “I think you all know the news about Jason rejecting Raine, but don't worry, I will talk to Jason.”

Alpha Jason put his hands on my shoulders and squeezed my arms while he spoke. I saw a sentence in his fake smile: "Your answer will determine the lives of your parents." I knew he was not telling any jokes.

My stomach lurches. My parents... they’ve given everything to this pack. My dad’s been his loyal Beta for years. And this is how he repays that? I know Alpha Ken is a ruthless leader, but I thought at least he appreciated loyalty. This man is a devil. 

"Yes, Alpha Ken, it’s my honour." I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. 

This is so fucking cruel. Moon Goddess, what did I ever do to deserve this? I have to hold on to a bond that’s literally tearing my wolf apart, just to keep my family safe. It’s like being stabbed and told to smile through it. 

“We're so honored, my Alpha.” My mom looked as though she were breathing a sigh of relief. 

“Yes. It's a pleasure, Alpha,” my dad echoes, bowing his head too. 

“Keep it as a secret,” Alpha Ken spoke to me in a voice that only we could hear, and then, heading for the door with his guards. “I’ll be taking my leave.”

The second the door shuts, my dad turns to me. “You okay, Raine?” My dad has always been the one who can really see my thoughts, but now, I can't tell him what's on my mind like I used to. Because my thoughts will only put him in a bad situation. I don't want to hurt him.

“Of course she’s okay. Marrying Alpha Jason is such an honor… she’ll be his Luna,” my mom says. Like most she-wolves, my mom thought being mated to an Alpha was a better "future" than my future as a Beta.

“I’m okay with it. I don’t mind at all,” I lie with a smile that feels like it’s glued on. They glance at each other, then smile. 

“That’s great, hun. We’re happy… Alpha Jason will love you, you are mates.” my mom says. 

“Don’t worry. Alpha Ken’s got it covered,” my dad adds. He had always trusted his Alpha, but he didn't know how Alpha Ken was using his life as a bargaining chip to threaten his daughter. Thinking of this, I couldn't look into my father's eager eyes.

“I… I should go pack. I need to head back to the academy.” 

“Sure if you have planned, go ahead. I’ll drive you,” my dad offers. 

“No, it’s okay, Dad. I’ll just take the bus.” I force another smile and bolt upstairs before I completely fall apart in front of them.

The second I hit the hallway, the tears came rushing out. Hot, angry, helpless tears. I don’t even try to stop them. Alpha Ken didn't try to convince Alpha Jason at all, and I don't believe him at all.

My parents just thought that their Alpha was here to meet his son's future mate today, but if Alpha Jason would really accept our mate bond, why would Alpha Ken come to me and threaten me with my parents' lives?

How the hell am I supposed to hold on to this bond when my mate doesn’t even want me? It’s pathetic. It’s cruel. And I fucking hate it. 

But I have to. For my family, I have to. Even if it’s tearing me apart.

And the worst part?

I still have to go back to school and pretend everything’s fine.