As I dust the pictures on the mantle, I took extra time admiring the prom picture of myself and Alpha Christopher. That was a long 8 years ago, I was only 17 then. Back when I thought everything was perfect. He was 18 and didn't find his mate and decided to go to the city to a human college to become a business lawyer, he just up and left his family, pack, and sadly me. In 8 years I've received a few phone calls, texts,and snaps, but he never visited any of us. The weekend before my 18th birthday I went to his fraternity to surprise him and to see if we were mates, I've always thought we would be since my family took refuge in this pack when I was 9. Unfortunately it was a party weekend and I saw him with a beautiful blonde and I just turned around and went home feeling defeated. He never knew I was there and I never told him, in my young mind I decided he was away from home and lonely and needed companionship. I myself as pathetic as it sounds never got into another relationship, I love Chris and he's the only man I've known romantically. I honestly don't think my heart could beat for another.
"Hey Tess, you gonna dust that picture all day?" I heard Jaxon laugh. " No Jax!" I rolled my eyes and set the picture down. Jaxon is Chris's cousin, also one of my best friends. He's a very handsome werewolf with light brown hair, green eyes, and a smile like sunshine.As he walked behind me I got a snap notification from Chris. He was sitting in his car with Samantha, his good friend who happens to be a witch he met on campus, both smiling with the text saying road trip. I snapped back with Jax making a funny face over my shoulder telling them to have fun. and stay safe. "Funny he can go on road trips, but can't find the time to visit us, and his people." Jax muttered shaking his head. "He'll be back sooner or later Jaxon, he can't stay away forever." I smiled at him. But, deep down I really wasn't sure anymore. I tried not to think about how Chris has never seen my wolf, Athena is beautiful standing almost as tall as an alpha, she's a beautiful gray but under the moonlight she has a silver shimmer. We're faster than most and we also have the ability to heal. I'm not sure why I was blessed with a special wolf, but I was thankful the Moon Goddess thought I was worthy. I was born in a strong pack, we were the strongest pack in Europe, until Alpha Deacon decided he wanted the pack and me. He wanted me to become his son's future Luna, I was only 9 years old when they attacked, my father fought side by side with his warriors, until our forces started to falter. He heard the plans of Alpha Deacon, he wanted to kill my whole family and spare me, I was supposedly some great force in some prophecy. That's why he wanted me for his son Nicklas. My father's instinct was to save his family, he got us out as quickly as he could. He called an old friend who promised us refuge, that's how we ended up in Louisiana. That's when I met Chris and my heart has been his ever since. Growing up we were quite the crew, always finding ways to defy orders. While these memories are going through my mind, I stare at my reflection sitting at my vanity. I find myself attractive, I'm far from repulsive. I have long dark brown hair, silver gray eyes, fuller lips that give a natural pout, a straight nose and a light tan skin tone. As I apply some make up I can't help but question why Chris just up and left for college and not return to me. The day he left he promised that we would be together forever, that our love was more than a bond, that our hearts chose each other. I'm starting to believe that it was all nothing but foolish childhood fantasies, that maybe I should just let him go. But every time I start to think that way my chest hurts, it feels like a burning inside, and I know I just can't get over him. I hear notifications going off on my phone, I look and see it's Jax wanting to know what's taking me so long to get ready. We are going out tonight to blow off some steam. I have a strange gnawing happening inside me, I just have a feeling something big is going to happen tonight. The phone rang and it startled me out of my thoughts. "Hello" I answered. "What's taking so long woman?" Jax laughed " On my way." I say as I hang up. With one last glance in the mirror, I grab my purse and wonder why I feel so anxious.I was summoned to help welcome the Alpha's, Luna's, and other ranked members of the different packs, who were going to be witnessing the Luna Ceremony. Tomorrow Jenna will be announced as Luna, she'll make her vows to Chris and the pack, then later that evening they'll mark each other. In the werewolf community they'll be seen as husband and wife. While I'm still bonded to this asshole, I can't wait to feel the pain of him marking her. Walking downstairs to go outside, Alyson quickly shuffles my way. She's smiling " So is it true? Did you have sex with Alpha Ryder?" "Well hello Alyse, I missed you too." I retorted. " Hello, love you, missed you. So now that the pleasantries are out of the way, did you screw another Alpha." she asked trying to hold in a giggle. " I don't see why it's important, but yes I did, and I enjoyed it. Any other questions?" I rolled my eyes. " Nope just happy Chris felt you have to bear." she stated with an evil laugh. As we strolled to the front of the pack ho
Ryder's POV I'm in my office finishing up some paperwork when my Beta knocks and enters my workspace. " Hey Boss, what's going on?" Chase asked. " We got an invitation to attend the Luna Ceremony at Silvermyst, I can't go I have some business out of the country, so you and Wyatt will be attending. Stay close to Tess, I trust nobody around her except the Gamma." I ordered. " I can do that, I like her, she brought down your walls, you should have kept her." he shrugged. " Well I wanted to talk to her about things, like us, but when Priscilla walked in, Tess just rushed off." I replied. "Did you get a chance to introduce them?" Chase looked at me quizzically. " No, I didn't get a chance to, like I said she rushed out." I blurted. " Hmm, I bet I can guess why she ran off in a hurry." he chuckled. " Really, enlighten me then " I scoffed. " I think she may have presumably thought that Priscilla was your other half." he laughed. " Why on earth would she think that," I looked at him like he
We returned home, crossing our territory's border I started to feel like I was suffocating. I think I'm going into a panic attack knowing the argument that awaits me. It's like a feeling impending doom, not that I feel guilty, Chris has done this to me for months. But, I do feel guilty because of Ryder's girlfriend or mate, I would never do that to another woman, especially knowing how that makes you feel. Not only do you have the physical pain while your mate is being unfaithful, but you also have the emotional pain of never thinking you're good enough. I hope the Goddess can forgive me, I honestly didn't know the redhead existed. Jaxon pulled in front of the pack house "Honey we're home." " Yay, I'm so happy." I snapped. He just put his hands up in surrender. We jumped out of the jeep and walked in the front door in silence. We noticed that there was way too much activity going on. Reaching the dining room, Chris noticed our presence " You two take a seat, I'd like to hear all about
After returning to my room I started to get ready to go watch the Alpha's compete to determine the strongest amongst them. Considering things today were more relaxed I opted to just wear a red tank top, jean shorts, and Nikes. Applying a natural makeup and pulling my hair in a messy bun I was ready to go. Jaxon has already loaded up the jeep so we could leave directly after the games. He was waiting for me nearby as I walked out of my room. Walking towards me Jax questioned" Do you know how long the games last?" " I have no idea Jaxon." I answered. The games were set up at the training field, but it looked more like an arena. We took our places on the bleachers, there were Luna's and ranked members of the other packs, plus quite a few of Red Moon packs members. As we were talking Ryder ran up the bleachers, kneeling in front of me "Tess Id like to talk to you before you leave." " Of course Alpha Ryder." I replied grinning. " Just Ryder." he said taking my hand kissing it, he gets u
How is this possible, why does his touch make my pain subside? I'm not thinking clearly and I honestly don't care. I hold on to this man like he's my lifeline, I'm just going to let the lust I'm feeling control me. He lifts me and I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist, he carries me into his room. To be honest I don't even look around,my eyes are trained on the man holding me. He kisses me again placing me down on his bed, he kneels before me "Before we go any further Tess I need to hear your permission, I don't want to lose control and you do something you'll regret " I nod at him, "Words Tess I need to hear your approval." he drawled out. " Yes I want this Alpha." I look at him bashfully. He growls in approval and removes his jacket and tie. I start unbuttoning his shirt and slowly remove it from his body, goddess this man is pure muscle, and I can't stop myself from touching his chest and his abs. He's sculpted perfection and he's mine even if it's only tonight. He nervo
I stand in front of the full length mirror, looking at my reflection. I'm wearing an emerald colored silken gown, it has a high slit on the right showing my leg just enough, the gown is corset style. My hair is in a half updo with ringlets framing my face and down my back, my eye makeup is smokey, light blush and wine lips. My accessories are an emerald and diamond set necklace, earrings, and a bracelet, I sit and pull on my black high heels pumps, and my black opera length gloves. With one last glance at my reflection I walk out the door. Jaxon was already waiting for me, he looked handsome in his traditional black tuxedo. He holds out his arm " You look incredible my lady, you ready to turn some heads." " You look quite handsome sir, and the ball will have many beautiful Luna's accompanying their Alpha's, but thank you." I giggled. As we entered the ballroom my eyes wandered looking at all the beautiful couples, so many gorgeous gowns, everything in the ballroom was elegant, the dec
After daydreaming about the alpha I realized the time and started getting ready for the meeting of Alpha's. I dress in black slacks, a white blouse and a black blazer. I pull my hair in a high ponytail and look over the natural makeup I applied. Satisfied with my look I slip on my black heels and head out. Jaxon is waiting for me in the hallway, "I feel underdressed." He looked down at his jeans, blue T-shirt and jean jacket. "You look fine Jax, I dressed a little differently because I'm a lamb walking into a wolves den," I smirked. He knew what I meant I'm a female walking into a room full of males. I may not be welcome at the meeting at all, but I'm not backing down. We walk into the conference area and find our places, as I sit I look around noticing Alpha's from all around the country, I will not let my nerves get the best of me. After about fifteen minutes Alpha Ryder walks in with the werewolf council. As they take their seats one of the council members eyes land on me "Why is t
It feels like the week passed by far too quickly. Jaxon and I were throwing our bags in the back of his jeep, getting ready for our trip ahead. The summit is being held in the Blood Moon packs territory. I'm feeling a little nervous because this pack is the strongest in the country. The Alpha of the pack has placed first in the Alpha games for the past six years. I believe his name is Ryder, I've never met him personally, but Tristan and Damien have. The Trip from New Orleans to Jackson Mississippi should only take us about two and a half hours. During our drive we listened to music and sang along, we made idle chit chat and just enjoyed each other's company. Our journey came to an end when we reached Blood Moon's territory. We sat in a line of cars waiting to get to the pack house, the Alpha's from all around are here for the summit. It's our turn as we dive to the front of the pack house, it's absolutely amazing, it's more like a Beverly Hills mansion. We get out and just look at ea
Three months later Chris kept his promises and things have changed within the pack. I'm not sure how everyone felt about the changes,but I'm sure they were happy the pack was thriving. The pack house was renovated and was being used again, ranked members of the pack had to reside there. Unfortunately I had no say in my move to the pack house, but I was given the Luna's suite on the Alpha's floor. Chris and Jenna shared the Alpha's room, the whole situation was wrong and uncomfortable. I don't even want to talk about the betrayal pains I feel almost every night. It's to the point I don't look like myself, the bruises on my abdomen, the black circles under my eyes, my complexion is sallow, and I've even lost weight. Although this is happening to me Chris will not reject me. I've begged numerous times to no avail. It's early morning and I have to go to breakfast, I'd rather eat at my house or at Uncle Ben and Aunt Deidre's, but I have to eat beside them. I make my way down to the dining