chapter 3

Ava

Reaching the pack’s territory, Zade shifted back into his human form. He went to the warehouse to put on some clothes.

“ I think we should inform the alpha,” I said looking at the tree lines. My heart became restless from the moment Mia appeared.

“ Yes I am going to do that,” he said.

“ Ava,” he called my name.

“ Yes,”

“ Will you marry me?” He asked. I was taken aback by his words. My eyes went wide hearing him say that.

“ I want to marry you first before we go marking,” he added.

“ It's okay if you don't want to- I cut him off abruptly.

“ No, I would be really happy. It's just so sudden and we haven't officially announced about us,” I said honestly.

“ It's ok we have plenty of time,” he said.

He took my hand In his and planted a kissed on the back of my hand. I smiled before we both walked into the pack house.

I don't know if I am being selfish or not but I really didn't want to accept him at the moment. I need to know why my wolf left as soon as she showed up after 2 years of waiting.

Normally an average wolf could shift at their 16th birthday but I couldn't. When my mom was alive she had told me that my wolf will come to me at the age of 18. But now she is gone. I was so invested in my thoughts that I nearly forgot I was standing in front of the pack members.

“ Happy Birthday,” Luna said as she came to me and gave me a hug. Her voice was so loud that it made me jump.

“ We will talk later,” she whispered before she let go. I only gave her a slight nod.

“ Thank you so much everyone,” I said to all of the members present there. The blue moon pack has always treated me kindly except a few. They always showed up for my birthday just like they do for the two sons of the Alpha.

“ did you find your mate?” Agatha asked me. My heart almost jumped at the question. I looked at her and saw how her eyes lit up.

If my grandmother was alive she would be of her age. Agatha runs a bakery in a pack and everyone loves her for her kind and gentle nature.

“ No Agatha I didn't,” I said, feeling guilty for lying.

“ Nevermind, have some cake,” she said, smiling warmly at me.

“ Thanks for the pastries,” I said.

The party went on for almost 2 hours. I looked for Zade and couldn't find him. Maybe he is busy with Alexandre since I haven't seen him either, I thought. When everyone left I stood there looking at the front door.

I want a nice shower and a good night's sleep but for now the shower can wait. My whole body was aching right now. I can't wait to hit the bed. I massaged my shoulder, as I walked upstairs.

“ Ava, are you still awake?” I heard Zade's voice through the link. Even if I haven't gotten my wolf, I am able to communicate just like the rest of the members.

“ Yeah.”

“ Rest early and I will wake you up for the training,” he said.

“ Ok,” I replied.

I smiled and opened the door of my room. I nearly screamed when I saw a figure sitting lazily on my couch. Realising it was max I closed my eyes clutching my dress above my heart. My heart was still palpitating.

“ You scared me,” I said, switching on the lights.

“ F*ck, why aren't you wearing your shirt,” I said looking away when I saw him half naked. Shi* The Alpha is in my room in the middle of the night half naked, I thought in my head. Judging from his state he probably went for a run.

“ Enjoyed your outing?” He asked with sarcasm.

“ Yes very much and I would like to go again. Now get out of my room I want to sleep,” I said.

“ Why?” He asked.

And the next moment my back hit the back of the door as he was pinning me.

“ What is wrong with you?” I said, raising my voice. I glared at him before I tried to walk away but both of his hands caged me in.

“ Max, stop whatever you are doing and let me go,” I demanded.

“ Oh, now you are angry with me? Where was your anger when he was touching you and talking sweetly with you,” he said, leaving me confused with his words.

“ What?”

“ Don't act the same now. I have watched how he looks at you,” he said.

“ Zade? Are you talking about zade?” I asked, remembering he was watching us when we left the pack house in the morning.

“ Don't you know how I feel? All these years,” he said, coming an inch closer to my face narrowing his eyes. My mind went blank hearing his words. I don't like where this is going.

“ I have always wanted to make you my Luna, Ava. You drive me crazy,” he said, and then his eyes fell on my lips. I felt disgusted.

“ I found my mate, max. Stop this nonsense right now. We can go back to our normal life and forget about this moment,” I said looking at him pleading with my eyes.

“ Mate!!!” He said, laughing. He moved my hair behind my ears to take a good look at my neck.

“ Well I don't see any mark here,” he said and touched where Zade's mark should be. The moment he touched me the last string of my sanity broke and kneed him where the sun doesn't shine.

“ Fu*k,” he groaned in pain taking a few steps back, glaring at me.

“ You wanted me as your mate? By bullying by calling me names? By disrespecting me? And saying I am an outsider?” I yelled at him. I don't care if anybody hears me right now. He fell on his knees and his face contorted in pain.

“ You knew my parents weren't alive yet you always taunt me using them. I haven't said anything all these years but tonight you just crossed your limits by touching me,” I said, standing in front of him I looked down at him.

After a few moments he stood up when his pain subsided. Glaring at me he growled. His eyes were switching between his and his beast’s eyes.

“ Feisty,” he said, smirking at me.

“ I will make you mine, Ava. By hook or by crook,” he said, challenging me.

“ I had already said that I found my mate and most of all you can try. I would like to see what you got,” I said, challenging him and looking into his eyes. I may be the first girl ever to challenge an Alpha.

He was about to say something when a knock came on the door making him look behind me.

“ This isn't over, Ava.”

“ I will scramble your attitude after you are mine,” he said and ran towards the balcony before jumping down.

“ As*ho*e,* I muttered under my breath looking at the balcony before turning around and walking to the door.

Turning the knob I swung the door open and to my surprise Luna Abigail was there. Good thing is that the rooms of the pack house are sound proof.

“ Luna.”

“ I hope I am not disturbing you,” she said looking at me and then inside the room.

“ Oh no. Please come in,” I said.

I closed the door after she walked into the room. Good thing is that Max came here masking his scent or else I would have to explain to her.

Luna Abigail stood in the middle of the room looking at the French window that leads to the balcony. Goddess don't let her find out, I thought in my mind.

“ Luna, are you okay?” I asked.

“ I am okay, Ava,” she turned around to face me. Looking into her eyes I saw sadness, pain and sorrow.

“ What happened?” I asked again, walking closer to her. I held her hand in mine, narrowing my eyes.

“ nothing,” she sighed.

“ Come,” she said, taking my hand as she took me to my bed. We both sat down and I waited for her to say something.

She looked at my necklace and smiled before looking at me.

“ I see you found him,” she said, making my eyes wide. How did she know that? I thought.

“ Your mother, she told me about quite a few things before that terrible night.”

“ Have you gotten your wolf?” She asked.

“ Yes and no,” I said honestly. I didn't want to lie to her. If my mother trusted her then I can too.

“ Good,” she replied. I could see her eyes were getting red and she was trying her best not to shed tears.

“ Zade told us about the incident in the forest. But don't worry I am here with you,” she said again, her voice breaking.

“ Luna, I don't understand. What are you trying to say?” I asked.

“ Ava, whatever happens tomorrow don't let your sorrow bury your anger,” she said, holding me by my shoulder.

“ What will happen? What is going on?” I asked.

“ nothing, baby girl.”

“ Whatever happens, don't lose this necklace, okay?” She said.

“ why? It was Zade who gave it to me,” I said looking at her. My brain is buzzing with confusion.

“ I know. And I know that you guys are mates,” she said with a smile.

“ I need to go back okay. Sleep tight my dear Ava,” she said.

“ You too, Luna,” I said.

She turned around and walked to the door, I was looking at her thinking what had happened to her. I have never seen her like this. She is like talking in riddles.

“ Ava, don't look back. and move on,” saying that she went out of the room.

I definitely need a shower right now to clear my head. I was about to go into the bathroom when a sharp pain hit my heart and I fell on the floor with a groan.