Marked By Betrayal

The Blood Moon was brighter than ever before, the wolves were assembled. Each pair of eyes fixed on her, unwavering and predatory in their anticipation. Lena felt the weight of their gaze in her bones, an immense sense of pressure filled her as she waited...Feeling vulnerable in human form and wishing very much to turn around and run away, her heart pounded and the world span as she thought about what was going to happen next, what she had to do...But she had no choice...She never had a choice.

She was the daughter of Alpha Theron, heir to the Steeleclaw pack, and tonight she would stand at the centre of two great forces. The Steeleclaw Pack had survived for generations, but a new threat lurked just beyond their borders. The Bloodfang Clan, a vicious coalition of wolves, panthers and bears, was moving steadily towards her fathers territory. Entire packs had vanished under their claws, some of the Alphas with big reputations had been eliminated...or enslaved. No one had come into contact with them and left unharmed. If they reached Steeleclaw, nothing would remain but ash.

We shouldn't be doing this Amethyst whined in Lena's head. Its painful, it feels like we are betraying our true mate, but we will face this together Lee, we are one.

Her father had arranged the bond with Alpha Darius of the Stormhold Pack, because, after her father's, he had the largest pack in the country and he had promised protection and unity against the threat. In exchange for this, Lena would unite the two packs, but in doing so, she would be bound forever to Darius, His Luna for the rest of her days. It was survival for the people she loved, at the cost of her freedom, she hoped it was worth it.

I'm right here with you, one step at a time Amethyst said reassuringly.

The circle of wolves parted as Darius emerged from the shadows, tall and broad, he moved with a grace that warred with his appearance. His black hair fell in sharp waves around his face, his silver eyes locked on hers with a focus so intense it made her knees tremble. The gossip that had haunted her through the corridors of her fathers pack, the rumors of his ruthlessness and cruelty melted away. Tonight, gazing into her eyes, he looked genuine, vulnerable...Loving.

"You are radiant" he murmured, his voice low and intimate, stepping towards her and brushing his thumb over her knuckles. Every word made her skin tingle, a mixture of fear and something else, something pleasurable. "I thank the Moon Goddess that you've chosen to stand with me. Together, we will be unstoppable, I will protect you and everything you love.

Her heart fluttered in her chest. The sincerity in his voice and the gentleness of his touch made her want to believe him desperately.. She wanted to trust him.

The drums began, deep and resonant, shaking the earth beneath her feet. The rhythm pulsed through her veins, syncing with her heartbeat. Darius moved closer, his presence was overwhelming and magnetic, yet comforting.

"Lena, daughter of Alpha Theron" he said aloud, his commanding voice carried across the clearing "Do you accept my mark and take me as your chosen mate"

"I do" Lena replied in a shaky voice.

"Will you perform your duties as Luna of the Stormhold tribe and accept my people as your own?" He asked in a deep bass

"I will" she said, her voice now steady but still trembling beneath the surface. She could feel her fathers gaze on her, proud and expectant.

Lena stepped forward deliberately and placed her hands on Darius's chest. This was the tradition, the female marked first, signalling consent and courage. Fire surged through her veins as she stood on tiptoes and moved her mouth to the crook of his neck, she pierced his skin with her razor sharp teeth and then licked the wound clean, sealing their bond into his skin. Two half crescents now adorned Darius's neck, Black in colour to signify a chosen mate. Chosen mates marks were always black, fated mates came in so many colours.

She stepped back and traced the familiar pattern of the ritual mark with the tip of her finger, her breath catching in her throat. The energy of their wolves entwined in the marking, warmth and fire pulsing between them.

Darius remained still, calm and composed, his silver eyes fixed on hers with a steady and knowing gaze. He did not flinch, Respect and adoration shone in his expression.

We did our part...He is ours. Amethyst said in pride.

Darius bent slightly, preparing to mark Lena in return. His breath blew across her face and tingles erupted down her spine with the anticipation. Just as his lips neared her neck and Lena's heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest, a sharp, shrill voice cut through the clearing.

"SHE WILL NEVER BE MY LUNA!"

Gasps echoed as Selene, the red haired daughter of a low northern Alpha, stormed forward, her amber eyes blazed with fury and desperation. She stumbled towards them and fell to her knees Infront of Darius, clutching at his arm. "Choose me Alpha! I've fought for you, bled for you, I will be the perfect Luna.. She's untested, unblooded. I love you, you know I'm the best choice!"

Whispers and lupine whines cascaded through the crowd. Some seemed to support Selena, other cast uneasy glances towards Lena..Heat crept up her neck, shame and fury burned in equal measure, but she did not move, did not react.

We could tear her thr**t out within seconds! Amethyst growled.

We will hold our place and remember why we're here, there will be other opportunities. Lena replied to her hot tempered wolf.

Darius straightened, his silver eyes flashed with dominance and disgust. He lifted Lena slightly closer to him and wrapped a protective arm around her. "My choice is made" He said in an unmistakeable Alpha command, a growl rumbled through his chest, and his eyes burned Red, his wolf was close to the surface "She WILL be your Luna, She IS your Luna. Do not question me again!"

Selene's expression crumpled, the pressure of the Alphas authority seemed to be pressing in on her from all sides, she stumbled backwards and disappeared into the crowd with tears streaming down her face.

Darius's hand rose to cup her cheek, reminding Lena what was happening, his thumb brushed along her jawline, firm yet gentle. Heat leapt through her veins, stirring a need in her that she had never experienced. His lips hovered near her neck once more, and Lena could feel the pull of the bond waiting for completion.

He sank his teeth into her with relish, a needy whine came from her without her consent and Amethyst hummed in approval, He crushed her to him as his teeth sank lower, A deep rumble went through his chest as he removed his teeth and lathed the two crescents on her neck, the feeling of his hot tongue making moisture poole between her legs.

When he straightened, Lena was sure he had grown another foot, he turned to the crowd, with her held under his arm tightly and every head bowed instinctively. His dominance was undeniable, yet the tenderness he showed to Lena painted the perfect contrasting picture.

"My Luna" He declared proudly.

Cheers, Howls and chants rolled through the clearing. Although there didnt seem to be any real enthusiasm, just blind and grudging submission. Lena's legs trembled beneath her, her skin was raw and alive with the electricity of the mating bond. He had been so wonderful with her, Maybe this could turn out to be more than duty, Maybe she could trust him. Maybe he wasn't as bad as people said.

Maybe.