Chapter 10

Rose’s Pov

I was so glad I was leaving this bondage called a pack. I had always experienced pain from the time I could remember. Firstly I was sold off like a property to work as a slave. Then I found my mate and got rejected at that same point, I was almost killed by Diva in the woods and conspired against to be taken advantage of.

If the moon goddess had not sent Aiden to rescue me, I don’t know what would have become of me. He was not only handsome, but also had a heart I never imagined someone like him would have..

For the first time in my life, someone had defended me.

Truly defended me.

The moment he said he was going to take me to his pack, I couldn’t believe my ears. Someone like him helping a slave like me? I didn’t even think twice before accepting his offer because leaving the Black moon felt like finally breathing after years of suffocation.

And now, here we were, riding to his pack. I could only hope this would be the beginning of a better life for me.

Just as I got lost in my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice in my head..

“Hey Rose…” came the sleepy mumble of my wolf through the mind link. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to jump my head out of excitement.

“Rhea! You’re alive, sleepy head!” I gushed with so much joy. Honestly I missed her so much, she was the closest thing I had.

I began to babble, excitedly “It took you so long to wake up- It was so boring without you- a lot happened in your absence-“

But I stopped when I suddenly began to perceive a very sweet scent, vanilla with a hint of lavender. It was intoxicating .

I looked around, confused. It wasn’t coming from a far distance. No. It was very close.

But I wasn’t wearing any perfume, I had never worn any in my entire life.

It then occurred to me that we were riding on the same horse.

Aiden.

Wait.

What did that mean?

“Our mate is here… it’s Aiden!” Rhea suddenly perked up, now awake, now wide awake and practically bouncing with excitement in my head.

I didn’t know what to feel. The Lycan Prince? Mated to me? “Oh my… But I- I- wasn’t expecting it.”

“Yes my love… Having a second chance mate is very rare. The moon goddess definitely blessed you with him.” Rhea answered warmly.

“But what if he rejects me just like Jackson?”

“He won't, my dear. He’s not as wicked as Jackson. Just have faith.” She assured me gently.

I wanted to believe Rhea, but I couldn’t. Was the moon goddess joking with me? First she made Alpha Jackson my mate and he rejected me, now not even an Alpha but a Lycan. This would never work out.

I’m sure he’s going to reject me once he finds out. No one wants to get mated with a slave. I was born for pain.

Wasn’t I?

“Are you okay Rose?” Aiden’s light tap on my shoulder made me flinch, dragging me back to the present. He nudged the horse into a slow walk.

“Oh…” I swallow some air and use my hand to rub my temple, trying to sound casual. “I’m-“

“Your wolf’s awake now, huh?” He asked, using his tongue to gently rub his lips.

Good heavens…He looked so good when he did that. Imagine those lips on mine. I’m sure it would taste like heaven.

Urgh. This guy was definitely going to be the end of me. I needed to get a grip on myself and stop fantasizing about what would never happen.

“Yes. But how did you find out?” I asked, curious.

“Your eyes… They’re glowing red.” He said gently, slightly above a whisper.

“Oh… I see” I nodded, a small smile creeping my lips.

Then he raised one eyebrow,”You figured it out right?”

“Figured what out?” I asked, furrowing my eyebrows together. What was he talking about?

He gave out a little chuckle, exposing his well arranged set of teeth. So attractive...

“We’re mates…” He let out, giving me a wink and plastering a smile across his cheeks.

My heart skipped. Although I wasn’t a high school teenager, yet, the hormones in my body started acting up.

“Yeah…” I mustered a word. I was dumbfounded by how he looked at me. There was something in his eyes…something that saw right through me.

He came closer, his striking dark and radiant eyes were fixed on mine. I was losing it.

He used his soft palm to caress my cheeks, my body responding to it immediately. Adrenaline rushes through my kidneys as my heart begins to pound like a drum. He could clearly hear it, no doubt.

But I didn’t care because my body yearned for this man.

The tip of his nose finds mine, a tender touch that makes my breath hitch. What was he trying to do? Kiss me?

I closed my eyes, waiting for it, expecting it. Of course I couldn’t resist it. But as the moment swelled…

“We’ve arrived my Lord” Beta Fred chirped from a short distance away.

We both snapped out of it like cold water had been thrown on us.

I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. What just happened?

“I- I’m sorry…” Aiden said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“It’s okay.” I shifted my gaze immediately, too embarrassed to maintain a steady eye contact with him again.

Beta Fred rushed ahead inside the Palace.

The guards lined up in two rows to welcome Aiden and gave a neck bow respectfully. Their suits neatly lined, perfectly fitting bodies. A blend of uniformity and uniqueness.

The beauty of the Darkmoon hit me immediately. I had never seen such luxury in my life. I thought the Black moon’s palace was beautiful when I first arrived there. Looking at the Darkmoon’s it is nothing compared to it.

The showy appearance of the tulips and Roses at the entrance of the Palace, giving out a very warm and welcoming fragrance.

The beautiful gardens contain varieties of plants and vegetables. The large gates with sculpted wolves on it, signifying power. A majestic fountain stood tall in the middle of the courtyard, water flowing gracefully.

The landscape itself was captivating.

This was truly a place to live.

“Be ready for what’s coming.” Aiden whispered to me as he helped me get down the horse.

“Hu-“ I didn’t even finish before a young tall, beautiful lady hurried over me with a broad smile, nearly knocking me off my feet.