Chapter 7

Knox’s POV

A pet. What am I supposed to do with that? I groan, setting down my fourth cup of cold water.

“I need to get rid of her,” I whisper to myself as I pour another jar of chilled water. Lately, my skin has been burning with discomfort.

“What you need is to mate with her,” Lucas says from behind me, his tone laced with annoyance.

“Lucas, now’s not the time,” I curse, taking a sip of water.

“You will mate with her sooner or later. Or you could risk going insane from rut.”

“Do you realize mating with her could result in a cursed heir?”

He grabs the apple he came for. “And do you realize that failing to complete the mating ritual could lead to complications?”

“Like what?”

“Well, I guess you’re about to find out firsthand…” He pauses. Lucas nods before turning around and heading out without a second glance as the scent of pineapple floods the room.

Just then, I spot her heading towards the kitchen.

“Mom,” I greet with a nod as she walks in.

Her eyes brighten when she notices me. “Isn’t it great?” she says.

“What?” I ask, emptying my cup in one gulp.

She gently opens the fridge. “Oh, don’t act ignorant, Knox. I heard your father gifted you the omega.” She grins, pulling out a jar of milk.

“She’s not an omega…”

“Yet. But she will be as soon as the wolf blood takes effect.” Brushing her blond hair aside, Mother walks up to me. “Listen here, baby. You must not make another mistake. This is the second chance your father is giving you. Tame this huntress, and you’ll gain his respect.”

My jaw clenches, but I refrain from responding.

“Come here, take a seat,” Mother says, pointing to the dining table. I follow suit, knowing any act of disobedience will only cost me more time enduring this torture disguised as advice.

“You are lucky, you know. Your father has taken a special liking to you. This way, we can prove to everyone that we aren’t mistakes.”

I glare at the brown marble table. By mistakes, she means the fact that my father impregnated her despite knowing they weren’t fated mates. To this day, everyone comments on how little chemistry the two of them share.

But there was once a time when they meant everything to each other. That was before his twentieth birthday, the night he’d found his true mate. Luckily for Mom, she was already pregnant with me.

She was even luckier to have had me first. Even then, I’m only older than my brothers by a couple of days. Still, most people don’t believe I should rule next, but Mother has persuaded Father to allow the goddess to decide.

Now, whoever finds his mate and marks her first will become Alpha King.

I should be excited since I’ve found my mate, but I guess Mom and I have run out of luck.

Please, no one will accept a mutt for a Luna.

“Don’t you think it’s high time we stopped worrying about what others think of us?”

“Knox…” She frowns.

“No, Mom,” I say harshly. “I’ve got too much on my mind right now. We should talk some other time.”

“You will not walk out on me!” she yells, and I stop in my tracks. The crack in her voice catches me off guard.

Slowly, I turn around. She’s glaring daggers at me, but when I really look at her, I notice the sadness in her eyes.

“What happened?” I ask, stepping closer.

Mom blinks and looks away when she realizes I’ve noticed something is wrong. “Nothing,” she responds harshly.

“Mom?”

“I said nothing happened.”

“Don’t you fucking lie to me,” I growl, feeling my blood boil with anger.

“And don’t you raise your tone when speaking to me,” she snarls, visibly fighting back tears. “If you care so much, then this year’s blue moon, find your mate and take the throne.”

“But that’s not in my hands,” I seethe, hating how incisive she can be.

“Yes, it is. If the Moon Goddess won’t help us, then we’ll take matters into our own hands.” She leans in as her voice drops to a whisper. “I’ll find you a mate, and you’ll mark her and take that throne. Save me from my misery.”

You can’t be serious. You can’t possibly force me to mark just anyone. Isn’t bonding supposed to be sacred? Am I not supposed to have a choice at all?

“Mother…”

“No, Knox. If you love me at all, this shouldn’t be difficult for you to do. Your father is finally noticing you. It’s your duty to make him proud.”

“Make him proud? Mother, he’s always…” I run a hand down my jaw, my patience wearing thin. “He sees me, all right. He just doesn’t like what he sees.”

Her gentle hands take mine in a warm grasp. “That’s because you’re stubborn. Always arguing with him over pack matters.”

“He wants children recruited into the force!” I yell.

“Obedience, Knox. Is that so difficult for you? At least until you take the throne.”

“I can’t willingly watch kids die, Mom.”

“You are too sensitive. Weak,” she spits.

“I am not,” I growl, my wolf baring his teeth.

Her index finger pokes my chest. “Then prove it,” she says. “Use the girl. She’s not your mate. She has no worth. Tame that fire in her and bring her to her knees. She’s just a leash to pull you closer to the throne.”

Before I can respond, a knock interrupts us. Tessa, a young maid, steps inside. She bows her head and speaks.

“Forgive me, Alpha, Luna. Your… your pet is ready.”

I nod, turning immediately, eager for an excuse to leave. “Some other time, Mo…”

But I don’t get to finish my words before I crumple to my knees.

“Knox!” Mother gasps, rushing towards me, but I barely hear whatever she says next as an excruciating pain seizes my chest.

What the hell is happening?!

“Get the bloody healer!” Mother screams, her face stricken with fear.

Then comes the sound of feet running, people talking, shouting, and whispering.

I can barely make sense of anything as my wolf’s relentless groaning threatens to split my head open.

“Mate! Something's wrong with mate!”