Chapter Five

I sat in my room with my legs hugged to my chest. I tried to forget what had happened. Keith had never been harsh to me, not even once! 

I kept wondering maybe if there was more to becoming an alpha. Was it changing him probably? But that was not how it happened!

Ida was just as confused as me. None of it made sense! How could he.

I gasped at the abruptness of the ringing. It was already six in the morning! I had sat all night lost in my thoughts. 

With a sigh, I turned off the alarm and laid down on my bed to try to get some sleep. It didn't take long before my weary eyes fell shut and sleep drifted me away from reality.

A loud bang sent me jumping. I sprang up in bed with a gasp that almost caused my heart to cease. Only after a moment did I realize it was my door.

“Ella!” Tiara yelled out my name as she banged repeatedly on my door. “Hey, are you in there?! You had better be if you don't want Keith to punish you!

Oh, so she's making threats now? I rolled my eyes as I angrily tossed the blanket away from my body and climbed down from my bed. “I'm coming!” I angrily yelled. 

I snapped open the lock and pulled the door. “What?” I glared at her. 

She sighed. “I was worried you had run off despite Keith's warning.”

“Cut the bullshit, what do you want?

She glared at me as if she was about to snap but the only reaction I got was a sigh. “Here.” She pushed a bag at me. “It's time for Keith's ceremony.” 

I had totally forgotten Keith would be made the new alpha the day after his birthday. But that didn't matter to me anymore. Or did it? 

“I don't care.” I pushed the bag away from me. 

She dragged my hand and put the handle around my wrist. “Look, I don't have time for your childish tantrum, okay? He has ordered that everyone must be present, and you don't have a say in that. That is your dress for the evening. Put in on and get your ass out there right now.”

“That's how it's going to be, huh?” My voice was cold to match my glare. 

She sighed. “Listen, I didn't mean to–

My hands reacted before I even knew it as I slammed the door in her face. Or maybe it was because of the tears that threatened to fall down my face.

I walked to my bed and sat down. I didn't want to go, but who knew what this new version Keith was capable of doing? 

Pouring out the contents of the bag on my bed, I picked up a glittery white dress. As I threw it on, its spaghetti arm hung on my shoulder and the dress hugged my curves tightly. A long slit preceded from the hem up to my thigh on both sides. 

A pair of black heels and diamond jewelry were added to complete the look.

As much as it pained me to attend the event knowing well that every eye would be on me knowing that I had been rejected, I had no choice but to attend. 

The hall was larger and decorated more than it was for his birthday. Several faces, some I didn't recognize as well, attended the ceremony. It was normal though. But those I recognized stared at me wrongly. 

Some of them murmured about what had been down in the kitchen. I felt anxiety snaking around my body and I wanted nothing but to get out of there.

I stopped at my steps as my eyes landed on the most handsome man in the room. He had a smile that lit up the entire room and his eyes shone like mesmerizing magic balls.

But my heart ached as those magic balls remained fixed on another woman. Keith stared at Tiara with so much admiration as she danced across the main floor. Her white pleated dress swirled with her as she twirled.

I should have noticed. He was always stating at her like that. He stared at me flirtatiously, but he stared at Tiara with love and admiration and respect. What I would never get from him even though I should be his mate. 

‘We shouldn't be here’ my wolf, Ida, chorused my thoughts. ‘It's wrong’

“I know. We should leave.” I muttered to her. 

Taking a few steps backward, I turned around and found my face against a wall. But as I looked up, I realized that the wall had eyes of its own. Big emerald balls.

He looked down at me and seemed to roll his eyes. “‘Tis a Habbit?” 

“What?” That was when it hit me. My eyes widened at the realization. “You're the one from the party that–”

“Yeah.” He cut me off before walking past me. 

‘Why does he have to be so handsome and rude?!’ Ida would be the answer. 

Before I could realize why I had been taking backward steps, Keith had climbed the stage with a microphone in his hand. 

“Hello everyone,” he spoke in the soft tone he used to use with me. “Can I get all of your attention please?” 

Everyone fell quiet. 

“I am excited about being your new leader from now on. I have to appreciate all of you that are here today and that witnessed the name.”

Right, I was late for that. 

“The Kennedy brothers have come in representation of their father and the crimson colony pack as they will be crowned alphas in very little time from now. The silver thistle pack has decided to offer one of our own, Ella Johnson, as a treaty to them.”

My ears pricked just as my eyes widened. He had clearly said my name. Clearly! Fear flowed down my back as my face squeezed into a horrified look. 

I'm being sold!