Chapter 2

~Nyla~

“You can rise.” He said in that gravelly voice.

I stood on shaky legs and looked up into his face. My heart slammed into my chest the minute our eyes met. Something inside me yearned to reach out to him and I had to visibly restrain myself from doing that.

He was looking at me with so much intensity as if he could feel what I was feeling.

“Tha…thank you.” I stammered.

He gave a single nod. His face was blank, no expressions.

“Carry on.” He told the priestess.

I turned to the altar once more and the priestess began her rituals. She handed us a clay bowl with cold water and we all sipped from it before she took it back.

“You are now full and you are now fledged. Become!” She ordered.

We all looked up into the sky and howled. Some transformed into powerful wolves showing they were no longer omegas.

Sandra, Lily and Janet transformed into smaller brown wolves. I could see the disappointment on Sandra's face.

Meanwhile, I couldn't transform. I was still stuck in my human body. Alpha Oswald raised an eyebrow as if he was expecting me to transform.

I looked away in shame.

Jenna sidled up to him and chuckled awkwardly.

“I told you this was a bad idea. I know you don't spend too much time in the pack, but that's why you have me. I'm always ready to bring you up to date.”

Oswald didn't spare her a glance, he kept his eyes on me but Jenna continued talking.

“You may not really know who she is. Her name is Nyla Moonke and she's a runt. She killed her parents at a very young age and her curse was so ugly that no family would adopt her, now she can't even transform. You shouldn't taint yourself with her dirt.” Jenna finished.

“You don't have a wolf?” Alpha Oswald asked.

I shook my head.

“Come.” He offered his hand to me.

I was taken aback by the gesture. My gaze fell on Jenna and I saw she was staring daggers at me. If looks could kill, then I would have dropped dead already.

My hands trembled as I raised them and put in Oswald's. He gave me a reassuring smile before leading me down the path to sit next to him.

“I can't sit here.” I said nervously.

He didn't reply. He just pulled out the chair for me and I sat. Then, he took his own seat at the head of the table.

The shock of what he did was evident on everyone's faces but they quickly masked it and carried on with the festivities.

Jenna sat next to me. She grabbed my hand and squeezed painfully.

I winced but I didn't make it too obvious.

“I've heard from people who know you, that you bring bad luck. So whatever spell you are casting right now, whatever you think you're doing, I'll advise you to stop because I will destroy you. Oswald is mine.” She growled in my ear.

“I'm not doing anything.” I said in fear.

Because I believed her. Jenna was a powerful dominant wolf while I was just a runt who didn't even have a wolf. She could destroy me in the blink of an eye.

“Please.” I pleaded.

She dug her nails into my flesh, drawing blood. I tried to remove my hand but I only caused her nails to dig deeper.

“This is just a warning.” She reminded me and quickly let go.

“Are you alright?” Oswald asked next to me.

I nodded my head. As if he knew I was lying, his eyes slid to my wrist and I quickly tried to cover it.

“What's that?” He demanded.

Jenna gave me a look that dared me to out her.

“I just got hurt while working earlier today. It's nothing serious.” I lied.

Oswald didn't say anything but I could tell that he knew I was lying.

Soon, the moon council gathered next to him and began whispering. I couldn't hear what they were saying but it sounded like they were reminding him of his promise to take a mate before the next moon dance.

Oswald sighed as if it was a chore.

“We have eligible young maidens who are gathered here tonight. You can look around and make your choice.” Beta Artemis said.

Oswald rubbed his finger across his lips as if contemplating what to do next.

Then he stood up and everyone quieted down.

“My council tells me that it's time to choose a mate and crown a Luna who will help in governing pack duties.” Oswald began.

Everyone laughed at his joke, except Jenna. She shifted uncomfortably next to me.

“We're all gathered today and we've witnessed the beautiful additions to our numbers and I thought what better time to choose my mate than now, in front of everyone?” He raised his wine cup proudly.

The drummers rolled the drums in excitement and everyone seemed hyped with the announcement. The dancers gallivanted, ready to begin the ceremonial dance once the announcement was made.

“I know we all have our theories and we all have our ideas about how the selection is supposed to go, and I can tell you that your guesses are correct.”

Jenna immediately looked up happily. She had been waiting for this moment. Everyone had been waiting. She had been groomed from the start to become Luna.

Her father, Beta Artemis, gave her a proud nod. She began righting her dress, knowing she would be called up any minute to stand next to the alpha as his mate.

“Nyla Moonke.” Oswald called.

His words took everyone by surprise. Jenna's eyes widened next to me and I could hear them popping as if they were about to fall. I was shocked too.

Did he just say my name?

Oswald turned to me and offered me his hand.

“I would be honored to take you as my mate.” He deadpanned.

Silence ensued.