Five

Lyra’s pov

I sat on the couch in my room, the soft rustle of my book as I turned the pages once in a while the only sound as I read.

I could smell her perfume as they drifted through my open window from her room, the way the Omegas gushed over her as they helped her get ready.

“You look exceptionally beautiful, Luna Sable!” They exclaimed.

My heart churned as the door was pushed open moments later and Cassian walked in. I peeped from my book as he shut the door behind him, catching sight of his sharp cut jawline his grim expression, the way his muscles strained against his jacket.

I hadn't realized my hardened expression had softened upon seeing him. He was my Alpha, my husband and each time I looked at him all I felt was pride that he was mine and mine alone. It hurt having to feel nothing but disgust and my expression hardened remembering what he had done..

Turning to my book, I could sense the surprise in his voice. “You're not dressed?”

I casually turned a page in my book. “I’m surprised you remember I exist.”

“Tell me, are you sick?” I got up and headed for my bed when I sensed him approaching him, not wanting his touch. “Lyra… “

“I don't think it would look good if I'm around when you publicly announce to the world you fucked another woman while you were mated to me, do you?”

His expression was priceless. I'd never seen him so shocked, and in an instant he stiffened, his voice rigid as he said, “who told you?” He demanded. “And we only kissed, I swear. I had to resist, you know I love you, I couldn't bear to do that to you.”

I looked up, meeting his eyes. “Liar. What makes you think I'm going to believe anything that leaves your lying mouth. When were you going to tell me about the proposal? Let me guess… in a room full of other people. You were going to have me standing there looking shocked feeling like a fool right.”

His jaw clenched. “I was going to tell you before then.”

I tossed my book across the room and leaped off the bed. “When? The morning after you fucked her? Or after the meeting when you let those animals convince you to make her your Luna? When, Cassian?”

He flinched. “You think I wanted this? I made a mistake, that I know. But I didn't know it would- “

“Oh, you thought you could just fuck the Gamma's daughter and go about like nothing fucking happened,” In the other room the chattering stopped and there was silence but for my heavy breathing. “Fuck you Cassian.”

His eyes darkened as he approached me, but just a few feet away he stopped and I stood there, my chest heaving as I glared at him.

“Consider the fact that you're barren Kyra. Their proposal was valid. You've been my mate for years with no sign of an heir to show for it. I had no choice.”

His words hit harder than any claw going through my chest could have done.

“You always have a choice,” my voice softened, because I was tired, because I no longer wanted to have this conversation, because I was disappointed. “You chose this. Because deep down we both know your feelings for her never died.”

“Lyra- “

I stepped back, pulling out as he grabbed my arm. “And I was a fool to ever think you actually wanted to be with me.”

My vision blurred, but I refused to let him see me break.

“Leave.”

He stood there, watching me, but after a while he turned around and left, the silence weighing heavily on me. I dropped to the floor and for a long time let the tears roll down, hot trails down my cheeks.

As planned, a few minutes after they left, Mira arrived. Other than my modest gowns which made me feel represented as a loved and adored Luna I thought I was, she brought a gown I feared may leave nothing to the imagintion.

But I long lost my sense to care for anything else. My reputation was ruined, Cassian was no longer mine and Sable had succeeded.

Mira audibly gasped, dramatically holding a hand over her mouth when I was ready. In the molten red gown she had got me, it clung to my every curve, my hair finally let down for a change, raven black and curled, tumbling down my shoulders, my lips painted blood red to suit my olive green eyes.

“You ready? Let's go?”

“What are you going to do?” Mira sounded more excited than nervous, she always fancied drama and chaos, I wasn't surprised. I smirked without realizing.

“Nothing.”

And that's what I did.

When we entered the hall, amongst the chatter, the dancing, the music playing in the background, heads turned.

We had entered at the perfect time. He was just about making his announcement. But he was frozen mid sentence as he watched me walk in.

Mira by my side, radiantly gorgeous as she was, boosted my confidence even though the stares I got could have drowned me. Head held high I sauntered over, heading straight up to the front. I grabbed a glass of wine from a passing tray and casually took a sip, eyes locked on Cassian.

His gaze raked down my body, and although there was a brief gleam of surprise, his jaw tightened. Despite the hunger in them- his eyes burned like larva and he was shaking from rage.

Sable, at his side, forgot to realize her practiced smile was faltering just as murmurs spread through the crowd. Her arms were around his but they immediately let go the moment she saw me.

I ignored them all, and instead, made my way upfront with Mira, awaiting the announcement just like the rest. I could feel all eyes on me, whispers, other Alphas and Male guests undressing me with their eyes

I knew, from the flame burning in his eyes, I could smell the jealousy and rage from him across he room.

However, he took Sable's hand and cleared his throat as he faced us all, avoiding meeting my gaze again.

“- and it is with great pleasure. I reintroduce Sable Reece as my mate and Luna, Sable Vale. Thank you.” He concluded his announcement.

The hall erputed. Some gasped while others applauded, but in the midst of it all, despite my unfazed expression, especially as Sable's eyes found mine in the chaos, Mira reached down and squeezed my hand.

I raised my glass, enough for everyone to hear my voice. “To the Happy couple,” I forced a smile. “May the Goddess bless your union.”

For the rest of the ceremony, Mira ensured Cassian couldn't talk to me, and it was very much easy as I accepted to dance with anyone who asked, just as long as they got to touch me and roll around the dance floor with me- enough to fire Cassian up all night.

I drank, laughed and popped a bottle of champagne myself, spraying it into the air like fluttering venom while Cassian moved from Alpha to another with Sabke by his side, introducing her.

Everyone awaited the Lycan to grace us with his presence, but the arrogant and ruthless being had been absent from his own soiree all evening. People had begun to grow impatient but more food kept rolling in a long with drinks baiting them into staying longer before retiring up the guest rooms.

Later, when everything became unbearable and I felt overwhelmed, I left Mira's side, slipping out the back when I was sure Cassian had stopped following me with his eyes. My heels clicked against the stone steps as the night air wrapped around me.

Finally sitting on the lower steps, I broke down, the unfazed mask I had worn all night cracking. I sank further down, the bottle of half drunk champagne in my hand.

I didn't know how long I sat there crying until my vision blurred.

“Didn't expect to find you out here like this.” A voice drawled behind me.

I stiffened. The scent hit me first. Pinewood, smoke-

Upon turning, he simultaneously stepped out of the shadows, coming down the steps slowly. He was tall and broad shouldered like Cassian but his eyes, green like a vipers, glowed in the dark.

“You seemed like you were enjoying yourself back there. What happened.” He teased.

I turned away and took another mouthful of wine, pretending my heart didn't skip three beats just wondering how someone so perfect existed like the Moon goddess has carved him herself. How hadn't I noticed him back there, it would have certainly been impossible that I didn't.

“Were you watching me all night. It wouldn't have hurt to ask for a dance.”

He chuckled before sitting beside me.

“And have the love of your life skin me alive? You know you made it very obvious what you were doing?”

More tears rolled down my cheeks. I was so distraught I hadn't bothered to remember this man beside me was a stranger I'd never even met.

“I feel like such a fool. Maybe they're right. Maybe he deserved her. I couldn't have given him what he wanted anyways. And it's not like I can even leave him.”

“Why?”

I turned to face him and watched his expressions soften before he carefully leaned forward, brushing my hair off my face before stroking my tears with his thumb.

“Because…” my lips trembled. “Because I was nothing before we met. I wouldn't even leave with my dignity after tonight, and I would leave as I once was. No one would want me- “

I didn't finish, because he was suddenly close, close enough that I could feel his breath against my ear as his voice dropped low.

“Want to test that theory?”

And then I recognized the mark engraved at the side of his neck in the midst of my breath caught in my throat, my wolf stirring at his words, his touch, his presence.

Lycan Draven.