THE MATING CEREMONY

It was another ridiculous mating ceremony. Even though the celestial servant had proclaimed the arrival of my mate, I had no interest in mating and marking a pretentious slut as my Luna.

No woman was worthy of standing by my side. And if tonight, the moon goddess gives me a worthless woman as a mate, I will reject and go as far as killing her in front of everyone.

That is a promise. I strode into the dining room where other members of my family were present. Their smiles died down as I joined them at the table.

"Good morning, Alpha Knox. You are up early. I guess you are excited about tonight's mating ceremony," my mother said with an awkward smile.

"Excited? I am more than delighted," I muttered, matching her pretense.

She smiled then turned her attention to her brother. After that, no one spoke to me not even my siblings.

They were like outsiders to me. Each of them held a grudge against me. It never bothered me because I loved the malice.

It made it easy for me to cut them off without hesitation. To me, emotion was the beginning of a man's downfall.

Living as a dead man without empathy was the only way to survive a world full of hate and greed for power.

As we dined in silence, my sister, Rachel clumsily spilled her tea on her body causing an uproar of concern.

I glared at her, making it known to her that I would soon come to punish her for barging into my room.

She was a curious cat that couldn't stay inside a bag. And the only way I could keep her mouth shut was to threaten her with what she loved the most. Currently, it was that dumb boyfriend of her.

I would be far more glad to use him to keep her shut. Maybe, cost him a finger or two.

"Excuse me, I am sorry for causing a mess. Please, let me get myself cleaned," she said, getting up from her chair.

"Is that necessary?" I questioned, startling everyone on the table. Starting from my uncle to his family, my aunts and their family down to my family.

"What do you mean, Knox? Your sister got hurt and you think it is unnecessary to clean herself up."

"She understands when I mean, right?" I stared at her with a knowing smile and she shook in fear.

"Of course, I understand. Mom, you have nothing to worry about. He is more than concerned about me," she defended me.

"You are clearly hurt, Rachel. You are in no way fine," my mom insisted.

"No, I am fine."

"Good, you know what it would cost you if you do something like that again. So be careful from now on," I warned her and she nodded in response before she ran out of the dining room.

I continued to eat my food in silence until I was done. My mom couldn't contain the spite she had towards me as she glared.

But none of it bothered me. Once I was done with my meal, I went down to the oak tree where I would meet my mate tonight.

After surveying the area, I went back inside and called for my Beta.

"Vok, during tonight's ceremony I want you to keep an eye on the head councilor's house. Tell me every detail of his movement and that of his daughter as well," I ordered.

"Yes, alpha. Is there anything else you want me to do?" He asked.

"Would you like to hunt? I suddenly have the urge to kill."

"Of course, Alpha. I will get the guns ready," he said and we both matched down to the firing ground.

Vok brought our guns and together we shot down birds of different species in the forest.

This was the fastest way to kill time for me since I had nothing to do until the mating ceremony was over.

We killed a lot of birds until I satisfied the blood thirst I felt within.

"One hundredth bird down. You have gotten better at hunting Vok," I praised him and he slightly smiled.

Vok was the only person I trusted among my circle. This is because I sired him, not that I expect his full loyalty. Everyone was bound to be betrayed someday.

But Vok has proved to me countless times his loyalty. He was even better than my biological brother. Yet, I don't trust him not to betray me. After all, he knew my secret.

"I learned from the best," he said, dismembering his gun. The day had gone by without us realizing it and finally, the night was upon us.

"Alright, it is time we get ready for the ceremony. I hope you find your mate, tonight as well." I wished him before going back to my room.

Just as I expected, my slave vessel sat by the window sill again watching the dumb sky. A stupid habit she did to kill boredom.

I slammed the door shut, making my presence known. She jolted in fear, making her come down to welcome me.

"Did you have fun watching the sky again today?" I asked, bringing her arm to my mouth.

"Yes," she answered and I bit down on her skin. She frown in pain but remained silent.

Once I drank the amount of blood I needed, I sealed her wound and went inside the bathroom to freshen up and change into good clothes.

She stood at the same spot I left her and watched me prepare for the ceremony.

"Remember, I will return after midnight. You are not allowed to get out this room until I get back. Be good," I reminded her before stepping out again.

At the little time I had gone up to change, some guests had arrived. They exchanged greeting with me but didn't lingered to join in their discussion.

The mating ceremony commerced after madam Lafayette called it open. After she opened the ceremony ground, she approached me.

"Remember what I said about meeting your mate at the right time. No one is expected to see her. She is your divine Luna. The only woman that will redeem you from your curse. Don't fail to meet her tonight," she warned and varnished into mist.

I lingered around the hall, monitoring the ceremony ritual for a while before I slipped into the shadows.

With gentle steps, I strode down the path that led to the oak tree. It was a sacred place connected to the moon goddess.

Secluded from the sight of others, only the Alpha of the pack was worthy of entering the sacred garden.

I stood by the entrance of the garden acknowledging the magnificent tree. Unlike other trees, it glowed with silver snow flakes falling around it hence the name winter fall pack.

After a few minutes, just like the celestial servant had said, my mate appeared in a glowing form. Even my wolf didn't fail to acknowledge her.

He began to growl, echoing mate inside. "Hold your horses mate. She is ours."

And just when I was about to make that happen, she ran.

My fucking mate ran. Well, I was up for the race because tonight was going to be her end.