Chapter Three :The Night Everything Changed

Emilia's POV 

Tonight was supposed to be a perfect night, marking a new beginning for Darian and me.

The night we would make things official, a testament to our love over the years.

I strode carefully through the hall, the clanking of glasses and the laughter that spread across everyone's lips filled the room.

My heart raced as I  grabbed a champagne from the table to ease my muscles.

I pressed my lips over the lid of the glass, gulping the liquid down my throat.

Just then, a group of students appeared, their faces twisted into cruel smiles.

“Hi, newbie girl, we have been looking everywhere for you,” one said mockingly, her words dripping with malice.

“ Look, I don't have time for your games, just state what you want," I replied, turning the doorknob.

“ Well, we are just here to smooth things over with you, “ she said, her eyes filled with disdain.

Aw, don't worry, honey, we've got a surprise for you real soon, “ they teased, pulling me into a decorated room.

My heart tightened as I read the captions imprinted boldly on the banner.

“ What's this? I asked coldly, my arms trembling.

“ Don't you love the surprise we got for you “ they teased.

“Welcome, defect Emilia, “ they chimed in, their lips curling into cruel laughter.

I tried to leave, but strong arms gripped me, tightened around my wrists as cold milk hit my scalp, cold and sticky, sliding across my face, drenching me to the core.

“Argh stop this right now, “ I whimpered in pain as their cameras clicked with laughter filling the atmosphere.

“There now you can pretend to be a real wolf just like us.  She's eighteen and she hasn't even shifted yet, “one said, her eyes filled with contempt.

“The moon goddess must hate her. It's probably because she is an inbred little mutt that's why she doesn't have a dad either,” they said with smiles playing on their lips.

“Give us a little howl, “ a girl shrieked.

Suddenly, I shoved the guys holding me against the ground, lifting my dress up with tears clouding my vision running with all my might.

My chest ached and my bones weakened as I climbed up the stairs frantically searching for Darian.

“I have to find Darian, he is alpha now, he will take care of me” That was what was going through my mind as I stumbled into the lounge.

As I approached the lounge, giggles erupted and I threw the door open. My heart froze as I walked in.

Mila was sitting on his leg, her hands enveloped around his neck, his hands sliding her thighs while nibbling on her ear.

“You are cheating on me. “My stomach twisted, and my world crumbled before me.

Emilia, listen, I didn't mean for you to find out this way,” he whispered, his eyes devoid of emotion.

“Find what out” I asked, my voice cracking.

“Goddess, how do you go six months without knowing your boyfriend is fucking someone else?” Mila's face lit up into a cruel smile.

My knees buckled.

I swallowed the lump in my throat lifting my eyes to look at Darian.

“Six months? Tell me what's going on “ my voice shuddered.

“Oh baby, I think we should tell her everything. Poor thing needs a shower." She reeks of rotten milk ” Mila snarled before pressing a kiss on his lips.

Darian rolled his eyes at me. His expression was dark and dangerous.

“I want Mila to be my mate,” he announced, the words tumbling in the air.

“ No, you are my mate and I'm bonded with you “ I whispered breathlessly, my voice breaking with tears pooling in my eyes.

“How could someone like you ever be mates with the Alpha? You are just a lowly human,” Mila sneered.

My lips twitched.

“You don't belong here, “ She said with a smug look on my face.

I cleaned my fists hard with rage brimming within me.

I pushed Mila backwards but before she could lose her balance, Darian caught her in his arms.

“Hey, I'm the alpha now, and I won't tolerate any form of disrespect towards me or my future mate,” Darian whispered with a grin across his face.

Be real Emilia do you think I will spend the rest of my life bonded to a mate who can't  even 

Shift,” he added, using his fingertips to brush Mila’s hair off her face.

My chest tightened.

“You don't even have a wolf, I'd rather die than live with that shame “ he declared, his words piercing deep like a dagger aimed at my chest.

I swallowed hard, tears filled my eyes, my voice trembling but he didn't respond, only gazing at me with cold eyes like I meant nothing to him.

“Emilia Hartley, by the moon goddess light, I reject you as my mate, “ he growled.

“ No “ the scream tears through me painfully.

I clutched my chest painfully.

“Accept it and the pain ends,”  he smirked, and I screamed in agony, the pain of his rejection ripping through me.

But I won't be mated again, Darian. Please, you told me you loved me.” My voice cracked as I stared into his dark eyes devoid of emotion.

“Come on Emilia, can you really not tell the difference between love and pity? He said with hate burning in his eyes.

“ So you never really loved me?”I pursed my lips as the realization clogged my throat.

“I, Emilia Hartley, accept your rejection, “I said, stumbling away, my hand to my heart as the mate bond vanished.

Terrified gasps filled the room and his pack members stared at me with disdain.

Tears of betrayal filled my eyes and my chin wobbled as I rushed out of the room towards the exit.

I could hear heavy footsteps coming after me but I didn't need a soothsayer to inform me that it was Darian coming after me.

“ Get her, “ Darian ordered, his voice echoing through the hall.

I descended the stairs, but as I took a step, I slammed my thin body into a man whose face was covered with a mask, and I crashed onto the floor.

“I'm sorry, “I apologized, but he stretched a hand to assist me up.

“Are you okay? “ he asked, scanning my body for injuries.

“ Please help me “ I begged, tears dripping down my face.

 

“Come on, baby girl, we are not done playing with you yet, “ one girl sneered, their gaze filled with mockery, coloring their tone.

“Hey, handsome, I have never seen you around the pack,” one girl teased with a smile playing on her lips.

Wow, little Emilia riding hood found herself a big bad wolf to hide behind.” Another snarled their eyes, towering all over him.

“ Relax dude it was just a joke “ they  snickered as he clenched his fists hard 

“I don't see anyone laughing,” he snorted in his thick baritone voice, sending a chill down my spine.

“ Did they do anything to you? “ he asked with concern laced in his tone.

“They pushed me into a room and they took pictures of me” my voice cracked with tears stinging my eyes.

“Leave her alone, or you will both be leaving this party in tears, too,” he snapped.

“This is a pack business outsider who do you think is? They taunted, him with an angry glare.

“Lay a finger on her again, and you will find out exactly who the hell I am.” Their eyes widened, and their jaws dropped.

“Believe me you will both regret it,” he said in a deep voice which struck them like lightning.

Their faces were pale as they hurried away on their tracks not sparing him a glance.

“I'm sorry you had to see that, “ he apologized, his voice soft as he turned to me.

“ Thank you for saving me” I lowered my head.

“ It's nothing,” he replied.

“ We have to get this dirt off your clothes,” he said, pulling my hands towards a cabin to get changed.

“ No, I can manage, “ I spoke in a weak voice.

“Your clothes are soiled, so it's necessary to get changed,” he whispered, his voice gentle and firm.