005

It's been five days with me stuck in the four walls of my room, not allowed to leave the house. Mom didn't even let me attend Alpha's funeral which was three days ago. I don't know what excuse she gave to the Pack but knowing Mom, I'm sure she came up with something.

‘I want to know who our New Alpha will be’ Inez whined in my head. She hasn't shut up about Carlos DeLuca ever since that night.

‘When they announce it, you'll know so shut up’

I stare at my phone with a heavy heart. Even if Anthony found his mate and it's not me, I am disappointed that he didn't bother to speak to me. He could at least try to know if I'm fine. It's not like his care vanished instantly.

‘You're still thinking about that asshole?’ Inez scoffs.

‘Just shut up’ I shove her back and go through my phone, coming across a post from Maria's group of friends.

It's a video.

My jaw dropped at the sight of a perfectly sculpted man doing pull-ups in just sweatpants, showing off his back muscles. A tattoo of a snake is carved on his back with something written on the side. Sweat bids roll down his back as he continues with his workout.

I was about to scroll up when he stopped and turned to grab a water bottle, revealing his face.

Carlos DeLuca

What a show-off.

‘If I had muscles like that I'd show off too’ Inez says, absolutely blown away by his hotness. I have to agree he is undeniably hot. How much does he work out to maintain such a shape?

‘You're gawking’ Inez teases me. I roll my eyes, attention back on the video as the girls try to approach him. The clip ends there.

Maria's friends are real hoes. Why my sister hangs out with them is another mystery. I put my phone aside and got out of bed to leave the room.

I need a run but I can't. Inez might stop eating my brain if I manage a run.

‘As much as I love the idea, I would hate to see you go through another trouble,’ Inez sighed. I walk down the stairs and peek into the living room.

My parents are already there, bundled into a cozy hug. I pout, missing the time when Dad would let me sleep on his chest while humming softly. At least they loved me when I was little.

“The ceremony is tonight. What do we do about her?” Dad asks, stroking Mom's hair.

“We can't use any excuse this time. She has to come” Mom sighs while Dad kisses her forehead. They are stressed because of me.

“Tell her to not create any more trouble” I hear Dad as I drag my feet to the kitchen instead.

Rora is already in the dining, staring at something on her phone. Her glistening eyes made me stop in my tracks.

“Rora, is everything okay?” I ask carefully. She quickly turns her phone off.

“Mind your business” She murmurs before walking away.

..

I put on a cap to adjust it tight enough to not fall. My roots have started to show but Mom most likely won't allow me to dye my hair again.

I have ginger hair, unlike my sisters who have soft lush brown hair. I dye them black because of all the bullying I went through in middle school. Some even called me a witch.

We reached the Pack ground, joining the crowd that was already murmuring to each other about the Ceremony.

“I'm surprised they chose Carlos to be our Alpha. It's quite scary. How are we all supposed to feel safe when someone like him is ruling?” Maria's hushed whisper fills in my ears.

“Why couldn't they make the other brother our Alpha? He is a clean character unlike Carlos” She murmurs, crossing her arms.

“Aren't you getting too harsh with your judgment?” I mumble. She arches a brow, leaning closer before saying.

“What do you know stupid? He is rumored to be slaughtering a whole bunch of his mother's side of the family”

My mouth hangs open. I stare at her with wide eyes.

That just has to be a rumor.

Not the truth.

Hopefully.

‘He is here!’ Inez chimes happily when Carlos and Derek, flanked by two warriors, enter the ground. Both of them radiate strong Alpha aura as the crowd clears a way for them.

Carlos' eyes meet mine. I quickly look away until they walk past us and stand in the center.

“Attention everyone, Our new Alpha will be Carlos DeLuca and to link as a Pack, we will perform the traditional blood ritual as it forms a strong connection” Beta Ken informs,

“Each one of you add a drop of blood in this bowl”

A bowl was passed from one to another and everyone did as told.

Once everyone did their turns, the bowl was given to Carlos. He didn't hesitate to make a cut on his palm but before he could mix it in the bowl, a growl cut through the thick air.

Derek DeLuca is looking in my direction, eyes glowing as his wolf resurfaces. With long fast strides, he is before us, staring hard.

“Mate” He announces.

I panic and quickly step aside to look over my shoulder only to see Rora with her wolf resurfacing.

Wow..

“I finally found you,” Derek says before engulfing Rora in his embrace.

My parents are going to be on cloud nine to have their daughter mated to Alpha blood.

Once they pull away, Beta Ken approaches them.

“Are you two really mates?” He asks for confirmation.

“Yes, she is mine” Derek asserts possessively. I glance at Rora who doesn't look too happy.

“Rora is a smart woman and one of the strongest she-wolves. She fits with you perfectly” Beta Ken praises Rora.

My sister indeed won many contests in fighting, bringing honor to the Pack along with Sharon. However, Rora refused to be a warrior or take any other rank in the Pack which I can kill for. Having one of these titles brings a lot of respect. Something I yearn for desperately.

Why she refused it is still unknown. Now that she is mated to Alpha blood, I don't think she can escape these responsibilities.

“Carlos, I hope you don't mind but since Derek now has a mate, it's only natural we title him the Alpha—

The crowd erupted in murmurs at that. Maria almost jumped in content. I look at Carlos who is in deep thought, staring between his brother and Rora.

Oh, he must be mad to face such humiliation.

“Go on with the ceremony. I will let Mother know about the changes” Carlos said with simple directness.

Derek nods at him, flashing him a small smile that is quite cute in my opinion.

‘Don't swoon over our brother-in-law. Go for the hot Batchelor’ Inez and her stupid thoughts.

‘What makes you think Carlos is single? He could have plenty of girlfriends for all we know’ I ruin her little bubble, earning a whine in return.

I almost giggled only to stop instantly when Carlos' steel blue eyes landed on me.

Oh no, he misunderstood!

‘You're only ruining our chances with him’ Inez sounds disappointed.

‘Who is to blame!’ I snapped at her.

Carlos' gaze hardened, he almost stepped forward towards me but thanks to Beta Ken who spoke up to continue the ceremony.

Guilt settles in my chest as he turns to walk away from the crowd. I stare helplessly at his retreating back.

Derek continues the ceremony and we as a Pack are all linked to him. His presence was felt by our wolves instantly. The lost connection of our fallen Alpha is now filled with strong and intimidating Alpha Derek.

“Shit! It's such great news that Rora is going to be our Luna!” Maria chimes in content.

“You are so lucky—

Maria is cut off by Rora's stern voice, “Shut up!”

I am surprised to see her snap at Maria. They have never talked this way to each other ever.

I look at Mom and Dad who look equally tense. What is going on? If it was possible to get in their head then a lot of confusion would be clear. Rora quietly walks away once Derek is busy talking to the Council.

“Let's head home”