Chapter Five: This is Just The Beginning

Maya and the guard assigned to accompany her walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The guard kept stealing glances at Maya at intervals.

“Erm, Maya?” He called, hesitantly.

Maya turned to look at him, raising a brow.

“I’m sorry, for how I’ve always treated you in this pack,” he said, his eyes troubled.

“No, it’s fine. I bear no grudges I mean you’re not the only one it’s a general thing.” she shrugged.

“I know, Maya. I’m sorry for everything that has happened, including yesterday's events. I pray the Moon Goddess grants you another mate,” he added, his voice laced with something Maya couldn't decipher.

The mention of her rejection stung her heart. She held her chest, clutching the guard's hand for support to balance her faltering steps, while Lana whimpered in her head.

“Maya, are you okay?” He asked concern etched on his face.

“I’m fine; you can go back now. I can find my way home myself.” Maya replied.

“Did I say something wrong?” he asked, confused .

“Just go,” she insisted.

“Okay fine, I'm Theodore, by the way,” he said giving her a long look before walking off.

Maya stood there for a few seconds hyperventilating before walking away.

Meanwhile, Theodore didn't leave; he followed her quietly maintaining a safe distance, keeping to the shadows, his eyes scanning the surroundings to ensure no one approached Maya.

Maya got to a narrow path, and a shiver ran down her spine and she quickened her pace. Each rustle of leaves made Maya flinch. She imagined eyes glinting in the stillness, the snap of twigs underfoot signaling danger."

“Boo,” someone said making her jump in fright, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she saw who the owner of the voice was.

“Long time no see, Maya.” Philip’s voice dripped with a familiarity that made Maya’s blood run cold. The forest sounds faded as a wave of nausea washed over her, the ground seeming to tilt beneath her feet.

“Stay away from me, Philip,” Maya managed, her voice barely a whisper, each word catching in her throat like a sob.

“Why would I do that?” Philip chuckled, stepping closer. “It’s been ages, and you’re not happy to see me?” He pressed a hand to his chest, his smile never reaching his eyes.

“Ouch, that hurts,” he said chuckling darkly.

Maya didn’t wait to hear all he has to say so she resumed walking.

“How dare you walk out on me?” He growled his brows knitting together .

Maya began running, her lungs burned and he gave her a hot chase. Each time she turned back, she saw him catching up, making her breath caught in her throat. Just as Philip was about to catch up a figure slammed into him and they both roll on the ground.

Theodore’s fist connected with Philip’s jaw making him spit out blood. Maya opened her eyes slowly to see Philip returning the punch with the same energy but Theodore held his hand they locked gaze and Philip gasp on seeing his face.

“Y-you?” Philip stuttered shocked by the sudden appearance of the palace guard.

Theodore squeezed his hand making his fist snap.

“Arghhh!” Philip’s voice echoed through the air as Theodore released him.

“This is your last warning,” Theodore said coldly.

Philip staggered back, then fled into the shadows.

Theodore turned to Maya, his expression softening. “Are you okay, Maya?” he asked gently.

But from a safe distance, Philip’s voice rang out again, venom dripping from every word. “This isn’t over, Maya. If I catch you, you’ll regret it, I promise.”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Maya replied, her voice still shaken from the incident.

“I thought you left?” Maya asked.

“I didn’t. I was trailing behind you to ensure you reached home safely,” he replied, his gaze softening.

“Okay… thank you once again,” Maya said, leading the way, and Theodore followed close behind.

“Theodore…” her voice dropped to a whisper, hesistantly. “Who was the man that saved me yesterday?”

Theodore froze mid-step, his jaw slack. “What?” he muttered, as though she’d just asked the most senseless question alive. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “That’s Alpha Kane,The Alpha of the ShadowFang Pack.” He exhaled the words in one breath, his eyes wide with disbelief that she didn’t already know.

Maya’s eyes widened, her heart pounding. “The supreme Alpha?”she asked and Theodore nodded in affirmation.

“No wonder,” she murmured, unable to hide the awe in her tone. Her lips curved slightly, almost against her will. “He has such… an imposing presence.”

“Yes, he does,” Theodore concurred, a small smile tugging his lips.

As they walked, the conversation flowed easily, and they discussed random topics. Maya laughed freely without hesitation at his little jokes, and Theodore’s heart swelled with excitement as he realized Maya was starting to get comfortable around him.

But as they approach Maya’s house her heart rate increases rapidly. The mansion stood majestically and the silver color gate shimmered with the sunlight. The house was unusually quiet, leaving Maya with a feeling of unease.

“Here we are,” Theodore said as they stopped at the gate.

“Yeah,” Maya said a small smile tugging her lips. “Thanks for everything.”Theodore Maya said with gratitude written all over her face.

“It's nothing, Maya; stay safe,” Theodore said with a wave, turned, and walked off.

Maya stood waving till he was out of sight; she exhaled deeply before pushing the gate forward with a creaking sound.

The moment Maya stepped inside, she halted. Zara stood there, hands planted on her hips, a scowl carved deep into her face.

Maya kept walking, choosing to ignore her, but Zara drags her back.

“I see you already got yourself a mate,” Zara said with a mocking smile.

“Think whatever you wish,” Maya said, pushing her out of the way and walking off. Maya had only taken two steps when Zara pulled her back, and Maya turned around and grabbed her neck, and Zara could swear she saw Maya’s eyes flash gold.

“I won’t sit back and watch you insult me again”. Maya said, venom dripping in her voice.

* * * *

Zara lay on the bed the bed different thoughts roaming through her head.

Was it actually Maya’s eyes that flashed gold? Was she hallucinating? The thought kept flowing and she felt a wave of headache. “It must be my imagination she muttered.

She stood up slipped out of her clothes and walked slowly into the bathroom she stayed under the shower for ages as though it would wash away the unease gnawing at her.

A thought crossed Zara’s mind and an evil grin graced her lips. She stepped out of the shower, dried her body with the towel, and applied lotion to her entire body. The mischievous smile was still on her lips.

She put on a simple short and a singlet to match. She was about to lie on the bed when she heard the clicking of the gate signifying her father’s return. She hurriedly plucked a banana from the bunch sitting on her table. She took three quick, bites and placed the peel outside her door.

She deliberately stepped on it and slipped hitting her bum on the floor.

“Daaaaad” she screamed in a high-pitched tone.

And the thudding of footsteps rushed towards her.

“What's wrong Zara, Why are you on the ground?” Beta Atheus asked with a grimace.

“Dad, it was Maya who placed a banana peel so I could trip and fall,” she said as fake tears poured out her eyes.

“Maya!!” Beta Atheus growled.

“Yes, father,” Maya who was busy in the kitchen rushed out wiping her hands on the soft kitchen towel.

“Why did you place a Banana Peel for your sister to trip? Do you want to hurt her?” He asked his voice dripping with malice.

“Me? Banana peel?” Maya asked confusion plastered on her face.

“If you question me again, I will make sure I deal with you,” Beta Athens growled. “Incompetent fool,” he added.

“But… I’m allergic to bananas,” Maya stuttered blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall. But her father is already out of earshot.

And Zara Stood up with a malicious grin.

“This is just the beginning Maya, just wait till I become the Luna, I will make your live a living hell,” She said making Maya gulp and she turned around and walked into her room like nothing happened.