CHAPTER 2

Damon POV

I watched the retreating silhouette of Aurora as she ran out of my room. I felt a tang of guilt, but it quickly dissipated. After I wore my jeans and ripped T-shirt. From the corner of my eye, I could see Ember Rivers adjusting the hem of her dress seductively. She ran her hand through her thick hair that reached her waist. Her dress accentuated her figure. She had a good height of 5’7ft with all her features proportioned perfectly. 

“She will make a good eye candy.” I thought to myself. Her beauty was light years ahead in comparison to Aurora, a petite girl whom I found unattractive. Yet, for some cruel twist of fate, my wolf growled in desire anytime she was near me. How could this slave be my mate? I hissed at that thought.

Aurora had always been repulsive to me, even since she was younger. She had a fragile frame and always looked weak and pathetic. I only derived joy in taunting her and watching her squirm. That was the only reason I kept her in my presence. She was like a toy meant only for me to do as I wish. 

Yet on that unfortunate day, when I bonded with her as my mate was unpleasant. It was just like any other day, she was assigned to cleaning duties. I went to her in my usual teasing manner. Suddenly, when I approached her, there was a ground-shattering sensation running through my body. My wolf became restless, and my entire body glistened with sweat. My eyes shone bright as I met her gaze. Without her saying anything, I knew she also felt the bond. A wave of anger washed over me on the realization that she was my mate. 

“There is no way I will accept it.” I shared my thoughts with my wolf. The more I tried to fight it, the harder my pull towards her. I used all my strength to restrain my wolf in my mind from the urge to have her in my bed and mark her as my mate.

“Hope I have pleased you, my Alpha?” Ember asked in a soft tone. I curved my lips slightly and nodded in approval. Her eyes flickered with joy as she bowed respectfully to me, revealing the upper part of her cleavage. My wolf growled in disgust at her provocative display.

I only accepted her to enjoy her soft body and to appease her family, who have been a huge ally in my ascension to the throne.

“You may leave now, I will summon you later.” I gently dismissed her. She still had a broad smile on her face as she departed my room.

I let out a deep sigh as I sat down on the leather chair in my room. Later on, I called out one of my warriors to summon Aurora to me.

“Serena, get Aurora and bring her to me now!” I ordered the she-wolf warrior Serena. She was one of my trusted warriors, she has fought alongside me in various wars. She earned my trust throughout the years under my command.  She knelt on one knee and bowed to me slightly.

“Yes, my Alpha, I will bring her immediately,” Serena replied with conviction in her voice.

Moments later, I heard some ruffling noise outside my door.

“Move-” Serena shouted out instructions, and my door swung open with Aurora falling to the floor easily. She was picked up like a pack of wool. Serena pushed her aggressively at my feet.

I grinned and gestured for Serena to give us privacy. Serena slightly nodded while saluting me with valor as she walked out.

My eyes widened at the sight of Aurora looking squirmish as she slumped on the floor with a defeated aura. 

“Why did you enter my room earlier without permission? Do you want to be punished?” I asked in anticipation. My wolf growled for me to give her a passionate kiss, but I bit my lips to restrain him. She paused for a long time without responding, I took it as a sign of fear with gave me joy enormously.

I lowered myself and held her chin to meet her gaze. That is when I saw the defiance in her eyes. It took me aback, it was a sight that was unraveling for me. She never dared to glance directly into my eyes without trembling. 

Mixed emotions crept in while I regained my composure. I was surprised and irritated at the same time. “How dare she show her rebellious side to me?” I thought to myself. My wolf was impressed. He huffed at me.

I pulled her closer to me. I had a cheeky smile as I scanned her face. “So you finally found your spine..” I used the claw on my index finger to playfully scratch her face.

“You’re my slave, I can do anything I want with you.” Her subtle scent made my wolf go crazy as I struggled to contain him. Suddenly, she tilted her head to push away my grip.

“How could you be so mean, even on my birthday?” Aurora asked in a hoarse voice. Her eyes welled up with tears as they rolled down her cheeks.

My wolf whimpered in dismay as it felt her sadness. I knew it was her birthday, but I wanted her to know she can never be my mate. However, I felt a thud in my throat. Her aura was different tonight; she wasn’t shivering in her usual state, but this was more of a disappointment and even anger.

I clenched my hands as I had a cold glint in my eyes. Instantly, I held her arms firmly and told her in a sharp tone.

“I, Damon Blackthorn, Alpha of Moonfall pack. Hereby reject you as my mate.” I could hear the sound of thunder and lightning roaring through the skies, which gave the entire moment an ominous feeling if I had just made a colossal mistake.