Chapter One

Chapter One

“I can’t do this anymore.” A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead as I channeled my powers to Garek through our clasped hands.

“I can’t,” I gasped again, my stomach threatening to double over. He grunted in response and gave me an encouraging smile.

“You have to hold on, Terri. You know it’s for the best.” He reminded me, and gritting my teeth, I continued. Blue light swirled above our heads, softly illuminating the hidden cave he’d chosen for this very purpose. No one from the pack, not even my father could find us. Garek was right; this was for the best. After tonight, he was fit to become the next Alpha of his pack. And me? I’d be his Luna. I dropped down to the hard surface of the cave’s floor, panting softly. It was finally over. Garek’s wolf was now a gray one—one of the strongest inner wolves. It was enough for him to claim the throne of his pack in place of his brother. 

Garek stared down at me with a pleased expression. “You did great.” He murmured, helping me to my feet and planting a brief kiss on my forehead. I grinned, despite the exhaustion engulfing my body. I leaned against his hard chest, feeling the bond between my powers and the new one I’d injected into him. His body felt like home, felt so different from the sneers and taunts I’d endured for so long. I could never get enough of how soothing it was to be accepted despite my curse, despite the ticking time-bomb inside waiting to detonate. Garek had never mocked me for it, had never mentioned anything about my dual-colored eyes, except whenever he complimented how pretty they were. 

Perhaps that was why I didn’t hesitate to help him when he told me that his father was  threatening to give his place as the next Alpha-to-be’s position to his brother. Except of course, he proved that his wolf was stronger. We were alike in so many ways. My father’s warning still rang clearly in my mind.

“If an Alpha doesn't claim you before the next full moon, consider yourself an Omega. I can’t have a useless daughter like you.”

He was unaware of our relationship. My father loathed me as far as the word could go. He called me cursed—which I knew I was—but I knew that wasn’t the main reason he hated me that much. According to stories in the pack’s vault, my mother had severe complications while giving birth to me. Panicked at the thought of losing his fated mate, he found a witch to aid the delivery process. 

However…

Well, sometimes, fate would always move in a different direction than the one originally planned. 

She died. My mother died while giving birth to me. And my father blamed me for it. He ordered the witch to be killed, but before her death, she placed a curse on me. 

To only destroy, and never find a fated mate. And if I ever did, it’ll always end in disaster. 

“Let’s go back. The mating ceremony will start soon. I’ll announce to your pack and mine that you’re my mate.” Garek said, pulling me out of my reverie. He brushed my hair with his fingers, and I relaxed. I nodded in response and followed his lead out of the dark cave that was hidden deep towards the outskirts of my pack. 

StarClaws pack was in full bustle, everyone moving back and forth to ensure that the mating ceremony—which would be attended by many surrounding packs—was a success. I threaded my fingers through Garek’s, enjoying his support. He tensed and I glanced at him with raised brows. 

“What’s wrong?”

“About what happened at the cave, um…” he stared into my eyes, and I curved my lips. 

“I won’t tell anyone.” I assured him. It wasn’t like anyone would believe me if I told them that I possessed the power to upgrade inner wolves. Most people at the pack knew I bore a curse, courtesy of my stepsister who wouldn’t stop spreading rumors about me, but they didn’t know exactly what it was.  

“Promise me,” he halted in his steps, and jerked my shoulders so I was facing him directly. My heart skipped a beat at the look on his face. I’d never seen him look so…different. I attributed it to the new changes going on his body. His hold on my shoulders tightened. “Promise.” He insisted.

“Garek, I just told you. I’ll tell no–”

“Promise me, goddess damn it!” He growled, and I was startled. 

“I…I promise.” I whispered. No one paid us any heed. I doubted if they really saw me. 

His face softened, and he ran his index finger lightly on my cheek. But even that single touch was cold. It was so unfeeling and totally un-Garek-like. “Pretty Terri. Just an hour left, and you’ll be mine. Hm?” 

I forced a smile. I didn’t resist as we made our way through the large gates that opened up to StarClaws pack’s Alpha mansion. The large building beside it was brightly lit, and I could hear the excited yells and mingled cheers from my position. Dread clawed at my stomach. Different things that could go wrong flashed through my mind. 

What if…

What if my father rejected Garek?

I pushed that thought away as soon as it occurred. My father wouldn’t turn down a political alliance. He’d never done so. As the Alpha of the pack, maybe he would overlook his hatred for me and accept Garek as his son-in-law. Just for the sake of the pack.

“Terri, darling. Excuse me for a moment, will you? I need to show my father proof before the ceremony begins,” he gestured at his father—the incumbent Alpha of Emerald pack—a stern man holding onto his staff of authority, lips pursed as if daring anyone to challenge him. Beside him, were Damian—Garek’s brother, and Luna Sophia who looked confident in ways my stepmother wasn’t. 

“Sure. Go ahead.” I said. 

“I won’t be long. And have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?” He winked and disappeared into the crowd. I glanced down at the dress in question, and sighed. Thankfully, there was no stain on it from when I’d knelt on the cave’s floor. At least, he noticed my dress and that was a relief. An indication that he still cared for me. 

An hour later, my father’s loud voice boomed through the speakers. “Welcome to the StarClaws pack, everybody. Tonight, I have an important announcement to make. An exciting one that would mark the beginning of our pack’s cooperation with Emerald pack.” He said, and my smile bloomed.

Finally. 

Nervousness pricked my skin as I fought to remain still, waiting for Garek to call me up to the front stage. 

A round of applause met Garek’s father’s announcement as the next Alpha of his pack, and I didn’t miss the expression of displeasure that crossed Damian’s face. Garek soon walked confidently to the front stage and accepted the microphone. 

“Friends and family,” he began, his eyes finding and settling on me. 

“I’ve chosen my mate.” He declared and whispers filled the hall. He continued, and they hushed. “And she is…”