The Blood Moon: Her Or No One Else

The more he looked at her, the more his patience was being tested, but at least she responded to him, however faint her responses were.

But one thing truly grated against his nerves, and that was her reaction to Alpha Collins’ son. It was as if his presence was a blade hanging over her neck.

Should I just kill him? He thought, his gaze locked on Julian whose eyes remained on Rhea. He gritted his teeth.

Instead, he asked, “Where is your father?”

Julian’s gaze finally shifted from Rhea to Dante, and he almost took a step back as soon as he met Dante’s glare.

“He is with the other alphas,” Julian replied before he could even realize it.

“Lead the way,” Dante said, his hand taking hold of Rhea’s wrist. His gaze met hers, and he said, his tone soft, compared to how he had spoken to Julian. “Let's go meet Alpha Collins.”

Rhea just stared at him, her eyes silently pleading with him to leave her behind.

“You'll be fine,” he assured her. “Trust me.”

Rhea’s gaze moved from Dante to the other unfamiliar men, the red-haired one grinning while the other brown-haired one gave a small nod. She didn't look at Julian, knowing he was already glaring at her.

“...kay,” she muttered.

Behind them, Julian’s face that once wore a frown had turned expressionless, his eyes calculating, trying to put pieces together, but nothing seemed to make sense.

Meanwhile, Reid Mindlinked his alpha.

“There's something you should know, Alpha,” Reid said through the mind link.

Dante didn't stop or look at him. He just nodded, knowing his beta could see him.

“Alpha Collins has decided to give his daughter to you as ‘compensation' for last time and as a gift for the future as well,” Reid informed.

Dante’s steps halted, but only for a second.

“Maybe he thinks he thinks she can become your luna,” Kael joined in on the mindlink.

Dante's grip on Rhea’s wrist tightened a little, his gaze darkening.

“Are we really taking her with us?” Kael asked. “She looked like a spoiled brat,” he added.

“That won't be happening,” Dante finally replied. His eyes dropped down to look at the girl walking beside him as if she had no will of her own. Dante was almost certain that if he let go of her hand right then and there, Rhea wouldn't move an inch. Lifting his gaze, he added, “I have my luna right here.”

Reid and Kael stopped moving, their eyes on the tiny girl walking beside their alpha.

“Alpha, you don't mean…” Kael began but couldn't finish his sentence.

“Mhm,” Dante hummed. “She is my mate,” he said, his tone light almost as if he was smiling. “And your luna.”

“Congratulations, Alpha,” Reid said, pushing all his thoughts aside. Questions could come later.

Dante didn't respond. He just stared at the girl beside him.

“Father has returned to the grand hall with guests, Alpha Dante,” Julian informed. “I'll take you to him. The other alphas are there as well.”

After walking a little more distance, the music from the ballroom became more vivid, and soon, they were already at the entrance.

Before his presence could be announced, Dante walked in, his hand still holding Rhea’s, keeping her close so he didn't lose her in the sea of people.

Their presence immediately garnered attention, and hushed whispers began spreading.

Curious young ladies asked people beside them who he was, while others who recognized him wondered what he was doing with a girl like Rhea standing by side.

Dante felt her turn tense, her steps slowing down, and she drew even closer to him as if trying to merge into him so they wouldn't see her. Her eyes cast down as if there was nothing more beautiful than her toes and the floor she walked on.

“I am glad that you could join us, Alpha Dante,” Alpha Collins stepped forward, a smile on his face. His gaze landed on Rhea, and his smile faltered, but he quickly looked away as if he hadn't seen her at all. His smile, now robotic.

“For once, I'm glad I came,” Dante replied with a curt nod.

At a little distance, Gemma heard her father call him Alpha Dante, and she began running towards him. A wide smile on her face as relief washed over her that he was finally here.

“That's good to hear,” Alpha Collins said as he extended a hand for a handshake. “I believe you must be aware already. Everything has been prepared and is ready. My daughter…”

“Yes, I've been informed,” Dante cut in before he could finish his statement.

Beside him, Rhea managed to free her wrist from his hold and stepped away, attempting to run and hide from the prying eyes since Alpha Collins and Alpha Dante had everyone's attention right now. But she wasn't able to go far as she ran into Reid and Kael, who stood behind Dante.

Alpha Collins smiled, his eyes found his son, pleased that he had passed on his message. “Then we'll get right to it. My daughter Gemma was quite excited when she heard about it. She must be over the moon now.”

The guest began to murmur in whispers, having already heard that Gemma Everfrost would be given out tonight if she didn't find a fated mate.

“So it's true, and it's to Alpha Dante?” someone said from amongst the guests.

“I can't tell if she's lucky or not,” another murmured.

“Be quiet before he hears you,” the first commenter chided. She lifted a fan over her mouth as if that would hide their identity.

As the whispers continued, a vein nearly popped on Dante's temple, their little whispers reaching his ears. Unclenching his fists, he locked eyes with Alpha Collins.

“Not your daughter,” Dante said coldly, his words silencing the whispers all around them. Alpha Collins's smile slowly disappeared.

Gemma, who had almost reached them, nearly stumbled at Dante’s words.

What did he mean by…? Before she could complete her thoughts, Dante spoke again.

"I will take her in exchange," Alpha Dante declared, and the ballroom instantly quieted down, and all eyes turned to the said girl.

Rhea, the object of discussion, stood there in tattered clothes, confused and seemingly lost. She could hear their whispers and feel the weight of their stares boring holes through her.

She never wanted to draw so much attention to herself, but here she was with everyone's eyes on her because of a single statement from one man.

"I am sorry, Alpha Dante, you must be mistaken, that is not my daughter..."

Alpha Collins said but was rudely interrupted by Dante.

"She is the one I want,” Dante said coldly. “Give her to me or forget about our deal.”