Chapter 5

Dexton’s POV

My blood chilled upon seeing her for the first time in over seven years. My claws slipped out, and Zeus hungered to spill her blood, the blood that was supposed to be shed instead of my brother’s.

I closed my eyes and exhaled deeply, taking control of my emotions.

“So the rumors are true,” she says, with a heavy smirk on her lips.

A low growl tore from my chest. I clenched my jaw, ready to silence her, but Alana beat me to it and spoke first.

“What rumors?” She asked in an unsettling tone.

“I wasn’t talking to you, sweetheart,” Anna replied, her gaze not leaving mine.

The air was thick, and pack members began to murmur, their voices rising at every second.

“Silence!”

My voice thundered through the hall, and every wolf bowed their head in surrender.

“This meeting is over. Guards, escort my Luna back to her chambers.”

The murmurs had died down, and everyone dropped their gaze. One after the other, they exited the hall.

I will not have Alana disrespected under my watch. I promised her protection, and I am not one to back out on my promises.

As the guards escorted her, she looked at me, a small smile resting at the corner of her eyes.

“You!” I turned to the b***h behind me. “Follow me. Now!”

I led her towards the courtroom. I slammed the door and turned to her with a snarl, “Why are you here? How do you know about this?”

“Let’s just say, my father has ears in your precious pack.” She said, coming towards me seductively.

My fists curled, and my claws itched to rip her face as she got closer. A daring growl tore from my chest, stopping her dead in her tracks.

“Get to the point.” I sneered.

“My father wants to make a trade. Since you are Alpha now, I’ll be your Luna, as I should, of course. In exchange, our pack will join forces with yours,” she said casually, like she wasn’t spitting poison with every word.

A low, bitter laughter tore from my lips, “You and your father are so vile and power-hungry.” I said, distastefully.

I could feel my anger increasing every time she opened her mouth.

I stepped closer to her, my eyes menacing with rage. “You know, for years, I thought it was me. I wasn’t enough for you, and maybe you truly loved my brother.”

I took another dangerous step closer, while she moved back, with fear in her eyes. “It was never about love, was it? It was always about the title. The power of being a Luna.”

I shook my head and returned to my throne. This wasn’t worth any of my time.

“It’s already late. First thing tomorrow morning, my guards will escort you to the borders. You can run back to your pathetic father and tell him that I will not be a pawn in his power-thirsty games. He should look for some blockheaded Alpha for that.”

“I see you finally grew some balls, guess you are finally taking control like your brother used to—”

In two strides, I had her by the throat, slamming her back against the wall.

“Talk about my brother and me like that again, and your father will receive your head instead of your message. I don’t care if you were once my mate.”

She struggled against my hold, but I held on longer to get my message across. I later released her, and she crumbled to the floor.

“You’ll pay for this.” I heard her say as I stormed out without looking back.

Pain ripped through the center of my heart. Ten years ago, I gave up everything just for her. But what did I get in return? She made me powerless, feasted on my love for her, and shattered everything that looked like love to me. Now, my heart has turned cold, and all I know is to rule, lead, and control.

I swore never to give away my heart ever again. Love is a poison, and it has become forbidden in my world.

**********************

I entered the living room to see Alana pacing about. She needed answers, and I knew, but I wasn't ready to open up about my past.

She rushed towards me with concern all over her face. “Are you okay?”

The question shook me more than it should.

I looked at her confused yet amused. “Weren’t you the one who was almost embarrassed moments ago?”

“Yes, but you looked really angry when you saw her.” She said, innocently.

“A Luna with compassion. I really made a good choice,” I mumbled to myself, smiling.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, don’t worry about her. First thing tomorrow morning, she’s leaving.” I replied, but the worry on her face didn’t change.

“I can tell her to leave this night if her presence makes you inconvenient.” I chipped in.

“No, no. It’s not about her presence.” She said softly, “Who is she?”

I took a deep breath. I had expected her to ask, but I wasn’t ready.

She continued, “I mean, if I am to be married to you for a year, I should at least know the significant women in your past.”

“She isn’t anymore,” I mumbled.

“I understand, but still.” She pressed further.

“Her name is Anna. She was my mate.” I began, taking a seat, “But she rejected me when I needed her the most to be with my brother.”

I tried blocking all the emotions that stirred deep within me.

“You have a brother?” She asked, her eyes peering out curiously.

“Yes, but he’s dead.” The words scraped out of my throat like broken glass. My chest tightened, each breath was heavier than the last.

“He died during our fight,” I muttered regretfully, digging my fingers into my palms until they bled, but the sting was nothing compared to the ache tearing through me.

If I had not sent him away when he came to make peace, he wouldn’t have died in that accident.