Six

Lilith’s POV

Nothing had gone as I had imagined it. Never in a million years did I expect Mykel to be blessed with two mates. Though I meant what I said. I wouldn’t stand in his way. I wouldn’t be the reason he didn’t claim her, I just couldn’t do that to him. During the meeting I could tell how uncomfortable the poor girl felt and only when I walked to the bar, did I realise why. Benjamin’s large hands were slowly sliding up and down her inner thigh before slipping his fingers under her skirt. Seeing her tense made my stomach churn, so taking a deep breath I turned to face him before telling him to keep his hands to himself in front of the entire room. This man really had no shame. He was well aware of her being fated to my mate, yet he still touched. Though I don’t know why it shocked me because he had tried to rape me in the past.

“Lilith are you ok?”

“Hmm yes sorry just thinking. After all the planning and the build up that led to today, I never saw this coming” Picking up my gin and tonic I took a large gulp, it was a double and burned as it went down.

“Woah slow down there girl. I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through right now, but I know getting drunk isn’t the answer. We still have a full afternoon of men throwing their weight around to get through.” I knew Ruth was right, but right now I just needed an escape. “Look, Mykel seems like a great guy, and from what I’ve heard he’s a lot like his father when it comes to being alpha”

“You’ve got that right. He’d defend us, defend Lil until his last breath” My eyes darted to the table behind me. I had completely forgotten Elijah was here.

“I’ll tell you what I’ve told Mykel. I will stand by him whatever decision he makes. He’s my mate and I love him” It was then I realised what I needed to do. “Look I’ll see you later I’ve got something I need to do” Ruth just offered me a sympathetic yet knowing smile as I stood to leave. I didn’t bother saying goodbye to Elijah knowing full well he’d be following me anyway.

Walking up the stairs that led to the guest rooms I stopped when I reached the door I needed. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. After a few seconds the door opened and standing there with puffy eyes was Mykel’s second mate. Turning to look at Elijah, I asked him to wait outside to which he nodded and turned his back to the door.

“Are you ok?” stupid thing to ask when she clearly wasn’t, but right now I found myself dumbstruck.

“I am and Luna I’m sorry for all the chaos this has had to have caused you. I swear it wasn’t my intention to come and take your mate from you” I could here her heart racing, did she truly thing I was angry at her? That I would hurt her?

“Calm down, you’ve nothing to apologise for. How could you have possibly known you would be fated to my mate. It’s rare yes, but it does happen. What’s your name?” I walked over to her bed and sat on the edge patting the space beside me.

“Raven. My father is Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack” Her voice was so soft though I could here the nervousness in her voice.

“Well Raven its nice to meet you. I’m Lilith, Luna to the Mountain Forest Pack. So, are you going to tell me what’s got you so upset?”

“What hasn’t. My father is using me to secure an ally and the Alpha he’s promised me to, is a disgusting pig” My heart broke for the girl, she didn’t look much younger than me yet her whole world had seemed full of hurt and regret.

“Which Alpha? Benjamin?” I had a feeling that he was the one she was referring to, yet I wasn’t entirely sure. When I spoke his name, her face fell telling me my gut instinct was right.

“How did you know?” Her eyes once again beginning to water.

“The fact your father placed you next to him and didn’t bother to tell him off for his wandering hands was a bit of a giveaway. That man truly is disgusting. He’s the reason Elijah my beta is hot on my trail today”

“What did he do?” The tone of her voice told me she was well aware of what Benjamin was capable of.

“He tried to rape me last year. He even went as far as to spike Elijah’s sister Amy. She lost her pregnancy as a result. Has he done anything to you? That you didn’t want I mean. I know you don’t know me, but I promise you can trust me. Whatever you tell me won’t leave this room. Its your life and not for me to tell” Her eyes studied me for a while as if trying to decide whether or not she should divulge any information to someone she’d just met. Finally, she let out a deep breath and looked directly at the floor. It was clear something had happened by her body language, that and the look of shame on her face.

“When I was seventeen my father allowed him to stay at our pack house for the night. When everyone was asleep, he came into my room and he… he raped me.” Her eyes brimmed with tears as she remembered that night. “I tried to scream, to fight him off but he was too strong. Every time I opened my mouth to call for help, he would muffle out the noise with his own mouth. I still can’t stand the smell of coffee for it reminds me of him. When he was done, he told me I was his, that I now belonged to him. That no one would want me since I was no longer pure. I was so humiliated, my body responded to him, and I orgasmed. I fucking orgasmed. How fucked up is that?” Raven stood from the bed her hands either side of her head before wiping her eyes and focusing back on me as she sat back down. “When he left my room, I ran into my bathroom and after setting the shower to hot I got in. I needed to burn him off my skin. I watched as the blood from my virginity and his roughness ran down the drain. He hadn’t been gentle at all and when he thrusted into my ass it split. I was in such agony, and he didn’t care. The more I cried the harder he fucked me. He said it spurred him on and that it pleased him to know only he would ever be able to do it to me. The next morning, I ran to my father, I told him what happened, begged him to make Benjamin leave. But do you know what he did? He smiled and told me it didn’t matter. That once the treaty alliance was signed, I would be his anyway so I should just let it go and get on with it” Raven burst into tears as she buried her head in her knees. How could her father just allow someone, anyone to violate their daughter in such a viscous and degrading way? My heart broke for her, she had suffered something no woman should ever have to endure. Flinging my arms around her I bought her head to my chest and held her tight. She needed to know she wasn’t alone anymore, that she had someone to help her fight the battles she couldn’t face. After a few minutes her crying stopped, and her breathing evened out. Pulling away from me she looked at me as if trying to decipher whether or not I had an ulterior motive. “Why are you being so nice to me? Everyone is going to see me as a homewrecker, like some slut that’s going to steal your mate from you”

“Oh please, that’s not going to happen. I’m being nice to you because you haven’t done anything wrong. You’re a victim Raven. None of what has happened to you is your fault. I know a lot of she-wolves become overly jealous and possessive of their mates, but I assure you I’m not like that. I have no reason to be. I mean sure others have tried it on with Mykel, he’s everything you would want in a mate. However, not once has he acted to the advances of another woman. Call him old fashioned but even growing up he believed in the sanctity of the mate bond. Mykel and I were together during school, yet we never slept together until we turned eighteen. We have only ever been together. Even when Mykel realised you were his mate, he refused to act on it without my blessing. Raven, I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m not just saying this because I’ve had a drink. Well, a few drinks actually but I mean what I say. And I’m not afraid to admit I needed the help of alcohol to come and speak with you” Raven leaned in a placed a kiss on my lips. For a split second I leaned into it and kissed her back, but quickly pulled back away.

“Oh my goddess I’m sorry Luna Lilith I shouldn’t hav…”

“Hey its ok. I’m all for you being with Mykel, but that’s as far as it goes. I’m sorry Raven, but I’m not into women at all and I’m sorry if I gave you the impression I was. It wasn’t my intention.