The New Alpha Stole My Heart

“Happy birthday, Aria!”

'Morning already?' I asked my uncle while moving lazily on top of my bed. He was holding a strawberry cake with a lighted candle on the top while grinning from ear to ear.

“It’s time to blow the candle and make a wish!” he uttered. He happily inched forward to the side of the bed. He handed the cake closer, still wearing his festive demeanor. I heaved a sigh before puffing the fire out.

Uncle Stan’s forehead formed some vertical lines in the middle. His smile disappeared from his lips. Instead, a mixture of confusion was written all over his face.

“Did you not make a wish, Aria?”

I gave him an impassive stare. “You know that I stopped making birthday wishes a long time ago.”

My uncle gaped at the notion but decided to shut his mouth. He bowed his head and got up. “I’ll be downstairs,” he whispered. Moments later, he was out of the room leaving me in my solitude.

Most people would say their happiest moments would be during their birthdays. There was no denying that the day a person was born would be the fondest memories they have during childhood. But not for me.

Because this day only brings unwanted memories that kept on haunting me until now.

Flashback to seven years ago.

It was my tenth birthday, the day I was looking forward to the whole year. But instead of a party or some gifts, I was celebrating in fear and anxiety.

“What did you do to my shirt, you bitch!”

My body shuddered in fear. As a result, the bowl I was holding fell on the floor. Beads of sweat began to form on my forehead. My heart skipped a beat hearing his thunderous voice.

“I…II’m sosorry. I didn’t mean to—”

Pak!

His rough hand sent me flying down the tiled floor. A buzzing sound ringed my ears as my cheek went numb to the pain. My tiny, tenyearold body was used to this kind of treatment yet it still hurt like hell.

“Because of your clumsiness, my shirt was ruined! What can you do to save it? Tell me? Tell me?!”

“I’m sorry, daddy. I will just—”

Smack!

Another good, sharp smack welcomed me on the side of my face. Blood began oozing from my punctured lips. He grabbed a handful of my hair and violently pulled it backward. My scalp was almost torn from my head.

“IIt hurts, dadaddy. Please…”

“How many times do I have to tell you that you are not my seed? Your real daddy was a disgusting wolf whose only job in life was to screw women and ruin a family. Do you hear that? You are a child of a fucking home wrecker! You are not my child! You are not my child!”

My little physique was in extreme pain as daddy tanned my hide without remorse.

“Ppleeasee dad..Iit hhurts..”” I whispered in agony. I could no longer take the blows but what could a child like me do in that situation? What could I possibly do other than cry and beg my tormentor to stop?

Tormentor, what a strong word to use by a tenyearold girl like me. It was funny that my life wasn’t like this before. My daddy loved me and he treated me like a princess.

I remembered having a big, pink room upstairs. My bed could fit three people in it while my cabinet was full of glittery dresses and cute little shirts. My daddy and older brother showered me with their love and affection. A lot of people were saying that I was probably the luckiest girl in the world. But that luck started to wear off.

One day, my daddy found some hidden letters from my mom’s things. The love letters detailed my mom’s infidelity and the fact that I was fathered by another man. My daddy was devastated. My mom was banished from the pack while I was spared from the punishment sighting my innocence from the sin. So, my father was forced to keep me in his household. And the constant reminder of my mom’s betrayal whenever he looked at me made everything worst.

From a princess of his house, I became his maid. I was forced to move into a shabby shack at the back of the mansion. His love for me was gone, only bitterness and disgust were left.

Every night, I looked at the moon and pray for this nightmare to end. I begged and begged for her to give me back the loving father I grew up with. My birthday wish every year was to return to the good life I had before. But the moon goddess didn’t listen to my pleas.

A few minutes later and he stopped hitting me. My vision was blurry from the strikes yet my hearing was still clear. I could hear him catch his breath and even the moment when he gulped cold water from the glass sitting on top of the table. All I could do is cry. How long should I stay in this godforsaken life? I am beyond exhausted. I don’t know how long I could still keep up with the constant abuse I was getting from him.

“I never thought I see the day but finally, I could completely take you out of my life. I was offered a beta position in Ridgewood pack and they were expecting me to move in as soon as possible. And guess what? I would only bring my trueborn son David with me. While you? I no longer care what will happen to you. You’re free to do whatever you want. You’re on your own now.”

The fear of isolation crept over me. The threat of living by yourself was the worst nightmare for every child. With that, I slowly crawled toward him. I moved my little body forward until I reached his foot. With extreme pain, I wrapped my arms around his legs and looked up at him.

“Please, dad. Take me with you. I can’t live alone.” My face was damped with a mixture of blood, tears, and snot. My eyes were halfshut as they swelled from the beating earlier. “Please…I’m begging you…”

But instead of receiving a hug or words of affirmation, I was given a series of kicks. I could feel that strength was slowly taken out of my system. I tried to scream but my voice seemed to slowly disappear. My eyelids became heavy. I was devastated, with lacked strength and courage.

Perhaps, this was the end I was desperately waiting for.

“Brother! What the hell are you doing to the poor child!”

A glimmer of hope hit my senses as I heard the familiar voice of a man. It belonged to my Uncle Stan, daddy’s younger brother. I saw him rush to the scene and took me in his lap. I was cold and trembling in his sight but his arms and body gave me a reassuring warmth.

“Why are you hitting her?” he asked while looking at his brother. Daddy scoffed.

“This filth spilled soup on my shirt. I am just punishing her for it.”

“Punishment?” The veins on Uncle Stan’s neck bulged. “You called this a punishment? You almost beat your daughter to death!”

“She is not my fucking daughter!” my dad yelled. Hearing him disowning me straight to my face was adding pain to my already shattered heart. “And from now on, she was none of my fucking business. I and my real son David will move to Ridgewood soon while that girl could do whatever she wants to do in her life.”

“Are you kidding me? You are leaving her alone to fend for herself? She was just a kid for crying out loud!”

“I don’t give a damn and I don’t fucking care! Sell her, send her into the woods or leave her here, she was no longer my concern. I want her out of my life and that is what I will do!”

“You…You’re a monster!” my uncle whispered while tears are streaming in his eyes. He looked at me with compassion before turning his gaze to my dad once again.

“If that’s what you want, fine! Do whatever you please.” He got up, carrying me in his arms, “I will take Aria with me. From now on, I would be the dad you deprived her of.”

And that was the last time I saw my father. My uncle took me in and raised me as his own.

I immediately got up from my bed and fix myself. Afterward, I headed downstairs. I saw Uncle Stan looking at the picture of my cousin Maggie who went missing last year. I hugged him from behind and kiss his cheeks.

“Your birthday would have been great if only Maggie was here. I am pretty sure that she would decorate the whole house and throw you a party.”

My heart ached a little seeing how much Uncle Stan longed for Maggie. I sat in front of him while holding his hand offering him comfort. “Don’t lose hope, uncle. One day, we will find her and our family will be complete again.”

Uncle Stan nodded and caressed the side of my face. I smiled at him lovingly.

“Now, where’s that strawberry cake that you got for me? I’m starving!” I said while going to the kitchen countertop and preparing breakfast for the most important man in my life.

“Don’t come any closer!”

The alpha of our pack inched himself closer. He took off his shirt and began to howl like a rabid animal. Lust could be seen in his eyes as he stuck out his tongue and licked his lips in a circular and provocative motion.

I grimaced at the scene, utterly disgusted with his behavior. For a middleaged man, the gesture was far from being hot. My mouth twitched as I took another step backward. It was a nobrainer to know what he was intending to do.

He wanted my body, that’s for sure. But I wouldn’t let his filthy hands touch my body. Not now, not ever.

“I am warning you! Don’t come any closer or else…”

“Or else what?” the alpha scoffed. “You will shout for help? Huh! As if somebody would come to rescue you. Have you forgotten? I am an alpha and my words are the truth in this place.

Terror crept into my system. The reality of how helpless my situation is was adding another layer of fear into my system. Do I really deserve this kind of treatment?

After my seventeenth birthday, I noticed that our alpha was constantly visiting Uncle Stan’s house. He began throwing me dirty stares and sometimes, I could sense that he was attempting to flirt with me. But instead of stepping into his boundaries, I found myself ignoring and avoiding him as much as I can. I couldn’t imagine being her lover for crying out loud!

Like every shewolf who came of age, I longed to meet the man whom the goddess bestowed to be the other half of my soul. I am waiting for my mate to claim me as his. Never in my wildest dreams that I imagined being mated to a man that wasn’t destined for me. It was only my mate that I would offer my heart and body to.

So climbing to my alpha’s bed was never an option.

I stepped one of my feet backward, slightly bending my knees in the process. I balled my fists and held them up to cheek level. I know that I am no match for him when it comes to handtohand combat but I got to try my luck. I’d rather die than allow him to taint me.

Before he could inch closer, I changed into my wolf form and sprinted. Yes, that was my plan. Running from him was the only chance I know in escaping his evil plans.

And so, I ran. I bolted toward the woods. I sprinted like my life depends on it. I dashed through the night wanting to get out of that place as soon as possible.

I felt that alpha, in his wolf form, had followed me. My heart beats louder. I got to run faster if I wanted to get out of this place unscathed.

I dashed into the woods as fast as I can in hope that the alpha would not be able to keep up. I jumped through the big boulders and hidden mazes. I needed him to lose my trail. I was desperate.

A few minutes had passed and his smell diminished until finally, it disappeared. It looked like I lost him. With that, I transformed back to my human form. I slowed my movement but remained vigilant of the surroundings. Big Mistake.

Out of nowhere, I felt a being jump at me making me roll violently on the ground. I saw the bald alpha laughing like a maniac as his skin brushed into mine. We were both naked, as the result of our previous shifting. When we stopped rolling, he was on top of me. His demonic desire to claim me intensified as I saw his eyes burn with lust. I am sure of it, this alpha was ready to claim my virginity by force.

He pinned both of my hands above my head using his right hand while the other was touching my face. I turned to my side, avoiding his filthy breath. He was literally drooling on top of me. I also felt his member was ready to penetrate me.

I looked up and silently uttered a prayer as I felt him kiss and sucked my neck. From there, I caught the sight of a familiar plant. I knew this type of plant, as Uncle Stan taught me, and Maggie about some herbs and medicines we could use in the wild.

It was a Nightcrawler, a leaf that could make you blind if it was put in the eyes. A plan brewed inside my mind.

With the last ounce of strength, I stretched my fingers and grabbed a handful of leaves. I squeezed it discreetly until both of my hands were covered by its juice. This plan has to work. If not, I should kiss my innocence goodbye.

“Aalpha, I surrender. Clearly, I am no match for your power and speed so I know that there was no way out of this situation. I don’t want my first to be rough so can we start over? I…I want to make the most out of this situation.”

The alpha suddenly stopped nibbling at my neck and looked at me. I tried meeting his gaze with a submissive stare. He smirked at my declaration.

“You should have done that a while ago so we no longer wasted time chasing each other. I told you, didn’t I? I will make sure you’ll enjoy every fucking second of me grinding on top of you.”

“I am a fool, alpha. So…will you allow me to touch you now?” I tried putting a bit of seduction into my words and judging by how he grinned, it looks like it worked.

I felt that his grasp was loosened, indicating that he was freeing my hands. When it finally did, he got up from my top and looked at me with anticipation. I took a deep breath and began to move my hands.

But instead of grabbing his manhood, I dug my Nightcrawlerstained thumb into his eyes, making sure that the sap would penetrate into his orbs.

“Waaahhh!!! My eyes!!! My eyes!!!!! You bitch! What did you fucking do to my eyes?!”

The alpha screamed in pain. He was swinging his head like crazy while covering his eyes like a creep. I saw blood streaming down his face. Looks like the Nightcrawler had taken its effect.

This was the chance I am waiting for.

I jumped, preparing myself to shift. When I landed on the ground, I already changed into my wolf form. I dashed into the forest, only this time, far from the place I used to call home. I guided my legs to the end of our border, intentionally wanting to step out of our territory.

What I did to the alpha was considered treason. As twisted as it sounds, any pain you inflict to the leader of the pack would mean death regardless of what your reason is. I felt that something blocked my throat remembering my Uncle Stan. I don’t want to leave him alone but the situation led me to this.

I don’t have a choice, do I?

Under the moonlight, I raced through the dark. I decided to dash south, as I know the trees would be denser in this part of our territory. Also, this was the part where the least of the trackers were assigned. This would be my best shot to get out of the pack’s territory completely.

I felt a cold brush of wind on my cheeks as I went deeper into the forest. I galloped as long as there was land to brush my feet into. I didn’t know how long I had to run so I kept going.

I already passed the boundary of our southern reach, making me aware that I had already reached a hostile territory. I remained vigilant of my surroundings. One mistake and I might lose my life.

I suddenly felt the dryness of my throat. It was only then that I realized that I needed to drink. I stopped running and tried to listen to the sounds surrounding me. My mouth grinned when I heard ripples of water from a nearby stream.

I rushed in the direction of the sound. It didn’t take long before I reached the stream. I leaned down and scooped water in my hand. The water was sweet and refreshing. My mind was celebrating this little comfort when suddenly, I felt another presence at my back.

Running in my wolf form was the only thing that reminded me of my former self.

Just like when I was still in our pack, running had been my source of release. If there was one thing that I think would never pass on me, that would be my love of sprinting. I feel connected with my wolf every time I allow her to run freely in the woods. This was my way of bonding with her. This was my way of connecting to the wolf spirit within me named Bella.

But now, running was more than just a hobby. It would become my constant companion from now on.

We were in the middle of scampering through the forest when suddenly, I felt weird. My wolf recognized the feeling and decided to stop for a while.

Moments later an earthy aroma filled the air. The spicy, aromatic woodlike smell has a warm, exotic profile to it. It was Sandalwood, the most intoxicating I had ever smelled!

The scent created a warm feeling inside. It increased the awareness of my wellbeing bursting with inner desires. It was until my wolf Bella emerged from my thoughts jumping up and down that I finally understood what was going on.

"Mate!" she shouted at the back of my head.

"You must be mistaken, Bella. You know very well that what you're saying is highly unlikely because we haven't come off our age yet. This isn't our mate! I'm only sixteen," I uttered, trying to make a logical explanation about the mysterious scent that had overtaken us.

“We can't be wrong, Aria. You smelled him too. He was heavenly! I can't wait to meet him and let him mark us in bed.”

“You and your filthy mouth!” I shouted inside my head. “This wasn't the time to be joking like this. We just got away from that promiscuous alpha and almost got violated by him. How could you even say this?”

Bella disagreed with me. She was hellbent on making us feel fine. “No, let's find him, or I'll take over this body and find him myself.”

“This must be a trap, Bella! We're out of the pack. This could be witchcraft or have something to do with rouges? Let's not….”

Bella was not kidding when she said she would take over my body without my consent. And so, we shifted back to my wolf form. Only this time, she was the one n charge. Using her black and delicate paws, she ran after a shadow that she quickly noticed from one of the large old trees. Her shining grey fur danced with the wind and the possible danger awaiting before our eyes.

She doubled our speed and followed the intoxicating scent.

“This moron… why does he have to make his mate chase after him? Isn't he excited to meet and pound the hell out of us?!” Bella exclaimed.

Bella let out loud growls, calling our alleged mate. However, the shadow didn't stop. He fastened his movement, and I felt more exhausted than Bella as she tripled her speed to follow him.

I didn't know how far we had run away from our pack with our speed. There was no turning back now. Remembering it again, I felt the pain kick in. However, I couldn't fully feel sad when Bella was excited to know who that shadow was. We shared the same emotions and felt what others exactly felt like we were twins.

Bella was restless. She kept running when I heard her loud howl of joy.

“Aria! Our mate has stopped! That's him! That's him, right, Aria?” She excitedly chirped. I was silent, but deep inside, I was excited to know if the shadow was really our mate.

The shadow stopped just in front of a big old tree.

Bella sprinted forward and jumped up in the air to excitedly lunge at the shadow. However, the shadow moved from the side without us seeing his face. He lunged an attack again and knocked us out close to a deep hole in the mountain ground.

“What the hell! That's rude! We are mates! Why did you do that?!” Bella growled. The shadow had become a wolf and took a step forward to us before he quickly changed into his human form.

The figure sported a proud and serious face, but that wasn't why we were surprised.

He was not a male. He wasn't our mate because she was a woman. What was more surprising was it was Maggie! Maggie Whittaker! She was my longlost cousin who disappeared from our pack one year ago. Rumors said she abandoned our pack because she yearned for more life adventure since Maggie was one of the strongest, shewolf warriors in our pack. Others said she turned crazy chasing after her mate and abandoned her own family.

Regardless, me and Uncle Stan believed that she would still come back. But now, I finally knew where she was. She was my closest cousin and friend, my partner in crime. I was so lost when she went missing.

I shifted back to my human form in hope of getting sense out of her. “Wait, Maggie! It's me, Aria! Your cousin! Can you still remember me?” A look of shock and recognition flashed on Maggie's face. It was more like an affirmation.

“Damn! Is that really you, Aria?! I was right! Oh, my dear cousin!” She extended her hands and offered me a hug. A tearful reunion indeed!

“I’m sorry, Aria. I didn’t mean to knock you. I am just saving you from the trap I made for some rogues by disguising my smell. Good thing that I recognized your wolf form before I lured you further to my trap.”

My eyes widened. So that was why we smelled a divine scent and thought it was our mate. It was just a trap. I ignored most of Maggie's queries and closed our distance to tightly hug her. I really missed her.

“I'm really sorry, Aria. Let's get back to business. Answer me, please. What are you doing here? It's too dangerous in the wild,” Maggie asked again.

It took me seconds to reply, so she spoke again. “Come on, I'll help you go back to the pack. You shouldn't be here.”

“Thank you for the offer, Maggie. But I can’t go back to the pack. The alpha attempted to rape me and in order to escape, I blinded him using the sap of the Nightcrawler plant. At this very moment, his men might have started to hunt me already.”

We both fell silent, thinking of the reasons why we were pushed to abandon our pack. As if on cue, my eyes began to water again, and Maggie quickly noticed it.

She swiftly went to one of the large trees and put on clothes before she handed me another piece of clothing. But I struggled to put it on. She helped me wear it and silently guided me to a hidden cave.

When we entered the cave, I saw a small hut looking like her home; she said she had lived here for a year. The things inside seemed to be all made of materials from the mountain. At the side

of the hut were spears and bows that perhaps she used for hunting. However, I could not fathom why she would use it if we had our claws and sharp canines to hunt our prey.

Despite crying for what seemed like an eternity, I managed to swallow my cries and asked her, “What's this for, Maggie?”

“I used those for hunting and training, Aria. Not at all times, you can rely on Bella to fight for you. You must learn to protect yourself even with your human form,” Maggie explained.

She handed me some water placed on a leafmade cup before she walked to one of the spears and threw me one.

“I don't know how to use this, Maggie,” I complained.

“If you want to learn how to use it and some of my other ways here in the mountain, I will let you live with me. And remember, if you are going to choose to stay with me… from now on, you have to train until your body is sore and cry in pain. Besides, you don't know how dangerous it is to live without the protection of our pack. There were lots of cunning creatures you hadn't met yet. In case we have to go through the worst, you have to protect yourself.”

“Thank you, Maggie!”

“Don't thank me yet. Didn't you hear what I said? My favorite cousin isn't exempted from receiving a good beating. I meant, ammm... as my good training partner. It's been a long time since I had somebody to spar with. I remember how most of our pack shewolves fear training with me.”

My smile turned to a grimace when Maggie said it. It looked like I was wrong to sign up with this. Maggie noticed it and said, “You need to be stronger Aria. In case you see that mutt again, let's make sure he'll regret doing that to you.”

A newfound determination and strength surged in my veins with Maggie's words. I wanted to be stronger, psychologically and physically.

From then, I trained with Maggie. Every day, I felt my body was going to tear because of the hellish training I had been doing with her. Maggie became stronger than the last time she was in the pack. She could be a female beta with her strength. Moreover, I could immediately use our training because sometimes we were left with no choice but to fight some rouges who wandered onto the mountain. Not a week passed that our life wasn't put in danger. Some creatures always came for our heads.

A year had passed.

With the help of Maggie, I was now adapted to our life as a rogue. And as part of our daily routine, we went out to hunt for food.

We were marching toward the traps we made when we noticed something odd. Some of the bushes were bowed down as if someone had run over them.

We move stealthily, holding our spears and bows. We followed the trail until we reach a large sycamore tree. We are almost positive that the mysterious creature was hiding behind the tree’s massive trunk.

And we weren’t mistaken.

Today was supposed to be a regular day hunting for food. But as the saying goes, “Let life surprise you.”

We were still holding our makeshift weapons when I and Maggie went to see what was hiding in the back of the old sycamore tree. To be honest, I kind of hoped it was some animal that could fill our stomachs in the following days. But alas! It was far from the awesome game we were expecting to be our trophy for today’s hunt. Instead, we were welcomed by an unknown man.

When the mysterious man felt our presence, he immediately stood on his fighting form. One of his feet was stepped backward while his fists were at cheek level. He was panting real hard, a clear indication of fatigue and exhaustion. But when he finally realized who we were, a sigh of relief escaped from his throat.

“Phew! It was just a bunch of girls,” he uttered to himself. He also let his guard down before leaning back to the tree trunk.

“What did you say, punk?” Maggie had queried. Her eyes were a bit narrowed, a sign that she was upset. “What do you mean by “just a bunch of girls?”

I tried to calm her down by grabbing one of her arms. Clearly, she took offense to the word “just a bunch of girls”. Maggie hated toxic masculinity. And this unknown man clearly gets on her nerves.

But instead of answering, the man coughed. It wasn’t a big deal except that he coughed blood! That was the only time we noticed his bloody side.

“You’re injured!”

The man twitched and I saw his wounds. It was a pretty ugly claw mark, which I think came from a wolf attack. “Who did this to you?” I asked again.

“A group of rogues,” he answered while still catching his breath, “I am doing some patrolling to the western border of this territory when I was attacked by a group of rogues. I was lucky I was able to beat them but not without getting wounded.

“Western border?” Now, it was Maggie’s turn to ask questions. She also scooted down and help me apply pressure to the man’s side. “Did you come from Grey Moon Pack?”

“Well, yes and no,” he answered while chuckling. Maggie’s eyebrows raised in yet another confusion. But before she could have reacted further, the man spoke once again. “I am not from the Grey Moon Pack originally. I came from a pack called Silver Arrow. It just so happen that our alpha was able to defeat the Grey Moon alpha so we decided to move to their lands.”

“Wait, what?” I interjected. “The Grey Moon alpha was defeated? Does that mean he’s…”

“Dead,” he responded back. “Our alpha beheaded him in a battle a month or so ago.”

I swallowed hard. The news that this man brought was clearly a surprise in my life. Never that I imagined that our fierce and ruthless alpha would come to his end this early. I mean, he was still in his prime and definitely not a weak leader. But to hear that he was beheaded in a battle of life and death really says a lot about this new alpha that was taking over our old pack.

He must be really strong to be able to do that.

“Here, much this herb. This would help your body speed up your healing ability. It would also help with the bleeding.” When I turned to my side, Maggie was putting some Krimson leaf into the man’s mouth. Good thing that Maggie always brings this very useful medicine whenever we go hunting. To her word, we might find it useful especially for some unexpected injuries. Well, she clearly proved her point now.

The man followed what he was asked. I also help him dress his wound using his torn clothes. A few more minutes and the man’s breathing seemed to become stable. By the looks of it, the Krimson plant might already have taken its effect.

“Thank you for helping me,” the man uttered a while later. “It’s Oliver by the way.”

“My name is Aria and this is my cousin Maggie,” I responded. The man nodded while exchanging his glances between me and Maggie. “Anything wrong?”

“Well, I just find it weird.”

“Weird?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, weird. You looked like a rogue but both of you seemed to be educated. Tell me the truth, are you both banished from the Grey Moon Pack? This location was very near to the pack’s border so I am pretty sure you came from that pack.”

“It’s none of your business,” Maggie dismissed him. She began fixing her things and was ready to go when Oliver spoke again.

“If you were a part of the Grey Moon Pack, then it is better for you to return to your pack. The new alpha had decreed that all of the banished or runaway wolves from Grey Moon should go back and pay respect to his leadership. Everyone was encouraged to attend his inauguration.”

“And what if we don’t?” Maggie asked in a challenging tone. She really hates controlling men!

“Then the new alpha would consider that as treason. He would hunt you down until you were both dead.”

It has been an hour since we left Oliver under that sycamore tree. We decided to go back to our camp after ensuring that he was okay to be left alone. Besides, his wounds are way better than we first so them. The Krimson plant really helped him recover.

Maggie was surprisingly quiet and wearing a straight face. I didn’t know whether that was because we will go back emptyhanded from our camping trip or because of the warning that Oliver had told us.

Talking with Oliver gave us some invaluable information about Grey Moon. Living in the woods meant that we were completely isolating ourselves from the outside world. So those news and important events we learned for him were highly valuable to us.

We had learned from him that instead of fighting the new leadership, the people of Grey Moon accepted the new alpha with open arms. Well, I couldn’t blame them. Alpha Casimir was ruthless, unjust, and a powertripper. I personally witnessed how he abused his power. Isn’t that my reason for leaving Grey Moon in the first place?

But now that he was gone and the new alpha was demanding our presence, then I think it was time to go back. While I was thankful for the knowledge and useful life experiences that I obtained here in the wild, I couldn’t deny how difficult our life here was. There were times that we didn’t have some food to eat or perhaps our camp was destroyed by a storm. There were some moments when I missed the comforts and protection that our pack was able to provide. I also missed Uncle Stan.

“Maggie?” I called my cousin’s attention. “I think it was time to—”

“I will not set foot on that pack again. Ever,” she said. She sat down on a boulder while fixing our firewoods.

“But you heard what the tracker said. We need to go back or else, we are going to die here.”

“Then so be it. I am ready to die anyway.”

“But Maggie—”

“I said no!” she yelled. She threw away the firewoods she was holding while looking at me without flinching. “Please don’t push it, Aria. I said I will not go back to our pack and that is final.”

“Then give me an acceptable reason why you didn’t want to,” I challenged. “Unless you tell me the reason, we will be having this conversation until you agreed.”

Maggie stood up while putting his hands on his head. He was pacing back and forth, contemplating whether she would tell me her reasons or not. Maggie knew me very well. She knew that I would keep on opening this conversation with her until I urged her to side with me.

Again, Maggie sat down. This time, tears are flooding her face. “I just…I just didn’t have the face to see dad. I’d rather be dead instead of seeing his disappointed face.”

“What do you mean?” I inched closer and sat next to her. “I don’t understand. Why would Uncle Stan be disappointed if you will come home?”

She took a deep breath before opening her mouth again. “Two years ago, I met a vampire one night while strolling into the woods. And that vampire was my mate.”

My jaw dropped to the ground upon hearing her story. However, my mouth remained shut. Maggie was mated to a vampire? What the hell!

“Knowing that our pack would not accept our union, we decided to run away. He convinced me to come with him to their vampire coven, stating that our love would have a bigger chance to be accepted there.”

“So…that’s the reason why you run away without telling us, right?”

“Yes,” she responded. “I ran away to be with him. But when we arrived at the coven, his parents, who are the head of the coven, opposed our union. They urged him to marry another vampire who happened to be a daughter of a highranking noble in their place. At first, he refused. But when his parents threatened to disown and disinherit him, he…he…he abandoned me.”

Maggie’s voice cracked upon uttering the last word. I put her head on my chest and wrapped my arms around her. So this was the reason why she decided to live as a rogue.

“I couldn’t face you and my father after what had happened. How will I tell both of you that I left to be with my mate who abandoned me in the end? I was so stupid to believe his words. I didn’t deserve you or my father. I am worthless! I am dumb and useless!”

“Stop it, Maggie! Don’t you ever say that!” This time, I moved her body away from mine and faced her. “He didn’t deserve you. You are wonderful, kind, and beautiful. And besides, I know that Uncle Stan would be happy to see you back in his arms.”

“Really, Aria? What if he wouldn’t accept me? I hurt him big time!”

“Everybody makes mistakes. Uncle Stan loves you and that would never change.”

“I…I don’t know, Aria. What if you are wrong? What if he drives me away?” Her face was full of doubts and uncertainties. I heaved a sigh.

“There’s only one way to find out whether I am right or wrong,” I stated. “Let us go back to Grey Moon and see for ourselves.”

“Who are you?”

Maggie and I glanced at each other as the oneeyed man stared daggers at us. We were currently at Grey Moon’s western border and planning to cross it when this tracker confronted us.

A part of me wanted to run away or fight this oneeyed tracker but I knew for a fact that this would not give us any good. We knew that revealing ourselves in the open like this was like inviting others to prey on us and yet, we still decided to continue. Our goal was to enter the Grey Moon territory and by that, we meant that we have to face the pack’s trackers and warriors.

“I said, who are you and what are you doing here out in the wild?!”

The tracker’s voice raised a little compared to his last query. His face was now flushing while giving us an intimidating stare. He also moved his head from side to side while his fingers slightly moving. Uh oh! The oneeyed tracker seemed to be ready to arrest or fight with us.

Beads of sweat began to form on my forehead. My heart was also banging inside my chest. We have to do something to pacify him or else we will be dead before we could see Uncle Stan. Not that we couldn’t fight this werewolf in front of us, we just didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention from others. Fighting one wolf is one thing and yet, fighting a group of skilled warriors was another level.

“We…We…”

“What’s going on here?”

The sound from another man took our attention. It was Oliver, inching himself towards us. The oneeyed tracker turned around and bowed his head. The gesture made me wonder. Could it be that Oliver was one of the highranking wolves in this new pack leadership?

“Sir, I found these two rogues walking around the area. I believe that they were spies who were—”

“They were not.”

“Sir?” His forehead creased after hearing his leader.

“You heard me, boy. They were not rogues and definitely not spies. In fact, these two shewolves are my friends.” And then, he turned his gaze to us while wearing a friendly smile. “Hello, Aria and Maggie. It’s been a while since we last see each other.”

“HHi, Oliver,” I greeted back. Maggie didn’t say anything but waved his hand while smiling back. The oneeyed tracker was even more confused seeing our exchanges of greeting.

“I’ll take these two lovely ladies with me as I go back to the pack. Also, I will tell your team leader what you did and make sure that you will receive some reward. Keep on doing a great job! We need trackers as vigilant as you to keep our borders safe.”

The face of the tracker lit up after hearing it. “Thank you, Sir! I appreciate your kindness!” He even bowed his head, lower than the first one he did earlier, before gesturing his hand to go with Oliver. I took Maggie’s hand before stepping back to the land I avoided for a year.

We walked with Oliver as we continue to inch closer to the place I once called home. Eyes darted on us whenever we encounter a tracker post. But seeing we were walking nonchalantly with one of their own, they didn’t dare to confront us. This gave me peace of mind.

The trees became sparse indicating that we have reached the pack village. Oliver stopped his movements and spoke. “This is the farthest I could take you.”

I heaved a sigh before looking at him. Maggie did the same and said, “Thank you, Oliver.”

He caressed the back of his head. “I am just returning the favor you did for me back in the woods. If not for the both of you, I wouldn’t be here. So I guess we are even, hmm?”

Maggie and I chuckled. Oliver waved his goodbye before going back to his post. A few moments later, we are back on our own. We continued on our journey.

It wasn’t long before we saw the entrance of Uncle Stan’s house. Whatever led us to this situation was way out of the plan. We were supposed to live as rogues for the rest of our lives yet here we are. Fear took over my being as the reality of the whole situation struck me. I shuddered, worrying about how Uncle Stan would react to us coming home. But I can’t show that to Maggie. If she would see even a tiny bit of hesitation, she might end up running back to the woods.

I turned to Maggie. “Are you ready to enter the house now?”.

As if she had a choice, Maggie nodded in agreement. Only this time, I grabbed her hand. She looked at me for a moment indirectly asking what was going on. I smiled at her in return.

“We are in this together, Maggie.” I winked at her. “Do the honors, please.”

Maggie smiled before I saw her put her hand on her right temple. She narrowed her eyes a bit. I could sense that she was mindlinking Uncle Stan. My instinct was proven correct as I saw her father spring out from the entrance door.

Tears started to stream down our faces when we both see him. He looked thinner from what I remembered last time. He also had bags under his eyes, a clear indication of sleepless nights. Poor Uncle Stan! He must have been too worried about us.

“Maggie? Aria?”

“Dad!” Maggie ran toward him, stretching her arms in the process. She wrapped her arms around her old man as tightly as she could. Both father and daughter were bawling as they fell slowly to the ground.

“I’m sorry, Dad! I was a fool for leaving you. What I did was unforgivable. I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

Uncle Stan continued to pacify his longlost daughter. He constantly stroked her back while giving her tiny kisses on the head.

“Hush now, child. Daddy is here. Daddy is here.”

It took them a little while to stay in that position. The sight melted my heart. The two of them had suffered long enough so they deserve every ounce of this tearful reunion. After a while, Uncle Stan stretched one of his hands and turned to me.

“What are you doing there, Aria? Come over here and give your Uncle Stan a hug!”

And I did. Aria scooted over and together with Uncle Stan, they wrapped me in their arms. The long wait was over.

Finally, Maggie and I were home.

The sound of my heels echoed along the footsteps of my family. We were going to the pack house where the inauguration of the new alpha would commence. This was so different from when I went to the pack gathering ages ago. I heard Uncle Stan and Maggie’s chatters as we kept walking to the venue. Meanwhile, I silently observed all the changes that took place in the pack.

There were still cabins made of woods, tall trees, and gardens for every house, and I could see some pups clad in their adorable proper attire. I also caught some stares directed at us with curiosity. I could see that they couldn't recognize me at first glance, but every time they saw Dad and Maggie behind me, recognition flashed to their faces.

It’s been three days since Maggie and I went home. We told Uncle Stan our reasons on how we saw each other in the woods and why we ended up running away. Maggie was still emotional thinking about how her mate deserted her. But to his Uncle Stan’s words, it was never her fault. He also added that maybe, the moon goddess would still shower her grace upon her and would give her another chance at love.

As for me, he often wondered why I didn’t mindlink him when the alpha tried to assault me. I told him that he took me to the pack borders, a place where our mindlinking abilities would not work.

Also, I was too scared to even think straight. Before I remembered to link into his mind, I already crossed the other side and was too far to make a connection.

“Aria, what is my gorgeous cousin thinking? Are you enjoying their attention?” Maggie interpreted my thoughts and casually glanced at the other side, pointing her stares to a group of men curiously staring at us. All of them were goodlooking but weren’t enough to keep my attention.

“No, Maggie. I live as a rogue for a year. As if I was interested in any of their attention.”I scoffed. Maggie shook her head and continued walking. Uncle Stan told us today was the Ritual Day, on which the new Alpha would be officially announced and acknowledged in the ball. Everyone in the pack should attend, if not, they would be regarded as disrespectful and not acknowledging him.

“Aria, we are almost there. I can see the ball from here. Are you okay? Are you decided that we'll stay in this pack?” Maggie asked. Then she whispered, “We could still run away from all of this and we could bring dad with us. What do you think?”

I shook my head and breathed a deep sigh. “No, Maggie. We will stay here in the pack. We will acknowledge this new alpha and will give him a chance. Don't worry about me. I will be fine.” Maggie nodded in agreement as we stepped closer to the venue. A few minutes later, we reached the ball.

Attending social gatherings was never my thing. I’d rather stay inside my room and read my books. Unlike Maggie, I didn’t have friends. So when we stepped into the crowd and saw some familiar faces, it was easy for her to blend with them and catch up. Uncle stand did the same to his friends.

Feeling bored, I leaned on Uncle Stan’s ears. “Uncle Stan, when will this ball officially start? I thought we were in a hurry?”

“We are still waiting for the Alpha. He'll be around at exactly nine in the evening.”

“I see,” I answered. Can I stroll around first? I'll be back by then.”

“Alright, just make sure you’ll be back on time.” He gestured for me to go away before Maggie could see me. I shook my head and smiled. Uncle Stan really knows when to give me my privacy whenever I need it.

I found peace in the backyard of the pack house, which was now occupied by the new alpha. I silently walked towards a log that caught my attention and quietly appreciated my solace. However, my newfound peace didn't last when I saw a halfnaked man casually walking toward the house. He wore rugged pants. His hair was messy and his toned chest was sparkling with sweat. I retracted my gaze when his deep set of eyes landed on me. I gasped.

Oh, shit! He is dropdead gorgeous!

Growing up, boys never seemed to interest me. Even at my age, I have yet to see a man that would fit my standards of being handsome. While I know that werewolves are blessed with good genes, I found it hard to be impressed with their looks.

I’ve never thought I would see the day. But tonight, I might have seen the most handsome man I had laid my eyes on.

The relaxed expression on his face changed. He furrowed his eyebrows as he approached me with hasty strides.

With a commanding voice, he asked, “What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on the ball for the inauguration?” He was looking down at me. So, I stood proudly after he asked me and composed myself, countering his countenance.

“Why are you asking me? Aren't you too relaxed, yourself, and even tried to run in the woods if you know most of the pack should be there for the ceremony?” I asked daringly.

I knew the man just went out to the woods because he reeked of sweat, and he had no shirt. Noticing it, I couldn't help but run a look at his body.

The man impatiently crossed his arms. His muscles bulged, which caught my attention for a second. He was bold to pry on my business when he wasn't there too.

A smirk formed on his face. He rudely touched my chin and raised it to meet my gaze. I tried to swat it, but his grip was firm enough that I couldn’t move his hands away.

“Do you know who you were asking, kitten? I could snap your neck with your disobedience right here and now,” he whispered. Although his voice seemed calm and deep, it was laced with warning. He was not joking.

“Well, try me then!” I daringly replied. His eyes turned to gold with my answer and in one swift move, he was at my back. His arms were on my neck and ready to twist it. “Are you sure?” he asked.

My heart raced so fast with anxiousness. 'How did he do that within seconds?' I was so taken aback that I couldn't react. I tried to kick his foot to make him off balance, but he dodged it to change our situation.

I only needed a few seconds to change our position, so I did him dirty by biting his arms and escaping from his hold.

However, I didn't expect him to still react fast. He was so swift that I found myself falling flat to the ground as he pushed me. He pinned my hands above my head as he stared at my eyes. We were so intimate, and I could hear each other's wild breathing.

“Do that again, and you'll never see the sunrise again,” he warned, making a chill run down my spine.

He was fucking good that I thought he'd kill me in an instant. My eyes sparkled with both excitement and worry.

“Now, aren't you going to apologize?” he asked.

I answered with a chortle and looked at him despite being underhanded.

“Aria, just apologize! I can feel his murderous intent even though he looked so calm,” Bella advised. I disagreed with her and didn't answer. I even rolled my eyes. I didn’t know, but this man irked me so much.

“Apologize while I could still control myself. If my wolf took over, he wouldn't take a second to wring your neck,” he warned again.

'I couldn't believe him. What did I do wrong in the first place?'

“What do I need to apologize for?! I was just sitting there earlier! But you suddenly came and said nonsensical things. I just answered your query.”

“Pup, I said apologize!” His voice became too loud and authoritative. I could see his veins starting to show, and his eyes turned to gold again. This started to bring fear to me, but I couldn’t just back down. ‘Who is he to even to command me? We are equal. Even though he looked like he had a position in this pack.’

“Damn it! I said, apologies now!” This time his voice had some odd effect on me. It was domineering. I was still hesitant as I glared at him, but when I felt the moonlight cascading its light to us and specifically to him, I felt his words were so powerful that I lost my strength and murmured an apology. It was so faint that he was displeased with it. I didn't even look at him when I said it.

The sound of a bell rang, making us stare at the venue hall. That meant it was already nine o’clock. We were going to be late for the pack ritual. We needed to hurry.

In just seconds, he stood up and immediately vanished from my sight like he didn't embarrass me and threatened my life. I was left there panting and sweating with fright.

I gasped for breath. I seem to forget to breathe with our position earlier.

“What the fuck just happened? Who was that man?!”

“Aria, you also have to be inside now. You don’t want to cause trouble again, girl. Let’s go!” Bella warned me. She even started to reprimand my behavior because she kept warning me through our mindlink, but I ignored her and was only focused on the oppressing man.

I composed myself and fixed my red mermaid ball gown. Some sweat was on my neck, and my hair tied in one big bun was a mess.

I bit my lips. This was not good for giving my first impression to the alpha and the rest in case they noticed us. I had to look presentable in the least.

I rolled my eyes as I calmed myself. That man would pay for this. What he did was unnecessary.

I didn’t have a choice but to let my long hair cast down to my behind. If I could describe myself, I knew I would look like a nymph with this beauty. However, I truly didn't want anybody's attention.

Heaving a deep sigh, I hurried towards our designated spot. But to my surprise, I ran to that man again. I felt so anxious like someone kicked my heart out of my chest. I avoided looking at him, but I was magnetized.

Due to that he caught me staring, and he immediately coldly looked down from my face to my feet and back to my face. I didn’t fail to notice that his gaze stopped at my chest, having a disapproving look. He gritted his teeth and stopped it within a second.

I arched my brows to him and tried to ignore him. However, I didn’t fail to notice the respect he got from the people staring at him as he passed by. Shewolves were also obviously ogling at his good looks.

Well, I couldn't deny that he truly looked scrumptious with his sharp jawlines, cherry red thin lips, manly brown skin, deepset jetblack eyes, and messy black hair. Not to mention, he was now wearing a suit hugging his physique perfectly. He was eye candy. I could not blame them, but he honestly looked better without his clothes.

Bella laughed and agreed with my thoughts, making me blush. I forgot to shut her down before we went to the venue. I didn't think it was necessary. However, the smile I had as Bella kept teasing me was erased as I saw him catch me staring again and smirked.

I withdrew my gaze and headed to the nearby table to drink one glass of wine. I knew my cheeks looked like they had been slapped because I felt embarrassed and annoyed at the same time with his stare.

So, I drank a glass of wine with one scoop before I shook my head and continued to walk towards my family. They were still chattering loudly, like when I said I would be away for some time.

For the opening of the pack gathering and ritual, music of saxophone suddenly played as only four tables were left before I reached my family’s side. I had to stop in my tracks when the familiar tough looking pack warrior, Oliver to be exact, took over the microphone and announced something.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Without further ado, let's begin the celebration and pack ritual. And please, let’s welcome Alpha Hunter Fauder with a round of applause!”

I clapped my hands with the rest of the pack and expectantly waited to see a tall man, perhaps in his late twenties or something, walk upon the stage. However, I was pretty shocked when the man who was just close to me earlier was the one walking to the stage.

‘The heck! What is he doing there?! Bella, oh shoot! He’s… he’s our new alpha?’ I panicked and asked Bella.

“Aria, what did you just do? You just went against him earlier. I told you to not mess with him. When will you adhere to my advice? My instincts had been telling me, he had a powerful aura reverberating from him. We’re in trouble.”

I frustratingly pinched myself for my foolishness and reasoned, “Well, he’s… he’s too arrogant. My blood boils whenever I see him. I can’t control myself, Bella.” I held my hand firmly. I had to brace myself. I just hoped he wouldn’t embarrass me or punish me in front of everyone. Moreover, I thought the new alpha was kind, but he seemed he wasn’t. Faith didn't have the ability to tell whether a wolf was kind or not.

But from the back of my mind, I wished he was not that merciless, though.

Our new alpha silenced the crowd when he closed his hands. With an intimidating aura, he started his short speech.

My mouth went agape with his straightforwardness, charming, and commanding aura. He didn’t beat around the bush. He only said those few words, but I felt everyone was satisfied with his speech.

But above all this admiration, a question remained on my mind.

Where is his Luna?

No doubt, Alpha Hunter was at the peak of his prime. I wonder where his mate was.

“It is true that you cannot get the best of everything. If only he had a mate, then he would have been a perfect alpha in my eyes.”

My thoughts were interrupted when my ears caught that sound from the side. It was a pair of olderlooking women whom I believe were part of the original Silver Arrow Pack.

So he was still unmated? Did he not yet find his mate?

“I’m right there at you. It’s just sad that he had to pay for his father's crimes. I couldn’t imagine you losing the ability to smell your mate, knowing that it was the only thing that could confirm whenever he or she was near. Poor alpha! That evil witch was truly powerful to do that to him.”

Ah, so he was cursed. He was cursed to lose the ability to sense his mate.

While I still didn’t like him for what he had shown me earlier, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. I couldn’t imagine having all of the fame and success in life but still being alone at the end of the day. While I wasn’t too obsessed with finding my mate, I was one of those werewolves who dreamed of being with him. And to live in the reality of never having to meet your mate was really gutwrenching.

“To begin this feast, let’s race our glasses for a toast as we await the full moon to show and wait for the blessing of the moon goddess. Cheers, everybody!”

From the side, the new beta, Beta Spike, clinked his wine glass with a spoon, signaling everyone to begin drinking.

I looked to the side and caught a glass with strangers behind me and joined others for a drink.

‘This is going to be a long night. So, yeah, cheers to ourselves!'

After we all did that, everyone got back to their own businesses but mainly talked about Alpha Hunter. The latter went to a long table with wolves in high positions. I thought he was going to introduce a Luna before, but no one showed up.

After some time, everyone noticed that the full moon was slowly showing. To complete this celebration and offer respect to the Moon Goddess, Hunter had to do a dance ritual with one of the shewolves from the pack.

Below the stage, everyone started to gather at the center, and the eerie yet magical music of a piano echoed. Hunter stood in the middle and roamed his eyes around his subjects. I purposely didn’t bother to look at what he was exactly doing.

Hunter needed a partner. He needed one because he hadn’t a Luna yet. Every shewolves were expectant. However, Maggie and I were different. We were uninterested in this. We didn’t need attention. We blended well in our crowd, but I stood frozen when Hunter said something.

I felt a strong kick on my chest when I felt his gaze on me, although a lot of our pack members were covering me from him. I knew he was looking at me.

“You, the lady in the long red gown….”

‘The fuck! I was wearing a red gown, but I couldn’t be too sure. I won’t look in his direction.’

But I could start to feel some stares at me and the other shewolves wearing the same color of the gown in my direction.

“The one with the messy bun and wearing a glittering red gown.”

‘Shit! He’s really specifically asking for me, isn’t he?’ I grimaced and panicked. I felt like running away but my feet were glued to the ground.

I didn’t want to perform this ritual with Alpha Hunter. The Moon Goddess might even not bless us because I didn’t like this alpha. He had to choose another shewolf.

I bit my lip. Hunter surely knew how to get on my nerves and make my heart race with worry.

“Aria, the new alpha was calling you. What are you doing?”

It was Uncle Stan. He looked worried and I couldn’t blame him. Everybody was looking in our direction now.

I heaved a deep sigh. I wouldn’t get out of this trouble now.

I slowly walked towards him while others quickly made way for me. I caught some envious and shocked stares while all the male population's attention was on me.

This was too much for trying to be lowkey.

Hunter flashed a wicked smirk before turning his expression to his usual poker face before he took steps toward me. He laid his hand like a gentleman, and I nervously reached out for it.

With the sound of the new music for the ritual, I closed my eyes and bowed with him for respect as we stood at the center. When I opened my orbs, I intently stared at him. I shook off all the worries and inhibitions in my body. This was just a dance. Since he troubled himself for asking me to this. I could at least get back at him through this, couldn’t I?

I wickedly smiled with the idea and saw his eyes flash with amusement watching my expression.

“Thank you for asking me to do this, Alpha.” I sardonically emphasized the word alpha, which turned his eyes into a gold glint.

He placed his hands on my waist while my hands were on his broad shoulders. I didn’t leave his eyes, and neither was he. Our attention was only on each other, forgetting all the prying eyes fixated on us.

“I can’t find other interesting shewolves around here, kitten. However, I still haven’t forgiven you for disobeying me,” Hunter lamented. We gracefully danced through the beat of the rhythmic music.

When the music changed, it was my turn to slowly get back to him. He was supposed to stand idle as I danced in a painfully slow manner. I purposely slowly caressed his skin as I walked around him. Then I moved towards him and pressed my delicate body towards him and whispered, “Oh, is that so? Can’t this understanding alpha forget what this bad kitten did earlier?”

Hunter’s eyes darkened. He gritted his teeth as his sharp and hot gaze landed on me. His gaze landed on the tiny space between us, especially on my exposed smooth cleavage.

The side of my lips raised. This man undoubtedly was enjoying this. When the music changed, I stepped away from him and flawlessly danced again, gently doing hand movements. I held the fabric of my gown and carried the side of it, exposing my legs, and threw it gracefully to the other side.

His eyes never left me as I attentively seduced him. After a long minute, I was almost done with the shewolf part of the ritual and softly clap and stand in place. I looked at him with flirtations and mockery, challenging him. It was now his turn to dance.

Hunter also circled around me with his deep and hot stare fixated on me. He took a step forward and closed our distance, making my heartbeats go wild while his hands were busy worshipping me like I was Moon Goddess. He caressed my skin, and I felt my skin burnt with his touch. I clenched my fist as I muffled my gasps.

Our positions were changed. The temptress was caught like a rabbit under the big wolf's grasp.

“That’s quite a show, kitten. I admit, I enjoyed it,” Hunter said huskily.

‘Moon Goddess, why did you put me in this position?! I’m sorry, but I really can’t respect this man!’ I whispered to myself.

I was about to speak my mind when I felt his hot breath approaching my lips. ‘What he’s planning to do? This is not part of the ritual.’

I shivered with anticipation and breathed nervously. Before Hunter could close our distance, he stopped. He licked his lips with a dark desire apparent in his eyes and held my hands to put them again on his shoulders.

My face turned like a ripped tomato with embarrassment. I expected a damned kiss.

I avoided his gaze, and we did some final waltz again to finish the ritual. After we did that, everyone slowly formed pairs and danced. I didn’t stay to his side and swatted his hands away without others noticing it.

Hunter smirked and gave me a warning glare before I quickly strode to our table.

I tried to look for the rest of my family for support and explained that humiliation, but they were busy dancing in the crowd. Even Maggie was paired with a young boy.

What a night!

Maggie was still catching up with some friends while Uncle Stan was talking to some elders in our old pack. They seemed to have a great time reconnecting with everybody. While me? I still couldn’t get over what had happened on the dance floor.

Alpha Hunter intentionally shamed me. He intentionally embarrassed me and that was a fact!

“Aria, calm down. Calm down, okay? It’s just a dance. I am sure that not everyone noticed that supposed ki—whatever you want to call that. Just move on, okay?” It was my wolf Bella, trying to console me on the biggest humiliation of my life.

“But hey! You really look stunning tonight. No wonder why Alpha Hunter had started to take an interest in you, kitten,” she continued to explain and joke. She even imitated how Hunter referred to me as a kitten, which really lightened the atmosphere when I muffled a chuckle.

I pouted when Bella kept teasing me through the mention of Hunter's annoying endearment, kitten. Every time I tried to defend myself by explaining my side, Bella would only heartily snicker. Nonetheless, she still made me smile, albeit I was abashed, worried, and annoyed at the same time. With Bella around, I could be the same girl I used to be.

So, as a result, my worries slowly dissipated and focused on arguing with her. But when I caught a glimpse of that arrogant alpha, my blood boiled once again.

For all they knew, their new alpha had a foul character. They thought he wasn’t the usually overbearing type of alpha, but he was the worst. He was even lustful. I felt his wanton need when we bickered and danced, considering we just met today, and he successfully masked the scent of it to not disturb others. Usually, powerful creatures like him could do it. But still, he acted as if I extremely wronged him.

Now, he even put me in a tight spot. I just went back to the pack. Some might welcome me or ignore my presence, but I was sure I would be the main course for the gossip circulating in the pack because he chose me to be his partner for the pack ritual. There were lots of shewolves to choose from. Why did it have to be me?

“So, who do we have here? Ah! It’s the woman who caught Alpha Hunter’s eyes!”

Just as I was thinking the same thing, a scandalous voice exactly expressed what was on my mind. And yet, the woman who uttered it was not from our previous pack. I am sure she was with the arrogant Alpha Hunter previously.

My eyes glazed over her. The woman was undeniably beautiful, with blonde hair, expressive eyes, and a todiefor body. I never knew the girl, as this was the first time I went out to socialize with the rest of our pack after coming back here a few days ago.

“Hmmm…Hi…” I uttered. I tried posing a faint but sincere smile while offering my hand for a handshake. “My name is Aria Hemmingwood.”

But instead of taking my hand, her face frowned. She scanned me from head to toe before throwing me a disgusted look. “How dare you offer your dirty hand to me. Don’t you know me? I am Chloe Witchwork, the future Luna of this pack. If I were you, I will stop seducing Hunter. The nerve of you to do that! You are nothing but a lowly, slutty, goodfornothing shewolf!

I took back my hands, extremely surprised by the way she acted. I thought she approached me to possibly make friends but I was wrong. How stupid of me to think about that!

I clenched my fists, wanting to clear my side. While it looks like I played with Hunter earlier, it doesn’t mean I was interested in him. Furthermore, I didn’t tell him to pick me to be his partner. And if I was to turn back time, I would rather not choose to be picked by him. And this was exactly the reason why. “Miss Witchwork, let me make things clear. I am not interested in Alpha Hunter and most of all, this pack’s new Luna. You are barking at the wrong tree here.”

Chloe gasped and rolled her eyes. She glared at me while she was rendered speechless.

“Pretending to be the victim, eh? Are you trying to make a fool out of me? Well, let me tell you this, omega. Don’t mess with me if you know what is good for you. SO BACK OFF!”

I sighed. A part of me wanted to equally challenge her to defend myself but I chose not to. I didn’t want to mess with her pack more. I was merely wasting my time if I did.

So instead, I turned my back and intended to leave the gathering this early. Besides, the ritual was done. I didn’t have anything to do here. I better rest and prepare myself to accept the pack duty, and the next time I ran to Hunter in the upcoming days. He would surely call us at his office for dissemination of duties. It was one of my piles of dilemmas, to be honest.

Unfortunately, Chloe’s friends moved towards my front and blocked my path.

I rolled my eyes and bit my lip.

Chloe grabbed my arm from behind, giving me a deathly glare. “No one turned their back on me!”

I sighed before taking back my arm. This girl was really testing my patience. “Please, I don’t want any trouble. If my presence really bothers you, then I would gladly go home.”

I waited for them to get the signal that I was not in the mood for this petty fight. I wanted to go home and rest, but they were making it hard for me to get that simple wish. I kept waiting for them to clear the way, but they still didn’t move. We were starting to gather some attention. I didn’t like it. My blood was starting to boil with irritation.

“You don’t want any trouble? Dear, you were already in trouble when you tried messing with my property. Is this the way your guardians raised you? Ah! Maybe, it’s their idea for you to use your body to climb your status. Did your father teach you how to spread your legs to the alpha to get what they want?”

Chloe’s remark was below the belt. Since I was taken by Uncle Stan from his abusive brother, he became the father that more than I could ask for. I wouldn’t let anyone malign or taint his name. Not now, not ever.

The thin string of patience I had was starting to get thinner. One wrong move, hell would break loose in this pack. I couldn’t care about my image or anything else.

“What did you say, Chloe?” I asked. My voice was laced with killing intent as I took some steps toward her. I felt my eyes blazing, like the color of the gown I was wearing.

But instead of stepping back, Chloe repeated what she said. “I said, your father is a pimp and you’re his prostitute.”

With a fierce dash, I aimed to break her neck. But the bitch dodged my attack and grabbed a handful of my hair. I did the same. I didn’t remember what had happened next. All I knew was that we were now doing a catfight in the middle of this celebration.

The warriors started to appear and stopped us. I also saw Maggie and Uncle Stan. Chloe looked hurt with an obvious scowl on her face while the other shewolves' who ridiculed me were mortified. They immediately dispersed and left Chloe behind.

Maggie gave me a mind link, asking what had happened but I chose to ignore her. Meanwhile, Uncle Stan looked disappointed and shook his head. With that look, I already knew what he meant.

Today was the pack’s gathering and an important day for all of us. This was for the unity, peace, and strong bond of the entire pack under Alpha Hunter's leadership. I might be punished severely or not for doing this.

I needed to calm myself. I closed my eyes and inhaled a lot of air before I exhaled and opened them again.

The moment my eyes saw the surroundings again, I saw Hunter looking at me from his previous spot with the highranking official of the newly merged pack. He drank a glass of wine, calmly put the glass on the table, and stood up as if he planned to approach me. His movements were all in slowmotion in my view as I heard my heart beat with anxiety and excitement for him.

Silence suddenly overtook the gathering as I watched every bit of his movement.

I couldn’t see everyone else and could only hear our breathing and heartbeats like we were one.

This was going to be a mess.

What was Alpha Hunter up to?

Why was he moving towards us?

Our attention abruptly went to Chloe when she wailed, and her crocodile tears flowed. “AAlpha… Alpha Hunter, that bitch did this to me! I was only talking to her, but she suddenly goes berserk and wanted to kill me. I didn’t do anything wrong. This is all her fault!”

The side of his lips curved up when he glanced at me before he helped Chloe stand up and check her wounds.

Go to the pack clinic to check if you fractured some bones. I’ll deal with this accordingly,” Hunter powerfully said. He eyed a particular pack warrior and ordered him to accompany Chloe, who hurriedly adhered to Hunter's command.

“Continue the celebration!” Hunter yelled, which brought my mind back to my graving situation. Everyone who witnessed the scene dispersed and acted as if nothing had happened. And then, he turned his gaze to me.

“Go straight to my office tomorrow,” Hunter muttered before he vanished at my confused sight.

“How about you let me run loose to the woods for a bit because you promised me last night, Aria?” Bella excitedly chirped, interrupting my thoughts.

I thought Bella wasn’t around since she was silent since I woke up this morning.

“Are you sure? I thought you don’t want me to be on Alpha Hunter’s bad side again. What if we came in late? He didn’t set a specific time to meet me in his office.”

Bella scoffed and became silent again. I looked at how the sun was positioned and spread its rays of light towards our surroundings, including at the plants we passed by as I kept walking now to Hunter’s house. Based on the condition of the surroundings, I could estimate or tell what time it was.

Depending on how plants followed the path of the sunlight, and what animals were doing, it was now easier because I was now back living in a civilized area. It was one of the key takeaways I learned from living on the mountaintop for almost a year. This knowledge came in handy, especially since we didn’t have a way to determine the time before. Maggie taught me how to know it through observing nature.

“I think we can spare several minutes to take a run. I think it’s not even 7 o’clock in the morning yet. Besides, he wasn't around. He should be anywhere near his house since he asked us.”

Bella was still silent, but I felt the gush of her excitement surging in our interconnected souls.

I smiled and went to a nearby huge old tree. I hid behind it and quickly removed all my clothes and swiftly went up to leave all my clothes at the closest tree branch.

Moreover, deep inside, I was ecstatic that Bella wanted to run in the woods for a while. Then I didn’t have to make up a reason to not go to Hunter’s office this soon.

I prepared myself for shifting into my wolf form while I felt the cold breeze of the morning as I went down the tree with all my nakedness. The sounds of my bones cracking echoed and later, My wolf surfaced, flaunting her mystifying and wonderful beauty.

It was too early to tell.

I felt flying and refreshed when we ran into the woods. Upon her carefree sprinting from the edge of the woods, Bella suddenly censored another wolf with mixed colors of brown and creamcolored fur not far away than twelve meters away from us. Based on his appearance and smell, he was not one with the assigned pack warriors we got used to seeing around.

Bella made sure to mindlink the other wolf before nearing our distance, saying we weren’t rouges or from the other packs because we were both unfamiliar with each other. The other wolf confirmed he wasn’t alone or a wandering wolf when his orbs glinted a bit, indicating he checked our scent while he was still away from us. We also did the same again because we couldn’t be too sure too if they weren’t from other packs even, they could strongly mindlink us.

Reaching out to the human soul deep inside the wolf, I introduced myself. Maybe it wasn’t bad to have a friend now we were staying in the pack.

“Hi, I am Aria Hemmingwood. Nice meeting you! You and your wolf seem nice. Are you on patrol?”

I greeted through our mindlink, while we were both still in each other’s wolf form.

“Oh, I know you! You were the shewolf Alpha Hunter performed the pack ritual with, right? Your name is quite popular. It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hemmingwood. I’m Clark Nicholas, and yes, I am actually on patrol,” Clark chattered.

“You can call me, Aria. It’s nice—”

I stopped midways when a loud cry of a child from the restricted area of the woods echoed. It wasn’t restricted for nothing. That place was full of stones, and marshes, and too dangerous for those who haven’t shifted to their wolves.

Bella and Clark’s wolf rushed to the area and were careful not to walk into some of the marshes. “Help me! Mommy! Daddy! I’ll follow you now. I won’t stray away from home and run to the woods! Please, help me!”

As we near the source of the cry, we heard the pup’s voice clearer. He sounded adorable and pitiful at the same time. Through Bella’s eyes, I saw that he was stuck in a marsh, and the boy kept sinking because he kept struggling within it.

Clark’s wolf roared to tell the kid that we were here to save him, but the kid cried louder instead.

“I’ll change into my human form Clark. Spare me a minute. We can’t help him if we are in our wolves’ form,” I mindlinked him.

It didn’t take us minutes before we were back in our human forms, but Clark was still halfnaked. He was also goodlooking, but he had a softer feature for a guy.

“We’ll save you, pup. I promise. Stop moving or you’ll sink yourself deeper.” I tried to encourage the boy who seemed really scared right now.

“Mommy?” the pup asked. I chuckled and shook my head. Clark stared at me with adoration before I cut his look and asked what our plan was.

“I had an idea, wait.” Clark deliberately made a rope from the materials that could be found in the forest and after some quick two minutes, he finished it before he tied it to a tree. He pulled it to test if it was strong enough to hold his weight and it seemed it could.

He told me his plan and we tried to execute it.

“Little one, please reach for my hands. We’ll get you out of that. Trust me,” I cooed to the boy. Hesitant he still reached for me while I reached for Clark’s hands. He pulled us with his strength, but it wasn’t enough.

“In the count of three. Pulled the kid stronger too.”

“Roger that.”

“One… two… three, pull!”

I felt we successfully pulled the boy out of the marsh and due to inertia, we didn’t estimate where we would land. The pup safely landed on the muddled part, but I fell into a hard and warm thing. I smelled a manly scent and my face immediately flushed with embarrassment.

“II’m… I’m sorry, Clark!” I said and was about to get away from his chest. However, a familiar voice boomed and made my body quicker with fright.

“What do you think you are doing here? Isn’t this place restricted? And you even brought a kid here?!”

“Shit! We seemed we had forgotten something, Bella!” I complained and scrunched my nose. I only wanted to come late, but not totally forgot about him. I hurriedly stood up and help the kid get up like Alpha Hunter didn’t catch us in an embarrassing position.

While helping the kid get up, he cried. “I’m sorry, Mommy! Daddy! I’ll not do it again!”

I reached for his face and dried off his tears while Clark got up and report to Alpha Hunter. “Sorry, Alpha we heard someone asking for help and the sound led us to hear. We didn’t mean to break the law.”

Hunter’s face was still dimmed, his face twitched before he furrowed his brows and commanded, “Take the kid to the pack clinic before you bring him to his family.’’

Then he stared at the kid and gave him a warning glare, saying, “Pup, remember to obey your parents and never wander to the forest again. Are we clear?”

The child muffled his cry and nodded. He might have an idea who was speaking to him. Well, he made the right judgment, and I couldn’t blame him because Hunter was giving off a terrifying aura.

“And you, Ms. Hemmingwood. Come with me!” I felt thunder hit me with nervousness when he said that. He was still furious.

“Won’t you explain yourself?” I was about to speak, but he didn’t let me and send some words that left me shaking with irritation. “Let’s talk about that great flirting skill of yours later. Follow me to the office after five minutes, I will check some things first.”

Hunter immediately dashed away, leaving me clenching my fist.

For a man, he had such a tactless mouth. I bridged my brows together and hurriedly retrieved my clothes before I came in late again and received another hurtful remark.

Hope I can stay calm in his office.

“I'm sorry for being late, Alpha Hunter. You saw what happened. What will we talk about?”

Those were the first words that came out of my mouth when I twisted the doorknob. I felt so nervous like my heart was going to pump out of my chest. Either way, I still didn't forget how he insulted me a few moments ago. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Hunter raised the side of his cherryred lips before he mockingly smiled at me. He was near his office desk and was wiping off the sweat on his upper body.

It seemed he also took a run in the woods. His sleeveless shirt let me see the protruding biceps he had in his arms. It was a good sight to look at, especially how some of his sweats escaped his towel and alluringly fell to his neck, making me gulp.

I shook my head. It wasn’t the time to appreciate his good looks and sexiness.

Alpha Hunter must have caught the kind of stare I bestowed on him and coughed. “What do you think, Ms. Hemmingwood? Didn’t I tell you we still had unfinished business?” he asked.

I took a seat in the receiving area even though he didn't invite me, and faked looking bored as I watched him almost done wiping off his sweats. When he was almost done, I roamed my gaze again in this once familiar room. But I got distracted when something slumped on the same couch.

With the speed of lightning, I found Alpha Hunter a meter apart from me, using his wolf abilities.

Wow, he was quick!

I met his serious gaze. My eyes wandered to his plump kissable lips, making me awkwardly avoid his gaze.

I found my voice and said, “Again, I am sorry for what happened. I—”

I couldn't finish my request when Hunter suddenly moved closer to me, leaving only a ruler apart in our distance. I could vividly hear my strong heartbeats. What was wrong with me?

“You have to understand how important it is to follow your alpha, Ms. Hemmingwood. Follow his command first, before jumping into someone’s arms. There’s a time for that.” When he said that, Hunter's eyebrows were bridged together, giving him a strict and hot look.

But my head was starting to boil and heat too. He was not the only hot thing here in this room.

I moved to the farthest space of the settee to keep a distance and expressed my thoughts.

“What are you talking about, Alpha Hunter? I made it to your office after you said I would follow you after five minutes. I abide by your rules.”

Without hesitation and retaining the stern expression on his face, Hunter answered, “But you’re still late. That’s not the time we are supposed to meet. I asked you to come to my office first thing in the morning. Are you dense? I even caught you playing around with a pack warrior, using saving a pup as an excuse to do what you want. Does flirting around count as following your alpha?”

He shook his head before he comfortably leaned on the couch, waiting for me to answer. Even though he looked like that, I could hear him gritting his teeth.

Is he jealous? A man only acts like this if he is? He’s stepping beyond his boundaries.

I heaved a deep sigh and closed my eyes. I couldn't understand why he was treating me like this. My first idea wasn’t acceptable.

“Well, Alpha Hunter, for clarity, you didn’t say at what exact time should I show up today.” I tried to calm myself as I didn’t want to aggravate him more.

I saw amusement flickering in Hunter's eyes before they gradually darkened.

With a voice like it came from the depths of hell, Hunter spoke, almost sounding like his powerful wolf. “If I didn’t have good selfrestraint, my wolf, Thunder, had already taken over and slit your throat.”

All the hair on my body was raised with terror. His voice sent a shiver down my spine.

Hunter was not joking because his wolf seemed to be so powerful and dominating as he tried to take over Hunter's body. Maybe he was the reason why this man was a bit obnoxious and overbearing. Or perhaps they were just alike, cut in the same tree because the Moon Goddess partnered them.

Moreover, I knew I couldn’t hold a candle to Hunter's fighting ability right now even though he was in his human form, but I was also aware that I was the only one who could clash with him like this. I never heard anyone disobey him. I was the first to do it. But it wasn't intentional. It was just that…there were things that I find it hard to ignore especially when it came to him and his old pack.

I placed a safe distance from him and sat on his desk's receiving chair.

I shouldn't take chance. I also knew the infamous reputation of alphas. I could be alive now, but I could never tell what would happen in the next seconds. I learned it the hard way thanks to our previous alpha.

Yes, violence was common among werewolves, but that death was too horrendous. I could kill rogues, but I didn’t kill them without any purpose as I knew, once in their life, they were also sane werewolves that were loved by their pack. But due to some circumstances, they became packless or mateless, pushing them to turn insane.

“Aren’t you going to say something smart like yesterday? Did that already scare you?” Hunter ridiculed.

I bit my lip and tasted rust on my tongue, my blood. I clenched my fist and covered my face. I wanted to shout or insist on my point. But I didn't want to die yet or be soaked with my own blood.

Enveloped by a tense silence, Hunter walked to his desk and handed me a file. He took my silence as submission, making me grit my teeth.

“This is Ms. Witchworks' pack bill. You are responsible for breaking her ribs.”

Perplexed, I widened my eyes. Did I truly break Chloe's ribs? That was ridiculous! Am I that strong to do that to her?

“I... I, well, that woman deserved that.” I struggled to form a sound reason. In the first place, it wasn't my fault that happened. “She insulted Uncle Stan and I could never let it pass.”

“Deserved or not, you are responsible for your own actions, Ms. Hemmingwood. So, for punishment, I am still thinking of what to do to you,” Hunter said with finality.

“Another punishment for me? But that’s unfair!” My blood boiled after hearing it. Why are they putting all the blame on me?

As I watched his anger start to show, I felt like I wanted to shrink and hide in the farthest place I could find with Hunter's deadly gaze.

“Woman! Did you just raise your voice on me again?” He said loudly. The voice which seemed to come from hell boomed again.

I slowly took a step back but stopped immediately when I realized I shouldn't show him I feared him. If I were to die now, I might better die fighting back, holding my ground. I was not at fault here.

“Yes, I am, Alpha.” I indignantly said.

Hunter immediately attacked me and choked me to death seconds after I answered yes. I struggled to breathe as I bravely looked at his glinting gold eyes.

“Do you know what this pack's new rules are?” He kept his hold on my neck and abruptly pushed me to his office's door. I felt my eyes tearing up because of suffocation.

“First is to never disrespect or disobey your alpha!”

“Second, never speak back to your alpha.”

“Third, follow your alpha!”

“All the pack rules were about following 'me,' as your alpha. Are we clear, Ms. Aria Hemmingwood?!”

Gasping for breath after he freed me, I managed to nod as I held my neck. I kept coughing until I cleared my throat.

“Ms. Hemmingwood, you can now get out! We're done talking!” Hunter yelled, but he avoided looking at me and went to take a seat in front of his desk.

Before I weakly went out, I saw him run a hand on his hair frustratedly.