"Alexander?”I'd recognize this voice anywhere and the annoyance builds within me whenever I hear it. It was Freya and she'd found me.Found my apartment and at this time? And in the middle of a goddamn argument? I didn't turn even when I wanted to. My chest burned with annoyance and electric currents filled my body in the worst ways possible.My heart clenched a sharp twist and turn motion like it was grabbed by merciless claws. Her footsteps grew closer and my body turned limp. Alaina standing before me wore shock on her expression.Her eyes were slightly wider and her lips ajar as she peered in Freya's direction. But her eyes, I saw tears in them.Why? She'd broken me with words and termed us useless. All my effort were fucking down the drain and I felt no better than a wuss. Like a goddamn waste of time and she couldn't see it.For some reason, my mind told me not to believe what she said but how do I do that? How do I not believe her when it hurts so? I'd be delusional not to.Al
ALAINAI couldn't stop watching the hide even if I wanted to. Somehow I needed to convince myself that that argument was worth it and that pushing him away was the right thing to do. The council might vote him out if I clung to some vain hope that things might get better, and that was a burden I wasn't willing to bear. Neither of us were.I finally kicked my shoes off and leaned fully on the couch. My mind was going wild with a lot of thoughts and my legs just wouldn't stop shaking.What the hell was wrong with Freya and how did she even find the apartment? Would he have to move now? My chest constricted in pain. No sitting position was comfortable.Every inch of this couch felt laced with cactus. Oh, moon goddess. My heart beat for me. My wolf loved his touch.I thought I was smarter but it turned out to be the exact opposite. I was foolish enough to fall into an even worse situation. I fucked the Alpha. My ex-husband's best friend. Not once, but twice!I couldn't control my wants a
ALAINA“What the—”It fell out of my mouth, heavy, strained— right before my voice dissipated into nothing, fading into the chaotic noise from the kids running around. It was me. My name on the banner. I tried to blink the shock away, only to see it renewed the moment my vision cleared out. Like clockwork, I turned to Lorraine who had my exact expression mirroring hers.“Is that…you?” She enunciated in a breathy whisper and my head propped forward twice, a hasty nod. “Y-you're public? You…on a fucking banner?”Was she really asking me? I shifted my attention back to the damn thing with my mouth ajar. It was really me.My stomach bubbled with something. I didn't know either. It was hard to tell what you were feeling when your mind juggled a variety of emotions. But if there was one I recognized so well, it was shock.I was shocked stupid, almost out of my damn pants. It wasn't just any banner, it was the biggest one in the entire building, at the very front of this magnificent place.
ALEXANDER“They're settled now, Alpha Alexander,” the maid relayed as she stood by the doorstep. I responded with a curt nod.I closed my laptop and stood up, adjusting my shirt. Things had gone to shits in such a short period and my brain wasn't able to understand the fact that whatever happened with Alaina was just in the spur of the moment.It stung like hell. I wanted to say more, to be sure she meant every single thing she said that day but the show must go on, no?I made my way to the main hall with some of the guards and maids walking behind me. This would be a messy talk. I knew already but I could hope for the best, no? I wasn't here to joke with any single one of them.The guards announced my presence and the huge doors flung open. The entire congregation turned to face me, bowing slowly to acknowledge my presence.The mere sight of them filled my heart with disgust. I inhaled deeply, keeping a stoic expression as I walked through the middle line. Though my attention was fix
ALEXANDERLike a brick to the head, it hit me and I just stood there, trying to determine what my next course of action would be.The room fell into silence and their attention all diverted to me, curious eyes waiting for answers I couldn't quite provide. All I felt at that moment was anger, way more than I could possibly express.“In love with her?” My mother scoffed, finding her way out of the rows of seats until she was standing directly before the podium, head raised to look at me. “What is it she's speaking of, Xander?”Murmurs brushed through the crowd and the hall soon became rowdy. The mention of an Omega and the Alpha in the same sentence was more than enough to have them worked up.This had never happened in centuries— ever. Omegas wound up as the wives of guards or maids in the packhouse. Nothing more. By the side of the Alpha's family, they'd bring nothing but shame and embarrassment. That was how it was written.But by who?“Alpha Alexander,” Kennedy was the one who call
ALAINA Queen Of Dawn had become a nationwide sensation. It repeated over and over in my head but for some reason, I'd not been able to properly process it. I sat before the mirror with the hairbrush clutched in my grip while I contemplated wearing my hair up or down today.Not for the stream, but for work. It was becoming a well-recognized fact, in my headspace, that I couldn't avoid Alpha Alexander forever.I mean, yeah, I'd love to try but the day of reckoning was today. After that argument, we hadn't seen each other, nor had I perceived his presence in his apartment — not that I was stalking him or anything. I just know that my little game of hide and seek ended today, and that made me want to physically melt and disappear.I groaned slightly as I dipped the brush into my hair and continued to stroke. My reflection stared right back at me in the mirror.Alaina. Queen Of Dawn. That was all me. This was the little girl that people liked. Lorraine had suggested making an actual soc
I stepped into the elevator, clutching my phone tightly. That conversation almost made me mad. I was trying so hard to get it together. I hesitated for a moment before answering, my heart racing with a mix of annoyance and disgust.Cinderalla? Really?Lorraine's name flashed on the screen, and I knew this call wouldn't be a quick one. "Hey, Lorraine," I said, trying to sound calm despite the elevator's suffocating silence."Alaina, oh my god, have you heard?!" Lorraine's voice was shrill, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "There's a ball, a masquerade ball, and it's for the Alpha to find his Luna! Alpha Alexander, to find his Luna. Your Alpha Alexander—”“Lorraine—”“You know, right? You heard about it too.”I rolled my eyes, my grip on the phone tightening. "I know, Lorraine. I'm aware.""What's going on, Alaina? Did you have a fight with him? You know, the Alpha?" Lorraine's tone was laced with concern, but I detected a hint of curiosity too.She wouldn't stop rubbing it i
ALAINAHe just left.Like that. Why was I stunned by this? Heck! He was choosing a Luna soon. I was the one who threw him off. It was my fault that he couldn't speak with me and was so wickedly cold.I grabbed my chest. It tightened for no reason at all. It hurts. It really hurts. It felt like my chest was being clawed out, like my insides were burning. It hurt like hell.It wasn't until a tear dropped on the file I held I realized I was crying. How absolutely stupid of me. I wiped the corner of my eyes with my shirt and sniffled. “It doesn't matter anyway,” I said to myself. A poor consolation to my cracked heart. What was I thinking? That was necessary. I needed to be pushed away like that. I inhaled deeply and grabbed my phone. The only thing that flooded the entire internet was the ball in Question, and Queen Of Dawn. I couldn't wait to go home and go live. There were a lot of questions concerning the ball, directed at me. Why would they think I want to be involved in some cook
I took a deep breath, my fingers interlocked with Lorraine's as I walked out. It felt as though with every step I took, my heart beat even faster. As we approached the grand staircase, I saw a well-dressed Damon patiently waiting for me, and my heart began to race. The anticipation of the ball weighed heavily on me, and a sense of unease gnawed at my insides. Damon bowed respectfully the moment we got to where he stood. "Luna," he murmured. "The Alpha instructed me to lead you to the banquet hall, where the ball will take place." “I don't know, Damon. Are you the one to come pick me up? Shouldn't you be with Alexander? You are his best man for today, remember?” I asked, managing a smile, even though there was not a reason to. “Yes,” he mouthed. “The best man of the groom is meant to bring his wife to the ball.” I replied with a nervous "Okay," and slipped my hand into the waiting crook of his elbow. Then I allowed him to guide me down the stairs. His firm, comforting presence wa
ALAINA In the large pack's living room, I gazed at Lorraine who made a gesture with her hand. On second thought, I turned to look at the man I am in love with - my husband-to-be, Alexander as he was on his feet, walking towards the door of a room not so far from the spot. After a few days since Alexander popped the question, he believed in his heart that it would make some sense to see his mother - the old Luna who lives in his pack. Ever since then, I have thought about nothing but being accepted, or rejected. “Nothing is happening, girl,” Lorraine called out to me, who woke up from my thoughts. “You are too good to be rejected, or don't you know?” “I don't know, Lorraine—” I mouthed. “I was an Omega Wolf the last time I checked. Why won't I be rejected? I want to know why. That the man I love accepted me does not mean the other members of his pack and family will not reject me.” Just then, a door opened. I jumped to my feet, and so did Lorraine. What should I say?
ALEXANDER I hopped in the car after several thoughts, making up my mind on what to do this time around. There was no way I would lose a good, better and at the same time best woman because of this—nonsense! I heaved a sigh and started the engine, driving out of the compound the very next moment. Into the streets of the city, I went. Although my car did not look like it had issues, I believe it did and this was none other reason than the fact that it was slow. Slower than ever. “Don't fuck me up!” I yelled, stopping my drive and heaving a sigh - catching my breath and starting all over after muttering a prayer that the moment and uncalled meeting with Alaina would go perfectly well. What if she doesn't want me any longer? What if this was the end of everything for us both? I wondered with a grimace planted on my countenance, realizing also that I had caught up with the estate that has her house built in it. Soon enough, I was at her gate. How do I get in? I wondered
ALEXANDERIt stuck to my brain. Alaina's face was red with humiliation as she turned and ran into the packhouse, disappearing from view. “Is this all you've finally become?” I snarled at my mother. Is this it?”The camera flashes were enough to blind one. It was that level of crazy! This would hit headlines and news houses in seconds.“No!” She tried to reach for me and held my hand. “You don't understand! This…is insane! That woman has bewitched you!”“Luna…” Damon called out to her. “I think it's best you go in for now. This isn't the best time to be out here, if you know what I'm saying…”“No, I don't know what you're saying!” She snapped at him. “My son is trying to gamble his life and the destiny of the entire pack away and all you are about is all I say? If this happens, it affects you too! Your sister is perfect for him. Why wouldn't he just see that?”“Take her in,” I ordered Damon. I knew what to do. I might as well fuck everything up for everyone. I didn't give a damn.Not
ALAINA“Alaina?” A voice echoed from behind us, and the familiar tone of that voice sent dread all the way to my stomach. I could feel my heart thrumming in my chest as my eyes drifted from Alexander.The Luna? I turned around slowly, and saw her standing there with obvious disapproval on her face, and scorn as she stared at me. “You're a streamer?" she spat, as if the word itself was dirty.Of course it was. To her the word was just as filthy as I was. Even the way she looked at me made me feel so small. Her hatred for me gleamed in those eyes of hers as her gaze shot from Alexander to me. “Answer me. Is everything I just heard true?”I nodded, feeling a defensive flush rise to my cheeks, “But I can explain. It's not—”“It’s not what,” she cut me off, her voice rising in indignation. "I don't care what it is, but just the fact that you're parading yourself online, and flaunting yourself for who-knows-how-many strangers to see! It's shameful. You should be ashamed of yourself, Alaina
ALAINA“Alaina?”My name had never fallen so heavily from a person's mouth and I looked up at Alexander. What the hell was he doing? There were eyes everywhere, people waiting for me to take a wrong step and my identity wound into the internet as it was all they were here for in the first place.My heart was thumping in my chest and I didn't know what to do. My hands wouldn't stop trembling and my knees buckled like they were made of jelly.I tried to free myself from his grasp but Alexander didn't have any intention to let go and I also didn't want to admit— ever— that I was Queen Of Dawn. Not to him, not this way! Not right now.Not like this. If I as much as uttered a word, my cover would be completely blown! Right now I wasn't so sure what he knew so I had to play it safe, but how? The veil was enough protection for my face, not to mention I had a mask on too.“Alaina?” He crouched a little like he wanted to peek through but I turned my face away immediately, letting out an angry
Alexander I felt a sudden jolt of restlessness overtake me as I sat there, shrinking into my seat with boredom as well as disinterest as I watched the women parade around me, and flashing flirty smiles that did nothing but irk me. I wished they would just stop already. I adjusted in my seat, trying to keep my calm and get through today as it was expected of me but even that was becoming more and more difficult by the moment. I didn't want to be here. Neither did I have any interest in any of these women here, and normally that wouldn't matter. But it did. It did. I couldn't stop the restlessness inside of me, I couldn't stop wanting to get out of this hall, and escape all these women that were nothing like her. It was upsetting. Alaina was the only thing on my mind, the only woman that had occupied all the seats in my thoughts, and I didn't have space for anyone else. I couldn’t stop thinking about her or seeing her everywhere I looked, and it was such a torment. I tried not
ALAINAI stood before the sea of cameras, a voice shouted. "Is she really Queen Of Dawn? She's a fake!”The words cut through me like a knife, making my heart skip a beat. I battled nerves, trying to shove off the feeling of being a fake. I forced a smile and waved, trying to appear confident, but my hands trembled slightly.The crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers and chants, their voices echoing off the walls. "We love you, Queen Of Dawn!" "You're our true queen!" "Queen Of Dawn, Queen Of Dawn!" “I hope the Alpha picks you!”The adoration was overwhelming, making my eyes prick with tears. I felt like I was living a lie, but the crowd's enthusiasm was infectious.But amidst the adoration, a reporter pushed forward, microphone in hand. "Queen Of Dawn, can I get a word with you?" she asked, her voice piercing above the din.The guard protecting me stepped forward, trying to block the reporter. "I'm afraid that's not possible," he growled, his eyes flashing with warning.But I inte
ALEXANDERI was no different from a statue in my own home, dressed like a mannequin by the roadside for an activity that my entire body rejected. It wasn't funny at all.The front of the mirror had been my home for longer than I can remember. It felt like the kind of hell I could taste on my tongue and it wouldn't discontinue.Even right now, I was standing before a mirror. This morning the ball was colder than usual, a stark contrast to what I would be feeling if I cared a bit about whatever the hell was going on here.Rather, I was tired of it. Way exhausted that a thousand sighs had slipped out of my mouth in just minutes. I stood in front of the mirror, my personal stylist adjusting my navy blue suit. IIt was a classic, well-fitted outfit with a subtle sheen that should have made me feel confident. Should. It did the exact opposite of that. The cufflinks, silver and detailed, were the finishing touch. Yet, I found myself distracted, barely noticing the stylist’s careful moveme