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
ALAINA Damon's eyebrows furrowed as he looked down at me, probably taken aback by my sudden curiosity. But I managed to mask it with a smile. I could just be curious, right?It didn't mean anything. Or maybe I was just overthinking it? He sniffed slightly. It was hellishly cold out here and the lights were blinding. This was the perfect spot for romance except I didn't have any of that left inside of me after Logan. After Alexander. Ugh! Alexander. “Well…” Damon finally said, breaking me out of my thoughts. “First it was physical. Have you ever seen someone so well made that you're not sure you should breathe the same hair as her? That was my opinion of Queen Of Dawn the day I accidentally joined her livestream.”I gulped hard.He looked so serious as he spoke, like…I was some kind of goddess and it was just me— the same woman standing right in front of him. Damon smiled, meeting my eyes. “You two have the same aura, literally,” He said again and my stomach did a flip.“M-me?
ALAINA I clicked the "Go Live" button, and the familiar interface of my streaming platform filled the screen."Hey everyone, it's Queen Of Dawn here!" I greeted, my voice sounding cheerful and confident despite the butterflies in my stomach. Almost immediately, comments started to flood in.VerityAugust:"Queen! We've missed you so much!"StarGazer:"Where have you been?"MayYang: "The queen is back!"NightOwl: "I can't believe you're finally streaming again!"Weeebbbie: "We thought you forgot about us.”Firefly: "It feels like forever since your last stream!"IloveQueenofDawn: "Welcome back, Queen Of Dawn!"SunRay: "You're looking gorgeous as always!"That weirdO:"The pack has been waiting for you!"AprilSo: So glad to see you again!"A warm smile spread across my face as I read the comments, the love and support from my fans filling me with nothing but joy "Thank you so much, everyone! I've missed you all too," I said, my voice sincere. "I'm so sorry for being away for so long. I'v
ALEXANDERThe past few days have been endlessly torturous. I was being a victim of a plan that I didn't even attest to. How crazy was that for the Alpha himself? And I hated even more that there was a point to all these. The pack needed it or we'd keep being brushed aside by the other packs if I didn't take a Luna soon. It was hell to think of.Hell.I was done with the fifth fitting today. It was a full wedding preparation here. The maids ran around with ribbons and decorations and the guards, well— not a single one of them had known rest from the moment that heinous ball was decided upon.It was almost as if it was a full-blown wedding preparation. And what would happen if I didn't find a woman to pick my interest? Which I knew wouldn't happen anyway.I already found a woman for me and I'd been rejected hard by her. So hard that I almost heard my own heart crack.If I didn't find anyone at the ball, then Freya was on standby and our wedding would commence soon after. I had no choic
ALAINAIt was funny how I saw it and still managed to lose track of what was real and what wasn't.For instance, my phone was real. I felt it but that email that popped up wasn't. It wasn't supposed to be. I sat up properly and scrolled up and then down to make sure my sanity hadn't completely eluded me.Was I so excited to go that my mind was now contorting messages to satisfy my curiosity? But as time went by, it dawned on me that it wasn't just a figment of my imagination. It was real— that email was real. “Dear Queen Of Dawn,” I read loudly in a quivering tone. “You're hereby invited to the Alpha's Ball. The Overall theme was chosen in relation to your profound and uprising existence in the packs and we'd love nothing more than for you to grace us with your presence on this day. A VIP ride will be made available at any location of your choosing if you still wish for your identity to be concealed. We'll ensure that you're a hundred percent protected.”I paused right there. I didn'
ALEXANDERI woke up to a nasty ache in my head, like I'd barely survived the night. I opened my eyes but it still felt like a veil was cast over my vision and I wasn't seeing quite right yet.What the hell? I sat up and slowly started to take note of my surroundings. It wasn't a room I was familiar with, at all. If anything, it looked like a prison cell. Blank white wall, a tall, brown wardrobe at the other end of the wall, and the king-sized bed atop which I was seated.My vision circled back to me and I was indeed wrapped like shawarma by the white blankets. I couldn't feel my clothes. I rubbed my face with my palms and groaned out loudly. “Fuck!” I spilled into the silence. I'd fucked up. I'd fucked up real time. That reality crashed in when my memories started to piece together and the truth was what I didn't want to believe. I was at Alaina's.How fucking convenient. I sat up and cussed loudly again, kicking the damn blanket off just to stand and pace the room in my boxers.The
ALAINAI've never been more conflicted. It had been hours since Alexander left and his words still stuck in my mind, endlessly haunting me. I was supposed to meet Lorraine in thirty minutes to talk about my decision but I haven't been able to leave the dining table.Alexander's scent still lingered. Perhaps, I was hallucinating but I could almost see him. Oh jeez. The decision would have been easier if we hadn't spent this morning together.Was I going to be at the ball at all or would I be going as Queen Of Dawn? Or should I completely ruin it all and go as Alaina?He picks me out amongst the crowd and the council finally votes him out for choosing an Omega? “Get over yourself, Alaina!” I mean, I'd done this over and over again. I knew this dance and in no universe had an Alpha successfully married an Omega. It weakened the bloodline and wrecked the Pack's reputation. I wasn't about to do that to Alexander over my own selfishness.I stood up and hurriedly took my bath. I was meetin
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