Chapter 6

ALPHA PARTHE'S POV

My gaze remained fixed on the entrance to the large hall where a few people gathered. I'm not offended. I am not one who appreciates crowds.

The Ash Mountain pack isn't particularly excited about sending their daughter off with me. I understand that perfectly, also.

I didn't care about all that. One can call me selfish.

The hall was quiet. Everyone eating and drinking as quietly as possible. Who cares? I'm a sadist, after all.

I was losing my patience. What's taking so long? It was almost time for the full moon. I had only come with my Beta, Tarven, and three trained warriors.

I didn't need a crowd to escort my new mate to our territory.

I had come out with just a few people who could handle whatever came up if the full moon arose before we reached the Wild Wolf pack.

To the best of her ability, Shita made sure we had partial control of the situation. I did not like straining my powers for such trivial matters. I reserved them for more pressing issues. So, I let her handle all of that for me and the pack – Keeping us safe from the curse.

Shita.

Shita.

The name keeps ringing in my subconscious every time. But now is not the time. I had to brush it off for now.

The soft scent of wild Jasmine and smokey amber filled my nostrils. She was here. I squinted my eyes and crinkled my nostrils. There was a stain on her scent. A masculine scent.

My anger rose to a boiling point. Why was she hell-bent on making me hate her even more? I still hadn't forgiven her for the other day, and then this?

I stood up abruptly. So did everyone else.

She approached and walked right through the door. Looking elegant.

I watched as she walked through the door; each step measured and graceful, as if she was floating rather than walking.

The soft glow of the dimly lit hall cast an ethereal aura around her, making her appear otherworldly like she had been summoned from the depths of some ancient, forgotten magic.

The scent of Jasmine and smoky amber clung to her like a second skin, though that damn masculine taint still lingered on her, poisoning her purity.

The full moon was creeping closer, but it wasn't the moon that stirred the beast within me. It was her.

My eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring as I fought to keep my rage contained. My insides twisted, and not from lust, but from something darker—a future rage reserved for any man foolish enough to lay a hand on what was mine.

Her dress was something out of a dream—a deep, emerald green that contrasted beautifully with her creamy, buttery skin, the fabric clinging to her figure in a way that was both modest and maddening.

The bodice was intricately laced, hugging her waist tightly, yet flaring out into a soft cascade of velvet that brushed the floor with every step she took.

Fuck. I was meant to be mad at this woman. Punish her. Hate her. For humiliating me in front of everyone the other day. What in the name of the Moon Goddess is going on?

Around her neck was a thin chain, almost imperceptible, with a single sapphire pendant that mirrored the striking blue of her eyes—eyes that could pierce through the hardest of men, but not me. Not today.

I imagined fisting her long, white curly hair while I made her scream senseless prayers to the Moon Goddess as I trapped her somewhere beneath me.

Each curl framed her diamond-shaped face perfectly, making her appear softer, almost angelic. But I knew better. That angelic face was nothing more than a mask. A mask hiding the chaos she'd already brought into my life.

No one had ever brought such chaos to my life. The only one who had come that close was Rashina.

I clenched my fists, feeling the sharp bite of my nails against my palms. She was too beautiful, too dangerously beautiful. It was the kind of beauty that invited chaos, the kind that made weak men fall to their knees, and powerful men like me question their strength.

She finally stopped, standing before me, her gaze lifting to meet mine. For a brief moment, our eyes locked, and I saw the flicker of something in her expression—worry, perhaps? Or was it fear? It didn't matter.

She belonged to me, whether she realized it or not.

***

LUXURIA'S POV.

My nerves failed me. I almost stumbled on my feet. I felt a whirlwind of emotions. Hurt - for what I had done to Kahel a few seconds ago. Anxiety - for knowing that this monster would scent Kahel all over me.

My pack members murmured degrading words as I walked past. Just a handful of them were in attendance. For safety reasons.

His gaze never left mine as I approached him. He terrified me. He stares with so much coldness and indifference that it makes me shudder.

I wish I could read his thoughts.

I stood beside him, and his eyes pierced the depths of my soul. I couldn't stand it. I looked away instantly, willing for the ceremony to be over with already.

My father glared at me with disgust. More disgust than ever before.

I could still feel Parthe's gaze burning into me, his presence suffocating me. I fought to keep my breathing steady, to ignore the thrum of Kahel's scent still lingering on my skin and the guilt of spiking his tea with some herbs to keep him from causing trouble as he had planned. I didn't want him to die at the hands of this unfeeling monster.

By the time he wakes up, I'd be long gone. I sincerely hope the herbs' effects are as potent as I imagined.

Parthe leaned in, his breath hot against my skin. His voice was low, just for me to hear. "You reek of him."

His voice. Deep and deceptively calm. It made me shiver.

"You'll be sorry you let him touch you." He said before pulling away.

That was a promise. Not a threat. He meant every word he just said.

Elder Najoridus stood at the head of the hall, his wrinkled hands clasped before him, "We gather here to witness the union between Alpha Parthe of the Wild Wolf Pack and Luxuria of the Ash Mountain Pack. This bond, sacred and sealed by the Moon Goddess, is not one to be entered lightly. Both packs will unite under this bond, and with it, responsibility, loyalty, and trust will be tested."

I swallowed hard. Trust. I nearly laughed at the word, but my nerves were too frayed to let it out.

Suddenly, elder Najoridus' voice trailed. My head felt light, and my eyes blurry. The evil feeling was intensifying.

"Luxuria," the elder said, pulling me out of my gaze, "Do you, of your own free will, accept Alpha Parthe as your mate, to protect and serve him, to stand by his side through the trials of the bond, and to submit to the will of the Moon Goddess, now and forevermore?"

The words felt like stones in my throat, heavy and unmovable. I could feel Parthe beside me, towering over me, his presence wrapping around me like chains. Submit. The word grated against my very soul.

"I do," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lies. Absolute lies. This was never out of my free will.