Chapter three
The leader of the pack is never the loudest
***ROXANNE***
I WAS GROUNDED. I had no idea how long it would be but that was the Alpha’s declaration as a punishment. I observed my brother had been giving me the cold shoulder ever since the training camp and several times I tried to start a conversation with him but he ignored me and left me in the dark until he gave the order that I was grounded.
I wasn't allowed three square meals, just a once in a day thing but of course, my duties were intense. I still had to do the chores— a lot of it. But I was confined to my room till whenever. Chloe didn't make it any easy for me. Her taunts went on endlessly and I had to bear it all. I detested everyone.
As the week progressed, the bullying intensified. My very move was scrutinised and every drawback was highlighted. It was either Chloe messing up the kitchen after I made it neat or some pack member asking me to do twice my work. Other times they sang songs of mockery and made me dance to their tunes. I couldn't reject it because I was powerless.
I was losing myself daily but it didn't matter. No one cared. Sometimes I wished my parents were alive. I had few memories of my childhood but I knew I used to be
treasured when my parents were alive. I was loved and protected and no one could hurt me. But I had lost them and I had to bond with the only person I had as a family— Zane. But he stopped caring when he realised my flaws at a young age and he focused on himself.
I wasn't mad that he put himself first. That was the right thing anyway and I would do the same. But I hated that he threw me into the cruel hands of the pack members. I was downtrodden by his mate and it hurt that he stood aside and watched her treat me badly when he could've done something about it.
Lots of preparations were going on in the White Moon pack— the lunar peak Festival was fast approaching and a lot had to be done. The Lunar Peak Festival was an annual tradition where wolves gathered to find their mates. Every year different packs took turns to do it and now it was White Moon’s.
“I guess I've assigned your roles. Thanks for your suggestion, Nelly. We're getting a sacred altar. I want this to be different from every other Lunar festival. I want us to stand out, so please let's be creative with our ideas,” Chloe said.
“What can she do?” berth asked pointing at me, “She had to assist us in something.”
All eyes turned to me and I sat up straight. I was trying to figure out why multiple pairs of eyes were boring into mebecause I had been zoning in and out of the meeting, waiting for it to be over.
“She could help with the decorations. Or maybe the altar,” someone suggested.
“No! She’s impure, she shouldn't touch the sacred Altar,” Bertha countered.
Chloe rolled her eyes at me, “What can you do?”
Run away.
I swallowed hard, “Any role assigned to me. I'll do it.”
Chloe burst into laughter, “You think I was asking for your consent? Of course not. Whatever role you're assigned you're doing it. I don't care that you have to cook the whole day. Just don't mess it up for me and yes, for now, I need you to write out the letters that would be sent out as invitations. If it is reviewed and there are errors, maybe you'll just have to sleep in the basement. Get to work. Pronto!”
As much as I wished I could bring suggestions I kept my mouth shut because I knew no one was going to give me a listening ear. Chloe was in charge and we just had to go by her rules. I wasn't as zealous as the rest of them because I was spending it indoors. It was supposed to be my first but I was grounded.
***
RED MOON PACK
(Home Of The Warriors)
***ALPHA RYKER***
I sipped my coffee as I flipped through the papers. A picture of White Moon Pack appeared with a little story about how they healed a woman with a damaged bone. I closed the newspaper and tossed it away. I needed something different. Something that wasn't about Blue Moon and White Moon, all the time.
There was a gentle knock at my door and my ears perked up.
“Come in,” I ordered.
The door opened and my beta, Miles, entered. He bowed before me as a way of greeting me before blessing me with the details of what we had successfully won this time.
“You seem to be in a good mood,” he pointed out.
I shrugged, “Once it's victory. It's a positive energy.”
“Before I forget, Alpha, an invitation came through today. From White Moon Pack,” he said.
I stopped pacing my office and turned to face him, “What are the contents?”
“They are having their Lunar Peak Festival and I think you're invited.”
I pursed my lips as I mulled over it. White Moon, the pack I detested with my every being. For two decades my pack had remained isolated after the rebellion which had claimed the life of both my parents and it was all his fault. The Alpha of White Moon. The rebellion had birthed grudges and a thirst to settle old scores. After two decades I was invited to their festival. I had never attended the Lunar festival— I didn't care about mates nor did I care to find one. All I wanted was revenge for the evil done and on the day when all the packs would be gathered for the festival was the best day to strike.
It would be the best closure gift ever.
“Alpha, do you want me to get rid of it like the others?”
I shook my head, “We're keeping it, beta Miles.”
“Huh?”
“Inform everyone and tell them to get prepared. On Saturday, July tenth, we will be at the White Moon Pack.”
My beta nodded in understanding, bowed and took his leave. Left alone, a smile tugged at my lips as I began counting down in anticipation.
Thank you, White Moon.
Chapter four No one is as dangerous as those who play victims of the crimes they committed***ROXANNE***IT WAS FINALLY HERE. The day everyone had been anticipating— the lunar festival. Decorations hung from tree branches and twinkled like stars. It bathed white moon pack in a mesmerising glow. Lively chatter filled the air, laughter intermingled with the sound of a distant waterfall and the atmosphere was charged with vibrant energy. Excitement buzzed through the pack as they prepared for a night of celebration under the radiant moon. I was everything but excited. I pressed my nose against my window frame— the only place I could get a view of the festival. The vibrant colours and joyous sounds didn't make me feel any better, it only deepened my sadness. I was still grounded by the Alpha, I was confined to the walls of my room, left to wallow in bitterness while the pack revelled in the merry of
Chapter five “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future”***ROXANNE***NEWS OF ALPHA RYKER’S ARRIVAL sent shockwaves through the festival. The atmosphere shifted from anticipation to fear in a twinkle. The once vibrant celebration descended into chaos as pack members, caught off guard, exchanged alarmed glances. Alpha Ryker had never attended the lunar peak’s festival and for ours to be the first he was coming to, there was bound to be chaos. For he was the Alpha of Red Moon and there was also rivalry between our packs. I had heard about Alpha Ryker. He was the most feared and cruel Alpha of Lunar Peak. Anyone who fell into his trap had to suffer his wrath. Pack members huddled in anxious clusters and their conversations were heavy with worry. I knew he was a deadly man when I saw my brother’s face fall. “Zane, do something about it! My nails and hair. It took me months to get my dress ready. I can't let this get ruined.
CHAPTER 6ROXANNEIn the state of panic and animalistic sounds that filled the vicinity, I wondered what a hapless woman — like me—with a weak wolf could do in the middle of all of these catastrophes. Sounds of growls and snarls filled the air and all of a sudden everything stood still for a minute. I stood there dazed, unable to turn my gaze away from the man who was standing right there before me…Looking all fierce, handsome, and what else?“You?" His gaze was transfixed right on mine and I fluttered my eyes confused. I had gotten that look a thousand times, but no one had looked upon me with so much intensity as he did at that moment. " This is not possible,” He muttered. A lot of questions crossed my mind and I found it more difficult to answer any, the most prominent of the questions was centered upon why he had looked at me that way.Does it have anything to do with who I was, or the color of my hair?The question like a million others at the back of my mind was left unanswe
CHAPTER 7RYKERPushing the other man to the ground, I listened to his wolf whimpers as my fist was clenched and outstretched to land a blow that would end this damned other Alpha life… My mind was thrilled with killing him and claiming the aura of his wolf as mine, at the same time I couldn't ignore the urge to see if the woman who had fallen into the ravine was fine.All efforts to ignore that urge proved abortive, In annoyance at the entire situation, my eyes narrowed slightly at the man who had his eyes closed and was expecting to breathe his last before glancing at the body of the woman lying haplessly about twelve feet below.“The next time we cross paths, I will be slaying your damned wolf."He pulled away as soon as I backed off and scrambled on the ground before making his way back to his defense. “Fall back!” He growled heavily enough that I could hear the impact of his voice as it trembled even while finding my way down the cliff.The woman was covered with blood, yet e
CHAPTER 8ROXANNEIt was going to be solitary confinement…Hearing those words I fell to my knees pleading to deaf ears as the guards seized me as instructed, my screams stretched in the distance at the doorway stood the same woman that I had seen when I gained consciousness looking back at me with pitiful eyes.“Be careful with her." I heard her voice as she faded away out of view. Some part of my mind wondered if she truly cared…Were they not birds of a feather?It was all like a moment of madness, one moment I was hoping that I had finally had my redemption and was freed from the shackles of my brother, and in the next, I was facing another man's wrath. I was starting to think there was something about me that repels men—As I was dragged all through the way tossed and turned by these same genders, who laughed heretically at each opportunity they had, when I was tossed Into the cell finally it came to me more as comfort and a happy ending from all the psychological torture.I sank
CHAPTER 9ROXANNE“What in the hell are you doing?"The sound of the guard entering the room startled me, with my head swirling and my heart thudding heavily I let the metal clatter to the ground.The sight of the tall man with dangling keys sent jitters through my nerves, I sat still not sure of what to do or the right words to say at that moment.“I … I .” I stuttered confused about what to say at that moment. " What were you trying to do?” He questioned.His eyes came down to the spot that had a bit of red where it had barely pierced through. The realization of what was about to happen hit him as he stared into my rather flustered face.His palm swiped across my face and I could feel a stinging pain on my chin."Do you know how complicated this would have been?” He spat the words out immediately and I could see how furious he was.I muttered only words I could at the moment hoping that the whole issue doesn't become more escalated than it already was." Please, have mercy I… " Th
CHAPTER 10RYKERI stood over the body of the dead guard and I couldn't help but feel disgusted about the entire situation. “Have there been any signs of her?" I questioned looking furiously at the man that was behind where I was.I most definitely knew what the answers were at that moment as there was no way anyone would commit such an atrocity and still hang around.“FIND HER!” I ordered. Filled with fury, I watched as the men walked away from the dungeon, I stood there for a minute trying to replay the whole scenario at the back of my mind.Her weapon of choice was still stuck into the man's neck, she could be naive and weak, but twice has this woman surprised me with how impressive she thinks.“I hope they find you infidel, I hope they do." With that, I let out a low growl and walked out.Finding sleep that night wasn't as peaceful as I had thought it would be, it was the other night since I had brought the woman under my roof filled with the heavy thoughts of her and urges fro
CHAPTER ELEVEN ROXANNE Tomorrow, my fate will be decided.His words lingered on my mind as I was being hauled to a room by the guards. They had exchanged worried glances when the Alpha asked them to take me. I overhead one saying to the Alpha, “what If she kills one of us again?”“Pee in your pants,” He had said. “She's only but a woman!”They were quiet as they dragged me but from time to time they exchanged glances. Worry was evident on their faces and frustration lurked in their eyes.I couldn't protest. I was weak and they could hurt me. Even when their nails dug deep into my skin I bit my bottom lip, afraid to utter a sound. They were still furious I killed one of their own.I was still perturbed. I knew nothing about weapons. How did I make one of a spoon? How did I kill him? I had killed someone! It was sick but for the first time I had actually done something that made people wonder.Oh Zane! Your weak sister took the life of a hefty man. He would never have believed though
EPILOGUE (THE END)ROXANNE A YEAR LATER.It’s shocking how a year has passed, yet the souls of the dead remain with us, their memories fresh and haunting. The pain, the struggles, the healing—none of it has come easy. Losing someone you knew is like losing a part of yourself. It leaves a hole in your life, a constant ache that never truly fades. Each day feels like a battle to keep your sanity, to remember who you are without them.I walked slowly, each step heavy with sorrow, to the graves of Lilith and Kara. The ground was soft beneath my feet, the scent of damp earth mingling with the fresh aroma of the carnations and lilies I carried. After much contemplation, we decided to bury Lilith in Red Moon, beside her dead mate. Tears slipped down my cheeks, but I brushed them away quickly. Ryker mustn't see me cry.As I laid the flowers on the graves, memories of Lilith’s fierce spirit and Kara’s gentle smile flooded my mind. The pain of their loss was still raw, a wound that had not yet
CHAPTER SEVENTY FOURROXANNE Anger boiled inside me, hot and relentless. I didn’t like Lilith, but she was still my sister. War had been declared, and now swords clashed against swords, claws ripped into flesh. The three packs—White Moon and Red Moon—united against Blue Moon, turning the battlefield into a bloody nightmare.I watched as Colin joined Beta Miles, their ruthlessness clear. We clashed, our bodies moving in deadly grace. The anger and betrayal fueled my every move and for the first time I felt the extent of my powers. I fought with a strength I never knew I had.Miles plunged a knife into Ryker’s stomach, igniting a fury within me that I couldn’t contain. I wolfed out, throwing myself at Miles, my claws tearing at his flesh, my teeth sinking deep.Gasps echoed around me as everyone saw the size of my wolf form. But Miles was fast. He grabbed a knife and stabbed me, forcing me to morph back. Blood poured from my wound, but it wasn’t mine. It was his. Smiling through the pa
CHAPTER SEVENTY THREEROXANNEI'll let Beta Miles continue his side of the story but first let me tell you how we connected,” Lilith said and beamed at me. “Kara was a chatterbox and she couldn't keep secrets to herself. So she got so happy one day and told Beta Miles that she knew the prophecy, not caring that it could put me at risk. She told him it was Roxanne and me and they were faraway.”She sounded disappointed. “Beta Miles got interested and wanted to work for me so I could get what I wanted and he could get what he wanted. All of us wanted something and we burned for it. For me, it was revenge, for Kara it was peace.” Lilith touched my shoulder but I shrugged her hands off. “I knew kara was going to fail me someday. She stopped writing to me after receiving my letter, then one day, she said she couldn't kill you because she liked you and you were nice.”Tears slipped down my eyes. Kara… she had always told me she would never hurt me. It wasn't a promise, it was the truth. Sh
CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO LILITHWe all gasped back to reality and took indrawn gasps while the necromancer removed the needles from our foreheads. Roxanne and Zane stared at me like they were seeing a ghost and I motioned for the necromancer to stay with me and not leave yet.“Mom– oh my God,” Roxanne whispered in disbelief as she placed a hand over her head.Zane stared at me with pity. An expression I loathed with my being.“I know it's hard to decipher,” the necromancer said. “It's also overwhelming. Your mother sacrificed Lilith’s life to save you because you were a powerful child, Roxanne. You were the prophecy blue moon had years ago and I knew I had to seal your powers. Your mother was in so much pain that day but she had to do what she needed to do.”Roxanne shook her head as tears slipped down her face. “She had a choice.”“But she still had to make a choice from both,” the necromancer said. “You were chosen, Roxanne. Sealing your powers away was what made you weak. You were neve
CHAPTER SEVENTY ONEROXANNE What do you do when you're face to face with the demons that have been lurking in the dark, hurting you, whispering fear and terror in your dreams? What do you do when the secrets of the past, the secrets you've longed to know, are finally before you? Do you turn away because you know it won't end well, or do you stay because you've been kept in the dark for too long?My eyes darted to a corner, and there he was—Ryker, bound with chains. Just like my vision had revealed. He looked exhausted and in pain, his clothes stained with blood, and wounds covering his skin. A raw gasp escaped my lips, and my heart clenched.The girl smiled and approached me. My heart thumped loudly in my chest, as I watched her movement. There was something hauntingly familiar about her.It scared me that we looked exactly alike. It was as if I was staring at a reflection of myself, except this reflection had blue eyes while mine were hazel."What's going on?" Zane demanded, his voi
CHAPTER SEVENTY ROXANNE Selina briefed me on the plan as we moved quickly towards the area where Ryker was.She told me that she could trace the way they went since Beta Miles was her mate, but I couldn't scent Ryker since he had rejected me. If my wolf had surfaced earlier, I would have been able to sense that he was in danger, but now I couldn't. My heart pounded loudly as I thought about the battle. I was unsure about myself. I had no idea if I could defeat Beta Miles.We headed towards Blue Moon. Confusion sprawled on my face as I wondered what had brought the Beta and Alpha here. It must be his way of reuniting the three packs so they could turn against me. After all, I was a threat.As we neared the location, the air grew tense. The sound of battle echoed through the trees.“Stay close,” Selina whispered, her eyes scanning the area. “We need to find Ryker and get him out of here.”I nodded, my senses heightened. The scent of blood and fear filled the air , and I could feel th
CHAPTER SIXTY NINEROXANNE As I traipsed through the unfamiliar terrain, everything began to make sense. The reason for everything that had happened. The clues were there from the beginning but they had been ignored.Of course, no one paid attention to things that didn't involve them, just like I hadn't.The paths where wolves once danced, the willow tree, the freedom in your hands. It was all in the book. Ryker's mom had known it would happen someday, and that's why she wrote, hoping it would reach the person who truly needed to see it.The key to freedom in your hands wasn't what I had thought it was. Back then in the dungeon, I had thought the key to freedom was an actual key that could take me out of the dark place and out of Red Moon. But it wasn't. It was about realising who I was and accessing my powers. The willow tree at the cliff was what I needed to find first, for everything to make sense.And I guess it found me. And the prophecy… I still didn't know how I was the chosen
CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT ROXANNE I plunged deep into the sea, the icy water turning crimson around me. The stab of betrayal cut deep, the cold blade intent on ending my life. I couldn't fight the water, couldn't fight death. I struggled, but every gasp drew more water into my lungs. My heart slowed, each beat fainter than the last, ticking away my final moments.As the cold seeped into my bones, I thought about when I was thirteen. Yet again I was living my nightmare and facing my worst fear. Zane, Ryker, and Beta Miles. The people I loved. The people I trusted. How did it all come to this?Desperate for survival, I kicked towards the surface. My vision blurred, but I could see a faint shimmer of light above. I had to reach it, had to see the sky one last time before darkness consumed me. With a burst of strength, I pulled the knife from my throat, the blade slick with my blood, and clutched it in trembling hands.But the sea seemed intent on claiming me. The more I fought to stay afloa
CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN ROXANNE I was stupefied, staring at Ryker in utter confusion. Anger, sadness, and pain engulfed me as I tried to understand what was going on, but I couldn't make sense of it. Ryker was my mate? How? Memories flooded back—how he lashed out at me when we first met, telling me I had no wolf. Subconsciously, I touched my neck. Was that why he kept touching it, searching for my wolf mark? Was that why he brought me to the Red Moon pack? It dawned on me then—I had just been rejected.Since I had no wolf, I couldn't feel the mate bond or the pain of rejection. But Ryker could. He groaned in agony, placing a hand on his chest. Selina squealed in delight, clapping her hands together."Finally, I won't have a mentally deranged woman for a sister-in-law," she jeered.Anguish washed over me. This was Selina's endgame. She had set me up so I would be rejected and chased away. But I didn't utter a word. Instead, I turned to Ryker."If that's the situation, why didn't you tel