~Unknown POV~
My mother had just told me the news. I was standing in the dining room, and my father was sitting on a chair with his elbow leaning on the table. My mother had her hand on his shoulder and both of them were giving me nothing short of an ultimatum.
”Sweetheart, the title is yours, you will lead your pack but first you must take a wife,” My mother said and I saw the pleading in her eyes. She tilted her head down slightly and looked up at me with a certain mix of sadness and guilt. But none of that would change her mind.
”Gabriella is from a good family, her father spoke well of her and they do have a certain respect from other packs around the country.” My father said. That was all this was, a good business deal on their end.
”So do we, we have more respect and more alias than any other pack. I will not be taking a wife,” I seethed.
”It’s not a discussion, son. The deal has been made, she will arrive in two days and the wedding will take place right away.”
”She’s a spoiled bitch who can't get by without Dady’s money!”
”Language!” My mom scolded and stepped forward. My dad stood up and heaved a sigh.
”This will be good, for all of us. They need this to keep their pack strong and you will become Alpha. It’s a done deal,”
I was in the den, playing pool and thinking about driving the cue tup through my chest. With enough strength, it should be possible.
I placed the cue in its position and narrowed my eyes on the ball. The rage that had built in me was surging out of my arms, down into my fingertips, and out into the cue tip.
The tip hit the ball and it flew up, over the table, and nearly hit Cole in his face.
”Whoa!” He said and grabbed the ball an inch in front of his face. Too bad, I could've used the laugh.
”I’m guessing the meeting wasn't to talk about the food arrangements for when you take over the pack?” He asked and placed the ball down on the table.
”No. It was to talk about the arrangements for my marriage.” His eyes widened a fraction and then the laugh came.
”I’ll shoot the ball again and this time you won't be able to grab it.” I said and tossed the cue down on the table. It bounced and the balls rolled away.
”I’m sorry but what the hell do you mean with ’marriage?” He asked.
”They’ve arranged for me to marry Gabriella Santos from the Trimoon pack,” Cole didn't even attempt to hide his laughter and I hoped he’d choke on it.
”Dude, that spoiled bratty princess?”
”Uhu,”
”Well damn, I hear she’s hot though,”
”Do you think I care? She will do nothing but cause problems and in case you’ve forgotten, I already have a girlfriend.” I said and leaned my palms down against the table.
Cole winced, and for good reason, when Samantha found out about this arrangement, all hell would break loose and I would be the one in the center of the flame. Not just me, but Gabriella as well, probably more so.
”So what, when have you ever backed down from a challenge?”
”How is tying my life to another in marriage, a challenge?”
”We have all heard the stories. The spoiled princess who is her daddy’s pride and joy, always gets what she wants and never takes a no for an answer. The challenge is to grab her feet and pull them back down on the ground. Break her, clip her wings so she doesn't soar in the clouds, you will be her Alpha, make her submit to you.” I tilted my head back, rolled back my shoulders, and listened to what he said. The light from the lamp was flickering, it annoyed the shit out of me and I grabbed the cue and lifted it.
”We’ll make it more interesting-” he said and grinned.
”- I bet you won't be able to get it done before the end of the year,”
”I’ll have her submitting to me by the end of the month,” I said and tightened my grip on the pool cue.
”No no, not just submit. You have to have her wrapped around your finger, hopelessly and utterly in love with you by the end of the year,” I clenched my jaw and Cole stared at me, he leaned forward, the dude was an asshole by a long shot but he was challenging me.
”How much?”
”Ten grand to whoever wins,”
”I get her to fall for me, you give me ten grand?” I said and raised a brow.
”Or you fail, which you will, and you owe me the ten grand.” I leaned forward, he reached out his hand and I grabbed it, squeezing a little harder than necessary and grinning as he groaned from his bones crushing under my grip. It’s important for people to know their place, especially when their ego is as inflated as he was.
The lamp continued to flicker and as I leaned back, I raised the cue and smashed the lightbulb. The glass shards fell down on the table and Cole and I grinned as we both thought about our new game, and the game was arriving in two days.
”Gabby, please look at me,” I was watching my three brothers outside, Edmund jumped in the new Benz that dad bought him for his first car. Nick was swinging his arm around his girlfriend and they walked off and Noah left with his friends. Me? I was being told that I had to marry a man I had never met, one who wasn't my mate, because my father and the Alpha of the red moon pack decided it was a good idea.”Sweetheart, I promise you that it is for the best, for all of us,” except me. He sighed and walked away. The door closed and I could finally let the tears fall. They slid down my cheek and I blinked a few times, helping them run faster.When had arranged marriages for the sake of power ever made the couple happy? None that I had ever heard of. My dad found his mate, and so did everyone in our family. My brothers would have the same privilege. They would be able to play around, go on dates, and wait until they found the one before they settled down. I got up and shook my head. Cryin
A knock on my door woke me after my two hours of sleep, barely.I turned around and rubbed my eyes before looking at the door being opened. My mom poked her head inside and had a wide smile on her face, showing of her pearl-white teeth.”Hi, honey, sleep well?” She asked and I rose a brow. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her. I looked at the floor by the bed and my brows hunched together when I saw my suitcases had been taken. ” They're waiting downstairs,” She said and walked over to my bed. The bed dipped down as she sat and I jerked my head away as she tried to cup my cheek. ” As I said to dad, we don't have to pretend,” I said and removed the covers. She cleared her throat and fixed her dress. ”I thought maybe you wanted some help to get ready. I could straighten your hair, or maybe help you with your makeup. Let’s make you pretty,” She said in a nauseatingly gleeful voice. My veins grew cold and I resisted the urge to tell her everything that was on my mind. I c
I was staring out the windshield the entire ride and my mom's muffled voice was gushing over how pretty I was and what happy event we had in front of us. ”Mom maybe you can speak less,” Edmund said sounding annoyed.”Oh hush up you, I'm just saying that besides everything else, this is a joyous occasion,” She was smiling from ear to ear, her bright red lipstick made her teeth look even whiter. She was wearing a baby blue dress and pearl earrings with a matching necklace.”You mean besides the fact that you’re marrying off your daughter against her will?” He asked and glared through the rearview mirror.”She’ll be happy soon enough, it’ll all turn around, you will see.” ”No it won’t and-””That’s enough, Edmund.” My mom said sternly and he shut up. She had a temper, not a sweet one. Everyone in my family did. We could all be happy-go-lucky but once things ticked them off and they’d blow their cap. I had been taught that love could be bought, mine had all my life. I was taught that an
Time slowed the closer I got. My father gave me a kiss on the cheek, my brothers were barely containing their anger as they watched me walk up to the podium.I stood in front of Alpha Aiden, my stature compared to his was tiny and his body was broad and trained as many of the males were. His piercing blue eyes stared at me with hatred brimming in the center. The elder started speaking and everything went on autopilot. I said my I do’s and so did Alpha Aiden. The rest was closed out. My body couldn't function and I didn't feel my feet or my hands that were wrapped around the bouquet.”Then I hereby present to you, Alpha Aiden and Luna Gabriella.” Everyone erupted in cheers and the floors began to shake from the impact. ”You may now kiss the bride,” He said and my eyes filled with the unshed tears I had been pushing down for so long. His eyes darkened as he leaned in. His lips hovered over mine and I drew in a sharp breath. ”Push the tears down.” He said with a cold voice that made
~Gabby's POV~Marie was staring at the door behind me where her son had just stood.It took a while for her to regain her focus and turn back to her regal self. A smile that could make anyone feel loved grew on her face once again but the anger in her eyes was visible. ”I’m very sorry about that,” she said and I saw how her jaw clenched.”No worries,””Don’t do that, don’t ever allow yourself to be okay with that behavior-” She grabbed my hands and stared deep into my eyes. ”-from anyone.” She said seriously.I nodded my head, my words were fumbling around on my tongue but they wouldn't come out. ”Do you want to head back in? I'm sure you’re family would like to see that you’re okay,” They don't care. The wedding is done, the deal has been sealed and I was on my own from here and on. But my brothers were in there.”Don’t tell anyone about what just happened, please,” I said and smiled. My parents wouldn't make a big deal of it but my brothers would start an all-out war between ou
He stepped into the room and walked to where the moonlight now showed him and all his anger. I wish he’d step back again and disappear into the darkness. His eyes were obsidian and his nostrils were flaring. ”You dare walk away from me.” I gulped but tilted my head back, suddenly feeling very naked under his gaze.”I assumed the bed reached its max capacity,” I spat and took a step back as he came toward me. Alpha Aiden took one big step and I wasn't fast enough to move as he grabbed my hand and pulled me in. My eyes gazed down at the floor, my front was pressed up against his, and our strengths couldn't even be compared. Aiden had his wolf, I didn't.”Look at me.” His voice rumbled and the darkness behind it caused shivers throughout my body. My eyes were still on the floor, my lips were parted and my breathing was getting heavier.His hand came around the back of my head and he tangled his fingers into my hair. I pinched my lips together to quiet a yelp as he pulled my head back,
The feeling from last night returned and the hairs on the back of my neck stood. I turned my head to see if someone was watching me and in the corner of the room by the entrance I saw her. Sam walked in, her hair was disheveled and when she saw that I was looking, she graced her thumb over her lips and smiled. I bit down on my jaw and turned my attention back to the people around the table. ”I agree, let’s talk about something fun,” Marie said and clasped her hands together.”Weren’t you guys going to some party later?” She asked and looked between Aiden and Cole. Cole's face lit up and he leaned his arms on the table. ”Tomorrow actually, there’s a big party in town. Say, Gabby, would you like to join us? You’d of course go with us, a couple of other guys, and who else was it-” He said and dragged his hand over the side of his face. ”Oh right, Sam was coming wasn't she? And a group of her friends,” He turned his head slowly back to me. If he was searching for a reaction, he wasn
The girl came back and slumped down in her seat again. I looked at her incredulously and she rolled her brown eyes. ”I ordered some food,” she said.”You shouldn't have, I'm not that hungry and I kind of have to go,” I said.”First of all I can hear your stomach screaming and second, do you have a hurry back to your friends?” She asked and rose a brow. ”Low blow,” I said and tensed my jaw. She chuckled and then rubbed her hands together as the food arrived. My eyes widened and I stammered to get any words out. ”Did you order for everyone in here?” I asked when the waiter placed down plates with marinated wings, fries, cheese fries, burgers, ribs, and another few plates with cake and cookies. He then went and came back with two milkshakes, one chocolate, and one strawberry.”It’s called comfort food,” She said and put a fry in her mouth.” I didn’t know which milkshake you liked so I bought my favorite and another one. You choose,” ”Which one is your favorite?” I asked.”That’s why
Aiden saw, his eyes met his mother's and like the flick of a finger, the time sped up and Asher's head flew back. He clawed out Asher’s other eye, completely blinding his wolf before jumping up and digging his teeth into his neck. Asher’s wolf fell to the ground, trying with all his might to get back up but Aiden sunk his teeth in deeper and I saw that he was making it hurt as much as possible. As his last breath was drawn, Aiden finally pulled back and rose his head. He looked behind him and took off, running to his mother's side. Everyone else kept fighting and were going ferociously at Asher’s men. Their leader was dead but they weren't stopping. I turned back and saw Liliana, her eyes were turning red as she looked out over all the men fighting. She screamed and raised her hands, and with her hands rose fire and burnt the werewolves alive. Our own men were backing away and pulling at each other to run back. Just as the others were about to run, a wall of fire rose behind them, t
~Edmund’s POV~ Liliana was looking at me, her lips slightly parted and her mind seemed deep in thought. I held on to my cup to keep from showing how shaky my hands were. Talking feelings and being exposed like this wasn't my thing, I never had to do it. I'd wink at a girl and they’d come to me but this wasn't a one-night thing and I wanted to do it right. The question was if she’d let me. ”I know that you’re more than that, it’s just,” her voice was so low and fragile and nothing at all like we had seen her be. Her eyes flickered and she rolled her head. ”You don't understand,” she sighed and closed her eyes. Her head fell and her hand let go of the fork she was holding. ”Don’t understand what?” I asked her and pinched my brows together. Liliana slowly opened her eyes, so slow that I could see every littlest emotion that swirled around in there. Her shoulder slumped and she exhaled. ”The fight isn't over,” she whispered as though it was a secret. ”What-what do you mean?” T
~Gabby’s POV~ Liliana was sitting next to Edmund, the two seemed to have similar scowls on their faces. Neither said a word, they just ate and completely ignored everyone, including each other. ” How did you sleep?” I asked them and squirmed in my seat. Edmund looked up at me through hooded eyes and then back at his plate. ”Fine,” Liliana said and offered at least a strained smile. She had more manners than my brother, who would've thought. The stale tension only rose but I couldn't be too upset about it. Every time I saw the heart-shaped ring on my finger a swarm of butterflies erupted in my stomach and I got all giddy. Aiden saw where I was looking and grabbed my hand, he lifted it to his lips and placed a kiss on it. I saw Marie’s and Clark’s pleased expressions. They looked just as happy as we were. But of course, I wanted to see all of my brothers happy as well. Noah was happy with Cassy and now Nick had Erin, that only left Edmund who was mated to the woman who put a h
”I just…I don't feel like I belong here,” I said and looked down, too ashamed to look into his eyes. I felt his finger under my chin and he tilted my head back. My eyes flickered between his lips and his eyes. ”You do,” he said and leaned down, he placed a soft kiss on the side of my mouth. ”You belong here,” he said and kissed my jaw. He raised his head, his eyes locking me down and he stepped closer, brushing his body against mine. ”You belong with me.” He said and kissed my lips, I drew a sharp breath and released it heavily, feeling my chest and my shoulders sink. He continued placing soft kisses on my lips and his other hand rested on my waist. I leaned forward, pressing myself against him and my mind and my thoughts ceased to exist. I pressed my lips harder onto his and grabbed onto the back of his head. His tongue slipped in and he held me so hard as if begging me to stay. Worried that if he let go, I’ll be gone. He gently lifted me and placed me on the bed. ”I’m beggi
~Erin’s POV~ I walked out, ready to say goodbye to everyone but as I got to the foyer, I saw them all standing there with big smiles on their faces. ”There you are, come on, we’re going for a run!” Gabby said and came to grab my hand. ”Gabby, no. I have something-” ”Don’t. Not yet,” she whispered and the sadness in her eyes was just heartbreaking. ”Sure, let’s go for a run,” I said and squeezed her hand. We didn't shift at first, we took off our shoes and ran on the ground, through the grass, and down into the woods. I closed my eyes and allowed my other senses to take the stirring wheel as the wind embraced me. We all shifted and ran between the trees and tried catching up with each other. Nick’s wolf slowed a little beside me and we stopped behind everyone else as they continued. He came up and started nuzzling me. He leaned his head over my wolves and they rubbed against abasing each other, both as pleased as they could ever be. Somehow this made me feel worse because now I r
”Sending a bunch of big men with big muscles may work for you wolves but when it comes to a witch, it’s better to send someone with respect.” She said as she stood in front of Aiden. ”You're Liliana,” ”And you must the Alpha,” she reached out her hand and Aiden shook it. Liliana's eyes suddenly furrowed and she looked past him. She walked up the stairs and looked around the entrance. Her eyes were searching for something and it looked like they found it when a door opened up upstairs and a girl walked out. She was pulling down her dress and giggling as she pulled Edmund closer and pressed her body against his. He smirked and nibbled on her ear but then stopped. He froze in his spot and slowly turned his head. His eyes locked with Lilianas and started glowing.”Mate,” was the only word that left his lips. The girl gasped and slapped him as she stormed off down the stairs and out of the house without making eye contact with anyone. Edmund was taking slow steps down the stairs and Lili
Aiden and I sat in silence for several minutes before I had the courage to speak. ”I don’t know yet. There’s just so much going on and things that have happened that I don't know if I can stay. I mean I just found out that I have this whole other family that I thought all my life gave me up. Now I have a mate as well and things just aren't working out as they’re supposed to,””Or maybe they’re working out exactly as they’re supposed to. You went through hell, Erin, but now you’re here, you’re home. Maybe this was your way back,””Or maybe I was just never meant to come back,” I whispered. The life I had been living for the past years had been that of a nightmare and the thought of it all being part of my faith was terrifying. ”Just don't do anything rash, take your time and think about it before deciding,” Aiden got up and left. His eyes were pleading with me but just like the rest of them, I knew he wouldn't try to stop me if I chose to leave. He’d respect my decision, as they all
Gabby’s eyes widened and she was staring in shock at our brother who had no recognition of her whatsoever. He twisted her arm and extended his claws. ”Get back!” Edmund pushed at his chest, I went around Gabby and grabbed his arm and we pinned him against the wall. ”What the hell is wrong with him?” Edmund growled. He turned his head and looked at me but this time I didn't have the answer and that pissed me off. He knew me and Edmund but how could he have forgotten about her? All her life it had been the three of us, working shit out together and protecting each other. He was the one alongside Edmund who would break necks and slit throats to keep her safe and now all of sudden she was a stranger to him. ”Easy,” Gabby said beside me. Everyone was silent for a minute, including Noah who was seething and trying to push us back. When I looked into his eyes I could see my brother but there was something more, something that wasn't him and it was eating him up. We needed to find the w
~Nick’s POV~I told the others to wait upstairs. We had been patiently sitting around for a fucking hour to see if the warriors could get anything out of Amanda but they hadn't so I was going to see if I could speed it up. ” She’s pretty beaten but maybe you'll be able to get something out of her,” the guard said on his way out. I wanted everyone gone, the only people left would be me and her.I walked up to the cellar and Amanda was sitting on the floor. Her arm was broken and half her body was covered in blood. Her right eye was swollen and there was a cut on her leg where it looked like someone had driven in a knife and still- she hadn't talked. ”What do you want?” She said in a raspy voice, barely able to look at me or move her lips. ”The truth.” I said and circled my fingers around the bars. She tried shaking her head but winced. The cellar leaked of wolfsbane and she wouldn't be healing anytime soon. ”I… I’ve told the truth. I didn't use magic on anyone so…just go,” she sai