Chapter 3

I squared my shoulders with his, standing firm, glaring at him straight in the eyes, “I’m sorry, you must have me confused with your daughter, Sasha.” 

I smirked, dead serious as I continued, “You know the warriors enjoy passing her around their barracks every time she comes home from the academy on breaks? They like to brag about it all the time! 

I believe something about something she does with her,” I clearly struck a nerve when he interrupted my goading retort by immediately grabbing me by the neck, digging his claws into it, shoving me up against the wall.

With venom dripping from his tone, he growled out, “You should be grateful to me you ungrateful little slut! Without me, you AND your mother would have been dead long ago! 

Nothing will EVER begin to repay the debts the two of you have cost me and I fully intend on cashing in that debt,” he licked his lips, running his lecherous eyes back up and down my body while using his other hand to fondle and grope my breast, “after you have…matured,” he sneered. 

Just as I thought I would pass out from his choke hold on me, we heard a loud rapping on the door.

“Honey!” It was my mom. Thank the goddess for small mercies!

Quickly straightening and completely schooling his features and tone Alpha Donovan responded, “Yes, my Luna?”

She opened the door quickly and visibly relaxed, “Oh good! I have been looking everywhere for you, Violet!”

“I was…just explaining to Violet, uh, how she will need to present herself when the Alpha and Luna of Burning Moon arrive this afternoon,” the Alpha cleared his throat, smoothing his clothes and hair as if it were something normal for him to do. 

“Oh good!” My mother clapped with excitement hearing my step-father’s explanation of why I was in his office with him…alone.

“I’m glad you were talking to her about that. I have perfect timing then! Violet, don’t forget to try on that dress for this evening. We need to know if any other alterations need to be made  before you wear it when the convoy arrives. You will be meeting your future mate in it!” She squeals, beaming with excitement, as her brightly shining eyes sparkled. She was so innocent and loving. This has been her dream since I was a little girl; to help her daughter marry a mate and see us happily mated, living happily ever after. 

How could my mom be so blind to how sleezy her chosen mate was towards me?!

“Yes ma’am,” I sighed as I tried to quickly slip out the door behind my mom.

Before I could make my escape, she giggled at her mate before quickly adding, “Oh! I almost forgot to tell you both! The Burned Moon pack convoy has entered our pack territory! They should be here within the next hour or two, so HURRY! Time is of the essence sweetheart!”

My mother has always had impeccable timing. Unfortunately for me, sometimes that timing was not always welcomed.

“Oh it looks PERFECT!” She beamed as she let herself into my bedroom. She was hell bent on having me wear the perfect form fitting dress to meet my chosen mate, ‘so you can show off all your curves for your new alpha…to show him what he has to look forward to!’ I subtly recall my mother explaining to me when she took me to pick out the dress. I rolled my eyes as Sally, one of our omega maids on staff, helped me out of the dress so I could continue to prepare for the convoy’s arrival. 

“I’m going to take a shower,” I bit out. 

I was grumpy and I didn’t mean to sound like a bitch to my mom, but I couldn’t help how I was feeling.

I was growing more and more nervous as this shit show of my future continued to come straight at me like I was a deer in headlights. I felt like the Moon Goddess was playing a sick trick on me and I would soon discover that those headlights weren’t that of a truck, but a fucking freight train! 

But what could I do? I was powerless in the moment, forced to succumb to my sad but fateful future ahead.

The shower did nothing to help soothe my aches and tense, stressed muscles. I quickly exited the bathroom, towel drying my hair as I walked towards the vanity surrounded by at least five beauty stylists my mother had brought in to prepare me for today. She apparently told them that their performances today and making me look perfect would determine if they would return for my Wedding and Mating Ceremony.

I was so lost in my melancholy thoughts even after showering that I didn’t even realize a cart had rolled in with delectable aromas exuding from it. Too bad I had no appetite.

“You have a big day today, young lady!” She said excitedly as she continued to prod at my plate to signal that I should shovel the food from my plate into my mouth quickly so the ladies can begin their work on me. 

Mom giggled, “I can’t believe that in just a short time, this will no longer be your room.” A single tear fell from the corner of her eye as she continued, “Soon you will be a mated and marked she-wolf with a pack of your own to go home and lead with your own alpha by your side!”

My mom was sweet, loving, and fierce. She meant well and she would do anything for me, but I could never understand why she agreed to mating such a creep after dad died.

According to mom, a few months after I was born, our father died. War broke out across the entire nation. Mom never could bring herself to explain anything further about his death or what happened.

After everyone finished preparing me, the beauty team mom had brought in left and it was just my mom and I left in my room. Mom wanted to have a few last moments with me before we had to go downstairs. I figured now was the best time as any to ask my mom why she chose to be with Alpha Donovan. Maybe it would help me accept this Alpha they had chosen for me?

“Mom?”

“Yes, honey?”

“Why did you take Alpha Donovan as your chosen mate so quickly after dad died?” I asked, looking down at my hands sadly, missing him and wishing he were still here. I never really got to know him since he died shortly after I was born, but I still missed the absence of the father that was taken from me.