“I am now Alpha of Moonstone and you shall submit to me” Those were the words my father had dreaded the most when the war began, losing and having to bow to another Alpha.
His fear had been manifest. I just prayed my father's pride would not get him killed.
He looked around at his pack and at me and my mother, his family before he closed his eyes in resignation and bowed to Alpha Jacob, our new Alpha.
“Good. From today henceforth, I relinquish you of your duties as Alpha and I shall take over this pack, uniting it with mine”
The members of Alpha Jacob's pack and even some of ours cheered. It was hard to watch the ty I'd grown up in being invaded like that. I couldn't watch anymore, so I left. It was going to be my 18th birthday the next day, and I was still very excited about it.
I prayed to the moon goddess day and night that I would finally get my wolf and nobody would tease me or pick on me ever again. And also, I'd be meeting my mate soon. I hoped he would be a wonderful man and he'd love me as much as I wanted to be loved.
After everyone had dispersed from the gathering at the square, my father returned home and he wasn't happy. I didn't expect him to be, obviously, but my father had always been unkind to me, and I just knew he'd be even worse since he'd just lost his position as Alpha to a much younger Alpha.
“I should have had a son” he began as he sat down. My mother gave me an apologetic look, we both knew what he was about to say. “Instead I had a weakling daughter like you. At least my son would be able to reclaim the Moonstone pack. But the only thing you're good for is to be married off to someone. Seeing you around here fuels my anger”
“But father… I'm about to turn 18, I'll meet my mate soon.”
My father scoffed. “You don't even have a wolf, what makes you think you'll find a mate”
His words stung, I never expected anything good from my father but him cursing me to not have a mate was very hurtful.
“Why do you hate me so much?” I spoke up
“What did you say?” His tone was threatening, I knew he'd definitely heard me the first time.
“It's not my fault I was born this way. You're my father, perhaps my weakness is a sign of your own. After all, you lost the pack and—”
Before I could continue, he slapped me in the face, and he didn't hold back. He sent me tumbling back and I fell to the ground.
“Don't you dare insult me like that ever again? Maybe you should ask your mother where she got you from. She couldn't even have another baby”
“Don't speak about mother like that!” I yelled on the ground, lunging for him, but of course, I was practically powerless against him. He pushed me back to the floor, sending a kick in my gut.
“Raynar please stop it! She's your daughter” My mother begged as she rushed to stand between me and my father.
“Pathetic” He spoke as he spat on the ground next to me.
I was just as weak as he said. And I hated it. Maybe I should have been born had a man so I'd strike back whenever he laid a hand on me or my mother”
“Iris, you know how he is… don't instigate him further” " my mother spoke as she caressed my bruised cheek. I was nubs to the pain. It wasn't the first time he'd hit me.
“If you'd stood up to him years ago, we wouldn't be here right now”, I said to my mother before I got up and left. I knew my words were harsh, but it was the cold hard truth.
It was nearly midnight as I roamed the pack estate and stopped at a small bridge over the river near the woods.
I took in a deep breath as I stared at the running water. If only I could be so free to choose my current and my own path.
“Mind if I join you?” I suddenly heard a voice which startled me.
“A-alpha Jacob” I stuttered, sewing the man who'd been strong enough to overthrow my father. “What are you doing here?”
“Just taking a leisurely stroll and I don't think it would be fair to leave you out here all alone”
He was everything my father wasn't. Deep down, I knew he'd make a better ruler.
“I come out here a lot. So it's fine”
He leaned on the bridge, staring up at the sky for a moment before he looked at me.
“You're Ragnar's daughter”
“Don't hold that against me”
He chuckled “I won't. I'm sorry you had to watch your father bow to Me today”
I shrugged, “Wasn't anything he didn't deserve”
Surprisingly, Alpha Jacob was fun to talk to; we ended up speaking at length about every topic that came to mind; I didn't realise how much time had gone by till I heard the chimes of the large clock at the square.
It was midnight.
“Well… happy birthday to me” I muttered
“It's your birthday?”
I nodded yes as I started to walk towards him. I stumbled over my own feet and crashed into him. He caught me and held me in his big, strong arms.
I felt a strong pull towards him as his hand came in contact with my skin. And he smelt different too, good different.
“Happy birthday Iris,” He said softly as he stared into my eyes.
He suddenly buried his face in my neck as he took a big whiff of me. His eyes glowed a warm golden hue when he came up to stare at me again.
I felt the tugging feeling grow stronger.
“Mate” Jacob growled as he pulled me in closer to him.
Jacob was my mate?
I could feel something crying out for him in my head. It was a very weak voice so I wasn't sure if I'd gotten my wolf yet.
My eyes narrowed in on Jacob's.
“It's you… y-you’re my mate” I said as relief washed over me. Jacob was perfect and in the short time we'd spoken, I'd felt myself falling for him already. Not to mention he was handsome.
I smiled up at him. At first, he seemed… pleased, but then his expression changed as he let go of me and put some distance between us.
“What's wrong Jacob?”
“Iris… I can't”
“I don't understand. What do you mean?”
“I can't do this. You can't be my mate.
“But why not?”
“You don't even have a wolf yet Iris. I'm now in control of not one but two packs, I can't do anything that would make me seem… weak”
“You're saying I'd make you seek weak? B-because I don't have a wolf is that it?”
“And your father just submitted to me in front of everyone… I can't go ahead and accept his wolfless daughter as my mate”
“Jacob what are you saying… this doesn't sound like you. We're mates, you and I, we complete each other”
“Iris, you're not even complete yourself” His words took me aback.
“You can't seriously mean that” I whispered.
“I mean it, Iris. Tonight was great but in the real world, we don't work. We can't”
“Jacob, please… I've dreamed of finding my mate since I was a little girl and now, I've found you. Don't do this to me, please” I felt every last bit of hope within me slowly disintegrating.
All my life I'd been bullied and looked down upon. Even though I was the Alpha's daughter, I was weak and wolfless. It broke my heart to know that my mate thought the same of me.
“I'm sorry. But I have to put the pack first”
“We can… together we can Jacob. This bond isn't a mistake, it can't be”
Jacob looked away from me, “Maybe it is”
“Jacob…”
When he looked at me again, his eyes were cold and unloving. He didn't want me.
“By the Moon Goddess, I reject you, Iris Greywell as my fated mate”
As soon as he spoke those words, I felt something snap within me, it felt like my head was squeezed and drained of every last drop of blood.
“Accept it, and the pain will go away”, He spoke coldly.
“No… ugh Jacob please”
“Don't be stubborn Iris” I saw his cold facade break for a split second.
“I won't accept it” I replied weakly.
“Fine suit yourself”
With that, Jacob walked away, ignoring my pleas for him to stay. As I saw him leaving, I remembered every harsh word that had ever been said against me.
And I finally accepted that they were true.
I cried myself to sleep on that bridge. It wasn't until morning came that I got up and made my way back home. As I passed, I stopped by the Alpha's office. I knew I should've kept going. He didn't want me, and there was nothing I could do to change that, but I felt like I had to try at least one more time.The office door was already opened and I entered. What I saw made my chest boil. Jacob was seated on his chair and there was a girl there straddling him, with her hands locked in his hair. She was the daughter of our old Beta.But why did she have her hands on my mate?! “Jacob!” He saw me in the doorway, and his expression changed. “You know what? I was wrong about you. I shouldn't even have bothered” My voice was weak and cracked from all my crying. I stormed out of the office, and Jacob followed me. “Iris, Iris wait” “No! Because I had this image in my head of who I thought you were but you're the exact opposite. You reject me and you have another woman in your hands a few ho
I ran like I'd never run before. It didn't matter that I had a small bag of things with me. I was running for my life. Rouges did unspeakable things to other wolves. I didn't want to be a victim. I felt them hot on my tail and I knew they enjoyed hunting me down. “We just want to play… don't run, birdie”, I heard them yell from behind me. I didn't look back; I just kept going, and soon, I made it out of the forest and reached the roads. But it was early in the morning and the roads were deserted. “Nowhere to run”, I heard the dreaded voices of the rogues behind me. I couldn't even shift to escape them because I didn't have a wolf, a reality that hit me harder now when I most needed it.They shifted into their wolf forms, and it was scary to watch their big forms approaching me with blood-red eyes and gnarly teeth. I started to run along the road again, hoping, praying for something to happen as they stalked slowly behind me. Just then, I saw the headlights of a car and it stoppe
Iris's POV“I’ll show you why they call me the beast Lycan.” His deep, cold voice resonated.I could see fear flash in my father's eyes as he gritted his teeth and stared at me with hate-filled eyes.Lucian still held my father's hand, and from the expression on his face, he was in pain. The sound of bones cracking filled the place, and my father screeched in pain.“Argggh!” He yelped as he staggered.Mum rushed out of the house with worry in her eyes. She stared in confusion at the scene before her.“You hit my future wife with those hands. Today, I’ll make sure you don't get to use them for a long time.” He said, his voice dripping with malicious intent.I watched as he walked towards my father, noting how long his legs were.“Azariel,” Lucian called out, and I wondered who he was referring to.Someone stepped out of the frontseat of the car; his driver. He gave off an eerie vibe, as a strong aura surrounded him. Half of his face was covered with his hair. He had cold, silvery eyes
Iris's POVI gulped at his words, he didn't look like he was joking. My gaze locked with Jacob’s for a split second, and I tore my eyes away immediately. I didn't want to think of him anymore. The more I did, the more pain I felt. His words kept playing in my head, “By the moon goddess, I reject you, Iris Greywell, as my mate.”My eyes shut tightly as I tried to push those memories aside. Lucian gently placed me in the car and covered my shoulders.There was silence as the car moved. I was leaving home and getting married soon to someone who wasn't my mate. This was something I never expected nor wished for.All my life, I had prayed to get my own wolf and a mate who would love me. Well, I had gotten the mate, but alongside it came another package: rejection.I couldn't help but chuckle at how pathetic my life was. I would also soon end up missing and dead, like all his wives. Thinking of this, I subtly looked at Lucian. He laid on the seat, with his hands on his forehead; he was pro
Lucian’s POVI sat with my eyes closed, with no thought in mind except for the little woman who sat next to me. I could see her giving me subtle glances, thinking I was asleep.Earlier, I had massaged her forehead but she ruined the moment with her questions. Right from when we met, I knew there was more to her than what others saw.She shifted uncomfortably on the seat, I could tell she had more questions to ask as her green eyes were filled with curiosity. Obviously, I knew the question she had in mind: my missing wives.Different rumours had spread far and wide about my wives that had gone missing, but I didn't care what was said about me. But one thing was sure: she was mine to protect.Weeks back when her father had offered her to me, I thought nothing of it. But after seeing her during the rogue attack, I couldn't explain the sudden urge to protect her.I was blinded by rage when I saw the scars inflicted on her by her father. If I could have my way, I would have done worse to h
Iris’s POVI couldn't look at Lucian after what I had just done.“Shit.” I cursed silently.I remembered the feel of his chest under my palms and bit my lips hard to stop such thoughts from intruding.“We have arrived.” I heard him say.Azariel got down and unlocked the car. Stepping outside, I was wowed by the mansion that stood before me but I put on a neutral expression.I had never seen anyone like it. It was built in an ancient style unlike the common modern buildings I was used to seeing. The mansion looked like it was from another era, with its grand arched windows and their stained design which, cast colorful patterns on the surrounding area.The entrance door stood strong and firm, with its intricate designs of wolves and other mythical creatures.I was so engrossed in admiring the building that I didn't even notice when a man walked by. He looked to be in his late forties. He spoke with Lucian before walking towards me.“Milady, I'm elder Damon. It's a pleasure to meet the
Iris's POV “Don't be too shocked.” He chuckled.“How did you know?” I asked, shifting back such that we were inches apart.“Well…that's a story for another day. For now, just rest.” He said, patting my head like I was a kid, and for some reason, I couldn't tell him to stop.“See you later…Iris.” He drawled, smiling with his eyes twinkling.I returned the smile and stood in front of the door till his figure faded. Sighing, I pushed open the door and took a look at the room. It was stunning, as expected. A king-sized bed lay in the middle with pink fluffy pillows and blankets. The wall of the room was painted pink, even the wardrobe was pink. I wasn't much of a pink girl, so it irked me.I walked towards the wardrobe and opened it, I sucked in my breath. In it were both royal and modern dresses, all made by designers. I opened another part of the wardrobe, which was filled with different bags, and another contained jewelry and other necessities.“What the hell I’m I going to use all t
Lucian's POV“Why didn't you do anything to Nicolai?” Azariel asked as we walked.“He’s up to something. It would be a waste to let him die without knowing his plot. He introduced himself to Iris as Damon instead of Nicolai.” I muttered.“That bastard!” Azariel seethed.I looked at Azariel, he was one of my most composed comrades. The only time he lost his composure was when his brother, Ariel was involved in something.Ariel had been getting involved with Nikolai these days, and had been protecting him for some reasons. Well, it was I who instructed him to do so but I couldn't let Azariel know, at least not now.On a normal day, Nicolai would have been a corpse for daring to look at what was mine. I caught onto the way he was openly staring at her hips without hiding it, she definitely caught him too as I noticed her uncomfortable movement.Iris was slender, yet wide at the hips. The baggy trousers she wore did little to hide it. Nicolai was obviously up to something. First was his i
Lucian’s POVAfter I was done with breakfast, I went to my study. Through my father's portrait, I went through the secret void and down to the secret dungeon. “Milord.” One of the dungeon guards walked towards me, bowing.“Where's the head guard?”“He is inspecting the prisoners. Do you want me to go get him?”“Yes.” Few seconds later, he arrived with the head guard.“Milord.” He bowed.“Get me Raj.” I ordered.He bowed and left while I waited. A moment later, he arrived dragging a chained Raj whose expression turned to the one of fear immediately he saw me.“Let me go! Ahhh, somebody, help me!” He yelled.“Aren't you tired of this Raj? Screaming for help when you know clearly that no one would come to save you. Pathetic.” I said, my teeth clicking.“Guess what Raj? You’d be seeing the sunset today. I'm taking you out, and it's going to be fun.” I flashed him a grin.“Please stop. I think the torture you’ve made me pass through is enough for my crimes. Just kill me already.” He sobb
Iris's POV When she mentioned that she couldn't remember her family, I suggested we take a break and talk about the issue at hand. I was sure it had something to do with the book.“When did you notice that you couldn't remember anything about your family?” I asked.“Let's say…some years after I was sucked into the book. It's like after each day of torture, a part of my memories gets wiped away. But I do know that I have a family. Who they are, I can't seem to remember. Who I was, I don't know.” She punched the neatly trimmed grass frustratingly.“I hate to be a burden to anyone. I followed you, thinking that if I got to the real world, I might remember something but it seemed it only got worse.” She rose up, dusting her trousers.“It isn't your fault, it's not like you did it on purpose. I'm sure your family would be looking for you. We can put up poster or something, then your family can come find you. But until then, you can stay here.” I offered her a smile which she returned.I d
Iris's POVI rolled on my bed, groaning for the umpteenth time as I was bored. I had taken my bath earlier, got dressed and eaten breakfast. I also spoke with my mum to make sure she was alright.She said my father had been calm these days, and had never beaten her in a long time. This was very unusual, but I was glad that she was fine. At least I wouldn't worry much about her.Thoughts of last night flowed in, and I covered my face with my pillow, groaning and kicking my legs up. It was so embarrassing the more I thought of it. Samantha and Eloise had gone to eat their breakfast, and I was alone and extremely bored. I was getting tired of this routine, waking, freshening up, eating breakfast and scrolling away on my phone. Come to think of it, I was more like a prisoner. I had never stepped out of this mansion since I arrived. I was the so-called Luna yet I didn't even know what the pack looked like. But…I hadn't asked if I could go out.Going out meant he’d have to know, which mea
Lucian’s POV Iris looked so scared as she backed away slowly. Her eyes widened that she looked like a little mouse caught stealing or doing something wrong; and that she was.I watched every single expression that passed through her face. She was all over the place, too scared of me. Strangely, I couldn't explain what I felt now. I should be happy that she was scared of me, after all, I couldn't let her get too close or think I was a bit kind.She was having a good time, poking my face with the end of a feather and it was obviously an act of revenge. Then she began stuttering that she was sorry. But we both knew she didn't mean it one bit. I said nothing but instead kept my gaze on her which only worsened things on her part.And I intentionally stood close to her, knowing how much fear it would put in her. Then she began stuttering again, about how she was pissed because I spoke to her like she was a kid.I see. I thought in my head and felt amused. So this was what all these was a
Iris's POV I took a step backwards, as my heart pounded so rapidly that I felt it might burst out of its rib cage. I was done for, his cold, icy blue eyes stared straight at me that I felt he could see my thoughts.What should I do? Should I run? “Yes, run!” A voice whispered.I took another step backwards, gulping. I opened my mouth to say something, but no word came out. Then he slowly stood, and I could see how tall he was. “Damn it.” I muttered as I backed away. Lucian took one step forward, covering all the steps I had taken. Was he trying to show off the fact that he had long legs?The more he got closer, I took a step backwards till my back hit the table. He stood right in front of me, that we were barely an inch apart. I panicked, my heart beat increasing. At this rate, I feared I might have a heart attack.“I’m…I’m sorry. I…I..I didn't mean to do that.” I apologised, my last resort.He said nothing, still staring at me intently and I was tempted to ask if there was someth
Lucian’s POV After I left Iris’s room, I received the book of illusions from Ivan. It was to be returned to the council for it to be kept holy ground; its rightful place.I walked to the general library, with the intent of seeing Kael. There was more to Iris, and it was slowly becoming more evident. It would be bad if news of her upcoming ability gets to the wrong ears.Not everyone could see Kael, even some of the powerful beings couldn't see him, yet Iris who was wolf-less, saw him. “Show yourself, idiot.” I said, as I hopped onto a table, tilting my head to the side.“You haven't changed, disrespectful brat.” A child’s voice echoed in the library.“You speak a lot for someone so small. Don't forget I could easily stomp on you, and you’d be forgotten, kid.” I smirked.“Don't call me that!” He snapped. “You remind me of a girl I met earlier. She saw me as a kid and spoke to me like I was her little brother or something. Urggh.” He groaned.My lips curled, I knew who he was referrin
Iris's POV I bit my lips hard, watching him leave the room. Because if I didn't, I might say something that could put me in trouble. And right now, it was best to avoid pissing him off. He just saved me, and a stranger we both didn't know.Lucian spoke like it was my fault that the book dragged me in. He spoke to me like I was some curious kid that touches everything she sees. I was in the library, I picked a book to read without knowing how dangerous it was. Maybe I should have just ignored the book, then all these wouldn't happen. But then, I was grateful that I was alive thanks to him, and I was able to save someone else from a horrible fate.My heart was saddened by the thought of the mister I had met. If the queen of the floweries kept to her words, then the man would be safe. I couldn't believe I just went through such an ordeal, and meeting psychopaths who had twisted ideas of happiness. But according to the mister, it was to break the realm so that they could go to the outsid
“You’re interesting.” A feminine voice said.I turned to see the queen of the floweries sitting on her throne, decked with numerous flowers.I simply ignored and faced Iris, with the intent to leave with her.“Please let's save them too.” She begged, her eyes filled with worry as she stared back at the tattered man and the young woman.She watched me, waiting for a response but I said nothing.“I’ll take that as a yes.” She mumbled as she rushed to loosen them both.The guards only watched with frowns on their faces, and gritted teeth. The corpse of their subordinates was enough warning to keep away from me.She loosened them before they began whispering something amongst themselves. Then with sad eyes, she held the hands of the young woman and looked back at the man who had an assuring smile on.“Now that you’ve riled them up, how do we leave here alive?” She whispered.“Don't worry, little mouse.” I said, patting her hair and the expression on her face was priceless.“We might be ca
Lucian's POV I jumped into the hole in the book, ignoring Ariel's scream. The only thing on my mind was seeing Iris safe. After falling for a long time, I landed on flowers. I hadn't been to this realm before, but the seer at the council had been able to peel into what it looked like. A place filled with flowers, trees and colourful butterflies which was the perfect illusion in contrast to what was actually going on here.I looked around, but there was no sign of anybody. The mansion where the prisoners were kept should be nearby. Iris must have been taken by the floweries.I hopped from tree to tree, advancing forward but I found no mansion. There was no route and that made it harder. Everywhere was just covered by silly, annoying flowers that irked me. The place was too bright to my liking.As I hopped on another tree, I felt something pierced me from my back. I reached out for it and pulled it out, it was an arrow. I guess my presence has been noticed.I continued hopping from tr