CHAPTER 2: The beginning of the end

REINA’S POV

I recklessly parked my car, the bumper knocking over an angel statue that decorated the concrete yard. I stormed into Arthur's house and found him packing. He was shocked to see me.

And then, I showed him the papers, he couldn't even deny it. Instead, his true aggressive nature sprung forth like a fountain.

“Stop being so stupid,” his voice pierced through the air and straight into my heart like a poisoned dagger.

“Well, Arthur I've had enough of your crap,” I snapped, throwing the papers at him. “My father was right.”

As I turned to exit the room, Arthur's hand violently pulled me by the wrist, dragging me back in and slamming the door.

“I haven't finished with you.”

“What the fuck do you want, huh?” I asked, with furrowed brows and eyes staring deep into his. “Fucking Dahlia and getting her pregnant wasn't enough? Getting married to her behind my back wasn't enough either? Now, you're running away?

Dahlia was my cousin for crying out loud.

Arthur's gaze widened and instantly, he broke into a short menacing laugh.

He looked up, his eyes glinting with intense hatred. He charged at me, grabbing my jaw and pushing me to the wall like a predator.

“I had to put up with the insults from everyone just by being with you. I stayed because you're the Alpha’s daughter.” He whispered into my ears, “You're weak just like they say. You think anyone would want you, you wolf-less piece of shit?”

I forced a wry smile and shoved his dirty hands off my face, screaming,

“Get off me!”

His hands raced through his hair as his eyes darted through the room, searching for a sweet lie to tell, but I wouldn't listen to it this time.

“It's over. I'm done.”

Arthur's face froze and I could see the despair in his eyes as they welled up with crocodile tears, a feeble attempt to mask his monstrosity.

“Reina, I'm sorry.” Desperately, he went down on both knees begging and cuddling my legs as if his life depended on it.

“I have bad taste in men,” I acknowledged, shaking my head, “An Alpha's daughter with a low class Omega,” I reminded him of his place before pushing him off and darting out of his house.

My heart bled after breaking it off with my first love. I couldn't believe I had planned to expose Minsi and put myself in danger for that worthless piece of…

I hastily got in my car. I drove off, crying all the way home as It struck me that I had no other choice now, but to accept Alpha Van's proposal.

***********

Few days later. It was the day of the lunar bonding ceremony between Alpha Van and I.

I sat in my room, opposite Gina with a black veil over my head as we shared a drink.

She crossed her leg, bending her head slightly in order to get a good look, but I concealed myself even further behind the veil.

“I am fine, truly,” I lied, “It's for the good of the pack afterall. An end to the unending rivalry.”

“Sis, I bet Van probably won't be as ruthless as they say.” Gina said, taking a sip from her cup of red wine. I only shrugged.

“Slow and steady, Reina, slow and steady always wins.” Minsi growled as I stared at my reflection.

“The wedding is fixed and I'm sorry, sister, that nothing can be done,” Gina whispered, trying to comfort me as she patted my shoulders.

She always had a way of getting to me, we became close after she saved my life from crazy Hella who tried to poison me.

Hella was hunted down, though her body was never found. Some believed she succumbed to her wounds and died in the river, while others believed the rogues ate her alive.

Unlike Gina, I didn't quite like Luna Tauriel, her mother. A difficult and ill-tempered woman.

“The gathering is tonight, I think you could have dressed better” Gina said, setting her glass on the table beside her.

I looked at my outfit, a casual flared jean trousers and a crop top.

“I’m sure it's comfortable,” she added, “stay strong and if you need anything, you can always count on me.”

“Thanks, sis. I couldn't have held on this long without you.”

She grinned shyly and brushed her hand against my shoulder. Suddenly, the room door opened wide. Beta Daphne stood firm, her glare landing on me, she snarled.

“Alpha Van of Woodwick pack has arrived.”

Gina and I stared intensely at each other for a few seconds and she smiled encouragingly. She left with Beta Daphne to join the pack in the forest where the ceremony was to take place.

And shortly after, I walked down as well. My racing heart moved in sync with every drum beat that resonated through the forest. Minsi was more nervous than I was.

Their joyful noise swayed through the branches, yet I remained frozen at the edge of the woods, my feet rooted to the spot. Thank goodness, my best friend, Corolla, was by my side.

She constantly reminded me to stay calm but under the cold night, Minsi’s sensitive nose picked up the scent of sweat and tension stemming from Corolla's skin, betraying her false composure.

As the last members from my pack proceeded to join the others in the woods, a sharp feminine voice yelled out from amongst them saying,

“Corolla, you're needed!”

My eyes met with Corolla's and instantly I felt an emptiness brewing within.

“Well, that sucks! I'm pretty sure it's either Gina or Luna Tauriel who doesn't know how much wolfsbane to add in a fucking cocktail.” she cried.

“I'll be fine,” I assured her with a fake smile.

“Just in case I don't come back before time, once you hear three consecutive drum beats after the torch goes up, it's your cue to come in. Just like we rehearsed,” She explained as her hands fidgeted on her thighs.

I nodded and Corolla swept me in a sweet embrace before heading into the woods. She was the only friend I had. A fiery redhead with a temper as short as her height. But she's the most amazing wolf I'd ever seen. Minsi adored her.

As I stood there, lost in thoughts while gazing into the woods, I let out a small yawn and then my eyes fell upon my wrist. My bracelet glistened in the moonlight.

It was my mother's. She had worn it on the day of her lunar bonding ceremony with my father.

Memories of her flooded my mind and a small smile curled the edges of my lips.

“Who's there?” I asked almost immediately as Minsi’s keen ears caught onto the footsteps nearby.

I checked the time and it was already thirty minutes since everyone left. I had been alone since then but now, someone or something was approaching through the woods a few metres from where I stood.

“Who's there?” I asked again, more loud and defiantly. I could feel my wolf already preparing for a fight, but I held her back.

“I'm not going to ask again. Show yourself.”

I heard nothing for a few seconds. My eyes scanned through the dark woods and suddenly caught a tall figure lurking behind a tree.

I could feel its piercing gaze crawling on my skin, sending shivers down my spine and my hairs stood on its ends.