It was a long journey to the Goda pack but Chanda was in an utmost state of bliss. She stuck her head out the window of the car, letting the fresh breeze wash over her face as she admired the dusty roads and beautiful mountain tops. They drove past lakes and fields while she imagined herself running out the car, heading straight for the fields, never having to think of going back to the Montana pack.
“Close that window, omega. Mia is going to catch an illness from all that dust.” Sera said, spoiling her daydream.
“Yes, my lady.” She responded.
The car came to a halt at the front of a checkpoint and they were approached by men dressed like guards. Sera held up a card and announced proudly, “I am Sera, Luna of The Montana pack and that’s my daughter, Mia. We are here for the Luna Ritual.”
“Who’s the red haired?” He asked pointing at Chanda.
“Oh, a nobody. Don’t mind her presence. She is my daughter’s personal servant.” Chanda sighed at the description, Sera sure knew how to make her feel worthless.
“You may pass.” He gave Sera back the card and signaled for the gate to be opened.
“You see why I said we shouldn’t have brought this servant. They almost didn’t let us in.” Sera complained.
“That’s because you didn’t say who she was when you were introducing us, Mother.” Mia tossed and turned in the car, obviously trying to get comfortable.
The car drove round a fountain and parked by the side of the tower where several cars where packed.
“Seems a lot of people drive fancy cars here.” Mia said.
“No, silly. Today is the welcoming party for all the Alpha daughters.” Sera said. “Seems we are not as early as I had hoped.”
“No wonder you made me dress up already.” Mia whispered.
They were ushered into a hall where it seemed the party was already in full swing.
Chanda was amazed by the amount of beautifully dressed ladies, walking around, making small talk, while their mothers stood by the corners, watching their daughters’ every move. This ritual made no sense to her. If Alphas wanted to show off their packs, why didn’t they bring their warriors instead of parading their daughters, she wondered.
“Quick, Mia. Mingle with the crowd and remember, smile. Chanda, take our bags to the room prepared for us.” Sera pushed Mia into the crowd.
To Chanda, it looked like a mother, feeding her child to the wolves to be eaten. She laughed at the irony of it and dragged the bags upstairs, in search of the room meant for Sera and Mia, hoping she would have a little bit of peace and quiet before Sera came back.
****
“Tell me again, why am I doing this?” Velkan asked, lying down on his bed.
“As the new Lycan King, you have to choose a bride. That’s how I married your father. Bless his heart. You really need to start paying more attention to tradition and rules.” His mother said.
“It’s just a pity show. I already know who I need to marry.”
“Don’t be cocky. Let’s go and welcome those Ladies, they came from all over for you.” She scolded.
Velkan smirked. The only person who would dare yell at him and still be standing was his mother. Any other person will be long gone before they even finished talking.
Ever since Ryder’s body had been examined and they found out he had cheated by using wolfbane but still lost, everyone was in fear of him, some even rumored that he dined with witches and that was why he hadn’t died.
He enjoyed every moment of it.
“Pledge my apologies to them for me, Mother. You can tell them I’m still recovering.”
“I will do no such thing.”
“I have no intention of mingling with fame hungry mothers and their daughters. So now as your king, I’m telling you to please, Go.” He said, sternly making sure his mother understood.
She walked out angrily while he went back to sleep.
****
Chanda’s wish for peace was squashed as Sera came into the room a few minutes later, looking quite drunk. “Go downstairs and make yourself useful in the party instead of sleeping here.” Sera had screamed at her.
So much for freedom, she thought as she served drinks in the party. She turned to go refill the drinks when she bumped into Mia who looked wide eyed and more cheerful than she had been earlier.
“My lady.” Chanda bowed.
“Ohh, Chanda. Today is the best day ever.” She squealed. Chanda had never seen Mia so happy before. “I finally get to leave my mother’s watchful gaze and live. Haaaa, I’m so happy.” Mia twirled around. “I knew coming here was the best idea of my life.”
A loud voice boomed from the stage and everyone suddenly turned quiet, facing the stage.
“Welcome all, to the Luna Ritual’s Welcoming party.” The Lycan king’s mother beamed at the crowd. “Let’s raise a toast to new beginnings.”
“Yes, new beginnings. Chanda, drink with me.” Mia said.
“Oh no, I can’t my lady.”
“Yes, you can. It’s an order.”
Well, if she puts it like that, Chanda thought, taking a sip of the drink. She could as well enjoy these few hours of freedom before her life goes back to normal.
The morning sun shining through the window felt like burning fire on Chanda’s face as she tried to use her hand to somehow block the headache she was waking up to. She knew she needed to get up before her Luna woke up, but the comfort of being wrapped in strong arms was a feeling she was not eager to lose.Wait? Wrapped in strong arms? Her eyes shot open and she looked beside her.She was very naked, wrapped in the arms of a very handsome but very asleep man, in a very strange but very beautiful room.No, no, no, no, this can’t be happening, she thought as questions raced through her mind. Just how much did she drink yesterday? And how did she end up here with this man? Where is Mia? Did she just loose her virginity to a stranger?She moved to get out of the man’s embrace when his eyes shot open. He instantly wrapped his hands around her neck, pinning her to the bed.“Who sent you?” His eyes were fiery red and his grip was hard on her neck.“No... no... no..one.” She choked out.“Why
Every single female wolf dreams of her mating ceremony, when she would marry her mate or at least someone she loves, leave her pack or family and start a new life. Chanda always knew that might never happen for her, being a lowly omega and all. But she never in her life imagined being forced to become the Lycan Queen.She stood naked, in front of a mirror, in the room prepared for her to get ready to wed the Lycan King, staring at her reflection. Bruises were all over her back and arm from the beatings she had gotten from Sera and Velkan.“Chanda?” Mia walked in. “When do you plan on covering up? Everyone’s waiting.” She said.Chanda ran and dropped at her feet. “My Lady, please forgive me. I beg you. I still don’t understand what happened.” She pleaded.Mia stepped away from her. “It’s a really good plan I must say. I’m even surprised my mother didn’t think of it herself. You were always a clever sort.” She walked to the window, staring outside. “I remember I warned you to not make
Chanda stood at the exit of the clearing, behind a tree, watching guests leave after the end of the ceremony. She was hoping to see Mia and speak to her, hoping she can get Mia to listen to her and maybe help her.“I believe the Luna of the Montana pack had something to do with this, I mean, why did she bring a servant here?” An older lady whispered to a younger looking lady, perhaps her daughter. They stood in front of the tree, so they didn’t see Chanda behind them.“But why would she? I heard rumors that The Lycan favored her daughter to be his luna.” The younger lady replied.“Rumors also say that Velkan is evil, see what happened even after Ryder tried to kill him? Maybe she was scared to marry her daughter to him and decided to use the maid instead, as long as her pack becomes the chosen one.”They walked away when a guard signaled to them.Chanda felt like screaming because her heart was heavy. How could people think like that? she wondered, they didn’t even let her say her si
Chanda didn’t think she had tears left in her body to cry anymore.She had cried when Velkan stormed out of the clearing after marking her. She had cried when Mia had walked past her without even glancing her way. She had cried while Sera had rained curses on her for bringing shame to their pack.She had cried herself to sleep on the floor in the Luna’s chamber after Leia had left her.Now, she laid on the floor, hugging herself, wishing this was all a nightmare and her life will go back to normal.‘My Lady!” A young maid opened the door, looked in and rushed when she saw Chanda, laying on the floor. “My Lady. Are you alright? Are you hurt?” She ran her hand over Chanda’s face to see if she was alive.Chanda only whimpered and stared at her in response.“Oh, I need to get the Lycan.” The maid turned to the door.Chanda gripped her arms in fear. “No, no, no. Please. I will get up.” She hurried to her feet, eyes pleading. She looked around the room, sad to see she was still living this
Velkan stormed out of Chanda’s room into the hall way, leaving her on the floor, unconscious. He leaned against the closed door, clutching his arm to his chest, trying to calm himself. “Mate.” His wolf, Rex purred restlessly in his head, clearly eager to go back to Chanda. “She is our mate.” Velkan tugged on his hair strands in an attempt to silence the pleas of his raging wolf.“I must be losing my mind, this can’t be. How can she be our mate? Lycan Kings are cursed to not have a mate.” Velkan insisted.“I don’t know, My Alpha. All I know is that she is our mate.” Rex growled. “You almost killed our mate.”Velkan banged his head repeatedly against the door, groaning in pain. He stopped when he heard an ‘ahem’ sound beside him. Two guards stood at the end of the hall way, staring at his little display.Frustrated that he had been seen in a weak state, he backed away from the door and strode to the guards. “Get the doctor and instruct him to tend to the Luna. Now!” He yelled when
‘It’s been exactly six days’, Chanda thought as she laid on her bed and stared at the ceiling of her room. Six days since she became Velkan’s Luna. Six days since she had come so close to tasting the freedom of death at the hands of Velkan.Six days since she has been waiting in fear of his return.“Rise and shine, my Luna. It’s time!!!” A young maid came into the room, singing at the top of her voice.Chanda got to her feet. “Time for what, Mariam?”Mariam was the new maid that Leia had assigned to her. She was a young teen with a bubbly energy that always amused Chanda.“Time to show the world, the beauty that is the Goda Pack’s Luna.”“Very funny.” Chanda smiled at Mariam and sat back on her bed.“See, I told you. Your smile is really pretty.” Mariam pouted. “Maybe if the Alpha went to bed every night looking at your face, he might actually wake up in a good mood for once. Who knows? he might even fall in love.” Mariam joked.Mariam was a die-hard romantic who believed that Velkan
Chanda had imagined, so many different scenarios of what might happen when she finally saw Velkan, but she never expected getting just a cold shoulder from him. ‘He didn’t even acknowledge my presence’, she thought as she watched Velkan go down the stairs and disappear into the crowd.“Don’t pay him any attention. You are beautiful”. Leia whispered.“I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing here.” Chanda returned. “Isn’t this a banquet for just the Alphas from the North Region? Why are there so many people?”“Dear Child, when the Lycan roars, wolves come running.” Leia stated, proudly.“What does that mean?”“Never mind.” Leia grinned. “Come with me.” She led Chanda down the stairs, and to a corner of the hall. “This spot should be good for you. Far from the crowd, right?”“Thank you.” Chanda nodded. “But it seems we are late to our own party.” Chanda looked around them. The banquet was already in full swing. “That is Velkan’s fault,” Leia complained. “He insisted on showing up la
“Walked right into that one, didn’t you?” Velkan said as he forced Chanda through the door of his chamber and pushed her to the floor. “You couldn’t wait to be in his arms again, not minding the disrespect you will bring to me?”Chanda shakily got to her knees, and bowed before him, but she remained silent.“You dare to be wrapped up in the arms of another man, for all eyes to see? Answer me!” He exploded, sending a stool flying across the room.“Please,” She begged. “Nothing happened. Nothing at all.”“Nothing?” His voice mocked her. “First, you force your way into being my Luna, then you openly flirt with your lover and you say it’s nothing.”“He is not my lover, please.” She cried and held onto the hem of his pants.“So, you are saying you don’t know Alpha Trenton? That you let a stranger put his arm around you?”Lie, I dare you, Velkan thought as he looked down at her.Refusing to believe that Chanda was his mate, Velkan had spent the past few days finding out all he could about C
“I am the Lycan Alpha of the West Region. No one dares me.” Velkan stormed into his office, and slammed the door.“That you are.” Snow blocked the door before it shut in his face, walked in and closed it gently. “Please accept my apologies for Serafina’s behavior. I will personally deal with her myself.”“Don’t touch her.” Velkan blurted. “I mean… there is no need.” He said when Snow arched an eyebrow. “It was not intentional like the maid said so don’t worry about it. Besides we have a bigger problem than a defiant female rogue.”A female rogue that should have been sent to the prison and tortured for daring to speak against him, Velkan thought, but he just couldn’t bring himself to harm her. Instead in that moment when he had held her close, it had felt… familiar.“As you wish, my Lycan.” Snow said. “So, what do you want to do?”“There has to be a way to avoid this stupid law.” Velkan sighed and sat on his chair. “Those old wolves think they can order me around and I will just bend
“I…” Chanda froze as she turned to see Velkan standing in front of her. She thought he was still in the room where he had walked out of sight. “I -I was… I-” She couldn’t form words as he leaned down to her face.“Are you dumb?” His eyes blazed with fury. “What are you doing?” Why couldn’t she speak up? Chanda wondered. There was no way she still feared him, especially since he didn’t know who she really was. It had to be the feeling of him so close to her. It was … messing with her head. She stepped back to put some distance between them, but accidently tripped over the tree and fell to the ground.“Lycan!” Snow walked into the hall. “What happened? We heard you a crash from inside. Is everything… Serafina, what are you doing in here?” Snow sounded surprised to see her.Velkan grabbed her right hand and hauled her to her feet. “Serafina,” He echoed her name. “Who sent you to spy on me?”Just like him, Chanda thought. Always assuming everyone was out to harm him. Well, he wasn’t wro
“You cannot be serious.” Velkan tugged his hand away from his mother’s hold. “Let go of me, Mother! I have enough with the demands of these…”“Velkan, that’s enough.” Leia pleaded with him. “Don’t attract more troubles to us. I beg of you.”“That’s why you are here. So, you can say this to my face.” Velkan fumed. “You really have no fear of what kind of hell I can reign on you all.”“I understand your anger, my Lycan.” Maga spoke calmly. “But we are only acting under tradition. Secondly, our decision to gather together and meet with you personally was done out of respect, your grace.”“My dead luna has not even been put in the ground yet and you are telling me to marry another already.”“That won’t be our fault now, would it?” Hati asked.Velkan picked up a plate next to him and threw against the wall. “You piece of –.” He picked up another, but his mother stopped him before he could haul it directly at Hati’s head.“You need to calm down, my son.”“How can you tell me to be calm? Are
Chanda stood in the middle of the ring, hovering over a panting Mariam.“I said train me a little not plan to kill me.” Mariam complained.“Not my fault you punch like a girl.” Chanda jested, remembering when Marim used to taunt her for being weak. “You know for our next practice, we could run around the pack, build up your stamina.”“Now you are just being evil.” Mariam scowled. “Haven’t you seen how big the area is? That will be signing my death sentence by myself.”Chanda laughed and sat beside her on the ground.“So… How did you become a rogue?” Mariam asked.“You ask questions a lot. Don’t you?”“I didn’t mean to pry or anything. You seem so strong, like warrior level kind of strong. So, I assumed your pack would have loved to have you as a female gamma.”“Hmm.” Chanda hummed.“You don’t have say anything if you don’t want to. I completely understand.”“I was kicked out of my pack. For being weak.” Chanda lied. “A weak omega was not good enough for my alpha. So, when I started li
“It’s the most tragic turns of event.” Maga, the chief elder exclaimed. “We are so very sorry for taking so long to respond to the letter you sent, Lycan. Oh, dear Leia,” he held out his hands to her. “You must be so devasted.”“Thank you for your concern.” Leia smiled, but avoided his hands.Velkan watched them silently from his seat at the head of the dining table, where his mother had insisted on hosting the members of the Elders’ clan that had decided to grace them with their presence that afternoon, after about two weeks of them ignoring the letter, he had sent about Aiden’s death and Chanda’s burial.“I can’t imagine living under the same roof and dining with the same wolf who killed your loved ones.” Maga withdrew his hands but still focused on Leia, completely ignoring everyone else. “That is just pure evil.”“It was.” Leia shifted in her seat.Serves you right for wanting to host them, Velkan thought. He knew that the chief elder had a thing for his mother and that it annoyed
Chanda couldn’t take her eyes of Mariam as the maid gently tended to the wound on her nose. Snow had ordered for Hugo to be taken to the clinic, and simply let Fang off with a warning.“There.” Mariam placed a plaster on the wound and gave Chanda a huge smile. “That should do it. I will right back.”Chanda watched her walk towards where the others were seated. She opened the box she had come with, brought out plates and started sharing food to them. She walked to where Fang isolated himself and after a few minutes talking, was able to draw a smile from him.Mariam always had a way about her that melted everyone, Chanda thought, pleased at the full grin plastered on Fang’s face.“See I saved the last and best for you.” Mariam walked back to her and dropped a full plate of food in front of her. “Can I sit with you? Please?” She pouted.Chanda could only nod.“Nice.” Mariam plumped down next to her. “You know when I heard a female was among the rogue wolves captured and that she was tryi
Training in the past few weeks has been going way better that Chanda could have ever imagined. Even to the extent of Snow commenting on several occasions about her skill and pace in the ring.She had also gotten acknowledgement from Fang.“That was really impressive today.” Fang praised her as they cleaned up after the end of their fighting session that morning. “If only you had showed this much skill back at home, things might have been different between us.”“Maybe if someone had let me do anything at all, I would have.” Chanda clapped back at him. But she was also amazed at the strength and agility, her new body possessed. Maybe it was one of the gifts the goddess blessed her with when she back came to life, because the old Chanda was a nothing but a total wimp.Back then running had been a tiring chore for her, but now she jumping over hurdles, winning races and finishing her tasks on the fields, even before most of the other men.Chanda was just happy things were working out this
“Noooo!" Chanda screamed and ran in front of Fang, blocking him before Snow could strike him with the sword. She had watched one friend die, she couldn’t bear to lose another.“Please don’t.” She fell to her knees and held onto Snow’s feet. “Don’t, I beg you.” She pleaded.“Move out of the way, female or you die with him.” Snow ordered. “Please spare him.” She looked up at Snow, blinking hard against the tears in her eyes. “Please. He will do anything you ask of him.”“The hell I will.” Fang refuted.“Will you just shut up for once, you dumbass?” Chanda got up and turned to Fang. “Listen to me.” She gripped him by his shoulders. “This will be a great time for you to think before you act. He killed master Conan and the others without a second thought. Do you think he will hesitate to kill you too?”“Maybe this is the end meant for me, Serafina.” Fang replied. “I have nothing left in this world to live for.”“Me, Fang.” She yelled and shook him. “What about me? Do I mean that little
See why I hate packs?” Fang said aloud as Velkan disappeared back into the house and the crowd scattered. “You bastards preach unity but betray yourselves at the slightest chance. Burn down the packs. Freedom to all!”“Ho! Ho! Ho!” The men erupted in cheers.“Shut up and start walking.” The guards controlling them shouted. “The show is over. Move it.”They reached an open area where some men were training. Chanda sighted others in their wolf forms fighting.“Let me help you with that.” Hugo shimmed next to her and pulled on the ropes on her hands, freeing her from her shackles. “Tell me, Serafina. What is a pretty wolf like yourself doing, living in the woods of the Arches Forest?”Chanda ignored him as she rubbed on the bruises the ropes had left on her hand, hoping he will go away. She really hated the way he said her name.“Let me guess. You were banished from your pack alongside that poor bastard we killed in the woods. Were you lovers? Was he your mate? Awwn, did we kill your one