CHAPTER SEVEN

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 side of the story before forcing her into this marriage. For all she knows, she didn’t even have sex with the Lycan. If only she can remember.

Just then Sera walked out with Mia.

“Mia! Mia!” Chanda called out, and moved from behind the tree to run to Mia, but Sera blocked her. Mia just kept walking away without looking at Chanda.

“Have some dignity and leave her alone.” Sera spit at her. “Shame on you. Everyone is making up stories about our pack and it’s your fault. I hope you are happy.”

“My Luna, you have to believe me. I wouldn’t dare hurt the pack.” Chanda pleaded with her.

“Shut it, you ungrateful thing.” Sera raised her hand to hit Chanda.

“Am I interrupting?” The Lycan Mother, Leia walked to them.

Sera and Chanda bowed to her immediately.

“No, my queen.” Sera said. “I was just leaving.”

“Oh, good then. I wish you and your daughter a safe trip.” Leia smiled. “I hope we will be seeing more of each other as our packs are one now.” Leia looked to Chanda.

Sera forced a smile and bowed again. “Excuse me, my Queen.” She hurried after Mia.

Leia turned to Chanda. “A luna is supposed to be walking around, greeting her guests. Not hiding behind a tree at her own mating ceremony.”

Chanda realized Leia had been watching her earlier, but she kept her head bowed, staying silent.

“Raise your head, Luna.” Leia ordered her. “Ohh, you poor thing.” She sighed when she saw Chanda’s red, puffy eyes. “Come, let’s sit.” Leia led her towards some chairs. “I know life as an omega is not the best, especially with Sera as your Luna, and you were thinking of ways to escape that life.” Leia ran her hand down Chanda’s curls. “I understand. But speaking as an elder here, from a mother to a child.” She wrapped Chanda’s hands with hers. “I hope you don’t regret this.”

A single tear fell from Chanda’s eyes when she felt the pity from Leia, finally someone was showing compassion for her.

“But I didn’t plan it.” Chanda murmured.

“What?”

“I didn’t plan anything. All of this, I don’t understand what is happening.” She said loudly. “All I remember is drinking at the welcome ceremony last night and waking up in Velkan’s room this morning.”

Leia studied her. “Is that true? But recall, I caught you with him, naked.”

“I know. I just can’t remember.” Chanda cried into her hands.

“Interesting.” Leia murmured, running her hands down Chanda’s back. “And I can’t say Velkan had anything to do with this, he doesn’t even know of our traditions.” Leia got to her feet. “Well, planned or not, traditions have to be respected. Now all we can do is look to the future, because it has happened already.”

****

“This can’t be happening.” Velkan flung a chair against the window in his office, shattering the window into pieces. “I must be a laughing stock for the Whole West Region by now.” He paced around in his office, talking to no one in particular.

“Well, I don’t think anybody will dare laugh to your face. Maybe behind your back.” Aiden stood at the door, watching Velkan.

“You are back.” Velkan stopped in front of him, fist clenched.  “You dare mock your Alpha?”

“And risk my head? No, My Alpha. I wouldn’t dare.” Aiden made a fake bow to him.

“I should have your head on my wall.” He continued his pacing, while Aiden smiled.

“I assume this anger you are brewing is due to your new bride.”  Aiden walked in and sat on a chair, crossing his legs. “Heard she fucked her way to the position?”  Aiden had been away on a trip to other packs, so he hadn’t been around to witness the marriage of Velkan and Chanda. “For an omega, she must be really pretty for you to have risked getting seduced at a time like this?”

“Firstly, she is as basic as the rest of the other females.” Velkan sat on the edge of his table, facing Aiden. “Secondly, I don’t even remember sleeping with her. All I know is I woke up with her on my bed, naked. And lastly, I didn’t know of any stupid law or tradition.”

“No surprise there. You should really start paying attention to customs. It will save you from a lot of issues like the one you are in now.”

“I am the Lycan King. I don’t need issues to be saved from nor do I abide by any laws.”

“Yes, King you are, but you still answer to the Elders’ clan. At least to some extent.” Aiden said. “Velkan, I mean, My Alpha.” He corrected when Velkan shot him a look. “Even a common pack member knows of these traditions, why shouldn’t you?”

Velkan just grunted and got up, his mind racing. Damn those stupid rules, he was the Lycan King for gods’ sake. He shouldn’t have to know of any rules, especially ones that everyone is aware of.

 An idea clicked in his head.

“You said everyone, so even wolves outside from the West region know of these rules?” He asked

“Well, the north doesn’t have a Lycan like we do but, yes they should know of some of the rules.”

“And the ceremony held last night had guests from all over the regions, right?” He turned to Aiden.

“Correct again, my Alpha.” Aiden replied.

“The omega kept saying her Luna didn’t send her, and I am certain I didn’t request for a whore last night, so that means ….”

“So, you are suspecting she was planted in your room? By outsiders?” Aiden raised a brow at his idea.

 “I don’t know but she must know something. I don’t like to be fooled. I will just have to speak to my dear wife again.” Velkan stormed out of the office.