CHAPTER THREE

ANNABELLE POV

The kitchen was not a strange place for me, not when there is a great event like the moon goddess festivals. The pack chores which ought to be divided had been concentrated in my hands by the Luna, who is determined to make my life miserable.

‘Don’t you think it is right if we go for the ceremony? We might meet our mate there.’ My wolf suggested, but I shun her away.

The Luna’s instruction was clear and loud enough. Remain in the pack mansion and make the dishes for everyone. 

From the window, I noticed some of the pack members leaving for the event hall, where the ceremony was to be held, and this hurts me knowing I cannot attend.

The door opened and one of the maids stepped inside all dressed up. She stopped taking in my dress with a surprise on her face.

“Are you not going for the ceremony?” She asked.

“Luna Victoria asked me to remain in the kitchen, I cannot be seen at the event.” I revealed to her.

“Annabelle, we might not be really close to be friends, but take this advice from me, go for the ceremony and leave on time before anyone knows. The pack healers would be doing cleansings and offering prayers to the moon goddess, you will not want to miss that.” She said and grabbed a fruit before leaving.

As I watch her leave, my heart becomes conflicted; to go for the ceremony and observe the ritual or disobey the treacherous Luna Victoria, the option was certainly in my court and I must choose.

‘If we go for the ceremony and we somehow see our mate, it means we are never coming to kitchen duties.’ My wolf added.

I dropped the mop and walk out of the kitchen, determined to attend the event, even though I understand the consequence involved.

By the time I am done dressing, I knew the event would be half way from being over and all I need is to attend the ritual before returning back to the pack mansion.

When I arrived at the event hall, I was discreet to prevent anyone from knowing my identity but it all changed the moment a sweet smell of summer berries fill my nose. My heart raced knowing what it means but I don’t want to believe it to be true.

I broke through the crowd wondering where the smell could be coming from, till I heard a growl behind me that caused me to freeze.

The presence of Beta Morris sent shock waves down my body, knowing I am without a doubt in serious trouble.

 Beside me was a route that leads outside the event hall and I took to my heel and despite the disruption, I was glad that no other member from the royal family had seen me. 

Once I was outside the event hall I turned around to see Morris also stepping out of the hall and fear overwhelmed me.

“You don’t want to run from me Anna!” He said, when I attempt to take to my heel. “You disobey the Luna and I will make sure that you pay for your disobedience.” He said and begins to approach me.

“Stop!” A powerful voice ordered.

My heart begins to race as the familiar face of Leonard stood gracefully behind Morris. As he begins to walk towards us, the scent increased and my wolf howl in joy. The reality of what could possibly be happening hit me;

Leonard, son of Alpha Damien is my mate.

“I am sorry Leonard, this slut here had disobeyed the Luna’s order and…” He could not complete his word, as Leonard surprisingly held him by the throat.

“Don’t you dare talk about my mate in that manner again!” 

His voice sent butterflies down my belly and his commanding presence gave me some sort of comfort.

He let go of Morris and the Beta hesitated before walking away.

Every step Leonard took, my heart beat increased wondering what was going on in his head knowing that I am his mate.

“I should have seen the signs when I met you earlier today, but I guess the moon goddess knows how to pull a surprise.” He said, breaking the last inch of step that separates us.

His hand brushed through my cheeks and his eyes gazing into mine almost as though he could see into my soul.

“I have always waited for this moment, to be with my mate.” He said in a husky tone, staring down at my lips. I closed my eyes, ready to feel his lips on mine, but the moment is quickly interrupted by another growl behind us.

My eyes widened seeing Alpha Damien and Morris standing side by side with rage on the Alpha’s face. 

As Alpha Damien approached us, I hide behind Leonard who had taken a defensive stance in front of me.

“What are you doing son?” He asked.

“Protecting my mate” Leonard replied.

“Your mate?” Alpha Damien asked and chuckled. “This is what you are going to do boy, get out of the way and allow me deal with this whore.” 

Leonard growled at his father and my fear increased knowing I might be in a more serious trouble than I had thought.

“Please Leo, your father is the Alpha and I don’t want to disobey his command.” I spoke behind him.

“Leonard, don’t disobey your father and allow him deal with the whore.” Morris spoke behind the Alpha.

I stared in horror as Leonard pulls out his claws which took the Alpha as well in surprise. “Are you challenging me boy?” He asked.

“Father, I will do anything for my mate.”

“She is not your mate, reject her this moment and join us in the ritual.” He pulled back his claw and held my hand and pulled me forward for the both of them to see. 

Alpha Damien had a murderous look on his face and Morris was ready to snap my neck as well.

“S

he is my mate and the ceremony will continue without me.” He finished off and held my hands allowing us to walk away from the scene.