05 : NEW LIFE

RIA'S POV

After Damien announced me as his mate, I saw the tension and disappointment In Alpha Alex's eyes.

His eyes were burning with unexplained anger that I felt he might attack his uncle.

However, I don't think I'm fully aware of what situations are happening around me.

In the blink of an eye, my life pivoted drastically. One minute, a frustrated, heartbroken wolf who was rejected by her mate; the next minute, a mate of a total stranger.

Honestly, I feel all this is still a bad dream. I’ll wake up from it soon.

After Damien kissed me, I thought serendipity would just play a chance on me. Perhaps the moon goddess would just open the earth so it could just swallow me up. But none of these happened.

I turned puzzledly from looking at the crowd and answered Damien.

“To where? What is this whole drama all about? Why did you announce me as your mate?" I persisted, refusing to follow Damien.

“Well, you don't have an option, my lady. You are now my mate, and I'm leaving with you right to my home." He tried to sound calm, but the authority in his voice still caused my heart to flutter.

Refusing to leave with the stranger, I clenched my feet tightly to the floor, using the last ounce of my strength to defend myself but he was stronger.

Suddenly, I saw Alex walking towards us but Damien and I left before he got close.

I reluctantly agreed to follow Damien to his house. I guess my fate lies in his hands. I have only met him twice and known him as Alex's uncle, but I was oblivious to who he was. He bluntly refused to reveal himself to me.

I have been pondering on the words he told me earlier after he announced me as his mate, but I couldn't make anything meaningful from it.

“Where exactly are you taking me to?" I turned to him in curiosity as his driver drove us to an unknown pack.

“Somewhere safe. For your peace of mind," he replied in a husky but clear voice without looking at me.

I fidget, itching my hands as I digested Damien's answer. “Can you explain to me, please why are you doing this?” I nagged, my voice diminishing.

Damien adjusted his tie and turned to me.

“You don't have to be afraid. You are my mate now. I won't hurt you."

His eyes burn suggesting something sinister. Something monstrous yet I couldn't figure it out.

I maintained my peace, planning my escape inside.

“I guess this is my fate," I muttered to myself, and tears fell from my eyes.

Damien immediately wiped the tears from my eyes and pulled me close to him.

“You don't have to do that, Ria. It hurts me,” he replied softly, and I nodded, pulling away from him.

My life, my future; everything has been ruined. The fact that I was going to be living with a total stranger made matters even worse for me. I never planned to be with anyone other than Alex. Why is this suddenly happening to me?

The car continued to drive slowly, and I wound down the windscreen, studying the road. I may need it to escape tomorrow or someday.

“You're safe with me. No one is going to make life miserable for you,” Damien’s voice struck me.

Swiftly, I turned to him, wondering how he knew what I was thinking inside of me. Does he read people’s minds?

“We’re getting close.” His words cut deep into me, leaving me clueless and perplexed.

“ Hmm," I shrugged.

Shortly, the car navigated, driving into a large empire where its spires almost touched the firmament of the sky.

Once we got out of the car, I turned in shock at the opulent gigantic empire and asked Damien stupidly.

“You live here?" My eyes darted around the elegant place.

Damien chuckled, igniting a certain warmth In me.

Ignoring my question, he offered me his hands instead and said, “let's go in." His face was etched with a certain euphoria.

Scrutinizing Damien, I reach my hands fearfully to take his. He tightened his hand firmly to mine and we began to walk to the main building.

We barely approached the door when some well-dressed ladies walked out of the house with a warm smile on their face. I guessed they were domestic workers.

In reception, they bowed to me and Damien and walked us inside.

The interior of the house was indescribably beautiful. Everything sparkled within a harmonious symphony of elegance.

“Take her to her room and ensure she's comfortable," Damien said to one of the domestic staff, a lady.

With a warm smile, the slender lady led the way, and I followed, puzzled, unhappy, and terrified altogether.

When we arrived in the room and the door was opened, my mouth parted in awe. Everything in the room was superb, exuding elegance and beauty.

“This is your room, for now, my lady. You’d have to remain here till Alpha gives us command." The lady cut me off from my world of fantasy.

"Thank you,” I thanked her, managing to mask my uneasiness and shock.

The lady bowed and flashed a bright, contentious smile at me. “You're welcome, my lady. A special maid will be assigned to you shortly. She will be responsible for your personal needs from now on. You can tell me if you need anything too.”

The comforting words from the lady caused my heart to feel at ease. My fears now were greatly assuaged because of her.

But since I was curious about Damien's identity it would be better if I found out from the maid.

Curiously, I said, “Please, can I ask you a question?"

How do I ask the lady who Damien was? It's so absurd.

“Please go ahead, my lady." Her smile brightened me.

"I meant to ask, what's the name of this Pack, and who's the Alpha?” I itched my head, feeling embarrassed.

The lady suddenly noticed my uneasiness and naivety and smiled. She was way older than I am.

“You are in the Gold Crest Pack. And Alpha Damien books Moonstone is the Alpha.” My gaze fell on her response.

“So Damien really is an Alpha?" I asked facetiously in shock.

“Yes, my lady."

With a fake confident smile, I thanked the lady and she left.

“Alpha Books Moonstone?" I muttered to myself, pacing around.

That name sounds familiar. Alex once told me about one of his monstrous uncles who killed his two mates and drank their blood.

Could Alpha Damien be the one?