New family, here I come. Mom took my hand and we both went to where David was standing.
“Are you guys done?”He observed both our faces.“Are you fine now, Katherina?”I nodded.“Don’t worry, they don’t bite.”He smiled kindly, and I returned it with a small, uncertain one of mine. He nodded and opened his arm and my mother put hers through the space and they were linked. The house was very big, it made begin to wonder just how rich this David guy was. One of the men standing outside the big door that led to the house, opened it and we stepped into it.“Welcome, Alpha.”Alpha? Who was the Alpha? Then they bowed and I realized who they were bowing for. David was an Alpha? Oh my goodness! My stepfather is an Alpha. Someone wake me up from this dream. This was too surreal. Was the universe trying to play a fast one on me? An Alpha? I tugged my mother’s cloth and my brow in questioning. She understood my question, she smiled and nodded a yes. My mouth went agape and my eyes went wild with surprise. I was going to be living with an Alpha.“Melissa.”Alpha David called one of the young girls lined up, probably waiting to be called upon. They looked like they worked here as maids.“Yes, Alpha”She kept her face bowed.“Raise your head.”She did obediently.“You’re going to be her personal maid henceforth. She’s now part of the family.”“Yes Alpha.”A personal maid? What did I need one for? I could take care of myself, well except for making my own meals. The maid walked to me with a straight face. I stared at her uncertainly. Was she not happy to be assigned to me?“But do I really need a maid, Alpha?”“It’s David to you until you’re comfortable enough to call me dad.”He reminded.“I’m sorry, David. Do I really need a maid?”My voice was quite low and I was avoiding the faces of the other people in the room.“Yes, you do. As an Alpha’s daughter, you do.”I looked to my mother, but she was just beaming brilliantly at everything and everyone. I remembered my promise to not complain or cause problems for her.“Thank you, David.”He merely nodded. “Melissa, show her to her room. Make sure she’s comfortable until she’ll be needed.”“I wonder where those boys are.”I heard him tell my mom before the maid led me away from the reception area to an hallway. Any maid who came across me bowed in respect. It kind of made me uncomfortable. I was not used to this kind of life and luxury. I bowed back at the two maids who had passed me and they gave me a strange look when I bowed back to them. The house was really big, I could not keep count the number of rooms we had passed.“Are we going to be there yet?”“Soon, ma’am.”Ma’am? I was no ma’am.“Could you please stick to calling me my by name?”“And what is your name?”“Katherina.”“Okay, Katherina.”I followed her round a corner and we proceeded onto a long flight of stairs, by the time we reached last flight, my body reminded me of the stress I’d put them through before during the trek out of my previous pack and the stress they were undergoing now. Why did the house have to be so big? And why did my room have to be so almost out of reach?“We’re here, Katherina.”Melissa announced curtly. She opened the door to the room that was allocated to me. I stepped in and my eyes grew saucer-wide at what I saw. This was my room? It was as big as the whole of our old house back in Moon Rock.“This is my room?”“Yes.”Her response was bland.“Is anything the matter, Melissa?”“Who do you think might be the matter, Your Highness?”Her tone was mocking.“What did I do to you? I mean, we just met few minutes ago.”“I never said you did anything to me.”“Uhmm, it’s fine if you don’t want to be my personal maid. You can go, you’re free.”“And what do I tell the Alpha then? That I disobeyed him and stop being your personal maid?”“I don’t know. You clearly did not like being assigned to me. I don’t want you stuck caring for someone you don’t want to.”“Anything else you want?”“Nothing.”She ignored me and proceeded to go into my bathroom.“What are you doing, Melissa?”I calmly asked her.“Drawing you a bath.”“You don’t have to. I can draw myself a bath.”I felt quite small and insignificant talking to her. I had no idea how things like this go. She seemed to not like me or being assigned to me which I think are the same. I never want to make anyone do what they have no pleasure doing. I would not want her to keep being my maid if she did not like it. Moreover, I did not see the need for one but if my stepfather had made it a necessity for me, then I had no choice but certainly not the one who hated me from onset.“Hm.”Was the only sound that came from her and she went to draw the bath.I sighed. I pulled my clothes and wrapped myself in a towel that was neatly folded on the bed. My bags were nowhere in sight but there was a closet and maybe it was there. My jaw dropped at the sight of clothes. More than I could count. Of different colors, fabrics, styles and designs. My closet looked like that of a runway fashion model.“The bath is ready.”She informed me.“Thank you.”There was no response from her.The bathroom was another beauty to behold. I stepped into the lustrous gold bathtub. This was heaven. I pulled off my bracelet and took my time to have my bath even though I had one before I came here.There was another towel in the bathroom and I wrapped it around my wet hair. I wore my bracelet back. With my towel safely wrapped around me, I made my way to my room.The sight that greeted me as I stepped my feet into my room made me yelp in shock.Who were these people? And what were they doing in my room? The four pair of eyes staring intently at me were making me uncomfortable. A quick glance told me that Melissa was nowhere to be found.“W..who a..are you g..guys?”I stuttered. Suddenly feeling naked before them. Though their eyes held no lust nor decadent desires, I was not used to boys finding me fresh out of shower, clad in nothing but a towel.“She looks harmless guy.” One of them said. He smiled at me and stretched out a hand. “Welcome, stepsister. I’m Lucas.”“Uhm.”Suddenly I wanted the ground to open and swallow me. I did not do well in situations like this and I was especially shy amongst guys.“You don’t want a handshake?”The one who introduced himself as Lucas asked, the cheerful smile still on his face. He looked very young. They were all young but he looked younger.Awkwardly, I accepted his handshake. “Hi.”“What is your name?”“Katherina.”“Katherina.”He repeated, testing the name on his lips.“Guys, say hi
“School?”I asked. Already eager to hear. Was I going to be enrolled into college here?“Of course, that’s what an academy means.”Lucas seemed amused. He had seen the eagerness in that single word question and undoubtedly, in my eyes.“I know.”I berated myself for almost losing it. Behaving like some local girl who had never had opportunity to attend school. Behave yourself, Katherina. I warned myself.“You seem to like school.”Aaron said.“Yes, I do love school.”“Well, you’ll have your wish granted but don’t have your hopes up on having free years within those academic walls. You think high school was brutal, college is worse. Especially here in Stone Shadow pack.”Lucas warned.“I know first hand about brutality.”I replied.“Is that so?”Zach asked.“Yes.”I noticed the four of them exchange looks. I wondered why and what it was all about. I struggled to stifle a yawn, it was unsuccessful. I was tired and getting sleepy. The day had been rough.“You must be tired.”Lucas observ
“Ritual?”“Yes.”Melissa replied primly.“What is it about?”“It’s an initiation ceremony carried out to welcome any new member to Stone Shadow pack. Especially when it’s into the royal family.”Lucas replied.“That’s so…”I was at loss for what to say. I did not know how to describe how it what I’m feeling. An initiation ceremony? I never knew activities like that existed in packs. And why too? Why did they feel the need to do such?“Archaic? Interesting?”Lucas was gauging my reaction from his intense study of my expression, not to mention that his brother Aaron would not stop making me uncomfortable with his stare and the worse part was I did not know why he was staring at me that way. What was he trying to do? Bore a hole through my face with his eyes? I squirmed a little in discomfort, I could not meet his stare. Zach was the only person in the room who behaved he did not give a damn. The guy loved whatever he was doing on that phone more than what was happening around him.“I do
“Where is she?”A deep voice by the doorway inquired.“She’s changing into her ritual clothes, Beta.”I heard Melissa reply.“Who is that, Melissa?”I was curious to know who Melissa was talking to.“It’s Beta Mark, Your Highness.”“Your Highness?”I was almost done. The cloth was more like a white tunic. Was this what they wore to Stone Shadow pack’s initiation ceremony? Quiet ancient if I’m asked and to think they had already prepared for this moment even before I arrived the pack. It was already arranged amongst my high pile of clothes. I walked to the door and to know this person. I saw a man who was in his forties, brown hair and brown eyes that were sharp and looked like they could detect even the smallest of crime from a miles away. There was wisdom and patience in them too.“Hello Beta.”I bowed in total respect to greet him. When I raised my head, I could tell he was pleased with my action though his face barely revealed it. “Hello Your Highness.” He bowed slightly back. “I’
I heard chants and hums as we got closer to the ceremony ground. It would seem they had started without me already. Maybe my mother was there already.“We are here.”Lucas whispered to me.“I can see.”I whispered right back. He beamed and we stepped out of a very wide open ground. There was fire and people were crowding it. “Let her go, Luke.”Aaron told him.He unhooked my arms from his and immediately nerves twisted. I was confused and lost. What should I expect? Lucas walking me here had calmed me of my fears. I guess they all saw the fear in my eyes.“It’s okay, Kathy. We should not be holding or walking together with you in public yet until the ceremony is done. That’s the rule, sadly.”“You’ll be fine, hot legs.”“Stop calling her that. She’s not those your toys in school.” Lucas warned.But Zach paid him no mind.“Go, Katherina. It will be over soon”Aaron’s voice was reassuring. And I nodded.“Thanks, guys.”“Don’t be scared. Just think of it this way; this is the only way
“She’s awake.”I heard a voice say as soon as I blinked my eyes open before I was crowded by three bodies peering down into my face. What had happened? Where was I? I shook my head a little then winced as my temples banged in pain.“Are you okay, Kathy?”Lucas’ cute face was looking worriedly into mine.“Y-yes.”My mouth was heavy and my voice was hoarse, not ignoring the fact that my throat was in much desperate need of a liquid. My tongue too, it felt drier that the desert, even spittle was scarce in my oral cavity.“Having trouble speaking, darling?”Mom was there too. She looked quite weak but she was putting on a strong front.“Water.”“Melissa, come get her some water.”Lucas ordered my personal maid. Soon a cup of water was placed in my hands, my hands shook as they held the water. Lucas guided them to my mouth and practically fed me the water. I took big gulps like I had never taken water before in my entire existence.“Take it easy so you don’t choke.”Another voice gently wa
“Tomorrow is Monday. You’ll be going to school, right?”I decided to forget about the talk of what had happened during the initiation. The Alpha was not angry with me, he and the Beta had only suspected according to Lucas but that was all. Nothing too extreme had happened. The initiation had worked, I was now part of the Salvatore though I was not sure if I wanted to take the name yet, but I knew as long as I was in the pack, I was a Salvatore by the reason of marriage. “Don’t remind me.”He groaned.“You hate school?”I said in disbelief.“What? You don’t hate school?”He sounded incredulous.“No. I love learning.”I became self-aware of how nerdy that sounded.“School is brutal, I tell you.”“Well, not when it comes to learning.”“Hmm. You really do love school. How did you cope in your last school?”“Well enough.”I did not want to bring up the ugly side especially the one where I was forced to stop so I don’t ‘affect’ others with my abominable self.“You do know you’re not allowe
AaronIt was Monday and school as usual. I did not really care for these students and the life they led. This was my final year and I could not wait to be out of here and officially become a graduate. Dad already had successful companies waiting for me and my brothers. Stone Shadow pack is the biggest and most prosperous pack in the whole regions, and even the pack that was the second was no where near Stone Shadow pack in wealth and land. We had the best everything and our people were practically good at everything. Sports, music, medical sector, academic sector even our houses were the best. I was proud of what my father had achieved and I wanted to achieve more too. As the first son, it was my duty and I could not wait for the day I’d become Alpha of Stone Shadow pack.As my brothers and I stepped into the school building, the usual stares of both girls and boys alike were all on us. We were not just known to be the Alpha’s sons, but also the most intelligent, most handsome and bes
“To family.” Nine glasses clinked in a cheerful mood as we gathered in the family living room.It was a week later, mom had forgiven me and now, my happy ending was perfect. Also, I had just found out I was pregnant. Aaron and I were yet to break the news to mom and dad, but we were elated about it. But we had decided to tell it today. Mom as usual was preparing lunch before Baron left, he was leaving today and though, I would want him to stay, he said he had decided to go start life elsewhere and if the Moon Goddess was kind, he would have a second mate.I also prayed the same for him. Baron seemed kind of lonely, and he had told me in confidentiality that he had actually came home out of the loneliness that he had channeled into anger and returned to gain his own pound of flesh.He had planned to take away Aaron’s mate and make him miserable too. I felt pity when he had told me, and I hoped that the Moon Goddess actually granted his wish. I had finally told him he was my first kiss
I could not believe all that my mom had told me, it made guilt eat at me more. It’s been three weeks now, everything was almost perfect. If my mom could forgive me, then everything would be perfect. Aaron and I were leading the most beautiful life. He was the perfect mate, he loved me countlessly and never ceased to tell me how much I meant to him. School had gone back to what I knew it to be — serious and focused. Lectures had begun as it was supposed to be without these constant dramas of Katelyn and her minions.Katelyn had been thoroughly dealt with by the boys. Dragged along major streets, almost at the point of death, pack members had booed her. They had even threw hard things at her. It was a surprise how she still did not die after everything that was done to her. She was brought out for three consecutive days and each day, the same fate of being whipped and dragged along major places in the pack awaited her.She begged and pleaded for mercy until she was too tired and weak t
LUNA ELIZABETHFrom the moment I’d stepped into the mansion, I’d known something was up. My gaze roamed the foyer but not a single soul in sight. Where had everyone gone to? I proceeded down the hall and into the general living room, there was no one.I stepped out and took a detour to the family living room, I frowned. Why was it dark? I found the light switch and flipped it on.“I was scared.” There stood my daughter, tears falling from her eyes. I took note of the colorful streamers and the cardboards where ‘I’m sorry, mom. Please, forgive me.’ Was written.Standing beside her was Aaron, her mate and his twin Baron. Flanking her other side was Trenton, Zach, Lucas, her maid Melissa and my mate, David. There were other guards and maids around the room but they were not clustered.I saw the long table of different delicacies, I could spot my favorites. Boxes wrapped in different colors and tied with gold ribbons stared back at me. My gaze went back to Katherina, the tears were endle
“What’s wrong?” He frowned at me.“Uhmm…I have never..” I was quite embarrassed. Most of my mates have had sex and here I was, still embarrassingly a virgin.“You’re a virgin?” Disbelief clouded his handsome features, though I could still see the heavy desires in his grey eyes.“Yes, can you do it?” I looked at him, hoping he would not get impatient and angry. My body already needed him, I could not let my body go unsatisfied.“Are you sure you want to do this now? I can wait. We both can wait.” There was a tenderness in his eyes and affection that dripped from his words that told me he was willing to wait till whenever I was ready.He was my mate which meant we were supposed to be together forever, and in as much as that was to happen, I realized we were both yet to accept the mate bond.“I’m your fated mate, correct?” I asked him.“Mmhm.” He nodded.“But do you accept me as your fated mate?” I looked into his face, expecting his reply.He stared into my eyes, and leaned closer to pla
I ran up my room to cry my heart out, mom would never forgive me from the look of things. When Aaron announced our mate bond, I had been surprised that he would say such.And mom had not even looked at me when he’d announced it, the best she had done was merely pass me a blank glance and tell him ‘that’s good’. My own mother would not even look at my face. I could not believe what was happening. It was all so strange to me, if my mother was behaving like this towards me then what hope do I have to ever repair our relationship.Tears streamed down my face until I was hiccupping, choking on my own tears. I could not stand it anymore, maybe it was better I went to see someone. Anyone. Aaron came to my mind. Sluggishly, I stood and went into the bathroom. I had no idea how long I had stayed in the tub but by the time I was out, the water was tepid. I drained the tub while my mind drifted to Melissa lying still unconscious on that bed, I would have to go see her with either of the boys.
KATELYN“I’ll kill her.” I cried.I would kill that Katherina of a bitch, she wanted to take what was mine and I would not allow it. I would rather have her killed than lose Aaron.I did not care what would happen to me. I loved Aaron and if I would not have him, no one else would. Why would I go through all these troubles just for me to be the sore loser in the end? That was very humiliating just thinking of it.After that bitch had transformed into a wolf I never knew she had, she had used the advantage of the enormity of her wolf to beat me up. As though humiliating me before the whole school was not enough for her.So what if I had called those boys to come to this pack? So what if I had invited them and asked them to rape her? So what if I had sent those texts? So what if I had sent boys to beat up that nosy maid from the mansion? I had done all of these and more just so Aaron would be mine alone. Why was mine not working? Others had done it and it had worked, why not mine? I kn
KATELYN“I’ll kill her.” I cried.I would kill that Katherina of a bitch, she wanted to take what was mine and I would not allow it. I would rather have her killed than lose Aaron.I did not care what would happen to me. I loved Aaron and if I would not have him, no one else would. Why would I go through all these troubles just for me to be the sore loser in the end? That was very humiliating just thinking of it.After that bitch had transformed into a wolf I never knew she had, she had used the advantage of the enormity of her wolf to beat me up. As though humiliating me before the whole school was not enough for her.So what if I had called those boys to come to this pack? So what if I had invited them and asked them to rape her? So what if I had sent those texts? So what if I had sent boys to beat up that nosy maid from the mansion? I had done all of these and more just so Aaron would be mine alone. Why was mine not working? Others had done it and it had worked, why not mine? I kn
BARON“How dare you interfere in my business, Baron?” I could see the rage in her eyes.This girl was bloody stubborn and unrelenting, even when caught in her crimes, instead of her to apologize and be remorseful, she came here with a weapon to kill me. Kill me, in this condition, that was ludicrously laughable! But I did not smile as I stared at her. “I wonder what Aaron sees in you. You’re despicable and plain vile.” “Don’t you dare talk to me!” She warned, her voice trembling.“Or what? You’ll stab me to death?” I quirked an amused brow.“Yes, I will stab you, but not yet. Not until you hear the shocking truth.”“What shocking truth?” What was she driving at? Was this her way trying to get into my head? Whatever truth she might want to tell me, I already knew about it. In fact, everyone was now aware of it and who she was.When I had entered the school, I had done so without my vehicle, so as to not draw attention to myself. I had walked into the school and gone straight to see M
BARONI had come for revenge and I had gotten it, or maybe I thought I had. I already knew and had seen the connection between Aaron and Katherina, and that had been my revenge.But somewhere along the line, I had forgotten about the revenge and developed some feelings for Katherina. But I had no problem letting her go, she was not mine to keep, moreover, I was tired of everything.Whatever I had in mind to do, it would not be done. I had changed my mind, and just wanted to leave this pack. Go back where I had come from and continue my life there. I felt pain shoot through me when I remembered what had happened in the past.Whether it had happened intentionally or not, it did not change what had happened few years ago. Maybe he had done it out of jealousy or not, it was time to let it go.But first, before I left, I needed to check on Melissa and move her from the school’s hospital to the one in the pack. I had never seen Katherina as I had seen her today, she had proven she could be