“What did you think he said?”
“I don’t know. You’re the one who met him, he’s your mate.”“Where do you think we’re going from here?”“I don’t know. Has the bond been accepted by you two?”“Yes, Kathy. I told you we talked for long. Why else would we talk if we didn’t.”“I don’t know. I’ve not had experience with a mate before.”“And do you?”“Do I what?”“Ever think of having a mate?”“Yes, I do. I mean, I do want a mate, but I think it’s risky.”“Why? What’s risky about having a mate?”“What mate would want me?”“What’s wrong with you?”“You know what I’m talking about.”“Hey, mate bond is beyond any physical thing. It runs deep. I mean, very very deep. No one even knows the depth that thing runs.”“I don’t know mom. Let’s see.”“Don’t give up on yourself, darling. Someone who will love our will come. Your mate will come.”“And what then?”“And nothing. You’ll both live happily and have beautiful and handsome pups when the Moon Goddess approves it.”I shrugged. “If you say so.”“Sometimes I feel like throttling you.”I chuckled. “But you can’t.”“But I can’t. You’re my daughter, how can I kill my own daughter?”“Right?”We continued with gathering and packing. We discarded whatever that was not going to go with us.“Do you know where he lives? And before you ask who again, I’m talking about your mate.”“Nope. I don’t know his house. We only met today.”“He must be a nice mate.”“Yes, he is. Why do you suddenly say so?”“He accepts you and your daughter. Knows about your banishment and does not ask questions about it. Not even curious about what had prompted it. He just accepts us both like that.”“Well, like I said, the mate bond is a very strong force no werewolf can deny. Trying to deny it is like killing your other half. Your mate is like a part of your soul that you never get back once you reject the mate bond.”“But why is it so?”She shrugged. She carefully folded a pair of black denim into her bag.“Who knows? No one really knows or understand the mystery behind mate bond. But when I was younger, my friends and I used to make joke that whenever a mate bond is rejected, the Moon Goddess gets angry and punishes both party for not following her orders through.”“That’s ridiculous.”“Yes, it was. But like I said, we were young and clueless.”I smiled at that and threw in the last few products left on the vanity table and zipped it close.“I’m done, mom.”“You did a good job. Thank you, darling.” She said after scrutinizing the bag carefully. “I’m done here too. I just need to close it.”And within minutes we were done. The things in the kitchen, we knew we could not go with them now that we were going to a new home. Surely, the man ate, so he’s have kitchen utensils in his cooking area.“We still have three hours left.”My mother announced, looking at the clock. It was nine on the dot.“So I’m guessing we are taking that same route you took today, right?”“Yes.”“How long did it take you to get there and bypass the boundary and onto his pack’s?”“One hour. One hour fifteen minutes tops.”“I think we need to get a head start mom. These pack members can be funny. I want to be gone before they get here.”“I’m coming.”She went to her room, then the kitchen, my room and the little parlor. I was going to miss here too. Doing what she did was to cause me more pain so I dragged our boxes and bags as she looked at the house one last time. I waited for her by the door till when she was done.By the time we left, it was nine thirty. We pulled out bags behind us, it was struggle but we had to do with and quickly before they came out to humiliate us more.“Remind me why you wanted us to leave at night again?”My mother huffed and puffed. Hers was heavier than mine. We were out of our house totally and had just began our journey taking the route.“So no one would see us. It would lessen the humiliation.”She said nothing more at that. I had suggested that we left the pack at night. I could not deal with more of their insults and humiliation.“Okay, let’s keep going.”We continued and we had to keep pulling our bags behind us, adjust and readjust the ones we carried on our bodies.“This path is rough and hilly. It’s making the journey harder. It’s night, we could have taken the normal route, no one would see us.”“The normal route might not be this rough but it would take forever to reach the boundary. Moreover, this path is better and once you’re out of it, it leads you right into the next pack which is where he is.”“Alright.”We kept going. Resting at intervals. I did not know how we did it but we finally arrived at the boundary. I did not know it was the boundary until my mother announced it. I collapsed on the ground to get back my bearing before going to find my mother’s mate.“Let’s go, darling. We’re almost there.”“Mother, we are out of the pack. They won’t come here. Let’s rest a little, please. This is so hard.”I was still a bit out of breath.“Okay. But it’s late, we should not be found here by this time. Lots of dangerous animals.”At the mention of dangerous animals, I quickly sat up from the ground.“Alright, let’s go.”“Don’t worry, you’ll have lots of rest when we get to his place.”“I hope so.”All my bones cried in protest as I made to lift my bags again. Even my legs begged to be allowed to rest a while before taking me to my direction. But we had to keep moving. My mother had said this was an unsafe place that possibly harbored dangerous animals.“Let me help you.”Mom and I were startled at the sound of the voice. It was a male. But mom had already regained composure and went to the figure that had spoken.“You scared me and my daughter, David.”“How are you, Elize?”Elize? They were already on pet names basis? Was this how the mate bond worked? “I’m fine, David. Just tired.”“I’m sorry you had to carry that alone. You understand why I am unable to step feet into your previous pack.”Previous pack? Wow! This all felt like some dream, a very surreal dream. I could not believe Moon Rock pack was now a past to me. The past I should forget and move away from. But seeing myself standing there like a lost, tired puppy while my mom cuddled her mate made me realize it was real.“I understand. I did not even expect to see you here.”“I knew you’d have some heavy bags to lift, so I thought I’d come with two of my men to help.”Two of his men? His friends, probably. “That was so thoughtful of you.”Two men came forward to effortlessly pick our bags and loaded it in the car they had come with. I didn’t know this David mate yet, but I was grateful for his thoughtfulness. Even the one I’d carried on me was taken, no words spoken. Even my
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 wi
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
“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