~Eleanor~
I chewed silently on the roasted meat, but it did not taste as delicious as it usually did. Everything tastes bland and raw in my mouth. All I can think about is what Isabella and Victor are doing. Did they already consummate their marriage? That would be strange if they didn't, as the Darkmore Family of Moonshadow Pack required an heir. But, most importantly, Isabella would do anything to ensure that he spent the night with her, and the Beta was also hot-blooded. "Eleanor," I heard Father's voice deep within my mind. What is happening? Am I starting to imagine things? How is this even possible? "Dear daughter, please stop thinking about Isabella; she betrayed and shamed our family." His voice echoed in my mind. I snapped out of the awful thought and turned my head to the side, only to see Father staring at me. “Are you alright, dear daughter? I have been calling out to you, but you have not responded,” he said, patting my head. The bubbles of hope that had amassed in my heart shattered into several pieces. "I'm okay, Father!" I mumbled, feeling disgruntled. Except for Isabella and Father, no one is aware that I am still unable to communicate with my wolf. Most werewolves can shapeshift, but I can't. No matter how hard I try, I'm just unable to do all that the supernatural does. I feel even more vulnerable than the omegas in the pack. Father always says that one day I will be able to, but when is that going to happen, with only four days until the Pack sentences me to live forever in their forsaken dungeon? Yes, I will be sentenced. The Moonshadow Pack has a tradition of sentencing any she-wolf who is marked before being rejected in public. They must spend the rest of their lives in the dungeon on the seventh day after their rejection to keep evil from affecting the rest of the pack. Did the beta learn about my weakness? Is that why he rejected me as his mate? The realization struck me. I snapped my head around and stared at my father. "I will go see the beta," I announced unexpectedly, surprising Father. "Do you want to see the beta? Daughter, do you not remember how he humiliated you? He ruined your life. I wish he was never your mate.” Father frowned, dismissing my decision to meet the Beta. "No, it was not just him; Isabella was also involved. She has stolen my mate, and you are doing nothing. All you do is talk nonstop about Beta Victor's disappointment. You are not saying anything about Isabella. “Why? Because she is not an adopted child like me. Because she deserves the Beta more than I do, who is his destined mate? I just want to know why they did all of this to me. He rejected me without a valid reason, and I want to know why. I want to know what gives them the right to ruin my life. I do not want responses from you; I will go get all of them myself.” My lips quivered as I mumbled the words buried deep within my heart. I could feel the anger and frustration rising within me, fueling my determination to confront Beta and Isabella. I needed answers and was not going to let anyone stand in my way. Without waiting for Father to respond, I stood up and stormed out of the room. The familiar hallways of the pack's mansion blurred as I walked purposefully toward the beta's quarters. I stepped inside Beta Victor's chamber, under the watchful gaze of everyone in the pack house. For several minutes, I repeatedly knocked on the massive wooden door, but nobody answered. What's happening? I have no idea. I knocked until my knuckles hurt. Tired of waiting, I pushed open the door, only to be met with the biggest shock of my life. Isabella was sitting on the lap of a shirtless Beta Victor, naked and smooching him. His pants' zipper was undone, and he appeared to be enjoying whatever she was doing as he closed his eyes and sweat formed on his brow. The smell emanating from the room is enough to explain what happened. Beta Victor's eyes flew open at the sudden interruption. His gaze shifted to the door, and when he realized I was the one standing there, he howled in rage at my unexpected intrusion. “Bitch! Do you even know what you are doing? How dare you barge into Beta's chamber?” Isabella growled fiercely at me. She smirked, standing up and wrapping herself in a robe. The victorious look on her face was enough to clear up every illusional misunderstanding I created in my heart. I just had to believe all this was happening for real. “Are you deaf?” his loud baritone voice echoed in the chamber. “No, I am not deaf,” I fearlessly riposted with an equal fit of rage. Although mine could not overpower the ruthless and deathly aura around him, I at least did not hide timidly. “Why are you here?” he questioned, standing up from the chair. I would have gawked and drooled over his firm, sturdy, and handsome looks, but right now, I'm not in the mood for that. “I'm here to get answers to my questions,” I replied with a firm stance, strolling inside the room as though it belonged to me. And I have to admit, his chamber is like no other. The rosewood and mahogany used in the room were luxurious. And the bed was huge, with everything in its appropriate place. Isabella gasped at my boldness and lack of respect. She raised her brows at the Beta, whose eyes had been on me ever since I stepped foot inside the place, but got ignored. “Answers to your questions? What right do you think you have to ask for answers from the beta?” she spat mockingly. She twirled the loose strand of her hair, hugging Beta Victor's hand. My pupils constricted, and I clenched my fist. 'Don't get overwhelmed by your emotions,' I reminded myself. “I wasn't talking to a ‘fake and used’ product like you. I'm here to get answers from the beta of the pack. It will be best if thieves don't interfere,” I spat out coldly. My eyes were sharply focused on her, not giving her a chance to overwhelm me with her dignified and elegant aura. My brazen insult shocked Isabella, the same as Beta Victor. He growled, and as if on cue, the guards that usually stand by his side to protect him strutted in. “Call for a general meeting. Make sure every single member of the pack is present,” Beta Victor ordered. The four guards bowed before exiting the room. He then turned towards me and said, “Don't you want answers? You'll ask your questions in the presence of the entire pack!” his husky voice resounded, shattering my insides. I want to have a private talk with him, but all he has in mind is how to insult and humiliate me. How did I fall in love with such a heartless creature? How blind was I? “Sure, I don't mind,” I replied haughtily, despite the churning pain in my stomach.~Eleanor~ Isabella was gritting her teeth nonstop. I could already see how nervous she was. Tsk, stupid thing! I snickered as we walked towards the massive hall. **** “In the presence of everyone in this pack, I, Beta Victor Darkmore, shall answer all questions posed to me by Eleanor Sinclair, my rejected mate,” Beta Victor declared openly the moment he got to the meeting room. I felt my legs weaken, and my earlier conviction almost flew out the window. This is another weakness of mine: the crowd. I rarely have the confidence to stand in front of a crowd. “Don't you understand what it means to be rejected? Why are you still bothering Beta Victor and Beta Isabella's relationship?” Someone in the crowd gloated, and my breath hitched in discomfort. “I have no idea as to how she thinks,” another spat without regard to how I felt. “I agree with you, dear. She's so stupid to be doing what she's doing,” a red-eyed omega added. "I am wondering what she wants to ask now.” “
~ Eleanor ~ *Ashford's Chamber* The door swung open as Isabella entered his chamber looking stressed out. “Father, you called,” she said, bowing her head slightly as she took a seat and relaxed in the backrest of the rocking chair. “Yes,” Father replied as he stood up from another rocking chair. “What are you and Victor planning again? It wasn't part of the plan to get her to leave the pack. Eleanor is in a dangerous situation,” Father began. “Oh, c'mon, father, she can't possibly remain here after everything. Besides, I heed your plea not to kill her. I don't want that shit interrupting my married life, so yes, Eleanor cannot remain here in Moonshadow,” Isabella mumbled. “Mhmn…” Father agreed silently, not saying a word. “Yes, I do not want you to get yourself tainted, but I also didn't want her to get such a punishment. Besides, she's done nothing wrong to the beta. Cursing her to be a lone wolf for life is too extreme!” Father remarked, and Isabella's eyes widened in shock.
~Eleanor~ “Hey, what are you doing? Why are you taking out the IV drip?” IV drip? Is that what the rubber rope is called? Wow! “I apologize, but I thought…” “Stop the nonsense! What exactly did you think? How foolish are you to attempt to remove the IV? Lay down now!” Her reaction took me completely off guard. The lady wore a pink gown that fell slightly below her knees. She wore an unusual bow in her hair. “Are you deaf?” She yelled, striding closer to me, “I asked you to sleep, you low-life; how dare you disobey?” Kpa! Before I could react, both of my cheeks were slapped. I blinked twice but could not recover my composure. Fuck, that was painful. “You… Why did you hit me? Do you know who I am? How dare you?” I raised my hand to retaliate but was pushed back to the bed by a stronger force. “What are you trying to do? Hit our chief nurse? Who do you think you are? A lowly peasant picked up by the Alpha at the brick of death. You should be grateful to us for saving your ass.”
~Eleanor~ “Open up,” he demanded. I hesitated a little before complying. The smell of the medicine alone was enough to cause vomiting. How can anyone drink something that not only looks bad but also smells terrible? “No, girlie, that's not right. Open up; say, ah!” I almost choked. Fuck, doesn’t this man realize how strange it feels for him to say those words? I gathered all of my courage and finally drank the tonic. Heck, my intuition was correct. It tasted exactly like it smelled: like chicken poop! “Good girl,” he complimented, and I forced a smile, subconsciously leaning away. We were so close, I could hear him breathing. I do not think it is okay for us to be so close, especially since I know almost nothing about him and he seems to know everything about me. “You almost lost your essence as a wolf during the accident. Fortunately, I was there in time to preserve it. When you have recovered to some extent, I will take you to see my world.” I looked up at him, successfully lo
~Eleanor~“This is Royal Deluxe. It is the first restaurant founded by Alpha Nathaniel,” Jenna said, pointing to the massive building in front of us.We had arrived at a parking lot full of various types and colors of cars, and the car had come to a halt in an area where no other cars could be seen. Jenna had mentioned that it was Alpha Nathaniel's private parking lot.“It is huge,” I said, and she nodded.“Over the years, it has expanded and acquired several other chains. Twilight Casino, located beneath this building, is regarded as one of London's most prosperous casinos.”She pointed to a shabby-looking door that appeared to be the entrance to an abandoned warehouse.Sneering, she pointed to the top building and continued her speech, “Above this floor is the game arcade, which is mostly described as a gambling center for the less fortunate who cannot afford the membership fee for the underground casino. The majority of the visitors to that location are rule breakers.”“Wow, Isn't
~Nathaniel~“Have you completed the arrangements?” I asked Edward as he entered the meeting room.“Yes, Mr. Kyle,” he said with a respectful bow.“I have assigned Jenna as Miss Sinclair's caregiver for tonight.” Edward further explained. Gazing back at the men gathered around the table, anticipating my response regarding their contract modification, I nodded. Jenna is someone I can entrust with Eleanor's safety. She is ranked third among the pack's most powerful warriors, possessing excellent combat and defensive abilities.Krm!I cleared my throat and motioned for the meeting to proceed.“Yes, as I have previously stated, our boss believes this contract is not as it appears. Although it appears to be even on the surface, you will benefit the most from this collaboration and we get almost nothing.”I raised my chin and placed my fist under my jaw as I looked at the contract clause he was referring to.“So, how do you want me to handle it?” I asked sarcastically.“Fix the contract te
~Nathaniel~ “Let go of her hand,” I said, looking at him expressionlessly. Although I was annoyed at being called an uncle, I was more irritated by him holding her. “Let her go? Why should I? I saw her from a distance and believed she was my destined mate!” Eleanor stiffened in my embrace and turned sharply to face him. “I beg your pardon? You said what?” she inquired, looking surprised. “Yes, darling, I noticed you from afar. You are my mate. Come to me; he is just an old uncle!” Eleanor blinked and raised her brow before asking, “Didn’t you say you're… What is he talking about?” I could not help but roll my eyes. Is it not obvious that he was intentionally making things difficult for me to flirt with her? How can she ask such a question? “Edward, who is this fargot?” I questioned. Edward quickly approached me, bowed, and replied, “Axel Maurice from the Fourth Duke.” “He is the only prince, a sports acrobat, who has made significant contributions to the sports bureau despi
~Eleanor~I left the arcade feeling upset and hurt. How could he be so heartless? The thought of how miserable those three rejected mates' lives would have been if they had been members of the Moonshadow Pack enraged me.I paused as I walked past the door that appeared to lead to an abandoned warehouse that Jenna had explained to be a casino where socialites gambled. I wanted to see how it looked. Maybe that will help me relax.I opened the door and strode inside. Just a few steps inside, I was dragged out by two burly men.“Sorry, but only members with our supreme membership cards are permitted entry,” one of them explained. I frowned as I remembered Jenna having mentioned it.“Grant her entry,” I heard Jenna say from behind me. I turned to look at her, and she bowed slightly.“She is a VIP member,” she said, throwing a black card with a gold imprint at him.The man examined the card closely. When he confirmed what he wanted, he bowed and led me inside the place with a respectful dem
~Eleanor~ Backtrack to the day of the ritual… Earlier that morning, Father had sent three maids to me despite my insistence. He said he didn't want anything to go wrong, and he wanted everything perfect. My father is my pride, and I have nothing against him. I was dressed in a plain, floral white gown. A blue moon pendant attached to a red string could be seen around my neck. A silver tiara, shimmering under the full red moon, was placed on my head. Standing barefoot on an altar with a giant statue of the first Luna Queen and the first female Beta comrade of Blue Moon Pack, ore-made silver shackles were used to bind my arms together. “Kneel! Beta Victor has arrived, and the ritual shall begin.” The high priest announced. The tone in which it was said was surprisingly as powerful as it would have been the pack Alpha rather than a beta. But I was so blinded by my excitement of being the beta's mate that I nodded with a gentle bow before going to my knees. It's the first time I wil
~Eleanor~“Are you sure you're okay!?” Nadia probed, watching me pace around the room for the hundredth.“I’m fine,” I answered, still pacing back and forth.“Alright! That's it. I can't continue watching you go up and down. I feel dizzy. Miss Luna, better tell me what's wrong now before Alpha Nathaniel blames me later.”I wasn't able to react quickly as Nadia placed her hands on my shoulders and with a single push, I landed carelessly on the bed.Sigh! “You didn't call me here to watch you contemplate your thoughts, did you?” she asked, sounding sweet but the begrudging crease between her brows betrayed her voice.“Yeah, I did.” I grinned.She frowned and shook her head with concern. “No, you didn't. Miss Luna, could you please tell me what's wrong? Did someone from the pack bully you behind Alpha Nathaniel’s? You can let me know, I'll seek justice for you.”“No… no, of course, no one dared to bully me. It's just I - I don't understand this mind link of a thing. See, your Alpha can r
~Eleanor~I countered with a punch of my own, but Nadia was too quick and dodged it easily. She retaliated with a series of swift punches, each one aimed at a different spot on my body. I tried to defend myself, but she was too fast, too strong.Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, Nadia stopped and grinned at me. “Not bad, Miss Luna. You've got some fight in you after all. It's been quite a while since I found someone who could stand my attacks for more than five minutes.”I panted, trying to catch my breath. “Thanks...I think… I'm exhausted.”Nadia chuckled. “Don't mention it. Now, let's try something else. Defend yourself against my attack.”Oh, didn't I mention being exhausted? She charged at me, her fists flying in a blur of motion. I raised my hands to defend myself, but Nadia was relentless. She kept coming at me, her punches and kicks aimed at my face, my stomach, my chest.I stumbled backwards, trying to avoid her attacks, but Nadia was too fast. She caught me with
~Eleanor~As I stepped out into the pack house grounds, I was met with a sea of curious faces. All the members of the Twilight Pack present in the new house were gathered under the ancient oak tree, their eyes fixed on Nathaniel, waiting for him to address them. But their gazes kept drifting towards me, filled with curiosity and speculation. I can guess they were wondering if the rumours the guard mentioned were real. Who was I? What was my relationship with Nathaniel?I felt a flutter in my chest as I scanned the crowd. So many unfamiliar faces, all of them wondering about me. I stood a little straighter, trying to appear confident.Nathaniel stood at the front of the crowd, his eyes fixed on some point ahead. His jaw was clenched, his muscles tense. I felt guilty. He probably thinks I am some unappreciative bitch who, despite trying to make me feel alright, still doesn't succeed because of my stubbornness.I glanced around, taking in the atmosphere. The oak tree towered above us, i
~Eleanor~“You don't learn, huh? You need to be taught a lesson.” Another slap resounded on his face. I was taken aback. Nathan's reaction had already stunned me, and Nadia wasn't making it look any easier. I felt scared. What if word gets out that the mighty Alpha of the Twilight Pack is defensive when it comes to me? Wouldn't that mean I've successfully become his weakness? Wouldn't that expose me to a whole lot of danger? No, that's not what I want. “Nate… I…”“Did he touch you?” he suddenly asked. I was tongue-tied; I didn't want this matter to escalate.“Yes, he did. He held onto her shoulders and both arms and tried to nestle on her chest.” Nadia responded before I dismissed his words. I shut my eyes, wishing I could shut her up. Why did she get involved? She isn't me who was asked right?Nate growled, and before being told, the big guy was single-handedly lifted by Edward and thrown over his shoulders.“Call for a pack meeting. Let no one be absent. Immediately.” Nathaniel ord
~Eleanor~ I stood frozen, my eyes wide with shock, as Nadia unleashed a whirlwind of kicks and punches on the guard. He was massive, but Nadia was a force to be reckoned with. She moved with a grace and precision that belied her petite frame, taking down the guard with ease. I couldn't believe my eyes. The guard, who had been leering at me just moments before, was now crumpling to the ground under Nadia's relentless assault. I felt in awe of her strength. What if I am this strong? I bet no bitch will dare to get close to me. Nadia's movements were a blur, her hands and feet flying in a deadly dance. The guard tried to defend himself, but she was too quick, too skilled. Damn! She was freaking hot with those moves. She pinned him to the ground, her hands around his throat, and I thought she might kill him. But then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. She turned to me, a hint of a smile on her face. “Are you okay, Miss Luna?” she asked as if she hadn't just taken down a
~Eleanor~I sat there, my eyes fixed on Nathaniel, my mind reeling with shock and confusion. My wolf had been burned, and destroyed in the accident that had left me scarred and broken.I had accepted that part of me was gone, that I would never shift again. I had hoped to learn magic and grow stronger but I had no wolf. Wasn't that the reason why Victor had rejected me? I was weak and pathetic.But now, it seemed that my body had other plans. Nathaniel's calm and reassuring voice broke through my thoughts. “Eleanor, it's okay. You're safe. Your wolf is trying to resurface.”I shook my head, trying to process what was happening. “But... but that's impossible. My wolf was burned and destroyed the first time it appeared. I can't shift anymore.”Nathaniel's expression was gentle as he spoke, “ Your wolf is trying to heal, to come back to life.”I felt a mix of emotions. To heal? Where was the wolf when everyone including me thought I was wolfless? When I was being bullied and trampled upo
~Eleanor~“You're back?” I said the moment I opened my eyes. Nate seems to have just gotten back from wherever he went. He looked a bit worn out and shabby.“Mhn” he responded and then strode towards me. He sat on the bed and then placed the back of his palm on my forehead.The cool sensation made me recall the sizzling moment we'd shared. Shit! I was still thinking about that… I noticed a naughty smile on Nathaniel's lips. Apparently, he must have read my thoughts.“What happened to you? Why do you seem to have aged twice your age.”Fuck! Twice my age? Does that mean I look 39 years old? Hysterical! I did not believe him.Nathaniel chuckled and shook his head, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “No, my love, you don't look 39 years old. You're still as beautiful and radiant as ever.” He paused, his expression turning serious. “I've just been dealing with some... pack business. It's been a long day. How are you doing?”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued as I ignored his last question. “P
~Eleanor~I groggily opened my eyes to find two figures standing over me. As my vision cleared, I saw Jenna and another person looking down at me with concerned expressions.“You're finally awake,” Jenna spoke first. I tried to sit upright but felt a banging pain from my head. F*ck that was damn painful.I groaned and pressed on my head with my palm. “Hey, slow down, Miss Sinclair,” Jenna said, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You've been asleep for two days now. You need to take it easy.”I winced, the pain in my head throbbing with each movement. “What...what happened?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. How did I fall asleep for two days?The other person, whose face I now clearly see, spoke up. “No one knows. The Alpha asked for us to take care of you before he left.”I tried to remember, but my mind was foggy. “Alpha… Nate?” Memories of our affair suddenly occurred to me. I burned in embarrassment. How could I have passed out at such a critical time? Shit! I wonder w