GIA O'LEARY
This certainly was the part where I'd get exposed and put to death for I was no holy maiden. I was an exotic dancer who kissed a man the previous night. His coat in my room a constant reminder that kissing this man who turned out to be the Alpha was never in my head.
"I'm blessed with your appearance and that of your holy maidens."
The way Alpha Levi said this must've been with a smirk, it was how I pictured his amused tone.
My sisters didn't help things, they clustered to themselves as we were ushered to a seat leaving me as the odd one out.
The ceremony began with Keegan taking control of the first ritual of the night. This gave me an opportunity to look in Alpha Levi's direction.
He looked nothing like he did the previous night. He looked more pale and a bit frail than he was when we first met. Something was wrong.
I looked across my sisters and thought of which to pry into a gossip mode with. Sadly, there was none.
The first daughter, Beth had been married so she couldn't be here, Lara and Tara, the twins clung to each other, fawning over the handsome Alpha as he lit the scented candles. My gaze drifted to the fourth daughter, Jade. No, she had a bad temper and arrogance. She wouldn't welcome a chance to chat. Then there was Madeleine, beside our father and Alpha Levi, holding the sacred runes for the rituals.
I rolled my eyes and leaned closer to eavesdrop on the twins.
"I pray this curse gets averted. Alpha Levi looks so ill." Lara huffed.
Okay, there was a curse that made Levi look sick. If so, what the hell was he doing in the bar last night?
I glanced around at the men in the room, most of them looked familiar from the bar because they were either regulars or they dropped in once in a while.
This made me realize how big of a risk I had taken working in the club. They easily could've spotted me leaving the club. That could've gotten me in real trouble.
It was my turn as the last daughter to put the last candle on the candle stand. A statue of the moon goddess.
I walked there with great difficulty wondering who else could recognize me in the hall.
Alpha Levi's gaze left Keegan to dwell on me. I nearly died of embarrassment.
This man had seen me in less clothing. Why then did I feel so self-aware prancing before him fully covered?
I completed my task avoiding his green eyes as possible, with my head to the floor I returned to my seat.
Anyone in the could've sworn I was the holiest of the girls but in the truest sense, I did a couple of bold things that my sisters were still very naive of.
Goddess, please don't let this grow out of hand. I prayed with my entire heart promising the goddess things I knew I could never keep.
My plan b was to get away. Disappeared from the room before anyone called me out. But what proof did they have that I was black swan?
This thought consoled me, making me sit a little upright in my seat.
Alpha Levi couldn't prove I was the girl he kissed last night. Girls looked alike all the time. All I needed to do was to return to my room and get rid of all the evidence.
Now the big question remained, which of my sisters went through my stuff while I was away to steal my dragon tattoo stamp, and why?
Jade?
"I heard Alpha Levi has a dragon tattoo on his arm," I started, striking a conversation that she likely would ignore, "looks like it's all false after all." I chuckled nervously.
Jade dropped her dark gaze on me, "Is that why you bought a dragon false tatt?" She smirked.
I knew it!
"Don't flatter yourself, he's never going to look your way! Now shut your mouth and shift the hell away!"
I nodded and shifted from her side. I already knew what I wanted to do. Good thing she didn't know why I actually needed one of those stickers.
Madeleine returned, brimming with joy.
"I saw you talking with Alpha Levi!" One of the twins blushed profusely. "What's he like?"
They chattered silently and lived in their silly little worlds while I thought of ways to sneak back to destroy any evidence that might get me in trouble a few hours from now.
Keegan came to where we sat and spoke privately to his other daughters leaving me out. Making me stick out like a sore thumb.
My gaze drifted back to Levi only to catch him staring my way. The glint in his eyes and the smugness on his handsome face made it clear he was going to call me out. The chances were just too great. Or was it in my head?
He snubbed me the entire time like he had no idea of who I was. Did he not recognize me?
Fat chance.
"For the last rituals of this ceremony, our Alpha will request the assistance of one of the holy maidens of the pack," Keegan spoke aloud so he could be heard by everyone in the hall.
"Take my purse home tonight, I don't think I'll be returning tonight," Madeleine commanded me, pushing her little Chanel purse my way.
I obliged and took the purse onto my thighs praying this ended sooner.
Alpha Levi walked towards us, I crossed my fingers and every nerve in me hoping to grow invisible. Praying not to get noticed and unmasked as the stripper in the club at the bar far away from the pack, in the border area which belongs to no pack.
His patchouli wafted to my nostrils, the scent that enveloped me all through the night. His towering height stood before Tara by the edge in the front row.
"What is your name?"
"Tara." Tara sprang to her feet and replied rather shyly.
"I mean the raven-haired sister."
That was me. I was the only sister with black hair. But I dared not look up. I dared not harp on his games without knowing what was looming.
Jade's elbow connected with my ribs when I remained silent in a way that appeared to be rude.
"She's Gia," Keegan came to my rescue for the first time, well, until he added, "She's a runt, my alpha. The rest of my daughters possess unmatchable wolves and are equally beautiful. This is Madeleine, Lara, Tara, and Jade. Beth just got married to her mate."
Things were clarified so couldn't he just pick any of the girls and get back to the rituals to uplift this curse that made him appear sick?
Why was he still planted there gazing eerily at me?
He wanted a holy maiden well, he already kissed me last night so that should tell him I wasn't who he was looking for.
"I want her for the rituals. Gia O'Leary."
He stated firmly and my head snapped up.
GIA O'LEARY Keegan tried to persuade Alpha Levi into reevaluating his options but whatever this was about, Levi had already made up his mind. Nothing in Alpha Levi's perceptible mild exterior suggested he recognized me from the previous night. Wth the embroidered loose gown flowing to my ankles and hair covered with the shawl, it was hard to tell I was the same girl twirling around the pole last night. But what were those twinkles at the corners of his eyes whenever they regarded me? "What are you waiting for?" Keegan chided me, his displeasure plain in his manner and tone. I left the chair, towards Levi's outstretched hand. But chose to ignore his hand, I couldn't bear to know what they felt like another time. I couldn't risk his touch exposing me before the scrutinizing gazes of these men. I went straight ahead towards the inner room where the final rituals were to take place. Amusement seemed to twitch at the corners of his sensuous lips, his sweet patchouli tempting, almost
LEVI EDELMAN I had thought it was a burglar at first, but when she retrieved the shawl from her hair I recognized it immediately. What the hell was she thinking, trying to jump off the window at this time of the night? She was probably drunk; was the thought I harbored in my mind when I reached forth my hand to stop her. But the pair of frantic eyes staring back at me was nothing close to drunkenness.Annoyance sipping into me at the unnecessary chaotic disorder her crazy action had sparked in me, I yanked her off the window. She gasped, managing to shield her weight with a guide. Unfortunately, her elbow got on the hard floor and left a whimper off her lips. I regretted my action immediately. I didn't mean to hurt her. Just what in the hell was she about to do just now?I bent to her level. Like a repelling force of magnetic opposition, she swatted over with the hurting elbow in her palm. I didn't derive pleasure from her constant refuting, but I wouldn't say it disturbed me ei
GIA O'LEARYI froze. Blanked. Busted. Forgetting every previous thought I had in my head. He cheesed out with a smirk. A smirk that suggested he found delight in my incapacitated mode.“W-what?’’ I stuttered, unsure how to place his outburst yet. He really did recognize me? It amazed me at how surprising this profound realization caught me. I undoubtedly suspected ninety-five percent out of a hundred possibilities that he recognized me but it had been better staying in just an assumption. Coming to the scary face of reality that indeed, he recognized me as the licentious stripper he had involved in a quick-and-dirty kiss was unnerving. “Holy maidens was it?’’ He further implied. He didn't need a scoff at the end to express his sarcasm. I lost my stance. Shame draping over me like a flowing garment. I crashed to my knees, tugging his pants, refusing to meet his condescending eyes. “You can't tell anyone about that. I promise I can explain. It's not as bad as you may think.’’ I spr
GIA O'LEARY The necessary rites were immediately brought into action. I was made to sit on the floor in the Hindi praying position, except that the exercise didn't require me to glue my palms against each other. Keegan pranced around me, reading out the conjugation mantras with the guests chanting the backup phrases rather too enthusiastically each time Keegan left a half statement. I bit my lips underneath my veil, hoping this time went by fast without involving any revelation sessions since the goddess seemed to completely be on my side. Finally, I was made to take the Luna’s oath of indebtedness and read my vows to Alpha Levi. My lips trembled with every word I spelled out and made it almost impossible to completely make out my sentences. “Will you be audible?’’ Keegan jibed me, his deadly eyes forcing a flinch from me. It was too much to handle. Though I commanded quite an audience at the club, it was always during nighttime and I usually had a mask that made no one recogniz
GIA O'LEARYMy heart thrashed against my chest as he flung me roughly to the side, tears blinding my vision as I forced my trembling lips to speak.The goddess had probably had enough of my deceit and revealed my true exhibitions to him. This was the destructive end of my fate.“I'm sorry, father.’’ I sobbed.‘‘Do you have that evil mark covered up?’’ He inquired, taking me aback for a moment.‘‘H-huh?’’“You clumsy little brat!’’ He cursed, irritated by the mere sig
LEVI EDELMAN I looked up from my phone, swatting a glance into the rearview side mirror for any sign of her, growing impatient. I cursed underneath my breath, pushed the door open, and stepped out of the car when I saw her approaching. She halted immediately, her gaze trailed at me, acknowledging my figure. She contemplated in her head on if to proceed or retract. ‘‘What are you waiting for?’’ I threw at her, my impatience dissipating momentarily at the sight of her. She lowered her gaze from mine, taking in her bottom lips as she resumed her strides, faster, to take the other side of the car. An awkward silence shook the air after the sound of the revving engines subsided. I chose to center my attention on the road and the clothes store we were driving to.“Could you roll down the window a bit please?’’ She spoke, appealing enough.I stared briefly at her, while she strictly avoided making contact. I sighed quietly, reached for the control, and did as she requested. “Have you h
GIA O'LEARYHis eyes regarded mind ridiculously. My question was somewhat puzzling and it got him puzzled.“Why will you do that for me?’’ I asked again, hoping to exclude the required clarity until my intentions hit the balance.“I don't get it. You don't want me to?’’ He was unsure if I was telling him not to help me or not.“I'm asking why you are bent on keeping me even if you're completely aware of me. What I am.’’ I surprisingly maintained contact with his eyes. Something I struggled the whole of two days with, I was currently doing it effortlessly.
GIA O'LEARY I blinked. Blanked and stunned by the lady's unexpected sudden outburst. ‘‘You haven't changed one bit, have you?’’ Alpha Levi spat irritatedly. “I've missed you.’’ She blurted out. I was forced to move a bit aside from Alpha Levi's towering frame which obstructed my view of the scene. The lady's gaze adverted to me instantly. “W-who is she and what are you doing here…with her?’’Without responding, Alpha Levi snatched my wrist. I watched the lady's gaze swat to his grip with something like horror flashing in her eyes. “Did you get all you need?’’ Alpha Levi asked, his eyes never leaving the lady. I was lost in the middle of the drama. Just what in the hell was going on right now?“Y-yes,’’ I answered partly absentmindedly. “Then let's leave.’’ Without waiting for my response, he turned and pulled me out with him.I almost stumbled on my dress while trying to catch up with his speed. The lady's voice calling after him didn't help matters either. Alpha Levi sorted t
LEVI ELDERMANKeegan breathed out heavily, retracting to take a seat, while my eyes followed his every move.There was only one reason I told him this. To reconduct a connection ritual.I understood that this was the punishment I needed to face for the evils of my father, but was I meant to die in it? The goddess could have at least spared Tesla the ability to perceive my mate.It'd been seven years already since this whole mishap began. It was my last year of living already, and still nothing yet. If I was going to die this miserably, then she could have taken my life as an infant.
KEEGAN O'LEARYGia stiffened. She had indeed been missing the Alpha's dosage. She must not be aware of the consequences that lay with messing with the process. The penalty that awaited her if the virgin herbs didn't take the propounded effect.I had offered a ninety percent assurance, boldly stating that the process would be alternatively ineffective if the maiden wasn't indeed pure and holy as requested of the goddess.This was the actual reason behind putting my daughters forward.After a series of debates, the elders had suggested I put out my daughters from which the Alpha should choose his desired maiden, since it was a well-acknowledged fact in the pa
LEVI EDELMANI dressed in new shorts and shirt and headed out. I paused when I heard voices from an empty room, and the owners of the voices went quiet immediately.I retracted, pushed the slightly opened door wider, and peeped in.Maddison stood with a maid, both staring at me. They had probably noticed my shadow when I paused earlier.“Levi?’’ Maddison called, advancing forward as if she just recognised me.The maid made a bow to me, lowering her face to the floor.“What are you doing h
GIA O'LEARYI turned off the hair dryer when I thought I heard a knock. It came again, but with Redrine’s voice following this time.“Luna, it's me.’’“Come in, Redrine…’’ I'd barely finished my statement when she rushed in, leaving me alarmed.“What is it?’’“I'm sorry if I startled you. It's just, your father the priest is here. You haven't given the Alpha his morning dosage yet.’’ She reported.“Keegan is here?’’ I asked, like I didn't hear he
ALAN WOODS Maddison’s gaze never left Levi until he was completely out. She'd focused on feeding him since the beginning and didn't get enough meals herself. Now he was out, and she finally had the chance to eat up, but she was busy picking on her meal with her mind completely gone. Gia finished up and stood. Just like I had imagined, Maddison stood up after her immediately. I dropped my fork. “I'll go with you,’’ Maddison stated. It was more of a command than a request. “Go with me to?’’ Gia asked, puzzled. “I don't even need to do that, I can just get there myself.’’ She ignored Gia, pulling away from her chair.“Maddison,’’ I called her to a halt. “We have a discussion.’’“On whose consent?’’ She spat. The manner in which she glared at me set flames on my resentment for Levi. “I didn't get the chance to tell you about it until now.’’ I swallowed hard. Gia let out a silent scoff, pulling out of her chair and walking out, ignoring Maddison’s glaring eyes that trailed her move
GIA O'LEARYI felt completely grateful when I noticed the red aventador I came in with Alan hours ago, waiting securely under the sun.My cheeks were beginning to hurt at the numerous exchange of pleasantries with lots of the guests since Levi held such a high position that demanded recognition among the state representative members.I flung my legs weakly against my heels, wanting nothing but to get my ass in the car and take off the heels. Thankfully Alan waited patiently for me, I couldn't be more grateful.I placed light knocks on the tinted glass as I appreciated the car. I was going to smile brightly and express my appreciation to Alan as I heard the locks click open, but he was a jerk.
ALAN WOODS“I want Gia away from the Alpha,’’ Keegan repeated, resting his back against the sofa with nothing but plain seriousness in his eyes.I adjusted on my seat, clearing my throat as I presented the only question that swirled in my mind.“Is there a reason why you so desperately want Gia out of the place? Something I should know?’’ I squinted.His humor dead eyes came down on me, and I almost flinched.“I mean like….’’ I tried saying.“It's not a desp
ALAN WOODSMoments later, her unmistakable footsteps grew louder as she approached. I pushed my neck to confirm her figure through the rearview side mirror, and a breath escaped my nostrils.“Hope I didn't take too long?’’ She spoke as she took her seat beside me, shutting the door to look at me.I said nothing and started the engines. She knew better than to press on and quietly went for her seat belt. I started the engines and we were on the road in no time.“I didn't realise you were injured yesterday. You didn't look it though.’’ Gia suddenly spoke, breaking the peaceful silence that reig
GIA O'LEARYI reflected, a little lost on her words since she spoke in a stifled mumble. I couldn't make proper sense of what she said and asked again.‘‘What did you say?’’“It's nothing, Luna.’’ Clearing her throat, she turned over to pack up the first aid kit. “I'm really sorry for making you go through this. I'll be more careful next time.’’ She stood, bowed, and left in one minute.My lips dropped open as she shut the door. I could swear I heard her mention Alan's name, but what Alan's name had gotten to do with Redrine I asked her about was what I couldn't place.