4. The William's Pack

Elijah arrived at the boutique right on time, and without saying a word, he took me away. We rode in another car, a black limousine, and I had to sit next to him, feeling very uncomfortable.

William's pack lives in another part of Alderwood. Elijah had separated from his family, though his reasons remain a mystery. I didn't dare ask, of course.

From his brief explanation, I learned that his full name was Elijah William. He was a descendant of the royal pack, twice my age. I would never have guessed that this 38-year-old man looked at least a decade younger.

"By the way, how old are you?" Elijah asked.

I cleared my throat. "I turned 19 in May."

"You didn't shift, yet?"

"Last year."

"Your wolf?"

What was going on here? Why was he interrogating me like this? I couldn't calm down at all.

"I didn't..." I choked out. "My wolf. I don't have it."

"That's strange. Maybe it's still hidden somewhere. Or maybe... you're just not worthy of having one."

His words tore at me, but I remained silent, concentrating on holding the shreds of my heart together.

...

After almost an hour's drive, we finally arrived at the mansion—or castle, whatever it was. William's pack residence was twice the size of Elijah's mansion, and the entrance was heavily guarded by four security guards.

The place exuded the undeniable aura of wolves.

We parked in the carport between a row of luxury cars. I got out and immediately felt the intense power of the pack residence. I knew it was different from the Pinecrest pack.

"I won't be long, Vincent," Elijah told the man I'd met at his mansion.

"Understood." Vincent, the driver, nodded obediently.

Elijah took my arm as we entered this place that felt like the embodiment of horror. Inside, it was as if we'd stepped back into the Middle Ages, with antique artifacts filling the rooms.

"Is this a mansion?" I whispered to Elijah.

"A castle."

A castle?

If he was a king, why didn't he live here? Why isolate himself elsewhere? It was strange.

"Don't say a word. Just be silent. That's an order," Elijah said.

I just nodded, feeling increasingly anxious. Meeting Elijah's family felt like officially facing the Alpha himself, and my heart was racing.

We stopped in front of two massive wooden doors that looked heavy. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Elijah opened the doors, and half dragged me inside.

The room was huge, like a family gathering hall. A long table with chairs stretched across the room, seating at least two dozen people. Was this a family gathering? So many people?

At the far end of the table, the tallest chair was empty. I wondered who was supposed to be sitting there.

Seriously, Elijah?

Everyone's eyes turned to Elijah and, of course, to me. As Elijah stepped forward, the others stood and nodded respectfully.

Wait, what? Why were they all bowing to Elijah?

Elijah walked over to the high chair at the head of the table, positioned between the rows of seats to his left and right. He sat down calmly, and the others immediately took their seats.

I stood behind Elijah's chair, feeling awkward, lost, and utterly foolish.

"Who's the pretty young woman you brought with you, King? Your future Luna?" asked a middle-aged woman in the row to Elijah's right, her voice laced with sarcasm.

She had actually called him King. I thought Elijah had intimidated me before, but apparently, it was true. How unfortunate—I had already sworn to be his servant. What kind of cursed fate was this?

Elijah gave her a quick, cold look.

"Isn't she a little young to die in vain?" she added.

Wait, what? Die in vain? Was that directed at me?

"If you weren't my sister, I'd rip your throat out right now, Elena," Elijah replied icily.

Elena, a woman with sharp features, eyes like Elijah's, and brown hair streaked with gray, just smiled mockingly. She looked me up and down and shook her head.

"I'm just showing concern," she said, emphasizing her last word. "King."

"You're just looking for ways to bring me down every chance you get," Elijah retorted.

"Oh, King Elijah. Don't misjudge me. I care deeply for you."

Elijah let out a low growl, ignoring Elena's words. His older sister, I guessed?

Elena tilted her head, watching me closely. "Are you really my brother's future Luna?"

"I-I..." My eyes flicked to Elijah.

At least help me answer this. What am I even here for? As a servant or something else?

"Then you're prepared for the consequence that every one of Elijah's Lunas has met a tragic end?" Elena continued.

Wait, what? What did she mean?

Suddenly, I remembered Eugenia's story about Elijah's Luna dying in an accident. Did that have something to do with what Elena said? A wave of fear washed over me.

"Stop with the ominous talk. I have my own way of protecting my Luna," Elijah said coldly.

"Fine, if you say so." Elena nodded gracefully.

I didn't know how long I could stand this strange, uncomfortable conversation, but it seemed that Elena wasn't done yet. She looked at me again with a piercing stare.

"And what pack are you from? Judging by your scent, I'd say Omega," she scoffed.

"She is," Elijah replied suddenly. "An outcast Omega, and I intend to make her my Luna."

Naturally, everyone in the room reacted with shock, especially Elena. Her face flushed as if she was trying to contain her anger.

"Don't be reckless, Elijah! This is not something to be taken lightly!" Elena warned.

"I'm not kidding."

Elena narrowed her eyes. "You? To be the Luna of our kingdom?"

I couldn't answer or refute Elijah's statement. My lips remained sealed, and I lowered my eyes.

The people in the room's murmur sounded like a beehive. I wanted to burst into tears. Their combined presence was terrifying, and I fought to keep myself from collapsing under its weight.

"It's already decided," Elijah declared.

Then he looked at me and waved his hand, asking me to come closer. He grabbed my hand and planted a fiery kiss on me in front of everyone!

Had he gone crazy?

My eyes widened because Elijah's behavior shocked more than just them; I was, too!

Then he leaned over and whispered in my ear. "Good, play along until we get home. You'll be fine."

I glanced around the room and smiled nervously. "Well, I never expected that."

"Wait for me outside, darling. I won't be long," Elijah replied, looking at me as if he were madly in love.

Bastard!

I nodded. "Okay. See you soon."

Walking to the door, I overheard a statement that made every hair on my body stand on end: "He chose a future Luna from an Omega because of the curse. If he loses another Luna, at least an outcast Omega is nothing to lose for him."

A curse?

Nothing to lose?

So I was some kind of sacrifice to Elijah, all because of a curse? That was insane!