The River Pack.

CHAPTER TWO

I know nothing I say will make Aiden change his mind. He was way too worried about me or maybe it was just me who didn't care enough.

Anyway, it's been four days now and today is the day I'll go to the capital where I can prepare for the first tournament against Lorelei.

"Lorelei" her name slipped past my lips. I never thought about going against her before but now that the opportunity presented itself, it would be quite fun. A smile made it's way to my lips before my door opened and a red head ran into my embrace.

"Ish... Korra, you're squeezing me too tight I can't breath" 

"You should endure this much since this might be the last time I'll be seeing you"

"Who said its the last time?" I looked at her beautiful round face I have always been jealous of. "Do you also believe I'll fail?"

"It will be strange if I believe you'll manage to beat Lorelei. She's a monster, Gab" my best friend sighed and we sat on the bed together. "You really should think twice about this. There's still time to decline the challenge."

I shook my head "Did Aiden send you?"

"Does it matter?"

"He did send you huh?" I sighed, looking away from her, "Korra, do you remember the story I told you, about when I was little?"

"What happened with Stacy?" A sad look entered her eyes.

"Mmmm... that memory is still very vivid in my mind. You know how I don't easily let go of things. If a monster can make me cower at this point in my life, then everything I have done so far is useless"

Silence passed by for several seconds. I could feel her staring at my face in thought while I sighed, tuning out my wolf who wouldn't stop telling me how selfish I am.

"I understand" Korra finally said and I smiled at her "That doesn't mean I support you."

"I know you do." I said "Whatever happens, it will take a long time before we meet again. If I win the match, I'll be accepted into the palace immediately and if I lose--"

"You'll be six feet under"

I chuckled at that and she glared, crossing her arms "I don't find this funny"

I stood up, slinging my little bag over my shoulder as we both exited the room and I was greeted by Mom's teary eyes.

Instead of the praise they usually sang for me whenever I left for a match, this time they all wore ominous expressions. 

Do they really think I'll let myself die?

If Lorelei turns out to be so strong I might lose my life, I'll be left with another option.

Run.

"So cowardly. I hope you don't embarrass us like that" my wolf sneered, still displeased that she was stuck with me.

"If I come face to face with death, why not?"

Isla hissed and I ignored her as I hugged Mom, telling her not to worry about me. Dad and a few other Alphas would be coming with me to represent our city in the capital.

My eyes searched around carefully, I couldn't find Aiden anywhere. Will he really not see me off?

A tinge of sadness pinched at my heart.

My eyes still searched around even as  we transformed into our wolves and started the long journey.

It was night when we arrived at the capital. Even at this time, the place was bustling like a market place in day time. 

Someone was there to pick us up though, and I learnt from Dad, it was the River moon pack who had invited us over.

From what I've heard, they were one of the biggest and strongest pack in the city. 

"Welcome to Reinin city" one of the two men from the River moon greeted. Dad gave a small nod and the rest of us found a place to shift and get changed.

Since it was night, the two men led us straight to the pack house.

It had a giant gate in front. Truth be told, I was impressed when it opened to reveal the massive building and beautiful layout.

"Our Alpha is currently hosting a party tonight. He won't be able to greet you for now"

"That's okay" Dad said and a few Omega ladies came forward to take our luggage.

"We'll show you to your rooms"

I should follow them and have a good rest in preparation for the next morning but Isla made sure my legs were stuck to the floor, unable to move them.

"What are you doing?" I said through gritted teeth, sending a warning to her.

"The party" she said "Go to the party"

"No thanks" I said "All I want is a goodnight rest. Why would I want to go there?"

"Trust me for once and just fucking go"

"Or what?" I challenged her, hearing her scoff.

"Or we'll both be stuck here"

"You're testing my control"

"And mine"

I closed my eyes, releasing a sigh as I focused on my inner strength to try to shake her off but Isla wouldn't budge. I only managed to lift my leg a tiny bit and that was it.

"What the fuck do you want?" 

“Go to the party,” she repeated and I knew I had to give in this time.

"Do as I say or tonight, I'll make sure you regret it" she added "If I decide to take over your body when you are asleep and do some crazy things..."

"What crazy things? You think that would make me give in?"

"It won't?" She chuckled devilishly "I was thinking of having a threesome with random dudes or maybe a fivesome. How about breaking your legs and hands so you have no way to fight tomorrow's match".

I stilled at that and my eyes narrowed "Don't you dare!"

Her words brought back unpleasant memories. The she-devil of a wolf really wasn't joking with that. I remember once when she took over like that and made out with a guard.

I still feel disgusted whenever the memory surfaced. I had woken up in time to prevent a disastrous event from happening.

"So what do you say?" Isla asked.

"I'll pay you back for this" I gritted my teeth in frustration "Let me go and I'll go to the party. I wonder what you want there"

"You'll know" was all she said as she released me.

I opened my eyes to see Dad and the others waiting for me.

Dad shook his head, knowing the kind of relationship I had with my wolf. He just gave me a nod before he left with the others.

I turned to one of the men who had brought us.

"Do you think I could attend the party?"

"Of course!" His eyes shone "I didn't dare to ask this before because I thought you might be tired. Our Alpha will love it since Lorelei is already here".

I swallowed a gulp "L-lorelei is here?" 

"Yes. She arrived earlier." he answered and I just gave him a nod as he started to lead me to where the party was holding.

It was in an open space.

It looked like a classy party. Men dressed in tuxedos and women is ball gowns, chatting and laughing while they constantly glanced at the group of female omegas giving them a show dance.

"Gabriella of Serra city is here!!" The man announced and all heads turned to look at me one by one.

I was dressed in a casual, plain gown which wasn't my usual style but it definitely looked out of place in the presence of these dignitaries.

It didn't bother me though. Neither the whispers or the cheers as they welcomed me into their circle.

What bothered me was the excitement of my wolf. The feeling of excitement pooled somewhere in my stomach, making my heart race uncontrollably .

What's going on?

He's here!

Who is?

Somewhere at the back of my mind, I already knew it. I knew what these feelings meant and for some reasons, my skin crawled and I shivered as a chill settled on my back.

Mate!

My wolf confirmed and it couldn't get any worse when a pleasantly terrifying growl entered my ears.

I felt the hairs on my back on edge as my eyes searched around, stopping where the crowd parted to reveal a man

Not just any man. A damn good looking one.

....

"Lethally handsome" it was the first words that formed in my mind when our eyes met.

Everyone knew I had a weakness for handsome men and my mate just happened to be everything that was it.

My brain remained frozen as I stood there while he approached me, a regal aura hovering above him.

I didn't have to guess to know he was the Alpha of the River moon pack. The one rumoured to be of Royal blood.

"Mine!" I couldn’t recall how and when he reached me, my brain only resumed working again when he suddenly crashed his lips into mine.

He tasted like a combination of mint and something else. Something that made me want to kiss him back.

I opened my eyes wide before it completely closed then pushed him away from me.

I put in all my energy in the glare I threw at him as I crossed my hands over my chest, realizing that everyone was watching us.

"I’m going to reject you." I mumbled to him, seeing as his brows pulled up in a frown, and my wolf began to act up in protest.

He looked shocked for a moment but as the seconds passed, he began to collect himself again.

"Why?" He asked calmly.

"Don't worry. It's not on you"

"Then why? You should at least tell me that"

Why would I let someone else decide who I get to be with for the rest of my life?

Of course I didn’t say that out. Of all places why on earth do I have to find my mate here if the goddess was not plotting something against me?

I remember telling her so many times that I do not need one.

"You don’t have a reason?" He frowned.

“Just not interested.” I shrugged which only made his eyes narrow more as if he was trying to figure me out. 

“You cannot reject him.” My wolf pleaded.

“Isla, we do not need a mate right now.”

“We do. I’m sure we can manage somehow.” Her voice sounded a bit terrified which made me worried but I still cannot give in or everything I’ve done to this point would be all for nothing.

"I’m going to find out his name and do it soon before we get attached.”I told her. Perhaps it will be less painful that way.

"Please... It will break me" I stilled when I heard how vulnerable she sounded. 

Everyone knew about the hate relationship I had with my wolf. While everyone had theirs sweet and obedient, mine was always defiant and that made things worse between us each day.

But the tone she used to beg just now, made me hesitate. Isla would never beg me like this.

"Think about your match" she said "If you do it now, it might affect your performance"

"Oh Don't act like you care"

"The embarrassment if you lose in the first round is also mine to bear" she protested.

I swallowed. From the corners of my eyes, I could see everyone staring at us and gossiping.

"Miss Gabriella, we've just met so I understand why you feel the need to reject the bond." he was saying to me but all I could feel was how close he was.

Why was my body heating up so fast?  I can't concentrate on what he was saying too.

"I haven't introduced myself, Reid Creighton." he stretched out his hands and I hesitantly took them.

Reid Creighton?

"Gabriella Hilton" his hands were so big and warm. I found I was almost grasping it so I quickly controlled myself.

Someone came forward just then and my eyes narrowed on a woman as she stopped in front of me.

Lorelei!

Unlike how I had imagined her, she had a slender build but her face was taut and hard. I could see traces of scars on her exposed chest and shoulders due to the gown she was wearing. The aura around her was menacing, her eyes were sharp as they stared at me like they just found a new prey.

She exceeded my expectations.

"Gabriella?" She called, taking in my features and smiling when she finished "I've been waiting to meet you"

"Likewise" I said.

"It's the first time in a while a woman has accepted my challenge. I was stunned"

"It won't be the last time you get stunned"

"That's saying you're full of surprises"

"The bad kind? Yes".

We both chuckled and she stretched out her hands "I feel like we will have a good time."

"It will be a thrilling experience" I said, taking her hand.

Everyone might think it was just a simple handshake but in truth, we were testing each other's strength.

Her grip tightened around my hand and I tried to do the same while keeping the smile on our faces. No doubt, she was strong.

Way stronger than I anticipated