Chapter Three

Catherine’s POV

He folded his hands on his chest and stroked his beard with one hand. His eyes scrutinized me as though he was staring deep into my soul. "I sent word that I would be running late tonight, why did you not wait at your pack, Miss Sarah?"

"I asked my father if I could come to you, and he accepted. What is the need for long formalities when all we need is each other? I am here now, am I not?"

The man who brought me and Rose whispered something in Alpha Philip's ear and the latter nodded. He then turned his attention to me. "Very well then, come with me."

"And my maid?" I pointed at Rose.

"William will take care of her" He signaled to the first man who then showed Rose to another car. Alpha Philip helped me into his vehicle and I sat on the soft chair. My back hurt from the long walk with Rose. 

 The driver brought the car's engine to life, turned it around, and started heading toward Philip's pack.

I'm sorry, Sarah, but one day you will understand why I had to lie to save you.

The ride was silent, except for one time when Alpha Philip cleared his throat. I didn't know what to say. I was scared inside, one wrong move, and my pack will be at risk of being annihilated.

A few hours later, it was dawn. We arrived at a tall, black gate. The men opened the gate for Alpha Philip's cars to pass through. After a three-minute long drive, we arrived at a grand estate. I watched from the window and admired the scenery before me. 

The early morning birds sang a symphony as they flew from one tree to the next. The flowers in the garden bloomed under the fall of dew, as the clouds gave way to the sun. Matching the color of the driveway, was a gray castle in the distance surrounded by trees. 

The driver parked the car in front of the mansion. I stepped out and saw Rose also stepping out of the car behind us. We stuck together like jam on bread until we were each shown to our separate rooms. 

The interior of the mansion is as beautiful as the exterior! The walls were cream-colored with antique portraits hanging at every turn. I was shown to my bedroom which had a queen-sized bed and a large wardrobe. They must be wondering why I did not have any luggage with me, but I didn't care to explain myself. 

There was a knock on my door and I opened it, to find Rose at the entrance. She stepped into my room and I locked the door behind her to avoid being eavesdropped on. 

She did not look happy in the slightest. 

"What's wrong, Rose?" I asked with concern.

"Why would you lie to Alpha Philip like that?" She asked in a whisper, but it didn't fail to express her disappointment.

"Don't worry, Rose, I shall take full responsibility for everything. I only want what is best for my sister, and Philip is not what is best for her."

"Is he best for you either?"

"No. But as you know, my mate has rejected me, there is no point in hoping for true love or happiness, but if I can save Sarah from making the worst mistake of her life, then I will gladly do it even if it costs me mine." Rose embraced me, but a harsh knock came on the door, disrupting our hug.

There was a knock at the door.

"Open the door, Miss Sarah". Philip's voice resounded from the outside.

I rushed to unlock the door and he entered. He had changed into a white shirt and a pair of black trousers and boots. His hair was disheveled but gorgeous. "The council would like to meet you."

"Okay". I answered.

"Remember, do not speak unless spoken to. Am I clear?"

"Y-yes"

"Good. Come with me." He ordered.

I followed him like a little lamb into another part of the castle. Maids and other workers bowed to Philip as we passed them. They shivered in his presence, that was how terrifying he was. 

We arrived at a room with about ten elderly men, each accompanied by younger men. Philip sat on the biggest seat in the room and I stood beside him. Williams was already waiting for our arrival, I noticed another man standing behind him.

"I present to you, my mate, Sarah Bernard from the Crystal Cloud pack." Announced Philip. In response, the men acknowledged me and I curtsied.  

Philip focused his attention on me. "Sarah, my darling, before you is the council of the Blood-Slashing pack, and along with them, their sons."  

One of the men stood from the table with his eyes affixed on me. "How do we know that she is worthy of becoming our Luna? She looks weak and underfed... and seems too old for her age"

I saw Philip's muscle tense up, his fingers balled up into a fist. He seemed aggravated by the man's question. But before he could say anything, I spoke up in his stead.  

"What are the makings of a Luna?" I asked.

The man got dumbfounded for a moment. "Uh, compassion, intelligence-"

"Precisely!" I cut him short. "Not once did I hear you say anything about physical appearance..." I sauntered down to where he stood. "Why do you feel the need to judge me based on my looks, councilman?"

He stuttered a little. "I-I never did that-"

"You said I look weak and underfed! What are your criteria for deciding if a Luna is worthy? What gives you the right to insult me?"

The man looked up at Philip, but Philip said nothing. I noticed the small smirk dancing around his lips. 

Before I knew it, the man fell to my feet. "I am sorry for saying such a thing, please forgive me, future Luna". He continued to grovel at my knees, waiting for my word.

"Enough. All is forgiven". I turned away and returned to Philip's side. There was something in his eyes that surprised me... is that pride? He looked proud of me. I blushed sheepishly, but I remembered who I truly was. Catherine would never stand up to anyone, only Sarah was bold enough.

After the meeting ended, Philip went to have a private conversation with some of the councilmen. Williams walked up to me with an awkward grin on his face. "I am sorry for how I treated you and your maid last night, mistress. I had no idea who you were."

"It is fine, William. At least, you didn't do any serious damage."

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, then he turned to the other man behind him. "This is Stanley, His loyalty lies with the alpha and now, with you."

I smiled at William's charming nature. "Thank you."

Just then, the oldest man in the council called me and Philip, and we stood in front of him. I watched as he accepted a knife from another councilman behind him. With that knife, he cut Philip's palm and blood gushed out. While making some incantations, he took a cup and poured Philip's blood into it. Then, he used the same knife to cut my palm as well... repeating the same words, he forced out blood from the cut in my palm into the cup. Then, he gently swiveled the cup to mix our blood.

"Do you, Philip Jaxon of the Blood-Slashing pack, accept Sarah Bernard of the Crystal-Cloud pack, as your wife?"

"I do," Philip answered enthusiastically.

"Then, drink from this cup". He offered the cup of blood to Philip who then took a sip. The old man turned towards me. "Do you, Sarah Bernard of the Crystal-Cloud pack accept Philip Jaxon of the Blood-Slashing pack, to be your husband?"

Am I doing the right thing? Will Sarah detest me for the rest of her life? Maybe I should confess now. My heartbeat increased and my head spun.

"Sarah?"

I looked up and saw Philip watching me with hope in his eyes... How can I tell him that I am a liar? No... it is too late to turn back now. "I do"

"Then, drink this". The man offered me the cup and took the last sip. "By the power vested on me as the head of the council, I now pronounce you husband and wife!"

Everyone clapped as Philip pecked me on the lips. Maybe he is not so bad, maybe I misjudged him.

After the ceremony, I followed Philip to his chamber. It all happened so fast, I cannot believe that I am a married woman now! Rose would be so mad if she finds out that she missed my wedding.

I blushed when I saw the lit candles on the table, as well as rose petals scattered on the bed. It is my wedding night, I am about to lose my virginity to my husband. 

He walked in behind me and I turned to face him. The blush on my face disappeared when he slapped me. The only thing that kept me from falling was the table behind me. 

I held the side of my face he slapped and looked into his eyes. The kindness they held had been replaced with fury.

"How dare you think you can fool me, Catherine?!" He spat.