Step down

**Elora's POV**

“No! Hell no!” I exclaimed immediately. Why him? Of all people in the world, why must it be Damon? Why the heck must it be him?

His lips formed into a smirk. He must have felt that spark too, and known. “Hello, Mate.”

“Don't you dare call me that. Don't you fucking dare!” I yelled and pulled my hair, frustratingly.

Things weren't supposed to go down this way. Nothing like this happened two years ago. I haven't been able to sense my mate since I turned 18, and I learned to live with it after I met Lucien, but why should I get a mate after my rebirth? It doesn't make sense!

I suddenly burst out laughing. “Oh, now I get it. The moon goddess just wants to test me,” I muttered out loud and looked up. “Moon goddess, I got your test now, so please take it back, okay? It was only a joke, and I get it.” I sounded ridiculous, but I couldn't help it.

“Elora,” Damon called.

I responded with a glare. This is crazy. Why him? I hated Damon to the core. The man had a thing for me since high school, but I've been turning down his advances because it was obvious that I felt nothing for him. Despite all that, he showed that he still loved me, but I hurt him in so many ways and didn't regret it until now.

How was I supposed to face someone I've done countless bad things to and accept him as my mate? Just how?

The smile he had on his face made my anger grow. “Do not tell anyone about this. I don't understand why the moon goddess would pair me with someone like you, so I'd appreciate it if you keep your mouth shut, understood?” I snapped.

“Why should I hide such outstanding news, Elly? I've waited for a day like this to come, and it's finally here. I simply can't hide this joy.” He smirked.

“You must hide it, Damon. I swear, if you tell anyone, I won't hesitate to kill you.” I threatened and he chuckled.

“I know you won't have the nerves to kill your mate. You'll soon fall helplessly in love with me, baby girl. It's just a matter of time.” He snapped his fingers.

“Only in your stupid dream. Damn, I despise this!” I stomped my feet.

I was about to leave, but he pulled me close and embraced me.

“I love you, Elora.” He said.

My knees weakened as his breath fanned my neck and my heartbeat accelerated. The feeling disgusted and suffocated me. I pushed him off.

“I hate you, Damon. I hate you damn much!” I yelled and dashed out of there. I could feel his eyes on me and turned to see him still staring at me. He winked and my heart stirred. I quickly looked away and cursed under my breath as I made my way to the hall.

I met Lucien and Zora having a hearty conversation. I bet they're already planning on how to cheat on me and get rid of me.

“Elly, you're back.” Zora smiled.

“Yeah,” I answered and without glancing at Lucien, I adjusted my glasses and took a seat.

All through the party, I was seated while Zora went out there to dance her heart out. The look on my face chased guys that attempted to ask me to dance away. They must be wondering why the once naive and shy Elora suddenly changed overnight, but heck did I care.

The time for the giving of prizes came, and I could swear I collected more than 10 prizes, but those were the least on my mind. All I thought about was revenge and how to go about it, and also how to take back my father's throne from the claws of our self acclaimed beta.

****

After the party, I was back in my old apartment, ready to pack and go live in the palace, but this time around, my aim for going there is to ask for what I'm entitled to.

If I wanted to serve my revenge cold, I would need power, and that power was to become the Luna of this pack. Another reason I want the throne is to get rid of the bad eggs that called themselves my father's employees and elders of the council. These people have been eating off my father's wealth since he and my mother died mysteriously in the palace.

Yeah, they died mysteriously, but I was too stupid to investigate their death. I'm going to do that now and make sure whoever is responsible for their deaths is punished severely.

My phone rang again. It was Zora, I rolled my eyes. I could remember how she called that day to know if I had gotten home safely. I had shone my stupid teeth and thanked her, oblivious of her motives. I rejected the call and dropped the phone in my pocket.

I sighed and continued to pull the luggage, but that unique scent came again. I closed my eyes and inhaled every bit of it.

“Are you done gawking?”

My eyes snapped open. “Damon!” I snapped and facepalmed.

“Hey,” He flashed me a smile, but I frowned.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I was in the neighborhood and realized I haven't congratulated my mate for all the prizes she got today.” He smiled.

“Don't call me that. Besides, you collected some prizes too. You're just as intelligent as I am.” I spurted out without even realizing it.

He smiled widely. “First time you ever complimented me. I certainly am going to cherish this day.” 

“Damn it! You're so annoying.” I started leaving.

“Let me help with your luggage.” He reached out, but I pushed his hand away. 

“I can help myself, thanks.” I said calmly and without sparing him a glance, I hurriedly walked away.

“I'll come see you at the palace tomorrow.” He shouted to my hearing, but I acted deaf.

****

When I got to the palace, I instructed the maids to take my luggage to my room. 

“Time to get what's mine.” I sighed and headed for the throne room.

I peeped through the keyhole and saw Beta Dexter speaking with Elder Blake, the oldest of the pack elders.

“Guards!” I called and they rushed to meet me. “I need the remaining Elders in the palace right now. Find a way to bring them here.” I ordered.

They were surprised but bowed and left to do as I've said. I flung the door open and their eyes were on me instantly.

“Elora, you're back. How did the party go?” He asked.

I scoffed inwardly. He acts nice whenever the oldest of the elders was around just because he knew I was his favorite, but behind that smile is a sneer and a plan to steal my father's gold.

“Elora, the beta is asking you a question. How did the party go?” Elder Blake asked with a smile.

I adjusted my glasses and smiled at him. “It went well, Elder Blake. Your daughter is finally a graduate.” I smiled.

The only person I can vouch for among my father's elders is this man. He has been with me through thick and thin. I owe him a lot.

He smiled and stood to hug me. “I'm proud of you.”

I smiled and pulled away from the hug before facing Beta Dexter.

“Beta Dexter, I am 18 now and according to the rules of this pack and the oath you swore to before ascending the throne, I am entitled to ask for what is mine now.” I stated firmly.

Beta Dexter frowned, glaring dangerously at me. 

“What are you talking about?” He asked.

“Step down. I want to ascend my father's throne.”