★ELAINE★†SEVERAL HOURS LATER†Darkness befell us like a large blanket. Crickets chirped through the night, frogs croaked... nonetheless, the atmosphere was balmy. “I hope you have your tools?" The Alpha queen inquired. “Yes, Alpha queen!” came our chorused response. “Good. So the reason why I said the next stage will be conveyed after dinner is that — it has to be done tonight. This second stage is all about hunting. You will be directed into the woods – where you have to hunt down any size animal that could make a course meal.” she raised a finger. “Note, the number of kills brought in determines each respective point that would be awarded to you all.” “Hunting." A voice said amongst us and the Alpha queen affirmed immediately. “Yes. Hunting. This is implemented because as Noble females, your life doesn't encompass only the glamour that comes with the title. Sometimes, you have to know how to help your people in terms of dire need. Maybe a war struck, and you are stranded in the
★ELAINE★“Ezekiel, Philippe.” The Alpha queen summoned two of her warriors and they stepped forward immediately. “Go into the woods and fetch me, Joanna. What's the color of her hair again?"“Auburn,” Tara answered. “You hear that. So I'm giving you ten minutes to comb through the woods and come back with her.” “Yes, Your ladyship!” They stooped before strutting off to carry out her order. I wonder what Joanna was still doing in the woods up till this moment. I understand she's thirsty for victory. However, it'd be right to play by the rules. Anyways, Joanna has always been that way, rebellious and a nuisance. “I don't think there is any reason why we should keep them waiting. Since it's just one person missing, we can record the score points, considering their number of kills. When the missing person returns, we will know how to shuffle it up.” Alpha Damon suggested. “He is right!" The jury chorused. “Besides, the ladies need to wash up.” Alpha Shinara pointed at me. “That on
★ELAINE★“What the hell, Lilian!” I roared in disbelief. I understand she doesn't like me. Regardless, she can't accuse me of something I didn't do. I would never think of murdering Joanna just to end her malicious acts toward me. Never! Lilian folded her arms neatly beneath her breast. “Don't you start lying, Elaine. I know what you're capable of, looking at what you did to me on our first day of arrival to this kingdom!” “That was because you and your mother provoked me first!” I interjected angrily. She snapped her fingers. “Exactly my point. Just because we did something of little reasoning. Because our approach happens to get on your nerves, you went ahead to give me torn lips, and swollen eyes. Should I mention the bruises all over my face then? So it can be compared to what you did to Joanna, considering the way she has been wanting to kick you out of the competition and pestering you for days.” Lilian pressed further. And incoherent murmurs emanated from the rest of the
★ELAINE★“I want to go and confront Lilian. She has no right to accuse me of Joanna's death.” More tears cascaded down my cheeks as I pulled out of Alpha Damon's embrace and made to walk away, but he held me back. “There is no need, Elaine. Confronting her would only make others believe you are this paranoid. As long as you didn't do it, act unbothered until everything is sorted out.” I scoffed. “Paranoid? After being outrightly accused of murdering someone in cold blood, do you think I should just let this slide?” I demanded. Already feeling offended that he could say such a thing to me. Alpha Damon shook his head. “You are not letting this slide, Elaine. Trust me on this. I want to remind you that you are here as a guest and I want you to stay still until I sort things out.” He said this time. “But I can't just sit around and remain silent as none of this happened. What if they keep trying to sabotage me and in the end, they make me look like the culprit?" I asked him, snifflin
★ELAINE★†The Next morning†With my heart in my hands, I trudged to the dining table. I couldn't go for lunch and dinner yesterday because of my burning anger towards Lilian. I felt like if I went, I would engage in a big fight with her and then I might be blamed for murder because I won't hesitate to put an end to her miserable life. Nonetheless, Alpha Damon's sister Gina spoke with me last night. She advised me on so much and I was willing to take her word for it. Alas, why I decided to go for breakfast. As soon as I walked through the entrance of the dining room, several scornful glares were tossed my way by the female contestants. They seemed to be judging me like I'm a villain who shouldn't be among them. “Don't pay attention to them, Elaine,” I said to myself and tried to think of any past event that could make me smile. Taking a deep breath, I braced myself as I sauntered towards the large table and then took a seat. The female seated at my left immediately shifted her cha
★THROWBACK TO THE NIGHT TARA DEPARTED FROM ELAINE ★Smiling sheepishly as she made her way to the other side of the woods, Tara felt proud to have gifted Elaine that squirrel. She hoped to keep making Elaine smile and wished Elaine was her Luna instead of Joanna. To be truthful, Tara doesn't know why she liked Lady Elaine, but she knew she adored the young lady so much. There was something about her that was just so likable. So accommodating and so charming. But then a rustle among the bushes made her discard her thoughts as she tried to capture whatever animal made that noise. Crouching her posture, she moved quickly in that direction then steady her spear, ready to strike the animal. And just when she parted the bushes and was about to strike, she met Joanna there instead. Joanna jumped, startled. “How dare you aim a spear at me?” Joanna bellowed after regaining her wits. “I am sorry. I didn't mean to... I thought it was a—” Tara made to apologize but Joanna shut her up with h
★ALPHA DAMON★Furious, aggravated, provoked... What could be the proper word to describe the rage coursing through my veins? I could not believe the culprit has been right there all along, while the female competitors blamed Elaine. Especially Lilian. Pointing fingers at Elaine without having concrete evidence of the incident was absurd.“Summon the Alpha queen, the jury, and the rest of the female competitors here this instant. Tell them, the Lycan king, Alpha Damon has called for them.” I commanded with my eyes feasted upon the culprit then at Elaine. “Yes, my lord.” the Guard stooped before scurrying off to do my bidding. Still, my attention remained on Elaine. At this moment, I wanted to engulf her in a deep warm embrace because I knew the amount of emotions surging through her veins. On the other hand, I felt like snapping the other lady's neck like a twig. How dare she?! How could she murder someone in cold blood and remain mute about it? What did she feel when the rest ca
★ELAINE★Wanting to pull away from the kiss, I only drew in deeper. I kept on reminding myself that this was Alpha Damon, not Beta Adrian. Yet, the moment his fingers crept behind my neck, I melted in his arms like jelly. What the fuck is wrong with me? At this point, it was as if my body, mind, and soul were different. While my head was advising me to stop, my body kept diving in and my mind made me bury my fingers into his muzzled hair, an inaudible moan emanating from the back of my throat. Alpha Damon took that as a cue to deepen the kiss. He claimed my lips so hard as if they were his. I could not imagine the way fireworks were exploding in my stomach when his tongue slipped into my wanting mouth. Another moan escaped my throat. Moon goddess help me. I can't believe I'm doing this right now.Eventually, I gathered my wits and broke the kiss. Alpha Damon seemed flustered and he stared at me with pure lust in his eyes.Damn! He looks so gorgeous with that ruffled jet-black ha
★ALPHA DAMON'S POV★Inhaling deeply, I took a step forward to face Donovan. Fine, I believed he has every reason to be angry with me. Just because he found love with my maid, I humiliated him in front of the pack and almost ended his life. Not only that, I ripped him off the Delta title and banished him from my pack. So yes, he had every right to stay mad at me. “Donovan..." I started. “I didn't mean to come into your house unannounced. And I must add that what you guys have here is beautiful.” “Thank you for making us realize that we are worth so much more." He sneered back. I slowly nod, feeling quite guilty for making hasty decisions without giving it a second thought. But it has already happened. The past can't be changed, yet I could make amends. Taking in another breath, I looked squarely at Donovan before speaking again: “The Delta position has been vacant for so long. What do you say about taking over again? I think it really suits you better.”A faint smile became visibl
★ELAINE'S POV★†Five Months Later†“Touch your mouth." I requested with a smile as I addressed Ashley's one-year-old daughter, Marianne. Alas, she brought her tiny fingers to her lips. “Very good." I commended. “Now, show me your nose." “My nuhsee." She cooed before touching her well-defined small nose. I smiled again in delight. “That's my girl.” Ashley and her husband, Donovan went to the farm, leaving Marianne in my care seeing as I couldn't do any arduous tasks in my state. In truth, they've been supportive and accommodating since the moment I arrived. Ashley was very excited when she found out I was pregnant with a pup, and without judgment, she continuously lectured me about the journey of motherhood. Also, she helped me forget my plight with the Lycanfrost pack in a hurry. Days turned into months, and I found myself getting over the miseries. I was able to wield the courage to acknowledge that my pup doesn't have a father. So I'd have to be his father and mother, train h
★ELAINE★“Why don't you let me go with you, my Lady?" Amy queried apprehensively. I shook my head in refusal for the umpteenth time. “Thank you for helping me pack my luggage, but I'll be fine on my own. I can't subject you to living the kind of life I choose to live.” Having said that, I assisted myself onto the horse's back and grasped its rein tightly between my fist. “This is goodbye, Amy,” I said to her trying not to sound heartbroken. “Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for looking after me up until this moment. You can have your life back now.” “But I have never—” Not letting her complete her statement, I kicked the horse, spurring it to start moving and it instantly started galloping before increasing its pace. Although, riding horses wasn't good for my pregnant state. I had no other choice. I knew I had to be stronger now, not just for myself alone. My unborn pup is inclusive.Once, I turned my head to look at the Lycanfrost pack as I drew further
★ELAINE★“Ow!” My eyelids flutter open with an inaudible groan. It felt like my whole body was rammed against the wall and my head ached so badly. At first, my vision was blurry but little by little, I was starting to adjust to my surroundings, acknowledging that I was now in my chamber. Pulling myself to a sitting position, I saw Gina seated at the foot of the bed, breastfeeding her baby. “Hey, Gina,” I called softly but she didn't respond. “Gina,” I called again, thinking she didn't hear me the first time. Yet, she didn't respond. Making my voice a little louder, I called for the third time. “Gina!" “What?" She yelled back at me and my mouth dropped open in shock. “Why are you disturbing me, Elaine? Of course, I heard you the first, second, and third time. I am not DEAF!” She stressed out the word for me and I couldn't believe my ears. Gina has never reacted in such a manner towards me before. What could be the.....It was then memories of everything that happened before
★ALPHA DAMON★“I- I d-on't understand.” Elaine stuttered, taking two steps back, away from me. The fit of rage burning through my veins was indescribable. I felt like snagging her neck like a twig for doing something this ludicrous to me. My Beta and my Luna? For fuck sake, I have never felt so disrespected until I discovered this has been going on right under my nose for quite a while. “How long have you been sleeping with Adrian?!” I bellowed angrily, making her flinch on her spot. Yet I didn't feel any remorseful about it. “I-it's not what you think, Alph—”“—Then tell me what I'm supposed to think!” I fired back. Not letting her finish her statement. Damn! The angst of being betrayed by the people you once cherished was quite overwhelming. My eyes wandered to Adrian, whose head hung low and hasn't said a word since. Then I returned my glare to Elaine. “You better start talking!” Just then she broke down in tears and went to her knees immediately. “It's not what you think,
★ELAINE★“You are an animal! A fucking psychopath!” I cussed angrily at him. “What did I do, Elai—” Beta Adrian tried to touch me, but I yanked my arm out of his reach. “Don't fucking touch me with those filthy, bloody hands!” I shrieked. “You can't just keep cussing me out, Elaine. If there is something I did wrong, tell me. I won't hesitate to apologize to you, you know that right?" His voice sounded apologetic and warm. If I wasn't aware of his heinous past, I would have thought he was the same saint I fell in love with. The Beta that swept me right off my feet from the very moment I came to this pack. The kindhearted, warm, and loving Beta Adrian. But he isn't anymore. He is nothing but a psychotic asshole! Staring at him blankly for a couple of seconds, I was still trying to wrap my head around how gruesome he could be. Such malicious acts on poor innocent children could never justify his quest for bloodthirsty revenge. The sound of their wails as the blade sliced throug
★ELAINE★I remained in my spot with tears pouring down my cheeks. All these while, I have been living a lie with Beta Adrian. He made me fall in love with him. He made me find solace in him. He made me wish I was never with Alpha Damon in the first place. Yet, he was this cruel? Although Alpha Damon had his dark past, he wasn't as grievous as Beta Adrian. My head was spinning out of its axis and I was struggling to breathe. “What is going on here?" Lady Gina walked into the room, looking from me to Tara and then back to me. Not wanting to say anything, I wiped the tears away from the corner of my eyes. “It is nothing. Tara and I were just going down memory lane. We were reflecting on our past and how far we've come." "Oh!" Lady Gina flashed a bright grin at us. “Everyone has a story. Tara, would you like to hear mine after the party?" Tara shakily responded with a nod. “Yes, I will." “Okay, good...but first, we have to prepare the celebrant for the party.” She whisked me back
★ELAINE★A wave of shock swept through my entire body. Feeling the colors drain from my cheeks, I readjusted myself on the chair and asked; “What do you mean?" Tara took my hand in hers, then pulled me towards the bed and I went, unresisting. My heart was thumping rapidly against my chest. At this rate, it might as well jump right out. Was this the secret Tania mentioned to me that night? I thought to myself and as much as I hoped whatever Tara was going to say would not hurt me. My gut feeling told me it would. “I don't get it, please explain.” “Do you remember when I thanked you for rescuing me, I made a statement that if I had returned to the pack, they would kill me without a second thought because I don't belong there." Nodding my head hastily, I urged her to continue. “Good. I am originally from the silver moon pack." My mind began to race faster than usual. I was struggling to couple up my scattered thoughts together. If I could remember, Beta Adrian had once told me t
★ELAINE★★FOURS DAYS LATER★Seconds rolled into minutes. Minutes into an hour, and hour into days. Soon four days had passed by in a jiffy. I lay fully awake on the bed, but my eyes remained closed. I could not believe that I was finally turning nineteen today. Indeed, that soothsayer was right. A lot has happened since we last spoke and everything she predicted, unfolded right after the other. Today is the day I promised Gina to disclose the news about my pregnancy to Alpha Damon. Yet, I didn't know if I was ready. Would I ever be? I asked myself. Gina hummed softly, whilst folding some of her baby's laundry. Very soon, my baby bump would become visible and there would be no hiding it from the rest of the world. A part of me felt I ought to be grateful that Alpha Damon happened to be the father of my unborn baby. If he wasn't, I didn't want to imagine the catastrophe that would unfold later on. Something soft touched down on my forehead, his scent filling my nostrils at once.