*TLPA Book 2* (To understand the events in this story, you must read Book 1: The Luna's Possessive Alpha. Note that there will be spoilers for the first book if you read further.) * To establish a balance in the supernatural realm, the two most powerful packs in North America formed a political alliance. This was achieved through the union of Princess Saskia and Alpha Mikael. However, the infection among the werewolf packs has only grown stronger since the ascension of the new Alpha. The supernatural world is currently on the brink of falling apart. War is closer than ever as corrupted werewolves escape the grasps of their vampire lords; chaos is bound to ensue. * Saskia accepted her fate in her new pack and was willing to do all that was needed of her as Luna until she had her title stripped away by the new Alpha. Still, she'd be damned if she accepted defeat from the werewolf who claims to own her. One thing is certain: she has a debt to repay. An eye must be taken for an eye. And a life must be claimed for another.
View MoreTW: Mentions of suicide
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½He has a stubble nowāwiry blond hairs that feel coarse when he pushes his face into the crook of my shoulder. I try not to show displeasure at how they graze my skin. My fingers knot in the silky strands of his hair, trying not to rip them off his scalp. Ironically, he prefers when I tug hard enough while he forces his kiss on me.He thinks I'm his doll now. I walk when he says to. Talk when he says to. Smile when he says to. He thinks he has full control. I am supposed to obey him. My opinions do not matterāhe's made that clear. Apparently, he's my one true love; he claims I belong to him. I've never belonged to anyone. I'm no man's property. I don't think he's realised that.He forces me to dress to his taste. But I think he simply wishes to humiliate me. I don't know where he finds the bright eyesores that always have budding patterns scattered on them. Perhaps he is trying to make me seem more cheerful than I am. It's all part of the story he's selling the pack.I wish I didn't hate wearing the burlap sacks. Wish I didn't know he'd grow irate if I didn't. Wish I hadn't seen my people suffer. It does make me wonder... has he always been this way? It's weird. He's the first creature I fear was born a monster."Why do you stand so far from your groom, brĆdeach?" He's grinning. I want to escape. The days are worst when he's happy.Yet, I don't skip a beat before answering. There's too much at stake. "Pardon me, Alpha. I got lost in my head for a moment."The hard crystals in his cold blues catch a wicked glint in them. I hold my spine as straight as a ramrod, not shuddering or cringing as I wind my way upward to him. "Ah, are you back to your illness? I thought you were cured, love."I flinch. A vein ticks. He noticed. He always does. He'll take me back there. Dread, as frigid as a wintry gust, whips at me. I can't go back there. I can't pull through that darkness again. I won't survive it. It'll crush me. Ruin me.Steady. Steady, Saskia.I can't let him doubt that I'm fine. I need to turn this conversation away from this issue. "I am cured, lord. You were the one who made sure of my health. I've been well ever since." I sound so stupid. What is it, the Middle Ages? I couldn't be more repulsed.It's all on his orders. He prefers that I speak formally to him. Of course, I detest it. The list of things I hate has protracted and extended past the distance of Guttenbrieg's meeting hall. I still have further to elongate it, and it's all because of him.Cillian Breathnach.Mikael's brother. It took me longer than I'd like to admit before I could make the connection together. The half-brothers do not share the same last name. Surprisingly, Maggie does. Her last name is the same as Cillian's. I know because he said so. Right before he revealed that he had her captured and in his custody.He hasn't permitted me to see her yet. I can't tell why. He probably doesn't trust me. I don't know... All I'm sure of is he isn't lying. Maggie's room is still a mess. Her tables are broken. Her curtains are torn. Angry claws mark every space and alcove. Not a single thing is in place.It makes me queasy to envision the fight that must have taken place. How hurt she must have been by the time they'd weakened her to the point of being able to take her prisoner.Even without Cillian telling me he'd been the perpetrator of the hideous kidnapping, I would have been able to tell at one glance that an intruder had gained access into her house and that there'd been an awful scuffle to ensue. Her absence was the rest of the story told."I expect you are ready for the ball this evening?" He encapsulates my hand in his. An outsider might deem this a sweet gesture, but I know better. His grasp is almost capable of disintegrating my bones into dust. The first time he'd ordered me to keep shut with that terror hold of his, I'd shed tears at the agony of a finger bone snapping at its joint."Without a doubt, Alpha." I sit beside him on the lower chair that appears to have been set aside for a lesser creature to him. It makes sense since he doesn't consider me an equal. I'm lower, beneath him as his supposed betrothed. The notion makes me laugh though nothing about it is amusing.It churns my guts to imagine being shackled to him through marriage. I'd sell my soul to not become his wife. It's too unfortunate that no one would be interested in buying. Except for him, maybe. He'd rip out every piece of me unseen to the eye if he could without taking my life.Even while seated below him, our hands are connected. He doesn't give a shit that the angle at which they are causes my arm to lose feeling in minutes. The thought that Mikael would never have been this inconsiderate punches me in the gut. I choke on the sob that rises in my throat as discreetly as I can manage. But his cursed supernatural hearing trumps again. "What was that sound?""Nothing." My left hand jitters on my lap as I scramble to make up a stupid excuse. "I thought I could feel a cough coming up as a sore throat." I do have an itchy throat, but that's far from the reason I'm choking on my very breath.His brow twitches up as a frown erodes every other expression on his face. I feel his gaze hot on my profile. "Might you be sick, brĆdeach?""No, Alpha," I reply, ignoring the frantic thudding of my heart. He probably hears it, but it doesn't count as an error so long as my anxiety does not seep into my demeanour. "I don't believe I am. But I will visit the pack's doctor after for my sore throat. It might be a mere cold.""Hmm," he grunts. "That might be so. You were out late with the women, preparing the game to be served tonight." He pauses for dramatic effect, and I imagine that my fist crushes his nose when he declares, "I've said time and time again that you are too weak."It was all because of your fucking orders. I swear in the confinements of my head, the only place where my secrets are free to live and thrive. It's unbelievable that he has the guts to blame me for being affected by staying too long in the freezing outdoors as if it wasn't his idea.To put it in mild words, last night was a hellish experience. Winter has quickly descended on the city, and temperatures were only too pleased to plummet below zero Celsius. According to the old rites of werewolf packs, the Luna or acting Luna is expected to help prepare the game caught by the pack's hunters before the dawn of the next day when it is delivered to the tribes. It's the most old-fashioned bullshit ever.My fingers were frozen popsicles as I skinned and sawed at the carcasses from the last hunt. I loathed every minute I spent outside butchering deer meat. The other female wolves in the pack had assisted me in seeing that we were finished before daybreak. If it was just me, I might not have seen an end to that chore in days.After the enervating work, I'd gone to bed with the stench of blood staining my nostrils and my bones rattling like shutters in a storm. Sleep came in two hours instead of after four or not at all on other nights.Three months ago, I might have been counted as a deep sleeper. Not now. I rarely sleep anymore. Nothing I've done has succeeded in correcting my insomnia. I was prescribed melatonin and several other drugs, including Valium, to help me sleep, but it's been to no avail. All those attempts have resulted in nothing. How could they? It's not like I expected them to do a thing."I will do my best to get stronger, Alpha."He scoffs cynically. At a time, his dismissal would have pissed me off. I don't have any energy to waste on that anymore. Moreover, I know what I am capable of doing. He doesn't. "Busy yourself with the domestic affairs of the pack and forget about gaining power. It is no such matter women should upset themselves over, brĆdeach."I grip my knee with my free hand to keep from forming a fist. "Understood, Alpha." I'd momentarily forgotten Cillian is also a sexist asshole.Most of the female captains and those holding influential statuses appointed by the last Alpha have been removed from their positions and replaced by males at his behest. I might have expressed rage at his actions if I hadn't been locked up in a dark dungeonāhis attempt to shock me to my senses after Mikael's death became undeniable.That day is still untouched in my headāan engraving chiselled into the pads of my soul. It's not faded even by a speck. The edge of that memory is crisp and brittle. It haunts me by the day.Mikael.Whenever I close my eyes, I see him lying on that table, pale and ghostlyālips dull and blue as the rest of his face. I recall putting my head to his chest and not hearing anything. Not a sigh or a murmur. I remember screaming out his name yet not getting a reply from him. He was already gone. Faded into nothingness. All that remained was the shell of the man I loved."The ministers will present themselves soon. Ready yourself." Cillian's gruff voice shatters my bubble of reverie. I sit up straight, feeling the familiar prickling, signalling the crawling of pins and needles down the hand still bridged to his. "Smile." He charges, and my lips quiver into a convincing grin. I clench my fingers tight where he can't see.Seven council elders make their way into the meeting hall, and I do what the Alpha desires before he can remind me. Apparently, Lunas should stand and show respect to the elders of the tribes. Mikael never made me do so. I didn't even have to interact with the ancient misogynistic leaders. He never offended or humiliated me before his people. My eyes dampen as memories of him suffuse my being. Over again, I'm reminded of everything that once was and now isn't.Cillian isn't Mikael. Mikael is dead. My husband is gone.The Alpha's voice booms across the empty enclosure. "Elders of Guttenbrieg. Thank you for honouring my invitation." Invitation? My brows thread in confusion. I thought the elders were here to report on the pack's health and progress."It is our pleasure to heed our ruler's call." The oldest of the bunchāElder Yardleyāululates, his hateful gaze centred on me. I tip my chin up, rolling my shoulders back and standing taller. They can all go to hell, for all I care."Then, heed me well, men of Guttenbrieg," Cillian's mouth stretches wide, a bow ready to release the arrow in its string. "The coming ball is one to be remembered! Go home and spread the word.""What word, Alpha?""Tonight, I marry my bride, Saskia." A frosty chill sweeps through me like an icy wind cutting through a barren land. I can't. I won't. I'd rather do it again. I'd rather down those pills a second time than wed Cillian. I will not give myself to him. Even if it means my death."I am sorry, but I cannot marry you, Alpha Cillian."ā¢ā¢ā¢A/N: Hello, and welcome, lovelies! I hope you all enjoy reading the second season of ALFTPA. Do let me know what your thoughts are!<3ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½Cillian smirks. I know he can sense my distress. Tasting the tartness of my fears and torment wouldnāt be too difficult. Iām nearly doubled over by its anguish. āWhy do you ask, bridĆ©ach?āāI want to know!ā I snap, irritation rising. He merely raises an eyebrow at me. The warning is there, without a doubt. He doesnāt enjoy my shouting. āI need to know,ā I say more gently, clenching my fists by my side.āReturn to your positions, all of you!ā He barks, and a few guards startle before scurrying off to their posts.Absalon, whoās been weirdly silent for a while, finally expresses himself. āI plan to take my leave now, Alpha Cillian.ā To me, he grins as if he recently won a million dollars in cash. āI am sorry I will not be present for the announcement of your engagement this evening, Luna. If it should be any solace, I hope to send someone in my place.āāThanks,ā I say with nothing short of disdain coating my profession of gratitude. In the spirit of being dramatic as always,
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½āTell your guards to drop their weapons, or I will not be held responsible for whatever may happen next.ā Alpha Aniyah spits in an undeniable portrayal of rage.The A-train of my gown flutters as I launch myself down the porch between the erring guards and one of the rulers of Tonnar. Iām surprised to see her here.From what Iāve observed, Cillian has had no resolve in mending whatever relationship Guttenbrieg still had with the smaller pack since they were aided by Mikael months ago. However, as I no longer am privy to the diplomatic affairs of the pack, I have yet to learn where they currently stand.All I can tell is Aniyah is on the verge of ripping into the neck of the guard behind me. I risk a look at the one whoās offended her, hidden in the shield of bodies, and it takes a second for me to move out of the Alphaās range. She can tear his head off for all I care.My lips are tucked in a thin line as I stumble slightly to the side, leaving Absalon exposed. āThrowing me
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½Something is wrong. This was my plan all along. Yet, I can't believe it worked this well. Cillian must have a trick up his sleeves. I can't let myself be at ease. There's no time for respite. I have to stay attentive because anything can happen.There is less than an hour left till the party, and I'm all wired up, a ball of battered nerves. Cillian promised I wouldn't have to stay long at the event; I simply need to smile and seem happy until he announces our proposal. But who willingly listens to and believes the devil while he speaks?I have no stomach for the pretenses he wants me to take part in, but I also need him to keep to his word. If I have to bare my teeth for a multitude to see and gawk at, then that's a small price to pay for what I will receive from him. No sacrifice is too much for them. Even if it means eventually marrying Cillian. But I don't have to worry about that for now. I plan to kill the Alpha long before our wedding."BrĆdeach," my spine juts straig
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½The formless body spins and twirls in an endless loop. It pops and glows like a dry log in an open fire. It sputters and shimmers at a rate faster than I can catch it. It's compelling me to chase after it. But once my finger reaches out, there it is no more. Still, I can't stop my pursuit.In a flash, I realize that I am not only having fun hunting it down but being led somewhere. This descent is not simply meaningless. I skid on my feet, jolting to a halt while watching closely as it flutters away. I can't describe what it is. I only know it exists. It has no tangible form words can express. I simply know it has a nature I can discern.I shut my eyes and open them to ensure this is real. When I open them, I'm still in the pack, treading the path that disappears at the large office that belongs to the Alpha of Guttenbrieg.My steps are muffled by snow as I tread slowly. Where are the others? There's not a single soul around. Everyone must be locked up in their homes, hiding
ā½ā½CILLIANā½ā½"Though, I suspect that will be useful when the time comes to get him to do my bidding. I keep him only because his ties to Mikael were not genuine. He can still serve his use, particularly as the Luna favours him. Otherwise, I would have sanctioned his disposal."It is fortuitous indeed that Westardum's princess is readily manipulated. At the mention of those she cares for, all rationality flees from her. She becomes more receptive to my demands once I threaten to split bones like matchsticks. Her blinding rage and her aggravating willingness to protect the people of this pack are her greatest weaknesses.Beside me, Absalon smirks at the order of events and how I've set them to ensure no failures or mishaps. "I will ever be in awe of how well you prepare for the future, Alpha Cillian. It is one of the many attributes of yours I admire."I cock my head to the side, interested in the door he's unlocked. I will ne'er tire of hearing my praises sung aloud. Until the mouth of
ā½ā½CILLIANā½ā½Iām a fool for caring. Yet I do each time I hurt her. She holds nothing for me but hate, and I do not blame her for it. Sheās right to cast her loathing on me. Thereās none else to bear it. Yet, she mustnāt twist the truth. For it remains undying that I saved her from Mikael. I saved my woman from the vile thief.The stupid wretch rots in the grave now. Itās the one place he truly belongs. Iāve waited years to throw the last mound of dirt over his casket, and finally, Iāve done it. Iāve done what Magaret couldnāt when she stood before him that fateful day. Itās most unfortunate she became his sheep.Of present, Mikael loses what little semblance of humanity heās ever had six feet below; still, my blood sisterās loyalty resides with him. Iāve no problem with her refusal to change as long as sheās ready to accept my terms. Death is my end goal for her, after all. It shanāt matter what she chooses then. All she fates over is whether her demise comes now or thereafter.My deed
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½Aretha pockets my hand in both of hers. Itās a lovely contrast; her dark bronze skin edged against my lighter caramel. āI can assure you youāre not making a mistake, Luna. Even if you were, I would gladly follow you to the ends of the world regardless. I am on your side, Luna. I shall always be.āIt must be the monthly hormones because my eyes water at her assurance. It feels like itās been an eternity since I heard similar words of affirmation, and itās a hearth glowing in my core, melting the icy shards that have crisscrossed and punctured invisible holes into my being. Everything hurts a little less.āThank you, Aretha.āHer perception is far too keen, as she inquired: āDo you mind if I hug you, Luna.āāNo, I donāt mind at all. Please do.ā I assure her, and she worms closer and enfolds me in a cocoon made from silky strands of comfort.āThank you for this, Aretha,ā I say, still enveloped in her arms. The tears have only begun to recede. āYou are too kind to me.āShe sque
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½I pretend to be sad as I amble out of the community house; footsteps thud after me. I slow down and wait for Aretha to catch up, beaming warmly at her. She does not return my smile. On the contrary, she seems rather cross.āIām disappointed in you, Luna.ā She grumbles with such ferocity that her fro bobs on her head. I conceal a smile at the thought that her hair always seems to trap some of her moods and energy. Itās beautiful to watch.But thatās not what I should be focused on. Being mesmerised by her hair is not ideal in this circumstance. Not when sheād just voiced that she was disappointed. In me, at that. Come to think of it... her words prickle now that I let them wash over me.As poised and calm as a Luna should be, I inquire. āWhat is the cause of your disappointment, Aretha?āāThat you havenāt left us!ā She states so boldly that I have to search for stray ears and curious eyes.In a sharp tone, I caution her. āYou must watch what you say, Aretha! Our dear Alpha C
ā¾ā¾SASKIAā½ā½āThe Princess of Westardum is to be my bride. Someday, I shall return to claim her.āHis proclamation plays in my head like a movie clip. I havenāt forgotten a single clause from all he said. Itās only expected since itād haunted me for days and weeks on end. The fact that his men kidnapped me and nearly made away with such effrontery had terrified me beyond words could explain.As lightly as I can put it is to say, my eighteenth birthday was a disaster. I havenāt learnt to stop grinding my molars when I consider what could have been the result if eighteen-year-old me had been given to a demon like Cillian. Itās different now that Iām older. Ten years later, Iām no longer a child. I can fight back now.I belong to no one. No creature will tie me to themselves without my approval. As long as I live, every ounce of air Iāll breathe will be as a free woman, not bound to a monster.Cillian can have my dead body. Anything else, I will keep.Ruminating on the past, I realise my f
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