A Beautiful Monster

The banquet hall was beautifully decorated with hues of purple and white. The golden chandelier illuminated the whole room, and the soft chatter of people, accompanied by the clinking of glasses could be heard.

Pack members were dressed elegantly, and they all came with a partner. Irene stared at the red dress that was placed on her bed and sighed. “Do I really have to go?” she mumbled to herself. At the same time, Kaiden walked into her room, shocking Irene to the core. “Why aren't you dressed?” he asked as he gazed at her.

Irene glared at him and asked, “Why do you care?” Kaiden smiled, placing his hands around her waist, “I need my mate around me. You need to be there to show we're on good terms.”

“What if we're not?” Irene snapped and Kaiden chuckled, “Irene, we're on good terms. Today is a very important day. Let's not ruin it.” he said as he picked up the dress and placed it in her hands, “Make sure you dress well. You're the Alpha's mate after all.”

“Then reject me!” Irene whispered as tears gathered in her eyes, “I don't want to be your mate anymore. Reject me and save me of this disgrace!”

Iris trembled, her entire being frightened by what Irene had just said. “That was not out plan, Irene! You were supposed to seduce him. This wasn't what you promised me!” She yelled. Irene suppressed her wolf and turned to Kaiden. Staying in this relationship would only put her in more pain. “Kaiden, do it. Reject me and let me leave!”

Kaiden chuckled, “Never.” he said coldly, “You're mine, and mine alone.” Irene laughed out loud, her eyes filled with pain, “You want me to be yours, but you can't give yourself to me? Does that sound logical to you?!”

“Irene!” Kaiden warned, “You can't talk to your Alpha that way!” he snapped. Irene fought the tears in her eyes. Ever since the day he defended Rene even when Rene accused her, she swore to never cry for him. “You will attend this banquet and smile at everyone. You're okay with this plan because you're only concerned with the good of the pack. Do you understand?”

Irene shook her head, tears threatening to fall. “All in the name of power? Kaiden, you're strong enough. You're already a wealthy Alpha. What else do you need!” Irene wailed as she wrapped her arms around herself. “Do you have to be so selfish?”

Kaiden ignored her questions and turned his back to leave. “Kaiden!” Irene yelled as she pulled her hair with her hands, her heart filled with despair. Deep down he wanted to tell her it was okay. He wanted to hug her and whisper sweet things into her ear, but then, his plan would be ruined. Right now, all he needs is a powerful Luna. Not a weak and pathetic one.

After crying for about half an hour, Irene finally picked up the dress and dolled herself up. The flowing gown was made of rich, velvety red silk adorned with gold embroidery. The corset accentuated her waist and curves, making her look stunningly beautiful.

Irene's chestnut brown hair was styled in a loose, flowing curls that cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her hazel eyes shone bright with flecks of gold and green that seemed to dance in the light.

Irene wore a priceless smile on her lips as she walked down the stairs, not giving her pain away. Everyone's jaw dropped as they stared at Irene, their eyes widening in surprise. “Her mate is going to pick another Luna today. Is she supposed to look this beautiful?”

“I didn't see this coming. Even if she's an Omega, I must say she's very beautiful.” People whispered among themselves, making Rene gritt her teeth in anger. Her grip on Kaiden's arm was tight, but he seemed to be looking elsewhere. His wolf leaped for joy as he saw Irene walking down the stairs. “Let's make her ours.” Kyle, Kaiden's wolf said.

Kaiden tried to suppress his wolf, but he was also shocked by Irene's bewitching beauty. Was it the red dress, or her elegance? The smile etched on her face was perfect, but anyone close to her would have known it was fake. As Rene watched Kaiden, her eyes stinged with tears, “Kaiden, why did you give her that dress? Did you do this on purpose? To make her look more glamorous?” she asked softly.

“What? No! I wasn't expecting her to look this beautiful either. I'm…speechless.” Kaiden said truthfully. Rene clenched her fists by her side and said, “Then stop staring at her! I'm carrying your baby. Do you want to do this on this special occasion?”

Kaiden's gaze softned as he stared at Rene. He patted her head calmly and said, “I'm sorry, Rene. I'll stop looking at her.” he said with difficulty, even when his wolf, Kyle was barring his teeth in anger.

Moments later, Kaiden walked to the center of the hall and picked up a glass of wine. “Today, I'll be celebrating my chosen mate's pregnancy. Rene, step forward.” he said lovingly as his gaze landed on her. Rene blushed furiously as she approached him, a smile plastered on her face.

She bowed slightly and said, “Alpha.”

From the sides, Irene watched the interaction between Rene and Kaiden, her heart twisting in pain. Her nails had already elongated and she was unconsciously sinking it into her flesh. All she wanted was a distraction, perhaps the pain in her heart would reduce if she felt physical pain.

“Today, I'll also be appointing Rene as my Luna” Kaiden's loud and authoritative voice was heard once again and everyone cheered, their hearts filled with joy.

At the same time, Kaiden cupped Rene's cheeks and kissed her in the presence of everyone, his heart almost exploding from joy. From this day, his plan was already set in motion and the thought of it brought immense happiness to his heart.

As Irene watched the scene, a tear dropped from her eyes and she cleaned it harshly. Even after swearing never to cry for him again, she could never betray her heart. Irene ran out of the hall, her heart shattered into a million pieces.

Everyone watched as Irene left but they couldn't care less. Their focus was on the new couple, so they all moved closer to give the Alpha their blessings. As soon as Irene got outside, she cried out loud, pouring out her heart in despair. Irene blamed the moon goddess for her miserable life, and wondered if she was cursed. While Irene was questioning the moon goddess, a spicy scent wafted into her nostrils making her wolf pur in delight.

Her brows knitted in confusion as she saw a huge figure walking towards the banquet hall, accompanied by well trained guards.

The young man's face was extremely beautiful, and also frightening at the same time. He was the embodiment of temptation, just like a fallen angel. His raven black hair flowed down like a waterfall, framing a face so chiseled, it could have been carved by the devil himself. His pale silver eyes gleamed like ice, piercing through the darkness with a burning intensity.

He has such sharp features with high cheekbones. His lips were full and inviting, shocking Irene to the bones. Duncan was a beautiful monster who could bring the whole world to its knees with a single glance.