006

Entire Pack has been waiting for a while now in the Pack ground.Council members are already there, waiting patiently like the rest of us.Everyone is busy talking, especially about the ceremony.I was wrong to think Maria was joking but hearing everyone's conversation makes me anxious.Do we really have to bleed and how much?

‘He is here!’ Inez chimes happily when Carlos and Derek flanked by two warriors enter the ground.Both of them radiate strong Alpha aura as the crowd clear a way for them.

Carlos' eyes meet mine.I quickly look away until they walk past us and stand in the center.

“Attention everyone, Our new Alpha will be Carlos DeLuca and to link as a Pack, we will perform the traditional blood ritual as it forms a strong connection” Beta Ken informs, “Each one of you add a drop of blood in this bowl”

A bowl was passed from one to another and everyone did as told.When it was my turn, I stared at my hand for a brief second then whipped out my claws.

“Hurry Sofia” Mom scolds.I close my eyes and make a cut in my palm, accidentally cutting a little too deep.

“She can't do anything right” I hear Maria taunt.I pass the bowl to Mom and look at my bleeding hand.It will heal in a couple of hours till then I have to deal with the pain.

Once everyone did their turns, the bowl was given to Carlos.He didn't hesitate to make a cut on his palm but before he could mix it in the bowl, a growl cut through the thick air.

Derek DeLuca looked in my direction, eyes glowing as his wolf resurface.With long fast strides, he was before us, staring at someone behind me.

“Mate” He announces.I quickly step aside to look over my shoulder only to see Rora with her wolf resurfacing.

Wow..

“I finally found you” Derek says before engulfing Rora in his embrace.My parents are going to be on cloud nine to have her daughter mated to Alpha blood.

Once they pull away, Beta Ken approaches them.

“Are you two really mates?” He asks for confirmation.

“Yes, she is mine” Derek asserts possessively.I glance at Rora who doesn't look too happy.

“Rora is a smart woman and one of the strongest she-wolves.She fits with you perfectly” Beta Ken praises Rora.It's true my sister won many contests in fighting, bringing honor to the Pack along with Sharon.However, Rora refused to be a warrior or take any other rank in the Pack which I can kill for.Having one of these titles brings one a lot of respect.Something I yearn desperately.

Why she refused it is still unknown.Now that she is mated to Alpha blood, I don't think she can escape these responsibilities.

“Carlos, I hope you don't mind but since Derek now have a mate, it's only natural we title him as the Alpha—

The crowd erupted in murmurs at that.Maria almost jumped in content.I look at Carlos who is in deep thought, staring between his brother and Rora.

Oh he must be mad to face such humiliation.

“Go on with the ceremony.I will let mother know about the changes” Carlos said with simple directness.Derek nods at him, flashing him a small smile that was quite cute in my opinion.

‘Don't swoon over our brother in law.Go for the hot Batchelor’ Inez and her stupid thoughts.

‘What makes you think Carlos is single? He could have plenty of girlfriends for all we know’ I ruin her little bubble, earning a whine in return.

I almost giggled only to stop instantly when Carlos' eyes landed on me.

Oh no, he misunderstood!

‘You're only ruining our chances with him’ Inez sounds disappointed.

‘Who is to blame!’ I snap at her.

Carlos' gaze hardened, he almost stepped forward towards me but thanks to Beta Ken who speaks up to continue the ceremony.Guilt settles in my chest as he turns to walk away from the crowd.I stare helplessly at his retreating back.

Derek continues the ceremony and we as a Pack all linked to him.His presence was felt to our wolves instantly.The lost connection of our fallen Alpha now filled with strong and intimidating Alpha Derek.

“Shit! It's such great news that Rora is going to be our Luna!” Maria chimes in content. “You are so lucky—

Maria is cut off by Rora's stern voice, “Shut up!”

I am surprised to see her snap at Maria.They have never talked this way to each other ever.I look at Mom and Dad who look equally tensed.What is going on? If it was possible to get in their head then a lot of confusion would be clear.Rora quietly walks away once Derek was busy talking to the Council.

“Let's head home”

..

“Mom, c'mon it's too little.I can't buy the whole set with these.At least give 500 more” I hear Maria whine as I walk out of the kitchen with a packet of chips.Now what is she begging for? This girl spends like we have some sort of royal fortune.

“A tracksuit isn't that expensive” Mom says, “Unless that miraculously makes you a marathon champion”

I suppress a laugh at that.

Maria groans in disappointment before stomping her feet like a little child.Even Celia doesn't have that much tantrums.Why does she need a tracksuit though? She is not very fond of workouts and stuff.

I hesitate before walking up to Mom.She arches an eyebrow at me.

“Can I… have some money for hair dye?” I ask with hesitation.She stares at me for a brief moment, specifically my hair.

I sigh in dejection, definitely not getting any money.Just when I thought she'll pass me a taunt, I am surprised to see her fetch out some money.

“Buy yourself a tracksuit and a pair of shoes as well” She hands me the money.Maria’s eyes go wide as I was given more amount than her.

“Why a tracksuit and shoes?” I ask, confused.

“You tell her.I am going to pick Celia from school” Mom stated before leaving the house.I wait for Maria to explain all while she gives me a ‘boring’ look.

“New Alpha..New stupid rules” She huffs, crossing her arms then continues,

“Every Pack member must be trained excluding the oldies.Every freaking day.No excuses for girls either.What the hell do they want us to train for? War or battle no longer happens..Most of the conflicts are solved through a simple ‘talk’ or ‘deal’..Then why the fuck!?”

“You want a perfect body..Maybe it will get you to your goal” I point out.

“Pilates works just fine for me and who the fuck wants to get their ass whooped for two hours” She scoffs, fully mad at the new rule.I laugh at her red face.

“What are you so happy for? You're weaker than all of us. The training will make you cry like a bitch” She snapped before grabbing her handbag to walk out of the living room.My mood sours as her words repeat in my head, hurting me deeply despite having to hear it almost everyday.

Shaking the thoughts off my head, I eat my food then quickly walk out of the house to go to the Mall.It will take long if I walk but what other option do I have?

I continue my walk, almost halfway to the destination when Luisa calls for me.I frown, noticing the heavy boxes in her hands that I could hardly see her face.

“I could really use some help” She pants out.I quickly rush to her and take one box from her hands.It is actually heavy.

“Where's your car?” I questioned.

“It stopped working in the other street..I thought Pack House was near so why not carry them instead but it's heavier than I expected” She explained.Deciding to help her, I walked with her to the Pack House.

“Upstairs, the last room in the corridor.Leave it there but be quick, Carlos is using that room” Luisa instructs, before disappearing into the Hallway.I move upstairs to the last room only for someone to walk out.

“Give this to me” The girl attempts to take the box but struggles to hold it.

“Nevermind, such servant work isn't for me” She almost drops the box but I hold it tightly .

Ugh it's Max.We go to the same university and she loves to pick on me.

Rolling my eyes at her attitude, I walk past her straight the room.Once spotting a table, I place the box on it.

There is a notepad and used pen on the table. I grab it and write an apology, clearing the misunderstanding.

He can read it or throw it. At least I did my part.

Just as I turn to leave, the door opens.