My eyes slowly opened to the morning sun seeping through the cracks in my hotel room curtains, casting a soft, warm glow across the unfamiliar space. I blinked several times, trying to orient myself and remember the series of events that had led me here. My eyes fell on the man laying besides me the memories of last night come flooding back. However, one particular memory stood out vividly: His handsome face resting peacefully. I couldn't help but reach out and gently caress his jawline, tracing the contours of his angular features, his rough stubble and his baby-soft skin with my fingertips. My hands tracing his lips, and my mind finally snapped when he suddenly bites on my finger.
"OW!" I hissed, instinctively jerking my hand back. He chuckled sleepily, flashing his flawless, white fangs. A shiver ran down my spine at the sight of those teeth, a reminder of what he was, what he could do to me if he wanted to.
"Good morning, sunshine," he purred in that intoxicatingly deep voice of his, his golden eyes full of mischief. I felt my cheeks flush as I looked away, trying to compose myself.
"Morning," I muttered, not quite meeting his gaze. I couldn't believe I had been so bold last night, touching him the way I did. What had I been thinking?
He propped himself up on one elbow, blanket pooling around his waist and revealed a defined chest and a few scars that told a story. But then I came back to my senses. I shouldn’t be here. I’m supposed to be getting married today. How could I even do something like this? I just betrayed my father and fiancé. I scramble getting ready to leave. As I hurriedly gathered my belongings and tried to slip out of the bed without waking him further, his hand shot out and gently grasped my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.
"Leaving so soon, darling?" His voice was laced with amusement. Does he think this is a game? I’m such a hoe? Who sleeps with a stranger on the first night?
You were drugged Linah, You were drugged. You din't know what you were doing. And hope my father can understand. I try to console myself, which wasn’t working much.
I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of guilt. Who was I betraying, my mate, or my future husband? "I... I can't stay," I stammered, avoiding his gaze as I tried to break free from his hold.
He sat up fully now, the blanket falling away to reveal more of his muscular frame. "And why not stay, hmm?" he purred softly, his lips quirking into a playful smile.
I shook my head, feeling the weight of my wedding pressing down on me. "I have to go. It’s complicated," finally meeting his intense gaze.
His playful expression darkened, and he released my wrist. "Ah, so that's why you were in such a rush." There was an edge to his voice now that wasn’t there before.
"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"
"Don't apologize," he cut me off, an unreadable expression in his eyes. "We both knew last night was a one-time thing. No strings attached, right?" He said coldly, but I could hear the hurt in his voice.
"Yes," I said, swallowing the lump forming in my throat. "No strings." With that, I grabbed my belongings and rushed out the door, leaving him behind.
I catch the first cab at sight and ordered the guy towards my pack.
Tears streamed down my face as I replayed last night’s events. I was so ashamed of myself, sobbing quietly all the way home. It was over. It never happened. It was just a one-night thing. You will probably never see him again. I tell myself. But deep down I knew, it would haunt me forever.
The cab stops at the cab of our entrance. Thats when I realize I have no money to pay. And when the driver had the same realization he was not having it either. Am I cursed? I think as I turn around to see him staring at me.
“Please sir-”
“You city girls think you can get away with everything because of your pretty face. Some of us work really hard you know!”
“I-I’m sorry, I-I can run and get the money from my house.” I say frantically, but this only seemed to infuriate him more.
When had I gotten myself in such a mess?
"You know, you can pay with something else." He winked, his gaze roaming over my body, making me feel like a piece of meat.
"I'm sorry, I really don't have any money on me right now but I can—"
The driver cut me off, losing his patience. "Lady, I don't want excuses. I’m not running a charity here!” I could just leap out of the car and leave but he locked the doors and I had no scape. I could fight for my self too if I didn’t know he was a wolf. Could my day get any worse?
“Can’t we talk something out? I really need to get home,” I said, my voice shaking, the very scent of him making me nauseous.
“I don’t think so, sweetheart,” he said, leering at me. Either you pay up or…” He trailed off, leaving the rest unspoken but the meaning was clear.
“Your Alpha will know about this!” I blurted out, desperate.
He laughed coldly. “Yeah, and I’m sure he’ll be so understanding when he finds out his future Luna is in a cab with a complete stranger, pants down .
My heart froze. How did he know about my engagement? How did he know who I was? I think as my heart raced faster than a deer. Feeling the cold metal against my neck, I suddenly realized.
“Here! Take this! Its worth way more than your stupid car so you should know!” I sneered throwing the necklace his direction.
“Really? what a shame? I was really looking forward to some fun time,” he smirked, catching the necklace and examining it. “Lady luck is on your side today, you can go now.” He said as he unlocked the doors.
I didn’t waste any time getting out of there. Once I was safe and away from him, I doubled over, gasping for air. My whole body shook like a leaf. How did my life spiral out of control so fast?
I took the time walking through the forest. My head flooded with thoughts.
"Pull it together, Linah," I muttered to myself, wiping away the stray tears with the back of my hand. "You need to focus on what's important now."
I fingered the burning mark around my neck, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. I had betrayed my fiancé, my pack, and my family; all for one night of passion with a stranger. A stranger who had bitten me and left me with a permanent mark to remember him by.
As I walked up the familiar driveway, my heart sank even further. I had never felt more like an outsider in my own home than in this very moment. The once welcoming gates now seemed like bars, trapping me in this life I no longer wanted any part of.
I walked up the he gates. The guards seeming concerned as they opened for me. Are you okay Luna? They ask. But I really couldn’t tell them, so I lie.
“I’m fine.” I whispered my voice almost breaking.
“Linah!” a voice calls out. “What happened to you? Where were you? You are supposed to be getting ready soon.” It was my friend Jeaneth. Weve known each other since birth. And we are pretty close.
“Nothing. I’m Fine. I may have had a little too much to drink," I lied through gritted teeth, hating myself for lying to her but what other choice do I have?
“Tsk tsk, you know better than anyone that you can’t drink two days before the full moon,” she scolded. “I know I was just so nervous and needed to let off some steam,” I say running my fingers through my tangled hair. Instinctively covering the mark in my neck with my hand. “ And what happened to you necklace?” She quickly noticed.
“I-I lost it. It’s okay I’ll find another one,” I said.
“Are you sure you’re all right? You don’t seem yourself.” Jeaneth's sharp eyes scrutinized me, and for a moment, I was afraid she'd see right through my façade.
“I’m fine Jeaneth! Just tired that's all. Now can we please get me ready for this sham of a wedding?" I snapped.
Jeaneth raised her hands in surrender, her eyebrows knitted in concern. "You promised your father you’ll never take it of. You know how important it was."
“I know Jeaneth. I lost it, alright? I said. I don’t need a lecture right now, okay?”
“It was just a necklace! I’ll live, alright? Now can we please just focus on getting me ready for this sham of a wedding?" I snapped, my patience wearing thin.
Jeaneth’s eyes widened at my harsh tone but didn’t push it any further. “Of course, Linah. Right away,” she muttered. She leads me inside, and I head straight to my room to take a bath.
The cold water soothed my heated skin, but it couldn’t wash away the guilt and shame I felt. As I sat there, naked and vulnerable, the enormity of my actions finally hit me. I had not only betrayed my fiancé and pack but also myself. How was I supposed to face them? How was I supposed to look at myself in the mirror?
And above all, how was I supposed to forget the mysterious man who had left his mark on my body and, worse yet, on my heart?
I stare in the mirror as I covered the mark with a tape and did my best to hide the evidence of the night before. My eyes were bloodshot and puffy, my cheeks flushed, and my usually impeccable hair was a tangled mess. I look like a mess.
It took Jeaneth and her team of stylists over an hour to transform me into the picture-perfect Luna-to-be that everyone expected. My hair was curled into an intricate updo, makeup flawless, and a regal white gown that hugged every curve of my body. But underneath it all, I felt hollow. Empty.
Jeaneth walked me down the aisle. Shes the closest person I have since I lost my family. Everyone stared at me.
“You look beautiful, Linah,” she whispered in my ear.
“Thanks,” I managed to croak out, my throat constricting.
And as the familiar scent of pine and spice assaulted my senses, I knew my time for running was over.
I looked up to face my future husband, the Alpha of the Moonlight pack, and the man I had been promised to since birth. Alpha Connor Westwood. The man I was supposed to love, honor, and cherish for the rest of my life.
But my heart almost jumped out of my throat when I saw who was standing next to him. His eyes Lazer focused on my direction. How did he find me? He was standing the as Connors best man.
It was him. The man from last night.
The man who had given me more pleasure in one night than Connor ever had in our entire relationship. The man whose bite still burned at the back of my neck. The man who had singlehandedly turned my world upside down.
It was Alpha Alexander. I still dint understand why he was here. Was he stalking me? Does he want something for saving me last night? Is it about the s*x? But I thought it was no strings attached. And why does he look so cold, so distant? His golden eyes boring into my soul.
As our eyes locked, I saw a smirk flicker across his face, as if he could read my thoughts. And in that moment, I heard a booming voice in my head.
“So is this what you ditched me for?” The voice said and I knew it belonged to Alpha Alexander.
As Alpha Alexander's voice echoed in my mind, I felt a shiver run down my spine. The weight of his gaze intensified, making me feel exposed and vulnerable once again. I couldn't bring myself to respond.
Alpha Connor, oblivious to the tension between us, started the ceremony with a confident demeanor. His eyes gleamed with pride as he recited the traditional vows, his voice steady and unwavering. But my attention was drawn back to Alpha Alexander, who seemed to be waiting for a response from me.
Finally finding my voice, I answered through the mind link, "What are you doing here, Alexander?"
His smirk deepened as he took a step closer, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. "I'm here because you belong to me, Linah," he stated firmly, his tone sending a chill down my spine.
Confusion clouded my thoughts as I struggled to comprehend his words. "Belong to you?" I repeated, feeling a mix of anger and defiance rising within me. “I don’t belong to anyone. And dont you dare cause trouble for me? I swear to the goddes…”
"Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Echoed the words of the Alpha who was preforming the ceremony.
I looked at Alexander. He dares, he dares to almost ruin my big day! I thought angrily.
"You know what the pack would say if they found out what we did last night. It would tarnish not just my name but also the packs."
Alexander's golden eyes darkened, his expression unwavering. "Welcome to my world sweetheart."
A surge of fury coursed through my veins. How dare he? How dare he barge in here and try to claim me as his own?
“Linah…” Connor suddenly calls out snapping me from it.
“Yes… Yes I do,” I said, my voice shaking, not entirely sure if I was answering Connor or Alexander.
"And do you, Connor Westwood, take this woman Linah, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" Asked the Alpha preist.
Connor grinned widely at me, his eyes filled with love and adoration or at least it seemed like it. But all I could think about was the smirk on Alexander's face and the way his golden eyes had bored into mine.
“I do,” he said firmly.
I couldn’t bring myself to meet Alexander's gaze as we exchanged vows. And as we sealed our vows with a chaste kiss. And with that my head starts feeling woozy and fuzzy. And everything starts spinning around. And the last thing I saw was Alexandra jumping to my side and carrying me in his arms and everything went dark.