Rivalry for the mate

The Alpha and his pack

Chapter 3

The cursed week is a special curse placed by the moon goddess on all Alpha werewolf which happens once every three months. The curse causes all Alpha werewolf, both male and female to remain Stucked in their wolf form for four days unable to shift back to human.

In that state, the alpha werewolf becomes nothing but bloodthirsty savages.They have no sense of pack or loyalty as they lose complete control of themselves and the only thing on their minds is blood and killing.

That craze experienced in the cursed week was no different than the craze experienced by a newborn werewolf in transition but it was a bit different in the sense that the cursed week would involuntarily stop whenever an Alpha finds his mate.

This curse was initiated by the moon goddess during the "rejection zone " period. The "rejection zone " period was a time when there was a huge influx of Alphas rejecting their mates seeing them as nothing but their weakness and downfall.

It's a known fact that most Alphas are extremely aggressive, territorial, antagonist and cruel to their enemies . Infact centuries ago, there was an Alpha famed as the "Blood Alpha " who had a fetish of killing his enemies mate until fate played a cruel card on him.

Perhaps it was the moon goddess punishing him for his crimes but he never knew his own mate was beside him for a long time until he fell badly for her . Eventually left with no choice, he marked and bonded with her and that was when his enemies made their move.

They took his mate away , ravished and killed her before he could come to her rescue. The death of his mate devastated him and for the first time ever, he felt the pain he inflicted on others and eventually ended his own life.

To a werewolf, a mate is like the other half of their soul and with time becomes the most important person in their life. Once marked and bonded, they become linked to each other for life. When one mate dies , the other doesn't actually die but the loneliness, emptiness and pain makes them wish for death . Sometimes the grief and agony drives them crazy in which they will need to be killed for other's safety.

So most Alphas preferred rejecting their True mates but instead relieve their loneliness and pleasures with a fill-in mate whom he or she has no strings attached to and can't be used against them.

Rejecting a mate wasn't a child's play at all cause it causes excruciating pain for both parties and is a huge taboo. Rejecting a mate is akin to giving the moon goddess the middle finger cause she's the one who gifts the other half of one's soul in their mate.

Dissapointed at the turn out, the moon goddess decided to teach all Alpha werewolves a lesson.She placed a curse on Alphas, they were to remain in their wolf form for four days in every three months until they found their true mates.

This was a measure taken by the moon goddess to ensure no Alpha messes with their matebond again and so far, it's being effective.

Cases of Alphas rejecting their mates was so rare now that the "rejection zone " now seem like a forklore told to the younger generation.

Farkas didn't know how he got inside his office but he plopped down on the swivel chair resting his legs on the desk as soon as he arrived . He groaned rubbing his temple, hearing the news from Juliet had him develop a migraine right away.

He just hopes Emmett has found his mate else things are about to get messy.

Unknown to them all, a figure lay on the grass naked from his head to his toe. A drop of dew meticulously flowed from a plant and dropped on his eyelid stirring him awake.

He slowly unveiled his eyes and blinked, his long thick eyelashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly but then his eyes, as blue as the sea was so calm and captivating. This scene was so breathtaking and out of this world that it was quite a shame there wasn't a photographer to capture this surreal and exotic moment.

But it seem this ethereal beauty wasn't done with his sleep cause he closed his eyes once again but the plants as if in cahoots started dropping dews after dews on him forcing him awake.

He sat up at once awake and dazzled by his surrounding. He promptly looked down at his hands before he searched the rest of his body, he was... was.... human again.

But how was that possible? It was just the second day of his cursed week, he still had two more days to go.

He looked up at the sky, he has imprinted ?!

In just a few moment, countless emotions surged through him. He was confused, happy, worried , angry then anxious. What was going on?

Suddenly a memory flashed through his mind, stucked in his wolf form he had dreamt of a goddess. In that dream, he was in a pit with no source of escape, his only form of entertainment was the open sky until someone casted a shadow and then he looked up and saw her.

She crouched down trying to get a closer look at him before extending her hand to him. Emmett stared at those smooth long hands before meeting her eyes.

Her alluring blue eyes spoke of assurance and longing for him and just like a moth drawn to a flame he gave her his hand.

As soon as his hand met her's, he found himself suddenly infront of her and peace like no other flooded him. Emmett felt at home as if an empty void in him has filled .

He reached out his hand to touch her face, to run his hands through her rich chocolate hair, to hold her in his arms and protect her from this crazy world, but she disappeared.

Great, Emmett groaned. He imprinted at last but can't remember the face of his mate. His dream was hazy, the only thing he could remember was her vivid blue eyes and chocolate hair .

Chocolate, he smiled. He loves chocolate.

He stood groaning with the effort. He muscles ached terribly and he couldn't complain cause he knew it was from running for two days now.

Suddenly his body went rigid and his gaze darkened, somebody.. no not... somebody but some people were coming and they were armed . His body tensed while he clutched his fist preparing to go for battle but as soon as their scent hit his nostrils, he relaxed. A slight smile tugged at his lips, they were here for him.

Juliet hurried, she could sense where the Alpha's scent was the strongest , he was nearby. She clutched her weapon by the side, the alpha was extremely dangerous at this state and they had to be very careful if they intend surviving.

She raised a hand as a gesture deploying the warriors to their various positions. Juliet took a deep breath before jumping out of her position with the intention of taking the target by surprise, but it seemed she was the one taken by shock instead. She stood mouth agape and weapon hanging loosely at the side transfixed at the scene .

Her alpha was human and naked. She gulped or atlest she tried to - why was she feeling hot?

"Keep looking and a fly could live in there soon " Alpha Emmett said flashing her a smile that made her almost trip on a root. She slapped her forehead mentally. God, she's so stupid!

Emmett chuckled, the girl was totally smitten

"Alpha " She greeted before handling him a clothe one of her subordinate brought along.

She looked away as the Alpha dressed up blushing furiously.Perspiration beaded her forehead. Why was this happening to her of all people ? She fought internally.

Juliet wasn't stupid, she knew the fact that the alpha was able to be in his human state right now was probably because he found his mate. She knew the alpha wasn't crazy enough to reject his mate and suffer the cursed week all over again probably till eternity if such a scenario happens.

Emmett sensing her inner battle didn't bother her much after he was done .It was just a crush, thousands of female werewolves were crushing on him everyday moreover the feeling will dissipate once she finds her mate.

At the moment he has more pressing need which was to recover his strength and go find his mate. He could feel her presence even though it was faint so she had to be in little Town . The fact that he could sense her meant the moon goddess has already sent her to him eventhough his mate was ignorance.

My love, we would be together soon

He thought with a smile on his face before leaving the wood with his pack .

Lyra avoided her mom's threatening gaze for the nth time. Was it really her fault? it was just an act of self defense.

" How do you feel? " Her mom asked looking over Cassie's eyes.

" like two red-hot pieces of steel being pushed into my eyes and a blow-torch applied to my face. How does that sound? " Ella winced, tears welling in her eye.

Mom frowned at the sight, her daughter really did a lot of damage to Cassie. She snapped at Lyra, wagging a finger .

" Do you know spraying an innocent victim in the face can be a crime?!. You could be charged with assault " She rebuked sternly. sweeping back with her hand some strands of hair that had fallen on her face blocking her left view.

"You should be thankful Ella is not sueing" She continued.

Lyra heaved an exasperated sigh looking away, arguing with her mom in this state was pointless and a total waste of energy. The woman was unwavering and stubborn as a bull.

ugh, *Taureans!

"Mrs Jenny, please don't be angry with Lyra. It was my fault sneaking up on her like that and scaring her " Ella pleaded on Lyra's behalf with quivering lips and an irresistible puppy face.

Dang it ! Jenny thought, this child was so irresistible. without even realizing it, her anger dissipated at once so she agreed readily. "Fine "

"You should be grateful " She snarled at Lyra before helping Ella to her feet.

" Let's go rinse this stupid stuff off your face, thankfully a shampoo can cut the oil resin " She explained leading Ella carefully to the direction of the bathroom.

Once they left, a rhythmic mocking clap came from behind as Harry who sat leisurely with his legs dangling from the outside of the couch flung a subtle jibe.

"Nice. Keep up the good work and mom will age in a day or two "

Lyra rolled her eyes and hurled back " Thanks for the info, dumbass "

Though Lyra and Harry were blood siblings with Lyra older with two years but they both never met eye to eye. They often had altercations which always ends with Lyra winning or their mom threatening them to knock it off.

Amusement played on Harry's face, he would be fulfilled if it meant taunting Lyra for the rest of her life.

"You know for someone who claims to be smart, you're pretty stupid spraying an innocent victim. " He continued " If I was Cassie, I would have your ass last in jail for atlest two days"

"But thankfully you're not Ella so go drink river water " She retorted flashing him a wide fake smile until her muscles ached but beneath that calm facade, she was on the verge of exploding.

Harry's expression darkened and just when he opened his mouth, his mom came in with Ella so he backed out.

"Coward " Lyra jeered to his hearing while he balled his fist, silently swearing to get back at her in the future.

Lyra ignored her brother and focused on Ella whom she had to admit was really good looking. She had a baby face, accentuated by her fine blond hair , baby blue eyes and a petite body. She was simply "adorable ".

After moments of observing her, Lyra found out Ella had a one track mind and a bubbly personality. She was simply a breath of fresh air and Lyra couldn't help but want to be really friends with her.

"You all are really coming to the acceptance ceremony, right? " she asked expectantly.

Jenny scratched her head awkwardly "I don't know " She breathed "I don't want us to impose on.... "

"You are absolutely not imposing " She chirped in with her high pitched voice that had Lyra wincing.

How could her throat survive that?

"Moreover " Ella continued "Its a must tradition in little Town unless you want to be outcasted by the locals " She warned with a deep frown.

"Why are they so intense with such lame party? Is this some sort of occult or what ? " Harry asked attracting everyone's scowl so he slowly leaned back on the couch.

Eventhough Lyra felt like kicking Harry for his poor choice of words but she had to admit his question was legit. This acceptance of a thing was indeed suspicious, what kind of Town organizes such ceremony.

"Occult or no occult, the ceremony is done with good intentions. The main purpose of the ceremony is to ward off evil beings from taking control of your mind and body.Moreover they won't draw blood from any of you so you shouldn't worry for your safety " Ella explained her best hoping Jenny would have a change of heart.

Lyra could sense her mom's internal battle, she was contemplating, weighing the pros and cons of this whole thing.

" Fine " Jenny said before adding "But on one condition "

"Okie? "

Jenny said straightforwardly " You tell me what really goes down in that ceremony and also become friends with my son, Harry "

Hearing that, Harry threw up the water he was drinking from with a shocked expression .

"Eww" Lyra murmured disgusted to the core. She wiped off the little droplets that had fallen on her with her hand.

"No way , I don't accept that " He objected firmly

"My decisions are final, young man " Jenny concluded before he could even raise an argument.

Stung and quivering with embarrassment, he ground his teeth in fury as he left for his room banging the door behind him so hard the house shook.

Least affected by Harry's outburst, Jenny focused all attention on Cassie

"So do we have a deal or not? "

Ella smiled widely " Deal " taking Jenny's hand in a firm but warm handshake. Nor of them knew how relieved Ella was for successfully accomplishing her mission.

"Fine then, my family and I will be there for the acceptance ceremony " Jenny assured her confidently.

"Wow" Was all Lyra kept saying as she walked into the clearing. Why didn't anyone inform her that the acceptance ceremony was nothing but a bonfire party ?

"Clearly occultic " Harry affirmed staring mouth agape at the scene.

The large clearing was crowded with people mostly wearing animal print attires and busy socializing with one another.

"You didn't tell us there was a dress code? " Jenny cried out feeling they were overdressed in their simple party wear.

Ella chuckled at Jenny's statement, at the moment she was acting as their tour guide "Don't worry, you can request for one after you've being accepted "

Eventhough Ella explained , it still didn't stop Jenny from having a nervous breakdown, thankfully her son Ben distracted her.

"Mom, look" Ben called pointing to a certain figure.