Rivals for Luna's Mate

Chapter 2: The Arrival

We left the forest trail and went up to the road. The path through the forest was dark, muddy, and felt scary, with trees on either side. I never traveled far because Xavier never allowed it. If he had given permission, I would have been lost.

There was a black Audi with dark windows and shiny metal rims. I sat next to Axel in the front seat, keeping my hands in my lap.

"To stay safe, I created some distance between us," I told him.

He grumbled, but he eventually did what I asked. Axel was really handsome, with a body that seemed like it was sculpted by angels, and his tattoos were both gentle and manly. He had well-kept hair and two studs in each ear.

While looking out of the window, Axel asked me to take a deep breath. I couldn't be angry or bitter about what he did. Nobody had been with Xavier before, and I was one of the few who could keep up with him.

I could see that Axel was emotionless and not thinking clearly. I was sure of it. He believed he would end up in a special place in hell.

"I'm calm," I said.

The air felt peaceful because I wasn't raising my voice or hands. I found it a bit funny how he was trying to control things, even though he wasn't as bad as Xavier. Xavier would start telling me what to do and how to do it the moment we got home.

"I can perceive the rhythm of your heartbeat; you're not calm," Axel remarked, his hand reaching for mine but encountering resistance. He quickly retracted his hand, acknowledging his misstep. He ceased touching me at my insistence. "Never give me that sidelong glance again. Such impoliteness won't be tolerated."

I fought the urge to move as his gaze lingered on me. I wasn't about to give them the satisfaction of a reaction. Rain began to fall, resulting from a sudden drop in temperature, causing my breath to fog up the window as I stared out at the passing forest.

"You deny me any opportunity," Axel murmured softly, "to offer you the respect you deserve. If Xavier is responsible for your behavior, then enlighten me."

"Are you expecting an answer?" I inquired.

Sharing the truth would surely hinder any chance of him accepting me as his partner. At the moment, I held no reservations about my response. As the vehicle finally pulled into the driveway and the lights flicked on, I attempted to exit, but Axel abruptly shut the door, trapping me inside.

"Indeed, I do," he acknowledged me with an indifferent nod, though I knew that once I reveal the truth, his alpha instincts would kick in. "Unless you share what's really happening, you won't be leaving this car."

I let out a sigh, "Well, it began with simple tasks like doing the dishes, then there were instances of assault, and eventually it escalated to spending entire nights with Xavier." My words stumbled, "I can't recall if I fed him the wrong way or if he preferred being treated a certain way. I bear scars you'll never see."

"I'll put an end to him, and so will this wolf pack." Despite his attempts to grasp my hand repeatedly, I managed to open the car door and step out on my own. "You won't have to face him again," he reassured me. The mere thought of Xavier made me weary.

I had no clue about Axel's intentions or how he planned to involve me. It seemed like sleep might evade me tonight.

The mansion was magnificent, revealing Axel's significant wealth. In a society of means, slaves and women were abundant. They displayed opulence and abundance.

Walking through the main entrance and approaching Axel and his group made me feel empowered, though I couldn't grasp why. No one stopped me or tried to hinder my way.

Axel directed me to my new bedroom. Despite its discomfort, there was a bed with a mattress, sheets, and a pillow. The room's navy walls contrasted the charcoal gray bedding. It looked invitingly soft and light.

It had been ages since I slept in my own bed.

Xavier had always claimed mine. Oh, how Xavier shared everything. Despite my preference for the floor, I was compelled to share his bed while living with him.

"Leaving without my permission will have serious consequences," Axel explained this as I sat on the bed, admiring the serene forest through the window. My pack had perished in the fire Axel started. Most of them were suffering without me. I just hope most of them survived. "Are you getting what I'm saying?" he added.

"You might see me as a rebel, but you're the reason my loved ones survived. This is my way of repaying you." I didn't even bother turning to look at him. My stomach churned with fear about what might unfold. Rumors had mentioned irrational rules, unconventional requests, and intense anger issues surrounding Axel.

"Is debt the only thing you see? Is that all?" I shut my eyes as he seemed saddened. I had occasionally toyed with the idea that Xavier might not be my soulmate and that discovering your true soulmate could be exciting. Those initial moments with him hadn't stirred much within me.

"I'd rather avoid trouble." I paused, hearing his footsteps approaching the doorway. "If you had witnessed what Xavier did to me, you wouldn't want to punish me either. I don't want you touching me."

"I won't touch you," he assured, and yet, I harbored doubts. If he ever became slightly enraged, I sensed I'd be his first target. Independence was my longing. I cleared my throat nervously, breaking the silence without asking.

"When should I start making dinner?" I wondered aloud, realizing the importance of timing. Xavier wouldn't be pleased if his meal wasn't piping hot, and Axel's attempt at surprising me wouldn't succeed – he underestimated my intelligence. I wouldn't allow him to overstep his boundaries.

"What do you mean?" Axel's surprised tone might have been feigned. "I don't expect you to cook, dress me, or be at my beck and call," he summed up.

Axel's reputation as a rebel seemed to crumble as I faced him. Did I not ask the right question?

"On certain days or times?" I inquired.

"Sienna, you're my mate, not my servant," Axel's words sent shivers down my spine. "You'll be the future Luna, but things will be different. Our world will be powerful and opulent, yet I want you to understand my pack and our ways first. Remember, I'm not Xavier. I won't ever be like him. Please don't compare me to him."

When he said that, I felt a sense of confusion.

Most wolves desired more frequent intimacy than once a day. Xavier was no exception, but I hoped Axel would be more laid-back. It was evident he was forgiving.

"You can do whatever you want here. My only rule is that you can't leave the property or come into my office." It was very strange how things worked here. "There are some men I'd like you to avoid. I can get very envious, and when I am envious, you won't like me."

"What do you want?" I asked a simple question that seemed to trigger him. I needed to know how many men I would have to entertain. "You don't share?"

Suddenly, Axel lunged at me, and I was pinned against the wall, narrowly avoiding hitting my head. He stopped a safe distance away, struggling to control himself. If he aimed to intimidate me, he succeeded; if he planned to harm me, he stopped in time.

"I didn't mean to upset you," I said, feeling frightened.

"Explain what you mean by 'share'..." Axel was too agitated to move, trembling all over. His clenched fists were white-knuckled.

"I—I think we should take a break from talking so you can calm down," I suggested, my heart pounding loudly. This situation was strange – the more I tried to reason, the more agitated he got.

"No way, Sienna! Share what, exactly?!"

It was so stressful that he might pull his own hair out if I didn't answer. "You know... with other men?" I muttered.

"Damn it, Sienna! No! What's mine is only mine."

His frustrated muttering seemed to echo through the building. Instead of arguing further, Axel stormed out of the room and slammed the door. I had only been here for half an hour, and I had already let him down.