Anabel and the Alpha mate

Chapter 2. Michael's deceit

I swayed to the left and then to the right, struggling to regain my balance. Just as I steadied myself, Michael informed me that she had recorded our conversation. "What?" I was taken aback. "Go get some rest, Anabel," she chuckled, before darting off. When I woke up, it was nearly noon. I found myself in a small room that seemed oddly familiar. I sat up, glancing at a painting of a pregnant woman, her anticipation palpable. Searching for Michael, I realized she was nowhere to be found.

After waiting in vain for Michael's return, I turned to my inner wolf for guidance. It reassured me that I need not concern myself with Lucas, as I had bravely rejected him in front of Michael. Reflecting on the rejection, I couldn't shake the memory of Michael's laughter, and tears began to flow. I felt like I had shattered my connection with my intended mate.

Reluctantly, I heeded my inner wolf's advice and sought the pack's healer. Standing before the sanctified sanitarium, I was met by the concerned gaze of the pack's physician. I remained silent, not in the mood for idle conversation. "Please, turn to your side," he gently instructed, and I complied. After his examination, he declared me fit to leave.

"Thank you, healer," I expressed my gratitude and departed. The treatment had left me feeling somewhat improved. Upon returning home, I was met with Michael's enraged cries, vehemently stating she would not marry a cursed man. Although curious about Michael's sudden outburst, I thought it best not to involve myself. I averted my gaze as I witnessed my stepmother, Clara, doting on her son, Michael, as if to incite jealousy within me. I ignored their interactions and headed toward my room.

Just as I was about to leave, Michael snapped at me, her tone harsh. "Where do you think you're going?" she demanded. "I'm heading to my room," I replied, "it's been a rather eventful day for me." Michael swiftly approached, wearing a smile I'd never seen before, and asked if I were so desperate to get married. I was utterly bewildered and reminded her that I had already rejected Lucas, the very man I was supposed to wed. "Don't be so obstinate," Michael laughed heartily.

"The person I'm referring to isn't Lucas. This individual holds far greater significance than him. To give you a sense of his importance, he's the patriarch of the founding family of the most revered pack, known as the Blood Moon Pack. Have you heard of a similar pack?"

"Of course," I replied, feeling a bit unsettled. "Did I not just hear you mention that the pack is cursed?"

"No!" Michael corrected with a serious expression. "You misunderstood, Anabel. You got it wrong. Also, if you're contemplating escaping from me, marrying this influential man might be your way out."

I felt a pang of unease as Michael spoke, instinctively knowing that if this were truly a valuable opportunity, Michael wouldn't be so willing to let it go. Politely, I declined Michael's offer, which seemed to infuriate her. She stood up abruptly, pushing me to the ground, insisting that I would marry Hogan whether I liked it or not. I was so taken aback by Michael's behavior that I quickly rose, hurried to my room, and locked the door securely, ensuring no one could enter. Despite the barrage of curses from Michael, I remained steadfast, refusing to respond.

"Open the door, you stubborn b***h!" Michael shouted, but I remained silent. After a while of relentless pounding and shouting, Michael finally relented and went to speak with her mother, who advised her not to concern herself with my stubbornness.

Left alone with my thoughts, I made a resolute decision. Given the current circumstances, I knew I needed to seek help from my father, Chynaman, as soon as he returned from wherever he had gone.

While it was unusual for me to burden my father with my personal troubles, given his busy role as the pack's Beta, this situation called for it. I understood that if I wanted Michael's attitude towards me to change, I had to take action. After carefully considering my plans, I decided it was best to stay awake through the night, waiting for my father's return.

By night, my father was yet to return. I was really worry sick, but dithered to shoot him a textbook communication because I did not want to bother him as I continued to wait and hope for my father to send me a message, I suddenly received a message from an unknown number who identified himself as Lucas.

In the message, Lucas told me that Michael had lied to him and had taken a video without his consent. He said he was sorry for hurting me, and that he hoped I would come to a place where we could sit down and have a chat face to face.

I was really confused at this point because I didn't know why Michael hated me so much.