Chapter1
THE PRICE OF LOVING BLINDLY
ODETTE’S POV
I pinched the middle of my gown, lifting it so it wouldn't drag through the pieces of the flower vase that was accidentally shattered by one of the field decorators.
I have taken it upon myself as the future Luna to start doing some of my duties of monitoring the preparation of important events in the pack.
The one happening tomorrow is the Moon Oat Ceremony, which is held under the full moon every year.
The Grand Alpha, my love partner, ministers, and other top officials will be present to perform the rituals.
Since pressure has been coming from different corners for Wynne to get married, he has decided to officially introduce me to the council right after tomorrow’s ceremony.
Every time it crosses my mind that we will soon take vows to be together forever, an exciting shiver runs through my spine.
Although I am a bit scared that the elders might see me as not good enough.
So, I am in the palace’s field, trying to give good impressions.
It might seem too much since I haven't even gotten married to the Alpha yet, but this is just my love language.
Loyalty, selflessness, and love.
I am very sure that he admires me for that.
“You should tidy up this place before someone gets injured!” I shouted, keeping my voice strict.
“I am so sorry…” The female decorator apologized as she rushed over. She stretched her trembling hands to pick the broken glass vase, but I quickly pulled her by her arm.
“What are you trying to do? Pick it with your hands?” I asked, my mouth dropping in shock at what she just tried to do.
The lady stretched her back up to stand.
"I just wanted to…” She was saying, but was cut mid-sentence by the loud announcement of the Grand Alpha's arrival.
Everyone around slightly bowed their heads in respect.
A low gasp escaped my lips as I removed my hand from her arm and turned around instantly.
My heart started beating as I watched the one who owns my heart walk gracefully towards me.
His regal blue cloak perfectly embraced his muscular build, and his long hair was beautifully swept back, making him look every bit the king he was.
I can bet that the stars are always jealous of the way his amber eyes sparkle.
I swallowed my empty throat when he got closer. “You shouldn't stress yourself,” I walked to meet up with him. “I am here to do my job already,” I smiled widely like a child gifted with her favourite lollipop.
“You can't be serious right now. Did you just say doing your job?” He angrily snapped at me.
I felt my heart drop at his harsh tone.
“You should have told me that this is what you are good at instead of you getting paid as the pack’s finance director,” He said bitterly, pointing around the field with a disgusted expression on his face.
Shame washed over me as I blinked my eyes to count the number of people who just heard that.
“What do you mean by that?” I lowered my voice and held his wrist, hoping he would take that as a hint that he shouldn't be doing this in front of others.
He roughly jerked my hand away instead, making me stagger back a bit.
Painful tears itched my eyes.
“You have failed woefully, and I have been getting complaints about some loopholes in the financial records. I trusted you more than anyone and looked over the suspicious complaint because of who you are to me, and this is where I will draw the line.” He spat out bitterly.
His eyes were burning with pure rage.
I gulped down nervously.
“At least sit down and explain what you find wrong in the records. I have been working diligently, and you've always praised me for that. Why would you suddenly think that I would disappoint you?” I rushed out those words, trying not to allow the tears that were now blurring my eyes to fall.
I fearfully watched as Whynne’s jaw locked so tightly that his muscles twitched beneath his skin. “I asked you again and again if there were any mistakes in the packs' records, ledgers, and others, and you said no,”
I nodded my head, eyes sharpened at him curiously.
“I made you submit them yesterday because of the council meeting that I have today, where I have to discuss the pack's treasures before tomorrow's ceremony, but guess what? You just made me feel so ashamed…”
“Why?” I stomped my leg on the ground, my voice shaking as tears rolled out of my eyes this time.
“A large amount of money is missing from the pack's emergency treasury, and when we made a quick investigation within an hour, the withdrawal was made using your authorization seal. You are the only one who has the authority to approve it; all the evidence points to you.” He spoke, eyes darkening with anger.
My heart squeezed painfully.
“I did not do that…I think someone framed me,” I denied it, hoping that he would at least believe me.
A dangerous silence settled over the place as his nostrils flared with every slow breath.
“The evidence is too strong not to point an accusing finger at you. If you needed money that much, why didn't you tell me?
I would have given you more than enough, but an opportunity for you to get good credits and show that you are a capable Luna, you flung it away. How can I brag about a person who steals? I will surely be laughed at by the councils and elders if I dare to officially introduce you to them after tomorrow’s ceremony.”
A burning heat tore through my skin as I shook my head vigorously.
“Take me there, and I will prove my innocence, please. You people have been mistaken. You know that I wouldn't do something like that!” I begged desperately.
I tried holding his hand for comfort, but he shifted back as if my skin would burn him.
I was literally happy a few minutes ago.
What happened?
I felt like my throat was about to fall deep into my stomach as I couldn't even find the right words to say.
I was too confused about where to start.
“You've brought shame to your parents and me…” He was saying, but couldn't finish his words before a loud crash echoed through the field, catching everyone's attention.
Screams filled the air around us as everyone turned toward the sight of a rogue rushing forward, its claws pointing so sharply as if it had only one mission to tear through someone's flesh.
The situation became even more alarming when its eyes locked onto Whynne.
As if that was his target.
All my sadness flung away, replaced by the high need to protect him.
"Let's get away from here!" I shouted at him, but he stood frozen in place, as if he couldn't believe someone would dare to attack him.
My eyes widened in horror as the rogue raised its sharp claws and released a wild howl that sent sand moving like a dangerous wind, but before it could strike Whynne, I jumped in front of it to protect it, hoping this would show him that I am the one worthy to be his life partner.
I was slammed hard to the ground, and every part of me hurts badly.
I could feel my bones cracking from the hit, and everything slowly blacked out.