Chapter 8.
1082 Words
Erica's POV
I'm nice; I know I am, but I have never had luck with people. I end up being with the wrong set of people always.
After being choked up in Alpha King's presence for a while, I was forced to see him off.
"You don't have any reason to talk to me directly after marriage. All you need to do is to make a few appearances." Dante mentioned before leaving my new pack that day.
All I could do was nod like a little girl whose father just gave stern instructions.
I walked slowly back to my room like a woman growing a spear in her womb.
The Alpha King is just like the rumours said. His presence alone commands great force; the air around him speaks danger, and his voice and tone of talking can't do less to complement his personality. He is like a new being formed from the breeding of a wolf and a god.
"Ms. Jane, I'm here to help you change your clothes," a handmaid announced with just her head prying into my room.
"It would have been better if you could have knocked," I responded, slightly irritated, not at her but at my situation.
"My lady, I did knock," she answered innocently, still standing outside.
"Come in, I'm done wearing these anyway."
She walked in hastily without making a sound with her feet and helped me loosen the corset on the large ceremonial gown.
"How long have you been working with me?" Since I'm the new Jane, I need to know more about the former Jane.
"I came in after your tenth-year birthday, which marked your ordination as the Beta's daughter," she responded calmly with a warm smile.
"What kind of person was I?" I pushed further, slowly getting into the conversation.
"You're very kind, strong-willed..." A knock on the door interrupted us.
"Beta Simmons is here," a male servant announced.
"I will come in later then." My handmaid bowed and excused herself.
"Still in your attire?" My new dad questioned as he walked in and made himself comfortable on my armchair.
"I was about to get a change of clothes," I mumbled, uninterested in his reason for coming to my room.
"You don't need to be alert; I'm not here as Beta Simmons; I'm here as your father."
"So?...."
"I'm here to tell you a story that has become your future, not just yours but our pack's identity."
"I don't think I'm ready for that now; I just want to rest up."
"Two good friends from different packs usually go out to hunt. They hunt down bears and other wild animals that pose a threat to their pack. The friends were the pride of their pack, but something happened on the night of the first blood moon."
"Were the friends part of our ancestors?" I asked, slipping my shoes off my feet.
"No, I was a part of that friendship. The Alpha king's father was the second part that makes up the friendship." For the first time since I woke up as Jane, I felt the thrill of a broken heart aching from the Beta.
"The Alpha king? What..."
"Just listen. On the night of that mysterious blood moon, one part of the friendship collapsed."
"One of the friends died?" My sense of curiosity was slowly pumping up.
"Yes, he was found dead. Pierced down by the arrow of his friend."
"Wait, what?"
"I was in that situation, where everything I said was an excuse, and no one believed me. I was labeled a betrayal of friendship even when I knew nothing about what killed my friend that night. I know you won't understand when you're in a situation when all you say seems to be a lie and the people...."
"I understand Dad." That came out so naturally, even I was puzzled.
"A time you wished to have that one person who can believe in you," I added as tears slowly gathered around my eyes.
"I'm glad you understand. I don't know what the Alpha king believes, but I know his mother hates me. I want to rebuild that lost friendship, I want to be friends again with that pack, and the only way that can happen is through you, my dear." His eyes filled with nothing but pain and sincerity.
"I already agreed to the union."
"I'm sorry, I'm forcing my responsibility on you."
"I will be fine."
"His mom might hate you since you're my offspring. You might receive harsh treatment because of me, but this is a sacrifice we must pay to build trust again."
"I won't back out." I forced a weak smile.
"Your wedding is a week away. Before the full moon."
"Why? Isn't it supposed to be on a full moon?"
"The Bloodhound pack doesn't celebrate anything on a full moon."
"Why?"
"Ask your husband when you become a Bloodhound citizen." Beta Simmons teased before standing up to leave.
"It's up to you now, messiah," he added and strolled out of the room.
***
The week was shorter than normal; it felt like hours, but by now, I had slowly gotten used to being addressed as Ms. Jane.
The D-day finally came. A few elders from the Bloodhound pack came to check out our pack for credibility and security. Then in the evening, the Alpha king arrived.
I was stuck in my room, not allowed to show my face to anyone other than my husband, which, according to the Beta, was a part of the Bloodhound tradition.
The ceremony soon kicked off; vows were exchanged between the Alpha king and me, we were told to drink from the same wine cup, and finally, we were married.
After my last experience with marriage, I thought I would develop a phobia for it, but having the determination to get revenge while saving this new pack, I felt a pinch of peace.
I know the Alpha might be cold-hearted, but I believe I'm cut out for anything right now. Being reborn means I'm meant to live a long life.
After the ceremony, I bade my pack goodbye, and I set off, leaving behind my wailing mum and my dad pretending to be stoic.
I will soon be meeting a new family, a new pack, new faces, and an entirely new and different world, where no one, well, loves me.
I smiled as I shut my eyes, having the final sweet dream of my life as the car drove off...
- Writer
