CURSED, BLOOD TO ASHES

I REJECT ALPHA DARIUS!

CHAPTER ONE — I REJECT ALPHA DARIUS.

MIRA HALE.

“Mother, please. Just talk to my father for me. I don't want this union. Everyone knows how ruthless the Alpha is. Please, mother.” I pleaded, voice low as I asked for mercy.

“It's been decided, Mira. We can't turn back now and breach the union, you know who exactly we're dealing with.” My mother said, voice low as if agreeing that she also didn't want the union.

A hot breath fanned against my nose. My shoulder dropped.

Mother was right. There was no turning back and even if there was a way, it was way impossible as it was my wedding day already.

“I, Mira Hale, reject you as my mate!“

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The drums beat outside the hall, a reminder that it wasn't just any day. I was going to be claimed. Not by anyone, but Alpha Darius. Ruthless, controlling and powerful.

I strode into the pack hall, shoulders high as I walked through the cheering crowd while eyes scanned and judged me.

“The Luna would gain even more power!“ I heard one of them growl. My blood turned to ice.

“Doesn't that make it even better for us? She has always loved the society for our interest. It's the time to make it worthy, don't you think?“ Another had remarked.

I scoffed. My wolf pushed me further to the altar even though my mind screamed until I stood waiting and watching. My parents' eyes beamed with excitement but mine twitched. I sat down and sucked my breath in while I formed a fist with my sweaty palms.

Dancers performed, sweat covering their faces, full of energy until a questioning silence crept in.

They all scrambled away in a rush, order and quietness reigned. The door had burst open.

An announcement. A presence!

I rose to my feet immediately.

He walked in, cold, eye sharp as steel through the door.

As he strode in like a king, my wolf pulled me, bond snapped against me hot and demanding.

His gaze met mine, my heart thumped just like it had before.

This was bad. My parents had arranged me for the Alpha and since I had no say, I obliged.

My wolf whimpered in recognition of the one who would claim me tonight. A sharp kick from within made me grunt, I pressed my palm instinctively to my stomach. Not the nerves nor anxiety but my secret. A child.

Not the Alpha's.

A child of another.

I played a dangerous game. That's what they knew but not the child that swelled in me.

He stood beside me, his height overshadowing me as he raised me by the hands and roared deep.

“Tonight! The moon goodness witnesses the night, the claim and I, Alpha Darius claim Mira Hale as my Luna as..“ My wolf shrunk at his words, tail tucked, fear rolling off her in reels.

Luna?

Not as a wife? Or partner but some heir breeding machine? Just some title.

No. I declined.

If I did more than I was now, the Alpha would find out about my baby and that meant death.

My pulse pounded to my ears. Hard and rough when I suddenly jerked my hands away from his grip.

He shot me a dangerous glare and grabbed me by the wrist, rougher than earlier. I winded.

“Tonight, I, Alpha Darius claim..“ just when the crowd wondered what was going on as the powerful alpha declared his claim never had to repeat his words.

Fear surged through me. I was daring a do or die affair. My pulse hammered hard against my ears so that the whole hall could hear it.

Until I disrupted, “No!“

“You do not own me!“ I yelled.

My parents' eyes wandered, confusion lacing on them but with Alpha Darius' presence, they dared not move close to him if he didn't instruct.

I pressed my lips in as I matched up his gaze before I turned to the crowd.

My hands trembled but I still flung them to the air, “tonight, I, Mira Hale, reject Alpha Darius as my mate.“ I said as the words left a pounding beat to my ears.

The cheer amongst the crowd subsided, silence taking dominance. Their eyes spread wide, wondering.

I didn't need to wait any longer as another minute here, the Alpha could order me killed or caged.

I raised my flowing gown to my knees and dashed out of the pack hall in a run.

“You stupid guards, go get her!”

“… she's mine” I heard him roar behind me. His claim quickened how my heart raced, but defiance burned hotter than fright. I scoffed, and ran even faster.

“I will never be yours.“ I spat.

And I didn't just run from the ruthless Alpha, I ran for the little life inside of me.