The Alpha's Regret

Chapter 4

Kayla's POV

It's today.

The day I had prepared myself for, for over 2 years was finally here. Yet, I was only excited about one thing, revenge.

I dolled myself up, wanting to look extra special. A few weeks ago, I went shopping for the dress I was supposed to wear today, and there it hung in its glory, waiting for me to pick it up. The white satin gown draped over my shoulders and extended to just above my knee. It had a long flowing tail with beautiful floral designs.

It was so beautiful.

I walked into the large ceremony hall, taking in the view. Members of the pack were present, each adorned in their traditional werewolf clothing. There were two guards at the entrance of the hall, both in their werewolf forms.

Perfect.

The air smelled like special herbs, flowers, and the scent of various perfumes. Everyone turned their heads to me. I suddenly felt self conscious. I saw Tristian at the end of the hall, in the company of some elders. He turned to me, his eyes lighting up in astonishment.

Oh please.

He beckoned on me to come closer, and the hall went silent shortly after. The elder in charge of the ceremony came forward. He told us both to get on our knees. Tristian held my hands, and I stared at them, disgusted. The elder chanted a few ancient blessings and placed his hands on ours that were intertwined.

Afterwards, I had to dance with Tristian. It took every ounce of self control, but I allowed him to hold me throughout the dance.

"You look so beautiful Kayla.” Tristian whispered.

I forced a smile.

"And you don't look so bad yourself.” I replied, and he smiled mischievously.

“I can't wait to rip off that dress later.” He smirked.

I fought the urge to throw up. Those hands, the same ones he touched Tania with, were now on me. I felt soiled, disgusting.

My heart thudded. His hands slid down to my waist and he pulled me close. He buried his face in my neck as we danced slowly. I could feel eyes piercing through my back.

Would I be able to do this?

“Kayla..” Tristian called.

“Yeah?” I looked over his shoulder, and saw Tania glaring at us. Stupid girl.

“I love you.”

I stiffened.

Maybe it was the fact that I still felt hurt. Maybe it was his scent that drove me crazy.

Maybe it was the years of memories I cherished.

But I was so close to saying “I love you too.”

Instead, I pulled back.

“I'm feeling a little dizzy, I need some air.” I said breathlessly. Being this close to him was torture. He opened his mouth to respond, but I had already dashed towards the exit.

Eyes darted towards me as I ran across the room. I grabbed a glass of water on my way out and chugged it down my throat, the tasteless flavor leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Kayla! Are you okay?” Tristian said from behind me, his voice was laced with concern.

Get a hold of yourself.

Breatheeeeee.

“I'm fine. I'm sorry about that.” I smiled, as fake as I could. There was a doubtful expression on his face, but I cared less. Those doubts would be gone soon.

Tristian led me back into the hall, where we were met with several pairs of eyes. He led me to the center and stood in front of me, caressing my palm. The ceremony was almost over. All that was left was for Tristian to “pop the question”.

He stared at me, eyes filled with warmth and compassion.

Compassion that I wished was real.

The hall's initial noise had died down, and there were a few hushes here and there as everyone focused on us. Tristian got down on one knee. My pulse drummed in my ears.

“Kayla, will you do me the honors and become my one and only Luna?” Tristian said.

There were silent whispers of “say yes!”, “She'll definitely accept”, “come on!”. They reverberated in my ears. I took in a deep breath and shut my eyes.

"I can't." The room went silent.

Tristian went pale. The whispers started again, but this time, in the negative. He got up, hurriedly.

"Why?" He asked, his eyes searching mine. Looking for answers? Hehe. His brows were creased, and I could see both surprise and disbelief present in his eyes.

The same emotions I felt when I heard him with Tania that night. I looked away. My heart shattered again, this time harder, the force enough to send me to the ER. The pieces were crushed to fine powder, and blown away by the winds of despair that raged in my lungs.

"You betrayed me, Tristian. I can't commit forever to someone I can't trust."

Confusion splayed across his face.

“What do you mean Kayla?” He whispered, coming close. He positioned himself so it seemed we were hugging and said, “When have I betrayed you?”

I pushed him away.

"What's going on between you and Tania?” I spat. He stared at me, piecing my words together. Realization flashed in his eyes, before it was replaced with….guilt?

How funny.

"I'm aware of your affairs with my step sister, Tristian. You really believed you could bury it? So what happens when I become your Luna? You'll keep sleeping with her? Believing that I'd never know?” My tone got higher and higher with each question. I was hurt...so freaking hurt.

My tears fell freely, as I waited for his response. The whispers around us grew louder, but I could only care less.

I could see Tania, fuming as she also waited for Tristian's response. I have to deal with her, sooner, or later.

"I.. it's not really what you think, Kayla." He finally said. “Not what I think” my foot. I snarled.

"Oh really? What should I think then? I saw you both. In. My. House. I am ashamed of you, Tristian.” I said between sobs.

"It was a mistake Kayla…” He reached out to hold me, and I moved back three paces.

"Mistake you say? Interesting. Do you mind explaining what kind of mistake is sleeping with my step sister? You promised me Tristian. You promised….” Memories of the last two years flashed in my head. Each word, each reassurance. All nothing.

“You made me believe I was special. You made me believe that I could finally find peace in someone. That I was loved. Did you believe anything you told me Tristian?”

"I do…believe me I do." He hung his head low.

"Then why?!” I was beyond angry now, and any more of this, I'd just lose it.

He remained silent.

Thought so.

“Well, if you don't have anything to say, you can go be with her. We. Are. Done.” I carefully took off his engagement ring, and dropped it quietly beside him.

He gaped at me, eyes wide with shock.

"Kayla please, we can't end things like this. I'm so sorry…” He said, getting on his knees.

I caught a movement from the edge of my peripheral, and saw Tania moving towards us, furious as usual. In one swift movement, she landed a slap on Tristian's face.

He didn't move, eyes still locked on me.

"Why are you kneeling for this piece of trash Tristian? Does she look like she deserves anything? I have waited my entire life for you to mate me. You have the chance now.” She said with a devilish grin.

Despicable.

"Stay away from me, Tania. I will not warn you again." He commanded, his eyes cold and emotionless. Tania flinched.

He turned to look at me, the same eyes filled with regret.

"Please Kayla, I'm sorry. We can make this work. I'm willing. I can't…I can't lose you.” He scuttled clos

er to me, still on his knees.

"There's nothing left of it, Tristian. I can't do this anymore.”

I shifted away from him and turned to leave.

Suddenly, my vision became blurry. Everything swirled and spun, and I found it hard to balance.

"What's happening to me?" I whispered, trying to find my footing.

Then, it all went black.