Alpha King's Fated Luna

“I, alpha Kaden Wellington, accepts you as my mate and as the luna of the Wellington pack, Sophia Davis.” I held my breath when Kaden finally announced those words. “Will you, my mate and my luna be loyal to the pack we lead?” “I will.” “Will you take this pack to be your home and family?” “I will.” “Will you protect and save this pack from all the harm that is possible within your power?” “With all my heart, I will.” The corner of his lips lifted to form a gentle smile. The exact opposite from what I’ve been always seeing each time he visits me in that small cottage near the pack borders. His eyes were filled with adoration and for a moment, he looks as if he truly turned to a different person. Very different from my ‘tormentor’. Kaden grabbed a knife and made a cut on his palm. I immediately shifted my gaze away from him before my eyes landed on Sophia, the official luna of our pack. She was gorgeous. Her eyes were shining while looking at Kaden as she also drew a deep gash on her palm using the knife Kaden had passed to her. Before I knew it, the two of them were finally completing the ceremony by joining their wounded palms. I took a step back as I pried my gaze away from them. Though I can’t help but take one last glance at Sophia. Such a pity. Don’t get me wrong. She looks genuine and sincere. These are the qualities a luna should have. The only thing is that, it was such a pity for her to be mated to Kaden. He was nothing but an asshole. Even though I haven’t met Sophia personally, I can say that she is a good person and she definitely doesn’t deserve Kaden as her mate. I wonder why the moon goddess paired her with him. I shot a sharp hateful glare towards Kaden for a moment before I finally took a step back, intending to leave from this place before anyone could notice me hiding here behind the bushes. Sweeping a glance around the surrounding, I scanned the whole place and when I noticed that it was already safe to leave, I immediately turned on my steps to leave the area. My pace was fast yet I was being careful and wary with my surroundings. Well, I mustn’t let my guard down. I need to be careful in order not to get caught. My name is Aurora Bluemoon. My father was the former beta of this pack, not until the night of my worst nightmare happened. Both of my parents died, and my brother immediately took over as the beta. I was supposed to be banished from this pack, but Kaden begged his father, the former Alpha, to spare me. I wish I could turn back the time. It was the day when I made my biggest mistake and biggest regret. If I only accepted my banishment, I definitely wouldn’t experience immense torture and abuse from that jerk. How I wish I wasn’t so ignorant that time. It’s only been six months, but I know to myself that I have already matured enough and my eyes were much more open now. I’ve come to know the harsh realities. I’ve come to realize not to put my trust on anyone. Well, I made a promise to myself that I won’t trust anyone anymore. Even your own blood can betray you. I halted in my steps before quickly hiding my form behind a tree. Just a few meters away from me stood four patrol guards. I’m guessing that they just came off from duty. One of them looked towards my direction, and I tried my very best not to let any sound came off from me. I stood frozen on my spot, almost forgetting to breath. “What’s the matter, man?” “I think, there’s someone out there. I heard some sounds.” The guard kept looking at my direction I was thankful enough that the spot where I was currently standing on was dark and I was also wearing a black hoodie. It would be difficult for them to spot me, but it’s better to be careful. The four of them stopped just a few meters away from me until another guard tapped the man’s shoulder. “Forget it. I don’t smell anyone. Who would be out here at this time? The Alpha and Luna’s mating ceremony is happening right now.” “Maybe it’s just some wild animal. Come on.” Another guy added, finally persuading the guard who even shot one last glance towards my direction to finally head on. When they finally left, I let out a small relieved sigh. My chest still heaving up and down because of tension and my heart was pounding loudly in my chest. Who wouldn’t be nervous? I was almost caught and I was lucky enough that I have the ability to conceal my scent. If I didn’t conceal my scent, they probably must have caught me by now and will be immediately brought at their Alpha’s feet. I shivered at the thought of that disgusting man. He doesn’t fit to be an Alpha at all. He shouldn’t be the Alpha but I know that no one would side with me if I say this in front of the whole pack. In fact, they aren’t even aware on what he’s been doing behind the screen. They don’t know his cruel and twisted actions and I was the only witness to his every awful deeds. Better just keep my mouth shut or I’ll be slaughtered. I hurriedly ran back towards the cottage where I’ve been staying for the past six months. My senses were sharp and my sight was bright even though it’s clearly past midnight now. My sense of smell was also heightened. I do not want to encounter any patrol guards nor pack members on the way, so I need to be alert. When I finally reached the location of the cottage, I let out a relieved sigh before heading in. It was only near the pack borders, but it was isolated and far away from the pack house. Though I hated to be back here again because it always brought me a sense of dread and bitter memories, I have no choice. Now is not the time for me to escape, and I don’t want to sleep out there on the cold forest ground. I would only make things difficult for myself. Besides, I only have to endure a little more, and all of this will finally end. I took off my hoodie, stuffing it on my worn-out duffel bag before I pulled my sore body to lie on the wooden bed. Stretching my limbs out, I let out a low groan when my bruised wrist hit the headrest. “s**t!” I hissed in pain before pulling my wrist towards my face. The bruise has now turned to purplish blue. It has been three days, but it still hurts like hell. That asshole! I have many battered bruises everywhere in my body, and it was all caused by Kaden. The man I despise the most. “Calm down, stop thinking about that scoundrel!” I whispered to myself. Resting my arm on my forehead, I managed to calm myself down as I took a deep breath. There was still a faint metallic smell of blood around the surrounding. And that blood was mine. I shut my eyes tight, not really wanting to smell my own blood stench through the air. However, when my bracelet slightly grazed the skin on my forehead, I snapped my eyes open again. Memories came back flooding in my mind as I brought my other hand to touch the bracelet on my left wrist. This was the bracelet my mother gave me. It was her gift for my 18th birthday, my coming of age – six months ago… *** I was facing my vanity mirror with a frown on my face. It was almost half an hour but I still haven’t figured out what hairstyle would suit me tonight, for my coming-of-age celebration. “Sweetie.” The frown on my face was immediately replaced by a smile when I heard my mom’s sweet and gentle voice. “Mother!” Getting up from my seat, I immediately made my way towards her before embracing her. “Can you help me do my hair?” I said with a cheeky voice. “Oh dear, look at you,” Mom laughed softly as she returned my hug, “Aren’t you too extra sweet today? “Mom, it’s my eighteenth birthday. Please bear with me, even just for today?” I quietly grumbled, stuffing my face into her chest while pouting. Her sweet scent never ceased to calm my tensed nerves. Mom chuckled as she brought her hand up to caress my hair gently. “As my dearest daughter say so.” “You’ll help me do my hair?” I immediately pulled away from my hug and looked at her expectantly, “And my make up too?” Mom smiled softly as she nod, earning a triumphant yelp on me. “You’re the best, mom!” I kissed her cheek with a wide grin before pulling her towards my vanity mirror. “Wait, I’ll go wear my dress first.” I immediately slipped on the dress that mom especially prepared for me. It was a white silk backless dress. The neckline wasn’t too deep, just enough to show a little amount of cleavage. The dress clung to my body like a second skin, showing all my curves in all the right places. I felt a little insecure to go out while wearing this dress, but when I saw mom’s encouraging smile and proud eyes as soon as I got out, my confidence was somehow lifted. “You look lovely, sweetie.” My heart swelled up as I returned her smile, “Thanks, mom.” “Come, I have something to give you.” She gestured me towards her before she pulled a small rectangular box out of nowhere. My brows kitted together, “What’s that?” “A gift for you, sweetie.” “But this dress is already your gift for me, right?” I gestured to the dress I was wearing, still frowning in confusion. Mom let out a sigh, “Am I not allowed to give my daughter two gifts on her 18th birthday?” “Of course, you are.” I smiled sheepishly at her. Mom playfully rolled her eyes while chuckling, “Give me your hand.” “Do I need to chop it off?” “Aurora Bluemoon,” She warned and I raised both of my arms in surrender. “Jeez, I’m just joking, mom. Here.” I stretched my left wrist towards her. Mom got a golden bracelet out from the box before she put the bracelet in my wrist. It contrasted against my pale skin and I noticed that there was a moon pendant in the middle of it. “It’s beautiful.” I looked up at mom and saw her smiling, “Thanks, mom.” She helped me put on my make up first before helping me do my hair. Mom left my hair down. She said that I looked gorgeous with it and only placed some hairpins on it before finally placing the flower crown on my forehead. “You look very beautiful, my love.” Mom side-hugged me as I rested my head on her shoulder while wiggling my brows at the mirror. “I got it from you.” “Only an hour to go, and you’ll be an official adult.” I sighed. Indeed, this felt surreal. Only an hour and I’ll be 18. I will be able to shift and feel my inner wolf. My heart started pounding loudly again. I am feeling nervous, excited and tensed. I’m feeling very complicated. I felt a soft pinch on my shoulder. I glanced at mom and saw her smiling reasurringly at me. “Don’t be nervous. You are perfect, my child.” “I don’t know, mom.” I looked down on my freshly polished nails. “Something seems to be bugging me.” “Oh? And what is it?” Sighing, I looked up at her again. “The Verrins.” Mom turned silent beside me and I took it as a chance to continue talking. “You know, the fear of becoming a Verrin… Although they’re only known from the legend, every girl from all packs around the world have been dreading about this.” I clasped mine and mom’s hands together, “It’s said that their scent is strongly sweet that can drive any wolf insane. I don’t know, mom. I’m feeling troubled.” “It’s okay, sweetie.” Mom pulled me up from my seat before pulling me into a hug. “It’s just a legend. There’s nothing to be afraid of.” I let out a shaky sigh, trying to calm myself under her warm embrace. “I hope so too.” Wrapping my arms around her back, I hugged her tighter. Though, my heart was still filled with dread. “Now, now, stop thinking about that. Who knows, you might be able to find your mate tonight.” She said, diverting the topic. However, I didn’t feel the excitement of finding my mate at this moment. I was feeling uneasy, hence I only hugged her body tighter. ***** I wished I could stay with my mother’s embrace forever. The protection and safety I always feel every time she hugs me, I miss her so much. I didn’t expect that our conversation that day would be the last. If I only knew, that time, I should’ve stayed with her longer and never left her side. But now, I have nothing but regrets. I didn’t had the chance to do those things. Because I was too weak to protect her and dad. My parents… They died on the night of my 18th birthday. On that same night, I found out that I'm a verrin.