THEN CAME ANOTHER ALPHA

[A/N: I really appreciate you for choosing this book and I'll like to take this liberty to inform you that the contents herein is only suitable for adult viewers, as it might contain sexually explicit scenes to an extent. Readers discretion is highly advised.] Lyra's POV: I killed for him. I literally murdered an alpha for his sake and what do I get? Rejection and disdain. "I, Alpha Lucas Thornwood of the Blood Claw pack reject you as my mate and future Luna," he said to me, right in the presence of the whole pack. My mate spat on me and called me a murderer because I defended myself. I defended myself against his father, the alpha who was trying to force himself on me, accidentally killing him in the process. I didn't want any other person taking my innocence, apart from my destined soulmate. I had been keeping myself for him all my life and I intended for him to have me this way. Now, nobody was going to believe me over their dead, beloved Alpha. Nobody believed that Alpha Damian actually had his eyes on me, especially because I wasn't really anything much to look at. I had burn scars on one side of my face and even my body. An alpha couldn't possibly want me. I dragged my bare feet through the muddy, forest ground, hanging my head low in shame and exhaustion. Now I had totally lost everything. The pack was the only family I had grown to have, even if every single one of them hated me. From a very young age, I had lost my own real family in a fire. A fire that I managed to survive with scars all over my face. Scars that never seemed to heal, even when I finally had my wolf. I had hoped that at least, some affection from my soulmate would ease my pain, make me feel a little better about myself but here I was... rejected and all alone in the middle of the woods, hunted down like a f*****g animal. I heard the rumbling of thunder and rain droplets descended down on my already drenched body, as if the night couldn't get any worse. It was as if the moon goddess had a personal beef with me at this point and the thought made my eyes water. I had been walking for days, risking my life in unknown territories in a bid to put as much distance as I could between myself and the Blood Claw pack. Lucas clearly stated that if he was to ever lay his eyes on me again, he would end my life with his own hands, so I ran. Every muscle of my body was beginning to hurt with each step I took and my breathing was becoming painfully ragged. I was a warrior but even I had never pushed myself this far. My wolf had completely retreated to the back of my mind, leaving me to face the cold, rainy night alone, while she dealt with the loss of our mate. Something I should have seen coming. I suddenly coughed out a thick, dark liquid from my mouth, doubling over and clutching my stomach in pain. My body was still quite shaken by the rejection, I think. I could feel my wolf howling and writhing in pain inside me. The weight of the severed bond, the shame, the loneliness and fear was all too much for her. It was all too much for us. A loud cracking sound of thunder suddenly tore through the night skies but I didn't flinch. I didn't have the strength to. I watched a tree catch fire, despite the fact that it was raining heavily. I decided to keep moving, not wanting to be caught in this strange territory. I doubt that Lucas and the Blood Claw warriors were still after me now, since it was raining and they must have lost my scent. Since I killed his father, Lucas should be going through the "Alpha phasing" already. His father's dominance and title should already be passing down to him, automatically making him the new leader of the pack by default. I should be Luna. I should be by his side, ruling together and bearing his pups. My only crime was being too determined to keep myself for him. Or perhaps, I wasn't pretty enough? My vision was starting to get a little distorted and a shiver began to spread throughout my body. I couldn't tell if the shivering was from the cold or the rejection but one thing was sure; I was not okay. I had a very bad feeling about this situation. Just as that thought occured to me, I dropped to my knees on the ground, shivering even more intensely. Heavy gust of wind blew past the trees, making loud, eerie sounds but I couldn't bring myself to care. At this point, my whole feet and legs were covered in mud, blood and dirt. It was only dawning on me now that I had been going on for over three days without food or water. I was literally unable to move any further. A howling sound suddenly echoed from nearby, indicating that this was a claimed territory and I was clearly trespassing. They seem to have already been coming for me because the howls got louder and closer. Normally I'd be scared and maybe even on guard. Now however, I couldn't help anything even if I wanted to. If this is how I'm meant to go, then so be it. At least it would be by the hands of strangers and not by my own mate. I slowly let my body drop to the ground, rolling over on my back and looking up to the sky. The droplets of rain kept falling upon me, concealing the tears that were actively escaping my eyes. My eyelids got heavier and heavier by the second and I didn't even struggle against it. Maybe this was death afterall. This was my body shutting down finally before the wolves come around. A small smile slowly tugged at my lips, accepting my fate with open arms. Perhaps I'll finally get to see my family again. I'll get to see my mom and little brother, Jared. My eyes were finally closed but I could still pick up the sounds from around me, albeit weakly. I heard a set of heavy footstep approach me. A sweet, masculine scent of slightly burnt pine trees and roses slowly took over my senses. I heard a loud growl of displeasure, as this person stood beside me. Can't they just let me die? My body was suddenly scooped up from the ground and some pleasurable, tingling sensation travelled all over my body. I slowly forced my eyes open to see a captivating set of green eyes staring down into my soul. Moon goddess better stop joking with me because what is this? "Mine!" The male growled, holding me closer to himself as if trying to shield me from the rain. "Mate is mine!"