The Scorned Luna Lives Again!

Chapter Eleven

While Ashlyn only grew more irritable and exhausted by Marcus's shallow affections Lily was becoming more intrigued. She began to follow Ashlyn around, trying to pry information on her wealthy suitor but Ashlyn remained closed off and cold. When her charms didn't reach Ashlyn she tried to get info from anyone in the pack but Ashlyn had been absolute that no one was to gossip about her personal life, especially to Lily.

Feeling frustrated and desperate Lily tried to weasel it out of her brothers but they were so occupied in their own lives no one even noticed Ashlyn's secret admirer. Jacob couldn't be bothered to care but Mikhail was intrigued to see what kind of man was interested in his sister. He began to sleuth around and eventually found it was an Alpha of a medium sized pack, he wasn't very impressed in Mikhail's eyes but Lily lit up with excitement that he was an alpha and CEO.

"Why are you so excited?" He asked her curiously.

Lily shrugged playfully. "Oh...I just want what's best for my sister, doesn't he sound like a good match?" She said sweetly before skipping off to learn as much as possible about this golden goose as she could.

Mikhail felt off about it but seeing as Ashlyn didn't seem that interested anyway he decided not to interfere. He went to her room to find her lost in her sketches, he noticed one on the floor and picked it up to admire it.

"Your very talented Ash." He said quietly.

She looked up at him slowly, her eyes showing little interest. He felt a bit disheartened as he remembered the bright and cheerful little girl that lit up with the slightest praise.

"Thanks" she muttered before turning back to her sketching. She didn't trust any kindness from her brothers, even if Mikhail had been the kinder of the two she knew he heavily doted on Lily.

Mikhail stood silently for a moment longer, watching her. He had noticed in recent years the light in her eyes fading but he hadn't paid much attention, assuming it was just signs of growing up but the warmth in her eyes as she sketched told him there was a deeper issue. He walked away after a while, her sketch in his hands.

After that encounter Mikhail tried to spend more time with Ashlyn, he even helped her with colors for some of her designs. She began to ease up around him, their sibling bond slowly rebuilding.

Ashlyn didn't fully trust Mikhail but she felt a small sliver of hope for their relationship. The real test came when Marcus came to their house, a bouquet of roses in hand and an entourage of gifts lined up behind him.

He looked handsome and dignified. His luscious, milk chocolate brown hair was slicked and styled back. His deep ocean blue eyes that seemed full of confidence and affection as soon as he spotted Ashlyn.

"My mate" he said excitedly, reaching out for Ashlyn but she instinctively slapped his hand away stunning even herself.

She looked away, trying to hide the panic she felt deep within her soul. The silver mark on her neck burned as she remembered how disgustingly he had behaved in the past and the suffering he put her through.

While no one knew why she had such a deep rooted resentment to Marcus the pack felt an urge to protect her as they watched her silently trembling. The only one not noticing her distress was their alpha, Jacob.

"Welcome Alpha Marcus." Jacob said calmly, ignoring Ashlyn's aggression and clear dislike for Marcus he welcomed him warmly.

Marcus, still stunned by Ashlyn's intense reaction, looked up at him. "Thank you for inviting me, Alpha Jacob."

Ashlyn felt her stomach churn. While it happened much later than her past life the inevitable still occurred, it was clear they were going to discuss her marriage to Marcus as fated mates. She tried to look at Jacob pleadingly, she needed more time but he dismissed her coldly. Mikhail watched closely. His eyes narrowing at his brother's cold attitude, he was going to speak when Lily sauntered out with a devilish grin on her lips.

Lily wore a form fitting red cocktail dress that accented every feminine curve, her long blonde hair that had been recently touched up was curled elegantly, the smokey look of her make up made the crystal blue of her eyes pop and she walked with a suggestive sway far beyond the years of an innocent eighteen year old girl.

Ashlyn stiffened as Lily held her hand out to Marcus who was obviously bewitched my Lily's allure. She smiled as he took it, "pleased to meet you." She smirked as he kissed her hand softly.

"The pleasure is mine" he purred, already forgetting his so-called mate bond as his eyes lit up with desire.

Even Jacob felt slighted by their obvious flirtations but seeing Lily happy he remained quiet. Mikhail on the other hand cleared his throat and looked at the pair with disapproval.

"What business do you have, Alpha Marcus" his tone was cold as he shifted his body to protect Ashlyn from their shamelessness.

Marcus felt a blush on his cheeks as he pulled away from Lily who was annoyed by Mikhail's interference. Marcus cleared his throat and tried to regain his sense, "I.. I'm here to formally propose to your sister." He said sheepishly.

Mikhail smirked, "which one?"

Marcus gripped the bouquet tightly in his hands. "Ashlyn of course. She's my mate."

He was insulted that Mikhail had suggested he would have come for Lily when he had been vehemently trying to pursue Ashlyn. He had tried to make his feelings transparent to Ashlyn but she always remained cold and distant, he was merely impressed by Lily's charms.

Mikhail scoffed and turned to Ashlyn. "Come sister, I have something that needs your attention to detail." He gently took Ashlyn's arm and took her away from the scene.

There was a flutter in Ashlyn's heart, he had never been so protective in the past so she didn't know what to do or how to feel. As they made their way to his studio she muttered a soft 'thanks' before hanging her head.

She didn't know what to feel or how to process her pain from the past. No one would believe her. The power to be reborn was a myth and if he knew their parents gave their souls for this chance he'd come to hate her almost as much as she hated herself. Still Ashlyn refused to show weakness, not now when she had begun her steps to freedom.

Mikhail smiled as he watched her compose herself, the way she steeled herself despite feeling vulnerable just a moment ago. He poured her a drink and handed it to her.

"Drink up." He said softly, taking a big drink from his own glass. The burn melted away the awful taste in his mouth from watching Lily and Marcus.

Ashlyn took her own drink, her face flushed but she took it well despite only just turning 21 almost as if she had drank before but he didn't recall any times she would have access to alcohol. He felt like there was something she couldn't reveal but he didn't want to pry, instead he began to work on a painting of the Moon Goddess.

Ashlyn watched him curiously, she began to critique him and guide him to make it more realistic. Soon he was facing the true face of the Moon Goddess, she was fierce, powerful and breathtaking. He wanted to ask how she came up with the concept but seeing the way she looked at the painting with familiarity he decided to keep it to himself.

After a moment of admiring the painting he turned to her, "it's going to an auction. It's a bit of fun, lots of artwork to admire and at the end everyone gathers to mingle. You should come, get out of the house." When she showed no interest he grinned and whispered softly, "there's also the best cuisine." He chuckled as that caught her attention almost instantly.

They hid out in his studio until Marcus had left, afterwards Ashlyn slipped out hoping to avoid Jacob and Lily. When she successfully made it to her room she looked at the envelope in her hands, the physical invitation from Mikhail. In the past he had taken Lily to the auction and she met a lot of influential people that boosted her popularity. Now that opportunity was Ashlyn's and she was determined to make the best of it.