Mated to Alpha Bastain

Chapter 2: Fractured Promises

Margareth POV

My heart pounded as I stumbled into the courtyard, Xavier’s betrayal searing my chest. The cloaked figure’s dagger glinted at his throat, and Bastian’s amber eyes bore into mine, his words echoing: *“Your next move changes everything.”* I froze, torn between rage and the stranger’s cryptic offer. Before I could speak, Xavier shoved the figure away, the blade nicking his neck. The cloaked attacker vanished into the shadows, leaving a chilling silence.

“Margie, wait!” Xavier shouted, lunging toward me. I spun, sprinting from Aventia Castle’s stony path, tears blurring my vision. His footsteps thudded behind me, relentless. Near the oak grove, he caught my arm, yanking me to face him. “This is *your* fault,” he snarled, eyes wild. “You drove me to her!”

My breath hitched, pain slicing deeper. “*My* fault?” I wrenched free, voice trembling. “I’ve poured everything into you, Xavier—into *us*. I’ve juggled the Lunar Gala, the pack, your endless demands. And you repay me with *her*?”

He scoffed, unrepentant. “You’re never here, Margie. Always buried in plans, ignoring me. I’m lonely. Selena gives me what you won’t.”

The name—Selena—hit like a slap. My wolf, Emma, growled, *He’s lying. He’s always wanted control, not love.* I shoved her down, glaring at Xavier. “Lonely? I’m drowning in responsibilities for *our* pack, the one *you* neglect. The gala’s in hours, and you’re bedding some mistress?”

His jaw tightened, but his gaze held no warmth. “You’ve pushed me away. After my duties, I try to reach you, but you’re too busy playing Luna. You’ve abandoned me, Margie. Selena sees me.”

I recoiled, his words twisting the knife. *Abandoned him?* For two years, I’d been his anchor, forgiving his flaws, believing in our bond. Now he painted me as the villain. “You’re blaming *me* for your betrayal?” I snapped. “You humiliated me, Xavier. You’ve shown your true colors.”

He stepped closer, voice cold. “Don’t lecture me about colors. The gala, the pack’s reputation—none of it matters. I deserve to be happy, even if it’s with Selena.”

Emma snarled, *He’s trash. End this.* My hands shook, but I held his gaze. “If you want her, reject me. After the gala, set me free.”

His eyes darkened, a cruel edge surfacing. “Reject you? Never. You’re Luna, Margie. I’ll keep Selena, keep you, keep *everything*.” He loomed, raising his hand as if to strike.

I braced, but a strong grip caught his wrist. “Enough,” a deep voice growled. Bastian, the alpha from the Red Iris Pack, towered between us, his presence electric. “You call yourself an alpha, treating your mate like this?”

Xavier yanked his arm free, sneering. “Who the hell are you? This is none of your business.”

Bastian’s amber eyes flicked to me, softening briefly before hardening on Xavier. “I’m Bastian, and I don’t tolerate cowards who harm their own. Solve this with words, not fists.”

Xavier laughed, bitter. “Stay out of it. I know how to handle *my* Luna.”

Bastian adjusted his sleeves, unfazed. “Handle her? I’ll be watching, Xavier. Touch her again, and you’ll answer to me.” His tone carried a lethal promise.

Xavier swore, storming off toward the castle, his silhouette swallowed by the oaks. I stood, heart racing, as Bastian turned to me. “You alright, Margie?” His voice was gentle, but his gaze scanned me for injuries.

“Not really,” I admitted, voice cracking. “Mentally, I’m a mess.”

He nodded, understanding. “You’re stronger than you feel right now. If he tries that again, don’t back down.”

A faint smile tugged at my lips, his words a lifeline. I brushed a braid behind my ear, steadying myself. “I’m Margareth. Margie’s fine. Thanks for… that.”

He clasped my outstretched hand, his grip warm and firm. “Bastian. Pleasure’s mine, Margie.” His smile was disarming, hinting at secrets.

Curiosity flickered, but I kept it cool. “You’re new around here, right? I don’t recognize you.”

“Nah, I live nearby,” he said smoothly. “Just back from a trip. Red Iris Pack business.”

I nodded, filing that away. The gala loomed, and I’d delayed preparations too long. “You should come to the Lunar Gala next week. The pack would love to meet you.”

His eyes sparkled. “Wouldn’t miss it, Margie. Count me in.”

“Thanks. I’ve got to run—gala duties.” I waved, turning toward the palace.

As I walked, Bastian’s wolf, Clements, whispered in his mind, *She’s the one, Bastian. Claim her before it’s too late.*

*Not now, Clem,* Bastian shot back, his jaw tight. *We need a spark to change the game.*

Back at the palace, I threw myself into gala prep, but Xavier’s words haunted me. *Abandoned him?* The lie stung, but Selena’s smirk lingered worse. Who was she, really? The cloaked figure’s attack nagged at me too—had they targeted Xavier, or was it a warning?

Beta Blake met me in the foyer, clipboard in hand. “Luna, we’ve got witches confirmed. Extra guards are set, but…” He hesitated. “There’s a rumor. About Selena.”

My heart sank. “What rumor?”

He lowered his voice. “She’s no ordinary wolf. Some say she’s tied to the witches, maybe even their spy. And Xavier’s been meeting her for months.”

The air left my lungs. A spy? My mind raced to Bastian’s warning about Selena being “more than she seems.” Was Xavier’s betrayal just lust, or was he entangled in something darker? Before I could press Blake, a sharp howl pierced the air, chilling my blood.

I rushed to the balcony, Blake at my heels. Below, pack guards circled a figure in the courtyard—a woman with red hair, her eyes glowing unnaturally. Selena. She raised a hand, and the ground trembled, cracks splitting the stone. “Margareth!” she called, voice dripping with menace. “You can’t hide from me. The Brown Iris Pack is *mine* now.”

Panic surged, but Bastian’s voice cut through the chaos, calm and commanding. “Stay back, Margie.” He appeared beside me, his alpha aura pulsing. “She’s not just a mistress. She’s a witch’s pawn, and Xavier’s in deeper than you know.”

Before I could react, Selena’s laughter echoed, and a dark mist swirled around her. From it stepped the cloaked figure, dagger gleaming. But this time, their hood fell, revealing a face I knew—one that stopped my heart.