Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 4

Four

Four hours before my world was irrevocably altered, the weight of my impending union with Hugo Bastian hung heavy in the air, a destiny predetermined long before my conscious understanding.

From the tender age of two, I knew I was destined to become Hugo's bride, yet the intricate threads of our betrothal had been woven long before my birth.

In the intricate tapestry of the Rhys lineage, marriages were not simply arranged; they were meticulously orchestrated, each alliance a strategic maneuver to fortify our family's supremacy atop the werewolf hierarchy. My father, patriarch of our formidable clan, had sired eight offspring – a perfect balance of four sons and four daughters – each one bound by blood and duty to secure alliances with the most influential Alphas across the realm.

Venus, my elder sister, epitomized the pinnacle of our family's matrimonial prowess, her nuptials celebrated as a spectacle of opulence and power. Renowned as the most prized bride in werewolf history, her Alpha suitor lavished my father with gifts beyond measure – an entire paradise island, a diamond mine, and a promise of unrivaled resources for our pack's prosperity.

The swell of pride on my father's visage that fateful day remains etched in my memory, a testament to the unyielding ambition that courses through our veins.

As the youngest scion of the Rhys lineage, I harbored a fervent desire to elicit that same pride from my father, to wield my status as the final bargaining chip in his arsenal of negotiations.

Long before my first cry echoed through the halls of our ancestral home, whispers of potential suitors vied for my favor, their Alpha lineage vying for my hand in marriage. My father, ever the shrewd negotiator, entertained a multitude of offers, each more extravagant than the last, all for the promise of securing my allegiance to their bloodline.

Though our coffers overflowed with wealth and our influence knew no bounds, our pack's strength paled in comparison. We lacked the numbers to satisfy my father's exacting standards, a deficiency that threatened to undermine our dominance in the werewolf hierarchy.

Enter Hugo Bastian, a titan among Alphas, whose formidable reputation and vast resources promised to elevate our family's standing to unparalleled heights.

"What if I don't like him?" I asked my father when Venus was married off a few years ago.

My father laughed, it was a sound that often brings a chill down the spines of the people he governs. "You don't need to like him. Liking him is not the point."

My lips parted. "But father-"

"Your feelings are unnecessary in this."

And I'm supposed to be my father's favorite.

At the appalled expression I gave my father, he waved me away. "Remember, emotions are a weakness, and we don't possess such imperfections."

Thankfully, Hugo is a great man. Handsome and strong and kind. I've known him all my life, spent many hours of many days with him. I memorized that lopsided smile of his like it was mine, knew the freckles on his face so well I could map them out with my fingers, my eyes closed.

I know I am luckier than most. Hugo is the type of guy that adores his family, loves his mom's spaghetti, follows the rules to the letter, is responsible when itcomes to his duties and is considered by all as an incredible guy.

But most importantly, and probably the only thing that mattered to my family, his father is the Alpha of the biggest and strongest pack in the world. Their pack has ten thousand battle ready werewolves.

And he's to inherit everything, giving my father half of that strength.

Just to marry me.

A Rhys.

"Are you excited?" Freya, my eldest sister asked, humming a soft tune quietly as she fixed my hair for Hugo's ascension to Alpha which was happening tonight.

"Of course she's excited." Venus says, smiling brightly up at me. "Look at her, she's beaming. A blushing bride."

Aurora, the second to the oldest, nodded proudly while inspecting my face. "You're so pretty that you should be dumb, but you're not."

I scrunched up my nose at her words. "Thanks? I guess?"

Freya's eyes started to water then, blinking away tears. It wasn't like her at all. The perfectly indifferent expression on her face melted away just for me. You're luckier than us, Vasi. You actually like Hugo and he likes you back. I'm really happy for you."

"I remember when you were still an infant in a crib andHugo had just started walking. He'd waddle up to your crib just to hold your hand through the bars." Venus gushed sweetly, fanning herself with her hands. It wasn't hard to see why she is the family's biggest accomplishment. "He has always been sweet to you."

Freya squeals, accidentally pulling my hair in the process. "Oh, I remember that! He would even sleep on the floor just to stay close to you. So adorable!"

Sniffles ensue as they coddle me.

Sometimes, my sisters forget I'm not a little baby anymore.

But I loved them for it.

"At least one of us..." Aurora didn't finish her sentence, but we all knew what she meant. "One of us, you know,"

It didn't need to be said.

Not when we know better than anyone.

My three sisters squeezed me in a tight embrace, allowing this small moment for our emotions to show as shameful as it was. Within the room where there was no one else but us, we let ourselves show that love for each other as if it would be our last chance to do so.

"Is it so bad that I hope we'll have a good marriage?" I whispered quietly, ashamed to say it out loud. If father or any of my brothers hear- "Will we have a good marriage? Will we be happy?"

"He'll love you." Venus reassured, almost automatically and confidently. It was the answer of a well versed and well practiced woman who had gone through all this and more. "Everyone loves a Rhys."

But that wasn't my question. "Do you think Hugo and I will have a happy life at least?"

All three of my sisters forced a smile that didn't quite show happiness. With their 'successful' marriages and mating... they looked more like it was torture. And it looked like it would be torture for me too if their death grip on my arm was any indication.

"Everyone loves a Rhys." They assured in unison, a broken record of an answer, but it was the only answer I was going to get. "Everyone."

Like a wealthy man who loves his expensive car.

A knock on the door springs the four of us apart. Guilty of being caught doing something bad, we turn away to different corners of the room and force back that mask of indifference on our faces like nothing happened.

Adonis, the eldest of the eight and my father's prodigy, walked in giving us all a look that meant he knew we were being 'emotional' again. "Father wants Vasi at the party now. He wants to show her off one last time."

"And Hugo?" I glanced at the mirror quickly, my reflection showing a Rhys that my father would be proud of. My sisters chose my wedding dress, opting for a gown that looked like giant white rose petals were sewn together. A slit sliced through the dress around my thigh to expose my legs. The far too tallstiletto heels that I was wearing brought me up a few more inches, the big white bow on it a pretty combination to the dress. My honey colored hair was curled in voluminous waves that cascaded down my back, carefully and methodically complimenting my face, which was peppered with shimmering glitter and a rosy blush on my cheeks.

It was over the top.

Just like how father liked it.

He shrugs, already walking away. "He's not there yet."

"I'll find him." Against everything we stand for, I gave my sisters one last look and the biggest smile. "I'll make you proud. I promise."

Adonis wrinkled his nose in disapproval, his voice dripping with admonishment. "Just because you sense it doesn't mean you must reveal it. Control your emotions. Master your expressions."

I rolled my eyes, dismissing his counsel. "There's no one around."

"You're above them, Vasi," my brother lectured, his gaze boring into mine. "You're our father's favored one. It's time to behave accordingly."

I entertained the idea of punching him, but before I could act, Freya intervened, her fist meeting his stomach with precision.

"Shut it," she hissed, her tone cutting, before turning to me with a triumphant grin. "You're now in the presence of the new Luna."

"The most formidable Luna among all packs," Aurora chimed in, her joy matching Freya's. "That means you outrank us all." Venus nodded in agreement, delicately tilting my chin with her gentle fingers. "Five thousand warriors at your command. All devoted to you."

Adonis muttered to himself, a cloud of foreboding hanging over his words. "The last thing father needs is..."

Freya's sudden pivot caught everyone's attention, suspicion lacing her narrowed eyes. "The last thing he needs before what?"

"Before a new era," Adonis replied cryptically, his resolve evident in the tightness of his jaw. Sensing our scrutiny, he dismissed us with a wave. "Hurry, Vasi. Father won't wait. Find your Alpha and join the celebration immediately."

With a final glance, I parted ways with them, making my way toward Hugo's chambers.

The corridors of Hugo's estate sprawled expansively, cloaked in darkness like the rest of the mansion, adorned with portraits depicting the lineage of formidable Alphas and their enchanting mates. The opulence and strength of the family I was about to marry into were palpable in every detail.

Midway through my journey, navigating the softly illuminated passageways, I spotted him in the distance. Leaning casually against a doorframe, blocking my path, his gaze fixed on me with predatory intensity, stood the Wicked Wolf.

Cloaked in a voluminous black robe that accentuated his imposing stature, he exuded an air of regal authority and lethal prowess. He was a formidable and captivating enigma, a blend of king and warrior incarnate.