Scarlet Moon: The Marked Heir

ELEVEN

"What did you just say to me?" He came closer, his eyes shimmering, sending a thrill down my spine. What was I thinking? I should have just handed him the water and walked away. Was I really believing he was superior to his brother?

No…

"Say what you just said again, if you have the guts." His face darkened, and I couldn't tell if he was angry or if he was about to pounce on me. I find myself cursing inside, questioning why I keep making things harder for myself.

He gripped my neck tightly, sending a jolt of pain through my entire body.

I parted my lips just a bit, weighing whether it would be smart to say it again. This isn’t what I came for! I vowed to rise above the weight of others' expectations, yet here I am, feeling like I’ve let myself down once more. Seeing people rush past me.

He gazed into my eyes, anticipation hanging in the air as he awaited my response. I let out a sigh. “You know, I was right—everyone thinks I’m into you. Now, my posters cover the wall, as if I were a notorious outlaw.”

He didn't react, nor did he bat an eyelash. His face remained expressionless, gazing directly into his soul. I sensed his wolf, eagerly snapping at me, ready to claw out at any moment. Unlike Rowan, he might have pushed me to the ground, but it seemed like he was battling something much larger inside.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “It wasn’t my fault the moon goddess made me take this insult by making you my mate. Perhaps I was too kind to you, and now I wish I hadn't been.”

A frown line appeared between my brows. Does he really believe I enjoy the moon goddess pairing me with someone who has a massive ego? Based on my experiences, I no longer wish to be paired with anyone. I would simply stay as this version of myself and return to the human world.

“Do you really believe I find this enjoyable as well?” I stood firm, refusing to step back, ready to face whatever came my way. We were right on the edge, so incredibly close. The warmth radiated from him, enveloping me completely. And oddly enough, my body let me down; I felt a surge of heat between my legs.

Which, unfortunately, hadn't even reached out to me. Especially Darius, my brother! The person who taught me the fundamentals of defense in the pack. But it all came to a halt when Kael appointed him as his beta.

“You don’t?” he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, making me acutely aware of my body. I found myself pulling in my baggy outfits, reining myself in with determination.

If he kept staring at me for too long, he would surely uncover my secret. I wasn't prepared for that; it would have been even worse than before, and they would have treated me like garbage.

Then he inquired, “What’s that scent…”

I swallowed my nerves, keeping a straight face. I could feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, and I hoped he wouldn’t notice that either.

“It’s different…” he murmured, his voice dropping to a softer tone, gradually fading into a whisper. “Have you shifted yet? Looks like you're not. It’s easy to believe you’re just like us.”

He stepped back, his expression remaining serious. I stand completely still, as if my legs are stuck to the ground. I let go of the air I had been holding in, and my breath caught in my throat.

I spun around, adjusting my bucket hat that had slipped off while I was being chased by Rowan's minion.

“I never asked you to leave,” he shouted, reaching for his training stick. I started to question whether he was attempting to train with the air or not.

“You’re going to stay right here and follow my instructions.”

I inhaled deeply, closing and then opening my eyes. What was on my mind? He was just like them, but in a quieter way, a softer version of them all.

“Until that bond snaps, you'll follow my every command. No need for me to say it again.”

“Whenever I ask you to do something, just go for it.”

Then Austin walked in, a true powerhouse of the academy. He isn't a student; instead, he serves on the council and is also the personal trainer of the Veylar brothers.

He strolled in, radiating an incredible presence, his upper body exposed, wearing only his pants. I shouldn’t blush; that would be strange. It seems like adjusting to my new identity might take a bit more time than I expected.

“Lioran!” he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face as his gaze locked onto the stick. “Your father just called!”

Lioran's eyes shot up in frustration at the mention of his father. It was clear that they weren't on favorable terms with each other. At least his father still calls, unlike mine, who believes that being exiled from her pack means being cut off from her family and her home.

“Well then.” He grabbed another training stick and tossed it at Austin, who caught it effortlessly, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. They were just about to kick off their training, and it felt like I was stepping into something important.

“Lioran, you can’t keep acting like this,” he said with a light chuckle, teasing him playfully. It was a bit strange for me to be there, observing them. Yet, a part of me was eager to watch, curious to see just how talented they truly were.

They shook hands and then stepped back, leaving a few inches of space between them. They get into position, stepping their right leg forward while keeping the other leg slightly back. I haven't seen Lioran change before, and I suppose this will be the first time, so I'm eager to see just how talented he is.

“Just answer your father, Lioran.” He must have his reasons, and thanks to you, he keeps asking me about how you’re doing. He came to a halt, frozen in place. His lips moved, but no sound escaped his mouth. “And you know the rest. He keeps asking me if you’ve found your mate yet.”

“What makes him interested?”

Lioran lunged forward, swinging his stick at Austin, who narrowly dodged it just in time, making Lioran almost lose his balance.

When I heard this from them, it was as if I didn’t belong here at all. What they were saying felt profound. I turned away from them, adjusting my clothes, and walked in a direction where I hoped I wouldn’t be found.

Then Austin paused and turned to face me. “And you are?”

I gently touched my lips, eager to find the perfect word to express myself. Just as I was about to speak, Lioran jumped in, “He's my pet.”

I shot him a fierce look. “I am not…”

I was totally ready for Austin to give him a good talking-to for saying that to me. Austin chuckled and playfully tapped Lioran on the shoulder, turning what could have been a hurtful moment into a lighthearted exchange.

“When did you get pets? I believed that was something your brother would be involved in.”

Out of nowhere, I heard footsteps trailing behind me. It moved with a deliberate and watchful grace. The scent struck me hard, a vivid reminder that I was deep in enemy territory.

“Rowan, you arrived a bit late.” Austin let out a sarcastic mumble. My body tensed the instant he brushed past me. His eyes turned shadowy, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“I always arrive on time.” He struck his training stick against the bare ground. “I arrive whenever I please.”

In that instant, I realized escape was impossible; I was face to face with the devil himself. He stood before me, taking in every detail from my head to my toes.

“I see you’ve made a comeback with me.”

“Please, just give me some space, Rowan.” I spoke in a hushed tone. He slowly shook his head and sent me tumbling right onto the bare ground.

I felt a sharp jolt of pain as I pulled myself through the dirt, trying to escape from him. Austin and Lioran stood still, their eyes locked onto mine.

“What’s your problem? Why can’t you just let me be?” I nibbled on the inside of my chin, feeling a sharp sting from the scratch on my skin.

He landed another kick, this time right in my stomach. “I’m not sure, but you really shouldn’t have tried to be the hero from the start, new guy.”

Oh moon goddess, I beg you, rescue me from his grasp. At last, listen to my plea. A shiver ran through my entire body; I felt so weak, utterly weak. I hadn't prepared myself to endure attacks and pains like this.

Then Austin finally sighed, “I called you here to train with your brother Rowan, not with his pet.”

I gasped, my eyes growing wide with fear.

“No… no, no.” I turned to Rowan, a dark glint sparkling in his eyes. His eyes were filled with a myriad of questions.

Thanks, Austin, you really worsened it. Rowan warned me to keep my distance from Lioran, believing I had a crush on him. I couldn't, and even if I could, Lioran wouldn't keep his distance, finding ways to torment me as if I had asked the moon goddess to bind us together as mates.

“A pet?” He chuckled while crouching down in front of me. “How about we share, brother?”