Too Late For Redemption: Rise Of The Lycan Queen

Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE : You really think you're worth the effort?

Ariela's P. O . V

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I hugged the box tightly like it was my emotional support box as I took slow steps towards them. I couldn't tear my eyes away, no matter how hard I tried to, even as Hayden's eyes opened and stared directly into mine and he gave Candace's breast a squeeze before pulling away.

I tried clearing my throat but the tightness in my chest constricted my breathing. It's because it's so awkward and so unexpected. I couldn't take seeing them feeling on each other like that so I turned around and tried to walk away but Hayden stopped me.

"Where do you think you're going?"

I clenched my hands into fists and slowly walked back to them. Candace finally stopped latching on like a child and came over to greet me with her usual sweet smile and bubbly energy that I'll never be capable of matching.

"Ari, what are you doing here? Babe didn't tell me you were coming too." I exchanged her smile and feigned surprise.

Candace has been the happiest these past weeks because she is twenty one now and she'll get to attend the Mating Ball where she'll know if Hayden is her mate and if the Goddess didn't pair them as mates then Hayden can still choose her and take her as his future Luna. The Mating Ball is the most anticipated and important event in a werewolf's life, it is an auspicious time when the Goddess is most generous with blessings and it is a time most wolves will find their mates. Other wolves don't need the Silver Moon's magic to find that connection, the luckiest wolves will feel that mate bond, that irresistible spark as soon as they meet their mates.. oh so I've heard.

Candace and Hayden are so perfect together, they must be mates.

I realised the face I was making and quickly switched to a more non- chalant expression.

I gave Hayden a quick side glance and found him smirking at me like the Devil before he took a few steps towards me. It'll appear I don't deserve private space as long as he's around.

"Right on time. The box, open it."

I gave him a quizzical stare but proceeded to unseal the box regardless.

"Look inside and tell me what you think." He told me.

I removed the bubble wrap on top and I almost could not believe my eyes when I saw the iridescent sculpture, perfection molded by the hands of my favourite artist, a signed original, a breath- taking beauty named "Deviance". But… what? How did he…

I couldn't stop looking at it and the signature and Candace began gushing before she could even see it.

"What is it? Awww babe, I knew you two would fix things, you even got a peace offering! Now that's how it's done!"

He asked me what I think, the look on my face was already saying enough.

"It's…. It's so beautiful, thank you-" Hayden abruptly snatched the box from me and gave me a mocking scoff.

"Who said it was yours?" You really think you're worth the effort?" He turned towards Candace and handed it to her. "Surprise, baby hun, " Candace took out the sculpture and squealed excitedly, then jumped onto him and wrapped her toned legs around his waist, "now you can ditch the wallpaper, you have the reall thing. I went through a lot of trouble getting it for you, costed a gorgeous penny too, so… how do you plan on repaying me?"

I looked away the second they started sucking each other's faces. I should've walked away when I had the chance, I wouldn't be feeling like this.

Candace giggled salaciously, "I'm going to blow your f*****g mind tonight!"

Her words stab through my body like a million darts. I've had enough.

"I think I should go."

"Wait," I almost yelled in frustration when Candace stopped me, " I have an even better idea, let's head back together. We're going to Sky's, we'll drop you off on the way." Candace enthusiastically suggests and before I could even say anything, she was already hooking her arm inside mine and walking off with me.

I almost couldn't hide how embarrassed and emotionally exhausted I was, but since she was trying, I forced myself to try harder as well, I didn't want to ever come off as impolite to her. I did not want to be in Hayden's car though. Sitting in the back, I felt very uncomfortable because being in this car made a very awful memory to resurface. The last I was in this car was the third day after alpha Reagan's death and the two week anniversary of my mother's disappearance and he was an absolute jerk and left me balling my eyes out.

I tried hard to suppress the memory before I get too hurt and fail to keep the tears at bay. It was only three hours, I could do it, I can endure this. I kept telling myself only to almost asphyxiate on raging emotions each time I caught his eyes on the rearview mirror.

His eyes kept going there, he kept looking me the entire drive while he busied his other hand with groping Candace's thigh whenever he had the chance. When I noticed he was not going to stop, I turned to the window and just looked at the passing cars as though they were the most entertaining thing. Oh how I can't wait to get off this car!

With Hayden like a lunatic, we were back at the Alpha's Residence in two hours and I wasted no time removing myself from his vehicle before I get accused of lowering it's worth by being inside it. I was so focused on getting far away from Hayden and Candace's PDA that I forgot what I had left behind. Oh but it surely did not forget me. I found it glaring and waiting for me.

As soon as I walked inside I was welcomed by a hot slap that sent me to the ground and almost flattened me. Before I could even fully register what was happening, I received a second slap on the other cheek and my ears were left ringing. Audrey's enraged face descended upon mine, so did her clawed hands. I left those long nails poke my scalp as she ruthlessly fisted my hair and started pulling on it. I cried out in pain and tried in vain to pry her thin fingers open and free my hair before it is ripped from the scalp.

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