Chapter 2: The Price of Destiny
1160 Words
Alpha Thorn Vaughn had been dead for nearly two centuries. Since his passing, his son, Xander Vaughn, had ruled in his place, twisting the laws of their pack to fit his will. Some called it reformation; others called it tyranny.
Nikolas, once a Beta before his fall from rank, had always been cautious of Xander’s reign. And yet, as the father of the Luna-to-be, he had no choice but to uphold the alliance. Tonight’s dinner was just another step in sealing the fate of his daughter.
Selene had no say in it.
Ralphina spent hours preparing Selene, stretching out her thick curls until they cascaded like silk, fitting her into an elegant, pale-gold gown that shimmered under the candlelight. She fussed over every detail—adjusting, smoothing, perfecting—as if Selene were a prized jewel being polished before an auction.
“You must look perfect for your Alpha,” Ralphina murmured, her voice laced with finality.
Selene said nothing.
As they made their way downstairs, Ylva gasped in admiration, her bright eyes lighting up. “You look like a real Luna!”
Selene forced a small smile. If only you knew, little one.
The dining hall was dimly lit, the flickering glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the wooden walls. The air smelled of roasted venison and fresh herbs, a rich meal prepared in honor of their esteemed guest.
Xander sat at the head of the table, sipping lazily from his goblet. He wore a sharp, obsidian-black suit, his presence commanding the room without effort. Though he barely spoke, his piercing, ice-blue eyes saw everything.
Nikolas raised his cup in welcome. "To the future of the Vaughn Pack."
Xander inclined his head, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "To the future."
Dinner was filled with conversation—mostly politics, mostly laws. Nikolas, ever the fallen Beta, questioned Xander’s leadership, speaking of old laws and traditions. He did it carefully, tactfully. But Xander's expression never wavered, his sharp smirk carved into place like a second skin.
"Laws evolve, old man," Xander finally said. "Just as our world does."
Nikolas opened his mouth to argue, but Ralphina swiftly cut in, her voice warm but firm.
“Enough politics for the night. Let the young ones talk.”
She cast a knowing glance at Selene before rising. “Come, Nikolas.”
Ylva, who had been eagerly eavesdropping, whined in protest. “I want to stay—”
Ralphina’s sharp stare silenced her. With a reluctant sigh, the child followed, casting a longing look over her shoulder before disappearing upstairs.
And just like that, Selene was alone with Xander Vaughn.
The silence between them stretched long.
Selene gripped the edge of the table, willing her hands not to tremble.
Xander leaned back in his chair, watching her with the ease of a predator that knew its prey had nowhere to run.
"No need to look so flushed, Selene," he drawled, swirling the dark wine in his goblet. "We've waited far too long for this moment. I suppose you know me better than anyone would by now."
Selene lifted her chin. "I know you," she admitted carefully. "But you still feel like a stranger to me."
Xander chuckled, deep and amused.
"That's because you've never bothered to look close enough."
Selene frowned, his words pressing against her mind like a puzzle she couldn’t solve.
Xander leaned forward then, his elbows resting on the table. “You wonder why I carry so much pain?” His voice softened, but his gaze remained piercing. “Because I have to. Because I must do everything in my power to protect my pack—to build a legacy of peace, just as my father did.”
"Peace?" The word felt wrong on his tongue. How could he call it that when his hands were stained with blood?
Before she could question him, he exhaled, flashing her a firm smile. "You may not understand it yet, but you will. You will be a fine bride for me, Selene."
His certainty made her stomach twist.
"The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes."
Xander set down his goblet and tilted his head. “Is there anything you want from me? A favor, perhaps?”
Selene's lips parted—a chance. An opening.
She could have asked him for freedom. She could have pleaded.
Instead, she swallowed hard and lied.
“No. Nothing.”
Xander studied her, his expression unreadable.
Then, with a slow smirk, he stood.
Selene did the same, relieved that the night was ending. But as they reached the doorway, he paused.
And then he touched her.
A firm hand squeezed her hip to her butt—possessive, claiming.
She gasped, freezing under his touch. But before she could react, his lips crashed onto hers.
Fierce. Unrelenting. Demanding.
Selene’s eyes widened in shock.
When he pulled away, a satisfied smirk curled at the edges of his lips.
"Bye for now, wifey," he murmured.
And then he was gone.
The door shut behind him. His car roared to life and disappeared into the night, leaving Selene standing there—speechless, violated, and more determined than ever.
Selene stormed up to her room, slamming the door behind her.
"How was he?"
Ylva's voice startled her.
Selene turned to find her sister perched at the edge of her bed, her face full of innocent curiosity.
"I don’t know," Selene admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
She needed time. She needed to think.
But Ralphina had other plans.
"There’s no time left to waste."** Her mother’s voice rang from the hallway.**
Selene swallowed as Ralphina appeared in the doorway, arms crossed. "Your father and I begged the previous Alpha to wait until you were of age so you wouldn’t be thrown into child marriage. You’re eighteen now, Selene. You must be ready."
Selene’s fists clenched.
"Mum—"
"Don’t Mum me!" Ralphina snapped. "Nikolas, talk some sense into your daughter."
Nikolas didn’t answer immediately. He simply exhaled, giving Selene a long, searching look.
That night, as the house fell silent, Selene made her choice.
She pulled a folded paper from beneath her pillow.
Lunar Crest Academy – Admission Closing Tomorrow.
This was her only way out.
She wouldn’t be Xander Vaughn’s Luna. And she began to prepare, from taking off all her makeup.
In the dead of night, Selene cut her hair.
She bound her scent with herbs, wrapped herself in a cloak, and took on a new name:
Silas Valdir.
An orphan rogue. Her plan was to get into the Academy with forged documents.
She took her father’s old motorbike, filled it with every last coin of her savings, and rode into the unknown.
She had no home now. No name.
Only a chance.
Only one way forward. Will she survive the trials of the Academy, disguised as a rogue?
And when Alpha Xander realizes his Luna has run… what price will Selene's parents have to pay?
- Writer
