Her Beast Mate

Mate… Mate… Mate. The beast’s growl was like a low rumbling thunder that echoed through the darkness. Its eyes, once white, turned ashen like a burning furnace. Every creature within its reach shivered,bowing to the fear that gripped them. A monster without emotion, a force void of reasoning. It had been imprisoned in the cave for centuries, a creature sealed away and trauma locked.Yet now… it sensed something. Its mate. Was this an something to be happy about? Or an omen of destruction? They wouldn't know just yet. Litha Moon Pack: Located in the northern outskirts of River Ash city, the Litha Moon Pack was a small, unrecognized clan, its members are rarely seen or they're not recognised. Their ways were considered ancient and barbaric by those who lived in the buzzling city. No media spotlight ever shone on them, and their names never appeared on the entertainment news or lists of the wealthy. The sky above was heavy and shook dangerously, threatening to rain as the smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the earthly smell of the rain. In the lush garden of her father’s abandoned mansion were chairs and tables set in royalty style. Rieka Cathwulf stood before a long mirror, her delicate fingers brushing against her white silk gown that flowed around her like a river in paradise. A wedding dress. Her heart raced, she felt a lot of mixed feelings. Today was the day she would marry Bardulf Gonzalo the Alpha of the Litha Moon Pack and the man she had chosen. "Why am I so anxious?" she whispered, biting her lower lip. Her lashes flutters. But her inner wolf, Sophie, remained silent. It was unusual. Sophie was talkative, always there with soothing words and always complaining. Yet now… nothing. “Are you ready, my lady? They’re waiting downstairs.” Her maid’s gentle voice cut through her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, Rieka nodded, a soft smile brightening her face. As she followed the maid down the narrow corridor, memories of her time with Bardulf washed over her. They were not fated mates but had chosen each other, a decision blessed by the Moon Goddess herself after Bardulf’s search for his true mate was fruitless. Love had bloomed between them, it was like a comforting promise. The ceremony was set in her father’s garden, a place full of childhood memories. It should have felt romantic, but as Bardulf came into view, tall and imposing in his retro blue ceremonial robes, a strange chill slid down her spine. His expression was unreadable, his gloomy eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her leg wobble underneath her. Why doesn’t he look happy? “Take care of her,” Bardulf’s father whispered, pressing her hand into Bardulf’s grasp. But Bardulf didn’t acknowledge his father. Instead, his grip on Rieka’s hand tightened, almost painfully. “Bardulf, you’re hurting me,” she whispered, trying to pull away. But he pulled her forward, leading her to the stage. “I, Bardulf Gonzalo, will mate Rieka Cathwulf as my Luna,” he announced, his voice cold and sharp. Rieka’s heart stuttered. What’s happening? The priest waited for the traditional mating ritual, but Bardulf’s lips curled into a deadly smirk, he moved his lips closer to her, “Let’s skip the mating part. We can do that tonight,” he murmured, pulling away without looking at her. Rieka forced a smile, but her chest tightened with unease. She tried to ignore it, reminding herself that she was just overthinking. Tonight would be better. Or so she thought. Hours passed, and she found herself alone in the grand bedroom meant to be theirs. The dimmed light from the candle was the only lightning in the room. Rieka paced nervously. Where is he? She was really nervous, wearing red lingerie and petals all over the room, this is every married couple's dream. The grandfather clock in the room clicked 3, yet her husband is nowhere to be seen. A soft knock echoed through the door. Relief washed over her as she rushed to open it. “Bardulf?” she whispered, but her smile vanished when she saw Elf Gonzalo, Bardulf’s older brother, standing in the doorway. His gaze raked over her body, and a dark, hungry smirk appeared on his lips. “Expecting my brother?” Elf’s voice was low and deep, “But he’s not coming.” Rieka’s heart pounded in her chest. “Get out, Elf. I’m waiting for my husband.” she raised her voice. Elf’s grin widened. “Husband? Or a fool who has abandoned you?” He stepped forward, pushing her back. Panic seized her. “Stop this, Elf!” Rieka’s voice was low, and she tried to shove him away, but his strength easily overpowered hers. “No one is here with you.” His voice was a whisper but carried a threat. Elf’s hand gripped her wrist, his other touching the delicate fabric of her lingerie. Tears welled in Rieka’s eyes, but she fought, her voice cracking. “I am Bardulf’s mate! He will kill you for this!” Elf’s laughter was a cold, bitter sound. “He stole my birthright as Alpha. You think I fear him?” She was really scared, if anything should happen today, she'll kill herself, she can't be defied by this infected parasite. Elf unhooked her bra with one finger exposing her white boobs, she tried to cover her boobs but her hand was tied, cold breeze swept across her boobs making her shiver. Her wolf, Sophie, remained silent, no strength, no guidance. Despair hit her, making her sigh in desperation. But then, something deep within her stirred. A cold, fierce angry not Sophie’s voice, but something else. “You will regret this.” It wasn’t her voice, but it echoed in her mind. Elf’s body suddenly flew across the room, crashing into the wall. His lifeless form slumped to the ground. Rieka’s breathing was ragged, her eyes wide with horror. “Did… Did I do that?” “I only taught him a lesson,” a voice whispered within her, calm and cold. Not Sophie. A stranger. “Who are you?” she whispered, backing away from Elf’s body, her heart pounding in terror. But what she received was silence and nothing else. Knock. Knock. Knock. “Rieka?” Bardulf’s voice called through the door. “I’m coming in.” “Bardulf…”