Chapter 1
Anna’s POV
The ballroom was bright, luminous light glowing from the bulbs of the large hall, the merry laughter of the guests seeping out in their numbers.
Stomping shoes, glamorous gowns and handsome fits filled the room, and occasionally, the chiming sound of cutleries lingered around my ears.
I stood in a corner, watching as time unraveled the sham. The guests all shot out smiles and compliments in my direction, but my heartbeat raced as the men gawked at me, their eyes protruding and robotic. It felt like I was being monitored with every movement I made.
Chills ran down my spine as my attention caught a man, old and chubby, trying to advance closer with a disgusting, wide smile. I hurriedly walked away before he could get a chance to wave or even think to introduce himself.
Gosh, I need a drink, I sighed frustratedly, shaking my head in displeasure. I looked around to find a close maid with a tray of drinks.
Champagne, whiskey, juice, anything. I just wanted to wet my dry throat.
Bro, I have seen her and she’s breathtaking as her father described her to be,
You don’t say, How did you see her? I’ve been moving around and I still haven’t laid my eyes on her,
They seemed to be talking. My ears perked up as curiosity wrapped me thin, stealthily moving me closer to the circle of three Alphas.
They snickered and whispered, but their whispers did nothing to conceal their voices.
She’s around here somewhere, one of the Alpha’s said. I recognized him from a meeting I once attended with my father.
Let’s place a bet, the other replied. Whoever gets the girl to bond with her before the party ends, gets to leave as the champion.
Huh!
A bet? I muttered, leaning my waist closer.
I can’t believe her father cloaked this mate arrangement as a harvest celebration. How sick is that? One of the Alpha laughed.
Certainly, one of the guests might have picked her as a mate. Let’s lock in and get this over with, they sighed.
I instantly gasped in horror as my face contorted in disgust mixed with despair.
This wasn’t no freaking harvest celebration!
My father was making me prance around for a mate arrangement. I was basically being forced into a marriage that I knew nothing of. My heart quickly shattered into pieces. The chatters of the hall faded into silence, my vision becoming blurry.
I suddenly felt miserable and alone as the presence of the guests disappeared, leaving me to wallow in restrained sadness.
I couldn’t even move my arms and legs. My eyes twitched uncontrollably, and my toes tweaked to move, but I couldn’t.
How could my father do this to me? I thought I was his only heir. Did he think so less of me that he thought to marry me off without my consent?
Tears watered in my eyes, my breath became heavier by the second and my chest pounded like a boulder had been placed on it.
I felt like falling on my knees as a realization dawned on me. It explained why there were so many Alphas ogling in my direction. They looked eager to drag my hands out and force me to bond with them.
It was sick. The feeling of being tricked quickly erupted into anger. An unrestrained anger.
My father. I needed to see him. I needed an explanation on why he arranged this freak show of a harvest.
I stormed out, ignoring anyone who came close with a mischievous smile. As for the persistent ones, a little growl set them off my trail as I marched out of the hall and stormed into my father’s office, my face burning with rage.
The door slammed shut but my fury was only getting started.
Father, what is the meaning of this? Is this how you claim to protect me? I am your
You found out, huh, He calmly sighed, leaning his back against his chair. Took you long enough, he cleared his throat.
What? I exclaimed.
There was no remorse in his eyes. To make matters worse, he looked eager to inquire if I had found a mate.
You gotta be kidding me, father. WhHow. I stuttered Do you plan to sell me off? Am I a breeder to you? Is that what you think about me,
It’s not about you, my father yelled, clenching his fists. This is necessary for the pack. You must find a mate today,
Why father? Why I instantly fired back, my voice chill and croaky.
Because you are too weak, his voice vibrated through the walls. I felt a cold gust of wind captivate my broken heart, shattering it to bits.
You are too weak Anna. He resounded You are a disgrace to my heir. A disgrace to the Bond moon pack, he stated, slamming his hands on his table.
II thought you I stuttered, moving back two steps in disbelief.
I never expected my father to admit it to my face. He knew I was secretly ridiculed for being weak and dependent but he said it without any restraints.
I should have had a son as my heir. You can’t rule alone, it’s not possible. He raised his head, thrusting his arms out with a cold expression So get back in there and find a worthy man as a mate.
If I had a son I wouldn’t have to worry about the safety of my pack,
No, I shook my head.
His voice struck deep, crumbling the walls of confidence I tried to put up.
The tears I had been struggling to withhold, flowed out like a stream as I fled into the woods.
I was worthless to everyone, even my father thought so.
I tried screaming and throwing rocks in random directions, but the snapping of a twig made me leap up and hurriedly turn to my back.
A tall figure, broad and breathtaking, stepped out of the shadows. I had not seen his face, only his feet to the waist up, but my wolf instantly whispered Mate
Chapter 2
Anna’s POV
Mate? it couldn’t be possible.
My wolf had to be bluffing or what?
I had just heard the worst news that I could ever imagine, and a stranger whom I had never seen before had my heart racing.
I moved backward, my heart panting but not in fear.
Curiosity.
I wanted to take a look at the figure; I wanted to see who made my heart pulse and my mouth water as though thirsty for a drink.
Who’s there? I stammered, placing my hands behind my back.
The shadow came out of the dark and into the moonlight, staring right at me with those brown eyes, warm and piercing. He placed his arms by his side, putting on a calm smile that made me feel safe in the woods.
He was a stranger yet I was assured that he meant no harm.
The stranger extended his arms for a handshake. He grabbed my hands before I could even think to move a muscle.
I literally felt the strength of his firm grip, an equal match to his dominating aura.
Hi, my name is Rogers. He said with a warm smile.
My lips parted without actual words coming out, just a mouthful of air. I gulped as he leaned his face closer to mine
Rogers Steel, he resounded.
My blood rushed, my hands clasped, and my cheeks flushed. He was everything I needed.
I never knew I could fall in love so quickly. He was a stranger but my heart said otherwise.
I’m Anna Bond, my lips parted.
You are my mate, he chorused with such bravado.
What!
Was he aware I had a weak wolf? I bet if he knew, he would zoom out in an instant, however, the reverse was the case. Or maybe he was just another guy who came to seek my heart per my father’s request.
Despite all, Rogers Steel didn’t only just connect with me; he loved me for who I was: weak wolf and all.
The moment felt magical.
Anna, you still haven’t picked a mate yet, My father thundered as he saw me walking down the hall.
I scoffed, crossing my arms and rolling my eyes angrily.
I didn’t want to tell him about Rogers. He did not deserve to know, not when I was still pissed at him.
Father, I am not in the mood for
If you don’t pick a mate, I’ll find one myself for you, he threatened, cold and unrelenting.
Rogers, I forced out immediately.
What came over me was unknown, but there was no way I was letting my father pick a mate for me. I have a mate. His name is Rogers Steel,
There was a look of scrutiny in his wide eyes. It made me cower in defeated fear.
Who is this? Why did you not let me know?
He is mine, father. You wanted me to pick a mate, I have and I love him, I protested.
Well then, I want to see him at the hunting games tomorrow. He must be able to show me he’s strong enough to mate with my daughter,
All right, I agreed.
I became fussy all day, thinking Rogers was going to be raging mad if he became aware that my father wanted him in the hunting games.
I tried to avoid Rogers but he heard of his entry into the hunting game.
Surprisingly, he was chill about it. Confident, thrilled, fire in his eyes like he expected it.
I get to prove my love for you to your father? There’s no way I’m passing up on that he said, elated.
Well, he did.
Rogers made a show of his strength and skills, taking charge of the hunting games as if he were born to win. Even my father couldn’t help but flinch in surprise at his skills.
You picked the best, I see, he said after Rogers came seeking his approval to bond with me.
The mating ceremony will be held in the next full moon, my father ordered, his voice echoing through the air.
The next full moon? That was just barely a week away. It felt so rushed like they were trying to get rid of the magical feeling that came with mating.
No, I had to do something.
Father, the full moon is a breath away. Isn’t it too early to hold a ceremony? I don’t want the people of this pack to feel like we are desperate to seal the deal,
My father’s eyes still looked dark with resolve. It’s going to be the next full
No, Father, that’s just ridiculous, I protested, gritting my teeth, my voice sharp.
I don’t know, Anna. I kind of like it. Rogers interjected. You love me, and I can’t do without you, so what’s there to wait for, he chipped in.
Suddenly, I got short of words. I never expected Rogers to agree to rush our mating.
He placed his hands around my waist, drawing me closer. I gazed at his eyes, they were so genuine. We can finally be together, Anna,
How could I say no to him? He had me trapped in his warm embrace, and besides, mating with him wasn’t such a bad idea. My father already gave his blessings.
Unfortunately, that was the last thing he gave me before the stormy day.
I was out shopping when I got a call from Stacy, my close friend. My father had suddenly gotten bedridden.
Her calls kept flooding in and before I could get home, he was dead.
My father lay lifeless on the bed, with no illness or any symptoms at all.
No, this is not true. My father isn’t my voice broke down as I fell into Rogers’s arms.
This can’t be the end, I muttered.
Rogers patted me on the back, whispering into my ears. It’s going to be all right. You will have a lot of time after we are done with the mating ceremony.
What? I sniffled, wiping my tears and dislodging myself out of his grasp. The ceremony, Are you kidding me? My father just died. I don’t even know what caused his death and
Shhh, he hushed, placing his finger on my lips. That was your father’s last wish. Do you think he’s going to be happy if we disobey his last wishes?
Our mating ceremony will go on as planned, he stated, sounding optimistic yet authoritative.
I was furious and heartbroken but I did not want my father’s death to cause a rift between us.
I had a few days to grieve and mourn the death of my father. All through my grievance, I got slammed with questions.
Days rushed past and I still felt heavy with grief.
Could this have been what he was avoiding? Did he sense his death around the corner and
Oh god, I exclaimed, resting my head on my table. Today is your day, Anna. You shouldn’t be crying. I said to myself.
I was going to be mated to Rogers yet it felt like a big part of my heart had been missing.
ANNA! Stacy rushed in, struggling to catch her breath. She looked like she had run miles under the full moon.
What is it? Why are
Stop what you are doing! she sharply cut in, her face filled with worry. Quick! There’s another mating ceremony going on now,
I leaped up all of a sudden. It wasn’t possible, she had to be joking.
It didn’t matter if I was indecisive or not, my legs ran as fast as they could to the mating aisle.
But what I saw, plunged my insides out, shredding my heart to pieces and laying it bare on my chest.
Rogers, handsomely dressed with another woman by his side, a brunette.
Chapter 3
Anna’s POV
My feet had never felt colder than presently felt. I couldn’t even hold my weight as they both glared at me, eyes darting blades straight at me.
Ro Rogers..how could you? I fell on my knees, tears trickling out of my eyes. What’s going on? Please tell me it’s a prank,
What’s she yapping about? The brunette lashed out with a smirk. Does this look like a prank to you? I am getting mated to the love of my life and you are only ruining this for us,
She wrapped her hands around Roger’s neck as he held her by the waist down to her bum.
To my dismay, they kissed.
Passionately.
Rogers, what’s going on? I asked again, letting my tears fall freely. Was everything a lie? Are you under a spell?
Oh Anna, he sighed, turning to face me. I wish I could have said this sooner, a mischievous smirk lit up in his face.
You were only a stepping stone. I can never love a weak Luna, his cold voice echoed in my ears.
No, they weren’t voices, they were blades because each time they echoed in my ears, I felt a piercing pain ripping me apart.
Isn’t it a disgrace that the only heir of an Alpha turned out to possess such a weak wolf? You should be ashamed of yourself. He continued.
All this while, I had turned breathless.
Yeah right, the lady by his side added. You are a disgrace to your father and this pack, she spat out.
Stella, lean over, Rogers muttered, bending his neck over to lock tongues with her again.
They smirked at me as I had nothing to do but cry a river of tears.
I bet your people are tired of you. I would be too, Stella laughed.
You see, Anna, Rogers stepped forward. I needed to get close to you. Real bad. Each day I had dreamt of ruling this great pack. The Bond moon pack, he stated, raising his arms in the air.
How was I supposed to do that other than charming the gullible daughter of the dead Alpha,
The hollowness I felt quickly structured into fury, Mad rage caused by his senseless statement.
How dare you, I fired, rising to my feet. How dare you ridicule my father? You have no right doing that in my pack, I fumed, stomping in his direction.
Your pack? Gabriel quoted with a stifled laugh. Don’t be delusional. It’s no longer yours, he said, his eyes dark with intent.
Whatever he was rambling on about, I didn’t care to listen. I just wanted him out of my life, hidden and tortured deep down in my darkest dungeons.
Guards! I thundered, my veins bulging out my skin as I pointed in his direction. Seize him and lock him up,
The chirping sound of crickets was the next thing I heard after my orders. They were all dead silent, muttering and whispering to their neighbors.
The guards I had expected to obey my commands stood stiff staring at me like I was an intruder.
Have you gone deaf? I said seize him, I yelled again, staring into the eyes of everyone present at the ceremony.
I was miserable.
Nobody moved, the air became cold with silence.
Pathetic! Stella laughed. She doesn’t know yet, baby, she said to Rogers.
I looked like a fool and Stella’s cackle only made me curious and awkward.
We don’t take orders from you anymore, a guard spoke up from the crowd. We do not need a weak tramp to rule over us,
What? I exclaimed. What’s wrong with you all? I am my father’s heir. You are obligated to
They listen to me now. I am their new Alpha, Rogers echoed.
I shone my eyes in dark realization. I had been deceived. Rogers only used me to claim my title. My chest began burning up as I turned to look at their faces in horrid fright. It felt like my lungs were constricted.
Literally.
Here’s a gift for you, Rogers came closer.
Wh
Ahhh! I screamed as he punched me right in my stomach. Blood trickled down my mouth and nose.
I held firm, writhing in pain.
Before I could get another head up, a kick sent me flying back to Stacy.
I screamed in pain as a guard grappled me, forcing me up to my feet. Stacy tried to pull me away but she ended up being tied down.
Help me, I whispered in tears, but they all stood watching as though entertained by my humiliation.
Here, honey. Let me end her misery, Stella came forward, her claws out and ready to rip out my throat.
No, this isn’t my end, I muttered as she got closer. Feeling a thirst to survive, a surge of energy coursed through my veins. I tried to attack but I knew that would be the end of my life.
Without thinking straight, I dug my teeth into the guard’s arm, setting myself free from their hold.
Kill her, Rogers thundered as I ran out to save my life.
I ran barefoot, my clothes torn almost to shred as the guards kept on a hot chase. For the first time, I ran without knowing where I was headed. Even when the guards stopped their chase and retreated, I kept running, tears forming a trail behind me.
My ears perked up as I stepped on a trap cloaked on the ground. I screamed out in pain as the irons pierced through my legs, almost breaking my bones. The pain was too much to keep conscious of my environment.
My eyes scanned around the different terrain.
I realized I was in a rival pack’s territory, vulnerable and injured.
The Sage Moon pack.
Before I could pass out, two patrol guards came marching in my direction, poking my hands with their spears.
Well, well, well. One of them uttered with an ominous tone. Look what came running into our territory. Alpha Gabriel will want to see this,
Those were the last things I heard before blacking out completely.
Chapter 4
Anna’s POV
A painful itch on my toes forced me to shoot my eyes wide open.
Rats.
They were having a feast on my leg.
Get away from me! I cried as their teeth sank into my flesh.
In a flash, they ran into their holes.
My vision was still blurry, and my head rang with a shrieking sound. It felt like I had a migraine, the pain feeling like it was only going to stop with an explosion.
The room felt cold, icy, and hard. I could see my breath forming a smoke out of my mouth. The room was cold and dark. I shivered fearfully as I crawled to the flickering light I saw behind me.
The doors were locked and covered with thick iron bars, making a loud clanking sound with just a tap from my arms.
I was in a jail cell.
How did I get myself in trouble? I asked myself, looking around the room. I was once living the life of an heir and in the blink of an eye, betrayal struck.
Now, I was in a rival pack’s cell, injured, cold and alone.
My fate, unknown.
Weeks passed, and I was still stuck in my pathetic position. I lost hope of ever living a normal life. Hell, I wasn’t even sure I was living a life anymore. I was trapped in hell. A cold hell.
My condition only worsened without treatment, and to think I held on to the last thread of life without any hope of a better life.
Rogers, I whispered. I’ll make you pay. Vengeance will someday be mine. That brunette of yours will also bear the brunt, I cried.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to survive or not, but one thing was resolved in my mind. Someday, somehow, Rogers was going to pay for betraying me, using me as a fool, and turning my people against me.
That dream seemed bleak, not until I heard the clanking sound of the cell door sliding and unlocking.
A man stepped in, exuding an aura of dominance and royalty. He took a gentle stride in my direction but those looks of his made me hurriedly crawl back into the dark.
I was scared, having gone through a lot. My petrified flinch didn’t stop him from advancing further. He walked and only stopping before me to shoot a stern gaze.
He was tall, dark, and muscular. I couldn’t believe a figure like him stood before me. Maybe I was hallucinating but I soon got rid of that thought as he spoke with such a resounding voice that sent vibration through the walls.
Who are you? his voice deep, dominance mirroring in his eyes.
Anna. Anna bond. I stuttered, out of breath, my voice nothing but a whisper.
How did you get here? You are well aware that your pack, the Bond Moon pack, and the Sage Moon pack have been rivals for centuries. How dare you step foot in my territory?
I I didn’t mean to. It was a mistake. I was desperate to survive, I confessed.
This was it, huh? The part where I got questioned only to be publicly executed as an example to others.
My last drop of tears fell down my swollen eyes as I coiled my hands around my legs and explained all I had been through.
I mean, I was going to die anyway. It was better I told my story to a listening ear before death came with his sickle in hand to lead me to the
Whats happening? I whispered to myself.
The handsome figure was actually listening to me, a flicker of concern radiating in his eyes. I turned mute the second I noticed it.
What was this? All this attention so he could humiliate me the next minute?
Please, just end my suffering. You don’t have to waste your time. I already know what’s waiting for me, I pleaded, trying to sniff silently.
Address me as Alpha Gabriel, the man said, turning to leave.
Two minutes later, two guards and a maid came to get me out of the cell. Trust me, I was confused, lost, and clueless.
The maid, Janice, led me to a room. I had a clean bath, changed my clothes, and ate a balanced meal. It seemed as though things were looking up but I couldn’t help but panic within.
Janice came back to my room hours later, relaying information that the Alpha requested my presence in his chamber room.
I had every right to think I was going to be used as a breeder, nothing more. However, everything changed when I walked in, bowed my head, and waited for him to speak.
I want you to stay, carry my heir, and when you are strong enough you can return to your pack and claim back what’s yours, he proposed.
I was going to be under a contract marriage. I felt different. I wasn’t afraid, shocked, or disheartened. His terms made me feel optimistic.
I was finally going to have a chance to get my revenge on Rogers and his mate. The contract favored both of us, so I didn’t think twice before agreeing to sign.
After all I had been through, a contract with Alpha Gabriel was the least of my problems.
I hope I don’t regret this, I muttered.
None of us will, except you go against the terms of our contract, Alpha Gabriel coldly replied, sending a rigid stare in my direction.
He brought out a contract document, pricking his fingers and signing it in my front with the blood dripping from his hands.
He gazed at me with dark eyes, signaling it was my turn.
Promptly, I pricked my fingers for the blood seal, making a little grunt as I cut my flesh open.
As I placed my bloody thumbprint on the documents, I felt a shift. A growl. A deep growl.
My wolf, for the first time, growled deeply as we signed our will, mind, body, and soul to each other.
I might have placed myself as a subject to his desires, thirst, and hunger, but I did not care. Something had awoken in me. Something that I wasn’t aware of.
I just knew I had changed; my wolf had changed, but I could not place my fingers on it.
Chapter 5
Anna’s POV
Alpha Gabriel had something to him. I didn’t know what it was, but I wasn’t about to be stupid falling for his charms and grit.
He put me through training, intense and exhausting, but I didn’t dare complain. As much as I wanted to give up, I couldn’t. I pushed forward with the knowledge of Rogers in my head, knowing that he was living his life without guilt after putting me through a near-death experience.
I felt stronger with each intensified round of training with Alpha Gabriel, but all through this, my wolf was silent.
Not even a reaction or a growl was heard. It felt like all communication with my wolf had been cut off but I could still feel her.
Sometimes, a twitch, a tweak, or a coil. Something.
Regardless, Alpha Gabriel made my training brutal and scrutinizing.
Don’t punch with all your energy. You have to channel it from your guts without actually using it up in one throw, he said, his voice cold and gripping.
Every day felt like a spark. My feelings wanted to ignite from the obscure and bottomless pit I had locked it in and thrown the keys away.
I got clumsy most times handling weapons but he rushed in to protect me all the time.
Don’t hurt yourself. Remember, youre still a long way from the future,
Maybe it could have been to flex his muscles and skills, but my mouth watered each time he came to correct my mess.
Sparks jolted heavily. However, I pretended not to feel it. I was resolved never to be a victim of misguided love anymore.
Alpha Gabriel was also cold, especially when I showed no progress whenever he taught me a certain move. There was barely any emotion in his eyes whenever he gaped at me with intense eyes.
One day, I asked for a break to take a breather. Surprisingly, he permitted it.
I strolled down the hall, exhaling aloud and stretching my muscles. Three maids gathered in a circle caught my attention. They were engaged in a discussion, their eyes narrowing and their mouths rattling with muttered sounds.
Yeah, she is the first I have seen, the first maid uttered.
I heard she got thrown out of her pack and left to die in the woods, another chipped in.
Die in the woods? The third maid questioned. How do you think that’s going to be possible? Isn’t she
She has a very weak wolf. Weaker than an ordinary Omega, the first maid interrupted, making them cackle in mockery.
All this was happening right in my face, and I just stood there, making a long face. My mood turned sullen as their laughs pierced through me like a blade.
That was the legacy Rogers had forced me to leave. I only imagined the rumors thousands of people would be spreading about me.
I turned to rush off into my room with a broken heart, but I stumbled into a rock-hard figure.
Alpha Gabriel.
He had been behind me for a while without my notice.
I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there, I apologized, but he still had a cold, unyielding face to him.
He wasn’t staring in my direction but at the maids, who were, at the time, petrified and bereft of words. They stood frozen stiff, their feet shaking in fear as they stared back at Alpha Gabriel with fear in their eyes.
Is this what you are supposed to be doing? he thundered, taking a step in their direction.
Before they knew what was going on, a three squad of guards came, circling and holding them captive.
No Alpha. We can’t lose our jobs. Please show mercy, they cried horribly.
Their shrill cries left me rather frightened than at peace.
Deep into the night, I heard a clattering noise outside the pack house. It was loud, with a shade of smoke blazing up to the star-filled night sky. Out of curiosity, I rushed down to check it out.
It was a summoning. The fires circled by different rocks of various sizes glowed green, reeking of charred wood, wolfsbane, and moon petals.
Who were they summoning? I wondered.
I caught sight of Alpha Gabriel from a distance, holding a prized gem; an obsidian dagger. I knew how hard and valued it was to possess one. My father also had one and he never let it out of his sight.
To my surprise, he tossed it into the big green fire, watching it melt and disappear.
I gasped silently.
Whoever they had to be summoning was super powerful. At the height of the flames erupting into a tornado of fire, a veiled woman walked out, tall, with a disturbing air to her, glowy eyes, and a shrill voice.
A healer.
Not just an ordinary healer but a century healer.
I summoned her for you, Alpha Gabriel voiced out. She’ll tend to you tonight. I have noticed you haven’t shifted since our training, he commanded.
I became conflicted about what reaction to make. Alpha Gabriel’s sacrifice for me or the presence of a Century healer?
I never knew I was in for another shocking reveal.
You are cursed, the healer pointed out. It’s binding your wolf from its full powers. He revealed.
What? It can’t be true. Why didn’t I know of this? My father never said anything about it.
The healer was here to break it or so we thought.
At a wave of her hands, she muttered The curse is broken.
Then, she disappeared along with the thick smoke of the fire.
Broken? I wish.
Nothing felt different. I didn’t feel any surge of energy and even when I tried to shift, it felt painful even trying so.
Did she actually break my curse or just make a dramatic entrance and dip right away?
My hopes for a new life, a new power level, died down. My future became bleak again.
I ran out of the pack house as tears rolled down my cheeks. The healer only played with my emotions, yet leaving me with information that I was cursed and I didn’t even know why.
Deep into the woods, I heard a growl and the snapping of a twig.
As I turned to look around, a squad of masked, suited men, launched at me, bounding and gagging me to the floor.
Quick, get the car. We can sell her off to a different pack, one of them whispered.
I struggled to talk but their arms choked me in the throat. I couldn’t even catch a single break.
I was being kidnapped.
Chapter 6
Gabriel’s POV.
She’s a healer, she can’t possibly trick us after taking my Obsidian dagger. It’s my prized possession, I tightened my clenched fists, banging it hard against the edge of my chair.
I had thought the healer would get rid of her supposed curse. I was assured the healer was legit and Anna would certainly become her true self.
Before I saw Anna, I was incomplete. I felt something was missing but as I laid eyes on her in my dungeon, I felt a tweak. It felt like my heart was throbbing to covet her.
She had rags for clothes, her body was labeled with markings from tree branches and her skin seemed so pale like snow but none of these could hide her beauty.
She was ravishing.
My wolf growled to let loose. Every fiber of my body jerked to have her. The feeling was almost impossible to explain but I knew what I had to do. I wanted to make her mine, I knew there was more to the timid figure that cowered before me.
The healer seemed like a certain way to make her free around me, but it only ended up making her sad.
She felt like a disappointment.
I did not want to disturb her in her room, knowing she must have been sad after having her hopes high.
Alpha, Marcus called out as he flung the doors open with a heavy breath. He bowed his head and tuned his voice down to a chill whisper. I checked her
What is it? I stated, my voice cold and rigid.
It’s her, alpha. Anna, she’s no longer in her room, he reported.
I jolted up as quickly as my head processed his reports. The veins on my neck bulged on my skin as I hardened my gaze at Marcus.
What do you mean? Don’t tell me she’s missing, I left you in charge of her? I thundered with a menacing growl.
I I she told me
Don’t you dare stutter right now! I gave you a job and you failed to carry it out, I warned, pointing my fingers at him threateningly.
At that moment, I felt a sting in my guts, hot and burning. It wasn’t like anything I had ever felt. My heart pulsated and I could feel my insides boiling up in anger mixed with worry.
Something was weird.
The mind link!
We must have been mind linked when we signed the contract with our blood. I whispered.
Anna was in trouble. I could sense it like she was right beside me.
Quick! Gather a squad of six. We are heading towards the woods right now, I commanded, rushing to check her room for my own confirmation.
Shit!
It was empty.
Her window was open, leaving the curtains to wriggle like they were feet in a flowing stream of water. I could still feel a connection and that meant she was close by at least.
Her smell was wrapped thick in my nose but I sensed it turning fickle with each passing second. Without thinking twice, I raced into the woods with the scouts I had ordered for.
Following her trail deep inside the woods, I wondered how she was able to get this far without being scared of the dark. We stopped as I noticed some ropes laying on the floor. They appeared chopped like they had struggled to tie someone.
Anna, I muttered.
She had been taken away.
Judging from the fresh tracks of her footsteps, she was abducted a few minutes before we got there.
Feeling frustrated, my wolf howled at the moon, picking up the weak sound of a honking car. It had to be her! It was the only car that I sensed driving on the road in the turgid night.
Without waiting to alert my squad, I raced in the direction of the sound, growling in preparation for the limbs I was going to tear to pieces.
I was going to make whoever tried to poke me right under my nose pay.
With the speed of my wolf, I saw the car in sight. It appeared like two flickering bulbs struggling to give off their last sparks.
It was an easy task to catch up to the car until the bends became too sharp to maneuver.
One of us had to quit but neither of us was letting up. I could hear Anna’s frail heartbeat, I could feel the pain on her wrist and ankle as they tied her up too tight and forced her to fit into their tiny trunk. Even her weakest whispers were loud enough to get me furious.
Who were these people? Were they oblivious of who I was? I thought to myself.
They had to be rogues. Nothing else because no one in their right mind would ever have thought to get on my bad side, the Alpha of Sage Moon pack.
With every swift move of my limbs, Annas mutters lingered around my ears. If I didn’t stop them, it was going to be tough finding her again.
I knew there was another sharp bend incoming, I had to take a dive towards the car, trying every possible attack to stop them without hurting Anna.
With Marcus beside me, I pounced forward expecting to land a quick hit but they pumped the gas to the highest, making me miss by a slim chance.
I continued racing behind the car, unfazed by this I’ll get them in my next try, I said to myself.
My wolf ran it’s fastest and with our mind link, I tried to assure Anna that everything was going to be alright.
However, I couldn’t feel anything anymore. It suddenly felt like a void of dark, blank spaces. My heart began racing in concern.
Anna! Anna? I called out but no response.
What had happened?
Just a few minutes I could feel her struggling but now it was nothing. I couldn’t pick up her presence nor feel her anymore. I had lost connection.
My worries quickly turned into hurried desperation as I realized she had passed out inside the trunk. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about the putrid reeking stench they had boxed her into.
Heinous and inhumane.
Alpha, it’s too dangerous. There is an Marcus tried to talk to me but I lost his voice as I charged forward with a deafening speed.
I knew he tried to warn me about a danger me but my Luna was right before me and even though we were contracted, she had her roles to fulfill before I could let her get stolen away.
My wolf launched forward, feeling the cold air of the night sky graze through my furs. My claws thrust out to grab hold of the metallic trunk. Everything was looking good, I was a few minutes from saving her but the next second took me completely by surprise.
Alpha! Marcus thundered, raising his brow and pointing forward, his expression laced with worry.
Suspended in the air and looking straight ahead to dive towards the speeding car, I heard a sound, loud as an incoming truck with full speed ahead and too close to even try to react.
TOOT!
Chapter 14
Gabriel’s POV.
The elders turned quiet the moment I called for silence. Whatever they had to say stayed stuck in their throats without a sound.
I took Anna’s hands and walked out of the room as the whispers turned into a full on chatter behind us. As the door clasped shut, Anna faked a silent cough and smiled at me.
You didn’t need to do that, she muttered.
I needed to do that. Everyone needs to know you are who I want to be with I paused before I could say anything further.
I’m happy you did that but it might end up causing a scandal for you, she replied.
A scandal? I asked. Only celebrities have scandals, I said as a joke but it came out flat, causing Anna to furrow her brows in confusion.
You know what I mean, she softly said.
Which is? I tried to act clueless.
I meant to say you don’t want your elders to think you um, you know the she stuttered.
We don’t need to talk about it all the time, I interrupted her with a gentle nod. I think I can bear the consequences of my actions. If I want you the elders to recognize me as my mate, I will do that with my full chest.
Ill worry about my own part and you do well to fulfill yours, I continued.
The silence dawned on us as I gulped emptily to catch my breath. The expression on Anna’s face was unpredictable. I couldn’t tell if she was angry or shocked at my statement, but I needed to say it. I didn’t even know when the words slipped out of my mouth.
I stared at her wondering what I could say to shift the mood. I didn’t want the awkwardness to stay for a long time.
Alright, Anna replied after a long pause. I’ll do my part and you’ll do yours, right? She stated, her voice calm and soothing. I found myself lost in her blue eyes. They reminded me of the skies, the quiet little times in the woods.
Right? she chorused again, this time with a tight smile.
Yeah, that’s it. I responded. This shouldn’t even be a discussion anymore, I uttered.
She folded her arms and raised her brows curiously, gesturing forward with a frustrated look. And about that, I was wondering if I could if you could start training with me. She claimed.
I have waited longer than I can and I think I’m ready to start training again, she continued, stepping closer and widening her eyes.
As she stepped closer, I felt those bright eyes of hers gaze seductively on me. The air suddenly felt thick and my heart throbbed in a strange rhythm. I gulped nervously and cleared my throat.
Training, I faked a cough, my voice deep and firm. Yeah, I think we can start whenever
Today, she softly cut in, uncrossing her arms and placing it on her waist.
Now? I queried and she nodded.
I looked around and an elder walking out of the throne room caught my attention. He was heading in our direction but I didn’t want to be bored by their ridiculous claims and requests.
I heaved silently and gently grabbed Anna by her wrist, pulling her forward to match my pace. Alright, let’s start now. We have a lot to do,
She seemed surprised as I pulled her to my side but after a second or two, she smiled and raced behind me and we advanced to the training ground.
This time, training with Anna was different. She was faster, stronger and precise. She matched some of my attacks, though staggering for a while but she quickly respawned and continued. I could feel her drawing energy from her wolf and channeling it out, but she lacked control.
You are not getting it right, I uttered as she fell on her feet trying to deliver a punch to my shoulder.
You’ve said that for like a thousand times, she scoffed, raking her hands through her hair. I can’t control myself when I feel like it’s turning intense, she complained.
I crouched on my knees to match her sitting posture and sighed heavily. You are light on your feet but it’s not enough to control your punches. If you exert too much energy, you’d end up losing your breath in such a short time, I advise.
She swirled her hair and placed her hands on the floor behind her, it made her breast protrude forward like they were being launched at me. I sneaked a look and tried my best to focus on her face but my eyes got the best of me. She noticed and tried to stand on her feet, prompting me to offer her a hand.
I like it better when we fight in our wolf form. The energy just flows easily, she voiced out and picked up her stick.
We will once you learn to control your anger. You have a blessed wolf and you are not yet familiar with her powers yet, let’s give it time, I insisted.
She mumbled inaudibly but deep down, she knew I was saying the truth. She couldn’t hold her temper in her wolf form. It seemed like her transformation always brought memories of her bitter past, causing her to wild out.
We continued for a few more hours until I gave the orders to stop and continue the next day. She was exhausted but wanted to keep pushing her body an extra length. Her breaths were loud enough to be heard a few miles away but she didn’t care.
It’s getting dark and I need to take care of some things before heading to bed. We’ll continue later on, I said, wiping the sweat beads from my forehead.
Okay, she finally agreed, trudging behind me.
Drink some water and get some rest for today, I muttered. She seemed to nod but then she fell her hair she had previously packed into a messy bun.
I almost didn’t stop staring at her until I felt a nudge by Marcus. My attention was needed elsewhere and I walked out of the training ground with images of Anna glued to my brain like stickers.
The few hours I had until night sky felt like an eternity. Scouting my territory for rogues felt like a daily task after Anna’s abduction.
After I was done tending to the matters of the pack, I retired to my room, took a long shower and forced myself into a night robe.
That’s more like it, I heaved in relaxation.
It had been barely five minutes, slumping on my bed and gazing up at the ceiling when I heard a knock on my door. I thought it was one of the maids that came with my evening tea so I casually sighed and waited for the door to open.
Are you too busy? Anna’s voice echoed in the air. I quickly sprung up like I had pierced with adrenaline.
I did not expect her to show up because she had her own room which she never left for three days. Seeing her caught me off guard and her nightwear only made my mouth water.
Anna, I mumbled. What are you doing here? Is everything alright? I gently said, gulping nervously and placing my hands behind my neck.
Im good, she replied, walking up to me with a seductive stride. We have been training for a week until my abduction and our discussion today made me realize I had a deal to fulfill, she whispered to me, placing her hands on my chest. She trailed her hands down my abs and flashed her eyes at me.
It’s time to play my part, Gabe, she whispered into my ears and leaned closer for a kiss.
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