Moon of Misfortunes

9

[TW: Mention of S/A and miscarriages. Please take care when reading. Feel free to skip this chapter.]

"I hated the Mating Balls."

Rubio arches an eyebrow at my remark. Undeterred, I gesture with my hands, emphasizing my point, "Mating Balls are consistently dull and just weird. The Goddess arranged mates without regard for rank or appearance, or even age." 

I shiver before continuing, "I remember watching a 62-year-old Alpha claim a 16-year-old female as his mate. It makes me sick just thinking about her being stuck with that leech. I remember her screams and sobs as he grabbed her and forced her into his SUV. The rumor was that she was locked up in his house, caged like an exotic pet. Eventually, he was angered that she wasn't producing an heir, and he dragged her into the town square and publicly executed her later that year," I frown at the memory of reading the news online, it still haunts me.

The news of the horrific event traveled fast to the neighboring packs as the pack members were seeking asylum from their unstable Alpha. Until one day when the refugees stopped coming. Another rumor spread through the kingdom that one man had challenged Alpha Lewis for his title and murdered him and his only living heir.

"I heard about that," Rubio breaths out, his voice tinged with sympathy.

"Yeah," I reply, my tone heavy with sorrow, "I met Nikolai at the ball the year after Alpha Lewis was murdered."

* * *

I began to pick up a rich and deep Earthy scent. I almost groaned at the smell. Within seconds a tall man stood before me. He had a broad frame that his tailored navy suit accented perfectly. His raven hair was lightly gelled back. My eyes traveled to his face. He had features that would make Zeus himself jealous. He had stern, yet young, features. His pale green eyes pierced into me, causing me to squirm.

"I have been searching for you for seven years," he breathed.

He grabbed my slender hands with his rough ones and placed a delicate kiss upon my knuckles. I blushed deeply. Maybe this mate thing won't turn out so bad, I thought.

"I am Alpha Nikolai Emerson of the Riverwood Pack. I am sure you have heard about it. About me."

I froze. Alpha Emerson was known to be a brutal alpha. He was unlike any of the other alphas because, instead of inheriting the title, he was the one that killed the entire Lewis bloodline and received his Alpha title over Riverwood. He was renowned for being powerful, due to being able to overthrow a former alpha and the current. I sucked in a breath, this is exactly what I didn't want from a mate, an Alpha. I ripped my hands out of his and began to walk away.

"Adaline Schultz," he spoke, "the Beta of Moon-field Pack, no?"

I snapped back around, glaring at him. He raised a brow in amusement.

"Look, 'Alpha'," I mocked, "I don't want a mate, especially not an alpha."

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him before crashing his lips onto mine. Sparks blazed down my body and I nearly caused me to melt within his arms. He pulled away and leaned down to my neck, laying one quick kiss the delicate skin. A chill jolted down me. He moved up to my ear and whispered, "I'm not just any old Alpha. I am the best."

* * *

I swallow hard, trying to push the memories of meeting him aside, but they cling to my mind like stubborn cobwebs. Rubio seems to sense the weight in the air.