AMBER

Silence hung in the air as the truth settled into our heads. I recognized my breath escape through my parted lips as I stared at the man who was feared by most in the country. Raymond Dawson, a name that resonated with power and authority, was none other than the Alpha in Valeford. It made sense now how his presence held so much command to it and challenged Dad, an esteemed Alpha, without any fear.

I felt the rough fabric of his expensive coat under the pad of my fingers. Alpha or not, his presence was almost hypnotic, his exuding aura pulling me into a trance.

Dad’s pupils dilated, and he said, “But, I heard–”

“You heard what you needed to hear. After I signed the marriage papers, they crowned me as the Alpha. That was the deal with Stephan. I suggested keeping it a secret because I wanted to test the South and their loyalty toward us. Seems like you didn’t pass the test, Tyler.” My savior clicked his tongue, and I was shocked by how he was so brave to call my dad by his first name. It was considered disrespectful to call the Alpha with his first name until and unless they were very close to him.

“But how can this be possible?!” Abby roared in anger and pointed at Raymond, “How can someone illegitimate and ugly like you be the Alpha?!”

“Ugly?” the tall, black-haired man standing beside Raymond asked with his brows raised and turned to look at him, “Who? Him?” He pointed his thumb and then laughed, shaking his head, “People take rumors too seriously nowadays.”

My husband handed him the handkerchief and raised his hand to his mask. I held my breath in anticipation of what my husband looked like.

Once he took off the mask, I froze. Cold gray eyes that reminded me of the stormy sky stared back at me, knocking the breath out of my lungs. He was the most strikingly handsome man I had ever laid my eyes on. His face was chiseled and sculpted to perfection, with a sharp jawline.

Who were the ones who said that he was ugly? Had they no sense of taste? If Agni was here with me, she would have completely agreed with my thoughts. He was a living Adonis, carved like a sculpture.

“Wha–my Goddess!” Abby had the same reaction, but gradually her face turned glum when realization sunk in. She had missed the opportunity to be the Luna of the most handsome and powerful man in Valeford. I was not big on comparing people, but I couldn’t help but think how Cooper’s looks and skills didn’t stand even close to Alpha Raymond’s.

Remembering the devil, I looked at the floor where Cooper was lying. Watching my husband beat him before he could abuse me made me feel better. But I thought he wouldn’t simply bother with what happened to me, given how cold his reputation was.

Was I mistaken?

Dad sighed. His lips curved into a manipulative smile. “Alpha Dawson, you should have told me earlier. Why don’t we look past such minor incidents since now we are allies? I wholeheartedly apologize for my behavior.” He bowed slightly.

Raymond retorted with a stern look, “If you are so keen to continue our alliance, then apologize to my wife.”

“What?!” His eyebrows shot up as quick as his response to Raymond’s demand. My breath caught in my throat. Was I hearing right?

“To instill such torment on my wife, that also on the day I came to receive her, is unacceptable. "It is unacceptable to inflict such torment on my wife, especially on the day I came to receive her," he said. I looked at my dad, whose face contorted in anger upon hearing that one of our family members was tortured like this. We Dawsons have a reputation to uphold, and this will certainly harm our status.”

“Alpha Dawson, ask me for anything else, but I am not going to bow my head in front of this nuisance! You don’t know anything about her yet, that’s why you are taking her side. I am sure when you will learn the truth, you will realize what a big piece of shit she is–”

“Enough!” Raymond growled, the walls shaking under his voice. In that moment of a clash between the two Alphas, it was clear that Raymond’s aura outshone Dad’s.

“You have crossed the line by insulting my wife. I reject the alliance between us!” He shouted in his Alpha voice and I gasped.

The tall man whirled his head at him with wide eyes. “Alpha, don’t take such a rash decision.”

Dad narrowed his eyes while his posture was calm. “Listen to your Beta, Alpha Dawson. You cannot simply reject the alliance without facing consequences. It’s breaking the Alpha Code and the council will come after you.” He warned.

The Alpha Code was a constitution that consisted of a set of rules and regulations the Alphas were supposed to follow. If any of them broke those rules, the Council of Lycanthropes took matters into their hand and punished the pack.

Raymond didn’t look concerned by Dad’s words, “So be it. I hope they do come after us because I have a lot to tell them about the South and the West…” he turned to look at Cooper. “The West is going to face the North’s wrath now that they have afflicted our Luna.”

“Alpha, are you sure–” The beta stopped as Raymond raised his hand.

“I said what I said. I won’t be changing my decision. Facing the Council is far better than having an ally like Tyler.”

Dad gritted his teeth before saying, “You will regret this, Raymond. I hope you come to your senses soon because my invitation will remain open.”

Raymond didn’t pay heed to his words and turned at me, his steel eyes melting into silver, “Let’s go, wife.” He said.

A while later, I stood outside the packhouse with my luggage. There wasn’t much I had to carry, so it was only one suitcase that had all my essentials. Angela helped me to pack them while I looked at the trees lining the estate.

I couldn’t believe Alpha Raymond broke the alliance because of me. I thought he would be cold and uncaring towards me, maybe even worse than Cooper, but I was fairly mistaken. But what concerned me was the consequences he would have to face now that he broke the code.

I really was unlucky. I just caused trouble wherever I went.

I heard the soft footsteps of Angela before she stood in front of me with a warm smile. She took my hand and placed a small white bottle on my open palm. “These will help with panic attacks. I don’t know how they will treat you in the North, but I will pray to the Goddess so that she protects you.” She cupped my face and placed a kiss on my forehead.

Tears welled at the corner of my eyes. I was going to miss her so much and I didn’t know if I could ever see her again. I stepped closer and embraced her in a farewell hug. She rubbed my back before whispering, “Stay safe.”

“Please come with me,” the words came out without a second thought.

She chuckled, “I am not allowed to. I am a part of this pack.”

“But what if they mistreat you after I am gone?”

“You don’t have to worry about that. You have more problems to deal with as you’re going to step into new territory. I will be fine.” She winked and my shoulders slouched. I wished I could ensure she was safe, but it was wishful thinking.

If I survive the North, I promise to come back and take Angela with me somewhere safe.

We walked towards the SUVs that were lined up to escort the Alpha and his men. Before getting in, I looked past my shoulder and saw a figure standing behind the window of the packhouse manor. It was Abby and even though I couldn’t make out her expression; I was sure it wasn’t one of joy.

Just then, her voice reached my head through the link. “I won’t let you get away with this, bitch.” She warned, and my blood ran cold.

I looked back at the window, and she was gone. I hoped we would never see each other again.

With Raymond, I stepped into the backseat, and as soon as everyone settled in; we drove off. I saw Angela’s waving hand disappear and get replaced by the line of sprinting trees on the dirt driveway.

A soft sigh escaped my lips. Despite the warm and cozy interior of the backseat, my body felt like it was resting on a slab of ice. He was here, my husband, sitting right beside me—-a man who could kill me at this instant, and no one would know.

His intense gaze bore into my face, each point of contact feeling like the prick of a thousand needles. My hands trembled as I rubbed them against each other, my palm slick with sweat.

I wasn’t sure what to make of him, since his act of saving my face was totally opposite to the rumors. Maybe he was simply doing it for show and later he would realize what I am and start hating me? Yes, that sounded more believable.

I was sure that he wasn’t that interested in me, despite how he acted in front of the rest. Why would he even be?

“There is nothing special about you,” Cooper’s words echoed in my head. I wanted to believe that it wasn’t true, but how could I when I watched the man who had marked me, stayed so long with me, reject me in front of everyone like I was nothing? It made me wonder if I was really that hateful.

Nobody liked me. Raymond would be the same–

“Is there anything making you uncomfortable?” His voice startled me and jumped out of my seat in panic.

“Eek!” I whipped my head at the Alpha in fear, “I-I am sorry! I won’t do it again.”

He looked at me silently with a raised brow, and I realized that he was simply asking me if I was uncomfortable. My ears turned hot, and I shook my head.

“I–I mean I am fine. Totally fine,” I said in haste, hoping that he wouldn’t lash out at me. “I am really grateful for what you did, Alpha!” My voice came out a little shaky and loud than I intended it to be. This was the result of my lack of confidence.

Silence.

He just stared at me.

Goddess, I was sure he hated me now. He would definitely tell me now that he didn’t care about me and it was better if I stayed away.

I looked down at my hands, which were clutching my black slacks tightly. I had changed into more decent clothing after I was told to pack my bags and get ready to accompany him.

“I know I am a burden for you,” I spoke again, with the intention of letting him know that I knew my place and wasn’t expecting anything from this marriage. If I could be on his good side, then my chances of survival will increase, even if for a little, “I will make sure to not bother you with anything and keep my distance. I–” I stopped when I looked up.

He didn’t look very pleased with my words. Did I say something wrong? Maybe I should have just stayed silent.

The Alpha leaned down, his face invading my personal space, “But what if I want you to stay close to me?”

******************************

AMBER

“But what if I want you to stay close to me?” His words caught me off guard while his proximity electrified the air between us. He must be joking with me.

But then, why did his gaze hold no hint of mockery?

“I–I do not understand,” I muttered, my voice a little shaky and breathless.

Why would the Alpha want a bad omen like me close to him? Was it a trick? Was he testing me?

For all I knew, it could be a facade. I couldn’t trust him, since he could be playing tricks on me to make a fool out of me. Or perhaps it was an infatuation. When I would not interest him, he would throw me aside. Just like Cooper.

I wouldn’t let anyone hurt me twice.

“It was a bet.” Cooper’s words echoed in my mind and my chest felt tight. Did my feelings mean nothing to people?

My shoulders jerked when I felt the Alpha’s hand brush my hair away from my face. Heat traveled up my neck and I pressed my thighs together. Why did I feel such powerful emotions whenever he was so close? It differed from when I was with Cooper. It was like I had no control over my body.

The Alpha smiled before his eyes fell on my wrist and his brows furrowed. He gently held my hand and stared at the dark spot on my wrist that was caused by Uncle Crux. His touch made me feel the sparks again, but I was more concerned about what he would think of my injuries.

Normal shifters healed fast, but I haven’t healed yet. It indicated my lack of a wolf. What if he caught that?

I was sure that if he learned about my lack, he would throw me out of his car, abandon me in the middle of the road and drive away. Who would want a Luna who had no wolf?

My imagination ran wild, and it was causing my head to throb. It was one of the earliest symptoms when I spiraled into depression. My thoughts felt like they had a mind of their own and I could not control my thoughts anymore.

Sometimes I wished I could just step out of my mind and breathe a little.

Suddenly, I felt a gush of anger that was not mine hit my chest. I looked up and realized it was coming from the Alpha. My face turned pale.

He caught up with what was wrong with me.

Would he throw me out?

“Stop the car,” he ordered, and the car halted. My heart beat wildly in my chest. He was going to do it.

I squinted my eyes closed, waiting for him to lash out at me and tell me he didn’t want a wife who had no wolf. Instead, I felt the pad of his gloved thumb brush over my wrist.

He spoke to his beta, who was sitting in the passenger seat, “Find the nearest pharmacy and get me a healing cream.”

The beta looked confused at first as he turned behind to look at us with furrowed brows, but he didn’t say a word and stepped out of the car.

Healing cream was created to speed up the process of healing in wolves. The formula was miraculous and the person who formulated it was a sure-shot genius.

Once the beta bought the tube, the Alpha held my hand and started to apply the cream on my wrist. I winced in pain and his movements became more gentle. He was being considerate of how I felt.

Something tugged at my heart while he gently rubbed the cream on my wrist. He had only known me for a few hours and he was acting kind. Except for Angela, no one in the South cared to tend to my wounds. Rather, they thought that I deserved it.

I didn’t know how to process this. It was like the discovery of a new medicine formula.

“It should work. If you feel any discomfort, let me know.” He said, not letting go of my wrist. Why was he so caring?

“Thank you for your kindness, Alpha.”

“How long have you been enduring this?” He asked with a serious face and my back stiffened.

I couldn’t tell him. He would think the same of me once he knew why people hated me. It wouldn’t be long until my bad luck and my lack of a wolf would start to show its colors in the North. When that day would come, he would hate me just like everyone else.

I stayed silent and stared down at my shoes.

The Alpha made a tsk sound with his mouth, a look of frustration adorning his handsome face. “I should have come sooner.”

I shook my head, “It-it’s my fault. My family doesn’t like me very much because of certain…reasons. I wished you hadn’t gone against them because of me. You would have to face the Council now…” My jaw clenched as I looked down again, feeling the weight of the problem I had created. “It’s all because of my bad luck. Nothing good comes from staying around me,” I whispered. “I believe it’s better if I stay away from you.”

My heart jumped in my throat when I felt my hand being tugged by him. He placed my hand close to his mouth and his lips brushed my knuckles. “I think my instruction wasn’t clear.” He said in his deep, sultry voice that caused my face to heat up like the oven, “You belong to me from now on, and I want you to stay close to me. I’d rather be displeased if you try to maintain a distance from me.”

A delicious, tingling shiver sailed down my spine at his words. There was such a deep, burning look swirling in his moon-like eyes that caused me to question my judgment.

I was…his?

People chose to maintain distance from me after learning about my bad luck. I made sure to emphasize my bad luck, yet he wanted me to stay close?