Astrid

Time stood still.

Everyone in the hall froze, processing what Alpha Knox just said.

When it finally seemed as though I had not imagined it, that it had actually happened. I jerked away, my legs moving back a step. No one had stood up for me before. Not even my own father when I was branded a disgrace. And now the Alpha King? He doesn't even know I exist.

And now he stood up for me? My mind couldn't easily come to terms with the fact quickly enough and when I looked back at him he was still staring at me. His golden eyes scanned me like an open book.

What does he want from me? He surely didn't help me because he felt sorry for me. Everyone knows he had no sympathy.

“Should I, Derek?” He repeated calmly, a type of calm that speaks volumes. I watched Derek fidgeting for the first time since I have known him.

“I uhmm… I don't…” Derek stammered, his jaw clenched and his fist tightened so hard they literally turned white but he couldn't dare say the wrong things. And despite myself I almost laughed. At his woes.

“She's already betrothed to me though.” He finally spat out looking furious but definitely helpless.

“She belongs to the Knightdale pack. That was the agreement brother.” Knox replied, his calm exterior not filtering.

“If she doesn't want you you can't have her.” He glanced at me again and my heart skipped.

My father never told me I had been betrothed to the Knightdale pack and not just Derek. In the pack law. It means if I reject or was rejected by Derek, I would automatically get betrothed to… Alpha Knox?

I won't be free.

Oh my moon! No!

The pressure of just standing right there listening to someone else dictate my fate wasn't how I envisioned my rejection of Derek. I realize unfortunately I do not have any one at my side. Not my father, not my people and certainly not this dangerously attractive monster.

“This isn't right.” My father stepped forward. I almost thought he also wanted to speak up for me. Hope rose in my chest but it shattered almost immediately. He faced Knox instead of Derek. “I won't allow my daughter to be paraded around. She made a mistake. Astrid is perfectly content with having Derek as her mate. She has for the past two years. Alpha…I mean beta Derek is the perfect man to be the Alpha of Night Aim pack after me.”

“Dad?” I called feeling my heart turn apart. Again.

“She has been his betrothed since she was young. And she had been working towards this day for over two years. Preparing to be his Luna.”

“Dad, stop.”

“Alpha Knox,” My father completely ignored me, and he went on rambling about my past foolishness. It made me so embarrassed at how stupid I once was. And also angry my own father couldn't support the only decision I made about myself, by myself since I was a child.

“Astrid has only developed cold feet. She doesn't mean what she said. Please ignore her.”

“Dad, please don't do that. I said I do not want to be Derek's mate.”

“Do not interrupt.” He snapped at me, “We need Derek.” He said to me hushly and my eyes widened in shock. I wanted to scream out loud that it was my life. I should surely defend myself since no one is willing to. But when I took a look around. I realized sadly, no one here is my friend.

And my own father values power more than family.

“ You have forgotten the deal you made. So soon.” Alpha Knox prompted and Dad instinctively stepped back, sensing the dangerous aura he had arrogantly ignored beforehand. “I said she belongs to no one if she has rejected her betrothed.” Knox growled out, his voice dangerously low. “So next time, if you are not spoken to, do not speak.”

“Brother why are you doing this? You don't even know her. You don't give a shit about her. So why?”

“It's pack law.” Alpha Knox simply said.

“And I also have a say in my own future.” I spoke out loud. My voice is completely different from how I'm feeling. But I refuse to break again. I refuse to be betrayed again, I refuse to die the same death twice and I'll speak up for myself rather than watch being sold to the highest bidder like I don't matter.

“I won't stay here and not say a word in my defense. I don't want to be your mate Derek.”

“At least tell me what I did wrong.” He snapped.

“You will end my life in the next one year!” I wanted to scream at him.

“You keep saying you don't want me. Well guess what, I don't care about that. But whether you agree or not you are my mate. I'll see to it that you change your mind. And I'll be the Alpha of the Night Aim pack.” He blurted out.

I felt like punching his face, he had just confirmed I made the right choice insisting on rejecting him. Being Alpha of a pack that isn't his, matters to him more than me.

The whole time, Alpha Knox just stood watching the outburst. He didn't say a word, he was just observing.

“Do you also realize if you are betrothed to the Knightdale pack, you can't leave. If you won't be my mate then you have to be my brother's. And trust me you do not want that.”

I looked at Knox for a second and he still remained calm, watching.

But I never knew about this agreement in the first place. I never knew about being bound to the pack as a whole. It means if I decide to leave I would end up being with the Alpha king. The unfeeling cold monster.

“It's better than being with you.” I said feigning indifference.

“You owe that to me at least. I've been mated to you even after you never wolf. You owe me everything you are right now.”

“I've been under your control all my life.” I laughed dryly.

“Living as Derek's mate when in fact we haven't even mated. I lived as your pet. I was never Astrid with you. I was your tool. So get your facts right. I owe you nothing!”

I must have been super brave or incredibly stupid, because Derek's nostrils flared. His hands clenched and unclenched rapidly. The veins in his neck stood out, and his wolf flashed in his eyes. But I feel more in control and stronger than I had been in my past life.

“That's enough.” Knox's voice cut through the tensed air. “This is not open for debate.” He said simply and turned to leave. But as he was about to pass by me, he paused.

His eyes looked down at me for a second.

He's an alpha, he would surely want nothing to do with a wolfless omega. Now, I can finally be free.

Instead his index finger went under my jaw, and he lifted my face to meet his. His touch was barely there, yet I felt heat rise through my neck, staining my ears. Just for an impossible second, something inside me stirred in the back of my mind. It felt alive, not in a way I have felt before.

Knox's nostrils flared. For the first time, a crack appeared in his calm expression.

His cold golden gaze narrowed, staring into my soul. And he watched me carefully, studying me. Almost possessively.

His expression returned blank making me super nervous.

He smelled of cedar and clean rain, rich and captivating. It made my senses reel and I felt another stir in me like something in me is trying to wake.

I swallowed hard and my lips quivered slightly but I stubbornly maintained eye contact.

“The alliance stands. She'll remain under my house till I say otherwise.”

With that he turned and left. His smell still stitched into my brain.

He doesn't scare me,

he just weirdly makes me feel safe.

Is that normal?

Astrid

My fate had been delayed.

I bask in the helpless look on Derek's face after his brother used the pack law against him.

It makes me happy to know things are not going exactly the way he wanted for once in his life.

When Alpha Knox left I also turned around and walked away. As soon I was out of the hall and its vicinity, I ran, desperate in need of air.

I dragged in the cold soothing air into my lungs as soon as I got to the balcony. The air is cold but pleasing.

Things are moving fast and for the first time in my life. They are moving according to what I want. I won't try to think about the other option of being claimed by the other brother as the pack law states.

Why the hell would my dad basically sell me to the Knightdale pack itself? I knew he doesn't care about me, but still I'm his only child.

I have been treated by both family, pack people and someone I claimed to love.

I'm going to ruin Derek and I'll bring him to his knees.

But first I'll need to have a reason for people to believe me. I need evidence to completely ruin Derek that his own pack would have no choice but to let me go.

The face of Alpha Knox popped in my psyche. His look of indifference as he basically helped me. And how I felt safe with him just standing close to me. His smell and his touch that barely graced my skin.

“Here.” A glass of water was pushed at me pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked at the intruder, startled.

It was a maid, judging from her uniform, a little smile was plastered on her face. She looked strangely familiar.

I didn't accept the drink though. The betrayals I had gone through from the people I had trusted is enough for me to second guess everything and everyone.

“It's not poisoned.” She said again, her fierce looking eyes studying me. Seeing I didn't react, she brought the glass to her lips and took a sip before stretching it back for me.

She doesn't seem to care that I'm a princess. The care behind her fierce eyes was from her helping someone in need.

“Thanks.” I accepted the water and drank from it. We stood together in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I broke the silence, wanting to speak my heart out to someone that looked like she wouldn't judge me.

“He cheated on me.” I whispered, staring into space. “Amongst many other things.” I chuckled humourlessly.

“Cheaters should be castrated.” Her eyes burned in silent rage and despite myself I chuckled.

“Really?” I asked in amusement.

“Yes.”

“Thanks.”

Before I could say anything else, a shrill voice sounded behind us. I didn't need to check to know it was the witch who pretended to be my best friend while fucking my mate behind my back.

“Astrid!” She came towards us, her usual annoying pout on her lips. She looked extra giddy while a fake ass worried look was plastered on her face.

How did I miss all her fake concerns and forced smiles? How come I didn't realize she was a green snake under green grass?

“I trusted too much that's why.” a little voice behind my mind answered for me.

“I heard you rejected Alpha Derek.”

She searched my face for confirmation and I rolled my eyes.

“He's not an alpha yet. And he'll never be.” I scowled, folding my hands across my chest. Laila frowned.

“He’ll soon be though. All the elders support him.”

I raised my eyebrows at her, sensing she might have said the wrong things she quickly put in a fake smile.

“I support you though.” She moved closer, her heavy perfume filling my space.

“What did he do for you to reject him? You guys were in love. You wouldn't stop talking about this day for the last three years.” She asked cautiously. I know she wants to find out what I know but I'm done being a fool.

“He cheated.” I simply said.

“Ohh.” She swallowed nervously.

“Yes Laila. What do you have to say about that?” I pushed.

She smiled again, trying hard to pretend as if my words were not getting under her skin.

“I can't believe he would do that to you. I'm so angry at him. I'm so sorry, Astrid. I feel so bad.”

I shook my head, feeling another stab of pain hit my wounded chest. I can't believe I actually thought of her as a sister I never had.

“Stop. Stop your fake concerns.”

She looked at me, taken aback.

“I know what you did. You don't have to put on a facade anymore. You have been sleeping with Derek all this while.”

“I'm not.”

“Stop pretending, Laila.”

“Where did you hear that from? I'll never do that to you bestie.” She tried touching me but I waved her hand away.

“Please, I'm serious. I didn't do it.” Tears gathered in her eyes and it was rolling down her cheeks in seconds. If I didn't know better I would have sympathized and believed her.

“I swear on my late father's grave. I would never take your man from you because…” she looked up, a gleam of well compounded jealousy shining from her irises.

“Because he's yours.” She finished.

“Stop your fake tears. It won't work.” She didn't reply as her sobs doubled like she wanted people to hear her cries. Like she wanted everyone to believe her.

“You have been my only friend since we were teenagers. Trust me on this Astrid.

I scoffed.

“Why are you crying so much, when it's not your fault.” I quoted the last words.

“You accused me of something so vulgar.” She tried holding my hand again, but I snatched it away.

“I know I have been blind,” I glared at her, “ But I promise you Laila, not anymore. I won't be taken for a fool again.”

I turned to leave but her voice stopped me short in my tracks. She was cackling as she began clapping slowly, each clap sharp and deliberate. Clap... Clap... Clap...

I turned around to see her smiling through her tears.

“So… you found out. Finally.”

“What?”

“I was getting bored, you know.” She used a handkerchief to gently clean some of the tears on her face so she won't spoil her extra perfect make up.

“Excuse me?”

“I wanted you to know I took something of yours right under your nose. Someone you really care about does that hurt.”

“Why?” I asked in disbelief. She's actually insane.

“You always get what you want. It's always about you.”

“And that's enough reason for you to sleep with Derek? You are insane.”

“You've always been too naive to deserve someone like him. The prim and perfect princess.” She sneered. “Fate was in my favour when you became wolfless. You can't believe how happy I was that day. Best moment of my entire life.” She smiled eerily.

“I accepted you as family and you could only think evil of me. You were supposed to have my back not betray me like this.”

“No. Derek chose me. He decided you are not good enough. He picked me over you!” Her voice was high and demanding.

“Good luck then. You once again picked something I have used and discarded.”

Laila's lips thinned, her pale skin flushing with anger but she pasted her fake smile back on her face.

“You shouldn't act like a baby and reject Derek. He loves and needs you.” She said, sarcasm coating her every word.

Derek wants to use me to rise to the position of being an Alpha. I wanted to say back but I held it in.

“And how many times should I tell you bestie,”

She went down on her kneels.

“Don't call me that.” I said through gritted teeth.

“I didn't do it.” She said,

I furrowed my brows in confusion.

She started rubbing her hands frantically together as fresh tears ran down her cheeks again.

“Please believe me, Astrid. Please.”

“What are you…” My words were cut short by a much older voice and my stomach dropped as I realized exactly how this looked.

Laila crumpled on her knees, sobbing, and me standing over her like her villain.

“What's going on here?”

Astrid

I looked behind me, the undoubtedly black gown of my ex mother in law showed and the usual scowl on her face had etched deeper on her skin.

“Ahh.” I mouthed. Realizing what Laila just did. Epic performance. She just made me look like the bad guy.

Too bad. I don't give a damn anymore.

“What is going on?” Mrs Knightdale repeated, her eagle-like eyes moving between me and Laila who was still on her knees, a sorrowful look plastered on her face.

“Help me beg Astrid. She's mad at me.” Laila choked out through sobs and I couldn't help but marvel at her ever ending performance.

Mrs Knightdale faced me, she looked really pissed. Definitely from me rejecting her son. I knew she would use that opportunity to lash out at me now.

“What happened,” She asked icily.

“I can't even say it out loud,” Laila cries. “I'm sure Astrid is still traumatized by the reason she rejected Derek. Don't mind me, Mrs Knightdale. I'll just be as supportive as I can.”

Mrs Knightdale's expression softened a fraction.

“Stop crying, Laila. And enough with Mrs Knightdale. Call me Margaret.”

She turned to face me, her scowl slipping back to its rightful place.

“What happened?”

“Nothing. She's just being dramatic.” I replied.

Margaret doesn't seem to believe me. Her eyes scanned me suspiciously.

“I don't want to spoil the rest of my day by speaking to you after what you just did back there. So I'll…”

“She accused me of sleeping with Derek.” Laila interrupted and Margaret's eyes widened.

“What!”

“She said I was having an affair with your son.” She repeated shaking her head frantically as fresh tears ran down her cheeks. I wonder how she's able to achieve that in multiple successions.

“I swear to the moon goddess, I didn't do it, Margaret.”

By then Margaret looked extra livid while I just stared at her unbothered.

“Haven't you done enough? Disgracing my son and the pack today in front of all those people. And now you accuse your own best friend?”

“There's a reason for that, mother.”

“Who's your mother? The last time I checked you rejected my son.”

“I'll do it again in a heartbeat.” I replied calmly.

“How dare you? My son is loyal.”

Even if someone told her Derek had been killed , she would still defend him to the end. There's no point talking to them at all.

“Okay, Margaret.” I gave her a smile and she glared at me.

“I won't want to wash Derek's dirty linen in your presence out of respect for you and the unbreakable trust you have in him.” I turned to Laila who was still on the floor but she had stopped the fake charade.

“Right Laila?”

She scowled at me before giving a stiff nod back.

“Okay. Derek cheated, so?” Margaret said, patting her long red nails down her black clothing.

“Excuse me?”

“He's a man. He won't be the first nor the last to do that in this world. Men are polygamous in nature. If you were truly meant to be a Luna you would understand this.” She sneered.

“You are wolfless, so you definitely won't understand what it takes to be a perfect Luna.” Her face creased up in disgust and Laila looked on like she just won a lottery.

“You accuse my son of infidelity after all we have done for your pack. You stopped the mating ceremony because of your own insecurity and you accused your best friend of having affairs with my son.” She stepped closer, her back dress sweeping the floor. “ You are the vile one here, Astrid.”

I clenched my hands as she wanted to about my inability to get my wolf and how she's doing our pack a favour by allowing Derek to mate me till her voice faded in the back of my mind.

“You don't even have any evidence to prove what you just said.”

That caught my attention and a brilliant idea crossed my mind.

“Don't jump to conclusions, Margaret. Do you think I'll accuse Derek and not have evidence to back it up?”

Laila looked up surprised, her face paling even more from fear.

“Don’t test me. Moon goddess be damned if I don't let the world know of what he has done.” I stepped forward, looking at her squarely. “I bet he would be more humiliated, no? In fact it would be the least of his problems.”

If a scandalous video surfaces. It would be hard for Derek to be made an Alpha because he would be considered incompetent. I definitely know that he wouldn't want that, since that had been his whole goal of even being with me in the first place.

Margaret stared at me nervously and I could tell she wasn't prepared to allow that to happen to her precious son.

“You've changed.” Laila said and I scoffed. “Damn right I have.”

“Be careful, Astrid.” Margaret glared at me before she walked away, the sole of her heels making a click click sound.

Laila stood up finally, her face stained and dark from mascara running down her face and the whole ruin make up.

She didn't say a word but I could sense her anger as she also left.

“That was intense.” Someone said behind me and alas, it was the maid from earlier. I had completely forgotten she was there.

I sighed and leaned against the wall.

“They were scared when you mentioned the evidence.”

“Right.” I replied dismissively.

"Or… was it a bluff?" she raised an eyebrow, and something in the way she asked it felt like she already knew the answer before I gave it.

I didn't reply as I stared at her, wondering deep in my thoughts whether I could trust her. The expression on her face and look in her eyes agreed.

“What's your name?” I asked instead.

“Grace.”

“Of course it was a bluff, Grace.” I chuckled.

“Thank goodness they didn't catch on.” Grace said, also smiling.

It worked.

She actually believed I had the evidence. They are quite easy to manipulate after all.

Thank my stars they were too stupid to catch on.

My lips widen with a smile.

I just started.

They are all in for a treat.