Selene’s Pov

“You want the pack’s black sheep to mate with you?” Keal licked his lips.

That's a fine way to replace the word monster they're calling him.

“Yes, this time I want to choose. For myself and for my future.” I said, stepping back. His dark metallic eyes digging holes into my heart.

Why was he looking at me like that though.

“You don't mind that I have a kid? You've surely heard that I'm destructive.” He smirked.

This guy is a complete psycho. He wants to scare me off?

Not a chance. If he doesn't mate with me, my life in the academy will be a complete chaos.

“You won't destroy your mate, you didn't touch your son with destructive hands.” I said.

“What makes you think I'll mate with you?” He brought his hands out of his pocket.

“Leave. Orion needs to rest.” His tone was laced with finality.

I turned and left the room. I strolled the academy corridor heading to the Moonstone Testing Grounds where the test would be taking place.

Another humiliating scenario. Not having a transformation is my living nightmare.

Absorbed in my thoughts I bumped into someone.

A familiar scent.

“Watch your step, careful not to fall.” Lucien's voice filled my eardrum.

I finally looked at his face. His face was soft, his expression almost deceiving.

‘He is so down to earth, even after he broke up with her, he still cares about her.’ one of the students passing commented.

‘Aww, Seraphina is so lucky.” Another gushed while passing.

Another political act?

If I didn't know any better, I might have believed him. The evil scheming alpha.

Actually, Keal is better than this piece of trash. At least he doesn't pretend to be what he is not.

I refused to speak to him, so I made to walk past him. He grabbed my hand, halting me.

“Of what help can I be to you Alpha Lucien?” I asked, trying to keep the anger and bitterness in my voice away.

“I apologized already, I'll find you a good man to mate with today, okay? Or you prefer staying as my mistress?” His gaze was compelling.

He's insulting me to my face? I can't afford to go against him now.

“Please do not bother yourself with my affairs.” I said, trying to shake my hands off his grip.

“He's only trying to help, don't be an ingrate.” Seraphina’s voice came from behind.

She heard what her mate said to me.

“It's up to me if I want to accept his offer or decline. I would rather you mind your business Beta Seraphina.” I spat. I was unable to hide the anger in my voice this time.

“You still plan to go after my mate? Don't think about it poor Selene, besides he's only helping you. Who would want to mate with you?” She snickered.

I wriggle my hand away from Lucien's grip.

“Just you wait!” I stormed off.

“You're invited to our mating ceremony tomorrow.” Seraphina yelled after me laughing.

Of course the full moon is gon’ come out tomorrow.

They deserve an Oscar for an outstanding performance. They almost fooled me too.

I needed Keal to agree, else my future here is doomed. Tomorrow is Keal's birthday.

They said they're twins, so why is their birthday two days apart?

I got to The Moonstone Testing Grounds where the students were waiting. The test hasn't begun yet.

Great.

I hope I discover my hidden abilities today.

“Today, we aren't testing your strength.”

The professor's voice carried across the training grounds.

The students quieted immediately. “Neither are we testing how fast you can run, how hard you can hit, or how powerful your wolf is.” He gestured toward the enormous circular stone embedded in the centre of the grounds.

The Moonstone.

“Every wolf is born with abilities that you already know. What we're testing today are the abilities hidden beneath them. Abilities your wolf may possess but have never had the opportunity to awaken.”

A murmur passed through the crowd.

“Each of you will stand on the Moonstone individually, Close your eyes, empty your mind. Don't force anything.” He pointed toward the glowing stone.

“If you see something, say it. If you hear something unusual, say it. If you feel something you've never felt before, say it.”

He paused.

“And if nothing happens, don't lie.” A few students laughed nervously.

The professor looked down at his list. “Aria.”

Aria's shoulders straightened. “Good luck,” I whispered.

She gave me a nervous smile before stepping onto the Moonstone.

The moment her bare feet touched its surface, the silver markings beneath her began to glow.

“Close your eyes.” She obeyed, a few seconds passed.

Then Aria frowned. “I smell something.”

The professor looked up. “What?”

“Rain.”

Several students exchanged confused glances. “It's not raining,” someone muttered.

Aria's eyebrows furrowed. “No. Not here.”

The professor nodded slowly writing in his notepad. “Describe it.”

“Wet soil. Pine trees. The scent is old... but I can remember it.”

The professor's eyes sharpened. “Memory Scent.”

The students murmured.

Aria opened her eyes. “What's that?”

“You can retain and identify scents long after they've disappeared. Even years later, your wolf should be capable of recognizing them.” The professor answered.

Aria's mouth dropped open. “Seriously?”

The professor nodded. “Step down.”

Aria practically skipped back to us happily.

“I have an ability!”

“You're insufferable already,” Bella teased.

“Bella.” The professor called.

Bella stopped laughing. “Your turn.”

She walked onto the Moonstone, the markings glowed again. Bella closed her eyes, nothing happened for several seconds. Then her head tilted. “Chocolate.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Bella opened her eyes. “What?”

The professor didn't laugh. “Where?”

“Behind me.” Bella answered.

He looked toward the crowd. “Who has chocolate?”

A boy near the back reluctantly raised his hand.

Bella pointed directly at him. “That's him.”

The professor smiled. “Again.”

Bella closed her eyes.

The professor gestured for one of the assistants to walk around the training grounds. “Follow the scent.”

Bella inhaled.

“Left.” The assistant turned.

“Right.” He changed direction.

“Behind the professor.” The professor's eyebrows lifted.

“Excellent. Scent Tracking.” The crowd erupted into impressed murmurs.

Bella stepped off the Moonstone looking entirely too pleased with herself.

“Don't start,” Aria warned.

“I haven't said anything.” She laughed.

“Your face is saying everything.” Aria nudged her playfully. I was too scared or nervous to even joke or to be relaxed.

The professor looked at his list again. “Charis.”

Charis stepped forward confidently.

Unlike Aria and Bella, she didn't look nervous. She climbed onto the Moonstone and closed her eyes. A few minutes passed and nothing happened.

Her expression changed. “Nothing.”

The professor waited. “Try again.”

Charis concentrated harder.

Still nothing. A few students snickered.

“Nothing manifested,” the professor announced.

Charis stepped down, visibly irritated. “That's unfortunate,” someone whispered.

“Seraphina.” The professor called.

The murmuring changed immediately.

Seraphina walked toward the Moonstone. She looked calm, too calm.

She stepped on it, The silver markings brightened.

Her eyes closed. “I can feel something.”

“What?” The professor asked, facing his notepad.

“Wind.” The professor nodded writing.

“From where?” He asked.

“North.”

A student laughed. “There isn't even a breeze.”

Seraphina's eyes remained closed. “Not here.” The professor waited.

“There's a storm approaching.”

Silence.

He looked toward the sky. “Interesting.”

Seraphina opened her eyes.

“How far?” He asked again.

“Several miles.” She smiled. The professor nodded.

“Weather Sense.” Whispers immediately spread through the crowd.

“That one's rare.”

The professor raised a hand. “Continue.”

“She has two?” Whispers filled the hall.

Seraphina closed her eyes again. Her expression changed. “It's dark.” she muttered after a few minutes.

The professor frowned. “Open your eyes.”

She did.

“Can you see?” He asked studying her.

“Everything.” she confirmed.

He pointed toward a section of the academy grounds shaded by several enormous trees.

“What do you see?” He asked again.

“Six students.” Seraphina answered confidently.

The professor looked at the students.

“They're barely visible from here.” Seraphina smiled.

“Extreme Night Vision.” The professor smiled. The crowd erupted again.

Seraphina stepped down walking back to Lucien's side who had a proud smile on his lips.

“And Keal is next.” The professor announced.

That started another round of murmuring.

I glanced toward the empty space beside the students.

Keal isn't here. Of course he wasn't.

The professor called the next two students, but their abilities were ordinary enough that the crowd quickly lost interest.

Then…

“Lucien Blackthorn.”

The atmosphere changed. Lucien walked forward.

Everyone watched him with interest.He stepped onto the Moonstone.

The markings beneath his feet illuminated almost instantly. His eyes closed.

“Tell us what you see.” Lucien remained silent.

Then his lips curved. “The eastern mountains.” The professor frowned.

“You can see them?” He asked as if unsure he could actually see it.

“Yes.”

“How far?” Lucien opened his eyes.

“Approximately ten thousand miles.” He smiled.

The entire field went silent. “That's impossible,” someone whispered.

Lucien looked amused.

“I can see the mountain range.”

The professor's expression became serious.“What else?”

“Three wolves.” He paused.

“Two warriors.” Another pause, “One of them is injured.” He continued. The professor stared at him.

Then he turned toward one of the academy's assistants. “Verify it.”

The assistant hurried away.

The students erupted into whispers.

Lucien stepped down from the Moonstone smiling already walking towards Seraphina.

But the professor wasn't finished. “Lucien. One more.”

He looked back. “Use your command voice.”

Lucien's expression shifted. He turned toward the students.

“Silence.”

The single word rolled across the field.

Every conversation stopped instantly.

For several seconds, the entire training ground was completely silent.

Lucien looked at the professor. “Command Voice.”

The professor nodded. “Correct.”

Someone behind me whispered, “They're perfect together.”

“Who?” Another voice asked.

“Lucien and Seraphina.” “They both have multiple rare abilities.”

“Imagine having a Luna with Weather Sense and Night Vision and an Alpha with Far Sight and Command Voice.”

I looked away. It was clearly mockery, they knew I was right there.

I hated that it bothered me.

The professor continued calling names.

One after another, students stepped onto the Moonstone.

I watched them discover abilities I'd never even heard of.

Then finally….

“Selene Ashcroft.” My heart dropped.

I stepped forward.

The whispers started immediately. “The wolf-less gamma?”

“She's actually taking the test?” I ignored them.

I stepped onto the Moonstone, coldness traveled beneath my feet.

“Close your eyes,” the professor instructed.

I did.

“Empty your mind.”

I tried… I felt nothing, saw nothing.

“Tell us what you feel.” The professor asked.

I swallowed...almost shamefully. “Nothing.”

“Try again.” The professor urged.

I closed my eyes tighter. Come on, Crystal.

The Moonstone remained completely still beneath my feet. It was the same thing.

I opened my eyes.

The professor stared at me for a moment before looking down at his records.

“No manifestation.” He said. His voice was somewhat laced with pity.

A few students laughed.

I stepped off the Moonstone.

Nothing, not even a flicker.

I had spent years waiting for my wolf to show me what made me special. And apparently, there was nothing to show.

I ran off from the field, I ran straight to Keal’s room.

“Please mate with me, I beg of you. I might die if I don't please Keal.” I sobbed the moment I saw him. The heartbreak and humiliation all gnawed at me at once.

“Give me two reasons why I should consider it.” He lowered himself on his couch.

“I'll live on your terms I promise, I'll take care of Orion as my own.” My voice quivered.

“What if I say No?” He stood up.

Selene’s Pov

I stared at him wide eyed. I can't afford for him to say no.

“Please, at least think about it.” I hiccuped.

“I didn't say no yet, I only said what if. Seriously, what's the point of going to the academy?” He taunted.

I couldn't even talk back, knowing I wouldn't win against him anyways.

“You can't handle being mated to me.” He said, looking away.

Now is the time to turn back Selene. My mind screamed at me.

I can't turn back, my life and that of my mother will be a living hell in the pack.

Will you because of that mate with someone who beat the mother of his pup? My mind argued again.

Yeah… that!

“See? You can leave now.” His flat cold voice brought me out of my internal struggle.

“I can handle it.” I said out of nowhere.

Did I just agree to it?

Like I wasn't the one who asked in the first place. Ugh… I miss Crystal.

“You don't know what you're saying.” He snickered.

“Go home.” His tone was final.

“Mummy.” Orion's tiny voice rang as he made his way towards me.

Seraphina has failed as a mother, abandoning her own child, to the point that he needs someone to call mummy.

“Come here my baby.” I smiled, opening my arms.

He ignored his father running straight into my arms. “Did father make you cry?”

Oops! I had forgotten to clean my eyes immediately when he came out.

Before I could respond, he faced his father, “Stop bullying mummy.”

Keal's face almost turned white. He made a long face at him. Orion did the same right back.

I couldn't hold the laughter anymore, I burst out laughing.

I laughed so hard that I didn't notice the four pairs of eyes staring at me astonished.

I stopped laughing immediately.

“I'll inform you when I decide tomorrow.” He said turning to walk away.

Isn't tomorrow his birthday? Lucien mentioned he doesn't like to celebrate birthdays.

Well, even if he likes to, people won't attend because of fear.

Heard he almost burnt down the palace on their sixteenth birthday.

I smiled, dropping Orion who in turn had a sour look.

“I'll come get you at night, I'll tell you stories from when I was young.” I tried cheering him up.

He nodded, smiling.

I left his place afterwards. Just one more class and I'm done for the day.

I walked back to class, people sent pity and irritating stares my way.

I just need Keal to agree, then I can proudly boast of choosing my own mate and walk in the academy confidently.

Aria and Bella were not in class when I entered. I turned back to go look for them.

The dethroned school Belle Charis was also not in class.

Of course not, she doesn't want to lose face. I thought walking towards the garden.

I miss Crystal. If she wasn't protecting me so hard from the poison, she wouldn't have been extremely wounded to the point of near death.

I need to see the professor.

I changed my mind walking towards the professor's office.

I might as well tell him about the poison. I can't tell him about Lucien doing it.

He wouldn't believe me anyway, he'd think I'm trying to frame him because he didn't take me as his mate.

I got to his office and was about to knock. “Come in Selene.” He said.

My inability to smell from afar like other wolves makes me forget wolves can smell people from distance.

I pushed the door open, stepping in I bowed in greeting.

He gestured for me to sit. “Your condition worsened.” He said before I could speak.

I nodded. “What happened, I knew you made progress with it.” He peered at me.

“Wolfsbane.” I muttered quietly.

His eyebrow shot up. “Wolfsbane? How did that happen? Why would you do such to yourself because he didn't take you as his mate.”

I knew it! Even without saying how it came about he already judged me!

“I didn'...” I tried saying but he cut me off.

“You didn't know it was going to be severe?”

Ugh… can this man just shut up and listen? I wanted to scream at him.

“What can I do now? If I don't get my wolf back what will happen to me?” I asked. There was no point in arguing with him, because he wouldn't believe me even if I explained the whole situation.

“I can't say for sure at this point, maybe she'll heal if she gets a second chance mate.” He shook his head.

It's not just about being mated to any wolf. It's also about a second chance mate?

What is my offense, Moon Goddess? I wanted to cry, scream or break things.

A sob tore through my throat.

“Unless you're marked by an alpha, which is now impossible.” He looked at me with pity.

My eyes lit up immediately. If Keal agrees, then I have a chance.

No, not if. He has to agree.

I'll make sure of that.

“Don't crash at Lucien's mating ceremony tomorrow.” He warned seeing the spark in my eyes.

Funny! This man thinks Lucien is the only Alpha heir…

Even though he's feared and treated like an outcast, Keal is still an Alpha, and also the Alpha and Luna's heir, just like Lucien.

I stood up muttering a thank you, not even bothering to bow when I left his office.

On returning to class, the whole class was silent, Aria and Bella were also waiting for me. Charis was also seated.

Maybe the class is about to begin. I shrugged and made my way to my seat.

But the way they kept looking at me was weird and disturbing.

Just then the devil and his evil mate decided to walk in.

Only that they brought Jeffery, the school mischievous guy, with them.

I hissed facing my locker, not bothering to pay them any attention.

“Selene, I already spoke to Jeffery, he's willing to mate with you after I pleaded with him.” Lucien announced.

The class went silent.

What?

And the fool was smiling like he's won the lottery.

Selene’s Pov

Jeffery grinned like a fool, while Lucien stood there like a benevolent Alpha.

If I voice out that he actually wanted to end my life, who would believe me.

“Don't insult me, Alpha Lucien.” I spat, refusing to stand up.

“He's the same rank as you, the only difference is that he's shifted, unlike you. You should be grateful.” Seraphina snickered.

The class roared with laughter except for Aria and Bella.

“Even a worthless dog gets to have a mate, thanks to Alpha Lucien.” Charis mocked and the whole class erupted again.

“At least she's not the one with no special ability except for her wolf.” Bella fired.

Seraphina couldn't say a word.

I turned to give her a grateful nod.

“Can't you see I'm doing this for your own good?” Lucien's calm voice rang out.

“Even the Omegas were not willing to be mated to you, I had to plead with Jeffrey.” He continued.

The same Jeffery that bullied me in the past. The same Jeffery he protected me from.

Or do I say saved me for.

I chuckled bitterly. I must have been blind to have fallen for this piece of trash.

“That will not be necessary Alpha Lucien, my affairs are no longer your business.” I stared at him straight in the eyes.

He looked somewhat shocked.

The best acting award goes to this devil.

People began to whisper.

‘Why is she so proud… hpmp!’

‘She should be grateful he's considering her.’

Seraphina is so graceful’

I wonder what this academy is created for, it's obviously not for intelligence. I thought.

“Don't come begging later.” Seraphina hissed, taking Lucien's hand before walking away.

I caught a glimpse of Lucien's face from the window. He looked pissed.

I've not even started pressing their necks yet. They should wait till I convince Keal.

The time was 7pm, I made my way out of the class after the professor walked out.

I promised Orion I'll tell him interesting tales.

“Selene.” I heard Aria's voice making me turn back.

“You've been distant and absent since yesterday.” She raised her eyebrows suspiciously.

I wasn't about to tell her about Keal. I know I can trust her. But I can't risk anything right now.

“It's nothing, I just need a little bit of space for myself.” I lied through my teeth.

She stared at me like she was deciding whether to believe me or not.

Before she could say another word, I bolted.

That will only raise her suspicion you fool. My mind threw a jab at me.

I didn't care, I headed straight to his class. Most of his mates had already gone home to their parents.

I entered and found him seated in between Keal’s lap.

“Hi…” I trailed half waving, half smiling.

“You kept your promise.” Orion ran straight to me.

May the Moon Goddess curse Seraphina. She's traumatized this little child.

“Lead the way.” Keal said.

I stood there perplexed. I didn't mention he was going with us.

I raised my eyebrow in question.

“What made you think I'll leave my child to you?” He peered at me.

I carried Orion leaving Keal to follow. I didn't have the strength to argue. At least not now.

I took the route only I found out about a year ago. It led to the same garden Orion had gotten lost.

We got to the garden shortly and we sat down on the floor. Except Keal.

He stood there like a watch night dog.

“Mummy can we start now?” Orion tapped me.

“Not with your Father staring at me like a prey.” I whispered into his ear.

“I heard that.” He took his eyes away from me.

Soon I started the story telling.

Soon enough,the little boy fell asleep right there.

Soon his father took him away and I went back to my dorm.

Morning came like a rush of whirlwind. Looking at the time, I quickly rushed off.

I was too scared and anxious to sleep. Too scared of what his answer might be.

I needed to go meet him before everyone else was up. I took Arias clothes and wore them, I took her perfume too and sprayed it on me. I don't need anyone, especially Lucien recognizing my scent.

On getting to their lounge,I tiptoed towards Keal's door and knocked gently.

He opened the door before I lifted my clenched fist from the door.

He stepped aside and I entered. We sat in his small living room, so as not to disturb Orion.

“So?” I started.

“Life with me is not rosy.” He started. My heart thrummed loudly.

“If you become my mate, you'd be treated like an outcast, do you still want to?” He asked softly.

One I've never heard before. “Yes.” I said.

“I have my own rules. I'm not in for revenge or whatever is going on in your head. Do not ever treat my child poorly.This is purely an arrangement and no feelings involved. Lastly, stay out of drama.” He finished.

I beamed nodding my head like a child.

The knot worry formed in my chest dissolved immediately.

“You can leave now.” He said.

I stood up and walked towards the door. I twisted the handle ready to go out when his voice stopped me.

“The clothes and perfume didn't hide your scent, try again.” He mocked.

I ignored him and smiled, “Happy Birthday Alpha Keal.”

I didn't wait to see his reaction or hear his response.

Before I got to my dorm, students began flooding out happily.

None of them seemed to notice me which I'm grateful for.

They were too happy to even notice. Of course it's because of Lucien's mating ceremony.

The full moon is coming out tonight. And they're about to watch a full show.