‘I’m going to tell you a story Astrid. And you’re going to listen to every single word,’ he says. I glare at him but give him my full attention because I know he can make me listen if he has to, and I’ve been through enough.
‘Twenty-two years ago, Moonstone Crest was the strongest pack around. They hosted an annual mating ceremony, where packs would be invited from all around the world to potentially find their mates.’
‘Unexpectedly, my pack Shady Crest was invited. My father was the Alpha at the time, and did not get along with the Alpha of Moonstone Crest. My father was willing to put his hatred for Alpha Bane aside though, as he was hopeful I’d find my mate there. I could finally take over as Alpha if I did.’
‘We attended the mating ceremony and it was a spectacular event. Not long after arriving, I smelled the most alluring scent I had ever smelled before – vanilla and honey. I followed the scent to no avail. I didn’t understand why her scent kept disappearing. Surely, she could smell my scent too, which would make her follow me.’
‘Confused, I told my father I could smell my mate, but couldn’t find her. We spent most of the night searching for her. The scent finally led me to front of the Moonstone Crest pack house. I looked up to see the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, looking out the window. She is frightened when she sees me. ‘Please! Wait!’ I yell as she backs away from the window. She slowly reapproaches it and we stare into each other’s eyes.’
‘The world around us vanishes. It’s as though only she and I exist. Nothing else matters. ‘Mate’, we both say. Our eyes turn black, then silver for a moment, and go back to our normal colours. ‘Please come down, so we can meet properly,’ I say, smiling. She shakes her head no. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t,’ she says, in her sweet voice. I give her a confused look. ‘But we’re mates! Surely you can come down so we can talk? And maybe have a dance?’
‘Her beautiful green eyes were like emeralds; her long brown hair blows in the wind. ‘You don’t understand. Mate-bond or not, my father would never let me be with the future Alpha of Shady Crest.’ She is crying.’
‘Confused with her words, I ask her: ‘what’s wrong with being future Luna of Shady Crest? She tells me: ‘your father has tarnished the packs name with his wicked ways and his treatment of his pack. He kidnaps and hunts humans for sport,’ she says.’
‘Why should my father’s ways affect me and my mate?’ I ask, becoming angry. ‘My father will make me reject you regardless of how good or bad your heart is, I’m sorry,’ she explains, tearfully.’
‘We can figure this out my love! Please just come down. I will speak to your father. I will tell him. I will show him, that I will treat you like a Queen,’ I beg her. She continues to wipe tears from her face and shake her head no.’
‘If you won’t come down here, I will come up there to you!’ I tell her, breaking the front door down. I run upstairs and push her bedroom door open. I march over to her, but she has so much sadness in her eyes.’
‘Leaning over her, I hold her chin in my hand. The chemistry between us is strong. I lean my head down to brush my lips against hers. I cup her face in my hands, and she places her hands on my chest.’
‘Our lips meld together with intense passion. It feels so right and so good. Our lips finally part, and she bursts into tears. ‘My sweet love, who is your father?’ I ask. She looks away. ‘Alpha Bane of Moonstone Crest,’ she whispers.’
‘In shock, I take a step back. ‘You’re Alyssa, the daughter of Alpha Bane?’ I say. She looks up into my eyes and nods. I pull her into my chest, letting her cry. I stroke her hair to comfort her.’
‘Our fathers are the greatest of enemies. There has to be a way for us to be together,’ I say. ‘Come Alyssa, take my hand; let us go to the dance. If everyone sees us happy together, maybe our fathers will approve of us. We need to at least try my love,’ I say.’
‘Alyssa nods, we smile at each other, and we walk hand in hand to the dance. All eyes are on us, in shock, as we walk in. Everyone stares, not expecting us to be paired by the Moon Goddess. We dance among the others. There are sparks flying between us. Alyssa’s smile brightens the room. We stare lovingly into each other’s eyes.’
‘What is the meaning of this? Get away from my daughter now!’ Alpha Bane yells across the room. Everyone gasps and stands aside to let Alpha Bane through. Alyssa clings to my coat and looks up at me; her beautiful green eyes well with tears.’
‘Alpha Bane, it’s a pleasure to meet you,’ I say, most respectfully, bowing my head. ‘Alyssa, come here now!’ He snaps. ‘Dad it’s okay. Zenith is my mate,’ she says with a nervous smile for her Dad.’
‘Alpha Bane’s face pales instantly ‘No. The Moon Goddess would not be so cruel to mate you with the lowest of packs; the most hated pack in the world,’ he yells.’
‘I stiffen at his words. ‘Alpha Bane, please. I can assure you, Alyssa is my mate, and I’m so honoured to accept her as my mate. I know you and my father don’t see eye to eye, but—’ I’m interrupted.’
‘See eye to eye? Your father murders humans for fun! He beats his pack members. He is the only Alpha known to keep pack members as slaves. He is sick and twisted,’ Alpha Bane yells.’
‘Enough!’ My Dad yells and steps forward, out of the crowd. He looks at Alyssa, clinging to me with tears in her eyes, with my arm, around her waist, holding her tightly. My Dad chuckles at the situation.’
‘Who would have thought? My son, blessed with your daughter,’ he chuckles. ‘The Moon Goddess must surely hate you Alpha Bane to make you share grand-pups with me!’ Dad chuckles.’
‘Dad. This is a blessing for me and Alyssa. You need to keep your taunts to yourself!’ I yell at him. My Dad growls at me for disrespecting him in front of all the packs.’
‘Alyssa! You are to reject Zenith right now!’ Alpha Bane orders. Alyssa and I both flinch at his order. We stare into each other’s eyes. I shake my head no. I plead with Alyssa not to do it.’
‘She doesn’t want to reject me; she wants to accept me. ‘Now!’ Alpha Bane yells, making her jump. ‘You wouldn’t dare make her reject my son!’ My father yells at Alpha Bane. Alpha Bane grabs Alyssa by the wrist and pulls her to him. ‘Alyssa, you listen to me now. You deserve better. You deserve to be with the best Alpha out there! Do you really think you are going to have a happy life in that pack house?’ He yells.’
‘He forcefully turns Alyssa around by her arms. ‘Do it now or you will be known as a traitor to this family. Do you want your mother living with that reputation?’ Alyssa is crying; she shakes her head no.’
‘Forgive me Zenith. Please forgive me. I, Alyssa Moonstone, reject you Future Alpha Zenith of Shady Crest as my mate.’ I’m crippled with severe pain in my chest like my heart has been ripped out. I look up to see Alyssa in the same pain, gripping her chest. Everyone gasps and watches on in horror. Rejecting mates is extremely rare; most would never witness a rejection in their lifetime.’
‘The mating ceremony is over! Everyone, go home!’ Alpha Bane yells. He still has his hands around Alyssa. He is pulling her away toward the pack house. I want to run to her but my father grabs me and holds me back.’
‘You will pay for this Alpha Bane! I swear to the Moon Goddess, you will pay!’ I yell.’
‘Four months pass. My father and I organise our warriors to wipe out the Moonstone pack, so I can free Alyssa and bring her home with me where she belongs. We have it all planned out. We would trespass onto Moonstone Crest the night of Alpha Bane’s birthday celebrations, discreetly killing guards and warriors one by one. The celebrations would be in the great hall where the mating ceremony was held. Once I found Alyssa, I would lure her away from the hall. My warriors would close all the doors to the hall, barricading them. The warriors would pour fuel outside the hall and block the doors, then ignite a fire.’
