The Bloodlust Alpha - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

My arms fell loosely to my sides as I stared at him.
Was he serious?
"That won't be necessary,"
I say, surprised to find my voice. Landon, Hestia, Benicio-- everyone watched in stunned silence. They were rooted to their spots as I was, momentarily forgetting Hestia's deceit. We were all too focused on Locksworth's startling request. A request that shamelessly tugged at my heartstrings.
"I'm certain we aren't mates, Alpha Locksworth."
It wasn't a lie.
I already had one, as much as I wish I didn't, standing right across from me. Landon looked dumbfounded, green eyes wide open and mouth gaping as he looked between Locksworth and I. Then slowly, once realization of what Locksworth's request implied, his expression morphed into anger.
Anger to which, I ignored.
Locksworth's expression didn't change. Not even with the growing hostility standing behind him. Waves of Landon's anger coursed through the very thin line of a bond we had. His wolf snarling in his mind at Locksworth indirectly making a claim on me. His possessiveness was spiraling out of control. His wolf demanded to show everyone I was his, and Landon did nothing to try and hold him back. I knew that a few seconds from now, we'd have a shifted Alpha attempting to murder another Alpha.
No one knew of his inner fury. He glared daggers at Locksworth, his fists whitening at the knuckles. His lips tugged up to showcase his canines threateningly. Hestia, who was now out of the initial shock, noticed Landon's jealous fit but said nothing.
She merely stood by his side, watching with calculating eyes.
Intrigue hit me in the face. I wondered why she wasn't blowing a fuse. Seeing her husband act like this would've angered her no doubt, but at the same time Landon couldn't help it because of the mate bond. If I knew Hestia as well asI thought I did, she would've disregarded the mate bond excuse and still find her anger pointing at him. But none of that ensued. Strange enough, she was calm and collected. Not like the emotional mess I expected her to be.
My focus returned to Locksworth. The fierce look of determination in his stormy eyes set deep in his features. His hand was still outstretched to me; waiting.
His large hand meaning to hold mine.
Waves of satisfaction rumbled from my wolf at the thought. She purred, nudging her head against mine in encouragement. She wanted to feel it as much as I did. To feel his large hand covering mine, his long fingers intertwined with mine, his heat mixing with mine.
She wanted everything.
Quickly, I shut out my bond with Noah. I was getting careless with the kind of emotions reaching him. He most likely caught a sense of what I was thinking. Embarrassingly enough, I knew he would've made this a big deal if he had known the effect Locksworth had on me. The effects that even I was confused of. Their origin was so unclear and confusing I knew that words probably wouldn't be enough to express them. It was like I was dying of thirst and he was a tall glass of iced water just waiting to be chugged down.
For the first time since meeting Locksworth, my wolf fell silent right after and retreated into the back of my mind. She left me to figure this out myself. Just watching as she laid on her stomach with her head resting on her paws.
Wow.
"Do you already have a mate?"
Locksworth asked, a slight edge to his voice. His clouded eyes darkened, cold but intense with scorching heat burning through me. I almost felt pressured under his scrutinizing gaze. A gaze that dared me to answer.
The instinct that urged me to comfort him hit me. My fingers twitched to touch him. To soothe him of his tension. No words of threat were made, yet his gaze alone made me feel intimidated. This was who he is. The intimidatingly dangerous Alpha that everyone swerved away from.
He was .
Raizel Locksworth.
I began to fully understand the weight of his title and importance as the ranking number one. Meeting him now, I understood just how he was able to control everyone around him like a pawn. His aura alone was enough to make the strongest of Alphas to submit.
He was made up of overwhelming power.
Power he knew how to use fully.
My lips parted, but no words came out.
For a second, I was far too taken with the depth of his cold eyes to properly respond. But I was quick to catch myself. Shaking myself out of my daze, I pressed my lips in a thin line. Landon, from the corner of my eyes, stiffened at the question.
If I answered yes, his wolf would be satisfied but then his reputation would be tarnished. No one picks another over their true mate, but he did. It would surely cause problems for him. On the other hand, if I said no, his wolf would feel rejected but his reputation would be saved.
Sadly for him, I didn't take his feelings into consideration.
"No. I don't."
The air went thick. Landon's shoulders slumped, a look of pain over his expression. He turned away, hands tight and clenched. I didn't miss the way my father glanced over to me in shock. My mother just kept her gaze at Hestia who had her head down.
Did they truly believe I'd still acknowledge him as my mate?
After everything that happened?
I couldn't care less about his reputation.
He didn't deserve the title of my mate and I wasn't going to give it to him. As far as I was concerned, he was just some Alpha of a pack I had to be wary about. Not having an alliance with Nightwake meant we were more on enemies than acquaintances.
The answer seemed to please Locksworth. His initial tense form, relaxing as he once again held his hand up higher.
"Please."
It came out as a breathy whisper fanning over my skin. I inhaled sharply, unable to resist the small shivers raking up my spine. A pleasurable moan from my chest almost slipping if I hadn't caught myself. From the looks of everyone behind him, no one had heard what he said. Locksworth swallowed with the tip of his tongue darting out between his lips to wet them. His gaze dropped to mine as mine did to his.
My heart pounded against my chest in anticipation.
Anticipation for what?
Then without registering what I was doing, I instinctively slipped my hand in his. The perfect fit. Tingles, sparks, everything electrifying ran through me the moment his skin touched mine. I felt my breath hitch at the overload of emotions hitting me all at once. The warmth slowly spread through my body from his hand. It felt so... right. So right, that it was concerning.
I almost swiped my hand back in surprise, but Locksworth's grip held me tight in place.
He ran his thumb over my knuckles gently, gaze falling to our joined hands in what seemed like wonder. Wonder with a mix of awe. After a few seconds, he froze and almost immediately began to tug me toward the direction of the Pool. He was rushing, seemingly afraid like I was going to disappear in thin air if I didn't do it right this instant. His steps were short but long and I found myself almost stumbling behind him to match his pace.
Noah slammed against our bond, practically screaming at me to to let him in. He was sensing danger. I knew he was going to ask me what the hell I was doing but honestly, I don't really know.
My mind told me to pull away but my body, soul, instincts told me to get closer.
To have him closer.
Fuck, these hormones need to stop.
Once we reached the start of the pool, he let go of my hand. I instantly missed his warmth against mine but I would never admit it to him. I watched Locksworth lift the same hand he drew blood from and noticed it had already begun to start healing. He reopened the wound by squeezing his fist tight.
Red drops of liquid spilled over his hand from the gaping wound. He looked unbothered, barely feeling the pain of sliced skin affect him. Dripping his bloody hand over the water, he watched as a few drops of his blood merged into the clearness of it.
The dark red sowing into the pool slowly disappeared into nothingness. He looked at me expectantly. Eyes holding nothing but urgency with a mix of caution. With one last sigh, I gave him a hard look trying to brush aside my clear attraction to him. I was acting totally irrational. It was pointless to try. I knew it was. But I felt the need to do it.
Frustration pent up inside me at the realization.
"It's not going to work."
I tell him.
But really, I tell myself.
Locksworth says nothing as he steps aside, giving me room to stand over the pool. He acts as if he didn't hear me. Trying to recollect my disarray of thoughts and pounding heart, I briskly walk past him. I brush passed him.
I stop myself from making a noise of surprise and continue on my way like it didn't faze me. Looking at the sculpted statue of the Moon Goddess, I breathed out and slice my palm with one of my extended claws. The small line I drew down skin turning red from the blood spilling forth.
Noah looks at me weird, eyebrows pressing together as to say "what the actual fuck" and I shoot him a glare.
"I don't have a knife."
I grumbled out in our bond before shutting it off again.
It's not like I wake up this morning thinking, 'oh hey, I should probably bring a knife because my sister lied about being Raizel's mate and pissed my dad off because he thinks Raizel is denying her so he challenges him to go to the Moon Goddess' Sacred Pool to find out it turns out to be a lie and suddenly Raizel will ask me to try it with him'.
I raised my hand over the pool, watching as my blood inked into the clear water until it dissolved. I knew what the answer was, but a small part of me had that intangible hope that maybe... just maybe...
But I was right.
The clear water turned red, deflating any minuscule hope inside me. I covered up the disappointment, turning to look at Locksworth whose eyes were heatedly pointed at the red liquid. He stared at the pool as if it had done him such wrongs. Like his life was thoroughly destroyed by the water in front of him.
"Like I said,"
I whispered silently,
"Not mates."
This time, I could do so little to hide my tone of dejection. I was sure if Noah didn't catch it, Landon certainly did. I felt his eyes cut cold to me, burning through my skin. When his persistent glaring finally left, I noticed him smirk in triumph toward Locksworth who still didn't give him the time of day.
"I should've known it was impossible..."
Locksworth muttered lowly to himself. I felt a similar tinge of disappointment in his aura before he composed himself. His expression went stiff as he looked away from the pool. Now we were all surrounded by this uncomfortable silence. A silence I didn't want to be part of. I was already regretting accepting his request as a witness. It feels more and more like I'm digging myself into trouble. And trouble was exactly what Locksworth was.
Clearing my throat, everyone's attention flew to me. I looked to Locksworth who stared back with a troubled expression on his face. He looked... puzzled.
"I've seen the results concerning Luna Walker. If you need me to clarify it with the Chancellor as a witness, don't hesitate to contact me."
Nodding toward him, I swallowed. My gaze sweeping down his entirety one last time as I muster up all the remaining strength in my body to face him. The confidence I had earlier in Landon's office gone and wiped clean from my body.
"Alpha Locksworth."
He stared, slowly nodding back with darkened eyes. His muscles tense with an ache to do something. His fingers twitched ever so slightly but he balled his hands.
"Alpha Crestfield."
He acknowledged. I looked toward his Beta in silent goodbye. With Noah by my side, I cast Landon, my father, Hestia and my mother a look before turning to leave. Walking closer and closer to the exit of the cave, my body felt heavier and heavier the more distance put between us. I resist the urge to meet the piercing gaze willing me to look at his grey, steely eyes because I know, if I met them, even for a split second
I'd be entranced.
So entranced I doubt I could ever get out of it.
Landon's POV
I couldn't help the smug look on my face as the water turned red. Pride and joy surged through me, knowing that Selene was no one else's but mine. My wolf puffed his chest out, growling out his approval at the turn of events. Our souls were intertwined with the red string of fate, woven by the Moon Goddess herself that no one could ever interfere with.
Not even Raizel Locksworth.
Bloodlust Alpha be damned.
"I've seen the results concerning Luna Walker. If you need me to clarify it with the Chancellor as a witness, don't hesitate to contact me."
Selene said nodding toward him. Her eyes lingered on him far longer than I liked. A burst of jealousy fizzing in the depth of my chest.
"Alpha Locksworth."
She whispered. He looked at her. His eyes soaked in her entirety, slowly nodding as if he just remembered to respond in that moment.
"Alpha Crestfield."
Her eyes suddenly tore from him to seek out the man standing behind him to say goodbye-- the Beta, Weston Creed. With one last look at Locksworth, her gaze suddenly fell upon me. But as quickly as she looked, she shifted her gaze to everyone else. She didn't spare a second longer for anyone before leaving.
My wolf whimpered, pawing at the barrier as he watched his mate walk away. Since seeing her again, he was more insistent on making me do something to win her back. To make her mine. For the past four years I didn't see her, I was living a tolerable life. Surely, when I felt the bond snap, I was shocked. Shocked, hurt, heartbroken but at the same time, relieved.
Relieved that I no longer had to worry about the lingering feelings I had for Selene when I was with her sister. I thought that with Selene gone, I had nothing to feel guilty about. That I didn't give half my heart to Hestia but the other half for Selene. After all, how can someone have half my heart if she's dead? I thought it was okay to think that way, all until Hestia got pregnant. When she got pregnant and found her 'mate' thus distancing herself, it opened my eyes.
It made me realize that Selene was irreplaceable.
That unlike Hestia, she was solely crafted for me.
It was then when I realized the weight of what a mate was.
Your mate wasn't just a destined partner. Your mate was something more. Your mate was half your life, your soul, your every living cell to make you who you are. A mate would never abandon you and choose someone else. A mate could never fall out of love. A mate was someone who could never love another the way they loved you.
A mate that I never was for Selene.
A mate I never gave her a chance to be.
I know it's fucked up, I know it's morally wrong, I know I have no right-- believe me, I know.
But after everything, I also know now that it was all a mistake.
It was a mistake to choose Hestia.
It was a mistake to reject her.
A sudden weight pressed down on my chest. I felt the heavy chains of guilt, remorse and regret weighing me down as I stood. Fucking great. This is all just fucking great, really.
A flare of anger brewed inside me as I turned to the female carrying my pup. She stood behind her mother, hands shakily clutching onto her sleeves as she watched me with wide, fearful eyes. The spark of anger quickly turned to waves of fury.
We are all talking when we get back.
I mind linked Hestia, her mother and Beta Benicio.
Their eyes snapped over to me. I caught a flash of worry in both of their eyes for their daughter. They knew the anger I felt right now would not cease until I had a word with her. Beta Benicio gave me a curt nod, but I could feel his tension. His eyes spoke words as he cast his daughter a look of pity before turning away.
Now I had one more problem at hand.
I looked over to Locksworth who was still watching after the entrance of the cave from where Selene left. I flexed my jaw. I did not like the way he was looking after her like a man in love. His ridiculous request of trying the pool together had already put me in boiling water with my wolf. Clearing my throat, his gaze cut over to me. Immediately, the lightness in his eyes were replaced with an icy glare, focusing down on the woman who shield herself away from his gaze.
"Alpha Locksworth, I sincerely apologize for Hestia's false accusation of you. I will personally handle the matter myself. Once again, I truly do apologize. She stepped out of line,"
I narrowed my gaze down at her before looking back to Locksworth,
"-and I promise you, it will never happen again."
Locksworth's hard gaze tightened with cynical amusement. He chuckled, shaking his head before narrowing his eyes. Beta Creed immediately stepped back, watching his Alpha exert the most amount of power I've ever seen come from a lone wolf. Taking a step forward, Locksworth shoved both hands in his dress pants pockets and stood over me. His dark eyes never wavering as streams of his aggression depleted out of him and onto me. The urge to submit growing steadily but I forced my body to strengthen myself.
The Alpha in me was stubborn to keep my ground strong.
"I don't need your promises Walker."
I flinched at his disrespect, forcing down the wolf inside me from lashing out. I know better than anyone that I can't take him. He would, without a doubt, beat me in power play. He was stronger, both in physical and mental states. He exudes in power whereas I try to grow it. Alpha Locksworth was not a force to be reckoned with. He could easily end someone's life with the snap of his fingers.
"Just make sure I never have to see that woman again. That episode of hers in front of the Chancellor cost me, Walker. You're lucky one good thing came out of this."
His eyes softened for the briefest moments before the darkness in them returned at full force.
"It would do you well to heed my advice. In fact, include her father. Because believe me, the next time I see either one of their faces, I won't be so civil."
He threw one last glare at Hestia and Beta Benicio before turning on his heel and striding out the cave. Beta Creed followed behind him but I saw the small smirk on his face before turning. Fuming in my spot, I felt my fur bristle out and shake. The man was mocking me. He knew damn well I was holding myself back in order not to start a fight. Beta Benicio instantly came to my side, muttering apologies over and over but I wasn't hearing it.
"When we get back, I want every one of you in my office."
I grit out.
"No exceptions."
They silently filtered out of the cave with me being the last person to leave. I watched them all go into our van, noting that Locksworth was already gone by the time we got here. Needless to say that the ride back home was pure hell for the amount of anger rolling off of me. Any wrong movements and the small restraint I had over my wolf would snap and involve the one who put me in the bad mood.
When we arrived back at territory, everyone knew to go to my office. I had mind linked everyone not to disturb us and go on with their day but I knew they sensed my inner anger. They all merely bowed their heads not willing to look me in the eyes in fear of my anger being directed on them.
"Somebody explain to me exactly what the fuck Locksworth was talking about. What about the Chancellor?"
I stared down at Hestia and Beta Benicio. Hestia rolled her eyes, glaring down at the floor as her father stayed silent. Sophie, her mother, shakily spoke up.
"Al-Alpha Landon, don't you think this is a little too harsh? Hestia-"
"Little too harsh?"
I scoffed bitterly with eyes wide in disbelief,
"Your daughter, your Luna, my chosen mate had publicly humiliated us. Me, the Alpha. Our pack. By claiming someone is her mate when he wasn't. By claiming Locksworth of all people! Tell me, what will the other packs think? What will our allies think? Do you believe them to be so kindhearted as to overlook a scandal like this? A scandal involving the fucking Bloodlust Alpha?"
Sophie cowered back, shaking as she forced her head to submit. Beta Benicio looked ready to pounce at me for yelling at his mate. His eyes switching back and forth from black to blue. The only thing holding him back was the fact I was his Alpha.
I took a deep breath in, trying to calm myself when Beta Benicio spoke through clenched teeth. His form was rigid, almost too stiff to even breathe.
"Alpha, don't worry. We'll fix this-"
"Fix?"
I laughed, throwing my head back.
"Fix how, Beta Benicio? You know what, don't even say a word. I know for a fact it'll just be utter bullshit. But do tell me, exactly what the hell Locksworth was talking about. Exactly what the hell did Hestia do three weeks ago when she claimed to have found her mate?"
Beta Benicio looked down to his daughter before meeting my gaze with wary. All traces of anger quickly switching to fear.
"S-She and I... we went to the Capital. Hestia was called for a meeting regarding her mate status but then-"
His gaze cut to the ground,
"we saw Alpha Locksworth with the Chancellor. They were with other Alpha's; Alpha Foster, Alpha Hales and Alpha Monterey. Hestia, she- she just stopped talking and immediately ran up to him. She said they were mates. I- I believed her of course, but Alpha Locksworth had no idea what she was talking about. He just kept denying it-"
He swallowed nervously,
"and so she begged for him to take her. On her knees, in front of all the Alpha's including the Chancellor. Said she'd be a good mate... Said she never would've gotten with you had she known it was him."
My wolf clawed out at me, demanding me of punishing both of them right here, right now. They hid such an important detail of her "stumbling upon her mate". Hestia had not only humiliated our pack but she made it seem as though I forced her into forming a bond with me. Begging Locksworth to accept her, to boast.
I looked to Hestia who had a scowl on her face at her father's words. Though her face was full of contempt, I could feel the lingering fear underneath her skin.
"Have you no shame? You, my Luna, the Luna of the pack. You are carrying my child and the future Alpha. Does that mean anything to you? You begged on your knees for someone who isn't your mate? Do you have anything to say for yourself?
I ask her, digging my nails into my skin as she looked up. Hestia narrowed her eyes at me, her dark blues against my greens.
"No."
"No?"
I laughed, stalking toward her in anger. She is a fool if she thinks I'll let this go. She stepped back, the tough facade she held cracking as she felt my energy surging forward.
"Tell me why you lied. Why you told everyone, even your father, that Locksworth was your mate."
Hestia flinched at my Alpha command. Although she held the title of Luna, she wasn't born to be one. She didn't have the power to resist my command over her. So reluctantly, she answered.
"T-To get away from you. If I had him, no one would dare challenge me. No one would even think of objecting our separation if he was my mate. He'd take care of me for the rest of my life. I wanted to get away from all this responsibility."
She hissed out.
"I had enough! I don't want this baby! I don't want the damned Luna title! It's too much work! I never asked for this, Landon! I never asked for all this extra baggage that came with being with you! Ever since you found out Selene was your mate, you acted different. You aren't as focused on me anymore. You'd always get this far away look on your face!"
She huffed out, eyes wild with frustration. They turned glassy as she stared at me with sadness.
"But don't you dare act so just. Ever since Selene came back, all you've ever been thinking about was her! Too bad she doesn't want you, huh? There'd be no way she ever would, not when you abandoned her! You rejected her for me, Landon. Own up to it."
She spat. I felt a sharp sting pierce into my chest from her words. She was right. I know she was. In anger, I balled my fists, feeling unorthodox hatred fill me as I stared at the woman in front of me.
"You ignored her calls that day of the attack like all of us. You wanted her to die. You did, don't you dare lie. I only wanted her out of the picture because she threatened my future with you. You wanted her gone because you felt yourself being torn apart.
You knew perfectly well what was happening to her, but you chose to do nothing. You wanted her gone just like all of us. You wanted the easy way out."
She laughed humorlessly as she rubbed her face with vigor,
"No, you wanted her gone more than any of us. Too fucking bad she lived. And now that she shows up back from the dead, you act like some loved up pup. Admit it, you were glad that I found my 'mate' the moment you saw her again. You were glad because you knew that meeting we had today would be your chance to start over with her.
You didnt even protest when we came up with the idea. You didn't mind getting with her in exchange with me getting Locksworth. You were practically jumping at the thought, regardless of who my mate was, that you could get me off your hands. You knew if I had my mate, I could go with him and you could go with her. That there wouldn't be any loose ties."
I grit down on my teeth.
Again, she was right.
I did want Selene dead.
I wanted her dead because of what she made me feel.
What the bond made me feel.
But then she came back. The initial betrayal I felt when Hestia found her mate instantly disappeared.
I was glad Hestia found her 'mate' because that meant a chance for me.
It meant I could ease my way back into Selene's life.
She would definitely give me the chance. She may be stubborn now, but I know she wants a mate.
And I'm the only mate she has.
She would still want me no matter the past.
"You're right. I won't deny that. But how dare you say you didn't know what 'baggage' would come from being with me. I told you the moment we started seeing each other, I was an Alpha first. Not a lover. And what? Did you really think a pretty face and sweet words would be enough to make Locksworth accept you? Did you think he'd take you in, allow you to claim him as yours falsely and leave it at that? That he wouldn't bring you to the Scared Pool to prove to everyone the liar you are? That he'd take you in as his mate, when you aren't? "
Hestia smirked despite the shaking of her body with her tears spilling from her eyes,
"Worked for you, didn't it?"
It took everything inside me not to lunge at her. The only thing holding me back was the fact that she had my pup. The moment it's born, I would punish her accordingly. I'd banish her, let the Dixon's decide if they wanted to follow her out or not. But i wouldn't leave my child with her. I'd take my child and raise him or her with Selene. I would make her eat her words and more.
The ultimate betrayal of the woman I once I loved.
"Get out. All of you."
Hestia glared, her voice shaking. Her wolf whimpered within her, eyes shifting fearfully between Hestia and I. Wiping her tears away, she croaked out.
"Gladly."
I watched as they all quickly filed out. I could hear distinct yelling outside the moment the door locked. Beta Benicio was yelling at Hestia to which Hestia yelled back incoherently. The only words I could make out was "how could you have done this?" coming from Benicio's end.
I didn't care anymore.
I was going to get what was mine.
No matter what it took, I would get Selene back.
We were mates after all.
There was no other ending but that for us.
Selene
"So..."
I looked at Noah who sat opposite of me in the van. With my arms folded and my legs crossed, I raised a brow at him. Noah pressed his lips together, nodding awkwardly as he twiddled with his thumbs,
"You and Locksworth, huh?"
He whistled, fanning himself as he puffed out his cheeks.
"That sexual tension was just damn. Is it possible for someone to get pregnant from that? Cause if it is, I'm probably on the way. Gotta break the news to Mailia, though. We'll be expecting our Selene and Raizel bun to come out of my oven soon. Gonna pop it right out."
I almost choked.
"W-what?"
Noah rolled his eyes, leaning against his seat with an amused expression on his face. His whole body oozed off playfulness. The kind of playfulness that made my wolf cover her ears with her paws.
"You two weren't just undressing each other with your eyes, you were practically dry humping."
My mouth hung open and closed like a gaping fish. I didn't know how to respond. What he said was completely and utterly wrong.
But was it really?
Was what my annoying conscience said in the back of my mind.
"You-"
I said pointing a menacing finger at him,
"-are being ridiculous."
Noah hummed with a disbelieving look on his face. He bent his elbow against the car door, resting his chin on his knuckles and sighed exasperatedly.
"What's ridiculous is the amount of sexual frustration oozing off of you right now."
He smirked seeing my face slowly flush,
"It's off the charts. I bet I could roast marshmallows over your face from how much heat you're giving out right now."
He rubbed his hands together for dramatic effect.
"Shut.up."
I grit out, hating that my thoughts were going haywire because of the man I was always told to stray away from. The man who had somehow managed to absorb my thoughts from the moment I laid my eyes on him. I thought about those captivating grey eyes searching for something, that husky voice seducing me into falling in his darkness, his soft touch igniting every cell in my body, his scent encasing me in a blanket of pure frenzy for more. I clench my legs together as his face surfaced through my mind.
That chiseled, annoyingly handsome face.
"Noah."
Noah stilled hearing his name. The air thick with the heavy strain of my next few words.
"We're going to the Capital. I want you to go back to the pack and take care of everything for a few days..."
My gaze hardened as I looked out the window. The images of trees and the blue sky flashing by as we drove. The bittersweet silence hanging over us until I finished, soothing and calm.
"I'm going to be a little busy with the interrogation."
"Understood, Alpha."
He paused,
"Oh,"
I glanced over to him from the corner of my eyes. A slow, deathly smile inches across his face.
"-do have fun."
I mirrored his expression. Smiling sweetly, I tilt my head to the side.
"I most definitely will."
There was no point in making the two rogues wait. Soon. I tell myself. Soon I'll get to see those faces twist into unimaginable pain. Pain that wouldn't only be in the bounds of physical, but the mental and emotional pain all the like. The kind of pain they bestowed upon me four years ago. The pain that still haunts me to this day. I played with the Greyhound ring I was wearing, rolling it between my thumb and pointer finger. The green glimmered against the lighting.
Everything I worked hard for, led to this.
"Just to let you know, your toys are in the back."
I raised a brow at him. Since when did he put it in the van? Noah shrugged, folding his arms across his chest before letting out a deep chuckle,
"Call it Beta Intuition, or just Selene Intuition, but I had a feeling today was doomsday for them. Just a hunch. A very accurate hunch."
I say nothing as my smile set into place. Oh, Noah. You don't know how happy you just made me from those six words. Pulling out my phone, I punched in Chancellor Williams' private number and held the phone to my ear. After the second ring, he answered.
"I take it that you're coming to interrogate them today?"
He asks into the phone. No greeting, no pleasantries, just straight to the point. I could almost hear the smile in his voice.
"Yes. I've brought some things with me, if you don't mind."
He laughed, his deep voice echoing against my ear. I could see Noah smiling shamelessly in glee. He was genuinely proud of himself for bringing the toys. The twinkle in his eyes waiting for a praise from me said so.
"Oh no, of course not. I wouldn't get in the way of a lady's essentials."
He paused,
"And- oh, my apologies Selene. I have an Alpha guest over tonight. I hope you don't mind it. I know how you are with Alphas. You're more than welcome to come over still if you wish or you can come tomorrow?"
"No, it won't be a problem. I'll spend all of my time at the Capital in the interrogation room, anyway. No worries from my end. I doubt I'll sense anything more than a scent from this guest of yours."
"Then that's fine. I'll alert the guards to allow you in. Will your Beta be joining you?"
I sigh, sneaking a glance at Noah whose mood seemed a little dampened at the question.
"No, not today. It'll just be me."
"I see."
This time, he sighed.
"He's going to miss quite the show."
"Indeed he is..."
Noah grumbled lowly.
My lips tugged up but I stopped myself. It seems Williams also caught his little input because he chuckled softly.
"I truly do like this Beta of yours. He's... un-beta like, I must say. It's honestly refreshing. I'd like to talk more but it would seem my guest is not in the best of moods right now. I'll have to prepare for the worst when he arrives..."
My eyebrows scrunch together in curiosity,
"If you don't mind me asking, who-"
"Enjoy your stay here, Selene."
And then he hung up.
Pulling the phone from my ear, I looked at it weirdly before turning my gaze to Noah. He shrugged, confusion etching on his face before he smirks.
"So, about that sexual tension."
"I need you to make sure my schedule is clear for the next two days. Maybe three, but I'll let you know if I need more time. Other than that, make sure no one slacks training. I want everyone not on border duty out in that field at six a.m sharp. That rogue in the lower cells-- add more silver chains. Tighten up security and add more warriors at the back borders. I don't want Xeneron seeing any opportunities, especially when I'm away. Any messages from other packs go directly to me."
Noah nodded, passing me the duffle bag of goodies. The warriors surrounding us bowed, bidding me a safe stay before getting back in the van after dismissing them. The large mansion looming over me filled me with memories of when I first started training for being an Alpha. Memories of my first meeting with the Chancellor to changing my last name to Crestfield... everything.
Noah stared at me quietly before letting his eyes drift to the Capital mansion. His expression turned grim.
"Shame Isaac has to miss this. I'm sure he would've wanted to get a few licks in before you do anything too damaging."
I smiled at the thought of Isaac. I was sure he was having fun taking his aggression out on the 'fresh meat'. Though he was far too aggressive when training, his lessons are the best you can get. It was better knowing the reality of the harsh world of wolves than to idly stay inside, completely oblivious and unprepared for attacks. He didn't do easy training.
It wasn't his style.
"I don't intend on doing much physical pain. Well at least, not yet."
I smirked casting him a side glance,
"I was thinking of waiting it out for Isaac. I'm sure he'd appreciate the little gift."
Noah quirked a brow with interest. Shifting his weight on his right leg, he turned his body to face me,
"Not physical, huh? So I'm guessing you're planning on using the good ol' mind break method."
I nodded.
"Well, that sounds morbidly fun. Don't break them too much. You're still gonna need them."
"I don't intend to. I just... want to give them a little taste is all."
Noah smirked, holding my gaze before turning away with the shake of his head.
"Did I ever tell you, you'd make one good boogieman monster?"
"I think earning the title 'Hellhound' is self explanatory."
With one last smile, we nuzzled heads and I watched him get in the van. Once they were out of sight, I walked up the patio steps of the mansion and rang the doorbell. Not a second went by when one of Williams' head maids opened the door. She kept her eyes low, bowing with her hands clasped together at her stomach. Wearing a traditional black housekeeping uniform that reached her ankles, she smiled softly.
"Alpha Crestfield, it's a pleasure to see you again. Chancellor Williams has informed me of your purpose for today's visit. Your room has been set up for your use. Please allow me to accompany you to the interrogation chambers."
I nodded silently. She led me through the hallways I grew accustomed to seeing. Having frequent visits here for pack affairs, social dinners with his family and occasional visits with Meredith, I learned the pathways of the mansion by heart. Walking at the pace the head maid, Opal, was leading, we walked down the secret passage ways of the mansion. I remembered the first time I set foot in this place, I had serious Dracula vibes coming from here.
Like any horror movie, the interrogation chambers were located at the lowest levels. Much like the one I had in Greyhound territory. We walked down the dim, cobblestone stairs only lit up by torches hanging at the ceiling. The walls were moist, water dripping down the ceilings and onto the floor. Small puddles of water were everywhere. The first few cells we walked by were empty. It took us a good few feet down the chamber room to reach the isolation area.
The place the rogues were being kept at.
Opal turned to me, a smile on her face as she bowed once again.
"They're strapped in silver chains on the chairs. They haven't been eating anything the prison guards have given them, so they're a little malnourished. Chancellor Williams bids you good luck"
her eyes met mine for a brief moment. I could see the mischief hidden in her gaze,
"-as well as a good time."
And then, without another word, she turns on her heel and walks past me. Back to the direction we came from, the sound of her heels clicking against the stone getting further and further away was all I heard.
Grasping the handles of the duffle bag tightly in my hand, I breathed in. My wolf growled out in amusement, claws extending and canines protruding past her lips. Her eyes sought after the thick, metal door in front of us. She could smell them.
The thick scent of the rogues.
Fio and Val.
I was already beginning to feel my self control slip away. Occasional snarls leaving past my lips unintentionally with my eyes flickering to her black gaze. Exhaling, I walked toward the door, placed my palm around the metal knob and pulled.
A smile stretched across my face at the sight that greeted me.
"Well, isn't this just delightful?"
I hummed to myself, ignoring the muffled screams and growls of hatred being directed toward me. Walking around Fio, who was strapped into a metal chair with her wrists and ankles bound with silver, I looked on to curly head.
Or should I say, Val.
Chancellor Williams truly did leave them to me. They weren't touched. From what I can see the only damage done was their refusal to eat. They looked terrible. They looked a little skinny, eyes sunk in with bags under them. They also probably weren't sleeping. I doubt they could with those gags in their mouths.
Still humming a soft tune, I walked over to the metal table Chancellor Williams so gracefully left for me. It was empty of course, he knew I liked to use my own things. Dropping the duffle bag on the table, I unzipped it and began taking everything out slowly. I saw the way Fio and Val looked at me in both curiosity and fear.
I guess they didn't recognize me yet.
"You know, this isn't how I envisioned we'd all meet again."
I say, putting down the two flasks of wolfsbane on the counter. I rummaged deeper into the bag and let out a small 'a-ha!' when I found the melted silver I specifically ordered for them. Lifting my eyes to the two rogues who stared at me in pure hatred, I couldn't help the smile on my face.
"I thought I'd have you at my territory."
I sighed, lifting up the silver claws attached onto a glove. Usually, it was just metal, but I had Noah coat them in silver for special use. I didn't miss the way Fio's eyes widened.
Seems like my plan's already working.
Of course, these toys of mine weren't going to be used today. It was all about mental pain for now. Having them scared out of their wits before anything truly began was the first stage. Unlike the other rogues I dealt with, I wanted to take my time. To truly break them from inside-out. Starting with their bodies would've been way too merciful.
"I have a lot more toys there. Some are a secret only rogues like you find out about. That's why no one knows about them, the only one's who find out what they are end up dead."
I smiled at Val, who narrowed his eyes at me like a hawk. Taking out a silver choker that tightens when resistance is indicated after being activated, I spun it around my finger. A mocking grin full blown over my face.
"And they call me heartless."
I couldn't help but taunt them with the same words I heard them say. Fio flinched, slowly realizing who I was from my words. Her eyes grew frantic, disbelief and fear basking in her pretty little marble eyes.
"I heard Xeneron abandoned you two."
Still not finished with setting the table with my gadgets, I walked toward them. My heels clicked and echoed in the room. Their muffled voices ceased, their shock and surprise paralyzing them.
"Ain't that a tragedy?"
I laughed sardonically, clutching onto my stomach. With a pleased smile on my face, I leaned over Fio and pulled out the gag from her mouth. She coughed, saliva dripping down her lips as she glared at me.
"You fucking whore!"
She screamed, thrashing out in her seat. I tsked at her, shaking my head in disapproval as I watched her skin mar in burns. Soon the smell of burning skin began to fill the room. I wrinkled my nose in distaste. The more she moved against the restraints, the more burns she got around her wrists.
"Oh sweetheart, I wouldn't do that if I were you. Silver doesn't heal that quickly."
I give her a look,
"Now, I don't want to hurt you- well, I mean."
I shrugged.
"Not yet. I have a few questions you see."
Pulling the chair from the metal table, I scraped the legs against the ground and watched her cringe at the sound. Setting it right in front of her, I took a seat.
"What does Xeneron want from Nightwake?"
Fio stopped moving. Her skin paled around her face. Darting her gaze to Val who was right behind me, she swallowed.
"I-I don't know what you're-"
"Oh please, if Draxyn didn't yap like those typical movie villains, I wouldn't have heard you. But alas,"
I leaned toward her face, grasping her oily locks in my hand and tightened my hold. She screeched out in pain as I tugged her scalp toward me,
"He did."
I let go of her hair. She moved away, pressing her back against the chair to get as much distance from me as possible. Val was growling, moving so frantically in his seat that I just had to turn over my shoulder. My eyes widened in realization.
He was midshifting, but the silver around him restrained him from getting out. His wolf bared his canines at me and slowly, I smiled.
Oh.
This just gets better and better.
I pushed my seat back, stepping away from Fio and focused on Val instead. I walked toward him like a predator, letting my eyes take in his vital points and weaknesses. He was a strong wolf. Physically. Mentally? I'm not so sure. Fio screamed, pushing herself harder against her seat when she realized what I was doing.
"Oh my, oh my."
I say, a laugh pulling from my lips. I point a finger at Val before turning on my heel to point at her with a look of astonishment,
"You two are mates. Now that's adorable."
I walked around Val and stood behind him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I smirked seeing Fio rage in jealousy from her mate being touched. Her wolf was peeking out, skin slowly overcome with fur.
"But also,"
I trailed my finger down his cheek,
"very convenient."
Val hissed in disgust, trying to move away from my touch but I held him here. My hands forced his head still. My wolf hated touching another male but she knew this was part of the interrogation process. She hated any male's touch, including Landon's. All except-
I shook my head, tearing my focus away from that man and looked at Fio.
My smirk was still in place as I tauntingly trailed my hands over his chest. I could feel his breathing quicken, clearly frazzled by the sudden invasion of his personal space.
"You bitch!"
Fio screamed, tears beginning to pour down her face as she went still in her chair. I pout, resting my chin at the crown on Val's head. I guess the mate bond really does this kind of stuff to you. Especially when you're deeply involved.
"I prefer the term 'wolf' but I guess that works too."
I pull away from Val, and lean against the table.
"I have to hand it to you, he's quite the eye candy. Goddess blessed you with this one."
I say, looking over to Val in my best I-want-to-jump-his-bones look.Mind you that this is coming from a certified virgin. Goddess knows I look ridiculous, but I pretend I'm seeing someone else completely different. Someone who had grey eyes instead of his mucky brown ones.
Ugh, even when I'm trying to mentally break people, I'm still thinking of him.
"It would be a shame if someone were to take him."
Fio's cold gaze snapped to me as she narrowed her eyes into slits.
"I'm sure you heard. I'm mateless, and oh is it so lonely. I crave lots of attention."
I say with a nod. I begin to walk toward her again. My steps are deliberately slow as I lean close to her face.
"-affection... hugs, kisses..."
I smirk, twisting a lock of her hair around my finger.
"Sex."
And that's when she tried to bite me. I pull away before she could even get close enough to do it. With my chuckles echoing in the room, I head to the bag and pull out my own customary muzzle that attaches to the inside of her jaw. Her eyes widen as she begins to dig her heels against the floor. All her attempts of trying to move away are futile. The chairs are bolted into the ground. Even with werewolf strength, she wouldn't be able to move it.
Val, who takes notice of what I'm holding begins to panic as well. He's moving harder now, trying to get out of his restraints for the sake of his mate but its all pointless. If only they just talk. I wish Alpha commands work on rogues, but they don't. Their oath to their leader prevents them from doing it. An oath involving black magic.
I grab her by the throat, momentarily paralyzing her by pinching her nerves and forcefully attach the muzzle around her. She gagged, eyes brimming with tears as her mouth pried open.
"I typically hate doing this."
I say, locking the hatch shut.
"-but I sometimes make an exception."
A good three hours pass with my constant taunting. I took turns taking digs at Val and Fio, often using their mate bond against them. Rogues don't typically fear death. They do when it involves their mate. I've threatened them with all the bad things I could think of. Of course, they're all just threats. No promises. I don't really intend on having someone forcefully mark Fio nor am I planning on taking Val for myself. I may hate them but I don't fuck with the Moon Goddess' gifts. I've had more than my fill of her unjustified wrath.
And as much as I hate to admit it, it's not in my morals. Well, not that killing someone is moral, but hey, it's understandable this time round. I'm not a sadist, after all. With one last laugh, I turn to the items on the table and quickly push them back inside the duffle bag. They've served their purpose of a scare tactic. The two were strong willed, I'll give them that. Neither of them cracked when I asked questions.
"I guess I can't use them today. To think I took my time taking them out, too."
I haul it over my shoulder with ease and head toward the door. Fio's cries and whimpers along with Val's own sorrow mix together in a beautiful arrangement. My wolf purrs at their expense, loving the amount of satisfaction she got from that little episode. I could feel it in my veins, the overwhelming pleasure it gave me seeing them suffer.
"Sleep well my dear rogues. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
And then, with the wave of my hand, I left.
I don't remember how but I managed to find my way to the guest room I usually take in the mansion. I felt drained emotionally and physically. As much as it was fun to do all that, it was also quite tiring to play the villain for about three and a half hours straight. I sank into the bed, sighing as I screwed my eyes shut.
Was I doing the right thing?
Was revenge really the answer?
Would Bentley, Alpha Oliver, Lila-
I grit down on my teeth and force myself to stop doubting it. Of course they wouldn't be proud of what I was doing, that's just the kind of people they were. Alpha Oliver might be a little more accepting, but I know they wouldn't want me to build up my life with hatred. I know they would've wanted me to live happily and freely.
But the again, I can't sate my thirst for revenge by doing that.
I'm not only doing this for them anymore.
I'm also doing this for me.
My desire to watch them suffer was my selfish wish.
My eyelids flutter shut. That's right. I'd be doing this world a favor by getting rid of the rogues. There was no denying that wolves' lives would be better off without thinking of when the next rogue attack would happen. Thinking of whether or not they'll ever see the warriors being sent out to fight, again. Everything would be in order and no one would ever have to suffer what I went through.
No one else will have to watch their happiness burn to the ground like I did.
Turning over in bed, I hug the pillow tight against my chest.
Yes. This was the life I was accustomed to now. Even way back then, in Nightwake, I lay here alone.
I am completely and utterly alone.
My isolation, my only solace.
Hands touch me.
I feel strong, large hands running down the curve of my waist. Warm, slim fingers trailing gently over every dip of my body before running up my chest. I feel my breathing quicken, my back arching up in pleasure as his hands glide up my bare thigh. He played me like puppet, controlling every one of my movements with the flick of his fingers. They caress everything; the skin just above my hip, the smoothness of my back, the swell of my chest.
They leave lingering trails of heat wherever they go.
And then I suddenly feel lips.
Lips that graze over the skin of my neck, his warm, moist breath fanning over my flesh as he leaves kisses up my jaw. I stop breathing when his hands slide up my nightgown. Their intent clear when he brushes the pads of fingers over the waistband of my underwear. He groans low in his throat. A sexy, deep rumble that made me clench my legs in desire. His finger hooked on the band of my underwear and tugs down. Slowly, he pulls it off inch by inch until it's left on the floor to be forgotten.
His hands return to my neck, caressing my skin in a gentle hold. His thumb brushes affectionately over my bottom lip. He lays a kiss on my chin, the side of my face, the corner of my mouth before pressing his forehead against mine,
"Selene,"
He whispers in a husky, desperate breath.
"-my little mate. My lovely wildflower."
His lips hover over mine and I find my hands curling around his neck, urging him to lower himself. My fingers wove into his thick hair, pulling at them for him to understand what I want. For him to understand I want a kiss.
But he doesn't.
"Soon, my love. Soon."
My gaze connecst with his grey ones and then-
My eyes snap open.
I'm breathing harshly, my body coated in sweat as I look around in confusion.
I'm still in bed.
I groan loudly, burying my flushed face in my hands. I can't believe this. I'm a pervert. I'm sexually frustrated like Noah says. All because of that damned Alpha. Yanking the covers off me, I walk over to the closet and change into a nightgown I wore when I visited. The rogue's scent was all over my clothes and I was beginning to feel sick from the smell of it. Looking through the closet, i realize I only have one nightgown. The same fucking nightgown in that vivid dream. My face went hot just thinking about it.
I couldn't go on like this.
I needed to take a walk and have some fresh air.
After taking a quick shower, I walked out my room, closing the door quietly behind me. I knew everyone was probably asleep at this point. The moon was out and the lights in the mansion were shut. All except the lamps that hung in hallways. I sighed, rubbing my arms up and down as I walked down the stairs. I've never experienced this before. Why was I so taken with him? It feels like he's a curse now. I can't even utter his name without thinking of him so deeply.
But he had to have felt the same.
Why else would he ask me to take the test? Was it to prove to everyone that the Sacred Pool wasn't defective? To prove to everyone that it was accurate and in no way tampered with? How could you even tamper with a sacred pool? With an exasperated groan, I walked out to the backyard. A large rose garden was near the pond in the center of the territory.
Chancellor Williams' mate liked gardening.
I frown.
The last time I gardened was when I stayed at Duskfall.
I hadn't touched a flower since that day.
Not when I can remember the roses Bentley loved coated in his own blood.
The memory made me shudder as I shut my eyes. Staring at the moon above me, judging me for all I've done and will do, I wondered what the Moon Goddess thought of me. On one hand, I hated her. Hated her for all the suffering she's put me through. Hated her for the mate she so called 'blessed' me with. But at the same time, there was a small part of me that was thankful for her.
Thankful for the chance to meet the people I did.
I truly believed that regardless of whether or not I was at Duskfall, the rogues would still have attacked. It was at Duskfall that I learned the true meaning of happiness, even though it was taken from me. I got a taste of what family meant in a way more than a simple word. Even if I had to relive all that pain, I would do it all over again if it meant meeting them.
They gave me a new start.
A new sense of living.
And I wouldn't replace it for anything.
Give me all the pain of the world but I still wouldn't exchange that privilege for anything else.
I thin my lips together, turning to look at the small pond just beyond where I stood. The glistening reflection of the moon shinning from it's surface. It was tranquil under the moonlight. A wave of calm soothed me, but it would seem even that would be stripped away from me way too quickly.
A sudden chill came over me. I felt eyes on me. A chilling gaze that tore into my entirety. Quickly, my head turned in caution. Whatever the hell was here with me had a strong presence. My eyes whipped around frantically trying to find the source of my discomfort. When I did, I felt myself freeze.
A large, black wolf with red marble eyes stared at me from a few feet.
Before I could even register what was happening, I was tackled down onto the ground. My back hit the soil, grass prickling my bare skin as I focused my eyes on the figure on-top of me. Instead of a large black wolf, I felt my body tense at the feel of warm skin pressing against mine. I looked down, startled to find taut skin trailing up from where I looked.
Waist, chest, shoulders...
My gaze kept traveling up.
Neck, jaw, lips, nose...
My lips parted in shock as my eyes connected with his grey ones. The word passing through my lips coming out as a breathless whisper as my wolf howled in excitement,
"Raizel."