Chapter 1

His hands framed my throat, his thumb tracing my racing pulse. Desire darkened his gaze. “Say it,” he whispered, raw and commanding. “Say who you belong to.”

“You,” I gasped, voice breaking into a moan as his rhythm consumed me. “I’m yours.”

His mouth claimed mine, all fire and hunger.

⸻

Talia never expected her worst nightmare to be her destined mate.

Cassian — the boy who made her life a living hell, the one she swore she’d never forgive — turned out to be the one fate chose for her. Now bound by a force stronger than hate, she must decide if love can bloom where pain once lived… or if some scars run too deep.

But fate isn’t done with her yet. Because in the shadows waits another bond, a second mate whose touch feels just as forbidden… and just as inevitable.

Prologue

“Stop !” I yelled, eyes wide with horror.

“Stop?” He chuckled, the sound low, twisted. His eyes were wide with glee as he opened the book, my secrets and shame bare to him.

“My mummy hates me… aw” he pouted mockingly “trouble at home?”

The crowd laughed, amused by him, by my humiliation. I glared at him, refusing to back down.

Cassian Cross, my arch nemesis. He and his minions: Kira and Nicole made my life a living hell. They followed me through elementary school, middle school and now high school, making it their mission to humiliate me.

He flipped another page of my diary. I grew impatient, agitated. My eyes filled with tears, horror and desperation making me tremble. I darted my eyes around, searching for someone, anyone to help me, to stop him. But they all had their attention on him, eagerly waiting for the next line of humiliation. I could almost see them salivate.

“Oh, check this out” he smiled, showing the page to Kira “ he bullies me all the time, I hate myself for it, hate him for making me feel this way…” my heart sank.

“No ! Stop !” I screamed, lunging at him but was held back by two random boys. I struggled, trying to break free, tears of humiliation flowing down my cheeks. Please not that page, anyone can read it but not him, not Cassian.

“But why…” he continued “why do I feel this way ?” No. I tried to break free, scratching at their arms but it was no use, they were stronger than me “why does he make me feel this way?” His eyes widened, surprised. He looked away from the page for a moment, locking eyes with me. His eyes softened for a split second then it hardened again, hatred boring into my soul. He went back to destroying me “Why do I like him? Why do I want him?” He finished, shattering my heart and my dignity. My resolve crumbled.

The crowd “ooed” at the revelation. I glanced around, their faces blurred by my tears. The boys let go of me and I crumpled to the ground in defeat, my strength gone just like my dignity.

I looked up at him to find his eyes already trained on me. His expression was unreadable. Then he smiled. I averted my gaze to the ground.

I hated him, I hated him so much. Why was he so cruel?

I felt a soft hand grab me. I looked up to find blue eyes staring down at me. Her blonde hair cascaded down her face as she bent over. Her expression was soft, sad.

Tasha

My twin. My lips wobbled and I broke down completely. She knelt in front of me, holding me tightly. Her arms were soft, comforting. My body trembled as I sobbed, not caring where I was. I couldn’t care.

“It’s okay,” she whispered into my hair. “Let’s get out of here.” She helped me up and pulled me in the opposite direction, away from him and the crowd.

I could hear them laughing behind us, laughing at me and my foolish crush on my bully. My heart tightened, my hatred stronger. I would never forgive him.

Never.

Chapter 1: Return

“Mum made a feast for you with your favourite dishes,” Tasha said without once taking her eyes off the road. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, a telltale sign of her anxiety. She hated driving, always did. It made her anxious, but she insisted on picking me up from the airport today. She said she wanted to be the first to welcome me.

My sweet sister.

“Oh yeah ? I can’t wait,” I replied, watching her face brighten.

The truth? I couldn’t have cared less. I hated the idea of being here, back in this place that held so many memories. Bad memories.

I’d left a week after high school graduation, suitcase in one hand, resentment in the other. My mother tried to stop me. She’d raged, manipulated, pulled all the cards in the book, even reported me to the Alpha, Alpha Black himself.

He summoned me to his office, demanding I stay back in the pack and get a job. I handed him my report card with my 5.0 GPA and told him I’d be wasting my potential by staying back. To my surprise, he let me go. He wished me well.

I had returned home to find my mother livid. We got into a huge argument that ended in her beating me so badly, I almost missed my flight.

It’s been four years since then and I’m back. Not on my own accord but by a decree. The Alpha issued a summons for all pack members abroad to return home, to witness the crowning of a new Alpha, his son Cassian.

The person I hated the most in the world. The person I swore to never forgive.

“We’re here !” Tasha announced, pulling up to our driveway. The house was exactly the way I remembered it, a three-story masterpiece that held so many memories. The lawn was trimmed to perfection, the fresh scent of roses thick in the air. Warm light spilled from inside, welcoming me. If I didn’t hate it here, it’d feel good to be home.

“Come on in,” Tasha invited, running inside excitedly. Her childish excitement brought a smile to my face.

I heard a twig snap and froze, my hand on the door. I frowned, glancing around. The street was silent, still. The warm light from inside bleeding into the street. The tiled pavement was spotless, the neighborhood perfect, just as it always is.

I focused on the door again, wanting to go in but I couldn’t bring my hand to twist the knob. There was something eerie about the atmosphere. I could sense it, a pair of eyes watching me. It made the hairs on my nape rise. I just didn’t know where it was coming from.

I let out a slow breath then pulled my hand away from the door. I could hear Tasha’s laughter echoing through the walls, warm and inviting but I stepped off the porch, moving along the side of the house. My boots crunched softly on the gravel lining the edge of the garden. I passed the rows roses, and followed the narrow path that led to the backyard.

It was exactly as I remembered it, tall trees looming and welcoming. It called out to me, inviting me to explore it. The woods had always been my comfort place, a place a ran to whenever my mother started her tantrums or when school became too much to bear. Tasha was always the one to find me and bring me back home, holding my hand tightly and scolding me.

I heard another twig snap then whirled around, searching. I knew that sound, it wasn’t a squirrel, or the wind. It was someone. Someone was here, watching me.

It was creepy.

Something brushed past my shoulder in a blur. I whirled around again, growing agitated. What the hell is going on ? My gaze swept the area, in search of something, anything, a clue as to who it was.

I looked down and noticed a large imprint on the muddy ground. A paw. I looked up slowly, in the direction the paw led to. Then I saw it, a pair of glowing yellow eyes hidden behind bushes.

A wolf.

It growled, the sound sending a chill down my spine.

It wasn’t just any wolf, I knew it in my bones. No normal wolf looked at you that way, like it knew you, recognized you.

Who is that ?

Chapter 2: mate

I glared at the wolf, completely annoyed by its intrusion.

"Who are you?" I tilted my head to the side, trying to figure out if I knew it. I could tell it was a male. Its fur was brown and black, its size was way above the average. It stared at me menacingly, but I wasn't bothered; I didn't feel threatened one bit.

A wolf lurking in my backyard, staring like a creep? I couldn't take that seriously.

I scoffed and turned around, to return to my house, when it growled. It had me stopping in my tracks, the sound travelling straight to my soul, making my heart rate increase. What is this ? Why am I reacting this way to a random wolf ?

The growl was a warning; he hated that I turned my back to him. I took another step forward, defiantly, and it growled again. This time, the sound was closer. I hadn't noticed when it moved or heard anything. He was stealthy.

I took another step forward, then bolted. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. I could hear the sound of his heavy paws hitting the hard ground from behind me. He was after me. I didn't get far before I felt a heavy weight on my back, making me crash to the ground. My chin hit the ground, drawing blood.

"Damn you !" I growled, rage brewing. He was on top of me, sniffing at my neck. His paw was heavy, one of them directly above my shoulder.

"Get off me !" I tried to push him off, but his weight was too much for my 5’7” figure. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. The scent of blood and mud invaded my senses, accompanied by a strong scent of sandalwood mixed with something sweet. It was enticing, calling out to me. My heart thudded, my nose sniffing violently, trying to get as much of the scent as possible. Then I noticed it, the sparks dancing underneath the skin where he touched. It made my entire body tingle.

My eyes widened in realisation. He continued sniffing my neck, purring in satisfaction.

Mate. My wolf howled. Mine.

My breathing became much heavier. This shouldn't be happening. I don't want to be mated, I don't want to be tied back to this pack. Damn it.

His touch made me shiver involuntarily. I was drawn to him, as much as I hated it. My hands itched to rub his fur.

Mate. My wolf was restless, fighting to come out. No. I need to focus. I don't want him, I don't want a mate.

I heard the sound of the front door shut, and footsteps approaching. He got off me and in a flash, was completely out of sight. So fast.

I found myself missing the sparks from the mate bond.

"Talia ?"

It was Tasha. She sounded concerned. I imagined how ridiculous I looked, lying on my stomach in the dirt, blood trickling down my chin.

"Are you okay?" She rushed to my side, her nose probably catching the scent of my blood.

He hurt me. That's a valid reason to reject him, right ?

"Yes." I groaned, getting up on my feet. "I tripped." The lie slipped out naturally.

She stared at me, concern etched on her features.

"Let's get you inside so you can clean up and have something to eat. The food's getting cold and Mum is waiting for you."

Shoot. I completely forgot about that woman and her feast. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, for my sister's sake.

“Sure."

She held my hand, leading me down the pathway that led back to our front door. I turned around, looking at the woods once more.

My eyes locked with a pair of glowing yellows. He was watching. It sent chills up my spine.

Chapter 3: dinner with the devil

"You should be more careful" Tasha reprimanded as she used a Cotten pad to wipe the blood off my chin. The wound had healed but she insisted on cleaning me up to look presentable for dinner. I don't know why she made such a fuss about it. It's just dinner.

I heard soft footsteps approaching and braced myself up for drama. My mother walked into the bathroom, her hands folded on her chest with a scowl on her face. She looked the same, her red hair tied up in her signature slick bun, her 5'9 frame standing tall, menacing.

We locked eyes and I could see her disapproval. Nothing has changed.

"Still incompetent I see"

Still a bitch I see

"Mother."

I couldn't bring myself to say anything else. What could I say ? Good to see you ? It wasn't good to see her. Seeing her brought back memories, memories I've spent the last four years trying to bury. Memories of her sneering down at me after beating me to a pulp.

She lifted her chin, looking down at me with those judgmental, holier-than-thou eyes, the same ones she used to look at my report card like it personally offended her.

"Talia", her eyes swept my frame "you look well."

A compliment? That's unusual

"Come down for dinner" she ordered. Her eyes drifted to Tasha and I could see it soften "and you too"

With that, she turned around and walked away. It has always been that way. I was the terrible daughter and Tasha the perfect one. I sighed and followed after her, Tasha close behind me

The table was indeed filled with my favorite dishes. A large, steaming dish of baked ziti sat in the center, the top layer of cheese perfectly golden and bubbling. The smell hit me like a wave, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, and melted mozzarella, warm and familiar, almost comforting.

Beside it, a basket of garlic bread wrapped in a clean towel to keep it warm. The scent of butter and roasted garlic made my stomach growl, loudly enough that Tasha heard it and smiled softly.

I was basically drooling at the sight before me.

Even the Caesar salad was perfect, crispy romaine, shaved parmesan, crunchy croutons, and just enough dressing. I found it hard to believe my mother had done all this for me. It was most definitely Tasha’s doing.

“Still not acting like a proper lady I see”

Again with the judgment. I gritted my teeth, trying to keep the peace for my sister’s sake. I sat down and dug in immediately, not caring about my mother’s opinion. She’d judge me anyway, might as well make it worth her while.

“Is this the culture of the peasants you associate yourself with?”

She asked, making reference to the people from school.

“Yeah. We act like people. Not robots with no real personality”

“It is expected of us to act our best. We are royalty !”

I snorted. Royalty my foot. My mother considered herself royalty because she married into power. My father, the Beta of the Crimson Pack, our pack. She’d been outraged after he died and the title was passed on to another candidate due to the lack of a male heir to inherit it. The resentment had turned her into… whatever she is.

I continued eating, completely ignoring her.

“You’ve gained weight”

“Mother !” Tasha reprimanded, her eyes wide with shock. “Don’t do this”

I wasn’t surprised, I expected this. She’d do everything in her power to piss me off. It was her favorite sport.

“I’m only stating the obvious”

“Yes mother. I have. I’m starting to look a lot like you now”

Her nostrils flared, her eyes widening in anger. She took her looks seriously and I had directly attacked her, insinuating that she was fat.

Her grip on the fork she was holding tightened, knuckles white.

“What did you say ?” She asked through gritted teeth. It was amusing to see her so riled up. I had two options, repeat myself and damn the consequences or back down for the sake of Tasha.

I glanced at my sister, her eyes already trained on me, pleading. I picked up my fork, forcing a piece of bread into my mouth, an obvious surrender.

My mother got the message, going back to her food in satisfaction.

“Hope you’re ready for tomorrow” she glared at me “you’ll both be representing our family. You must look your best and act it”

I rolled my eyes internally.

“We must make a good impression on the new Alpha, Alpha Cassian.”

I froze at the mention of that name, completely losing my appetite.

Tomorrow is the day I’ve dreaded the most, the day I see him again, the boy that made my life miserable.

I couldn’t wait.

Chapter 4: ball

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My wavy red hair was pinned up, with a few loose strands framing my heart-shaped face. Pale skin, dusted with tiny freckles, glowed softly under the warm bathroom light.

The off-shoulder gown I wore was a deep, rich green that mirrored the colour of my eyes. Intricate vine embroidery adorned the bodice, which hugged my figure before flaring into a full, flowing skirt that brushed the floor like a forest breeze.

"You look breathtaking," Tasha complimented the moment I stepped into view at the top of the staircase. She looked up at me, smiling. My mum stood beside her, that same disapproval glowing bright in her blue eyes.

"You need to cut down on the calories," my mum commented, her eyes raking over me in judgement.

I completely ignored her, grabbed my sister's hand, and led her out. My mother, being the queen of drama and luxury, had rented a limo. It was long and black, sleek and shiny under the bright porch light. My heart thudded. I didn't realise it before, but I missed the luxury associated with being home. Being descendants and of the former Beta, we were wealthy, our wealth almost competing with that of the Alphas. 'Almost' being the keyword, though truthfully, that was stretching it. The Alpha is a billionaire, and his delinquent son is about to inherit both the wealth and the title. I scoffed.

I could feel it, the moment the limo entered the Alpha's territory. The aura was palpable, and the view, trees lined the driveway, tall and ancient, their branches forming a kind of natural archway as if even nature knew whose territory this was.

I had never been here, not even when Alpha Black had summoned me to his office. That had been at the pack house.

So I was amazed by the sheer luxury of the house mansion. My breath caught.

Calling it a mansion felt... disrespectful. This wasn't a house. It was a statement. A fortress disguised in modern architecture. All glass and stone, it stretched wide and tall, the lights spilling out like golden rivers across the perfectly landscaped lawn. I could see the guard wolves already, stationed by the marble steps, dressed in black and barely blinking. Pack members stretched out their invitations, all clad in beautiful ball gowns and suits.

I leaned forward slightly, as if getting closer to the tinted window would make the excess feel more real.

"Is that a waterfall... inside the wall?" Tasha asked, her amazement mirroring mine.

Yep. It was. An actual indoor waterfall, glittering behind the floor-to-ceiling glass like some high-end art installation. Of course, the Alpha had one of those. Why have modesty when you can have moving water cascading behind your wine cellar?

The limo slowed, purring to a stop in front of the driveway. The ground beneath the wheels shimmered, imported black stone, polished so finely it mirrored the stars.

I swallowed. Hard.

Okay... so maybe I underestimated just how rich and wealthy could be.

Everything about this place screamed legacy, power, perfection. No cracks. No weak points. Just dominance, beautifully manicured.

The chauffeur opened the door and we got out, my mother going straight to the entrance, head held high like she owned the place. We followed after her, trying not to gawk and embarrass my mother. The guards let us in without checking our invitation. We are, after all, family of the late Beta.

The grand ballroom looked like it had been pulled straight from a dream, or a royal fantasy sponsored by a limitless bank account.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling like frozen stars, casting fractured light across the polished marble floor. The walls were covered in silver-leaf paneling, with intricate carvings of wolves mid-howl, battles frozen in time, and ancient pack symbols etched into the gold trim. It was both beautiful and intimidating, a reminder that even in glamour, this place belonged to predators.

A string quartet played softly near the far end of the room, their instruments gleaming under the lights. The music was elegant and haunting, filling the space with the kind of quiet power that didn't need to announce itself.

Everywhere I looked, there were wolves dressed to the nines. Floor-length gowns shimmered like waterfalls. Suits were custom-tailored. Laughter echoed in the air, but it was refined and practiced. Nothing here was casual. Even the joy felt expensive.

And at the centre of it all was the Alpha's crest, a massive silver emblem embedded into the floor, right beneath the chandelier's glow. You couldn't walk into the room without stepping on it, which I doubted was an accident. It was a statement: you are always under his rule, even when you dance.

Tasha tugged at my arm, breathless. "This is insane," she whispered.

I nodded, eyes scanning the room. She was right.

This wasn't just a party. This was politics wrapped in velvet. War dressed in silk.

And I was back in it whether I liked it or not.

Chapter 5: Alpha

The ball was at full swing, everyone dancing and drinking, overjoyed by the crowning of a new alpha. I stood to the corner, just watching. My mother was somewhere in the crowd, flaunting her favourite daughter to everyone.

My eyes swept the crowd, searching for something to entertain me when I spotted her. Kira Martin. One of Cassian’s friends. She’d helped him make my life a living hell. I watched her, hatred and anger brewing in my chest as she laughed, throwing her head back. Happy little Kira. No one knew what a little bitch she was. I scoffed and looked away, my gaze landing on the Alpha, Alpha Black. As he took long, powerful strides towards the pulpit, his black suit tailored to perfection, hugging his frame elegantly, his black hair slicked back. He looked every bit of a powerful alpha.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” He called out, clinking his glass with his ring. The chatter died down, everyone turning to face him.

It was time.

I straightened, glancing around in search of him, Cassian. I was curious to see what he’d look like after four years.

“We are gathered here today to witness the swearing in of a new alpha and,” he made a dramatic pause, “I’ll be stepping down as CEO of Silverhowl Legacy Group and officially passing on the title to my only son, the rightful heir, Cassian.” Everyone clapped, seemingly excited. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

“Also,” he continued, to the surprise of everyone. The crowd exchanged confused looks, caught off guard. What was he going to announce? What other motive could they possibly have? A chill went down my spine, alert. I could feel it, whatever he was about to say wouldn’t be good. I glanced around, in search of my sister, but she was nowhere to be found, probably hidden somewhere in the crowd. I glanced at Kira, checking her reaction, to see if she knew about the next announcement.

“We would be announcing a new Luna.”

The hall went silent for a moment. Then whispers. The crowd exchanged glances, whispering loudly. Kira looked shocked, texting aggressively on her phone. I guess she wasn’t as close to the Alpha family as she used to be.

A Luna ? When did he meet his mate? Or… were they going to pick a mate for him ? I swallowed at the thought of that. It was against the moon goddess’s will to pick a mate. It wasn’t uncommon in the werewolf world, but it was banned in our pack due to the events that transpired the last time. The pack had witnessed great calamity, and it had taken a huge sacrifice to resolve it. A sacrifice that left me fatherless. I clenched my fist, angered by the thought.

“Please welcome,” he spoke, drawing my attention. My breath caught the moment I spotted him, walking towards his father in long, purposeful strides. His suit was an onyx black, hugging his frame elegantly. His black, curly hair sat atop his head, cropped at the sides and long at the top. My hands itched to touch it.

“My son,” he got to his father, smiling warmly at him. That smile that used to make me angry and excited at the same time. “The new Alpha and CEO,” he turned to face the crowd, standing tall at 6’2, smiling coldly into the crowd. A stark contrast from what he gave his dad. He was always so cold to everyone except his family and close friends. But he had been exceptionally cruel to me. His gaze swept the crowd, searching.

My breathing increased. His eyes moved steadily, sweeping every face. He had a mission. I glanced at Kira and found her already watching me, hatred blazing in her blue eyes.

“Alpha Cassian”

Our eyes locked. His sharp hazel eyes pulled me in, making me unable to move. His eyes were narrow, his jaws chiseled like they were crafted by the moon goddess herself. He had a faint hint of beard framing his pink lips. He looked different, manly. He was no longer the boy from school that bullied me. He was now the Alpha and CEO of a multibillion company. He wore that same blank expression that haunted my dreams. His eyes narrowed even more at me than his lips curved upwards, a slow, sinister smile gracing his face.

I took a step back, completely caught off guard by the way my heart started to race and the one word my wolf howled in my head repeatedly. It was faint at first till the volume increased and it became deafening, drowning out every sound in the room.

MATE

Oh goddess, no.

Chapter 6: Luna

I broke the eye contact, searching the crowd for my sister again, but she wasn't in sight. I grabbed the skirts of my dress and turned around, trying to get to the door. I needed to leave. I needed to leave fast. Everyone stared, making way for me to move.

Right before I got to the door, I felt sparks shoot up from my wrist, making my knees weak. No. He spun me around, bringing me flush against his chest. His arm snaked around my waist. I looked up at him, my cheeks flushed.

"Let go of me," my voice was breathy. He smiled. Not that sweet smile a wolf gives its mate but the one a lion gives its prey. It was predatory.

“Natalia," his voice was deep, smooth as slick. It went straight to my core. "Your chin has healed."

It clicked. He was the one from yesterday, the wolf in the woods watching me like a creep.

"You're the creep."

His arm tightened around my waist. He glared at me, and I didn't back down, though my pulse stuttered under the weight of his hazel eyes. The atmosphere was tense, everyone watching with bated breath. He took his eyes off me, glancing above my head. It made me remember where we were and the people watching. Alpha Black cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"It seems my son has found his mate," he wore a proud smile, his eyes landing on Cassian's arm around my waist. I tried to pull out of his hold, but he resisted. "Son, come on and announce your new Luna."

New Luna ? No.

“Behave," Cassian whispered in my ear before leading me to the centre, where his father stood. My heart raced, my wolf howling in joy. No. I didn’t want to be the Luna, I didn't want to be tied back to this pack, to him.

Cassian cleared his throat. I looked into the crowd, once again searching for my sister. This time, I found her. She had a big smile on her face, pride glistening in her eyes. What's there to be proud of ? Being mated to a delinquent bully ?

"You all know her, Natalia Crown. The daughter of the late Beta, Nico Crown." He spoke, his voice carrying authority. I felt a small pang at the mention of my father. I wish he were here; he'd stop this. I glanced at my mother. She looked proud. My heart tightened. My mother looked proud of me for the first time because I was mated to the alpha. The same man that bullied me. "The moon goddess has made her choice, and I will honour it."

I wanted to scoff. He turned to me then reached for my hand. I pulled back, but he grabbed it anyway, bringing it up to his lips. He planted a small kiss, maintaining eye contact. A show. I felt butterflies in my stomach, much to my dismay.

He faced the crowd once more, smiling coldly. He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear as he spoke, “Smile."

It wasn't a request. I plastered on something close to a smile, though probably looked like a grimace. The crowd clapped politely, some individuals howling in approval. It all felt unreal, like I was watching my own nightmare.

Alpha Black stepped forward and raised his glass. "To Alpha Cassian and Luna Natalia. May their bond strengthen our pack and honour our past."

More claps, more smiles, more fakery.

Cassian turned to me again, his expression unreadable.

"You're shaking."

"I'm not," I lied.

"You always were a terrible liar," he murmured.

"I still hate you," I whispered back.

He smirked. "Good."

I could feel every eye in the room on us. Every whisper. Every fantasy forming in their heads about the reunion of Alpha and Beta bloodlines. About legacy. About power.

They didn't know the truth.

They didn't know I wanted to set this entire ballroom on fire, set him on fire.

"There's a lot we need to discuss," he said under his breath. "Don't make a scene."

I smiled sweetly and whispered back, " I’ll do what I like."

His grip tightened, challenging.

"Don't test me, Talia," he warned.

"Or ?"

Cassian's hazel eyes darkened, a flicker of something dangerous flashing across them. "Or I'll carry you out of this ballroom over my shoulder, Luna title or not," he said lowly, his voice smooth but coiled with threat. "And I won't care how many people are watching."

My heart slammed against my ribs.

I narrowed my eyes. "You wouldn't."

His lips curled. "Wouldn't I?"

For a split second, we just stood there, glaring at each other. I hated him. I hated this. But my traitorous wolf purred, basking in his presence.

"We'll talk later," he muttered before turning to address the crowd again, smiling like he hadn't just threatened to publicly manhandle me. I took a step back, watching him do his thing.

I came back here with the intention of attending the ball and leaving immediately now I stood at the centre as Luna, forever tied to the pack.

I hated him more.

Chapter 7: hate

The room was dark, a dim light casting a soft glow. The scent of sandalwood mixed with something else, something I couldn't place my finger on, filled the air. It was sweet and masculine, addictive.

“Natalia," Cassian spoke, his hard gaze fixed on me. "We can both agree this is an unfortunate situation."

I scoffed, glaring daggers at him.

"But like I said, I'll be honouring the moon goddess. So you have no choice but to comply." He continued.

"Is that what you called me here for? To state the obvious?" I folded my arms as if preparing for battle.

His jaw clenched. "I called you here to make something clear."

I tilted my head. “Go on, Alpha," I emphasised on the alpha, venom laced in my voice.

"I'm not asking for your love or forgiveness. All you have to do is stand by my side, united."

I scoffed again and turned my back to him, heading for the door.

"Yeah, whatever," I opened the door and in a flash, he shut it before I got the chance to step out. I gasped in surprise. His front was flush against my back, I could feel the hard planes of his chest pressing against me, sparks flying everywhere.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice was a raspy whisper, sending chills down my spine. My heart rate increased. I hated this proximity, hated the things it did to my body. "I haven't excused you. Yet."

His breath fanned against my hot skin.

"Get away from me," I demanded weakly, frustrated by how breathy it sounded.

Cassian didn't move. If anything, he leaned in closer, his body heat wrapping around me like a net I couldn't untangle myself from. His scent engulfed me, driving me mad with anger and something else, something I refused to admit to myself.

"I think we both know you don't mean that," he murmured against the shell of my ear, his voice thick, low, confident.

I swallowed hard, my fingers twitching at my sides. "You're wrong," I whispered, though the conviction I meant to lace into those words faltered. My body was failing me and he knew it.

His nose brushed lightly against my neck. I shivered. Damn him. "Am I?" he asked.

I spun around so fast we were almost nose to nose. "Yes," I snapped, forcing the tremble from my lips. "You are. I hate you, Cassian. I've hated you since you made high school a warzone for me. You think one look, one bond, one title is going to change that?" I leaned on the door, staring at him, hatred blazing in my eyes.

"I don't expect you to forgive me, matter of fact, I don’t care if you do. But don't stand here and lie to yourself, don’t try to deny it, this attraction between us,” I stared at him, breath shallow, throat dry. Every nerve in my body screamed to move, to push him away, to run. But I didn't. I couldn't.

Because damn it, he was right.

The mate bond pulsed like a second heartbeat. Even now, with all the history between us, all the bitterness, I felt the invisible string tying me to him pull tighter.

"I hate you," I repeated, barely above a whisper.

"I know," he said.

And then, the bastard smiled. Just a little.

“It doesn’t matter. All you have to do is be a good little Luna, a Luna the pack would love. A Luna my father would love.”

“So that’s it then. I’m just a political trophy, a little thing to hang on your arm and smile sweetly,”

He held my gaze

“Exactly,” his eyes lowered to my lips “you’re a smart girl,” his tone was condescending.

I shoved him hard in the chest, and this time he let me go. He stepped back, hands raised in mock surrender, but his eyes never left mine.

"I’m not an object,” I snapped. “I'm not your puppet. I won’t be your trophy wife,”

“Who said anything about a wife?” he quirked up a brow. Anger blazed beneath my skin.

“You know what I mean !”

“Don’t get so riled up.” He reprimanded, his eyes dancing with amusement “I do know what you mean, Talia. Don’t get ahead of yourself. I crowned you the Luna doesn’t mean we’re married. You’re not my wife,”

“And I don’t want to be !” My frustration was evident in my voice. “I don’t want to be your wife or Luna. I h…”

“I hate you,” he interrupted, folding his arms. “You’ve repeated that line over a thousand times this night. It’s getting old.”

I stared at him in disbelief, frustration and anger right beneath my skin, making me feel like I was going to explode. I opened my mouth and shut it, unable to come up with something. I scoffed and stormed out of the room, shutting the door loudly.

I hated him. I hated him so much.

Chapter 8: clout

I woke up with a groan. My eyes felt heavy and my body ached. The ball last night had weighed me down more than expected.

"What a terrible nightmare," I chuckled to myself, remembering the events that transpired. “Imagine being mated to..." The words dried down on my tongue when I spotted the green ball dress I'd worn the night before. It, in fact, wasn't a nightmare; I was really mated to Cassian. I laid down on my back, staring up at the ceiling. Cassian.

"Talia?" My sister's voice called out from outside the room. I ignored her, hoping she'd go away. "I know you're up."

I shut my eyes and turned to my side, the moment she twisted the door knob. I heard footsteps and then, blinding lights. She opened the curtains, the morning sun spilling in like poison, hurting my eyes. I groaned. She took the covers off me.

"Come onnnn," she grabbed my shoulders, dragging me up to a sitting position while I grumbled underneath my breath. “It’s the day after your official Luna coronation."

"There's no such thing as a Luna coronation," I countered, finally sitting up. She settled beside me, her eyes wide with mirth.

“Well, you know what I mean."

Why was she always so cheerful ? Tasha and I were twins, but we were what you'd call polar opposites. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, taking after our father, while I had ginger hair and green eyes, like our serpent of a mother. She was cheerful and social, while I was the gloomy outcast.

"I saw an announcement on I*******m," she continued. “There’s going to be another ball where you'd be announced as Cass... Alpha Cassian’s," she corrected herself, "partner."

"What ?"

"Yep. The ball last night was strictly for pack members. Now he has to be officially announced to the world as the new CEO and you his bride."

"I'm not his bride," I corrected.

“Sure," she rolled her eyes, picking up her phone.

I forgot about that. The humans were oblivious to the world of wolves so it's only natural that they announce me as a bride. In other words, another party is going to be held and I'll have to be around him again, smiling. I sighed, dreading the thought.

"Now that you're the Luna, we'll need to prepare you f..."

The doorbell went off, interrupting her. We exchanged a confused look. Our mother wasn't home, she worked at the pack hospital. We weren't expecting any guests so who could be at the door ?

"I'll go get it" Tasha offered. I nodded, following after her to see who it was. The door opened to reveal Amanda, a girl from my childhood.

"Hiii" she brushed past Tasha, barging into the house and throwing her arms around me" I frowned at Tasha in confusion. She shrugged.

"Talia" she pulled back, holding my hands tightly. "It's so nice to see you again"

"Um ... sure" I eyed her cautiously.

Amanda. I didn't particularly like her or dislike her. She was just a girl in the background, a girl I never spoke to. It was a surprise she was here, hugging me and acting like we were old friends.

"Luna"

I looked behind Amanda and noticed an elderly woman bowing, a fruit basket in one hand.

It clicked. Amanda was here for clout. I pulled my hands away, taking a step back. I pinned her with a hard stare.

"Amanda" my voice was cold, disappointment evident in my eyes "what are you doing here?"

"I came to pay my respects Talia, and to welcome you back" she smiled.

"Luna" I corrected "you've paid your respect, you can leave now"

She looked shocked, her mouth opening and closing. She averted her gaze to the ground, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. She turned around and stormed off, the elderly woman following behind her but not before dropping the fruit basket at the entrance. Tasha shut the door behind them, her eyes wide with amusement.

"That wasn't so nice" she reprimanded, picking up the fruit basket.

"She deserved it" I followed her to the kitchen where she set the basket on the counter.

"You're the Luna now. You need to learn how to handle things politically"

"I don't want to handle things politically." I sighed "I don't want to deal with them." I casted my gaze to the ground "I just want to go home"

"You are home"

I shook my head, playing with my fingers. I felt my eyes sting with tears.

"This isn't home"

"Then where is home?"

I said nothing. I didn't have an answer for her. I couldn't say America was my home. I went there for college and that's it. I didn't make any real connections in the four years I spent there. I couldn't consider here, Italy my home either. It held too many bad memories.

So where was home ?

The door bell rang. Tasha and I froze.

"If that's Amanda again…”

The door bell went off again. I stormed out of the kitchen, heading towards the front door, angered by the intrusion. The door bell went off again. I opened it, glaring daggers at the figure I didn’t expect to see.

Cassian.

Of course. Because hell couldn't let me breathe for a full hour.