Celeste:
"Celeste!" A deep voice called, my body trembling in fear. "How dare you think about joining the damn party today! An alpha is coming to marry your sister and not you." A piece of my father's slicked back gray hair fell over his left green eye. Sick excitement twinkled in his emerald green eyes as his fist smashed into my lips, warm blood dripping onto my white flats. Intense pain throbbed on my bottom lip, his fists raised again, my black lace blouse barely covering the fresh bruises on my arms. Scrambling to my feet, I dusted the dirt off of my black leather skirt. A pair of black tights hid the rest of my bruises, my father dragging me into the community kitchen. His temper was spicier than usual, my self-esteem gone at this point. No one would ever love me at this point, my heart shattering at the very thought running through my head. I was simply bound to be alone, and without a mate. My whole clan despised me for what I represented, my real father long gone.
"You get to work making all of the food, and then you will clean this place top to bottom." He barked bitterly, his black business suit looked meticulous. The bruises on my face still felt fresh when he hit me as I ironed his suit this morning. Ignoring the pain, the voice of a morning radio DJ kept me company. Something big was going to happen today, my inner wolf was restless for some reason. Sniffing the air, the smell of cedar relaxed me. Limping around the kitchen, my fingers trembled as I prepared the hors d'oeuvres for tonight's party. My blonde haired sister stumbled in slightly drunk, an evil grin darkening her perfect features. Twirling her braid around, she dumped her current glass of red wine on my shirt.
"Oops." She teased cruelly, dropping the glass onto the floor. "How klutzy of you." My father rushed in, glanced over at me then her. Tears welled up in her eyes, her pink body con dress clinging to her five foot two petite figure. Her white heels clicked towards her father, his back hand smashing into my face. Crashing to the floor, my long white hair tumbled out of the bun I was wearing. As much as I hated her, she played a damn good game. Not a soul could deny it, a deep sigh pouring from my busted lips. My golden eyes widened with terror, a mallet in his hand. A cruel grin darkened his face, the mallet stopping just above my arm. Evil laughter erupted from the two of them, tears welling up in my eyes.
"You can have your break now." He snapped icily, my whole body trembling. "Get out, and make it back in time to serve the appetizers. Do you understand!" Shaking my head, I snatched the waitress uniform he had bought for me. Grabbing my favorite book, 'The Phantom of the Opera", relief washed over me the moment I crossed into the forest. Changing into my uniform, the black vest hugged my ample chest on my hourglass figure. The pencil skirt hugged my perfect round ass, the cheap cotton itching my rough skin. Sniffing the air, something smelt off. A new alluring scent of cedar hit me again as I climbed up the tallest pine tree, the binder of my book creaking in protest as I opened up the ancient book. Was I smelling my mate? A whistle caught my attention, a handsome guy with a crooked grin looking up at me. His navy blue hair hung over to the left of his twinkling gray eyes, his hands tucked into his black dress pants. Piercings lined his left ear, a silver cross dangling from his right ear. A black vest clung to his muscles, the navy blue dress shirt clinging to his large arms. A simple black jacket hung over his shoulder.
"Who are you, my fair maiden up in the tree?" He queried playfully, leaping up the branches. "What are you reading?" Rolling my eyes, he nudged my shoulders. Shooting him a death glare, he chuckled to himself. My breath hitched, my heart fluttered. Never before had I ever been so flustered. He was my mate, but he looked familiar. Why couldn't I place his face, I questioned myself.
"I am Genovi Duvont, the alpha looking for my mate." He announced cheerfully, sniffing my neck. "You appear to be it. You smell like a lilac. How do you have golden eyes and white hair?" He played with my hair, his smile falling at the sight of my face. Slapping his hand away, my book fluttered out of my hand. Catching my book, a snarl curled on my lips. Hopping down from branch to branch, he followed me.
"I am Celeste Luna, the illegitimate daughter of the clan's Luna." I barked bitterly, landing gracefully on the ground. "I highly doubt that I am your mate. I am just a nobody. The only way out is a mark from my mate. Thanks for ruining my time off. Go find your real mate." Walking away from him, he was my mate but he deserved better. Running into the kitchen, my shaking fingers spun my hair up into a bun. Tying an apron around my waist, I set out silver platters. Applying foundation on my face, the red lipstick glided over my lips. Shaking out my nerves, my bloody worn white flats clicked out of the kitchen with a tray of the first appetizers. My breath hitched at the sight of the done up reception hall in the main log cabin of our village, Genovi eyes met mine, confusion twisting his face. The room spun around me, my vision blurred. My father hadn't allowed me to eat for a couple of days, more like a week. It was starting to show on my body, my ribs beginning to show. Walking around with the tray, people took the food off. In only minutes passed by, the food was all gone. Loading up a tray of drinks, my feet stumbled forward. Taking a deep breath, Melanie, my bratty half-sister, stuck out her foot. Too tired to notice it, everyone turned to look at me. Glass shattered into pieces, different colors of alcohol staining the light wooden floor. My father stomped over to me, his sausage fingers grabbing my collar. Lifting me off the ground, he pinned me against the white walls of the cabin. Growls rumbled around me, dark glares shooting in my direction from the rest of my clan.
"How dare you drop something?" He screamed furiously in my face, his spit covering my face. "I am go-" A strong hand grabbed his arm, cold sweat dripping off of my father's brow. Rage contorted Genovi's face, his lip curled into a snarl. Fright paralyzed me, his kind gray eyes looking sympathetically towards my golden eyes. Tears flooded from my eyes, this was all too much. The urge to run away from it all was all tempting at this moment.
"Put my mate down, Declan." He growled through gritted teeth, my father setting me down. "Now back off. You refuse to let her go right? So let me do something." His fangs grew from his lips, the clan gasping in horror. Goosebumps popped up on my skin, his fangs popped my skin. Stunned silence poisoned the room, no one saying anything. Spinning me around, his lips pressed against mine passionately. Time stopped, it was only just us for a couple of seconds. Scooping me up, he took me out to his car. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, did he just mark me? People just stared as he set me down in his black sedan, clicking my seat belt. Slamming the door shut behind him, he flipped everyone off. A small chuckle tumbled from my lips, a deep sigh tumbled from my lips as he collapsed into his seat. The engine roared to life, his shaking hands passing me my copy of "The Phantom of the Opera." Anxiety and anger mixed together, my fingers playing with the hem of my skirt. Oddly enough, it comforted me that he was scared as well. My father was one scary man, the consequences soon to be seen. He would never let go of his prize prisoner.
"You didn't have to mark me." I chastised irritably, my eyebrow twitching. "I told you that I am not your mate." Cocking his head, he tried to take my hand. Slapping it away, my eyes watched the trees flash by moodily. Clearing his throat, his brows furrowed. A scowl dimmed his face, his eyes rolling.
"Is that a rejection, Celly?" He asked seriously, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "I won't ever accept it. Besides, I had no other choice. I was going to lose you forever. I will make you love yourself, then me." Groaning to myself, I was just another project to someone. Bitter words sat on the tip of my tongue, his brakes screaming as he squealed to a stop.
"I am not another project!" I shouted venomously, waving my hands around. "I was going to escape! I was just going to run away or something." Shooting me a curious look, he pulled into a nearby gas station. Shame dimmed my eyes, this guy did all he could do to help me and I was yelling at him. Get control of your emotions, you idiot!
"Oh, really." He chuckled gleefully, resting his wrist on the steering wheel. "You were just going to be hunted, and you know that. I know that you will take some time to warm up. So take your time, you have been through a lot. For your information, I didn't mark you for me, I did it to free you. You look so tired, and when was the last time you ate. You look like a bag of bones, damn it." Rage seethed in his eyes, my lips pressing together. He could hear my thoughts, but I couldn't hear his. His comments pissed me off, fingers drumming on my only possession besides my clothes.
"It has been a couple of weeks." I admitted sheepishly, his finger lifting up my chin. "I am sorry you had to put yourself out there." A soft blush rose to his cheeks, a sweet smile brightening my face. His breath hitched, my heart fluttering as he smiled back at me.
"How about we go to my favorite place to eat?" He offered gently, the engine roaring to life. "I know the perfect place." A pregnant pause hung heavily between us, spoken words no longer being able to be said. Getting on the highway, my stomach growled. Tears welled up in my eyes, tears streaming down my cheek. My whole body hurt, doing nothing making me realize how much pain I was in.
"Are you okay?" He asked sadly, his eyes falling on the blood on my shoes. "I am sorry that I couldn't protect you." Rubbing the back of his neck, guilt ate at him. Wrapping my fingers around his, his muscles relaxed. No one had ever been this kind to me, his intentions were genuine and nice for once in my life. Hell, he even saved my favorite book for me. Tell a joke, I yelled at myself. Lighten up the situation, act cute or something.
"Celly, by the way?" I choked out, trying to make him laugh. "I find that nickname cute actually. How about Novi for you?" Spitting out the water he was drinking, scarlet burned his cheek.