As I watched Jordan's limousine drive out of the basement, I couldn't help but feel really bad for what had happened the previous night. It was supposed to be our first night as husband and wife, an unforgettable night that Jordan had promised me when I turned thirteen. He assured me that I would be the first and only woman he would ever mate with in his life. None of us knew that he would grow up to be one of the strongest werewolves in Stockholm. However, I did notice his strength from the first day I arrived at the Lunar Palace.
After a meeting with Alpha Benjamin, Jordan was ordered by Alpha Alex to beat me black and blue. He was only about seven years old at the time, but he mercilessly beat me. I couldn't even remember what I had done to deserve such a beating.
As I continued to stare at the long limousine, the car suddenly stopped and the chauffeur got out, beckoning me to approach. I began to move towards the car, stopping when I reached the rear side where Jordan was seated. Slowly, the window rolled down, revealing Jordan with his wireless Bluetooth earpiece. His eyes were fixed on me as he listened to the caller. I couldn't believe how much Jordan had changed. He looked so handsome now, with his innocent blue eyes. An innocent smile flashed across his face as we continued to stare at each other. I licked my lips nervously and looked away.
"Dr. Ken, I'll call you back. Just prep the OR," Jordan said the person on the other end.
"Baby, you seem unhappy," Jordan said in a hushed tone, his hushed voice made me feel vulnerable and stirred my heart once again. Tears welled up in my eyes, even though I wasn't sad. I just wished that our mating last night had been successful.
"I hate seeing you cry. Do you remember why?" Jordan asked tenderly.
"Yes," I nodded, wiping the tears away with the back of my palm.
Jordan gently grabbed my hand and squeezed it. When he finally released my hand, I looked down and saw that he had given me a piece of paper.
"I'll see you at noon," he said. I nodded in response, taking a step backward as the glass slowly rolled up. The chauffeur sped out of the courtyard.
With a sense of anticipation, I unfolded the paper Jordan had given me and began to read.
"My heart beats for you every moment of the day." A shy smile curved my lips, instantly strengthening me and preparing me for the battle that lay ahead.
As I turned to leave, I accidentally collided with a teenager whose eyes were glued to her phone, oblivious to her surroundings. She frowned at me, casting a wicked stare before continuing on her way towards one of the plush mansions that surrounded the castle. Feeling slightly weakened by the encounter, I was soon faced with another challenge. Three girls walking towards the garden passed by, completely ignoring my presence.
"Good morning," I greeted them and waved my hand, but it was as if I was invisible to them. Lost in thought, I suddenly heard a chuckle behind me.
"Kayla Damien is not your only rival. You must contend with all the werewolves in this pack. They seldom engage with humans," Jose informed me.
"Your breakfast has been served. Your mother called me again just five minutes ago, and she really wants to talk to you," Jose continued. I turned and headed inside the castle.
Sitting alone at the grand dining table, I took the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent space. As soon as I finished using my cutlery, Mrs. Haverford appeared at the entrance.
"I would advise you not to accompany your husband to Lunar Palace for the unity ritual until you remember why you are called a 'curse human'," Mrs. Haverford cautioned.
"I have recalled all that I can," I murmured, wishing desperately to remember more.
"My sister is a hypnotherapist. Would you like to utilize her services?" Mrs. Haverford suggested.
"Yes, but is it necessary to inform Jordan?" I asked, contemplating the potential consequences.
"No, I would like you to surprise him with everything you remember when you find out the truth," Mrs. Haverford murmured, and I liked the idea.
"Call your sister. I'd like to start on Monday," I said and began walking towards the stairs to get ready to answer my mom's summons.
As I stepped into our bedroom, my eyes caught sight of an old book on a table. I walked towards it and lifted it with a nostalgic smile on my face. The book was my very first written story, which I had written when I was ten years old. I was astonished by the fact that Jordan had managed to keep it safe for me throughout all these years.
As I flipped through the pages, tears began to fall from my eyes as I read about how I felt when I woke up one morning and discovered that my mom was missing, possibly killed. As a child, I didn't understand what had happened, but her disappearance had a profound effect on me. Reading my childish story reignited the urge to find out what had happened to my mom.
A golden phone on a hanger started ringing loudly. The golden phone, adorned with diamonds, sparkled and rotated as it received an incoming call. I glanced at the screen, and it displayed Jenna's name. I frowned, wondering why she was calling Jordan. My eyes then caught sight of my old phone, its SIM card removed, making me realize that Jordan had switched my SIM card into the new phone.
I lifted the wireless Bluetooth headset that was next to it and placed it on my ear as I walked towards the closet. The lavish lifestyle I had found myself in was enticing, but at the same time, I began to fear its impermanence. I wished that Kayla hadn't been destined to marry Jordan. I wished I had the strength of werewolves to fight and stay in this marriage.
"Jenna," I called, and Jenna remained silent, as if trying to gauge my emotions through my words.
"Thalia, what is going on?" Jenna asked, her concern evident in her voice.
"A lot! Where are you?"
"At work," Jenna responded.
"Just come to the White Fangs pack. I will be there in thirty minutes to see Rita. I have some news to share with you," I said.
"Thalia, no, do not set foot there!" Jenna said.
"Why?" I asked curiously, eager to understand the urgency in Jenna's voice.
"A helicopter just landed there a few minutes ago, and I think it's Jordan Greens. Rachel told me that the Moon Goddess approved Kayla and Jordan's wedding date last night at the full moon festival, and Kayla is throwing another party. Their Unity Ritual will be held at Lunar Palace tonight and Kayla's high-class friends flew in from different part of the world to witness the occasion! Thalia please, stay where you are!"
The knowledge that Jordan would soon marry Kayla under the werewolf convention, and that they would be required to mate on their wedding night, rendered me weak once again. I sank into a chair and tears filled my eyes as no one disobeys the Moon Goddess.