To be honest, I couldn't care less if Alpha Kaene hated me because I also wasn't a fan of his. However, that brief lock of eyes between us ignited a fire within my body.
The first feeling that slammed into me was desire. It was like none I had felt my entire life. I could speed my way to him right now and bury my body in his.
My lips were parting on an automatic motion, wanting to blend with his like I didn't hate everything Alpha Kaene stood for.
And my wolf? Oh, that traitor. She began to pace rapidly, howling, restless, hungry and she only wanted one thing—Kaene.
"Mate. Mate. Mate." She kept on howling in my head, aggravating my paranoia.
Oh, by the Moon Goddess, what sort of curse was this? How on earth was I supposed to handle this? Why did this happen to me?
As much as he tried to hide it, I could see the confusion on Alpha Kaene's face as well. His wolf was also disturbed and trying to develop a connection with mine. It was like a 'Desire activation' button had been clicked and they both wanted to… mate.
.
I just stood frozen while waiting for everyone to be done with the processing of the bombshell that had just been dropped upon us.
Alpha Kaene broke our little trance by shifting his gaze toward the direction of the Moon. I did the same. My eyes were fixed on the beam of light illuminating me. The room erupted into chaos as gasps and whispers spread like wildfire.
Former Luna Catherine's face turned beet red with rage. "This is impossible! It can't be happening!" she spat in a venomous voice.
Yes, I wouldn't expect any less from her. This was a taboo. Even I knew that our pack would be the laughing stock of other packs after this. Alpha Kaene's reign would also be perceived as 'lacking' within our Bluemoon Pack itself.
Elder Gita's calm demeanor remained unwavering as she replied to the enraged woman. "Unfortunately, it is, Luna Catherine. The Moon Goddess has spoken."
Once again, gasps followed Elder Gita's words. The Moon Goddess had spoken. It meant THIS was my fate.
Oh, gosh. Somebody pinch me.
Luna Catherine's eyes blazed with indictment. "You've connived with our enemies to shame my son, Elder Gita. You're a traitor!"
WHAT?! That was such an absurd accusation! Why on earth would Elder Gita do that?
Elder Gita's expression was serene, which was surprising considering the grave allegation. "I am no traitor, Luna Catherine. I serve the Moon Goddess, not mortal interests."
Just then, Elsa Thatcher and several Moon-chosen candidates began to approach me, their faces not so inviting. The way their eyes were narrowed and their mouths twisted with contempt made me gulp.
I mean, I wasn't scared of them but these girls came from influential families and couldn't be messed with. What do you want with me, bitches; I muttered inwardly.
"This is outrageous!" Elsa spat, her chest heaving heavily. "This... this servant girl has used dark magic to manipulate the Moon's choice. How can she be Alpha Kaene's Moon Chosen? It should be ME!"
"Where are the other maids here?" The Gamma suddenly barked.
My colleagues scurried out, hands intertwined in front of them with their heads dipped. Oh, no… I was putting everyone in trouble already, wasn't I?
"Tell me, did you see this… maid performing any rituals?" He asked, his eyes scanning the room for support.
Seriously? I was not a witch for crying out loud. How on earth was I supposed to perform rituals? I couldn't wait for the girls to disappoint the Gamma and point out his blunder right in his face.
However, to my surprise, Miranda briefly glanced at me before nodding. "I saw her sneaking into the secluded parts of the estate last night. I thought nothing of it, but now..."
What in the world?! I went there to keep my wolf in check because she was in heat all day for a reason that I had already come to learn the hard way. She was preparing us for our mate.
Impossible. I would never sleep with that arrogant son of a gun.
The room's tension had escalated and everyone was pointing fingers at me. That's right; something had gone wrong. Blame the less privileged. I fucking hate this pack.
"That filthy maid thinks she can replace us?" one of the candidates sneered.
"Disgusting," another chimed in. "She's not even worthy of our pack."
Luna Catherine's gaze gored at me like a dagger. "Tell me, you... you wretched girl, is it true you've conspired with our enemies to shame my son?"
I shook my head, desperation making my voice shaky. "No, Luna Catherine, I swear it's not true! I don't know what's happening!"
Her face scrunched up in disgust. "Liar! How dare you deny it?"
I was about to reaffirm my innocence when the most unjust thing happened. Luna Catherine slapped me across the cheek, the force sending me stumbling backward.
How dare she? I held my cheek, the sting piercing through my skin and making my blood boil. Oh, help me lord, she would regret this.
The absurdity of it all was just so overwhelming that tears pricked at the corners of my eyes while the room's hostility suffocated me. I knew… right there and then that my life had just taken a turn that would haunt me for the rest of my life.
My gaze drifted to Alpha Kaene, hoping he'd say something. At least, I was his mate regardless. We shared this connection and we could both feel it in our minds, souls, and bodies.
However, my little hope in him was extinguished and hatred ignited within me when he shifted his gaze away after shooting me a disgusted stare. Wow… there was no way in hell that I'd become this heartless man's Luna.
The room had finally fallen silent after everyone had watched me get slapped without anyone to stand up for me.
Well, it was the former Luna; Alpha Kaene's mother, what could anyone have done?
I really wanted to stand up for myself, but the damage was done. I felt like a hunted animal, cornered and defenseless.
Elder Gita made the best of the decorum and stepped forward. "The Moon Goddess's choice will not be disputed. This... young woman is the rightful Moon's Chosen no matter what the circumstances might seem like."
Luna Catherine's eyes dimmed. "We'll see about that."
I realized I was in grave danger. The pack's elite would stop at nothing to discredit me.
Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, Caleb broke through the crowd and sprinted my way. "Leave my sister alone!" He barked at Luna Catherine.
Oh, NO! What the hell has he done?! It was treason to publicly confront the Alpha's mother!