7.
Dominic went to the class, took his bag and left the school premises in his car. He couldn't believe Mr. Ethan paired him with Selene. Out of all the girls in their class, it had to be Selene. Now, he'd have to spend time with her which is what he didn't want at all.
“Damn it!” He groaned angrily.
He returned to the mansion and the maids welcomed him. Ignoring them and flinging his backpack in the hands of one of them, he walked to the throne room and met his mother in a meeting with some elders.
Queen Bathsheba stopped speaking and smiled on seeing her son, but her smile faded when she realized he wasn't supposed to be home by now.
“Greetings, Alpha.” The elders bowed and he nodded before walking to where his mother was seated.
“Mother, there's something I need to tell you.” He requested.
“How about when I'm done?” She whispered lovingly.
Dominic sighed and sat on a throne that was placed beside her. “Please, let's proceed.” Queen Bathsheba gestured for the elders to continue.
“Well, we feel the Wild Heart Pack is the best place to form an ally with,” One elder spoke up. “Their territory is well-protected and they have a strong pack structure.”
Dominic raised an eyebrow. “And what is it that they want in exchange for an alliance?”
“We believe they would appreciate assistance in hunting and defending their territory,” Another elder answered.
Dominic nodded, considering their proposal. “What about the Moonlight Pack? They have a similar structure and territory.”
“We have approached them as well, but they are hesitant to form an alliance with us,” The first elder replied. “They are currently dealing with their own internal issues and do not wish to involve themselves in external conflicts.”
Dominic frowned, thinking about the implications of the Moonlight Pack's reluctance to ally with them. “What kind of internal issues?”
The elders exchanged uneasy glances. “It's not in our place to divulge their affairs, Your Highness.”
Dominic sighed, realizing he would have to find out more about the Moonlight Pack's situation on his own. “Very well. I will consider your proposal and discuss it with my mother.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” The elders said in unison, bowing before him and Queen Bathsheba before taking their leave.
As they walked out of the throne room, Dominic turned to his mother. “What do you think, Mother? Should we form an alliance with the Wild Heart Pack?”
Queen Bathsheba gave him a small smile. “I trust your judgment, Dominic. You have a good head on your shoulders.” She patted his shoulder.
Indeed she was proud of the son she had. He was just like his father and she knew she would have no worries for the pack when he took over after graduation from the Academy.
Dominic grinned, feeling a sense of pride at his mother's words. “Thank you, Mother. I will continue to do my best for our kingdom,” She nodded at his words. He suddenly remembered the reason he was here in the first place. “Mother, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's very important and I don't want it to exceed today because I want to know if I'm going crazy or not.” He sighed and Queen Bathsheba gasped.
This was the first time her son was speaking this way. “What's the matter?” She asked. “Is that why you left school earlier than usual today?” She asked and he sighed.
“What does it feel like for someone to find their mate?” He asked.
Queen Bathsheba smiled. She already got a whiff of where he was coming from. “Well, your wolf will be the first to react. You'll suddenly feel drawn and attracted to her, her scent would be so intoxicating in a way that you can't get enough of it. Your mind will be clouded with thoughts of her and you would feel like touching her to feel that spark,” She explained and he went quiet as he pondered on what she had said. “Finding a mate is the best thing that'll ever happen to a wolf.”
“No, it's not.” He answered sharply.
“Why do you say so?” Queen Bathsheba asked.
“Not when the person looks frail, weak and can't even defend herself from being bullied.” He answered, remembering how Selene looked. He was annoyed when he recalled how she let those boys who bullied her go Scot free. While watching them, for a moment there, he felt angry that they were touching her and wanted to help but when he locked eyes with her and saw that expectant look in her eyes, he became irritated. On top of that, he found her strange and weird.
“Have you found your mate, son?” She asked.
“That girl can never be my mate. The moon goddess must have made a mistake.” He snapped and looked away.
Queen Bathsheba smiled. “You did find your mate. This is great news!” She exclaimed.
That could only mean that he was fully going to take over after graduation from the Academy. She couldn't wait to see the girl the moon goddess gifted her son.
“No, mother, it's the worst news. I'm going to reject her.” He revealed.
“What!” Queen Bathsheba gasped. “Don't you dare!” She snapped but he was unfazed.
“That girl isn't worthy of being my mate, mother. She looks weak, fragile and…” He trailed off when he was about to say she wasn't cute. No one needed to tell him how cute she was even though she looked like she could get swept away by the ocean and carried away by the wind. He was fascinated by her beauty but he believed beauty without strength was nothing and so he replaced his fascination with hatred. “…just forget about it. All I know is that I can't accept her.” He stood up.
“Sit down, please,” Queen Bathsheba pleaded and he sat down. “Dominic, you shouldn't hate what the moon goddess gives to you. If not for the moon Goddess, we wouldn't have been alive today. There would have been nothing like the Golden sword pack anymore. I was pregnant with you when we lost your father and in that dire moment, I cried to the moon goddess and she saved me. Since then, I never took her for granted and believed everything she did was for my good. She won't choose the wrong person for you. Just know that.” She patted his shoulder.
Dominic sighed. “I've heard you, mother but still, she isn't my type,” He stood up and walked out of the throne room.
He got to his room and entered the bathroom to wash his face. He had made up his mind not to accept her whether in this life or the next.
“I'll be your Martial arts partner, Selene. I don't have to reject you, you'll run away from me instead.”
8.NEXT DAY…Selene sighed as she walked into the hallways. After Dominic left the dojo the previous day, the students jeered at her and those that were jealous even went ahead to call her names and accused her of purposely making Mr. Ethan pair her and Dominic.She tried to ignore them, knowing that her stay here was limited but some of their words were quite harsh and hurtful. She thought she knew what high school girls faced, especially the newbies when she was in her goddess form, but it seemed she knew nothing.She was equally shocked when out of the number of girls they had, she was the one who got paired with Dominic and wanted to ask Mr. Ethan about it but she refrained from doing so.She looked around to see if Dominic was in school but couldn't find him. With a sigh, she went for her locker and opened it to see a dead bird in it.She didn't scream and looked at the students who were all gathered to take photos and videos of her reaction. Their initial plan was to scare her a
9.“Are you surprised?” Dominic asked with a smirk.Selene couldn't believe this guy. It wasn't like they were getting into a contract marriage or anything. It was just a partnership. What has contracts got to do with all these?“I don't really understand how being your Martial arts partner requires a contract.” She frowned at him.Dominic loved the look on her face. Finally, he annoyed her with something and counted it as an achievement.“You know, I am the most sought-after guy in this Academy. I need to bind you with a contract to avoid you going out of bounds.” He explained.“Going out of bounds? How?” She asked and he facepalmed.“Are you dumb or what? Look at me from head to toes, then look around and see how the girls stare at me,” He ordered and Selene found herself doing as he had said. She could see how the ladies stared like they were going to eat him whole. The way some guys stared at him made her think they were bisexual. Like why the heck would a guy stare at his fellow
10.“A drastic plan? Tell me about it?” Selene knew Artemis to be pretty dark and cunning. She was the most quiet among the gods but she was good with hunt and very cunning. She was also a master at making deadly plans. She and Artemis usually got along since she was the moon goddess and Artemis was also associated with the moon.“How about we turn him into a bunny?” She asked and Selene frowned.“Come on, Artemis! This isn't a time to joke around. I really need to draw his attention.” She complained.Artemis chuckled and thought for a while. “What if we ask Poseidon to drown him in the sea?” Artemis asked.“If he dies in the sea, my power dies with him. That's not going to help at all.” Selene frowned.“Okay. How about we ask Aphrodite to make him fall in love with you? That way, you would get back your powers and we wouldn't have anything to worry about.” She suggested.“You can't force nature, Artemis. He has to fall in love with me of his own accord. If I make Aphrodite use her pow
11.NEXT DAY…Selene skimmed through the wardrobe, trying to pick out what to wear from the clothes Artemis had changed for her. She settled on a short black skirt and white crop top.She packed her hair into a bun and slipped on a pair of black sneakers before picking her school bag and dashing out of the house.She stopped a bus and got in immediately. People were already filled up and there was only a space at the back. She'd have to sit close to one of the bullies in school; particularly the idiot that she marked his face to deal with.Selene would have quit the bus but she had already tipped her money. With a sigh, she removed her bag, and sat down, wondering why a soon to be Alpha would be using the public transport.“Hello, pretty eyes,” He smiled at her but she ignored him.He seemed annoyed by her attitude and held her hand. Selene snapped her head to his direction and frowned at him. “Why are you taking a public bus, Luna?” He asked.She yanked her hands away from him. “I sh
12.“He'll be fine. I've given him some pain relieves and since he's an Alpha wolf, he'll heal quickly.” The nurse explained.“Thanks,” Dominic replied and she walked out. He has rushed Asher to the infirmary the minute he passed out. While he watched Asher, he couldn't help but wonder if Selene actually did this to him.He recognized Asher as part of the guys that were bullying her the day they were going for martial arts class and wondered if she had done it to get back at him for it?If she was the one, how and where on Earth did she get such strength? He still couldn't believe it.Maybe it wasn't Selene. It might be someone else because the Selene he knew couldn't be that strong. It wasn't possible. He'd have to wait for Asher to wake up first. Asher would tell him what actually happened between them.A few minutes later, Asher moved and his eyes opened. The swell on his face had gone down and he was slowly healing. He looked around and wondered what he was doing in the infirmary.
13.“How about I try my hands out on this since she isn't present?” Ares asked during a meeting of the gods.Zeus sighed and facepalmed. “I don't know how many things I would have to repeat myself, Ares. You can't take the moon goddess's place. Come on, she isn't staying down there forever.” He scolded.He couldn't comprehend why Ares was keen on taking the moon goddess spot. He already had diverse powers in his grasp. What does he need hers for?“She messed up, Zeus. At least, she should be suspended when she gets her powers and come back here.” He argued.“Yes, we know she messed up but it was a mistake. She didn't know how it happened, so quit talking like she purposely gave her powers to the boy!” Artemis snapped.Ares chuckled. “Her, going down to their word is an offense on its own.” He argued.“Don't forget we go down to earth sometimes too. Sue just went there to see the baby and had touched him without knowing the repercussion.” Apollo defended.Ares was already furious at th
14.“Do you want to kill me?” She asked as he handed over water to her. When she had finished drinking, she dropped it and glared at him.“I'm sorry. I was only saying what I noticed.” Apollo pouted.“What made you say something like that, huh?” She asked.“Don't forget I'm a guy too.”“No, you're a god.” She corrected him.“But I'm a guy now,” He argued and she rolled her eyes. “I saw the way he looked at you and I think he isn't happy that you're talking with another guy.” He explained.“You're getting this all wrong, Apollo. Dominic hates me to the core. He is the baby I'm supposed to take my powers from and up til now, I haven't even been able to touch or have any contact with him. He hates me to the bones and I'm sure of that.” She explained and continued eating.“That's what you think but it isn't what I see. I think he's still trying to figure you out and that's why he's still skeptical and treating you like he hates you.” Apollo explained.Selene sighed. “I just want to get my
15.“But—”He didn't give Selene a chance to talk and struck first. She was quick enough to block.Dominic had the feeling that she was holding back something. As he trained with her and watched how she kept dodging and blocking his hits, he figured she might be holding back and tried his best to make her fight like a warrior.Selene knew what he was aiming for and she wasn't going to give him that. She won't let her strength be exposed that quickly.When that didn't work, Dominic stopped and looked at her. “That's all for today,” With that said, he dropped his sword and was about to walk out but stopped.Selene dropped her sword and came to meet him.“Who is that guy you were with a few minutes ago?” He asked.“A friend.” She answered.He turned to look at her. “A friend? Are you sure he is just a friend?” He asked and she nodded.“Why are you asking?” She asked.Dominic cleared his throat. “I was curious.” He replied and walked away.Selene walked out and met Naya.“I've been lookin