**Elora's POV**
“No! Hell no!” I exclaimed immediately. Why him? Of all people in the world, why must it be Damon? Why the heck must it be him?
His lips formed into a smirk. He must have felt that spark too, and known. “Hello, Mate.”
“Don't you dare call me that. Don't you fucking dare!” I yelled and pulled my hair, frustratingly.
Things weren't supposed to go down this way. Nothing like this happened two years ago. I haven't been able to sense my mate since I turned 18, and I learned to live with it after I met Lucien, but why should I get a mate after my rebirth? It doesn't make sense!
I suddenly burst out laughing. “Oh, now I get it. The moon goddess just wants to test me,” I muttered out loud and looked up. “Moon goddess, I got your test now, so please take it back, okay? It was only a joke, and I get it.” I sounded ridiculous, but I couldn't help it.
“Elora,” Damon called.
I responded with a glare. This is crazy. Why him? I hated Damon to the core. The man had a thing for me since high school, but I've been turning down his advances because it was obvious that I felt nothing for him. Despite all that, he showed that he still loved me, but I hurt him in so many ways and didn't regret it until now.
How was I supposed to face someone I've done countless bad things to and accept him as my mate? Just how?
The smile he had on his face made my anger grow. “Do not tell anyone about this. I don't understand why the moon goddess would pair me with someone like you, so I'd appreciate it if you keep your mouth shut, understood?” I snapped.
“Why should I hide such outstanding news, Elly? I've waited for a day like this to come, and it's finally here. I simply can't hide this joy.” He smirked.
“You must hide it, Damon. I swear, if you tell anyone, I won't hesitate to kill you.” I threatened and he chuckled.
“I know you won't have the nerves to kill your mate. You'll soon fall helplessly in love with me, baby girl. It's just a matter of time.” He snapped his fingers.
“Only in your stupid dream. Damn, I despise this!” I stomped my feet.
I was about to leave, but he pulled me close and embraced me.
“I love you, Elora.” He said.
My knees weakened as his breath fanned my neck and my heartbeat accelerated. The feeling disgusted and suffocated me. I pushed him off.
“I hate you, Damon. I hate you damn much!” I yelled and dashed out of there. I could feel his eyes on me and turned to see him still staring at me. He winked and my heart stirred. I quickly looked away and cursed under my breath as I made my way to the hall.
I met Lucien and Zora having a hearty conversation. I bet they're already planning on how to cheat on me and get rid of me.
“Elly, you're back.” Zora smiled.
“Yeah,” I answered and without glancing at Lucien, I adjusted my glasses and took a seat.
All through the party, I was seated while Zora went out there to dance her heart out. The look on my face chased guys that attempted to ask me to dance away. They must be wondering why the once naive and shy Elora suddenly changed overnight, but heck did I care.
The time for the giving of prizes came, and I could swear I collected more than 10 prizes, but those were the least on my mind. All I thought about was revenge and how to go about it, and also how to take back my father's throne from the claws of our self acclaimed beta.
****
After the party, I was back in my old apartment, ready to pack and go live in the palace, but this time around, my aim for going there is to ask for what I'm entitled to.
If I wanted to serve my revenge cold, I would need power, and that power was to become the Luna of this pack. Another reason I want the throne is to get rid of the bad eggs that called themselves my father's employees and elders of the council. These people have been eating off my father's wealth since he and my mother died mysteriously in the palace.
Yeah, they died mysteriously, but I was too stupid to investigate their death. I'm going to do that now and make sure whoever is responsible for their deaths is punished severely.
My phone rang again. It was Zora, I rolled my eyes. I could remember how she called that day to know if I had gotten home safely. I had shone my stupid teeth and thanked her, oblivious of her motives. I rejected the call and dropped the phone in my pocket.
I sighed and continued to pull the luggage, but that unique scent came again. I closed my eyes and inhaled every bit of it.
“Are you done gawking?”
My eyes snapped open. “Damon!” I snapped and facepalmed.
“Hey,” He flashed me a smile, but I frowned.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I was in the neighborhood and realized I haven't congratulated my mate for all the prizes she got today.” He smiled.
“Don't call me that. Besides, you collected some prizes too. You're just as intelligent as I am.” I spurted out without even realizing it.
He smiled widely. “First time you ever complimented me. I certainly am going to cherish this day.”
“Damn it! You're so annoying.” I started leaving.
“Let me help with your luggage.” He reached out, but I pushed his hand away.
“I can help myself, thanks.” I said calmly and without sparing him a glance, I hurriedly walked away.
“I'll come see you at the palace tomorrow.” He shouted to my hearing, but I acted deaf.
****
When I got to the palace, I instructed the maids to take my luggage to my room.
“Time to get what's mine.” I sighed and headed for the throne room.
I peeped through the keyhole and saw Beta Dexter speaking with Elder Blake, the oldest of the pack elders.
“Guards!” I called and they rushed to meet me. “I need the remaining Elders in the palace right now. Find a way to bring them here.” I ordered.
They were surprised but bowed and left to do as I've said. I flung the door open and their eyes were on me instantly.
“Elora, you're back. How did the party go?” He asked.
I scoffed inwardly. He acts nice whenever the oldest of the elders was around just because he knew I was his favorite, but behind that smile is a sneer and a plan to steal my father's gold.
“Elora, the beta is asking you a question. How did the party go?” Elder Blake asked with a smile.
I adjusted my glasses and smiled at him. “It went well, Elder Blake. Your daughter is finally a graduate.” I smiled.
The only person I can vouch for among my father's elders is this man. He has been with me through thick and thin. I owe him a lot.
He smiled and stood to hug me. “I'm proud of you.”
I smiled and pulled away from the hug before facing Beta Dexter.
“Beta Dexter, I am 18 now and according to the rules of this pack and the oath you swore to before ascending the throne, I am entitled to ask for what is mine now.” I stated firmly.
Beta Dexter frowned, glaring dangerously at me.
“What are you talking about?” He asked.
“Step down. I want to ascend my father's throne.”
**Elora's POV** “Have you gone insane? What sort of ridiculous demand is that?” Beta Dexter asked. He was practically glaring daggers at me. I scoffed. “I'll forgive you once for this rant, but the next time you talk to I, Elora Whitlock, Luna of this pack again, I won't hesitate to have you killed and thrown to the vultures.” I snapped and he gasped. “Elora, don't forget that I am the one on the throne; the one with the authority. It's disrespectful of you to come here and say gibberish.” Beta Dexter yelled at me. Elder Blake held my hand. “Daughter, what are you up to?” He whispered to me. “It is simple and clear. I am ready to emerge as Luna. Don't worry about the pack. I know everything there is to know because I have been secretly studying books and taking lessons.” I whispered back to him. “Are you sure you can do this?” He asked. “Yes, Elder Blake. You have to trust me on this one. I am no longer that naive little princess that everybody knows.” He smiled and patted my
**Elora's POV**“You can't be serious!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. Was he that shameless to use the “Omega” trick against me?Omega wolves are low ranked, but that doesn't dispute the fact that I am the Alpha's daughter and the throne is mine.The elders shook their heads as they looked at me, and I mentally rolled my eyes. Elder Blake gave me a reassuring look and I exhaled.“Elora, you're an omega; a low rank wolf. It's not right for you to lead us.” One of the elders said.“I am an omega, yes, I am not arguing, but that isn't going to stop me from taking what is rightfully mine!” I snapped.They were about to talk, but I raised my hand. “Hold it, I'm not done yet. When my father was alive, Beta Dexter had suggested they hide the truth about me being an omega. I didn't consent to that and so did my father, but he sweet talked my father into hiding the truth from you all. I should have known he was waiting for the perfect day to bring it to the light, but you know what
**Elora's POV**“What guts!” The elders yelled and turned to leave.“Halt!” I ordered and they obeyed.They turned to look back at me, their eyes were literally spitting fire, but I cared less.“Tomorrow night will be my coronation. I want you all to be there, and if by any chance I didn't see any of you, you'll have me to contend with. So, tomorrow night, wear your finest robes, visit the barber for a haircut if you want any and look good for my coronation,”One of them was about to talk, but I raised my hand and stopped him.“It's an order coming from me, the Luna.” I snapped.They sighed and nodded before walking out, leaving only me, Dexter and Elder Blake.“I'm proud of you, daughter. You've shown me that you have the blood of our late Alpha running through your veins. You'll make a great Luna, and you have my full support.” He smiled.I returned the smile and he walked out.I got down from the throne and walked to where Dexter stood, glaring daggers at me.“You should have stepp
**Elora's POV**I sighed as I stared into the mirror, at my face. My hair was in a tight bun that framed my head. With a pair of small, silver hoop earrings on the left side of my ears, a single gold chain hanging from my right shoulder, and a small silver stud that pierced the tip of my nose, I had to admit, I looked good.The stupid me looked good. Tonight was the night I would be crowned the Luna of White Tide pack. I went through a lot to get to where I am now, I had to lose my life to realize what I truly wanted and what I should be. Now, here I am, staring into the mirror to see the new me; the new Elora, who is thirsty for revenge and who would stop at nothing to make sure it was served cold.I slowly took my glasses off and dropped them on the table next to my phone. I ran my fingers over my face, careful not to spoil the makeup the maids took almost forever to do for me.“You're no longer a nerd, Elora. You're someone new now, and your sole aim is to make your enemies pay fo
**Author's POV**“Secrets?” Elora couldn't comprehend what he was talking about. As far as she knew, she had nothing to hide except the fact that she was reborn. Could Beta Dexter have found that out? And even if that was what he found out, was it supposed to be a secret? The people started murmuring and Elora facepalmed.Beta Dexter smirked and walked past Elora, then headed to the podium, wearing a smug look on his face. Elora followed because she wanted to know where all these would lead.After climbing the podium, he cleared his throat. “People of White Tide Pack!” He called, but they didn't answer. They were only interested in hearing the secret he claimed he had come to expose. He waved that off and continued, “You all know that I've been nothing but a good Alpha to you. I made plenty of things available for you all just like the late Alpha had done, but unfortunately, a little girl came with her devious lies and took that away.” He announced, and their gazes lingered on Elora.
**Author's POV**Even though she had talked about not accepting him fully yet, Damon was overjoyed. Her telling the whole pack that they were mates was worth more than that.It gladdened his heart to see the shock on everybody's faces. Dexter was not excluded alongside Zora and Lucien. “Am I dreaming or what?” Zora whispered to herself.She looked over the crowd and her gaze met with that of Lucien. She communicated with her eyes, but he shook his head and told her he didn't see that coming.Elder Blake masked his shock with a huge smile. Now, he was ready to see who would dare to attack Elora over her throne. She had a mate, which was something they were all using as an excuse to take her throne away from her. Dexter quickly waved off the shock and climbed the podium. “Now I know what's going on between you two. You two connived to do this so that you could keep the throne, right?” He asked.“Do you think we would joke about being mates?” Damon scoffed. “Cut the crap. It's not ever
**Author's POV**The Witch's hut…It was a dark and dank little place. It smelled like moldy straw and dirt. This was not the kind of witching hut you’d expect to find sitting on the edge of a forest in the middle of the night. In this case, it stood on a hill overlooking the entire town. The hill itself looked as if it had been built over centuries and the old stone was worn down by time and weather. The whole hill was surrounded by thick forest, with small trees here and there growing in between the boulders.The Witch sat on top of her hut and gazed at the town that lay below her. Her eyes were closed, but she could feel the cold wind coming off the mountains surrounding her, making the grass tickle her bare legs and the tips of her ears. It made her smile. This is what life really should be like. Just a nice quiet cottage, the breeze blowing through your hair and birds chirping from the nearby tree branches.Her feeling of bliss was interrupted by a rustle somewhere deep within
THE NEXT DAY…**Elora's POV**I was awoken by a knock on my room door. Standing to my feet, I stretched my body as I headed to the door. I opened it and the first thing I saw was a basket of Flowers and candies.I stepped out and looked around, wondering who had brought these for me, but the hall was empty.“Where are the maids?” I muttered to myself and picked up the basket, then entered and shut the door behind me.I sat down on the bed and looked at the gift. Looking closely, there was a note in it that read, “It's for you.”Looking through it quickly, I spotted two pieces of paper. One of them was a receipt from one of our local merchants selling fruit and flowers. The other was a small slip with a name written on it.My heart started racing, and my face grew red at the sight of the name.Damon.I didn't understand why just seeing the name sent tingles all over my body. There was another paper inside, and I quickly picked it up, eager to see what was inside. When I unfolded it and