Seven

He caused this upon himself. He bought this contempt, therefore he has to chew it and eat it up.

If he had not showed up in front of her home, he had minded his business and pretend as though he didn’t see her walking out from the woods, she wouldn’t have had the audacity to slap him for shoving his nose in her business.

He nodded his head and swallowed the painful lump blocking the air passing through his throat.

He looks at her with an unsatisfactory countenance. She shifts back, her heart pouncing against her chest. She looked so frightened as though she was facing her death.

She would actually face it if she was just a normal Omega that had just laid hands on him.

He turned on his shoes and walked away from the scene. He couldn’t utter anything to her after what she had just done. He wasn’t angry, he was disappointed. He didn’t know why but he felt disappointed. Maybe because she reminded him of her. Maybe he sees her whenever he saw Aurora. It made him feel like she was the one that slapped him for letting those worthless werewolves take her life and their daughter’s’.

Without a back glance, Aurora hurriedly passes through the gate and headed home.

Her heart was drubbing hard against her ribcage. She had so many things to be frightened of. She didn’t know how her mother would react if she finds out that she had sneaked out without permission. She knew she wasn’t going to be stopped from going out at night, but she wouldn’t want to lie to her parents—her mother precisely. She didn’t know why she sneaked out—she had no reason to. What was she turning into? She never lied to her parents, she never sneaks out—she barely stays out after dark even if she was going to hang out with Azra and Skye.

Though they sometimes go out for shows or festivals, she never lied to her parents about it. And now Kendrix had just threatened her and her family. He didn’t actually threaten her but his look says it all. She knew he was insane and he’d do anything to take avenge. She didn’t regret slapping him—he deserves more than just a slap for questioning her and touching her against her will. But she was afraid of what he might do.

She took deep breaths just as she approached the entrance of their home. It was now or never—the more she stayed out late, the more she stands the chance of getting into more trouble.

She mustered her bravery and turned the door knob. The living room was empty, so as the dining area. She peeked into the kitchen, no one was there. She heaved a sigh and soundlessly crept to her room. Mildly rotating the knob, she opened the door and moseyed in.

She breaths out contentedly as she closed the door behind her.

“Welcome back…”

Aurora screeched in horror as she squeezed her chest for her dear life. “Mom! You scared me,” she lamented, catching her breath.

“Good. Where are you coming from, Aurora?” Azzura got to her feet from the rocking chair that was in Aurora’s room.

When Aurora finally composed herself, she spoke. “Me? I was… oh, come on, mother. It’s not even that late,” Aurora protested. She didn’t know exactly what to say to her mother. She hated lying to her.

Azzura folded her arms over her chest and raised a brow up, waiting for Aurora’s answer.

Aurora broke from the intense stare her mother was giving her. “Okay, fine. I was with Kendrix… Happy?” She blurts out, throwing her arms in the air.

Azzura chuckled softly and shook her head. She approached Aurora and gently placed her warm palms on the sides of her face. “I know how much you don’t like him, there’s no way I’d believe you were with him. And he came here looking for you an hour ago, that’s how I knew you sneaked out without permission. You’re lucky your father isn’t home yet from hunting.”

Aurora pursed her lips as she batted her lashes at her mother.

Azzura laughed heartily. “Your ugly puppy face isn’t going to save you. Now, tell me, who is he?”

Aurora was taken aback by the question. She opened her mouth to talk but her words failed her. “Who? Me? No…”

“I can literally smell the new scent off you, My Goddess. You were with someone. Is he from this pack? Why don’t you want to tell me about him, uhm? I know he’s the one you’ve chosen, why don’t you speak up so your father knows what to do with Kendrix?”

Aurora bit down on her lip as she breaths out. She holds her mother’s hands and lightly squeezed them. “Do you trust me?”

“Believe me, if I don’t trust you Aurora, I would’ve been throwing series of frets right now.”

Aurora laughed out and nodded her head. “Then don’t worry about it. I just want to make sure about him before I introduce him to you. Just one thing mom—promise me you’d accept him the way he is.”

“Aurora I just can’t…”

“Please… just trust me. I wouldn’t do something to harm myself or get myself in trouble,” Aurora said, her tone filled with assertion.

Azzura looked at her for a moment. She heaved a sigh as she nodded. She wasn’t sure what her daughter was up to but she was willing to trust her. She believes Aurora wouldn’t do anything to bring shame to them or get herself hurt. “Don’t make me regret this.”

Aurora beamed from ear to ear and nodded. “Thank you,” she squealed, embracing her tightly. Azzura chuckled, hugging her daughter back.

“I like his perfume anyways,” she said, as they break the hug.

“Omg, me too. His scent is just out of this world…” She closed her eyes as she sighed pensively. Azzura shook her head in disbelief.

“Now enough of that, come sit. We need to talk.”

They both plump down on the edge of Aurora’s bed. She could feel her heart racing, as if trying to fulfil a marathon. She gulped down hard, trying to remember how to breathe. Why was she so nervous? Why wouldn’t she be?

Whatever her mother was about to say, she had a feeling she wasn’t going to like it. But whatever it was, she was ready to embrace it.

“This evening, Kendrix had sent an invitation to us to join him in his pack for an Opera event tomorrow evening. And he would love to see you there.”

Aurora didn’t know exactly how to react, but she knew one thing, she wasn’t going there. Not after what had happened half an hour ago. What if he’s plotting something against them?

“Why do you trust this guy so much?” Aurora asked. She was sick and tired of anything that has to do with Kendrix. And after what she has done, it would be great to not come in contact with him for several weeks, or months—possibly years. Or forever.

“Because he’s kind to us and he helps our pack a lot. You have no idea what he went through for out pack, Aurora. And he has a bigger community than we do. Better pack warriors, food, pack…”

“I still love our home, no matter what.”

“I know, sweetie. I wouldn’t trade our pack for anything either. We’re one and we are devoted. Just please, do this for me. Not for your dad or anyone, okay? You’d barely even meet Kendrix since we’d be sitting together there, hopefully.”

Aurora halted to have a quick thought about it. She still wanted to say no, but she knew her father was going to force her even if she threatened to end her life. “I’m doing this only for you,” Aurora stated. And she also wanted to get glimpse of what his so-called pack looks like. She knew she was never even going to consider it but she still wanted to have a look at it.

They called it a night and Aurora finally gets her privacy to get some rest before the dreadful day tomorrow.

**

She flickered her eyes open as rays of light peeked through her curtains. Heaving a sigh, she massaged her temple just as she sat upright. It was already morning—it was the day she was dreading.

The day she was going to visit a pack they were hoping she’d be their Luna. Or maybe they didn’t know yet, maybe he hasn’t announced it yet until she accepts him—which was in never.

Kendrix had everything. He had the looks, the body—but his persona and approach were so bad that Aurora couldn’t see herself accepting him. She couldn’t keep up with his attitude. She couldn’t picture herself with an abusive mate. Yes, she considers Kendrix as an abusive werewolf despite that he has not hurt her.

How was she even going to fulfil her dream of wanting to run a pack when the partner her parents chose was the big-headed and overbearing type? She was sure he’d perceptibly make her a stay-at-home Luna like he did to his late wife. He’d go out and get drunk, party, have affair with other dirty ladies out.

“Aurora!”

She snapped her head towards the door as the thoughts fade into nothing. It was her mother calling from the living room. She hurriedly got off the bed and slip into her robe before stepping out.

She knew it was either her mother burnt the waffles she was making or she just wanted her to be out of bed…

Aurora halted midway, staring at the three of them sitting in the living room. Her head was pounding hard as though it would fall off its position. She felt frightened and repelled at the same time. She didn’t know what brought him here this early morning, but she knew it wasn’t something good. He bequeathed her a cunning smile, making her to feel more edgy.

“Everything okay?” She asked, averting her gaze to her parents. He just threatened her last night for smacking him in the face now he was sitting in her living room together with her parents and smiling at her.

“Yes, we’ll give you two a minute.” Her father said before they both stood up and left. Kendrix was still smiling, boring his brown eyes into her ocean blue ones as though he had just seen the most beautiful sight ever.

She folded her arms over her chest, feeling her heart narrowing as her legs tried to fail her.

He gently got to his feet, picking up a shopping bag that was beside him. He handed the bag to her without saying a word. The smile was there and it annoyed her more.

“What’s this?” She questioned, her chest heaving up and down. “Take a look at it,” he retorted calmly.

When she didn’t take the bag, he spoke again. “I’m not dropping my hand until you take this bag. And trust me, I can stand here with my arm stretched for hours without getting tired—your choice.”

She knew her parents would obviously force her to take it even if he didn’t put an effort. She hesitantly snatched the bag away from him and peeped.

“It’s a dress, for tonight. I want to see you in it.” He closed the distance between them. He reaches up to brush a lock of hair away from her face. “You are so beautiful, Aurora… it hurts that you keep on rejecting me after proving that I love you.”

He pressed his lips against her cheek and trailed it down to her neck before he went back to her ear. “I decided to forgive you for what you did last night. Don’t ever let that happen again.” He kissed her cheek again before moving back and casually walking out of the house.

The rage inside her builds to a boil at his words and actions. She stood there, looking at the door he passed through as her tears blurred her vision. She hates him with every single smidgin of her life. If she was given the chance to end him—she might consider that and actually put him down. He makes her sick. He makes her feel disgusted.

“Aurora…”

She snapped her head to the other side of the room as she blinked back the tears.

“He has left already?” Azzura asked as she peeked at the bag Aurora was holding. “He bought you a dress?” She asked, taking away the bag from Aurora and peeping into it. Her smile spread further as she brought it out.

It was a red dress embroidered with a mass of tiny silver jewels down the sleeves and back. Aurora was blown away by the dress. She felt the urge to take it away from her mother and try it on. The dress was a definition of perfection and she could already picture herself wearing it tonight.

“You’re wearing it tonight, right?” Azzura asked and she shoulder-shrugged. “Maybe,” she mouthed and made her back way back to her room to freshen up.

The day past by in a blur and Aurora found herself wearing the dress Kendrix got her. It fits flawlessly; the dress molded her torso beautifully, complimenting her feminine shape.

When she twirled, the dress would wrap itself around her for a second then it would formally slide back in place. She smiled at her in the mirror. She looked so beautiful tonight and Azra did such a breathtaking work on her makeup.

“You look amazing, Aurora.”

“Just like her mother,” Alpha Anakin complimented and kissed his wife on the temple. She smiled sheepishly and placed her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, hugging her close.

Aurora rolled her eyes at the moment. “Do you guys have to do this right on my doorway?”

“It could be you but you’re stubborn. Now, let’s head out. We’re already late. Kendrix sent a car to pick us up,” Azzura stated as they passed through the corridor leading to the living room.

Aurora had almost forgotten where they were going. She swallowed hard and followed her parents out. She hated how she was feeling. How he got an effect on her. How he made her feel. How even though she hates him… but something was dragging her to him.

And before she could think of anything, they have arrived at the gates of Umbris Pack gate. It was an immense black gate that made her wonder how the gate keepers open and close it. It observably looks hefty.

Aurora breathes out, lowering her gaze as she found out that she couldn’t look out the place for some reason. All she wanted was to get settled, watch the show and get things over with. Or maybe sneak out before the show ends…

She knew Blake had certainly gone to their meeting spot, waiting for her. She bites down her lower lip as she stepped out of the car.

Walking into the huge room, the dress trailed behind her giving everyone an exquisite feel to the atmosphere. She felt tensed by the way everyone turned their attention to her.

The dress glistened under the dimmed lights almost making it sparkle like the stars.

“Alpha Anakin of Scuris Pack. You’re welcome to our beloved pack—the Umbris Pack. Pleased to meet you,” A well-dressed man welcomed them as he kept stoic expression. Aurora could swear he was forced to do his work.

“Thank you,” her father said, nodding his head.

“Please follow me,” he said and led the way. He took them to their seats and led Aurora to a separate cubicle from her parents. She didn’t argue. All she wanted was to be out of the place.

“The Alpha will be with you in a moment,” he announced before stepping out. “Wait, wha—” she mumbled getting to her feet.

She looks down the hall, everyone was seated as the show began. The light went more dimmer than before. Each booth had only two seats. And she knew it was only going to be her and Kendrix up here.

“I apologize for my tardiness.” He walks in adjusting his blazer.

Her gaze turns to his handsome face that smiled at her. She’s taken aback by his strong presence and striking good looks. He was in a black tux that fitted him almost too faultlessly.

She felted revolted for truly drooling over him. He looked too handsome to just take a glimpse at.

“Why are you standing? The show has started. Take a seat please,” he spoke coolly as he settled down. “I want to be with my parents,” she held heatedly.

“Don’t be a nuisance and sit down, it only occupies two people per booth if you know how opera shows work,” he finished talking as drank in her appearance. He smirked, pleased to see she was wearing the dress he bought her.

She scoffed softly and settled down on the chair beside him. Occasionally, he’d glimpse at her and smile.

Slowly, he snaked his hand to the slit of her dress, coming in contact with her bare thigh. He closed his eyes and gently caressed it. He shifted his hands upwards to her underwear, to feel the warmth of what’s between her legs.

“F*ck,” he cursed lowly at the smoothness of her skin. She briskly got to her feet, “I need to use the restroom,” she told him, furrowing her brows together.

“First door on your left,” he said without glancing at her.

Aurora hurriedly left the booth and headed to the bathroom. She swiftly starts the water and looked at herself in the mirror. She felt the urge to scream out and break things, to calm her anger.

She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so revolted and angry at the same time. The sound of her heartbeat pounds in her ears as everything mixed up together, making it hard for her to think straight.

For a moment, it feels as though the entire room melts away. No sparkling lights nor loud conversation… Everything just went pale.

She closed her eyes for several moments to get a hold of herself. She felt suffocated being in here. She turned off the faucet and headed out of the building. She managed to slip out the gates and wandered into the woods.

From the Umbris pack, it was much more further away from their meeting spot. She didn’t mind—she walked her way through the tall trees and headed towards the place. She knew he wasn’t going to be there. It was late already and they usually hang out before sunset.

“Miss. Aurora…”

She gasped, cracking her head backwards. Two men holding armories approached her. She recognized the uniform. It was Kendrix pack warriors. She slowly breaths out, waiting for them to approach her.

“What are you doing out here alone? It isn’t safe.”

“I wanted to get some air. You don’t need to tell me whether it is safe or not. And if you have forgotten who I am; I am the only child of Alpha Anakin from Scuris Pack.”

“I apologize, My lady. We were doing our job as our Alpha told us to keep an eye on you. He’d like to see you now.”