THE FESTIVAL

Celine POV

The evening drew near, I felt a burst of energy hovering round my body, giving me a glimpse of what happiness felt for the first time in years. It felt totally new and made me curious as to why I was feeling this way. 

It was the festival of the moon goddess and also my birthday and just like every year, I was fully vested in the kitchen making the meals that would be served for the event. 

A day in the pack doctor's house had really brought good energy and uplifted my soul. It was apparent that it was all I needed. Upon returning back to the mansion, the Alpha had simply given instructions about the meals to be prepared.

I sensed a presence behind me and upon turning around, it was Zica, one of the pack soldiers with a smirk on his face. While I had vowed never to carry hate around, he was one of the few persons I hated.

"I see you have learnt your lessons, judging from the aroma I perceive." He said sniffing with his eyes closed.

"Please I need to finish this off and get ready for the festival." I begged. 

 His smirk was unwavering as he walked closer. He was tall and slightly muscular, but he was never the attractive type.

"You really think you would go for the festival huh?" He asked, staring deep into my eyes. I hated the type of stares he was giving, I couldn't match them. "Anyways, the Alpha has instructed that you increase the soup budget as more guests are trooping into the pack." He added further.

I simply nodded and turned around to add a few ingredients. I felt strong hands round my waist and lips across my ears. "Your body is amazing and it is a little wonder, how I haven't noticed it all the while." His voice was irritating as he spoke and he stinked of old wine.

"Please, back off, I don't want to cause any trouble." I pleaded, trying to wriggle free from his grip across my waist.

"Not so fast girl. Your body is tempting and I cannot resist it, so give in and let's have a good moment." He said, his lips slowly moving closer to my neck, where he placed a kiss.

"Only my mate is allowed to touch me please." I affirmed.

 I hated being in such situations. The harder I tried to release his hands off my grip, the more he drew me closer. 

"Don't fight it Celine, I know you want me." He whispered. Instinctively, I matched his legs and he let go of his hands as he growled in anger. "You stupid bitch!" He exclaimed. I closed my eyes, seeing his hands up in the air in an attempt to lace out a slap on my face.

"Zica! The Alpha demands our presence now!" Someone yelled out.

 I opened my eyes to see Omah staring in our direction. Zica stepped back and with the smirk still on his face, I knew he was not done with me.

Once they were gone, I breathed a sigh of relief and returned back to the soup, staring gently. Looking out the window, the sun had gone down and darkness was fully upon the surface. I was done with the soup making.

Quickly pulling off the apron, I dashed out of the kitchen, closing the doors and locking it. I had made a dress for the festival and I needed to look good for myself.

"And where do you think you are going?" The deep, authoritative voice of Alpha Adrian forced me to halt my steps.

"I.... was done making the soup, I want to change my outfit." I replied, while my head was down, courtesy of respect. His footsteps were intimidating as he walked towards my direction.

"There will be no need for that. I don't want to see you near the festival grounds. Stay back in the kitchen and observe your duties." His order forced me to shake my head in acceptance. He walked past me, shoving my body as though I was nothing.

My hopes of ever going for the festival had just been broken by the words of the Alpha. I didn't dare go against his words.

'But it's your birthday...' I froze in that moment, turning around to see who had spoken, but no one was there. 'It is I Jedah.' My eyes widened in disbelief; my wolf could talk!

'How is it possible?' I asked.

'Apparently I realized I could speak the day you returned back from your subconscious state.' She asserted. It made much sense, remembering the memory of the woman who had touched me. I began to wonder if it was the moon goddess.

'Listen, I have been meaning to say this for a very long time Celine....' Her voice was clear and beautiful and I liked it. 'There are times you need to take your ground and show a form of resistance. Alpha Adrian does not own you, he is your leader and not your goddess!' She yelled.

'But going against Alpha Adrian would bring doom, just like the last time.' I reasoned. The thoughts of the pain I had gone through three days back, still gave me goosebumps.

'You don't want to disobey the Alpha, but you will be doing yourself harm, if you don't go for the festival. At Least you get to offer prayers to the goddess to offer you a long life.' Jedah had a point and while the fears rocked through my body, I realized how great it would be to witness the event.

'I guess I have to risk it all.' I dashed out of the kitchen and made my way back to the room, in a bid to change into my outfit. I stared at the mirror and was amazed by how stunning the gown looked on me. It was made of good fabrics and they happened to belong to my mom, before she had passed on.

I heard the sound of drums and realized the event had started. While making my way out the mansion, I realized I was the only one not attending the festival. 

Upon reaching the hall, my breath was taken away by the colors used in beautifying the entire arena. Still looking around the hall, I accidentally bumped into a wall- so I had thought, till I looked up to realize it was a person.

"I am sorry." I begged.

 He had a dark long trench coat and his hat masked his face. I knew he was staring at me, even though I couldn't make out his face due to the hat.

"Watch where you are going next time." His voice, a deep baritone held so much mystery. He walked past me and I wondered who he was and why his aura screamed so much danger.