PENELOPE~
My wedding day arrived three days after the incident. Despite how much and how long I had spent on praying to the moon goddess to make this unreal, to make my marriage to the said ruthless man not to hold, everything had gone in vain.
I stood and then sat in front of the mirror, my wedding dress, a plain white dress, hanging from my frame like a shroud.
I felt the hot tears pricking at my eyes, the pain of betrayal of everyone around me, threatening to consume me. I tried to keep my focus on my reflection, but I couldn't help but notice the two figures in the corner of the room.
My now ex-boyfriend, Logan and my sister, Violetta whispered and laughed, their bodies close to each other, their eyes full of mischief, occasionally stealing kisses from each other and touching each other in places others weren't supposed to see.
My heart was breaking, the pain too much to bear. I felt like my world was ending, right in front of my eyes.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt like I was looking at a stranger. I couldn't recognize the woman staring back at me.
She was a broken shell of who I had once been, her eyes haunted and empty.
I tried to imagine a future with this man, this ruthless stranger who was about to be my husband.
But all I could see was a future of unhappiness, of misery, of pain. I wanted to run, to escape, but I was trapped, bound by family obligation. I felt like I was suffocating, the air being squeezed from my lungs.
"Don't discourage yourself, PEN!" a voice jumped out and I quickly recognized her as my wolf! After not getting my wolf for my 18th birthday, I thought I would never be able to have my wolf, but just today! She showed up.
That's right, I almost forgot it was my 20th birthday! I wanted to make sure why my wolf showed up when I was 20, but the room was suddenly kicked open with force.
"You foolish girl! The guests are waiting, hurry out now. Do you need to be begged?!" He yelled again, pointing outside the door.
I gulped.
I wanted to move but my legs felt heavy and wouldn't cooperate with me. I wanted to open my mouth to beg dad, my Alpha, who was meant to be my protector and guardian to stop this doom in the guise of doom but my lips trembled but said nothing.
"Now put a smile on your face!" Dad sneered.
~ ~ ~
As I walked down the hall, my father's hand clasped tightly around mine, I felt like I was in a dream. I smiled at the cameras, flashing lights all around us, but it was a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
I could feel the tension in my father's hand, and I knew that his smile was just as fake as mine. We were both putting on a show for the world, pretending to be a happy family on the outside, but on the inside, we were a mess.
I tried to push the thoughts from my mind as we approached the doors to the hall, but they wouldn't leave me.
I felt the cold dread creeping up my spine as the doors opened, revealing the hall, filled with people I barely knew. I forced my feet to keep moving, knowing that if I stopped, I might never be able to move again.
I smiled and waved at the crowd, but inside, I was screaming. This was not the life I wanted, not the wedding I had dreamed of. But I had to keep going, one step at a time, one fake smile at a time.
I walked down the long red carpet, my heels sinking into the plush fabric with each step. The carpet led me to the altar, where my groom, stood, looking like a dark prince in his black suit.
His face was a mask of indifference, his expression cold and unreadable. But I couldn't help but think he was the most handsome man I had ever seen. His dark eyes and chiseled features made my breath catch in my throat. I stopped in front of him, my eyes latched on him. I couldn't believe he was so handsome… and tall, contradicting what had been said about his ugliness. Kaia purred, I was internally happy.
My eyes flew to Logan and Violetta, her expression was dark and green. I sent her a wink, my lips curled.
Logan couldn't dare to compare with Giovanni. My husband was the definition of preternatural beauty.
But as I got closer to him, my senses got more excited, and I knew what it was!
"Mate!" Kaia screamed in my head. Correct, my future husband is my MATE! My eyes suddenly widened, and my heart couldn't contain its wild beat, the Moon Goddess hadn't given up on me! My mate will surely take me away from this hell.
But my excitement was not conveyed to the handsome man standing opposite me, I saw the same shock in his eyes, but soon his eyes turned cold as if he was doubting me and Kaia.
"No! The bad won't be on us forever." Kaia whimpered trying to convince us. While Kaia and I were trying to confirm the powerful man's attitude, the Elder announced that the ceremony had begun.
I had to go up and take his hand, and I sensed his reluctance, but he eventually held my hand. My skin hummed on having physical contact with him.
We took each others' hands, let one of the elders draw our blood and mixed it in a goblet with a colorless wine, asking us to drink.
We took the drink, after turns and then proceeded to say our oaths in the presence of the elders, without breaking each other's gaze.
"From today onward, Penelope of Nightfall's Pack ceases to be part of our member and till death, would remain part of the Dark Moon pack and their Luna." The elder said, raising his hand, before dropping it.
I couldn't describe the amount of joy that blossomed in my heart at the thought of leaving this pack that had made my life a living hell.
"Ahhem!!" The elder cleared his throat, pulling me out of my reverie.We turned to him. "You both haven't kissed?"
A blush crept to my cheeks. Giovanni's expression turned ugly, making my heart go still.
"It's not necessary. I have no time for that, I'm a busy man and I need to return immediately." His tone was venomous, it felt so suffocating.
Dad's face turned ashen as he took a look at the media, who were already capturing the moment, and one thing I've come to know of my father, his weakness laid on his reputation.
Knowing the kind of man Giovanni was, no one dared to speak up.
My thoughts couldn't help but roam. Why my mate was cold to me? I've overheard many mated pack members tàlk about the feeling of finding one's mate. It was Divine.
But why was mine different? Why was he acting like he didn't want me?
Kaia quickly comforted me. "You worry too much, Penelope. Perhaps he's shy. I believe there would be passionate sex when you get back to his pack, I can smell it."
I blushed again, looking away.
The ceremony was over and it was time for us, the couple, to march out. Before I could take a step, I heard someone scream. "Wait!"
Everyone turned to the direction, to see Violetta holding the hem of her gown and marching toward me, her expression furious. Giovanni instinctively moved to shield me, his muscular frame blocking my view. My heart skipped.
"Alpha Giovanni." Violetta says. "I have something to tell you."
His go on, escaped as a rumble, Violetta sighed. "Penelope is a wolfless waste and doesn't merit to marry an Alpha. I mean take a look at her. Timid and pathetic! How would she rule over your pack as a Luna? How would she stand beside you?"
All the blood in my body turned cold. My teeth began to chatter in cold horror and I swallowed the lump in my throat. My father paled.
Violetta wanted to destroy me but she never realized that she would soon be destroying our father's pack!
How could our father want a stupid daughter but not me? I wanted to tell the truth, but Kaia stopped me. I respected Kaia's advice.
Giovanni stiffened. And then turned. I quickly took a step back on seeing his claws protrude, many gasps escaping the guests' mouth.
"What's this, Angus? You played me? HOW DARE YOU MARRY A WOLFLESS DAUGHTER TO ME?!!!" His face turned extremely dark, each of his words, like a sharp dagger, cut through my heart. My eyes stung.
The next thing I could hear was my dad screaming in agony and Giovanni's claws dug into dad's neck, drawing blood, applying more pressure, I could see my father turning white.
Everyone screamed and I hesitated to tell the truth but Kaia still stopped me. " Pen, it is not the right time yet because we still can't shift. our confession will only bring more ridicule."
I fell silent, Kaia was telling the truth, and the scene was becoming more and more chaotic, I should be happy that my family who tormented me finally got their punishment. But when they were literally suffering in front of me, I realised I couldn't bare it.
I immediately ran in front of Alpha Giovanni and shouted. "Enough! You can reject me! If you don't think I'm worthy of being your mate!"
I saw everyone's expressions turn shocked, they must not have been able to imagine that an omega, who had no wolf in their eyes, was the mate of the mighty Alpha Giovanni!
The joyful banquet scene turned into a dull guillotine in a second, everyone waited with breathlessness for Alpha Giovanni's answer, especially my father, whose face turned whiter and whiter the longer the silence lasted.
GIOVANNI~I turned to stare at the petite figure who had dared to scream at me, and then order me. And for the first time in my life, my body had reacted on its own. To a weak wolfless female.I was both shocked and furious.Her eyes were red, her legs were shaking, betraying the fear despite the strong facade she was putting on. My eyes narrowed and I bared my fangs at her to snap, instead my wolf wouldn't cooperate.It snarled, and growled. Daring me to attack their mate. I was pissed.Taking my eyes away from her, I directed it to the useless man who had tricked me. I hated liars, and tricksters."Listen carefully." His heart hitched and I crouched down again to point my claw at him. "I'm taking your land as compensation, failure to do so marks your death, Angus! This would be a lesson for everyone else." I rose and then turned back to the petite figure.Penelope.How strange, her name tasted so smooth and sweet to call. Her eyes were shut. Her chest heaving. An urge to embrace her
GIOVANNI'S POV~I stormed down the hallway, fists clenched, unable to think of anything but the anger and frustration boiling inside me.My steps were heavy, each one fueled by the fire of my emotions. I was breathing hard, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts.My eyes were narrowed, and my whole body was rigid with tension. I felt like I was about to explode. To destroy something.Once I slammed open the door to my office again, my eyes landed on the figure on my chair, I slowly straightened and glared.I snapped. "Stand!"And she did, but there was mischief in her eyes, a sly smile tugging on her lips, but it only made my jaw tighten.For a sexual partner, Jannie was extra clingy, and she was the perfect distraction. Used and then thrown aside, then to be used again.My eyes roamed across Jannie's body as she sashayed toward me, her heels clicking on the tiles."Hello Gio–"I didn't let her speak before I slammed my lips on hers angrily, turning her over so her back could forcefu
GIOVANNI'S POV`~~As the first rays of sunlight streamed through my window, I heard the familiar sounds of cars starting up in the distance. I stretched and let out a big yawn, still feeling a little groggy from sleep. Then, I heard the loud banging on my door.Slightly startled, I sat up quickly and ran a hand through my tousled hair. I wasn't expecting anyone to be at my door at this hour, as I've already ruled out not to be disturbed till after a few hours of the sun setting.This jolted me fully awake. I snapped out of my drowsy state, anger bubbling up inside me at the rude interruption.I stomped to the door, ready to give the person on the other side a piece of my mind. My fists were clenched and my expression was stormy as I yanked open the door, ready to let loose.Once I pulled the door open, my expression stilled on seeing my younger sister, her expression murderous."What?" I barked, blocking the door and not wanting her inside the guest room I'd slept in.A mocking smile
PENELOPE'S POV~Jannie, like Iris had called, began to sashay her way into the kitchen, her heels clicking loudly on the tiles.The atmosphere in the kitchen froze. The lady looked like she didn't even notice, like she had something to say to me, but was cut off by Alice."Jenny, please get out of here." Iris said coldly.She gave Iris a scornful look, turned to Catherine who was glaring daggers at her. Jannie straightened, her expression simply turning dull.I kept staring at this strange woman, who was making the atmosphere seem tense. Her murderous look returned once she pinned me with a look."Hi."She muttered, and in a matter of seconds, her murderous look was gone, replaced with a soft expression which made me blink twice in astonishment.It was as though she was suddenly another person."Well, your hi isn't welcome. Can you get out now?" Iris interrupted, taking a step, blocking Janie's view on me."I just want to talk to her–""Get lost, Jannie. Don't you dare try to cause an
GIOVANNI'S POV~Several days passed by and yet I couldn't recall when I last had enough rest.From the information given, I was told how Jannie was strangely going close to Penelope, and always asking her to hang out, making me slightly uncomfortable but I didn't bother to probe her intentions because I was so preoccupied with the latest situation in the pack, as we had been attacked yet again. Jannie knew she was going to get it from me if she dares to fucking misbehave.Past 3pm, I was already back at the office, entirely spent.To my surprise, Jannie was already there, sitting in my chair with a transparent crop top and a short gown that displayed her thick thighs. My eyes darkened."You need something?" I grated out, unbuttoning one button on my shirt as I poured myself some water.Her eyes darkened with lust as she licked her lips. "I'm here to serve you, Daddy."Disgust filled me with the tone she used, I glared at her. "We made it clear that—""Shh… let me do the talking. Penel
GIOVANNI'S POV~For the first time in my life, I was frozen in place, my mind racing.I tasted metallic and then swallowed it. My dangerous glare moved from Penelope to Leon who had punched me.I couldn't even believe what I had just heard, my mouth slightly hanging open in shock. My eyes moved back to Penelope. My jaw clenched and my eyes narrowed.I tried to form words, but nothing came out. My thoughts were jumbled, my brain trying to process what had just happened. I felt like I was in a dream, unable to speak or move. All I could do was stare at Penelope. Her nerve of rejecting me.I wanted to lash at her. I wanted to ask her who the fuck she was to reject me.For the first time in my life, I felt worthless, that someone had rejected me. Not just someone but a fragile female, who had deceived me.I had rejected so many women in the past, played with many, they ended up kissing the ground I walked on, rejected so many marriage proposals and yet this fragile lady had in turn reject
PENELOPE'S POV~I am leaving.FinallyI looked at my reflection in the mirror, and I barely recognized the person looking back at me.My skin was pale, my eyes hollow and dull. There was a bruise on my left cheek, a reminder of the pain I had endured.My right arm was bandaged, a small red stain on the white fabric. I felt like a ghost of my former self, a shell without substance.I couldn't remember the last time I looked in the mirror and smiled at the person looking back at me. I was tired, broken, defeated. I felt like a failure, and I hated myself for it.My wounds were slow to heal but who was I to blame?Me!I was so pathetic that I couldn't even morph with my wolf. I was aching with so much pain.I stared around the room I was in. I was back in Giovanni's mansion after two more days of being hospitalized.None of my family members had contacted me. I would never be surprised if my father said to my face that he wanted me dead.I only agreed to return back here to pack my thing
GIOVANNI'S POV~I was dumbfounded!Shocked!A mere fragile woman had slapped me, not just slapped me but slapped me into silence. And for the first time in my life, I found it extremely amusing.Who would have thought a day would come when a woman would hit someone as ruthless as I am and wouldn't have her fucking neck detached from her body.I would even kill the seer who would dare try to foretell this bullshit.I blinked and re-blinked but it was no dream.Penelope had fucking slapped me and it had strangely stung.My mother hadn't even raised her hands on me but this fragile looking woman did, fearlessly.Her eyes were blazing with fire and I found it oddly cute.My head was spinning as her scent kept hitting my sense of smell. I couldn't even think straight.I wanted to snarl, snap at her, yell and probably teach her a lesson but all my head could think of were the nasty, filthy things I wanted to do to her while pinning her against this wall.I felt my muscles tighten as a hot n