Keira POV
I couldn't see the Alpha's face because of his deerstalker, but even so, I felt silly for overthinking it when I realized this puppy lover wasn't the Alpha. I relaxed and smiled.
The puppy lover looked at me when he heard my chuckle, and then he continued to return his attention to the hunting scene. Based on the serious expression on his face, I guessed he was probably a skilled hunter as well. When he saw the man raise his rifle and aim it at the buck, he frowned, as if he already knew what was going to happen, inaccurate aiming or something.
The buck was still staring down and smelling the dandelions in the grass, completely oblivious to what was awaiting him. When I unconsciously sneezed, the buck alertly perked up its ears, pulled its head up, elevated its front feet, and raced quickly. The breeze carried the dandelion seeds off. The buck didn't even hesitate for a second before vanishing into the forest, and the Alpha, enraged at witnessing his prey go, beat his fist against the tree trunk. He could do nothing but shake his head in anger and leave to try his luck somewhere else.
"Did you do that on purpose?"
"How could I?" I appeared surprised and blinked my eyes to show my innocence.
He and I were staring at each other intently. Even my reflection appeared in his eyes. I was unable to determine his intentions because I couldn't read his eyes. I noticed a tiny increase in temperature and a slight heat sensation on my face. He kept his calm and I kept my word. We were getting closer and closer, so hazardous that there might be a kiss or something when he suddenly leaned over and bent down with his gaze level with mine. I couldn't take his stare and decided to walk away.
"Your ears are pierced. Just so happens, that I have a gift for you." He grabbed my wrist and pulled a little gift box from his pocket, opened it, and took the earrings out.
They were white gold openwork earrings set with two pear-shaped diamonds. When I first saw them, I was reminded of the lake that shone under the bright sun.
"Thank you, but..." I took a step backward, trying to get away from him. I didn't really want to accept this gift from him; it was too sudden, and this man was still a mystery to me.
"If you don't put the earrings on, I'll bite your ears." He pulled me into his arms and threatened me.
Hearing what he said, I stood there and dared not move.
I could even feel his breath on my face as he lowed his head and leaned in close toward my ear. He took the earrings in one hand and lifted the hair off my shoulder with the other. Just as I assumed he would swiftly place the earring on me, he took his thumb and forefinger and gently twisted my earlobe. I shuddered and heard him say, "Don't move." and I shivered. How on earth could someone be such a prankster?
"Your ears are so red." He chuckled lowly as he carefully threaded the earring through my ear hole.
"Your rubbing caused that." I murmured.
He moved to the other side but stayed close to me; his nose even lightly brushed mine. He looked at the earring-free ear on the other side of me and commented, "But this side of your ear, which I didn't touch, is rather red too."
He is! I must say, a very logical and skilled debater. But certain reactions are unavoidable and out of your control when a stranger makes an intimate gesture like putting an earring on you. I hate the way he talks to me.
"But that night, you were bold."
"What?" I missed what he said because of the distant howling of a few wolves.
He gave a chuckle and shook his head and continued putting on another earring for me, while he maintained this pose and said in a deep voice, "Pay homage to my most glamorous diva."
Then he put his hands on my shoulders, and bent low so that we were at eye level. For a second, I was lost in his blue eyes, which reminded me of a starry sky. We were forehead to forehead as if we were the only ones left in the world. Our heartbeat was the best anthem for this hunt.
There were a few more wolf calls and he tsked and turned to look the other side with a frown, "I have to leave now, see you in a while, puppy."
"You bastard!" I cursed him because before he went, he spank me hard. Then I stared at this tall and muscular figure left.
Again? He left me there standing like a fool!
I stood on this hill for a while blowing in the wind to make sure no one would think I was wearing too much blush. I wondered what happened to the deer, hoping it didn't get caught by anyone else. After a while, the Dancing was almost ready to start and I had to get to the hall early. I said goodbye to the forest, the lake, and the deer.
To my amazement, the hall was already filled with well-dressed people when I arrived. The beautiful, spacious Full Moon Hall had six enormous columns that were carved with the history of the pack. The marble floor was white with gold shining, and the hall's name, I believe, derived from the painted blood-colored full moon that hangs from the ceiling. The males had changed into suits or tuxedos and some even had their hair slicked back, they were ready to invite the females to dance later. The females were almost all dressed in gorgeous evening gowns, decorated with large ruffles, gold lace, or ribbons with ornate jewelry and luxury handbags in their hands.
I was a bit dazzled, and even though my brother's outfit was catching eyes enough to be found, it was still a challenge to spot him in the crowd. I searched all around and even got on my tiptoes to scan the crowd, but to no avail.
"Hey, you look fantastic. I was just about to phone and inquire where you were." Lynede patted my shoulder and exclaimed.
"Oh, Lynede, you look gorgeous today. Look at our princess, who wouldn't fall for you?" I finally met someone I knew.
"Come on, Keira. You know what, I just wanna sit in a corner and have a drink, because I am tired of these."
"I agree with you, but do you know where my brother is? I can't locate him. He doesn't pick up the phone."
"Your brother?" She looked around and said, "Well, I don't know. He must be talking with our new Alpha, don't worry! By the way, have you met your mate?"
"Jesus, why would anyone come in dressed like that?" Before I answered, a harsh voice came from behind.
Lynede rolled her eyes.
Keira POV Rhoda was wearing a dark green low-cut velvet evening gown that displayed her cleavage and her shoulders. She looked down at me with a disgusted expression, "Except for your diamond earrings, you have no taste in fashion, and I bet no one will ask you to dance tonight." "So what, I'd rather be outside in the fresh air on the terrace." "Somebody needs to sob on the terrace." Rhoda walked to me with a whiff of perfume and grinned haughtily, "Do you suppose that there would be a Romeo who would throw pebbles at the window and take you to leave to somewhere? You wish!" She ran her hand through her hair. How can someone misinterpret someone's words? "Well, I hope Alpha declines to dance with you." I took Lynede's hand and walked away, didn't wait for her reaction. Because I didn't want to argue with her in this situation anymore. She was still cursing. "Your earrings are really pretty! When did you buy them?" We stopped at a round table, Lynede asked me. "No, they were give
Keira POV The audience, which had been calm, suddenly became boisterous as soon as he finished speaking. "What are you saying?" My voice started to tremble. "As you see, I am your Alpha and your mate. My name is Augustine Lope, don't forget your mate's name, Keira." He lifted my hand and put it to his mouth and kissed it. What the hell! I can't believe it! He is my new Alpha, my mate! Is this the way that Moon Goddess punishes me? And why does he know my name? Augustine lowered his head to see the look on my face, and said in a firm tone, "I could know everything about you, as long as I want." Our eyes met and I took a step back when I noticed his possessive gaze which was breathtaking. There's no denying that he was irritated by my actions. I saw the fire of rage in his eyes as if something mad was happening. Augustine grabbed my arm in silence and pulled me back, "Never try to flee from me, I think you've heard of me and I don't want to show you my cruelty unless it's necessary
Keira POV He emphasized this to me once more. I figured he must find it amusing to watch me standing there with my mouth wide. I knew that practically all the girls wanted him to be their partner, but I never imagined that he would be my mate. "How could?" Rhoda muttered angrily, then she took a long breath and acting composed, "How is she your mate, Alpha? She... She can not even shift." "It is all designed by Moon Goddess, so it doesn't matter." "But what use is a Luna who cannot shift; you must now reject her." "I'll reiterate that she is already mine, so I won't reject her. You are not qualified to ask me to do this." In response to Augustine's remarks, her cheeks started to become crimson with embarrassment. She bowed her head and quickly left the hall. I felt Augustine firmly grasp my hand and added, in a forceful voice, "She is my mate, and we will wed the following month. But pardon me, we have to leave for a little while." I understood that he was trying to soothe me, b
Keira POV I tried to look up but was too dizzy and all I could see was darkness, eventually, I could make out my brother standing in front of me, frowning and staring at us. I motioned for Augustine to release his grip, but he ignored me and nodded to Louis, Louis reciprocated. "I was a little dizzy and Augustine gave me a hand." I explained to Louis and I swore that when I speak his name, Louis frowned for one second. "Keira, let's go. We're gonna see the elders." Augustine grabbed my hand, when we were about to pass by Louis, a hand stopped me. "Don't you know that she hasn't shifted, Alpha? You stubbornly bring her in front of people without considering what they might say about her behind her back. A useless Luna or a wolfless Luna?" Louis was holding back his anger, trying to speak in a calm tone. Augustine heard what he said, turn his head, and narrowed his eyes, "As Alpha, I won't allow anyone to slander my mate, and our pack needs a Luna." I have to say family is all we h
Keira POV Lynede next to me covered her mouth with her hands, and gave me an incredible gaze, I felt my face burning. "I'm looking forward to tonight." He whispered in my ear devilishly and his lips were pressed against my ear. "You wish, I won't sleep in your bedroom." I put down the glass and turn to Lynede, "I'm gonna go, bye." Lynede didn't speak but blew me a kiss. Augustine was gripping my waist with force, taking me to walk out. Contrasting sharply with the silent room, the hall is bustling with conversation and laughter. As I followed him, I noticed the elders exiting the conference room and casting a somber glance our way. It was obvious that they had not received the desired result from the negotiations. However, the others were enjoying their feast. When we finally reached what appeared to be a private house, I studied his place. The house itself was simple. It was a typical three-storey modern-style cabin with a terrace facing directly onto the pool. There was nothing
Keira POV "No...Augustine..." Before I finished my words, he turned me around by grabbing my shoulders. I assumed that he meant it when I peered into his lust-filled eyes. "Shh," He put his finger on my lips and rubbed it hard. "I told you that never say no to me." He flicked the loose hairs on my forehead. What is he doing? I can barely comprehend anything, and I am naked. When I realized this, I hurry to cover my breasts with my hands. When he saw what I had done, he narrowed his eyes and pushed me until my back banged on the wall. The cold wall made me tremble. He grabbed my hands, pressing them against the wall. I made an effort to get away from him, but his hands were immobile like a tree firmly planted in the ground. "I've been waiting for you in bed, but you're taking too long to wash." He leaned to me, putting his mouth on my ears. The marble wall was cold, but his lips were so hot that almost burn me. "I couldn't stop myself. You have to be mine." Augustine released one
Keira POV My eyes widened. Augustine says that he wanna wed the next week. I have no idea why he changes his mind. I'm not ready to get married, become a Luna of the pack, or how to answer the members' questioning that why I haven’t shifted. "Don't worry, I will set everything up." When he noticed how pale my face was, he bowed his head and kissed my forehead. I actually had a lot to say, but he made it clear by his unwavering tone and steely eyes that it was pointless. Augustine got up and changed his pants in the restroom. As I put on my clothing after grabbing them off the bed, I suddenly felt the impulse to run immediately. The shit secret, what Louis said when he turned to face the moon, and everything about Alpha that wasn't my will but yet needed to be done was all choking me. I instantly closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep as he emerged from the bathroom. When he approached, I felt the other side of the mattress sink in and noticed a warm body heat moving toward me
Keira POV "Oh! I almost forget it!" Lynede got up, left the room, and then returned holding a gift, "Originally, I was planning to deliver it to you then, you should be at Alpha's by tomorrow, but I still want to be the first to give you a present. So... Happy 18th birthday, Keira!" "Thank you! Lynede! I am..." I gave her a deep hug while trying to hold back my tears. "Don't cry, girl! Open your gift now!" Lynede patted my back. I picked up her gift after wiping my tears away with the back of my palm. "When I saw your earrings at the ball, I believed you might like them." She gave me an expectant gaze. When I opened it, a diamond-studded star necklace attracted my attention. "I love it, thank you, Lynede! You are the one who knows me best." "Obviously, I know you, I still have your ugliest crying photo on my phone." She whispered to me. "Lynede, you still save it! I told you to delete that photo!" I shouted. It was a picture from two years ago when I was with Lynede and crying