The hearty conversations that have engulfed the hall at Alpha Ethan’s beckon suddenly vanishes, as the air is electrified by this new declaration. I barely have the strength to stand, staggering a bit as I stare down the man in the black tuxedo. Just then, I lose balance as my legs trip backwards.
As I stumble, closing to the ground, fear grips me. But in that split moment, strong arms wraps around me, pulling me from the brink of my fall.
I look up, our eyes meet instantly as I realize it is the same man as before — the one who hit Alpha Conan’s hand.
Everything seems to pause abruptly as I find myself locked in his gaze. Locked in the captivating mystery about him, as I am drawn in with an irresistible force. His touch sends shivers of electricity through me, coercing my heart to flutter rapidly for him.
“Are you okay? Did that bastard do anything to you?” He says, a scowl on his face yet an affectionate gaze in his eyes.
Dumbfounded for words, I stare back at him, as he slowly straightens me. His eyes are black, and for a second, they flash red. He’s an Alpha— but which Alpha?
Once again, I feel that sliver of familiarity surge through me. It is as if we were meant to meet. Every inch of my being craves to remain longer in his arms, and escape the moment and the hall.
Despite the dangerous ebbs of danger around him, I sense the kindness of his heart, and his immense ache for me. An ache that my heart instantly resonates with.
His high cheekbones, a star shaped scar on his left forehead, stubble for a beard, and the charming musculature of his arms beckon to me,—by the moon goddess, he is devilishly handsome — drawing me to lean in, to touch them. To get closer to the one my soul is immediately attuned to.
“Talk to me.” He says, narrowing his eyes at me.
With each word he speaks, with each impassioned gesture from him, my attraction for him grows.
There is an extension within him I cannot explain, that draws me in. Beneath the fierce exterior, I feel the depth of his affection. A tenderness that touches my soul as I realize I have found someone special— someone who will change my life forever.
Just like Conan.
“Let her go now, Damon!” Conan’s authoritative bark breaks the thoughts of my heart.
Oh my God! Damon? Damon would be the Alpha of the rogues.
“You will address me as Alpha Damon, Conan.” Damon grunts in reply.
I am let go, as the two males stand off to face each other. The tension in the room is so thick, at this point, just the slightest sound would cause an all out fight between the two Alphas.
As they glare at each other, their eyes size the other up. They share the same height, but their ideologies are different. Conan is the Alpha of a decent Pack, well respected and a man of honor.
As for Damon, he knows nothing of honor and respect. The story I heard of him was that he was originally a rogue with no background history but with his power, he did gain the respect and loyalty of most rogues, making him their Alpha.
Damon is dangerous and everyone in the room knows it. The little I did hear from mindless gossip amongst the maids of his fierceness is enough to set my heart thumping all over in both attraction and fear of danger. Especially as he claims me to be his mate.
Is this some prank? How can I have anything to do with him? How is it even possible that two men would see me as their mates?
Is Mary at the hem of this?
I narrow my eyes in confusion, lifting them to check around for the girl who has sworn to make my life miserable but it is to no avail. Instead, Alpha Ethan clears his throat and steps in between them.
This is his pack territory, they would respect him. At least, I am sure Alpha Conan would.
“Please, no more. This is the coming of age ceremony for my daughter.” He mutters, a forced smile masking the burning anger in his eyes.
And I can understand him. This was meant for Mary, not me. If things escalate, two Alphas battling would ruin the ceremony. It would ruin things for Mary and for Alpha Ethan, if he cannot bring them to order.
So I understand why he’s choosing to de-escalate the tension. What I don’t understand is why am I at the center of all this? I don’t even have a wolf to begin with.
“Well, if that is how it is, I shall take my mate and leave.” Damon replied, folding his arms nonchalantly.
“Do not test me, Damon.” Ethan growled, his eyes flash red as he points a finger at him. “You are not supposed to be here at all.”
“Whatever sick game you are playing, stop it!” Conan speaks up, his face a scuffle of both disgust and livid rage. “Leave, Damon, before things get ugly.”
“That’s it.” Damon grunts. “If there’s anyone playing a sick game, it is you, Ethan and every other sick twisted person here! Why was there a coming of age ceremony and I was not invited?”
“You are a rogue!” Conan and Ethan roar out.
“I am an Alpha!” Damon countered immediately, throwing fists down to his waist. “And I demand the respect of an Alpha.”
“The alpha of Rogues is still a rogue. No one will acknowledge you.” Ethan says. “Now leave, my patience has run out.”
“Not without my mate.”
“That’s enough, Damon! No more nonsense from you. The lady there is my mate.” Conan sharply interrupts. “The only reason I have yet to retaliate against you laying hands on me is because I respect Alpha Ethan.”
The two of them step up close, once more breathing down on each other. Their faces grow taut with anger and rage, as their pupils flash red.
I hear Alpha Ethan trying to dissuade them from trading blows but his words fade into a dim. Sounds echo around me without any meaningful context as my vision blurs out amidst the weakness spreading through my limbs.
I feel gravity taking a toll on me, as my limbs buckle under the pressure. Weakly, my body sways as everything fades black. The sounds vanish, and the sight is just a bleary darkness and for some reason, it feels peaceful.
Until suddenly, a blast of malicious aura flashes out. Goosebumps erupt on my skin as I feel my heart quicken in fear, every ounce of me burning with self preservation and panic.
Yet, I am powerless to move as two red burning eyes stare right back at me from the void.
W-Who is that?
The energies within them shudder, and from within, I can almost hear the cries of many people. Cries of agony, pain, frustration and death.
It is as if I stare at the grim reaper himself. And the breaking cold sweat I feel on my skin edges me to panic as my lips part helplessly.
Have you come for me? No! No! I cannot die now.!
Moon goddess, please, help me, save me. I have not had my wolf yet. I can’t… I can’t… die now!
I gasp as light shatters through the darkness, first like lightning before cascading sharply into a bright wall. Stunned, I let out panicked breathings while my vision slowly returned.
In that moment, I realize I am soaked with perspiration as every ounce of me shakes visibly while rising slowly from the ground where I’d fallen.
Oh goddess, what was that? Those eyes, the agony…How long was I out?
In front of me, the two Alphas glare at each other. It is as if I never slumped as they get lost in their building rage towards the other.
I notice some people look towards me but only momentarily as they focus on the building tension between both Alphas — one an embodiment of honor and the other, his sharp contrast. And it is all my fault.
I have to stop them. I must stop them.
“Rogues!” A sharp fall of panic breaks forth just as I scramble to my feet.
What? Rogues?!
“We are surrounded by Rogues.” Another voice thunders as the invading rogues show themselves, fangs exposed, claws glittering as they slowly march into the hall, ready and poised to attack.
Oh my God, no! Did Alpha Damon bring them here?