Alpha Markus

Chapter 8 - Celeste

Celeste P.O.V.

I came back from the bathroom after the migraine started to hit. I had a vision as I was assembling the canapes. It confused me as I mostly saw Sandra looking down on me through a haze of red. Shifting usually helps get rid of the migraine, so I had gone to the bathroom to quickly shift as I couldn’t risk shifting outside during the full moon. The smell of cologne that I had smelled earlier hit me in the face as I made my way back in but I saw no one but Maya. My migraine receded slightly as I breathed it in.

“Oh hey, you missed Alpha Markus, he would like the recipes for the desserts. I told him we’d leave copies of them in his room while they run.”

Alpha Markus, so that is the name to the scent. Hmmm, I mulled over the name as I cooked more canapes. It had a nice ring to it. I’d barely had a chance to see any of the ranked members. There was so much cooking to do. I’d only met a few people asking for recipes. Something I’d gladly shared with all of them. I heard the howling of the wolves as the moon rose, a sign for us to go set up. I tried to ignore Kara’s disappointment. I knew she would love to run during a full moon. It was supposed to be energizing and magical.

I know we will get to run under the goddess’s light one day. – Kara said, sensing my guilt.

You’re the best wolf a girl could ask for – I said.

We finished the canapes and Maya and I went to drop the food off at the outside tables. We could hear howling in the distance. I looked up at the sky and let the glow of the moon soak into my skin. All of the sudden I felt someone grab me by the hair and drop me to the ground. I looked up to see Sandra. I bowed my head, not knowing what I did. I quickly glanced to the side and saw Maya was also on the ground, a s***h on her head from Sandra’s claws. I wasn’t sure why Sandra was targeting us, but I could heal faster than Maya. She didn’t have a wolf, which meant there was only one thing to do.

You can’t come out to defend Kara. – I said.

I will try, but if it comes down to your life, screw the secret – she warned.

I stood up when I saw Sandra approaching Maya.

“I didn’t say you could stand up, you worthless piece of trash!” Sandra screamed and punched me in the face. I felt my orbital bone crack. Even if she wasn’t that strong, she was stronger than my underweight body. I looked up and saw red. There was blood in my eyes. I stood up again.

“We didn’t do anything wrong,” I pleaded.

“I DON’T NEED YOU TO DO ANYTHING WRONG. IF I WANT TO BEAT YOU TO DEATH BECAUSE I f*****g WISH TO, I CAN. YOU’RE PROPERTY. YOU’RE NOT WORTH THE FOOD YOU EAT.” She said as she rushed me. I felt a punch to my shoulder. The clavicle snapped. She slashed my stomach. Kicked me in the ribs.

I am not sure I can keep healing you much longer, Celeste. I am exhausted. It may take a long time. Let me shift. - Kara pleaded

No, we just have to hang in there -I said stubbornly.

“This was supposed to be my night. I was supposed to find my mate. Instead everyone is just talking about how good the food is.” She screamed at me.

She landed a kick in my chin and I felt my jaw crack. I wasn’t moving on the ground anymore as I felt kick after kick. Then suddenly, I smelled pistachios, figs and wet earth before a storm. I sat up slightly, wincing from the pain. I looked left, to where I could see a crowd arriving back from the run, shifting. My bloody eyes glued onto a pair of grey eyes and I felt something snap inside, almost like a physical tether being put in place.

“Mate,” Kara whispered, before the darkness took me.