The Rightful Luna

Chapter 3 Welcome To The Household

Mason POV

Standing next to the bed, I stare at Carina sleeping. The traces of tears are a silent accusation of my harsh words the previous night.

I am disgusted with myself for so many reasons. What kind of man am I to be aroused by a pretty girl in underwear when I am in love with my mate? She did not deserve my harsh words, but I had to do something to protect myself and my promise to Erica. I had to leave the room otherwise I would have been curled up next to Carina – naked.

It must have been the alcohol, I decided. I had too much to drink and it impaired my judgement. That must be it.

I turn away from the sleeping beauty and walk to the window. It was not the alcohol; Carina is still desirable. I need to get away from her – immediately. I need distance. I must find Erica and talk to her. That will help to clear my mind of sinful thoughts about my “wife”.

I sigh heavily and turn back to Carina. I still cannot believe Dad won. Carina is not a bad person; I always liked her. I saw her transformation from a freckled little girl to a voluptuous young lady. Before I found my mate, I caught myself checking her out on occasion.

That must be it! I am only attracted to her because of a childhood fantasy. It is normal, but now we are adults, and I will be the future alpha. I must act the part.

Determined, I walk to her.

“Carina,” I shake her shoulder gently. “Time to wake up.”

She opens her eyes slowly, looking at me tenderly before she sits up bewildered and it tugs at my heart when her eyes become guarded.

“We need to go,” I clear my throat. “Something has come up and I must leave.”

“Leave, as in leaving the borders?” She stands up, reaches for a gown and quickly puts it on.

“Yes,” I confirm, walking to the window to give her more privacy. “I’m escorting Father to a new medical facility for treatment.”

“Has his condition worsened?” Her voice is filled with panic.

“No,” I reassure her. “He and I have a business to discuss, and I thought he might enjoy the company.”

“You’re a good son,” her words surprise me. “It is good that you’re escorting him. He needs all the support he can get.”

Her words irk me. Yes, I have the best Dad in the world, but he is also the one who forced me into this marriage. He has never forced me into anything and one of the reasons I cannot understand why he did this. Is it his cancer that made him go to such extremes?

“Hurry up,” I clear my throat. “I’ll wait in the lobby.”

Carina POV

I stare absentmindedly out of the window as Mason and I drive home. Home … it is supposed to be a place where one should feel safe. Where you can be yourself and leave the world’s sorrows at the door.

I knew Mason did not want to marry me, but never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate such discontent and … and hate. Is that what I signed up for? Is this how the rest of my life is going to be?

My stomach dives when the driver parks and an Omega opens the door for me. I master to smile at the Omega as I accept his hand and get out of the car.

Mason joins me, and with his hand lightly on my lower back, we enter the house. Omegas smile and congratulate us as we walk to the living room.

Cybil is sitting on the luxurious sofa, admiring the garden and enjoying a drink. Dear goddess! It is only ten in the morning, and she is already drinking.

“Ah, the newlyweds,” she sneers when she notices us. “I assume you’re on your way to the airport. Where are you going for your honeymoon again? Greece?”

“It has been postponed,” Mason’s voice is clear and unwavering as I lower my gaze to hide my shame that I was not good enough for him on our wedding night. “I’m escorting Father.”

“Such a dutiful son,” Cybil's thin lips pull into a tight line, looks away and ignores us.

“Come,” Mason says softly, and I follow him upstairs.

“The East wing belongs to us,” he explains. “Nobody is allowed here without permission except for the Omegas on cleaning duty. Your personal belongings which you sent over yesterday have already been unpacked for you.”

“Thank you,” I reply.

“This is your room,” he steps aside for me to enter. “Mine is next door.”

I look at the beautiful canopy bed and clench my teeth to hide my disappointment. We are not sharing a room, let alone a bed.

“You have your own bathroom,” he continues. “We share a living room, but I am hardly there. If I am not at the office, I’ll be in my study. Oh, and there’s a small kitchen should you feel peckish. Meals are served in the grand dining room along with the rest of the household. If you need anything, call for Eloise. Any questions?”

“No,” I clear my throat, shaking my head. “Have a safe trip.”

“Thank you,” he turns around, and I walk towards the patio door.

“One more thing,” he says, and I turn around. “You’re not allowed to leave here until I’m back.”

“What?” I gape at him. “Are you placing me under house arrest?”

“No,” he pushes his fingers through his hair. “I’m asking a favour.”

“A favour includes the word please,” I sneer, crossing my arms in front of my chest. “You’re demanding.”

“Will you please stay here until I’m back?” He grunts. “I don’t want the pack to gossip about our … uhm, arrangement.”

“And you think the Omegas wouldn’t notice when they’re making two beds instead of one?” I raise my eyebrows.

“No, they won’t,” he smiles. “My parents have been doing it for years. They’re accustomed to it.”

“Goodbye, Mason,” I turn my back towards him. He subjected me to enough humiliation and shame for one day.

The door clicks close, and I exhale deeply. I kick off my shoes and walk to the cupboard when the door opens again.

“Did you forget something?” I turn to the door and swallow my surprise. “Cybil, I didn’t expect you here. Mason said nobody’s allowed here.”

“I’m still the Luna,” she sneers. “And you shall address me as such until Mason takes over.”

“I’m sorry, I …”

“I don’t care,” she cuts me off. “However, I do care for this family’s name, and I will not allow you to tarnish it.”

“I have no intention to,” I smile stiffly. “I will do my part.”

“Yes, you will,” she grins devilishly. “Guards!”

“What’s this?” I ask in horror when four men enter my room.

“Insurance,” she smiles. “Seize her.”

“Let go of me,” I fight the hands reaching for me. But they are four trained guards, and it takes them less than a minute to restrain me.

“What are you doing?” I panic when they carry me out of the room towards a coffin. The inside of the coffin is bare wood, but the outside is reinforced with steel and silver. No wolf or vampire would be able to escape it.

“Let me go,” I struggle as they tie my hands and ankles with silver ties.

“No! No!” I scream as loud as I can when they place me into the coffin and close the lid.

“Please let me out,” I shamelessly cry as fear grips my heart. I kick and bang my fists against the coffin, but it is futile.

“I can’t breathe,” I start hyperventilating.

“Stop being so dramatic,” Cybil slides open an opening just big enough to expose my eyes. “You’ll remain here until Mason returns. We can’t afford for the pack to question why you aren’t with Mason the very first day after your wedding.”

“You can’t,” I try to reason. “My mother will come looking for me and Mason …”

“You’re on your honeymoon, sweetie,” she laughs devilishly. “Nobody is going to look for you. As for Mason … well, he’ll be happy to be rid of you. Then he’s free to marry his one true love.”

I kick and scream as the guards pick up the coffin. I have no idea where they are taking me, but the surroundings are getting darker and darker until everything is pitch black.