Trials Under The Moon

Not my mate

Damien POV:

I tried my best to keep a neutral face as I walked away from Bella and into the forest. I maintained a calm and collected demeanor as I stepped into the pack house. But the truth was, my chest was threatening to collapse from heartache. I hadn't even known I was hoping she'd be my mate, until I'd gotten close enough to tell that she wasn't. When her head didn't snap in my direction. When her eyes didn't go wide with realization. When her sweet pink lips didn't utter "mate". That's when my hope for happiness truly dissolved.

Even though I know she doesn't completely trust me, our connection seemed like an unspoken promise. One that would be fulfilled on her 18th year. Before today, I would have sworn she was meant to be mine. Mine to protect. Mine to hold. Mine to love...I love her. I have for a long time now.

It's certain now that I was wrong. Then why did my wolf whimper when he too realized the truth?

Before her, I didn't even want to be mated. Especially not to any of the females in this pack. The thought of her being with another male was making my fists curl.

"You okay bro? You look pissed." Eric said teasingly, nudging my arm. I let out a long breath, running my fingers through my hair before replying, "Just Stressed about tonight, that's all." I've never participated in the tournament. Killing other wolves in my pack for entertainment seemed like a waste of energy, soldiers and resources. But I had a lot of work to finish before tonights events.

Eric, on the other hand, lived for this kind of mindless and death filled activity.

"Aw worried about me, stud?" He asked, placing a dramatic hand over his heart. Even he teased me about Veronica, she wasn’t exactly subtle.

I pushed his face away with the palm of my hand. "Hardly." I replied, shooting him a warning glare.

"Hey!" Someone whined, "Only I can call him that." Veronica winked at me. It took all of my patience not to roll my eyes or scoff at her, so I just ignored her. "Oh, always so stoic Damien. You gunna be rooting for me tonight?" She pouted to me. The clacking of her heels and the way she smacked her gum while talking always drove me crazy.

I rose my eyebrow. "You're competing?" I asked her. At my acknowledgment, she beamed, "Yup! Just the easy stuff this year though. I'm gunna be in the omega slaughter!" My jaw clenched. Veronica was indeed beautiful, but as a person she was entirely repulsive.

I couldn't say I cared for any of the events, and I never particularly pitied any of the omegas. Honestly, it was just a fact of life around here, they die, they’re nothings.

Except now, There was an omega I'd kill Veronica for, If she had actually killed her. Goddess, why have these feelings not gone away? She’s not my mate!

Veronica noticed that my mind had wondered, so she placed her hands on my shoulder, and used her arms to push up her breasts. “You’ll sit up top with me, won’t you?” She whined again.

I’ve never much been opposed to red heads, but everything about her, from her voice, her green eyes, to her orange-red hair absolutely disgusted me. But she’s Beta Allen’s daughter. Making her unhappy would cause me more trouble than it’s worth.

To avoid a scene, I just nodded my head and headed for my bedroom. The obvious frown on Veronica's face formed an internal smile on my face. She wants me to want her. But I don’t. I can’t.

I slammed the door shut, and buried my face into a pillow on the bed. There was a pile of paperwork and tasks on my desk, but my brain was too cluttered to even think about working.

I'm not Bella’s mate. She belongs to someone else, and despite my training and confidence in her, I feared she'd lose her life tonight. I'd lose her.

Maybe If she were my mate, then I would at least have some claim to protect her.

However, being mated to an omega, would the alpha even accept it? He forced his own daughter, Savannah, to reject her mate because he wasn't an alpha. Alpha Victor wanted to make sure the male could never be a problem, so he had her mate killed, then he sold her off to some other pack for their alpha to marry, and all for an alliance.

I couldn't risk Bella like that. Why? Why moon goddess? Why have you cursed me?

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't think of a single way to get her out, and even if I could, she's no coward. Plus, she'd never leave Zoe. She's too caring, and loyal, and kind.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

I stood from the bed and sauntered towards the door. There was a small omega outside, a male. "What?" I groaned.

"Pardon me sir, but the Alpha has requested your presence in his study." The boy bowed and left.

Great. Now what?! I straightened my clothes, rustled my hair and headed down stairs.

The entire walk down the halls my mind was riddled with images and thoughts of Bella. What is she doing right now? How can I keep her safe? Can the goddess make her mine?

Before I knew it, my brows had pinched together and my teeth were clenched tight.

I'd arrived at the study door, and forced myself to relax before knocking.

"Enter, Damien." He said. I opened the doors, and let myself in, then immediately turned to shut them behind me.

After giving a soft bow of respect I said, "You summoned me, alpha?"

———-

Alpha Victor looked up from the files on his desk, and leaned into his chair. “Hello my boy, come! Sit!” He cheered.

It was a little strange to see Victor in such a bright mood. It was a little unnerving. But I did as I was told. “Is something the matter sir?” I asked.

“Quite the opposite Damien, everything is just perfect!” Said Victor. He stood from his chair and walked over to the cart of liquor by the fireplace. After some clinking of ice and crystal bottles, he walked over and handed me a glass of whiskey. “I’m sorry, are we celebrating something sir?” The confusion in my voice was amusing him.

Victor chuckled, “How would you like a promotion, son?”

“A..promotion?” I didn’t realize I had an official position to begin with. I was a trainer and a glorified babysitter in all honesty.

“Yes,” Victor replied.