Claiming My Beta's Mate

8

Thorn.

I don’t care what my Aunt says. I will not take Delilah’s rebelliousness lightly. If she has to take some time off to reflect, that is exactly what I am going to make her do. There are a hundred of reports on my desk and I’m trying to focus. Earlier this morning, I told the pack house keeper to open the door of the room for Delilah.

I haven’t heard a banter or a word from her ever since. Things have gotten really hectic ever since Brad’s passing and despite dealing with the emotions of losing a friend. I have to live with the guilt too.

A knock comes at the door and I take a break by yawning.

“Who is it?” I ask.

“Your Aunt is here, Alpha. She wants to speak to you immediately.” The housekeeper says and I can already guess what it’s about.

Did Delilah report me to my Aunt? Does she even realize that hitting my sister is an offense that I would never allow anyone to go scottfree with.

I get up from the chair and I walk out of the office. As I get into the room, I am surprised to see the riders of the pack and for a second, I’m guessing they are not here because of Delilah.

“What is going on?” I ask.

“Thorn, the elders have something to tell you.” Aunt Delilah says.

I face them and the oldest walks towards me. I have known him since I was a kid. He goes by the name, Elder Crane.

“The full moon is coming very soon and I believe the moon goddess wants you to be bonded to your hate before it arrives. If the ceremony happens before the full moon, you will have the moon goddess blessing.”

“You can’t be serious?” I ask and he doesn’t say another word.

I hardly know the girl, elder Crane! I say and he inhales.

“You don’t need to know her, your wolf does.” He replies.

“That is bullshit!” I replied.

“Thorn, language!” Aunt Susan says and I roll my eyes.

“You have forced me to accept her. You have forced me to allow that unruly girl to live in the pack house. Will you force us to mate and have pups too?” I ask.

“You have no idea what passions would be ignited if you will just close your eyes and accept the person your wolf has picked for you.” Elder Moraine says, a female elder.

“The moon goddess picked my beta’s fiancee!? The woman that he claimed publicly and you want me to accept her with shut eyes?” I ask.

“Claiming someone doesn’t change their bond. We all grieve your Beta’s death but dead men tell no tales. She is not your beta’s mate and the moon goddess will remove anyone that tries to claim her.” Moraine says.

“I have to find out what happened to Brad first. I don’t care about the ceremony.” I seethe.

“You will defy us because of your stubbornness!?” Elder Crane raises his voice.

“I wil defy the moon goddess if I have to!” I respond with the same aggression.

“No, Elder Crane, please, he doesn’t mean that. I will manage the ceremony myself and he will be there.” Aunt Susan says.

“Stop making promises for things that you cannot do!” I say to my aunt.

Aunt Susan raises her eyes to the stairs and Delilah is there. She is carrying her bag from yesterday and she is wearing a black dress.

“Delilah, we were talking about your bonding ceremony. The full moon is drawing near and the elders of the pack advise that we conduct it as early as possible.” Aunt Susan says and Delilah is quiet.

“She is not worthy to be Luna.” I say and I’m ready to walk away when Delilah speaks.

“How am I not worthy? What makes you worthy to be Alpha?” She asks.

“Everything.” I whisper in response.

Delilah doesn’t reply and instead, she faces my Aunt with a smile.

“Susan, I’m ready to be Luna. I will attend the ceremony and do everything you say.” Delilah says and before I can make a statement, she walks out of the door.

My Aunt smiles and the elders of the pack nod their head in agreement. It’s like they aren’t even listening to me and my orders. After watching my Aunt’s discussion with the elders, she walks towards me.

“I will start preparing the ceremony and everything, you will make yourself available unless, I will drag you even if it is from the pits of hell.”

“Wow, you have lost this battle with your aunt and your so-called mate.” Adrien says, coming from behind and taunting Thorn.

“I’m so tired of the both of them. Can you imagine? In a few hours, they will force me to bond with a woman that I care not for.” I say in repugnance.

“Forget about that! Thorn, are you crazy? Did you really lock her up to reflect?” Adrien asks.

“She hit Maddy.” I reply, walking out of the receiving room.

“It is crazy that you even believe your sister. Maddy is a damn liar. When will you fail to see that your sister is not an angel like you think. She can be a manipulative liar from the pits of hell.” Adrien says.

“And Delilah could be worse.” I state blankly.

“Her only crime was being claimed by your beta. I also heard that she is considered a curse because of her unknown ties. Are you sure you are not basing that off it?”

“Look, Adrien! I am going to believe what my sister tells me. I am Alpha, a protector of all but I am still her elder brother.” I say.

“Sure, but after this bonding ceremony. Your loyalty will be tied and your mate will become your first priority. Maddy went into Delilah’s room and scattered her belongings. She is angry that you have a mate and you won’t care for her anymore. She did it out of jealousy.” Adrien says.

“What?” I ask in shock and Adrien sighs.

“If you didn’t see it before, Maddy is a spoiled brat. She is the Alpha’s sister—she can do and undo whenever she wants. You need to apologize to Delilah. I don’t think you can escape the bonding but at least, be able to have a great communication.” Adrien says but I’m not buying it one bit.