Claiming My Beta's Mate

9

Delilah.

Did I just agree to the bonding ceremony? I did it out of anger because he looks at me as if I’m not with anything. Yesterday, there was no way I could have had my way. Alpha Thorn is very strong—it would be even stupid for me to fight against him. I drive out to find a repairer who can fix my necklace to its former glory.

I don’t know which is better—to be ostracized by society or to be mistreated by the Alpha’s family. I wait in the waiting room of the necklace repairer. In a few minutes, he returns and hands the necklace over to me. The damage has been caused but he manages to join it together.

I thank him graciously and I head out of the shop. I remember that I’m becoming low on some art pieces and I find my way into the latest artwork shop to buy a new paint and check if they have new brushes. After spending an hour in the shop, I lose the trial of time because the art shop is literally the place where I bury my grief.

I load my newly acquired art materials into the trunk of my jeep and from a distance, I see Emerald. She is walking towards me and I don’t want to approach. The last time, I sensed a feeling of dread and I’m trying to get away from that.

I do not want to challenge it.

“If it isn’t the mate of the Alpha.” Emerald says and I close the trunk of my car without responding.

“I’m talking to you, Delilah. I know it’s the name of a seductress but do you really believe that you can charm Alpha Thorn. You may have a beautiful face but you are a weak omega. Your body or face will never be enough!” Emerald says and I walk past her.

Due to my silence, she fumes and drags me towards the ground. I grease my elbow to the ground and I yelp in shock.

“I am the head of female wolf trainees, I will take you down in a second if you don’t answer my questions.” She says and I get up from the floor.

“Stay away from me!” I say and she’s about to walk closer when Desmond, the brother of my friend, Angel walks towards us.

“Get away from her!” He says, baring his claws and standing in front of Emerald.

Emerald chuckles and takes her leave when she sees that people have started staring in their direction.

“Desmond, thank you.” I say, inhaling and catching my breath at the same time.

“Are you okay?” He asks and I look around, everyone is staring at me and I know that it is dangerous. If anyone recognizes me, they will begin to whisper about how I am a curse.

“I’m fine. What are you doing here?” I say, paying attention to Desmond.

“I came to pick up some art supplies for Angel. I was just about to get into the shop. That woman…She is the female head of wolf trainees? Why is she out to get you?” Desmond asks.

“I’m sorry, I can’t explain. Desmond, thank you for helping me but I have to go.” I say and I get into my jeep to ride out. I stop by at my adoptive parents house to leave the art supplies that I just got. It is the place I have lived ever since I was born, it’s simple, beautiful and it has many memories.

Seeing how I live in the Alpha’s house now, I have chosen to re/design it my adoptive parents house and make it my art shop. It has been my absolute dream and I cannot wait to start. I would have to heighten the security by using code doors, there are some damages that I would have to repair, repaint and basically re-model the entire building.

I need a whole lot of money and I think it’s time to finally sell my adoptive parents' vehicles. I inherited some vehicles they had to their names and if I sell them, it would be at least twenty grand. It should be enough to start my art shop.

I am so grateful for them. If they didn’t take me, I would have grown up to be a maid for the Alpha’s family or something of that sort. Imagine working for a person like Alpha Thorn, his sister and the others?

I will save any amount that remains but my greatest fear is that people won’t purchase anything because of my rumors. However, if I were to become Luna, all of that would change, the Moonsdale pack will respect me and I…I will finally get rid of those rumors.

When I get back to the Pack house, Aunt Susan has a dress that she wants me to try on. It’s the dress that I would ultimately wear at the ceremony. It is a white, flowing silk material dress. It has one hand, a bow at the side of my waist which allows it to cling to my waist tightly.

It is a traditional dress that Lunas wear for their marriage rituals and I cannot believe that it fits me like a glove already. I can’t recognize my own self, Aunt Susan stares at me in amazement and I can see the surprise in her eyes.

“You are meant to be Luna. I know that it seems as if there is a place for you. But I need you to know that every chosen Luna doesn't ever have it easy.” Aunt Susan says.

I take my eyes away from my reflection to look at her.

“Can a friend of mine attend the ceremony?” I ask and she nods her head.

“Of course, I will personally walk you to the aisle. I know you have lost your mother and your adoptive parents.” Aunt Susan says, holding my hands

“Thank you, I will need your arm.” I say and we chuckle together.

“Susan, can I ask you a question?” I say, clearing my throat.

“Of course.” She says.

“What does it mean to be Luna? I mean…I know that I would be respected by everyone and every pack. It is a great honor to rule by the Alpha’s side but who am I supposed to be on my own?” I ask, curious.

“A mother to us all.” Susan replies and she looks at me with so much affection.

“You say that but I don’t know what that means…all my life, people have forced me to believe that I’m cursed. And I…I have let it get to me.” I say, wiping my eyes of tears.

“Delilah, I dreamt about you even before I met you. You have the moon goddess love. You are destined to be Luna with or without an Alpha.” Susan says and I scrunch my nose in confusion.

“What?” I ask.

“You won’t understand now but soon, it will become crystal clear. You are not going to be Luna just because you married Thorn. He is Alpha because he will have you. However, with or without him, you are the same.”

“Susan, I am just an ordinary omega! Alpha Thorn is a chimera, the last of his kind and I understand why he believes that I’m not worth it.” I say.

“A time will come where you will begin to see your own true potential and until then, I know it will be hard for you to believe any word I say. When Thorn’s wolf saw you, it instantly marked you because it knows you are one of a kind too.”

I exhale.

“I will leave you. I hired an artist that will fix your hair and makeup. You should call your friend to come stay with you. You will need support. After the ceremony, there will be a great party and people from all packs around the globe will join.”

“Really?” I ask.

“Yes, they will want to meet you, test you and you must stand confident.” Susan says.

“And after the ceremony?” I ask.

“Well, the elders will stay in the room to make sure the binding nuptials are in order. They will be witnesses to the consummation of the bond before the moon goddess.” Susan says and my eyes widen.

“No, Susan, you can’t be serious!” I say, tragedy dilating my pupils and my cheeks burning with heat.

“I know that Thorn is a heartless man but that’s only because he does not trust easily but I promise, he will not dishonor you. He will be gentle.” Susan says.

“He has already dishonored me! His words are nothing but swords to my heart. Your nephew is ruthless and inconsiderate, I will rather believe that I’m special than believe he has a good heart.”

“Delilah…” Susan tries to make her understand.

“Susan, it doesn’t matter, I can give my body to him but I will never see the beauty in ashes. You know why? It’s because it’s absent.”

The house keeper knocks on the door and both of the women face him.

“Sorry to disturb you, Miss Susan, the dance instructor you hired has arrived.” The housekeeper says.

“Come downstairs, Delilah. You and Thorn have things to learn.”