Vivica's POV

"You are my...mate, Jason. What are you doing with her?!" I blurted in a fit of rage. 

The hall instantly erupted with loud whispers and sniggers. In no time everyone had encircled us-me, Jason and Betty.

My friend, Celia, tried to pull me away. "Viv, let's go" she whispered, reaching for my hand, but I shook off her grip.

Jason remained as still as rock. His eyes were calm and unreadable, as if  he wasn't the one I was talking to.

Betty, on the other hand, started by laughing the situation off. "What did you just say?"

"I'm not talking to you, so stay out of this!" I dismissed her and turned to Jason.

"You promised we'd be together, whether the pack approved of it or not. So what are you doing with her?! Why did you give her a ring?!" I snapped, tears freely dripping down my cheeks.

Jason scoffed, then stepped forward. "I don't owe you any explanation."

"No, you do! You have to explain to me why you waited for me to get my wolf all these years, just to turn around and be with Betty."

Betty chuckled wildly at that. "He was waiting for me, not you, dumb ass." She shook her head in disbelief.

"What?!"

"She's right. Now step back in the crowd and stop interrupting the party," he  snarled it.

His words pierced through me like a double edged knife to the heart -sharp, suffocating, and painful.

"So you've been toying with me all this time?"

"Isn't it obvious? Who in their right mind would want anything to do with you?"

"It's because of my father, isn't it? If my father wasn't a...traitor, would you have-"

"No! Betty is the ideal woman for me," he pulled Betty to his side. "You are unfit to be my mate, Hale. I sever whatever bond there is between us," he announced with  a tone of finality. 

His declaration ripped through me, wrecking the last sliver of hope I was clinging to.My teary eyes blurred everything around me, making it impossible to find my way out. My legs buckled as I moved aimlessly, until I finally crashed to the ground.

As soon as Jason discarded me and pulled Betty to the seats reserved for them, the pack members swarmed around me like flies perching on a corpse.

"How stupid of her to think she stood a chance with the Alpha," a girl said,kicking me. 

"I know right? The same way her father thought he could overthrow the late Alpha, just because the pack celebrated every battle he won."

They continued to chatter, saying all manner of inhumane things about me and my late father.I remained on the floor, absorbing every word. The best I could do was remain calm; eventually, they'd get tired and leave-then I could finally  run away from this place.

The murmurs suddenly died down, as if a god had suddenly landed on earth.The eerie silence lingered, followed by the faint sound of approaching footsteps.  Since my head was down and I couldn't bring myself to look up in sheer embarrassment, I listened instead.

"It's Alpha Adrian," I heard them whisper in frantic, hushed tones.

Adrian Danegan? My mind raced. Before I could look up, a pair of sleek black leather boots came into view.

My heart was doing it again-the same rapid beat, the same heat crawling through my bones, the sudden burst of energy from my wolf. What kind of joke was this?

I crawled back, my face tilting up to meet his gaze; intense hazel orbs with glistening gold flecks.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Adrian Danegan, Jason's long-lost step brother, squatted in front of me.

Unable to control myself, I nodded.

He stretched out an arm."Then come with me. Let's get you out of this hellhole."

For the first time in my life, I was hesitant about leaving the pack. Questions raced through my mind. What if this was a trap? What if he was only uprooting me here only to put me in a more cruel place? Has he forgotten who my  father was?

I looked through the crowd, as if any of them could tell me wrong from right. That was when I saw Celia, smiling sweetly at me.She nodded and I instinctively reached for his big sturdy hand-slow, unsure, but willing to take the risk.

"Don't you dare!"Jason's voice slit through the silence just as my hand was about to settle in Adrian's.

I stopped, turning to look at him.Jason's eyes were dark and furious, but I caught a flash of regret in them before it quickly switched back to resentment.

"You belong to this pack! You'll serve and cater to the needs of my people until your last breath. That is the only way to atone for your father's sin!" 

"Not on my watch," Adrian snarled, his well-carved  lips stretching in a deadly smile that made my blood run cold.

Jason's face twitched. His fingers balled into fists on his sides, but he didn't move. 

"Let the whore go, my love. She's of no use to our pack, anyway. Alpha Adrian will regret this decision sooner or later," Betty said, curling her hands around Jason's, her sinister signature smile dancing on her lips.

"One more word from you and I'll have your head chopped off!" Adrian snapped and everyone stepped back in terror.

He placed both hands on my shoulders and carefully pulled me up with him.

"Let's go home" he cooed, tucking a stray lock of  hair away from my face. 

For the first time in twenty years, I trusted someone other than Jason. I took his hand, and we walked towards the exit, the crowd parting  without being told. 

"Guards?!" Jason shouted, and a swarm of soldiers ran forward. "Seize her!"

The men took their first steps, but as soon as Adrian's gaze fell on them, they stopped in their tracks as if pinned in the spot. As his gaze lingered, they began dragging their feet backwards, their bodies trembling in defeat.

***

Adrian held my hand until we reached  the parking lot of Jason's  pack-Red-Bone pack. A  sleek, black  Mercedes-Benz was waiting for us.The driver scurried out of the car to get the door, but Adrian stopped him with a gesture , and opened it for me himself. I hopped in, and he slid in next to me.

As the engine purred to life, I peered out the car window, still finding it hard to believe I was finally leaving the walls of Red-Bone pack. The pack members hovered in every corner-the garden, the balconies, even the gate. They were just as shocked as I was; "Adrian and Vivica"  in the same sentence was something no one ever saw coming, especially considering how influential and arrogant drian was rumored to be.

Adrian had left the pack years ago  after he was denied his legacy as Alpha.  Since then, we had  only heard rumors about him when the news outlets covered his achievements. Those stories were often told with narratives that seemed a little too exaggerated, but his appearance today proved they were all true. Adrian was not only successful, he possessed an undeniable power that everyone bowed to without even realizing.

We drove out of Red-Bone, I let out a sigh of relief, closing my eyes to savor the fresh air brushing against my face. So this was what peace felt like? 

When I opened my eyes again, he was staring, intently.

I fidgeted, adjusting in my seat to put a little distance between us. "You haven't told me what you want in return?" I stated.Then subtly mumbled, "It's not like I have anything to offer,  anyway."

"You have everything to  offer, but  I want nothing in return," he said with a soft smile-not the cold, unfeeling one he had  given Jason earlier.

Nothing? Now, that was something to be scared about. 

"I don't believe you."

He leaned closer and my heart jumped.

"We are mate's, Vivica. Isn't it normal that we are together?" he whispered, his gaze dropping  down to my lips like he wanted to kiss them.

I blinked repeatedly, unable to wrap my head around what was happening. I snapped out of it instantly and cleared my throat.

This man must think I'm a fool.Adrian Danegan would never be a damaged girl like me.

What was he really  up to? 

Vivica's POV

Moon-Crescent was something out of the ordinary.The tall towers, tarred streets, and lush greeneries gave the pack, which looked more like a city, a sophisticated and  tranquil atmosphere.I moved in my seat, my eyes roaming the environment in utter awe as the car passed through gate after gate, finally halting in front of a massive white mansion.

"Welcome to your new home," Adrian announced.

I looked away from the window, staring at him for the first time since we entered his territory."You own all of this?" I asked, unable to hide my astonishment.

"Mhm" he nodded. "Let's go inside.The elders are waiting for us."

"The elders? Why?"

"Why not?" He squinted. "You are my mate, and I'm the Alpha. It's only normal that you meet them." 

"Well...I..."

"I know this is all new, and probably overwhelming. But I want you to know that you aren't the same Vivica from an hour ago. You are with me now, and whoever is with me gets nothing but respect and honor. You are special, Viv. Embrace it."

My eyes welled up at his words.I hid my face and quickly wiped my tears.

"Shall we?" 

"Yes," I nodded.

Again, Adrian opened the door for me, an act that made me uneasy.But if that was all it took to fit into this new world and never go back to Red-Bone then I'd do it.

"Your Majesty," the guards positioned at the fleet of stairs leading to the main entrance bowed.

Adrian only gave them a curt glance before leading me  inside.

My eyes accessed the interior- a mix of modern design and the renaissance. The walls were incredibly high. Expansive artifacts and oil paintings hung against  cream-colored  walls, and the marble floors were  so clean I could see my own reflection. 

Suddenly, a  girl with bouncy black curls and sparkly brown eyes ran toward us.

"Dane!" her shrill voice cried out as threw herself at Adrian. 

Tisha, my wolf, churned inside-a clear indicator that her territory had been bridged and she didn't like it. As much as I was happy she had finally awakened, it bothered me that she might land me in trouble if I didn't control her. Why was she getting jealous over a man we barely knew? 

"It doesn't matter how long we've known him," Tisha growled in my mind. "He's ours."

"Who is this?" The questioned, unable to hide her disgust.

Adrian pulled away from her, something he should have done immediately.

"This is Vivica Hale. My mate" The statement rolled off his tongue so effortlessly.I suppressed the silly smile that threatened to break out on my face."Vivica, this is Arella, my cousin"

Oh. She's his cousin.

"Your what?!" Arella shouted, startling me. "Is this a joke of some sort?" she scoffed.

"It's not a joke, Arella. We'll finally be having a Luna," Adrian stated proudly.

"Your Highness" A male voice called out, and a man who was almost the same height as Adrian came into view.

"The elders have been waiting for a while now" he stopped, then quickly added. "You must be Vivica Hale."

With a subtle hint of confusion I peeked at Adrian's face for answers.

"This is  Theo Reeds, my Beta," Adrian introduced him.

"Nice to meet you," I mumbled.

"Same here." He  gave me a toothless smile and stepped aside. "Shall we?"

"Sure," Adrian took my hand in his without warning, and I flinched. He gazed at me-a stare  meant to reassure me that he had everything under control.

Guards were positioned throughout the expansive hallway; every single one of them gave a bow as we passed.We arrived at the entrance of the council room. I exhaled loudly, a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. 

"Relax. As long as we are together no one is going to harm you."

I nodded, and his Beta pushed the door open. The room suddenly went quiet  as every eye landed on us,m-on me, to be precise.

"Your Majesty!" They chorused.

"I apologize for the delay," he  muttered.

I just stood there, awkward and clueless. The only times I had  ever been to the gathering of pack elders were when I needed to serve drinks or food, and it had ended in chaos every time. Adrian pulled me toward the table, drawing out a chair right next to the  seat of honor at the head.

I sat down uneasily, every fibre of my being  screaming at me to get up and flee.You don't belong here. You have to leave! The voice persisted.

Adrian took his seat, and immediately one of the elders spoke.

"We were told you went to the mating ceremony at the other pack," the man-whom  I later found out was named Tristan- said,  his eyes strained on me even though i

He was talking to Adrian.

"Yes. And as fate would have it, I came back with my mate," Adrian announced gleefully.

"A mate? From a rival pack? Your Highness, is this a-"

"I have told you a million times that Red-Bone  does not possess what it takes to be tagged a 'rival' pack." Adrian snarled. "Do not piss me off, Elder Santos."

"Forgive me, Your Highness. It's just that marrying outside of our perimeter is unsafe for us. You have spent years building this ethereal territory; why risk losing it by bringing in an intruder?"

The rest of the elders mumbled their approval of Elder Santos. 

"Vivica is not an intruder. She is my mate, my fated one," Adrian emphasized, his voice echoing through the room. "It might take you all a while to adjust, but you have no choice but to accept her."

"But Your Highness-"

"One more word and I'll have you out of this territory for good." His voice was calm, but  it carried an underlying tone that sent shivers down my spine.

"This gathering is over," he declared.

The elders grumbled  among themselves, but no one dared to speak out.They all rose and were about to leave when the door flung open and Adrian's cousin marched in.

"Wait!" she yelled. "That woman!" She pointed at me.

My heart sank into my stomach at  her words, and every head in the room  spun in my direction.

"That woman isn't just some lowly intruder like you all think" Arella sneered, her fingers pointing at me accusingly. "That's Vivica Hale! The daughter of a renowned traitor from two decades ago!"

Adrian's POV

I lurked in the shadows, watching her every move. I saw it all, from the moment  she walked into the hall with her shoulders slumped and her eyes filled with uncertainty, to the moment Jason proposed to Arnold's daughter and the hall went crazy with excitement. A girl took her hand and dragged her  through the crowd-to see their Alpha and his mate obviously- and I lost sight of her.

Moments later, my ears picked up her voice, it slit  through the noise, blurring  everyone else out.

"Celia...I can't breathe." she winced in agony. Then came the realization that her wolf had finally surfaced. "My wolf...Celia, I have a wolf." And finally, the part that changed everything. "Jason. I need to tell Jason!"

She went quiet again until she saw them- Arnold's  daughter and Jason.

"You are my...mate, Jason. What are you doing with her?!" Her voice pierced the silence 

the moment she called him her mate.

In a fit of rage, she called Jason out-a brave move I must say-screaming and asking why he had waited for her if he was only playing her all along. Long story short, Jason, being the doucheback he was, severed the bond without blinking-Twenty-five years of love and friendship, gone.

I clenched my fist, unable to stand Jason having yet another thing he didn't deserve. But my fury vanished almost immediately, replaced by a sly smile as I stood up. Before I could get to her, the crowd had already encircled her, hurling  demeaning insults.

I threw off the hat that aided my disguise.They recognized me instantly, and a  wave of fear spread across the room.I didn't spare any of them, I just walked toward her- the one I had come for. The crowd moved out of the way without being told, revealing her collapsed on the floor.

As I got closer, my chest constricted as if something was forcefully tugging at my heart. Even though the pain was intense, I didn't stop. I kept walking until I heard my wolf call her my  mate in my mind.

The Moon Goddess was indeed bored. That was the only logical reason I could find for such a sudden miscalculation. How could she and I be mates? First,  it was Jason, and barely ten minutes later, I was Vivica's second-chance mate?

When I got to Vivica, she froze. Her body language told me she felt it too.She crawled back, creating as much space as possible between us.I dropped to one knee in front of her.

"You feel it too, don't you?" 

After a moment of hesitation she looked at me and nodded.I offered her my hand. "Then come with me. Let's get you out of this hellhole."

____

"That woman isn't just some lowly intruder like you all think,"Arella blurted, taking a sharp breath before continuing. "She is Vivica Hale, daughter of Xavier Hales-the  traitor from two decades ago."

My eyes narrowed in absolute horror. The elders slowly turned to me, their expressions screaming for answers.But I was too concerned about Vivica, who was trembling violently beside me, to care.In a swift motion, bolted out of the room.

I followed suit.

"Dane, you don't..." Arella tried to stop me, but a hard glare was all it took to shut her up.I sprinted after Vivica, catching up to her in the archway.

"Where are you going?" I grabbed her hand.

"Anywhere but here!" she yelled.

"Vivica, look at me." 

"There's nothing you can say to make me change my mind" she spat. She was already crying on her first day in my territory.

"Forget everything Arella said in there. It doesn't change anything," I assured her. "And about your father,I'm sure he didn't betray your pack."

She whirled to face me the moment I said that.

"What did you just say?" For the first time, her red-rimmed eyes peered into mine with flinching.

"I believe your father is innocent. We just need to find the actual culprit and vindicate him."

"Is that  possible? I mean... I know it is, but I've been digging for years without any luck." she explained with a sudden burst of enthusiasm.

Something about the way her eyes twinkled with hope made my chest tighten. I felt a strong urge to cup her face and kiss her senseless, but I'd be ruining my plans. I couldn't love her, I shouldn't love her. Everything must be strictly business if I must reach my goal.

"That's because you've been digging in the wrong places," I sighed, taking a step forward. "From now on, I'll do the digging.Your father will be vindicated, and you'll have no reason to ever run again."

Her eyes pooled with tears. She pressed her lips together to keep from crying. I cupped her face in my palms. "You are safe here. Stop trying to run away."

She nodded, a streak of tears streaming down her cheeks.

"We have collectively decided not to accept this...this traitor as one of us," One of the elders interrupted.I turned to find them standing at the door.

"Theo."

"Yes, Your  Highness?"

"Get the necessary documents ready. Vivica will be ascending the throne in two weeks."