Eros

"Get out," I said coldly, leaving the bewildered redhead sprawled between the white sheets as I headed into the shower.

Steam rose as I turned on the shower. Stepping out, I frowned as I saw the redhead figure lying lazily on my bed, a soft snore leaving her lips.

"What are you doing here?" I growled loudly,

"A..Alpha," she scrambled up, looking at me sultrily.

"I told you to scram," I barked, unfazed by her measly attempt to end up in my bed once more. No one had that right.

Her black orbs turned misty, "I thought you wanted me," she whispered lowly.

"What an audacious thought, I would rather want a pig," I sneered.

"But I love you."

My lips stretched into a smile. I approached her, closing the gap between us. I gripped her chin. "You're going to gather all your things and scram before I blink," I said lowly, staring at her as I battled my wolf for dominance.

"Let me at her," Eden, my wolf, growled furiously.

"No," I said simply, shutting him down.

Her eyes widened, fear flickered in them, she scrambled to her feet, bouncing her naked tits as she rushed out the door, bumping into Kaden, my beta and best friend, on her way out.

"I know you don't sleep with them more than once, but come on, man. Spare my eyes," he groaned.

"You smell shitty." I scrunched my nose at his muddy smell.

"Yeah, no thanks to training those pups," he groaned, sinking into the sofa.

"Get your dirty ass up from my sofa,"

"Sure, mum," he bit back sarcastically, not making a move to stand.

"There's an invitation from Moonlight Pack." He began, sitting upright, dragging a cup from the tray.

"Decline it," I said.

"Ehhh." His eyes lowered, and he turned sideways away from me. I paused, "What do you mean by Ehhh?" I asked

"I don't know what you're talking about." his nose tilted, something he does only when he lies.

I sighed, grabbing an outfit I changed into, "What did you do?" I asked, leaving the room while he followed.

The room reeked of sex and sweat, a scent that better be gone before I get back, or someone would answer for it.

Kaden turned silent all through the way, as we walked through the marbled tiles of the long hallway of my pack house that led to my office.

I winced as the bright light hit my face as I opened the door to my office. "Spill. Now." I left no room for options as the words left my lips.

"I already accepted the invitation."

"On whose orders?" Eden growled, taking control of me temporarily.

"And that's why," he sighed. "The elders..."

"I should have ended those old fools, the very first day they interfered with my pack," Eden flashed out once more, before I was finally able to lock him at the corner of my mind.

"Fucking stop pacing around, you're giving me a headache," I groaned at Eden, who refused to stay still.

"Eros, that's more than once in a stretch," Kaden said, his brows creased with worry as he looked at me.

"I have it under control," I muttered.

"Tell that to the elders on my neck. You need a Luna, the pack is worried, Eden grows more feral with each passing day."

My hands slammed hard against the table. "I said I have it under control."

"Doesn't seem like you've got much control to me," he replied.

"Aside from the elders, I also think you need a Luna man. That's where the moonlight pack's invitation comes in." Chairs scraped as he sat opposite me.

Pinching my forehead with my two fingers, "What does the invitation have to do with getting me a Luna?" I asked.

"It's the first step. We attend their Alpha's mating ceremony, you pick a mate and voila, problem solved," he grinned as he'd just solved the world's biggest problem.

"What she-wolf decided to ruin her life with that wimp for an Alpha?" I wondered, the image of the snotty-nosed alpha came to mind.

"His beta's daughter, apparently. She's his chosen mate."

"Something feels fishy about all this, not like I have a choice. Let's go then, I do need to blow off steam."

"More like blow off your bat shit wolf," he murmured.

But thanks to Eden's perked-up ears, we heard him, loud and clear.

"Shut up, Kay." I threw a pen at him, and it hit. A red bulge appeared on his forehead.

"My face," he groaned dramatically, clutching his face as if something horrible had happened.

"It's not the end of the world, Kay," I chuckled at the look on his face as he looked at me like the world was about to end.

"Easy for you to say, you're not the one with a red bulge ruining your handsome face," he grumbled.

Bringing down his hands from his face, his expression turned serious as his eyes flickered between his natural blue orbs and yellow, his wolf's. He went silent, mind linking with one of the pack members.

"A rogue was found on the pack grounds. Bane got it before it could attack anyone." He turned to me as he finished.

"Where?" I asked.

His hands curled into fists, and the air thickened. "The school," he said.

I narrowed my eyes, "How did a rogue get that far? No one sighted it before its attack?"

"None," his lips tightened.

"Patrol?" I asked.

"Xenos and Axel," He replied

A lone rogue couldn't possibly sneak past my best warriors. "Investigate properly, bring in anyone that seems even slightly suspicious. I'll do the questioning myself," I ordered.

The door creaked open and shut as he left, and sunlight peered in through a crack in the curtain. But I stood, wondering the underlying question that we didn't dare to say loudly.

There's a mole in my pack.

Aella

The rain dripped from my body down the walkway, the concrete harsh against my knees, and my teeth chattered uncontrollably.

The door to the house screeched open, "Come in, mutt," a voice said from the porch. I heard the footsteps receding, not even bothering to make sure I heard her, probably one of the maids.

I dragged my numb body up from the position it's been in for the past six hours, because Andrea and her daughter got back before me.

My knees wobbled, shakily, and I dragged my sore body into the mansion, sliding in through the front door. Wasting more time would lead to even more punishments.

The air reeked of Jasmine and lily, a different fragrance from its usual murky smell. What's the occasion? I wondered.

They were probably celebrating something that I wasn't privy to or invited to, again. With a sigh, I turned towards the dimly lit corner of the house, the only place unbothered by the festivities, and where I could get some sort of rest.

Opening the thatched door that led to my room, with its hinges barely hanging on, it barely qualified as a door, but at least it was mine. I changed out of my wet clothes.

Covering my body with the thin material I used as a blanket, exhaustion hit as I lay on my bed, giving in to the darkness, its stony texture doing nothing to help my aching body; if anything, it made it worse.

"Ah!" I woke up with a shrill scream to someone dousing me with a bucket full of water. "Water clouded my vision,"

"Get your stupid self off that bed and go make breakfast, we have guests coming." Blinking the water away, I saw Andrea holding a bucket in her hands as she stood beside the bed, disgust swimming in her eyes.

"Yes, madam," I muttered, pulling my weak body up. I had once called her mother the first day I arrived here; she smiled at it with giddy teeth, but by the next day, I understood why I should never call her mother.

"Useless bitch, you will regret your miserable existence if my Lilith wakes up before you're done with her breakfast," she cursed and left.

I laughed self-mockingly. I don't think I can regret my miserable existence more than I already do.

Changing out of the wet clothes, I quickly rushed into the kitchen, plates stopped clattering as I stepped in. I saw Abuela looking at me with pity swimming in her gaze.

"Oh, child, how are you doing?" She dropped the plates and engulfed me in a bear hug. Tears sprang out of my eyes; only Abuela ever cared to ask how I was doing. She has been the mother I never had.

Sniffing, I pulled out of the hug, "I'm fine, Abuela." I shook my head as I said softly, not wanting to tell her my encounters, but I had a feeling she already knew.

"That witch again?" She asked.

I nodded softly, heading to the pantry to bring out things with which to cook; the last thing I wanted was to get Abuela in trouble.

Andrea hated her guts cause she's the only one who dared to call her out whenever she treated me badly; no one else cared. I can't imagine how much worse life here would have been without her.

We worked seamlessly and effortlessly, a practiced routine as we brought the meal to life, putting the final dish on fire. I wiped off the beads of sweat from my forehead as I left the food to simmer.

"Abuela!" I exclaimed, holding my startled heart as I turned only to see her standing right behind me. "Stop that, I don't want to end up dying before you," I said.

"Don't worry, child, you're stronger than you think, a little scare would do you more harm than good," she grinned.

"Now, before I forget, "Happy 18th birthday," she said, handing me a small box which she pulled from her pockets.

"Oh my moons, you didn't have to," I said, taking the box from her. I smiled. At least someone remembered my birthday.

Opening the box, I found a necklace with a red pendant with the word 'Z' engraved on it. Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes, "It's beautiful," I whispered.

"Abuela, I curled my arms around her body,"

"Don't cry, princess, your mum left this for you for your eighteenth birthday," she dragged my hair behind my ears.

"What is going on here?" Andrea barked as she walked in. We quickly separated, and I hid the necklace underneath my clothes before she could see it.

"Nothing, madam," I replied, clutching the necklace tightly, hoping she hadn't seen it, lest it become one of the numerous things she has taken away from me.

"Hope the food is ready? My daughter's fiancé would soon be here. I don't want any mistakes." She said, glaring at me,

I lowered my head, as she spoke, not daring to look her in the eyes, "fools, serve the dinner and make yourself scarce. Don't stain the Alpha with your presence." She turned and left.

I froze; the world around me blurred. Did she just say Alpha? It can't be. "Abuela, who is coming?" I asked.

"Alpha Crux," she hummed. "I heard he selected Lilith as his chosen Luna and is coming to propose today." She replied, bringing out plates for dishing food.

I froze, "It can't be," I whispered, my vision turned hazy as I gasped for breath. The entire room spun right before my eyes.

"No," I muttered, tears streaking down my face, as my knees crashed into the hard tiles, "mate," I whimpered.

They have succeeded in taking everything from me, and now even my mate has been cruelly taken away.

First my mother, now my mate.

Was it ever going to stop?

"It's not my fault, I was born this way, fat and wolfless.

Were they right?

Am I really unworthy of a mate?

"Zorya"

A voice called out, shaking me out of my trance.

I looked around to find myself in an empty desert, "abuela," I screamed.

"How did I end up here?"

"Come to us, Zorya."

I heard again, this time it sounded closer; it came from behind.

Heart pounding, I tried to turn. "Aella, Aella," I heard abuela's voice.

"Abuela!" I screamed back, trying to find the source of the voice.

A cold hand touched my shoulder, my blood ran cold, and it felt like I was being pulled into an endless abyss of darkness.

"Aella," the voice called again, this time stronger.

"Run Aella, Run"

Cold air touched my ears, just before the word faded.

A wicked laughter ran through the empty air, "I'm coming for you, Zorya."

I sprang up and ran out of the house, ignoring Abuela's worried shouts for me. I ran down the walkway through the familiar paths.

The pack members cursed as I passed, scrunching their faces in disgust, but I couldn't care less.

Goosebumps pricked my skin as I ran. It was the visions again, but like always, I never remember any part of it, except the chill that ran through my spine anytime it happened.

Getting to the familiar lakeside, I finally gave in, letting go, and I bawled my heart out.

"Whyyy?" The sound came out of me. Raw. Guttural. I almost couldn't recognise it.

"Why did you curse me?" I questioned the one above, "I don't deserve this", I whispered.

I felt better after letting loose, a strange calm washed over me, and I sat on my favourite spot watching the waves clash against each other.

Howls sounded in the distance; no doubt they must be celebrating Lilith's engagement, I scoffed. "I had better leave this pack"

A leaf crunched. I turned instantly to find a huge black wolf staring at me. Its red eyes shone brightly, brighter than the sun itself.

"You're beautiful," I whispered, looking at it. It was several times huger than Crux's wolf, my feet moved of their own volition to it, against my better judgement.

My mind screamed at my stupidity, what if it was a rogue, but I just couldn't stop, its eyes called out to me. I got to where it was, rooted to the spots, its eyes following my every movement.

I touched its forehead softly, it purred, leaning into my touch and scrubbing its soft fur against me, "Mate" I heard a loud growl in my head.

I froze, taking a step back from him. The pull was from the mate bond; I couldn't believe it. I've heard of second-chance mates, but it was a one-in-a-million chance encounter; that's how rare it was.

I didn't know if to laugh or cry; howls sounded once more; this time, it was more of a searching howl. They were looking for someone or something. I didn't care.

It stood up fully on its paws, its massive frame almost engulfed me, it looked at me one last time, before turning and running off into the distance, "No, wait", I called after it, "I'll be back." Its voice rang out in my head once more.

I heard only strong males could send their voice into the thoughts of their fated mates. Does he know that I don't have my wolf yet? Would he reject me when he finds out?

I sat by the riverside waiting for his return, but by the time the soft glow of the moon reflected against the water, I sank back into the harsh reality of my life.

Just like every other person, he wasn't coming. With a heavy heart, I returned to the mansion.

"When do you plan on telling Aella about our engagement?" I heard an oddly familiar voice, and cold sweat sprang through my body as I stood rooted to my spot, my hand frozen on the handle of the door to my father's office.

"Soon, after Lilith's engagement", my father's bass-like voice sounded through the door; it had been my favourite sound at one time.

Rage clouded my vision; they just didn't know when to stop. Banging the door open, I barged into his office, "How could you?" I seethed.

"AHH, Aella. Welcome, I was about to call for you, since you are here, I would like for you to meet your future husband, Antares." My father said stiffly, like he didn't just drop a bombshell.

I searched his eyes for a clue that he was kidding or that this was just an expensive prank, but he only faced Antares, and they went back to their discussion.

"You can't possibly expect me to get married to him", I said, looking at the person sitting by the side who was old enough to be, if not older than, my father.

"And why is that?" his eyes bore holes into mine, and he pushed his glasses down.

"He's old enough to birth me", I gritted out.

"That's not a problem, age is just a number. Antares here is not just my right-hand man but also my best friend; he will treat you well. Now, if there's nothing else, close the door behind you." He waved me off dismissively.

"I will not marry him", I said quietly.

"What?" He asked.

"I said," I began, my voice growing louder with each word, "I will. Not. Marry.Him."

He froze, stunned and taken aback. This was the first time I had ever said no to his face, but I had had enough of them pushing me around.

He chuckled softly, Excusee us, Antares, I need a word with my daughter." He said.

Antares stood, his eyes ran through my body, and an uneasy feeling crept through my spine, as his gaze bore holes into me.

The door creaked shut, and I faced father, my heart pounding in my chest, but I steadied my breathing, knowing he could hear it.

"What gives you the impression that your opinion matters?" He asked, his face blank.

"Father, I'm also your daughter"

"Don't refer to me as your father, you disgrace", he spat out, visibly irritated.

"You will marry Antares, pop out his pups and be a good mate in his bedroom till he dies. Is that clear?" He growled, his eyes going faintly yellow, a sign of his wolf.

I whimpered and ran out from the office, out of the house and back to exactly where I came from. I needed to find my mate.

It doesn't matter who he is; we need to leave this pack now. We will figure things out as we go.

The moon followed me as I ran to the river, kneeling by the water. I sobbed at my reflection, sinking my face into the river, drowning out the world.

As I rose from the water, the back dye washing off from my silver hair, I finally asked the question that had been bugging me.

How do I find my mate?