THIRD POV

"Take her and her luggage to the room that has been prepared." Zade glanced slightly at Meira who was just silent right behind him, with both hands still carrying her bag and suitcase there now.

"Yes, Alpha." An omega approached Meira who was still wandering around and staring at the entire inside of Zade's pack there. Secretly, Meira admired the interior of the Moon Gold Pack, and tried to hide that, so that Zade would not find out her current reaction.

"Come, Miss, come with me." The omega muttered while taking over Meira's suitcase and bag there. Meira simply nodded her head, and followed the omega's lead slowly. Meira passed Zade's back without saying anything. Zade, meanwhile, also fell silent and only observed Meira's departure from there.

Behind Zade, there was Logan, his beta, walking closer to Zade. "Alpha, what are you going to do with that girl now?" He asked. Logan actually couldn't understand what was going through his Alpha's mind right now.

"To be honest, I haven't thought about it any further." Zade sighed slowly, before finally turning around, and looking at Logan face to face.

"But I told you before, didn't I?" Zade's continued words instantly made Logan pause, and recall the incident before they brought Meira back to The Moon Gold Pack.

Zade had just finished a battle in the northern region, fighting a rebellion of rogues there. For the umpteenth time, Zade brought home a victory, as well as a cooperation agreement over the northern pack, and his own. This was very exciting news for The Moon Gold Pack. What's more, Zade had barely lost a single battle in all the battles he had faced, and wherever he had been.

Despite having just finished a very big battle, Zade himself never once looked tired. This was proven by Zade's arrival at The Moon Rose Pack now. Zade was going to do another cooperation agreement there. Although in truth, Zade himself didn't really like the pack. Because of Alpha Liam's leadership who was too greedy for treasure, but never once cared about his people. Several times Logan continued to ask and make sure if Zade was really sure to cooperate with the pack, even though he knew how the pack was running from the beginning until now. And Zade always answered with the same answer, yes.

"Are you really sure, Alpha?" Logan said as he and Zade stopped walking right in front of The Moon Rose Pack's gate now.

"This will be the single most detrimental form of pack cooperation for The Moon Gold Pack. Think it over, Alpha, so we don't end up regretting giving them your pack's cooperation." Logan, of course, was very worried about the possibilities.

"I'm pretty sure, Logan." Zade said firmly. "I'll find what I've been looking for here. And if I don't, then I won't make that cooperation with them."

After saying that, Zade walked straight ahead of Logan, and entered The Moon Rose Pack. Logan followed Zade's steps with a bit of haste. Logan could only swallow his words, for Zade to rethink everything, but he himself also did not dare to contradict what Zade, as Alpha and friend, had said. Of course, Logan was aware of the boundaries between him and Zade. Although they had been friends since childhood, when it came to doing important work for the pack, duty was number one.

Bruk

Zade and Logan's steps stopped instantly. Logan widened his eyes and lips, looking in disbelief at the girl who had fallen to the ground, right in front of them. In contrast to Zade who was staring flatly and coldly at the girl who was cleaning her dirt-soiled dress right now.

"Hey, are you okay?" Logan approached the girl, curiously.

"I'm fine. Sorry-sorry... I accidentally startled you guys." The girl muttered and immediately stood up from her fallen position, though with some difficulty, due to the pain in her legs.

For a moment, the girl raised her head and looked surprised at Zade who was looking at her with a very sharp, intimidating gaze. Zade's gaze could really make others feel goosebumps. The girl immediately averted her eyes from Zade, and went back to patting her dress.

"MEIRA!!! HURRY UP AND PREPARE THE DRINKS!!! THERE'S A GUEST COMING!!!"

There was a loud shout that instantly rang out from inside the pack, startling the girl there. And without saying anything else, Meira ran straight into the pack with her shuffling feet.

"Who's that girl?" Zade asked without taking his eyes off Meira's back who had moved away, and into the pack.

"As far as I know, she is Alpha Liam's first child. She has a sister named Samara, a stepsister." Logan explained briefly. Zade replied with a nod.

After that, Zade walked first and left leaving Logan still wondering in his mind right now. "Wait, Alpha." Logan ran and caught up with Zade who kept walking. "Is... that thing you're looking for? Her? That girl?"

"Cut the crap, Logan. We're not talking about that here." Zade replied in his flat voice. "We're in someone else's pack anyway, and there might be other people listening to what we're talking about."

Logan finally fell silent and obeyed what Zade had just said, even though he felt like teasing Zade, his Alpha and best friend. Logan gave a small glance at Zade who was silent with a stiff expression on his face, but Logan could see how Zade looked secretly nervous now. Logan couldn't help the smile on his face, and started to get closer to Zade there.

"Really? Not because you're worried about other people interfering with your plans?"

Zade immediately stopped walking, and looked at Logan, with a frown on his forehead. "What do you mean?"

Logan smiled broadly. He had managed to bait Zade with the words he had just said.

"Of course. Earlier, when that girl fell right in front of us, you didn't even give the slightest reaction. Then when she moved away, you looked very nervous."

"I wasn't nervous, Logan." Zade immediately averted his eyes, and continued his footsteps there. Logan followed suit, with a small smirk on his lips.

"Who's on edge anyway. I'm not anxious. I'm fine. And I'm normal." Zade muttered, with a deep frown on his forehead now. Zade quickened his pace towards the pack door.

"It's alright. You're not nervous. Besides, if you think about it, who would want a girl who likes to climb trees like that." Logan's words were meant to demonize Meira who had fallen out of the tree earlier.

"Shut up." Muttered Zade who immediately accelerated his footsteps again, and entered the pack first. Logan chuckled, and paused in front of the pack door, while waiting for the order Zade would give, if only Zade's business with Alpha Liam was over later.

Time passed, and Logan entered the pack, a little surprised, when Zade ordered him to carry Meira's bag and suitcase. But he did his job, carrying Meira's bags and suitcases out and putting them in the trunk of the car. Logan smiled faintly, and tried to hide it.

"What a bargain. Zade... Zade... you're still the same as when we were kids." Logan muttered while slightly shaking his head in a vague gesture.

After that, Zade and Meira arrived and got into the car. Logan drove the car at a moderate speed, eavesdropping on the conversation Zade and Meira were having behind him. Inwardly, Logan was amused and annoyed by the cold, flat attitude Zade continued to show Meira. After all, Logan was Zade's best friend, and of course, Logan knew enough about Zade's attitude. In a faint movement, Logan shook his head, and tried to keep a smile on his face, until they reached the pack.

"Of course I remember." Logan said back to Zade, after recalling what had happened in The Moon Rose Pack earlier.

"But I still can't figure out what exactly was the main purpose of you bringing that girl into this pack. And what did you and Alpha Liam say earlier? Mmm... that the girl went with you as..."

"Collateral." Zade interrupted.

"Yeah. How could you do that, Zade?" Logan looked confused at Zade who was silent and contemplating now.

"Even if you cooperate with a pack that is much weaker than that pack, you never ask for a guarantee in the form of a girl. Moreover, she's still Alpha Liam's biological daughter."

"You'll find out about it later. I can't say anything to you about it right now. But this is very important. Even more important." Murmured Zade who began to bow his head.

"Better, you go and get some rest. I have to take care of some things inside my office right now." After saying that, Zade walked away leaving Logan gaping at the scene.

But, what else could it be, Logan would never be able to refuse the wishes and orders given by Zade, as a friend and also his Alpha now. So after that, Logan immediately walked out of the pack, and continued his work, along with the other warriors.

As for Zade, he walked slowly to get into his study, and did not forget to lock the door, so that no one else could disturb Zade while in his study. Zade then walked closer to one of the large bookshelves in the room, and began to pick up a folded paper that was located right among the books there.

Zade paused for a moment as he looked at the dusty, and age-worn, folded paper right above his hand. Before finally, Zade walked over to his chair, and sat down. He unfolded the paper, and read the letter silently. It didn't take long before Zade folded the paper again and leaned back on the chair, letting out his breath slowly.

"Now it's all over. I've managed to fulfill my promise to you guys." Zade murmured as he closed his eyelids tightly, then draped his right arm over his face as he did so.

"I've managed to find her and bring her into this pack now." He continued.

"Finally, I actually managed to find her, after all these years of trying." Zade muttered once again.

Before finally, Zade began to lower his right arm, and opened both of his eyelids that were visibly reddened there. His eyes were red, not because of the tears he was holding back, but his reddened eyes signaled a long-held determination that had finally been fulfilled within Zade.

"Now, you have nothing to worry about. Because, after years of effort, I have finally been able to fulfill my vow. I have fulfilled my vow to you." Zade sat up straight, and looked back at the letter with a look that was difficult to understand.

"Now, you can rest in peace, father, mother... I'll do what needs to be done."

MEIRA POV

I sat quietly on the bed, after the omega left and let me organize my things into the closet. Now, all I could think about was my next life, after living in this pack. And perhaps, I will not have enough opportunities to be able to leave and detach myself from this pack. And again, I don't have enough strength to be able to do all those things on my own. Moreover, I was quite self-conscious, that I wasn't a good enough werewolf to put up a fight. Especially against an Alpha tyrant like that man, Zade Emerson.

Almost everyone knew who Zade Emerson was, but it was rare for them to meet the Alpha tyrant in person. I, myself, met him for the first time. And, I'm really sorry for that. Because that first meeting ended up in this Moon Gold Pack of his right now. Can I turn back the time? So that neither I nor that man could ever meet like now. I guess, that will never be possible.

Right now, I was in the room that Zade had prepared for me. I don't know what is the basis of my being in his pack right now. And I myself, also don't know what Zade is planning to do to me now. Then my existence in this pack, for what? I couldn't even stop to think about the same thing, for quite a long time. I sighed slowly, and began to cast my gaze in all directions in this room right now.

There wasn't much to see. There was only a bed, complete with pillow, bolster, and blanket, then the other thing was a sizable wardrobe, a small table beside the bed, complete with a small sleeping lamp. A pretty comfortable room actually. I could even say that the room Zade gave me was much more comfortable, and also much better, compared to the room I had before in my own pack. Thinking back to what happened in my pack before, I still really felt hurt by what my father had said to me. I shouldn't have to ask why you hated me, because deep down inside, I knew that the things you would say would only hurt my feelings more. And it did.

I raised my right hand and gently rubbed my forehead as I sighed. It was exhausting to feel and think about right now. "Do you like the room?" That voice instantly made me tiptoe off the bed, and look right at the open door of the room there. It revealed the arrival of Zade who was standing quietly, with his palms stuffed into his pants pockets. He looked at me flatly. I could barely read his expression.

"You're here? Since when?" I muttered. Because I didn't even realize when Zade came into this room before. And for some reason, I was standing very nervously right now. Supposedly, I should dare to look at him again.

"Hmm..." For a moment, he chuckled faintly, with the corners of his lips raised there. Until, Zade started to walk further into this room, and made me even more nervous, so I immediately tried to take my eyes off him now. So that I don't have to look at Zade.

"Looks like I was right. That you really like this room." He muttered once again.

Zade stopped walking and stood right in front of me. Only one step away. I still averted my eyes, and unconsciously clenched my palms together, to try to reduce the nervousness I could still feel.

"Don't mince words with me." I started to work up the courage to say something, even if it was mumbled.

"Why? What if I want to have a quick chat with you?"

Hearing the casual answer given by Zade, really made me feel out of my mind. How could he be that casual? I raised my head, and started looking at Zade who no longer raised the corners of his lips like before. He just looked at me with his curious eyes. And I felt a little annoyed.

"Why? Are you still asking me why?" I really couldn't figure it out. And Zade responded to my words with his head nodding slowly.

"In any case, you shouldn't be making small talk with me. You're an Alpha of a very powerful pack. And I'm just a girl, a daughter of a weak pack." I unconsciously pointed at myself in front of him.

"You asked me from my father before, didn't you? That I'm just a guarantee of cooperation that you and my father have, right? So, you should treat me like a collateral for the cooperation you have."

"Treat you as my collateral?"

Why does he keep asking? I nodded my head quickly. "Yes! Isn't that what you want? I'm here, as a guarantee. So treat me as whatever you want."

Unexpectedly, Zade's movement towards me became much faster. Zade moved closer to me, then grabbed my waist very tightly with his left hand, and threw my body onto the bed. The same thing happened with him on top of me. My breathing was very labored now. I didn't expect Zade to move suddenly like that. Both my hands held his chest, so that he wouldn't get too close to me now.

"Is this what you mean by treating you as my guarantee?"

Both my eyes were moving very restlessly. This feels quite scary. Or I should say, very scary actually. I've never been this close to any man. Not even once. And Zade, he was even still asking after throwing my body abruptly onto the mattress, and was in a very uncomfortable and unsafe position for myself right now.

"No... I didn't..." Gosh, why can't I speak properly.

Zade was still looking at me with a very cold gaze. It was as if that cold, flat look that he was currently giving me, penetrated into my body. And made my whole body feel tingly right now. I froze, and tried to gather courage. But Zade's next action towards me really instantly made my heart beat faster now. Zade's left hand that was still tightly wrapped around my waist, but his right hand started to move closer to my neck, then rubbed it, and stayed in that position.

Zade's face was getting closer, with the rush of his breathing that I could even begin to feel clearly. My breathing felt very labored, and I struggled to breathe easily. I could feel my face starting to turn pale now.

"Please... just, let me go." I had no other choice, but to lower my ego and frustration.

"But you asked for this, didn't you?" Zade muttered again. I thought, he must be challenging the ego that I had shown to him earlier.

I shook my head slowly. "No... please, let me go."

I mumbled again, and hoped that Zade would really let go of me and walk away. But Zade just fell silent, and looked straight at me. I was in alert mode. I wondered what he would do to me later, if I let my guard down. I didn't. I wasn't going to let him do anything to me.

"Are you scared?" He suddenly asked. And I could feel that his face was getting closer to mine now.

"I... I-I..." I stuttered again, and couldn't speak clearly once more.

Zade brought his face even closer to mine. "Are you scared of me?"

"Yeah... y-yes... I... I'm scared... you're a bit creepy up close." I mumbled in the end, and closed my eyelids very tightly now. I really hoped that the tightness I was feeling now would stop. But, in the next second, I began to feel that Zade was slowly removing his hands from my body. Then Zade slowly moved away from my body now. I paused for a moment, and took a deep breath.

I opened my eyelids in a hasty motion, and immediately turned my head and looked at Zade who was sitting on this bed, with his back to me. Quickly, I sat down on the bed, but stayed behind him.

"I think I need to set something straight with you." Zade muttered and started to reverse his sitting position, so that we were facing each other.

"You, are not a guarantee of cooperation between my pack, and your father's pack."

"What do you mean?" I furrowed my forehead quite deeply.

"Didn't you say it yourself earlier, that... you asked for me as collateral for the cooperation that your pack and my father's pack have. That's why you brought me to your pack. Because... I was collateral. Then why did you say I wasn't collateral?"

"That's something I need to explain to you, Meira." Zade started looking at me with a serious look now.

"What? You're making me unable to understand anything." I muttered.

"I didn't mean to make you collateral for the cooperation I have. It's just that, it was the only way I could think of in the short time before. If not, then you will never be able to escape your father."

"But what do all the things I experienced inside my pack, together with my father, and my step sister, have to do with you?" I shook my head slowly. Still not fully understanding Zade's intentions and direction.

"What do I have to do with your interests? And why me?"

"There is." Zade deepened his gaze on me. And I could see the seriousness in his eyes right there.

"And even so, you yourself might not easily believe let alone understand the things I tell you. But yes, you are very important to me, Meira."

"Then, if I ask, will you be willing to give me the answer?" I challenged him. I thought, I really need that answer now.

"That depends." Zade softened his gaze, and began to lift the corners of his lips there slightly. "It depends on what you want to ask me."

I paused for a moment and swallowed my saliva slowly. It felt very strange to be face-to-face with the Alpha tyrant who was always told to be the most dangerous figure, for lower-level packs, like my pack. Especially with the position where I was in his pack now. Things that absolutely cannot be considered favorable at all. But, at the very least, I should try, and make a little effort to find out what he really wants from me now.

"If, I'm not the guarantee of cooperation that you and my father have... then why should I be in your pack? And what do you really want from me?"

"You. I want you." Zade's answer I never expected at all. What did he mean by that now? That sentence could have a different meaning.

"Tell me clearly. Make me understand this situation. Don't confuse me. Please." I looked at Zade pleadingly.

"You are my cure, Meira Hill. You are the cure for this pack."

Wait. Is that possible? The meaning of Zade's words could only mean one thing.

"Cure? Do you think I am your mate, Zade Emerson?"

"Yes. You are my mate, Meira Hill. Don't you feel the same way I do?"

ZADE POV

I paused and observed Meira's facial expression in front of me now. Meira was silent with an expression on her face that held back her laughter. What was so funny about what I had just said to her? I was getting more and more clueless, when Meira started to chuckle there. The frown on my forehead deepened, and unconsciously, I looked at Meira curiously. Why was she laughing at my words earlier?

"Why are you laughing, Meira? What's so funny about what I said?"

"No-no... hahah... I mean... hmm.." Meira seemed to be having trouble holding back her laughter.

I knew that I was probably already mesmerized by her. Although I myself also find it quite difficult to admit that. Meira began to cover her mouth with the palm of her right hand, and breathed out slowly. I continued to observe her.

"I just can't believe what you just said." Meira averted her eyes, and looked at me with her face flushed there. "That I am your mate, your cure... I can't believe it at all."

"But why? Why can't you believe what I'm saying, that you are my mate, Meira? Is it so hard to believe that?"

Meira nodded her head quickly. "Very. Very difficult." Meira shifted her sitting position, until we were much closer than before. "I can't believe that I'm the mate of an Alpha tyrant like you."

"Alpha tyrant?" My face twisted.

Was it possible that Meira couldn't believe that we were mates, because she knew about the atrocities I had committed while leading this pack? Did she also know that I had always been able to win battles in ways that were too cruel to imagine?

"Yes. You are the Alpha tyrant, and everyone knows how great and cruel you are. But that's not the main reason I don't trust you."

"Then what? Tell me." I felt uneasy instantly. It felt very claustrophobic.

"I can't feel if you're my mate, Zade Emerson."

"What?" How could that be possible? How could Meira not feel what I felt, the first time the two of us met before?

Meira nodded with her lips thinning. She looked nervous, and it was obvious for me to see now. "I never shifted with my wolf soul. I bet you know about it though. With what my father has said before. That I am a different werewolf, and I can never shift."

"But, that doesn't seem possible, Meira." I couldn't believe it. "I thought that what your father said was just a hoax."

"I know, but it's not just any old b*llsh*t, Zade. At the beginning, everyone, including myself also thought about the same thing. That all werewolves must be able to shift with their wolf souls. But not me."

Meira sighed, and I could see how difficult it was for her to explain that back to me now. "I'm completely different. I can't do shifts with my wolf soul. I can't smell the scent of someone who is my mate."

I was silent with bitterness that felt very much on my own tongue now. It was very difficult to hear Meira's explanation. "And if, what you said before is true. Then I'll say it even more clearly, Zade. I cannot smell the scent of your body, as my mate. I cannot do that."

"So, that is the reason why you laughed, after hearing what I said earlier?" And Meira nodded her head slowly.

"That's right. Because it was so hard to believe. That I met my mate, in this condition." Meira lowered her head slightly. Her face looked flushed. She was either embarrassed or holding back tears.

"Is that the main reason for the behavior of your father, your stepsister, and everyone else in your pack?" I rubbed my face roughly. Feeling a little frustrated with the fact that I had just heard that detail now.

"Yes. They started treating me differently, after finding out that I was nothing more than a weak werewolf. That's why, father treated me differently from Samara. He was ashamed of having such a weak, useless daughter. I was supposed to be his first daughter, and would be the heir to the pack one day."

Meira was silent for a moment, and let out her breath slowly for the umpteenth time. "But in the end, father decided that Samara should be the pack heir, and I should live as an omega, in my own pack." Meira gave a small chuckle.

She was trying to hide the sadness and pain she was feeling right now. And my heart broke seeing that. I unconsciously clenched my palms together tightly. It felt very difficult. I knew that I shouldn't touch Meira. And I knew that I couldn't do that. Not now.

"That's why, I can't believe a word you say, Zade." Meira raised her head and looked at me with tears in her eyes. She tried very hard to keep the tears from falling from her eyes.

"And again, you are much more deserving of a mate who is equal to you. You deserve someone who is far more worthy of being with you. And it's not me, Zade. Not me."

"Don't say that."

Please, Meira. Don't. Don't say something that could make me not hold back. You don't know who I am yet. And I don't want you to be scared or even hate me. I wouldn't be able to handle that.

"I just want you to know that, Zade. For the rest, I'll accept whatever decision you give me. I won't resist. I will obey. Until the day you decide on an answer, just tell me. But let me, give my devotion to you and this pack."

"You're not going anywhere."

D*mn it. I couldn't hold myself back anymore. I immediately got up from the bed, and turned my body around, turning my back to Meira there. I couldn't. I couldn't hold back my emotional turmoil anymore right now.

"I have decided that you will never leave this pack. I will never allow you to leave this pack. You belong to me, Meira. You belong here."

After saying that, I walked away from Meira's room. Even though Meira had called my name several times, I still ignored her. I couldn't. I didn't want her to know who I really was. I might never be able to bear it if one day, my mate looked at me with fear, and maybe even hatred. I don't want that. No, I don't.

***

MEIRA POV

After Zade's departure from this room, I felt a little empty. Because Zade left in an angry state. I thought that Zade was holding back his anger over all the things I had said to him. I didn't even realize that the way I conveyed and also told all those things, could provoke his anger. I should have kept in mind that Zade was the Alpha tyrant. He could get angry and behave cruelly at any time. And Zade was trying to hold himself back from me.

Besides, Zade had already given me his decision. That he would never let me leave this pack. And automatically, that also meant that I could never go and leave him. As his mate. But somehow I managed to survive in this pack afterward. There are many people in this pack, and besides that, this pack also has relationships and good relations with various other packs.

How would they all react if they knew that I was Zade's mate? How will they react when they find out that Zade's mate is a weak werewolf, or even the weakest among the many werewolves? What about Zade's reputation that might be ruined by me being around him? And what will I do if I have to get insults and condescending looks once again from others?

I've lived with the disdain of my own family for years. Then how could I stand to be much stronger, if other people I didn't know would look at me the same way? I'll never have that much strength to keep going. I won't be able to. All those thoughts were crowded inside my mind right now. Especially with Zade's traits. I didn't even know what traits he had, other than being an Alpha tyrant. And what would I do next in this pack?

"Miss?"

The call instantly made me turn my head toward the open door of the room. The Omega who had previously helped me carry my suitcase and bag was standing at the door now. Hastily, I got up from the bed, and displayed a small smile.

"Yes?"

The Omega walked over, and I just realized that he was carrying a tray of food and drinks. "Alpha asked me to deliver the food and drinks to you. I apologize for only being able to deliver them to you now." She said as she placed the tray on the table beside the bed.

"Um... no. No problem. Besides, I feel like I'm inconveniencing you and your other friends. Thank you very much, for delivering the food for me."

"You're welcome Miss." The Omega smiled and nodded his head slowly.

"By the way Miss, Alpha said that you can rest now. Also, if you need anything, you can call me directly. Then I will definitely help you later."

I nodded my head slowly. "Sure. Um, let me introduce my name is Meira. Meira Hill." I extended my right hand, and she hesitantly took my hand.

"My name is Vita, Miss." Our handshakes stopped immediately after that.

"All right, Miss. I have to go back to continue my work. If you need anything, you can come to the kitchen, and find me there. I will be ready to do whatever you tell me to do."

"Sure, I'll do it then. Thank you."

After that, Vita left the room and did not forget to close the door again. I paused for a moment, and started looking at the meal that looked like it was still warm there. Ordering someone to tell me what I want? That's not even something I've ever done before. And I myself am also completely unaccustomed to all those things. Being served so well, and also getting respect from others. I slowly sat down on the bed, and began to enjoy the food that Vita had prepared with relish.

I thought, I just need to wait for what Zade will say next. I felt very sure that Zade must still have many things he wanted to say to me after this. Besides, if Zade really wants me to stay here, then at least, I should be able to learn to blend in a bit with everyone in this pack. At least, make a friend or two. So that I wouldn't be too lonely.

Thinking about it again, there seemed to be something quite strange about Zade's reaction. He seemed to be keeping something secret. Is it possible that Zade has a big secret and is afraid of me finding out?