My body was all shaky, and my mind was blank for a second, but the sound of my phone notification brought me back to reality.

My brows furrowed while I fumbled with my bag in search of it. I was shocked when I brought out my phone from the bag.

I stared at it for some seconds, wondering how it made its way into my bag.

"Bastard, you got what you wanted," I cursed. I didn't even know when he returned the phone.

"Hold on, the screen." I can't believe he fixed the screen. I remembered the phone was broken in more places than I can count. For a second I was grateful to him for saving me some cash.

But when I recalled that the screen broke thanks to him, I quickly snapped out of it.

I opened the message that came earlier, and I was shocked to see it was from Kane.

"Speak of the devil," I whispered.

"How do you like your new job?" I read the text out loud.

I was loss for words, glancing from the phone to the promotion letter I had been holding the entire time. I hurriedly went into my supposed new office; I had no idea how to feel about the whole situation.

For a second I felt sorry for Mark, but when I remembered how he unjustly fired me, every shred of pity and guilt I felt disappeared.

I guess this is what it felt like to have friends in high places.

I sat on the chair smiling from ear to ear and swirled around happily.

"He listens," I whispered to myself. I picked up my phone to type an appreciation text but didn't know how to start. I don't want to come off like an ass-licker, but I also didn't want to be branded ungrateful either.

"This was you're doing?" I texted, pretending I didn't understand his message.

"Who did you think did it? Karma? I didn't want that pig anywhere near you; now we're even."

I didn't know what to make of it; I just wanted my old job back. He didn't have to fire Mark to give it back.

"What does he mean by being even, He can't be into me?" I whispered but immediately shoved the thought out. It sounded crazy; How could he, when he was just getting back from his exhausting night out with his slut.

I spent the whole day moving into my new office as the new supervisor. By the time I was done, it was break time.

I was already exhausted and collapsed into the chair to catch my breath.

I can't believe none of my colleagues would help me. I know I'm the freak sleep concierge, thanks to my gloved hands, but I had never imagined I would suddenly be hated.

I heard them whispering behind my back a couple of times as I came to pick up a few things, but I decided to play dumb. Besides, they are the least of my problems.

"I need the money," I chanted a few times. I mean, money is the only emotional booster I can relate to right now.

My phone chimed, the moment I saw the message on the screen, I gasped and jerked off the chair.

"No, no, no!" I screamed, picking up my bag and phone. I dashed off from the office. I ran to the unit entrance door; luckily, he wasn't there yet.

I have suffered enough gossip and backlash for one day; having him visit me at my office to congratulate me would blow things out of proportion.

"The almighty Kane Reed, never," I whispered as I hurried down the hall, hoping to catch up with him somewhere secluded and stop him. Immediately I took the next turn, down the hallway. Close to the elevator, I saw him standing by himself.

I sighed in relief and moved closer only to find someone else standing at the corner with both hands held together. I dodged, praying he didn't see me.

Mr. Reed was wearing a button-up black shirt that could barely contain his well-defined muscles and a pair of black trousers to go with it.

On a closer look, I noticed the person he was speaking with was Kris Tanner, the hotel manager, Mark's son. My heart skipped a beat.

I texted him to meet me out front, away from the prying eyes of the hotel manager and my colleagues.

He read the text and ignored me. Before I knew what was happening, he was heading towards me with the hotel manager walking behind him. I made to walk away but he caught up quickly.

"There you are," he smiled at me.

"Hi, Mr. Reed." I forced a smile and turned to Kris, who was staring at me confused.

"Mr. Tanner, good day," I greeted, praying he didn't remember me, but how could he not? I mean, I'm the reason his father was fired.

"I should introduce you. Meet my fiancée, Miss Anabella Stone." I turned almost immediately to glare at him, shocked to my bones.

"I... It's a pleasure to meet you." I was transfixed to the spot, unable to say a word. I clenched my fist, fighting the urge to punch him across his face, but that would be suicide.

"Please do take care of her," Kane said to Kris. I turned to face Kris, still faking a smile.

"We should get going, honey," Kane said to me, fondly placing a hand on my back. I wanted to yank myself away from him, but I didn't want to cause a scene.

Immediately when we were outside, I moved away from him.

"Go where? We didn't agree to go anywhere," I reminded him.

He held open the SUV door parked right in the alley.

"Get in," he ordered, his two-colored eyes shimmering. Of course, there he is, the psycho that I know.

"We didn't talk...."

"Remember the contract you signed: you go where I ask you to, no questions asked," he recited it like some poem.

"Bastard," I cursed under my breath. It was barely a few hours, and he was milking it already.

"What was the penalty fee again, two million..."

"Fine, I will get in!" Cutting him off, I quickly got into the car, cursing him internally as the driver sped off. I was in a dilemma the whole time, wondering where he was taking me. We drove for hours nonstop until I dozed off.

* * *

I was slowly gaining consciousness when flashes of memories hit me. It was Kane smiling at someone.

The loud music was deafening, but it was soon cut off, and everything was swallowed by darkness; then an image of a man lying unconscious on the bed hit me.

I shrieked, and my eyes flew open, only to be staring into his eyes.

I was startled the moment I noticed I was in his arms, he was carrying me bridal style. I jumped off his hands; that would explain the vision—his bare hands must have touched my bare legs.

He ignored me, moved close to the wardrobe, and began to unbutton his shirt. It was dark outside already. So I couldn't see much.

"Where are we?" I asked him looking around.

"My Pack"

"What? Celestial Pack?" I shrieked out wide-eyed. It was my first time visiting a pack house.

I didn't know how to react to the news.

He glanced at me before taking off his trousers.

"Ana must have filled you in." He arched his brow.

"You should rest; you will be presented to the elders tomorrow," he announced while he snuck into the sheets. And closed his eyes.

The thought of meeting the pack elders drove me crazy; I barely got a wink last night and couldn't eat more than three bites at breakfast.

I had no idea what to expect or how to even fucking behave; it kept my mind occupied the entire time.

"Here, wear this." He threw a dress at me. I caught it midair. Then glared at him.

"You should have told me," I snapped at him, damning the consequences.

He arched a brow and turned to glance at me; he chuckled and then continued with whatever he was doing.

"I should, but I didn't."

I slowly raised my hand to smack him from behind, but the images of him choking me out deterred me.

"What do I do..." Before I could finish, he quickly covered the space between us and placed both his hands on my cheeks.

"You do nothing, just hide behind me, and you will be fine." He stared into my eyes; for a second I could swear I saw something shift, something not primal, but he quickly masked it before I could put my finger to it.

My cheeks burned red and tingled; I could feel the mate bond grow stronger. Images of our mouths fused in that alley flashed before my eyes.

"What are you thinking?" His deep voice startled me, and I quickly scurried away to the corner. He chuckled and then went back to what he was doing.

"Mmmhmm" I quickly cleared my throat, placed a hand on my red cheeks, and smiled.

"Hold on, I didn't see anything." I turned abruptly to face him; he just touched my bare skin, and I didn't see any vision.

"What does it mean?" I asked myself, lost in my thoughts.

"Hurry, we shouldn't keep them waiting for long." His voice brought me back to reality.

I immediately grabbed the dress. I hated the idea of sharing a room with him, but I guess he wanted to paint a picture of us being together.

I went into the bathroom, and a few minutes later I was done. Immediately the dress touched my skin, and images of the mall where he bought it flashed before my eyes.

But something was strange; the voice I heard and the hand that took the bag from the cashier weren't his but a female voice.

I felt uncomfortable wearing it, but I didn't have much of a choice.

I stepped out of the bathroom to see him all dressed up and ready to leave; the moment he saw me, his lips curled up in a smile.

But I ignored him, backing him. I fixed my contact to mask my purple eyes, although my scalp is now itchy from the wig I had been wearing for days. I pulled my hair up in a high ponytail and was about to fold the rest of the hair when I felt someone behind me. I turned almost immediately to see him.

"Leave your hair down; I don't want anyone glaring at your neck."

"What?" confused at his words.

"We should head out; we have a long day," he said, slightly pulling out his arm for me to hold onto.

He was going to act the role to the very end, I didn't have any idea how good he was at acting; I mean, he deserves an Emmy Award.

But that was the least of my problems right now. I grabbed his arm, and without sparing me a look, he headed to the door.

The packhouse was beautiful, more beautiful than I had expected.

But something felt odd; the way they stared at us each time we walked by, like they saw something out of the ordinary, and the whispers were gradually getting on my nerves. It followed us like a haunting ghost. Before I could voice out my concern, Kane place a hand at the back of my palm.

"Don't let it get to you," he whispered into my ear. The way his breath grazed my skin sent a tickling sensation to my core. I felt my chest tighten and a hot sensation, pull up in my pussy. He was messing with me in more ways than I can count, and I hate the fact that he has that kind of effect on me.

I swallowed hard and sighed to ease the tension.

"Are you alright?" His words caught me unawares, and I had no idea how long he had observed me.

"Ye... Yeah," I stuttered.

"You look pale; are you sure?"

"Yeah, completely fine; I think it's the sun," I replied as we came to a halt in front of a door.

"Brace yourself." Two guards were standing outside the door and a six-foot man; they all bowed the moment they saw us.

He nodded in acknowledgement, and the guards opened the door while the six-foot man, whose name I later learnt was Ted, Kane's beta, followed behind us.

The room was packed, and the minute they saw us enter, everyone was silent and their gazes lingered on us.

The moment we approached them, they all stood on their feet. I was so anxious, that didn't dare make eye contact with any of them; for the love of God, my confidence was slowly slipping away.

We sat down on the throne-like chair, while Ted stood behind Kane, ready to tear anyone to shreds who dared approach him.

"Long live the alpha king!" they all chorused and sat down.

The meeting began; it was halfway into the so-called meeting that I realized that all the alphas of the seven packs were also seated in the room with us.

I became restless, wondering what would become of me, if any of them. Recognizes me as his sister. Although it doesn't make sense, I wouldn't even know I had a step siblings, if mom didn't tell me.

I was still lost in deep thought when he gently took my hand.

"I present to you, my mate, Anabella Stone," he proudly said, smiling at me. There is no backing down now. I should have thought about this before I signed that damned contract.

I smiled, and tightening my grip on his hand, I stood up.

The room was suddenly filled with whispers, and I was confused, wondering what they could be murmuring about.

But then they chorused, "Long live the Luna."

I sat back, and Ted signaled one of the guards; a few minutes later, different kind of food was wheeled in.

The tables before us were filled with different delicacies and wines.

But I wasn't hungry; I was too anxious to have an appetite. I was slowly counting the time to the end of this meeting, when someone suddenly showed up beside me.

I was shocked to see the slender lady I saw back at Kane's penthouse smiling at me. I had no idea she was a wolf, how could I miss her scent.

"Hi, I'm Olivia." she said smiling but Images of her leaning her head on Kane's body while holding his arm flashed before me.

"Hi" I faked a smile.

"I see the dress looks good on you; it sure fits you better than me."

My brows furrowed. What is she talking about, does it mean Kane borrowed the dress from his slut?

"Damnit, Kane," I cursed under my breath, turning only to find his seat empty. I turned back to her, smiling awkwardly.

"I should thank you." I tried to play nice.

"No no, I have a knack for helping the underprivileged," she smiled.

My hand tightened into a fist, and my stomach churned in disgust.

"Not here," I said internally, trying to calm my nerves.

"I can't wait for the contract to be over so you can crawl back to whatever shithole you came from."

"How did you know about the contract?" I asked with shock written all over me.

"What do you think? He tells me everything." She smiled again, turning her gaze to the corner. I followed her gaze only to find Kane speaking to someone at the corner of the room.

"Olivia! I'm sorry, if my daughter said anything to upset you, Luna," Ted apologized before dragging her away.

I was at a loss wondering what the fuck was going on,

"Her daughter? Hold on she knows" before I could try to understand, someone tapped me from behind.

"Luna, I brought you a congratulatory..."

Before he could finish, I grabbed the glass of wine and drank it.

"Thank you," I sighed, cleaning my mouth with the back of my palm. He nodded, taking the glass from me and walked away.

I was about to turn my gaze back to the bitch, but I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I ignored it, hoping it would disappear, but it didn't. The pain increased, as time progressed until I could no longer bear it and before I knew it.

I was clutching my tummy and screaming out in pain, although my vision was clouded with pain, but I saw Kane running to my side before I gave in to the darkness.

KANE'S POV

I was at a loss when I heard her scream; I turned around to see her, Anabella, in pain, clutching her stomach.

For a moment I felt my whole world crashing in on me; I shouldn't have taken my eyes off her for a second.

"Why did I leave her side?" I felt responsible.

If I brought her into my chaotic world, I should have done a better job of looking after her. The room was silent, they enjoyed my pain and fed off it. Everyone had their eyes on me, but I ignored them all.

Jerking her off the floor, I made my way out of the room; every step I took was a reminder of my failure.

Her faint breathing, a reminder of my past, and why I'm alone

"Get the doctor," I yelled out orders to Ted, who was running behind me the whole time.

I took her into the room, and the guards shut the door behind me. I laid her on my bed. Praying to the moon goddess to keep her safe.

"Anabella," I called out to her, but no response. I was scared out of my mind as her pale face stared back at me.

Ted barged in with the doctor trailing behind him.

"Save her," I ordered him. Giving him space to do his work.

I saw the fear on his face as he bowed, but he knew better than to give excuses to me.

He took off the gloves she was wearing and took her pulse. Immediately the doctor touched her, Ana let out a scream, and after a while she became quiet.

The doctor took a sniff of her mouth and turned to me.

"She ingested a great amount of wolfsbane." My breath seized the minute I heard "wolfsbane."

"How?" I murmured to myself in confusion, I banned the use of wolfsbane throughout the seven packs ever since my parents died, but how it found its way to her mouth beats me.

"It must have been slipped into her drink or food."

"You need to save her." I grabbed the doctor. Ignoring every other thing he said.

"Her condition is deteriorating. I would do my best, Your Majesty, but there is no guarantee that she would live." He explained to me, and I know he was trying to save his head.

"Save her; it's an order" was the last thing I said before I stormed off.

I couldn't remember seeing her eat anything at the meeting, but I had to figure out what she ate, who gave it to her, and who was peddling wolfsbane.

By the time I returned to the meeting venue, it was nearly empty, with only the maid packing up the remnants.

"Leave," I ordered them, and Ted, who had been trolling behind me the entire time, signaled them to leave immediately.

I sniffed every single food and drink in the room, but none of it had wolfsbane on it.

I was frustrated at this point; I was backed in a corner, with my heart in pain, and I couldn't get any closure.

I wanted to tear the culprit from limb to limb; that would give all the closure I needed right now.

"Ask around; I want to know every single person that spoke with her and who she ate with."

"Yes, your majesty,"

"Find out who's dealing wolfsbane"

"Yes, your Majesty" Ted answered and stormed off.

I sat in the room defeated, lost in my thoughts, when I suddenly heard a scream coming from outside the door. I jerked off the floor and ran outside, praying it wasn't something worse.

Immediately I pushed the door open, and didn't see anyone outside the door. I hurriedly rushed to my room, only to see the doctor on the floor, with blood trickling down his face.

"What happened?" I asked him, and I rushed over to help him to his feet.

Immediately my hand touched him; he jerked off the floor, breathing heavily, his eyes filled with fear.

"What is it? Were you attacked?" I asked him, surprised by his reaction.

"Lo...ok," he pointed his shaky finger to the air. I followed his fingers, and immediately my eyes rested on what he was pointing at; my mouth fell open.

"What that..…" I gasped, wondering how she was in the air but still unconscious.

"What happened?" I asked him, shocked to my bones.

"I... I tried flushing the poison out of her body system. I gave her an antidote, but she spat it out, and before I knew it…"

"She spat it out?" I asked, confused. I mean, aside from the fact that she screamed earlier, she had been lying down there like some log of wood. But he continued with his explanation.

"I tried giving her the antidote again, but she raised her hand, and it sent me flying in the air. Only to regain myself to see her hanging in the air."

"Did you take something while I was gone? Or are you trying to avoid treating her?"

I had to ask because he is not making any sense at all. How could Anabella raise a hand and send him flying into the air?

"I...I"

"Get her down now! do something..."

Before I could finish those words, he shrieked, and I turned around to see that the once-suspended body was now lying still on the bed.

Honestly, I was freaked out, but it wouldn't be good to let it show.

I glanced at the doctor, and he quickly got off his feet, all shaky. He went over to where she lay and took a look at her, then turned to face me.

"It's too late; the poison is in her bloodstream now. Her body has assimilated quite a large amount of it, her major organs are shutting down, he pointed at the black patches on her neck."

For a moment I was at a loss.

"She will be gone in a matter of minutes," he announced.

I had only known Anabella for a couple of days, but I couldn't shake off the pain I felt hearing that she would be dead soon. I guess we are mated after all.

This is my fate; I was destined to be alone with no one by my side. Not even my fated mate.

I was overwhelmed by guilt for not taking good care of her; I shouldn't have dragged her into my world, I should have known my place.

I was wallowing in my guilt when the doctor pronounced her dead. He walked out of the room, leaving me alone with Anabella's body.

I sat on the bed, in tears, clutching her hand.

All I could do was to beg her to forgive me for causing her death.

It was all my fucking fault, I was still in tears with my face buried in her stomach, and I heard someone sneeze.

I was furious, enraged and only seeing blood, I raised my head to tear whoever it was to shreds, but I froze at the sight before me.