Aria's POV 

"Yes, I'd love to", I say, breaking the silence. 

I'd love to give this a chance, that's the least I can do. I won't let my fears rear their head back again and ruin my second chance at love.

He let out a sigh in relief, "I thought you would decline my offer, this means a whole lot to me. I'd love to know everything about you", he says, "Your dress is in your room, be ready by eight, Kitten."

"Okay, I look forward to it, Alpha", I muttered with inflamed cheeks.

His eyes darken at my words, "Do well to behave, Kitten." His lips stretch out in a smile, "I love it when you call me, Alpha."

"Jeez I'm leaving now", I answer, "You're making me feel all shy."

I wiggle out of his loving arms, rushing out of his office. His loud laughter can be heard down the hallway. 

Unfortunately for me I have a horrible sense of direction. The hallway feels like it is closing in on me, I wish I hadn't rushed out of Kael's office. My pack is yet to be officially joined with the Cantara Pack. 

"Are you lost, scum", a harsh feminine voice pulled me from my thoughts. 

I raise my head in question towards the familiar voice. Jessica is standing right in front of me, with folded arms leaning against the wall. A hateful gaze directed at me.

"Are you following me?" I ask in question, guarding the expression on my face.

"You're not worth my time", she answers with spite.

I roll my eyes at her antics, "Okay, what is it you want this time?" I say, "You're wasting my precious time."

"You feel so smug thinking you have won", Jessica says in my face. "Watch your back cause, Kael is mine."

"It's Alpha Kael to you, remember?" I gloat.

Her eyes switched to an orange hue, her wolf surfacing fighting from dominance. She takes a step inching close to me, "You'd wish you never said that, Runt", she growls out. 

Her eyes were glazed over for a short-time, it seems as if she is speaking to someone through the mindlink, "Enjoy your date", she finishes with a smirk.

How did she know that we are having a date? Someone is bipolar it seems. Well, her problem, I'd love to see the dress Kael picked out for me. I can't wait to impress my mate, blushing at the thought.

I follow Jessica's sweet perfume, and find myself in the familiar parts of the hallway leading to my room. I opened the door to my room but something wasn't right, someone had entered my room.

I took a deep whiff of the scent but it didn't seem familiar. I know Martha was here but her scent was really faint, I'll figure it all out later.

My eyes scan the room in suspicion to find anything amiss, and there it was lying on my bed. Tears pricked at my eyes, in hurt and disbelief. 

"Ari, are you alright?" Martha's voice resounds behind me.

I spare her a quick glance, pushing myself forward. I kneel beside my bed picking up the beautiful dress and heels delivered to my room now in shreds.

A sharp gasp fills the room. "That two-faced mutt", Martha says with her eyes darkening in fury. We both know who did this without any spoken words. She spins abruptly, heading towards the door.

"It's fine, right now I just need to find a dress for my date, I'll deal with this later." I answer, wrapping my hands firmly around her arms to prevent her from doing anything rash.

"I have the perfect dress and fitting shoes for you", she says, giving me a reassuring smile. 

"Really? But you're a size smaller than I am, right?" I say utterly discouraged. It was already almost time for my date and I had nothing fitting for it.

"Well, my Dad got me a gift for my last birthday but it never really fit since it's a size bigger than I am."

A subtle sigh of relief escapes my lips, my demeanour brightens almost immediately.

"Well what are you standing there for, let's go!" I move swiftly past her, heading towards her room. 

Our feet thud loudly as we hasten to catch up with time. We slip into Martha's room, completely disorganised and in disarray. 

"Oops, I'm so sorry it's just so stressful to tidy things out with my numerous clothes", She says, batting her lashes at me innocently. 

"That's what you said the last fifty times, idiot", I say bursting into a fit of giggles. She joined me in as we relished in the moment.

She walks into her closet and steps out with a beautiful red dress and stilettos. She throws them towards me, points towards the bathroom. "Go wash off, so I can work my magic."

***

I stare at my luscious curves in the mirror. The shade of my dress compliments my tan skin. 

A sharp whistle distracts me, "You look ethereal, too beautiful to put into words." Martha compliments.

Red hue quickly fills my cheeks, "Are you sure he'd love this?" I shyly take out hair from my face.

"Of course he will, just you wait", she says. "I love you bestie, don't forget chin up and eyes high and proud."

I hug her tightly. "Most importantly have fun", she finishes as she pushes me out of the door. 

The scent of my mate quickly fills my nostrils, I peer beneath my lashes and see him staring with so much intensity. This makes my knees weak, no one has ever made me feel so cherished. He's staring at me as if I mean the world to him, his eyes though guarded say it all.

"You look rather dashing", I mention with so much confidence though my palms were so sweaty.

He clears his throat, "Thank you, Kitten, you look extremely beautiful, I can't put it into words."

"Thank you, Alpha", I tease him lightly, taking his outstretched arm.

"Keep pushing it, Kitten", he says with so much conviction, "Hopefully, you don't regret your actions, because my resolve is slowly breaking to pieces especially after seeing you in that dress."

"It'll be a short drive to our destination", Kael mentions making small talk.

We slowly steer towards the front door, I caught a whiff of Alpha Omari,  or better still the dead beat that rejected me, thinking I was unworthy. I am so grateful that he did reject me, now I have a second chance with a stronger mate that is beautiful inside out. I school my emotions incase of any altercation.

"Good evening, Alpha Kael", Omari mentions with a scowl on his face.

My mate raises his brows in question, "Good evening, Alpha Omari", he answers. 

"You seem to be on your way out", Omari asks Kael, though his eyes are fixated on me. I return his gesture with a condescending look. 

A possessive growl pushes past my mate's lips as he pushes me completely behind him. He then wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me alongside him until we get to a black sleek car.

His arm pulls the car door open, and I take a seat. He then walks swiftly towards his side, opens the door, steps in and we drive off.

I get comfortable in his leather seats. I've never been in a car before, moreso an expensive one like this. He then places his large palm on my thigh drawing random patterns. 

"Are you okay?" I ask due to the silence that fills the car.

He then gives me a long gaze, "Is there something going on that I should know?" His voice is calm but his eyes say a completely different story. He was pissed, that was obvious 

"There's nothing going on between us, if that's what you're asking", I say defensively, pushing his arms away.

He releases a sigh, "I'm sorry if I pissed you off, I just detest the way he was staring at you like he wanted every ounce of you." 

I still didn't look at him, staring out the window as if it was so interesting. 

"I'm sorry for ruining our date night, can we start over, mmmm?" He mutters.

"Just promised me your head wouldn't start having wild thoughts when someone behaves like that, I can't control them but I want nothing to do with them, okay?" I answer.

I may have overreacted as well, I'm yet to tell him about my rejection. I will in time, trust needs to be built though.

"I'm sorry for blowing things out of proportion", I finish with a smile.

He veers into a dark parking lot, he then kisses my fingers making me blush hard. We get out of the car and head towards the fine dining.

"I wanted something simple, decent but elegant so you'd be comfortable", he mutters as our feet hit the tarred road. "Let's see if you'd like it."

He pushes the twin doors open and we walk into the nice diner, taking our seats. It is so tranquil and homely with menus spread across the tables.

A waiter walks up to us, bows in respect and takes our orders. We did small talk here and there.

"I am considering merging the packs together officially, Omari proposed the idea since your pack was destroyed and it seems you will be here a long while if not forever, what do you think?"

My eyes widen in surprise, is my mate already asking me for my opinion on matters. I'm not even Luna yet officially. 

"I think it's a beautiful idea, it will give the pack more stability and they would be able to enjoy privileges aligned with being a part of the Cantara pack", I answer with a smile pulling on my lips.

"I wouldn't lie, I only considered this for selfish reasons", he says with a smirk.

"What's that?" 

"I'll have you by my side forever, no questions asked", he replies as if he won a lottery. 

"Speaking of forever, can I join pack training tomorrow?"

Aria's POV 

"Yes, you can join in tomorrow, Kitten", Kael says with a reassuring smile to my surprise. 

A loud squeal escapes my lips, this will be so exciting. It's my first step to cementing my claim of being his Luna. I need this really bad, the fact that no one knows about my abilities gives me an upper hand.

The waiter walks in with our order, and places it on our table.

"You won't regret this, I promise", I mutter in excitement as I dig into the food savouring the explosive bursts of spices in my mouth.

"I'd do anything to make you happy", he replies with a glint in his eyes.

We finish our dinner making small talk and head to the car. I lay my head on the window and pass out from exhaustion.

"....tten, Kitten", a faint voice echoes in my ears, someone shakes me awake. 

"Mmmmmm?" I say, rubbing my eyes to clear any sign of sleep.

"We are home, can I carry you to your room?" He asks.

"Yes please, my feet hurt from the heels", I answer with a groggy voice.

"I was only trying to be civil but you're in no shape to walk", he states picking me up gently with ease, walking towards the pack house. 

This baby treatment is making me feel like numerous butterflies are flying all over my belly. I didn't think he'd actually do it, I'm definitely not used to being treated well.

"Is she okay?" I hear Martha's sweet voice asking my mate about me.

"Shhh" He shushes her, "She's fine but sleepy."

He pushes a door open and lays me gently on the bed, kissing me softly on the forehead. I quickly fell deep asleep again. 

***

I pry my eyes open as the rays of sunlight hit me. I feel almost suffocated...

Ooops!!! I didn't change my dress yesterday, I had slept off. A soft smile appeared on my lips, he didn't undress me and that means so much I'd like to take everything slow.

"Get up, lazy bum we'll be late for training" Martha hollered right outside my door.

"Give me a minute", I answer with a loud voice.

I fling my duvet aside racing towards the bathroom in a hurry. In about ten minutes I was set for training. With my tank top, biker shorts and hair pulled in a ponytail. 

"Are you done yet?" Martha asks just in time as I pull the door open. 

"Remind me to refuse going anywhere with you, jeez", I say with a glint in my eyes.

"Whatever", she says, pulling my arm so I can catch up with her.

We walk past the hallways heading towards the back door so we can reach the training grounds faster since we're running late. We bump into someone.

"Watch where you're headed, runt", Omari's baritone voice echoes in my ears.

The years of harsh words and abuse flood my thoughts. I take in a sharp breath and freeze waiting for the hit to come but it never did.

"You'd do well to treat pack members with respect", Martha says in a firm voice standing between us.

He grits his teeth in irritation and gives her a long stare.

"And if I don't hmmmmm?" He replies, "What are you going to do about it? Filthy Omega."

"Well maybe there's nothing I can do about it", Martha utters firmly, "But there is a lot that Alpha Kael can do, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to get on his bad side."

She pulls me by the arm towards the back door. Omari snickers "It's a shame that you're so easy".

We ignore him and head to the canopy of trees between the pack house and the training grounds. She then pulls me into a bear hug as I break down completely. 

"It's okay, I'm here", Martha coos in my ears, "I didn't know your pack treated Omegas this bad."

"It's a...always been like that, I t...thought I was over it but..", Fat tears flow freely down my cheeks and my shoulders shakes uncontrollably. No other words come out. I am careful not to mention the matter of my rejection. 

"It is okay, we'll talk when you feel better, okay?"

Martha is silent for a short while and her eyes glaze over for some moments then she stares at me with a smile.

Her back suddenly goes stiff, my mate's deep, soothing voice fills my ears.

"What's wrong, Kitten, I felt a strain on the bond" Kael mentions sounding worried.

"I'll be at the training grounds, Ari, love you", Martha says with a soothing voice, letting go of my arms and heading towards the training grounds.

"Tell me what made you cry, Aria, I will fix it", Kael says soothingly. 

"Old memories, Kael, I've had my own fair share of pain", I mutter, not saying the whole truth.

"Do you mind telling me exactly what made you remember", Kael pulls me by the waist close to him, wiping the tears from my eyes.

"I think I'm just overwhelmed, so many things are happening at the same time, especially anytime I see the members of my pack that used to treat me like an outcast", I mutter staring at the grassy forest floor so he wouldn't catch up with my white lie.

A guttural sound escapes his lips, I stare at his dark eyes in shock. It seems like his wolf is finally out.

"Hmmmmmm, I'll fix everything soon, mate", he says with an unusually deep authoritative voice, cuddling me close.

"How will you do that, I'm fine, promise", I say a little too fast, giving his thick arms a firm grip.

I hope Martha didn't tell him exactly what happened earlier. In a moment I get lost in his eyes as his fingers graze my lips repeatedly then he pulls back abruptly.

"The things you do to me, mate, but I know you're far from ready and this isn't the right time", He says.

"I have an important announcement to make, it's a surprise though", he finishes with a smile.

He sits on the ground and pulls me between his thighs against his body. We stay in comfortable silence listening to the morning birds chirping noisily high up in the trees.

"It's about time for breakfast I'm guessing, would you like to join me?" I ask with a faint smile after a while.

"Sure, you know I'd never say no to you, Kitten."

We head back to the pack house, hand in hand. Loud noise and boisterous laughter filled the air, they must be done with training.

As we step into the house, the noise ceases completely. Most of his pack members stare at us with curiosity but my pack stare with disgust.

Well sucks to be them, they all made my life a living hell in Blood Moon, so I will bask in their displeasure. I'm pretty certain they think I'm unworthy to be next to him even as a mistress. I laugh out loud in my head as we walk to the head of the table.

"Have a sit, Kitten", Kael whispers in my ears.

I blush at his actions and shyly take a seat. My ears peer around in search of Martha.

"I'd like to make an announcement", Kael's deep loud voice vibrates across the large kitchen, distracting me from my search. 

"The members of the Blood Moon pack will now be officially joining the Cantara Pack later tonight."

Alpha Kael's POV 

Aria has no idea that Maria told me about the altercation with Omari. I never liked the way he treated Omegas in his pack as filth. 

I need to get his filthy claws far from my mate.

"That would be all," I say. The piercing silence is replaced with a chorus of "Yes Alpha."

"Meet me in my office after breakfast," I mindlink my Beta, Aldin.

"Yes, Alpha," He replies. His usual playful demeanour is replaced by a serious one. He knows when I mean business and is an extremely efficient Beta, though I won't tell him that to his face.

"Can I see you later, Babe," Jessica's high pitched voice fills my mind. 

"No, and if you value your position in the pack you will keep your distance."

Thankfully, I am able to enjoy the rest of my breakfast in peace.

***

A loud knock distracts me from the stack of papers I am working on, on my office table. 

"Come in." I say in response and my Beta pushes the door strolling in as if he owns the place. 

"You asked me to come, Alpha, is anything wrong?" He gives me a curious gaze.

"Yes, I'd like you to keep an eye on Omari, he seems to be bullying pack members." Aldin's eyes widen in shock, "His entire presence irks me," I finish.

"You've never been a huge fan of his since when we were kids," Aldin finally says. "He gives me the creeps, like there's something wrong about him."

"Same old friend, please do me this favour, the safety of my mate is at stake here," I say my voice laced with worry.

"Yes, Alpha," he then gives me an intense gaze, "What's your take on the Luna Trials?"

"It'll hold in a month's time, I wish there was a way around it but this is needed," I answer. 

"She has done something to you," Aldin says. "You were never like this, not even with Margaret."

To my surprise my wolf Alec, who has barely said much since Margaret's death, grunts in response. "I've never felt this sort of strong bond with our first mate," Alec states at the back of my mind, "I can even feel her emotions, though we are yet to mark her." He then goes silent.

"Is that Alec?" My Beta asks.

"Yes, it is" 

"What a pleasant surprise, anyways don't you think announcing her officially as your Luna will protect her within the pack at least."

"I thought about that but I need to place certain things in order, so that it wouldn't backfire especially now that the rogues are gaining ground in most packs." I say.

"Alright that's okay, I'll do as you've said but keep in mind that Jessica is spreading rumors that is creating a bad reputation for your mate."

"I'll do something about it, how are the preparations for tonight?" I ask with a curious gaze. 

A smile plays on his lips, "You know how our she-wolves enjoy events, so far they've been running everything smoothly."

I release a chuckle, "Well, that'll be all then."

"Have fun, princess," he teases, getting up and walking out. My eyes go back to the paperwork in front of me.

"Alpha Omari, are you here to see the Alpha?" Aldin's once teasing tone turns cold.

"Yes," Omari answers in a clipped tone.

Aldin assesses him for a while then asks though the mindlink, "Should I let him in, Alpha?"

"Yes."

"You know I'll gladly get rid of him," He says in a dark tone.

"Let him in, Aldin."

He gives him one last look before stepping aside so he can come through. Aldin then shuts the door but I can still feel his presence close, he hasn't left yet.

Omari reaches my desk, "Have a seat." He then plops on the chair in front of me.

"How may I help you, Alpha?" I ask with a stern voice.

"I didn't think you would agree to my opinion on merging the packs, you were not too keen to accept."

A scowl appears on my face, how dare he!!!

"So what's your point, Omari?" I say dropping any form of courtesy. 

"Is it because of your latest side piece, Aria?" He taunts, "I never thought you would stoop so low and sleep with a low-life......

My canines and snout protrude almost instantly and my fingers and nails elongate in seconds. My fingers wrap tightly around his throat, slamming his back against the wall repeatedly. My eyes are seeing red, no one dares to insult my mate. I have been patient enough with this low life.

"You will respect her, I never want to hear her name come out from your filthy mouth, else you'll lose your head," Alec speaks with a deep, authoritative voice. Rage pulses in my veins. 

His attempts to pull me off are futile, he is strong even for an Alpha. But, I'm a Lycan from one of the original bloodlines, he doesn't stand a chance. 

The door bursts open and I sense my Beta behind me.

"Alpha, he's not worth it," he mutters soothingly, aiming to calm me down.

I let out a grunt and apply more pressure, no one disrespects my mate.

"Please, Kael, Aria won't like to see you like this."

I freeze completely, taking back a bit of control from Alec.

"You called her here?" I ask in annoyance, still partially shifted. 

"Kael, what's wrong are you okay?" My mate's ethereal voice fills my ears. She peeps into the office.

"Get him out of my sight," I ordered. I barely paid attention to him picking up the barely conscious Omari.

My eyes meet hers, I'm so certain she'll make a run for it. She always makes me feel like I'm the best thing to look at. Even now she approaches me slowly with parted lips. I'm yet to tell if it is admiration or fear.

Her fingers graze my face, the scars I have in my human form are also visible in my Lycan form.

My wolf whines at her touch, she then lets out an adorable giggle. "You're so adorable," She finishes.

Did I hear her right? I'm pretty sure I look almost feral. My eyes turn red when I'm raging.

My lips stretch in a smile, "You're the best thing that has happened to me, mate."

"I'm sorry I lost it, he was spewing nonsense."

"It's Omari we're talking about, he spews nonsense a lot." She has a glint in her eyes. "I was more worried about you when Martha said you were in trouble."

"Someone has fallen hopelessly for me," I tease with mischief. A red hue floods her cheeks. 

"I need to go now, and get ready for tonight," She says in a bid to leave. 

Her presence has calmed me down and I've shifted back to my human form. 

I wrap my arms tightly around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

"I'd like to announce you as my Luna to the pack tonight."