CLAIRE

I've been crying myself to sleep for the past three days but then when I saw his things had worsened around the pack, I decided it was time to stop mobbing around and finally face the reality. I'm going to marry a man I've never met or know anything about. I couldn't stand and do nothing especially when there's something I can do to give people back their normal lives.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door, waiting for his permission to come into the room. I knew he had a guest there, which is why I chose this moment as an excuse to talk to him. Alpha Xavier had come in with a few of his men some minutes ago and I waited for Dad to finally introduce us but that didn't seem to be happening any time soon so I took matters into my own hands.

"Claire, what are you doing here? Hilda said you were out distributing food again, I hope there's still some left." He joked, raising to his feet as he motioned for me to come closer. "Alpha Xavier, meet my daughter Claire Fair-Moon."

He stood up, causing me to take a step back because I wasn't prepared for how tall he was. He stared at me with his hand stretched out for a handshake, something flashed across his eyes, there were the most intense green eyes I've ever seen and I found myself staring speechlessly at the handsome stranger in front of me.

As if aware of the effect he has on me, his lips quickened up and he reached for my hand instead, shaking it. I blushed at my obvious distraction, looking down at our joint hands. There's something about him, something I didn't have words for but it was causing my body to react to his, my heart raced with excitement and where we touched, I felt electrified.

"Claire..." he hummed, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Xavier..." I returned in a daze tone of voice, then someone clears their throat, startling me out whatever spell I was under. My cheeks reddened as I suddenly became aware of my father standing a few feet away from us.

He reluctantly lets go of my hand. "I personally asked my men to check out the damages done to Fair-Moon so far and it got me thinking, those attacks seem very personal." He said, lifting one perfectly arched eyebrow at Dad, like he expected him to know something.

Dad darted a glance in my direction. "Personal? I don't deal with rogues, they are nothing but filthy outcasts! If they are targeting Fair-Moon only then they're probably doing it to claim our resources or start a rebellion, but whatever their reasons are, I'm not interested. I want them to pay for what they're making my pack go through."

Alpha Xavier nodded like he understood, which he probably does being an Alpha himself. However, I couldn't keep my eyes off him maybe because he reminded me so much of someone...then it all clicked in my mind, a memory forming into a picture. He's the dark haired man from my dream! The realization made me gasp before I could help it, making them turn around to look at me.

"Miss Claire, is everything okay?" He inquired, his voice deep and filled with concern.

My heart melted right there and then. "I'm okay, thanks for asking, I'll be leaving you two now." With that, I hurried out of the door.

All of a sudden, an arranged marriage doesn't seem to be a bad idea at all. I have never felt that way about anyone before, placing a hand over my chest, I fall backward onto my bed. The reason I went to Dad's study earlier was mainly to try and talk Alpha Xavier out of the marriage option but then the minute those pair of dreamy green eyes met mine, I was lost.

Does he feel it too? I couldn't help but wonder if It was one-sided, it doesn't matter though. This wouldn't be a love marriage but now that I'm halfway in love with him already, I'll make our marriage work, I will make him fall in love with me! My thoughts were interrupted by a quick knock on the door, I almost yelled at the permission to go away, I wanted to be left alone with my day dreams right now.

"Come in."

The last person I would have been expecting stepped into my room, making my eyes go wide with surprise. With each step he takes further into the room, so did my heart beat increase at an alarming rate, can he hear it? Because it was all I could hear aside from the chirping of birds from outside my window.

"I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye." He informed me, reaching for my hand and slowly lowering his head to place a kiss at the back on my hand while holding eye-contact.

As chaste as the kiss was, I felt the tingle all the way to my feet. "That's so sweet of you, I was hoping to talk to you before you leave." I gestured towards the single couch in my bedroom for him to sit once he let go of my hand.

He nodded, settling down on the couch.

"Why do you want to marry me? I know I'm doing it for the benefit of my pack but why are you? You could have anyone you wanted, why settle for a loveless, political marriage?" I inquired, curiously.

"And what makes you think, I don't have the one I want?"

My chest squeezed painfully at his question, there's someone else in the picture for him, of course there is! I thought, feeling stupid for even hoping that things would be different with us. He's no doubt in love with someone else and probably wants this marriage for one benefit or the other.

I turned away from him, not wanting him to see how much his statement affected me. My body went rigid as he came up behind me, my breath hitch with desire. Being this close with him was making me feel all sorts of things. I closed my eyes, taking a couple of deep breaths, I twisted my side to the side to look at him.

It was then I noticed how close we were, our faces were only a few inches apart and yet I couldn't bring myself to step away despite my brain screaming at me. "You're very lucky Alpha Xavier, not everyone is destined to find the one."

"Call me Xavier..." his hand came to rest on my shoulders, using it to swiftly turn me around to face me. "You're going to be my wife after all." He added, his gaze resting briefly on my lips.

"My pack needs this alliance more than you do, I understand that and out of respect, I promise your true mate wouldn't have to worry about me. I understand..." my words were abruptly cut off as Xavier cupped my face and kissed me.

I might not have seen it coming but I welcomed it, kissing him back with the same hunger and urgency he kissed me with. All thoughts about his true mate vanished from my mind, at that moment nothing else mattered but the feel of his lips against mine.

A throaty moan escaped my lips, which seemed to drive him crazy as his pace became more demanding, making it difficult for me to keep up, not that I'm complaining because if I have my way, I'd kiss him forever. His pace became slower a few seconds before he stopped kissing me, he rested his forehead against mine, panting and trying to catch his breath, a sound I find incredibly sexy.

"Should I apologize for that? I've wanted to do that the second your father introduced us."

"No, don't. I should be the one apologizing, your mate."

"I don't have a mate Claire, I was talking about you." He admitted, brushing away the few strands of hair that had fell across my face when we were kissing. "You're so beautiful..." he rasped before stepping completely away from me, like he didn't trust himself not to kiss me.

"What?" A stunned smile threatened to split my face in half.

"That is, if you will have me. Please have me Claire." He whispered, making my heart go wild with excitement.

"Yes, I'll have you Xavier, oh I will!" I replied, my eyes glistening with undyed tears.

"It's bad luck for the groom and bride to see each other until the mating ceremony, so don't be worried if you don't see me until then, your father wants a fast ceremony...not that I'm complaining but what do you want?" He asked, lacing his fingers through mine.

The tears I've been trying to hold back, rolled down my face at his question. No one ever asked me what I wanted before including my father. "I want whatever you want Xavier, I can't wait to be yours."

"Me either." He agreed, pressing a kiss to my forehead before stepping out of the room.

Long after he was gone, I stood there still pinching myself, for it seemed like everything that happened was a dream. Fairytales do exist, in your face Hilda! I laughed at my pettiness, falling over my bed. I spent the rest of the day daydreaming about Xavier until I was pulled out of it when Hilda came to drag me out to a designer's shop for the ceremonial dress.

The ceremony happened in a week, it was a small private wedding. Just as he had told me, we didn't see each other for a week and I missed him so much. I know it's crazy when it seems like we hardly knew each other but I was ready to spend the rest of my life getting to know him.

"So...you're getting married tonight." Hilda started, adjusting my veil over my head. "Do you know what to expect on your wedding night?" I blushed at the question.

"I do have an idea but."

"Perfect! What I'm going to tell you is, since you both are not marrying for love then don't expect yourself to enjoy your wedding night or all other nights in your marriage. Try not to show any discomfort, just lay down and let him do whatever pleases him, if you're lucky he will be one of the men who finish fast." Her advice only raises more questions.

Like why did she think I won't enjoy it? Although I haven't told anyone about the kiss we shared in our bedroom a week ago, I enjoyed it more than I care to admit so why would sex be different? Before I could ask her any more questions, she was already rushing me out of the room, urging me into the courtroom where the ceremony was taking place.

Drawing a sharp breath as I caught my soon to be husband and soul-mate standing in front of the minister waiting for me, our eyes met and he winked at me from across the room. I realize then what Hilda said doesn't matter, what Xavier and I have is special...right?

.

CLAIRE

The ceremony ended over an hour ago and there still wasn't any sign of my husband, there's something so sexy about calling Xavier my husband. "Mine" I sigh dreamily, pushing away from the window to admire how beautiful I look in my ceremonial dress once again.

Another hour passed by and still no sign of Xavier, this time I was starting to get worried so I decided to look for him instead. I slipped out of our bedroom, like a teenager sneaking out to attend a college party or something.

The hallway light was dimmed with no sign of anyone, well that was until I cornered into the second hallway which led to an outside balcony and just a few feet away from where I stood, I saw my mate, except that he wasn't alone. There's a lady beside him and they both seemed engaged in a conversation, each of their fingers wrapped around a bottle of champagne.

Xavier must have said something funny because the woman threw her head back and laughed, casually dropping her hand on his shoulder. My heart clenched at the scene before me, I didn't like it one bit and I'm left to wonder what was so important that they can't postpone the conversation until tomorrow instead of opting for making me wait for two hours, wondering where he was.

There must be a logical explanation for this, I thought to myself as I made my way towards them. The lady was the first one to spot me and by then, I was already behind Xavier. Her smile vanished almost immediately, her change of mood went unnoticed by my husband because he turned around, following the direction of her gaze.

"Xavier..." I breathed, wrapping my arms around his waist. "I was so worried, I thought something happened to you." He untangled my hands from his waist, pushing me back and creating some distance between us.

Confused and feeling rejected by his action, I turned towards his companion instead. "Hi, I'm Claire, I didn't see you at the ceremony. Anyways, it's nice meeting you." I politely stretched my hand forward for a handshake.

To my dismay, she hissed, straightening up to her full height. "Let's call it a night Xavier, I'll be seeing you tomorrow." She leaned forward, placing a butterfly kiss on his right cheek before walking away.

"What was that all about?" I asked, once she was out of earshot.

"What do you want?" He demanded, both his tone of voice and expression catching me off guard. Gone were the softness in his eyes when he looked at me, now they've been shielded away and replaced by a sharp, angry, distrustful look.

"Did you hear me Xavier? I was worried about you, after the ceremony you disappeared for two hours and I came here to find you chit-chatting with some lady." I reached for his hands, pressing it against my chest. "What's wrong? Talk to me."

He snatched back his hands, like I burned them or something. "Looks like you want to spend the night here, or else you won't come looking for me when I gave you the entire room." He hissed, walking away.

I ran after him, feeling more confused by each passing seconds. He didn't stop until we reached our bedroom and I didn't stop either, I wanted answers, I wanted to know where the change of attitude came from. Something must have happened because this Xavier right here, isn't the same Xavier I knew a week ago.

"It's our wedding night! What was I supposed to do? You should have been here with me! Not some other girl! And why are you even with her? What was so important that you had to keep me waiting for two hours? I thought we meant more to each other than that."

There was a pause between us but then he threw his head back and laughed, like I said something funny. "That's where you are wrong Claire, you mean absolutely nothing to me. In fact I hate you so much I can't stand seeing your face, so if you know what's good for you, you will leave me the hell alone." He sneered, his eyes filled with so much anger that left me feeling hurt and confused.

I staggered back, he might have as well slapped me across the face. Tears rolled down my face and I angrily shook them away. "You hate me? No, Xavier...you don't hate me, I'm Claire...your Claire...that's not possible." My voice quivered as I struggled to find the right words to say.

He glared at me, leaning forward to directly stare into my face. "I hate you and your people so much Claire Fair-Moon and by the time I'm done with y'all, your world will burn with my fury." He grabbed by wrist roughly, with no amount of gentleness as he dragged me out of the room, back to the balcony.

"Xavier, please let's talk about this." I pleaded as he threw me out, despite my confusion I wanted to reach out to him, I didn't want to believe everything he's telling me, something must have happened.

Ignoring my pleas, he shut the door in my face and a few seconds later, I heard the lock fall in place. The breeze from the balcony was so strong, indicating that rain was about to fall. I knocked countlessly on the door, begging him to open the door, pleading with him to let us talk about it but it all fell on deaf ears.

The way he looks at me, speak to me breaks my heart. I didn't want to think about him hating me, how could he with the way he kissed me go, the way he winked at me from across the room tonight as I walked down the aisle towards him. The way his fangs graze my neck, right before he claims me, the gentle look in his eyes when he looks at me.

The rain started, it was as if the heavy was angry along with him and there was nothing to sheltered me from the angry downpour so I stood there hoping that my husband wouldn't have the heart to leave me out there, that he couldn't bear to see me in pain and would come running any second from now but that never happened.

It's dawn and the servants were awake. I couldn't stand or move from where I sat crawled up against the door, with my knees on my chest and my arms wrapped protectively around myself as my body shook violently from the cold. Despite him leaving him out here in the rain, a part of me still refuses to believe what was happening, Xavier would never treat me this way, it just doesn't make sense.

When the door opened, I forced myself to my feet thinking it was Xavier but to my disappointment, it was a maid. "Oh goddess! Luna, what are you doing out in the rain? Please come in." The maid said, a horrified expression on her face. "You're shaking so much, did someone accidentally lock you out?"

I looked at her, her concern making me feel worse. "I'm okay really, is Xavier awake?" I tried walking but fell back, fortunately before I could make it to the floor, the servant girl caught me midway.

"Alpha left with Miss Thalia for their early morning exercise, here...let me help you to the bedroom." I stopped protesting and let her guide me back to the master's bedroom, all the while my mind was putting two and two together.

No doubt that Thalia might be the name of the lady from last night and from the look of things, she shares a close relationship with my mate. I didn't like it, it's hurt to even think about when it should have been the both of us doing things together, instead he prefers Thalia.

Tears rolled down my face and I quickly wiped them away, not wanting the maid to see them, the last thing I wanted was to be a topic of conversation to some bored gossipy servants. I adjusted the blanket she wrapped around my body, muttering a thankful to her under my breath before I was overtaken by sneezes.

"Give me a few minutes Luna, I'll make some hot chocolate tea and hopefully see some cold medicine, you badly need it." After she left, I removed the blanket from my shoulder and left the bedroom in hopes of bumping into Xavier and his exercise partner.

I met them at the bottom floor and once again, her whole demeanor changed as soon as she saw me. Well, the feeling's mutual, I thought focusing my attention on my mate who seemed to be avoiding my gaze. The rejection stings and not knowing what I did to warrant this treatment from him hurts more.

I hurried towards him, instant regret as I collapsed on the floor, hitting my head against the marble floor. Some of the servants who witnessed the fall let out a terrifying gasp, but the best part of all is Xavier, rushing to my side and picking me up from the floor, he carried me back to our bedroom in a bridal style.

The maid arrived just in time with the cold medicine and hot chocolate. Silently, Xavier made sure I took it, his movements were silent and angry, not even looking at me once. After I finished drinking up the hot chocolate, he asked the maid to help me out of my clothes while he stood back.

While that was done, he instructed her to get me another cup of hot chocolate and then turn to leave but I couldn't let him, so I grabbed his hand, stopping him from leaving. "Xavier, please...did I do something wrong?" My voice cracked with the force of emotion coursing through my veins.

Just like before, he snatched back his hand, the action cutting me deeper than knife. "I meant every word I said to you Claire, I really do hate you, this marriage will be political and in name only, just as it was intended from the beginning." And just like that, he ripped my heart out of my chest and stormed on it...

Claire's POV

I could not feel my heart as I gazed into Xavier's cold eyes. It was as if my soul had left my body already and what is left of me is nothing but light bones and flesh.

Xavier's disdain towards me was incomprehensibly imaginary. I was in a deep contrast of doubt and trust to the warmth I had once glimpsed from who I thought was "Mine." Yet, my love and compassion for Xavier only wax stronger and stronger, like a dear who pants for the waters, refusing to be moved or staggered by his rejection and absolutely no show of affection towards her.

I was very determined to make our love and marriage work. I was ready to put out from within all it takes to be visible around Xavier. Convinced in my inner being that I could bring back the spark of affection and vulnerability that once existed between us, even though it was just for a moment we both had that affectionate experience with one another.

As I walked through the narrow corridors of Alpha's building, I could not contain my thoughts. My thoughts spin with more possibilities than the impossibilities of not being loved back by Xavier.

Perhaps, I thought, Xavier's actions towards me were just a put-up act, a shield or perhaps a wall to protect himself from the pain of our arranged marriage. Maybe, yes! Maybe I could find a solution or somehow build a bridge that could reach the heart of the man I had glimpsed, his warmth and tenderness once.

But every effort and action I had put into playing in order to get to Xavier was fruitless. All the strategy put in place by me was single-handedly pulled down by Thalia's ever-present presence.

Thaila somehow seemed to consistently burst out of nowhere, always inserting herself between Xavier and me. It was as if Thaila was gaseous and happened to exist in the atmosphere where one can't breathe without her. Somehow, Thaila seems to always be ahead of my actions in saving my love and marriage with Xavier.

I was getting frustrated and worn out, my insecurities grew daily, my jealousy was almost at its peak. Every presence of Thaila around Xavier was detrimental to me. And the more I think about it, it escalates my pain, it was like adding salt to an unhealed wound.

'Why does Thaila always have to be around?' I murmured to myself. My self-control was gradually leaving, and my patience was becoming more impatient.

As I watched Thalia chit-chat, laugh, and giggle effortlessly around Xavier, I couldn't just comprehend but question what my eyes saw. Is there more to their relationship than what I am seeing? Or was Xavier ever married to Thaila? Could it be that Xavier was hiding something?

Did he truly detest and hate me, or was there a secret agenda in place?

All these questions rapidly revolved in my mind, awakening so much uncertainty and doubt. I was in prison, in a thought of inquisitivity, with no escape route behind or in front of me.

"The seduction."

My efforts and strategies put in place to communicate and get closer to Xavier were answered with silence and just lukewarmness.

Xavier's cold response towards me was a barricade I couldn't go across.

Dying to connect and bond with Xavier, I couldn't help it but turned to my handmaids, Selina and Anna for advice.

They suggested a weird idea that one needs boldness to make such a move.

To seduce.

I never saw this suggestion coming. I wondered in her heart.

"How will somebody that detests my sight, fall for what I'm about to do?"

I queried.

But there was no response from either of them.

Nevertheless, I was ready to give it a try. Anything to save my marriage with Xavier, to me, was worth the try.

Anna and Selina assisted me passionately.

They prepared my dress, styled my hair and had my makeup done. My dress was very revealing and seductive nightwear.

My heart was already in my stomach as I made my way into the narrow hallway of the mansion. I headed directly to Xavier's study room.

I breathed in and out gently, then took a deep breath one last time. Gradually, I opened the door to Xavier's study and stepped in, gradually counting my steps like a model on a runway.

Xavier heard his door open. He looked up, his eyes fixed at the doorway. He couldn't help it but got lost as he looked into my revealing attire. But I could not really tell if his stare was the one to believe that he wanted me or the one to be afraid that I was disgusting him.

"What do you want?" he queried authoritatively but in a romantic kind of tone.

My heart was already racing very fast. Nervous, but I moved closer to him. I put my arms around him, allowing my breasts in contact with his chest. I went round him seductively, using my right hand to smooch his head.

Xavier's expression was literally showing how unmoved and unimpressed he was with all the act I was putting up.

"You're not serious," he said, his voice was so loud with no interest.

"I'm not interested," he added.

At this point, I was ready to be swallowed up by the ground. My pride vanished and I felt embarrassed.

"You're annoying!" I exclaimed, with so much rage.

The moment I thought would have been magical, eventfully unveiled as a myth.

Xavier's unapologetic utterances were cutting deep as they echoed in my thoughts.

"You're just another character in your father's story," he yelled.

"You're useless without him," he added.

My ears couldn't contain what I just heard from whom I thought was going to be my peace.

My eyes were welled up with tears like the clouds about to give out rain.

I stumbled backward, staggering out of Xavier's study feeling like I had been stabbed with a knife to my chest.

I mistakenly stepped on my gown and fell to the ground. I literally felt like the world had lost its gravity and everything around me was spinning.

Xavier was still not moved even when I fell to the ground. He didn't even move to help me. Instead, he returned to his table and the papers on it, asking me to shut the door behind me.

I was dumbfounded, I sobbed, helping myself from the ground as I found my way out of the study feeling more rejected and humiliated than ever.

So many questions were running through my mind.

I questioned my existence, my self-worth, my meekness, my affections and my strength.

As I lifted my head I saw Thalia, staring from the hallway. Everything in me froze.