Millicent's POV

'Do you love me?' Raph asked, and I could see how nervous he was. 'I want you to be my chosen mate!'

I had wanted to stop him asking me the question that led to that declaration but what could I have done short of pinning his lips?

'Why are you so quiet?' he asked. 'I know this may have been sudden but it can't have been that much of a surprise if you are aware of my feelings for you'.

'Raph', I said looking at him earnestly, hoping he would understand. 'I have indeed suspected that you might have special feelings for me, but I have prayed that I was wrong about that because I do not deserve you'.

'Oh, Millicent, how can you even think that?' he asked.

'I am a nobody. An orphan and I have nothing. What good could I possibly bring you or even be to you?' I asked, hoping to help him see reason why he should not have feelings for me.

'I do not need anything from you but your love', he said looking deeply into my eyes, his heart in his own.

'Exactly!' I blurted. 'I do not love you. Not that way. And I cannot marry you when I know that I do not reciprocate your feelings for me. It will be unfair', my eyes pleading for understanding.

There was pain in his eyes and he looked down. 'So, you do not love me', he said, ' but that does not mean you despise me. We can build on what we already have and it will grow, I know it will', he said earnestly, holding my hands.

'And what happens when your destined mate comes along?' I asked.

Raph hesitated and I drove home my point.

'You might think that you love me but when your fated mate makes her appearance, the mate bond will make you forget about me. Please wait for her', I advised.

'I have not met my fated mate but I have met you and I love you and that is enough for me', he said. 'Is it not possible that I might not want or love my fated mate? Have you not seen such things happen?'

I had to agree with him. Take my situation as a case study. But I was not about to back down nor allow him know the mate I was cursed with.

'You are still young, Raph. Eighteen, nineteen or twenty at most. You will meet her some day and you shall thank me for not accepting to be your chosen mate!' I assured him confidently.

'You sound so sure of that!' he said, looking downcast.

'I am!'

'What if you are my fated mate?' he asked hopefully.

'If I were, you will know. We both will know it but I am not and we both know it', I said.

'And you will not change your mine or at least give us a chance?' he asked hopefully.

'No', I said. 'I do not want to dash your hopes. It will not be right to give you false hope when I know my answer will not change'. Then shutting my eyes, and opening it again, I said, 'Please, Raph, I do not want this discussion to change anything between us. I do not want us to cease to be friends. I value our friendship greatly'.

'You have my word on that', he said smiling wistfully with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

After that time, I tried all I could to make it up to him but I caught him sometimes looking longingly at me and it made me uncomfortable. I started contemplating going away but I was too attached to the little boys, especially Hugh and kept postponing my departure.

Raph fell ill all of a sudden.He was shivering and running temperature. I recalled once when I had similar symptoms in Moon Ville under Alpha Sylvester and how the medical personnel had treated me.

I gave him herbs that helped calm the pains in his joints, and eyes. I would spoon - feed him the herbs I made into a soup. I would scoop it into his quivering cracked lips. And he would sleep afterwards and I would dab his body with a wet towel till his body would cool and she would allow him to sleep while I go off to do other chores. And Mildred would come and stay with him.

'With the way you care for him, there is no need to call for a doctor. You really have a talent for healing', Mildred said, when she saw the way I took care of her nephew.

I smiled but said nothing.

The news of his ill health had been reported to Alpha Blake and he was given time off work to recuperate.

On the second day, the fever got worse and he started hallucinating and blabbing about his love for me.

It saddened me that he should be suffering this way. I had suspected that it might be my rejection that had brought on the fever but I could not be sure but speaking of his love for me in his feverish and unconscious state only confirmed to me that it would not be easy for him to get over me. I wished I could give him what he wanted but I couldn't. My life was already twisted and I have a mission to accomplish.

And I cared for him. I did all she could till his fever broke. This was the third day but he remained weak. His eyes red and swollen. Mildred was running scared. She sent for the doctor.

'What did you give him?' he asked after examining him.

'I got some herbs and made it for him', I replied, telling him the name of the herb.

'That's a powerful herb', he said. 'How did you know of it?'

'I was ill once and the medical personal attending me, made me the same herb and though it is very bitter, it helped restore my health', I replied.

'It is good that you used the herb on him, else his fever would have been far worse!' he noted and prescribed some drugs.

Mildred got the drugs and I would take Raph out for fresh air, walk with him and when we got back he would sleep after taking more of the herbs and eating. He slept at the slightest exertion.

'You are really good for me Millicent', he said one day as they took their regular walk. 'I wish you could be mine in the real sense'.

I did not want us to go through that again.

'And you are a strong warrior. You can withstand anything life throws your way and come out of it even stronger than you were', I smiled at him. He looked at me and returned my smile.

'I am fortunate to have a great friend like you', he said. 'You are going to be very great one day', he prophesied.

I prayed that his prophesy come true but I just smiled, 'Get well soon so that you can continue training me so I can really be great', I said jokingly.

'You already know all there is to know about combat. Have you forgotten how you beat me the last time?' he asked.

'But that was because you were not paying attention', I said.

'That was not it and even if it is, it is one of the rules not to allow anything distract you right?'

I nodded.

'See?' he said triumphantly. 'You did not forget the rules but I did. Now you are as good as I am or even better!'

I did not know about that but knew I was stronger and more experienced at combat than I was formerly. 'We'd better start getting back, so you can relax'.

'Don't treat me like an invalid!' he complained.

'And what are you?' I jested. 'If you do not like being treated as an invalid, get strong soon. I like you better that way!'

I felt movement from the corner of my eye. 'Who's there?' I asked but here was no answer. I peered into the bush but no stirring.

'What is it?' Raph asked.

'I thought I saw something but I was obviously wrong. Or it might be that I saw the movement of the leaves by the wind', I said, not wanting to trouble him unnecessarily.

He nodded and I could see he was tired. Though I would have loved to investigate the matter further, see if I would see whoever had been spying on us, because I feel strongly that someone had been there watching us, I said, 'Let's go home'. And I forgot that incident but something happened not long afterwards to remind me of it.

'We saw the Omega maid, Millicent, you banished in the territory of Alpha Blake'. The men said.

'Was she with Blake?' Alpha Sylvester asked, already growling with jealousy.

'No. But we found out that she lives with a family a little farther from the main pack. She was with a young man'.

There was no need to speak too much. He had spent the past year, looking for her and now that he had found her, he was not going to let her run away.

'But my Alpha', Beta Daniel said. 'Seeing the way you have treated her these years, do you think she will be willing to come back to you?'

'You do not have to worry about that', Alpha Sylvester said confidently, his chest seeming to grow broader than normal. 'I have devised a plan that I am sure will work. She will be more than happy to come back to me'.

The next day, Alpha Sylvester himself went to the said place, covering his scent so that no one would know of his presence in another Alpha's territory especially since the said Alpha was his mortal enermy. He had wanted to wage a war against the pack and get Millicent back but that was not going to align with his plan to win her heart. And Alpha Blake was not in possession of her. So war was out of the question.

Millicent happened to be going to the stream when she felt a presence. Part of the training Raph gave her was how to be sensitive to the change in the air, and how to enhance her sense of smell. Turning back, ready to attack in need be, she was surprised to come face to face with Alpha Sylvester.

'Oh, it's you', she said, feeling relieved. She had thought that it might be a rogue wolf trying to molest her. 'What are you doing here?'

'I have come to take you back to Moon Ville Pack, where you belong', he said gently.

Millicent was shocked at his gentle tone. She must be dreaming. Sylvester must have something up his sleeves.

'And why would I go back with you to Moon Ville Pack?' she asked. 'Oh, let me guess. You are not satisfied yet with torturing me. You are wondering why you have allowed me go when you could make my life even more miserable', she laughed bitterly. 'Well, let me tell you, you have made a grave mistake because I am not going back with you. You exiled me remember? And now, I am under the protection of another Alpha who might not take lightly to your presence here without his knowledge'.

'Well, to answer the question of why you should come with me, you're my mate', he said.

'Whom you rejected and who accepted your rejection and the mate bond got severed thankfully!' she spat.

'I realise that I am not your greatest fan. But I have come in peace. Come back with me and be my Luna. I still feel the mate bond, the moon goddess must have decided to keep our bond', he said meekly. 'Alpha Blake need not know that I was ever here. I do not want any more wars. Come with me right now!'

'You are still as insensitive as ever', she said, looking at him with disgust. 'You mean I should just up and leave with you with no word of farewell to those who have sheltered and fed me when you kicked me out of your pack without any thought about my welfare?'

'I was going to send my Beta to them with enough money and provision that will last them the rest of their days', he said, kicking himself for not thinking about that. But now that he had said it, he would have to make the arrangements with his Beta to ensure that the said things were delivered.

'And how can a lowly, weak, exiled maid be the Luna of the powerful Alpha Sylvester? Have you thought of that or did you forget?' she taunted.

'Millicent, who are you speaking with?' Raph said as he came into view. He looked ready to pounce on the man troubling his Millicent.

'I am speaking to no one. Just someone passing by and asking directions. He was just on his way!' she said, hoping Alpha Sylvester would take the cue and leave her alone.

Alpha Sylvester could sense Raph's love for Millicent. Too bad he was not going to have her and he knew they had not mated, else he would have smelt him on her.

'Who are you young man?' Alpha Sylvester asked. He had smelled Raph's approach but had also smelled that he would be of no consequence to him and had not tried to hide his presence.

'He and his family took me into their home and have cared for me as a member of their family!' Millicent said, wondering why she was even bothering to answer his questions. 'Raph, come let's go'.

Raph could sense that the man was not any passer by. He smelled of rank and power. He was jealous that he was looking at Millicent the way he was and hated him instantly. He knew it was jealousy but he could do nothing about that. He allowed Millicent take his hands and as they turned to leave, the man grabbed Millicent in the hand.

'Millicent', he said. 'I could have sent my Beta or another person to fetch you, when I found out where you were staying. I could also have brought mayhem to the people of this pack or the family that took you in but I did not because I am a changed person. I need you by my side. Please do not say no', he pleaded.

'How am I sure this is not a trick of yours to get me back under your captivity?' she asked. 'I'm very okay here, thank you very much!'

'Alright. Just spend two days with us in our pack and if I still treat you the same way, then you are free to leave! ' he said.

Millicent wanted to continue refusing but she thought that it was a good thing Sylvester wanted her back. She would stay close to him and take away from him everything he held dear just like he had done to her.

'Are you promising you won't go back on your word about allowing me to leave if I feel Maltreated?

'You have my word!' Alpha Sylvester said.

'Okay, I shall cone with you', Millicent said to Sylvester's joy. Not that your word count for much where I am concerned, Millicent thought to herself.

Raph was not happy about the development. He knew he was about to lose Millicent forever. He knew it was inevitable since she did not want him as her mate but he had hoped she would stay longer with them and maybe change her mind in the process.

'Millicent are you sure about this?' he asked anxiously.

'Trust me', she said. 'I know what I am doing. Now let's go home so I can say my goodbyes but I shall come back to visit. This is not goodbye forever, I promise'.

Sylvester's POV

A smug smile played across my face. I had not doubted that I could get Millicent to come back to me. When I was told that she was important for my continued rein as Alpha, I had to come up with a way to get her back and win her heart till I achieved my aim.

'There have been some misfortunes of which you are aware of', the chief had said. 'We took it upon ourselves to consult a seer and she said, the misfortune is because the person whom the moon goddess has chosen to be the Luna of this pack has been exiled. Do you know who that person might be?' he asked, looking at Sylvester critically.

Sylvester did not have to think but pretended to because he could not believe that the brat was still haunting him even in absentia.

'It might be the maid, Millicent. The pack maid who I exiled for being rude', he answered non - challantly.

'We have reason to believe she is your fated mate and that is why she must come back to rule by your side or you stand the risk of losing your title to someone else'.

'Who dares take my title - my birth right from me?' he thundered.

'It is not a matter of who dares', the chief said. 'It is doing what is right for the pack, because the pack comes first!'

'This girl is a fragile maid, how can she contribute to the strength of the pack?' Sylvester asked. 'It was for the Pack's sake that I exiled her in the first place when I found out she was my mate!' Sylvester said.

'Was it?' the chief asked meaningfully and they all rose to leave. 'It is not for us to decide her strengths. She might have hidden gifts we are unaware of, she was the daughter of the late Alpha Harry after all', he opened his mouth to say more but sighed. 'Just ensure you do the needful!' he concluded.

So I started my search for Millicent and now that she is back, I was trying to win her over so she would accept to be my Luna.

She has not allowed me to touch her yet but I did not mind, that was a small matter. It was only a matter of time and she would grace my bed, I can bet on it.

She has really grown beautiful in the past year. Not that she had been ugly but her shape had filled out and she was looking more womanly and voluptuous and I can feel my desire for her rise.

I went into her room. She had refused to share the same room with me.

'Millicent, dear', I called.

'Yes?' she said with a smile on her face.

'Have I told you how beautiful you are?' I asked, coming close to her. I tipped her face up and kissed her lightly on the lips.

'You have been telling me that since I got back', she said.

'But you do not believe me?' I asked, feigning hurt feelings.

'I know you have convinced yourself of that fact', she said. 'Whether or not it is true is a question for another day'.

'I want you to make up your mind soon to be my Luna so that we can truly be one. After that, I can wed you officially. I cannot wait to claim you', he said, rubbing his face on hers, with his eyes closed.

'Shut up!' I heard Millicent say and I was so shocked by her tone and the words that I jerked up to look into her eyes.

'I was not speaking to you', she said sheepishly. 'And I hadn't realized I had spoken out!'

'That's okay!' I said easily. Whether she was referring to me or not, was not of any concern to me but I felt that she must have been talking to her wolf.

'But what I do not understand is your sudden change of heart concerning me', she said.

'Once you left, I started missing you terribly and I realised that I had feelings for you. I tried to fight it but there's only so much I can do', he smiled in self mockery. ' Like I told you since you came back with me, I have been looking for you far and wide but did not know you did not go too far from me. It was during one of the search that my wolves found you and reported to me'.

Millicent nodded thoughtfully. 'That answers the question of how you knew where I was!' she said. 'But what about Cathania?'

The question shocked me. 'What about her?' I countered.

'I have not seen her since I got back. Did you send her away?' she asked, with wide eyed innocence.

'Of course she has to go away, for my Luna to make her appearance', he said. 'Once I realised, I had feelings for you, I cancelled our engagement and asked her to leave'.

'And she left without complaint?' she asked incredulously. It would seem that she knew Cathania pretty well.

'Of course she put up a fight, but I am the Alpha or are you forgetting that? she had to leave eventually', I said smiling mischievously.

Millicent nodded. She knew I could do that, or so, I'd like to think.

'I want to have a cold bath now, could you excuse me?' she asked.

'I was hoping you would invite me to join you', I said, huskily, smiling in what I hoped was a seductive manner at her.

'You promised to give me time to come to terms with everything but I am beginning to fell rushed!' she said harshly.

'Of course. Please take your time. It's just that I'm having a hard time taking my hands off you. And I can't wait for you to give me wonderful pups, especially an heir to succeed me', I said quickly, not wanting to antagonize her, yet, being unable to help myself, I found myself rubbing my thumb on her lips. I would have sworn that she felt desire for me because her eyes lowered and she opened her lips, but to my surprise, she suddenly pushed my hand away.

'You do not have to be so aggressive', I said, laughing mockingly. 'You only have to say that you don't like me touching you just yet and I'd listen or was your reaction more because you surprisingly found that you enjoyed my touch?'

She looked dumbfounded. I saw her open her mouth but no words came out. Then she looked angry. She must have perceived my words like an insult and though I did not give a damn, I had to keep up appearances. So I hastened to put her at ease.

'You don't have to look so shocked! I was just joking but is my touch really that disgusting that you cannot bear to feel my hands on your skin?' I asked. And when she didn't say anything, I decided to leave her in peace.

'Alright then', I said. 'Since you want me gone so badly so you can have your bath, go right ahead. I shall see you soon!'

I left her to meet with Cathania at our rendezvous, thinking that it was odd that I actually enjoy teasing her and even more than that, I enjoy touching her. Was it possible that our mate bond was really still intact?