'You have come to gloat, haven't you?' Cathania said as soon as she saw us approaching her cell. 'Well, you do not need to. State what your punishment is and I'll gladly serve It. I'll have you know that I am not afraid of you nor your punishment!'

'Keep quiet Cathania', Alpha Sylvester ordered. 'You need to apologise to her for trying to kill her and for speaking to her this way'.

I shall do no such thing!' Cathania shrieked. 'It shall be over my dead body to apologise to a maid even if her status has been glorified', she looked condescendingly at me and then, looked with disgust at Sylvester. 'Sylvester', she called, 'you do not cease to marvel me. You are still going round with her, patrolling her as your future Luna when you know she wants another! Ha, ha ha!' she laughed like someone who was insane. ' State your punishment already, mighty Luna and be done with it because I need you out of my sight!'

'Cathania!' Sylvester thundered.And I touched him lightly on the arm, shaking my head to indicate that he should not say anymore.

'Cathania', I began, 'no one will be punishing you. I forgive you and have requested of Alpha Sylvester to release you from detention and he has magnanimously agreed', I said.

I didn't expect her to be grateful and I was not disappointed. ''I forgive you!' she mimicked me. 'Who are you to forgive me? Is this act intended for the pack to consider you Luna material? You have always been a maid and that is what you will remain!'

'But you know that's not true', I said, feeling my temperature rising in anger. This woman was really impossible! 'My status has always been higher. I was a princess and you know it!'

'Was, being the operational word', she said bitchily. 'You were a princess and got demoted to an Omega maid and that is why you are trying too hard to become a Luna but the title does not become you at all. I assure you, when all in the pack look at you, all they see is the Omega maid that served them in the past. Ha,ha,ha!'

'Cathania! if you do not stop this rubbish, this instant, I shall show you that I am the Alpha of this pack and you are under my custody!' Sylvester thundered.

'Oh, please, spare me!' she said, her eyes wild. I was sure her jealousy had gone into her mind and unhinged something, what she doesn't seem to get is that she was fighting the wrong person. 'You are not the only Alpha of this pack and your brother is a better option, I tell you. Little wonder then that this maid chose him over you!'

'Cathania!' Sylvester howled, furiously. 'If I didn't hate hitting women, I would strike you this instant!'

'Is the truth bitter? You cannot bear to hear it?' she mocked. 'But that's the truth and you have to swallow the bitter pill. I was doing you a favour by choosing you but you are an ungrateful element! Howl and roar all you want. I am not afraid of you!'

'Alpha Sylvester', I called gently. 'Leave well alone. She is frustrated and is just hitting back with her words. Don't let her get to you nor dignify her words with a response. Go on ahead, I shall be behind you'.

'Why?' he asked, looking at me and then at Cathania. 'I don't think that's wise', he said.

'Little maid', Cathania laughed at 'You better heed his words. He knows what he is talking about!'

'Sylvester, please!' I implored.

He hesitated but shook his head on second thoughts, but before leaving, he said, 'I want you behind me in the next three minutes! Don't make me wait!'

'I won't!' I said. Then turned to Cathania.

'So sweet and touching!' she said. 'But I am not buying it. Both of you are just deceiving each other. You do not love him and he cannot love you. So why the pretense?'

'Why can he not love me?' I asked, curious to hear what she would say.

'He cannot love you, my dear Millicent, because your father murdered his parents. If you were in his shoes, would you love such a person?' she asked and then burst out laughing. 'Oh, sorry. I forgot. That is the same reason you cannot love him and accept him whole - heartedly, now, isn't it? He murdered your own parents too, in cold blood! Ha,ha,ha, ha! You both deserve each other, I must say. I'm imagining a marriage based on mutual H - A- T- E'.

'What she said pierced my heart as it opened fresh wounds. But there was something else that got my heart thundering. I had heard something like that before. Where? My mind worked furiously, searching... Oh, at the garden.

'Why would he think that my father could possibly murder his parents? My father was not like that!' I said, my thoughts in shambles.

'I thought you were wise but you never found out how deep his hatred for you is and why. You just served him thinking he would let you go someday. I'm sure he still wants to make you suffer for his loss. And you? Do you really want him to get away with murdering your parents? I bet you have a vengeance plot ready to be executed, at least you should, if you have any sense in that thick skull of yours!'

I looked at Cathania and was shocked. I had to admit that she was really wise and had deduced at least my feelings perfectly.

'All that is in the past, his murder of my parents, that is. I was too young and have forgotten about it. And why should I hatch a vengeance plot against anyone? The Moon goddess has elevated me and I shall soon be the Luna, what more could I possibly ask for?' I asked, not wanting Cathania to guess at my thoughts. She would most definitely expose them to all, especially, Sylvester.

'But why did you say, my father murdered his parents?' I asked, wanting more information.

'I am not in a position to answer that', she said, smiling wickedly and the crazed look on her face caused me to take a step backwards. 'Ask your cheating Alpha, he will tell you all about it'.

'There will be no need for that!' a voice said and I swirled round to find Alpha Christopher walking towards us.

'Darling, what are you doing here?' he asked, looking at me appreciatively. 'Come away, immediately. This is no place for you'.

'I came to give my punishment to Cathania.

'Fickle minded!' Cathania spat. 'Didn't you say you were releasing me without punishment?' she said. 'Or was that just to impress Sylvester?'

'What's she talking about?' Alpha Christopher asked puzzled. 'She can't mean what I heard her say, can she?'

'Cathania', I said again. 'I forgive you and your punishment will be to be released without any punishment. Let your conscience do the rest!'

'Are you sure?' Christopher asked, looking at me with his eyes very round, sounding so uncannily like his twin.

'Very sure! Guards, release Cathania immediately', I ordered.

'Wait!' Christopher shouted, raising his hand, palms up to halt the movement of the guards who had started coming to obey my order.

'Can you see how kind and selfless, Millicent is? She has the qualities of the goddess herself', he said, smiling fondly at me and then looking at Cathania with irritation. 'She has done what even you cannot do. If you ever do anything to hurt her again, I shall personally see to it that you do not live to tell the tale!'

Cathania scuffed. 'You really love her don't you?' she asked and without waiting for a response, added, 'better make hay while the sun shines. If you delay, then your brother might just mark her before you do!'

'Forget about that!' Christopher said. 'Are you turning against your own lover? And you want to use us as your pawn? Oh Cathania, it won't work!' And he signalled the guards to release her.

'Believe it or not but if you do not get smart, you will lose her to your brother!' Then she shook her head, 'Perhaps, I am mistaken and you do not love her well enough to go against fate on her account, in which case, feel free to lose your beloved mate and you, 'Maid Luna' I said something to you before poisoning you. If you love yourself, heed that advice or not, it's your business and won't pull a hair from my head! she said, as she stepped out of the cell.

'You are just too good. How can you forgive an offense of such magnitude?' Christopher asked as I followed him away from the detention zone. Cathania had been escorted out of the premises, after Alpha Christopher had ordered that she never step her feet in the pack again!

'We err and it is only right that we forgive those who have wronged us that those we wrong might forgive us as well!' I said.

'I like your maxim', he said. 'Very inspiring '.

'Not at all. Christopher, there's something I've been meaning to ask you', I said.

'Ask away'!' he said, playfully. 'I believe you know the answer to the question if it concerns my feelings for you'.

I hit him playfully. 'Oh, be serious, Christopher. What I want to know is how your parents died'.

Christopher looked at me oddly.

'I really want to know and please don't spare me. I need to know', I said. 'I have heard a few things. I want to know for sure!'

Christopher looked at me for a long time and I was begining to think that I might not get any response from him and would have to go to Sylvester for my answer when he spoke.

'I was not around at the time but I heard about a treaty to keep away rogues from both you and our packs and remain in peace with each other', he said and paused. 'My father was on his way to meet your father so that they could finalize the items in the treaty and sign it so that it becomes binding but he never got to his destination. He and our mother and his Beta were all murdered. Before dying However, his Beta mind - linked us and that was how Sylvester who was closest to the venue got there and brought their bodies home'.

'But there is no indication that my father did the murder!' I cried, believing that my father could not have done that.

'There was no indication that it wasn't your father, according to Sylvester. All fingers pointed at him, all the evidence incriminated him and it was done in his territory', Christopher said looking at me sympathetically. 'Sylvester feels that an Alpha could not have been unaware that such a thing was happening in his territory except he was pretending not to be aware'.

'Was there any investigation carried out to find out if Alpha O'Brien was really responsible for their deaths?' I asked.

'None, that I know of. Sylvester felt that the evidence was conclusive and there was a lot to be done, no time for what he termed 'a waste of time'.

'But there was time for him to plan to destroy my pack and murder my parents in retaliation?' I asked angrily. How could someone not be given an opportunity to prove their innocence?

'I am sorry about your loss. Though it's been years, I know you must still miss them', Christopher said, holding my hand and squeezing it empathetically.

'You have also experienced loss but you have kept speaking about how Sylvester felt and all, without letting me know how you felt about it all', I said. 'Did you also feel that it was my father who committed that murder and were you so furious with him that you encouraged Sylvester to take my parents' lives as well? A life for a life?'

Christopher looked at me and shook his head. 'No, I didn't- ask him to retaliate that is. I admit I was furious with misery at my lose and the person who was purported to be responsible but I advised that a proper investigation be carried out so that all involved would pay for what they had done. I left it to Sylvester to do after the burial, thinking that my instructions would be followed. It was just recently that I found out that no investigation was carried out and that you are the daughter of my father's good friend!'

' Wait! You mean they were good friends?' I asked surprised.

'Didn't you know?' he asked astonished. 'I thought you did but maybe you were still too young to leff.

Forgetting that for a moment, I continued, 'Was that why you drew close to me? To make me suffer just like your brother has done and may still want to do?' I asked.

'Millicent', he said with a voice laced with pain. 'Do you think so lowly of me? You actually think I am capable of that?'

'Sylvester, did a lot of unthinkable things to me for a crime he did not confirm my father committed. He made me pay through my blood for my father's supposed sins, why will you not want to do the same? They were your parents too and you're brothers afterall!' I said, filled with hurt.

Christopher looked at me for a long time. 'Do you mean that you do not believe in our mate' bond? That you do not feel it? Is our bond such that can be feigned or ignored?' he asked.

'I don't know about that!' I said still hurting. The possibility that my father , my parents had died a senseless death tearing me apart.

'Don't you?' he asked coming close to me and holding my hands firmly. That feeling again, of wanting to throw myself at him, to be comforted by him. But no! This was not time for weakness. I snatched my hands away from his, moving away from him, my eyes glaringly yellow. 'Since you got back and found out that a punishment was carried out without an investigation to confirm the crime, what did you do?'

'What would you have me do?' Christopher said, helplessly. ' You couldn't expect me to murder my own brother for not following my advice. But I did the next best thing'.

'And what is that? Draw close to me, to help me forget the grievous crime you both committed against me?' I asked.

Ignoring my carelessly thrown words, he said, 'I sent my best men to investigate the matter from eleven years or so ago and they've been giving me report on their findings but nothing tangible for now. I'll let you know when I find out anything more'.

'Thank goodness, someone finally became wise!' I threw at him',. He did not respond but kept looking at me.

'You were going to become Sylvester's Luna, had I not come', he said and I knew what he was going to say next. There was no way to prevent him from saying it. I had let my guard down in my anger and now, I did not know how to rectify that mistake. 'You spoke just now with so much vehemence. Were you going to marry him with hatred in your heart?'

'What do you mean hatred in my heart?' I asked feigning puzzlement.

'Why did you agree to become Sylvester's Luna, Millicent? Was it to get close enough to him, so you could harm him in vengeance?'

'How could you say that?' I asked, not wanting to lose the freedom and power I had acquired and this might just be taken from me if the Alphas lost their trust in me.

'Sylvester himself was filled with rage for me, did it stop him from wanting me for his Luna. Did it stop you?' I asked reasonably. 'Anger and hatred are just two out of the billions of feelings one can have for someone. You can therefore not base your judgement of my acquiescence to be his Luna on just those two feelings!' I snapped.

'You do love him then, is that what you are saying?' he asked.

'My feelings for him has nothing to do with you!' I snapped, not sure how the tables had turned so swiftly. I was supposed to be the one asking questions and getting angry and not the other way round.

'Doesn't it?' he asked eyeing me reflectively. 'He's my brother - my twin and I would not want him to come to any harm!'

'Oh, very good!' I said, feeling so much pain at his words, which indicated to me that he would rather have his brother than me. 'He should not come to any harm but I should?' I mean because he is marrying me too and he has reasons to hate me and be bitter towards me', I said. 'How do I know, I am not walking into a trap by agreeing to be the Luna of this pack? He or you could be planning evil for me!'

'Here we go again. We must be having trust issues', he said, less suspiciously this time.

'You started this. You are the one who don't trust me well enough with your brother or even with yourself', I said and gulped in air. 'I did not sign for this. Not to be your mate or Sylvester's. Nor did I sign for your parents to be killed nor for your brother to murder mine. Why must I be made to take the blame for it all?' I asked, the pain in my heart overcoming me and I ran from his presence.

Christopher's POV

I felt bad as soon as Millicent ran off. Maybe I had not handled the matter the way I ought. I love her very much and whenever she is close, the beast in me wants to be released and I can barely keep him in. But I also love my brother. Sylvester and I may not see eye to eye sometimes, but he is s still my brother and Millicent hurt me when she acted like she hated both of us, especially Sylvester for murdering her parents and destroying her pack.

Don't get me wrong. I feel bad that such a thing happened to her parents and I wish that I could do more to ease her pain. But I hated it when I felt that she had anger in her heart and possible hatred for Sylvester and me. How can love thrive in such an environment? Or did I overreact? Did I misread the signals? Was what she felt for Sylvester a love - hate? Sylvester himself had professed to love her, he who hated her previously. Was it the case with her as well?

Why do I feel restless? Will Sylvester end up claiming Millicent? Will I lose her to him just like Cathania had predicted? What if this hate - love feeling turns into a great incomparable love? Will I be able to live without her? I just wanted to be sure she was not playing us against each other and I wonder where I get that feeling.

I sensed she was trying where ever she was and I felt like a heel for being the cause of her tears. I want her so much and I also want my brother to be safe. He is the only family - real family I have left.

Sign. Millicent is also my family. At least I want her to be but I don't know if she wants to be or if she's with us because she is nursing a plot to avenge her parents on us.

'Why will you even think that?' Zara, my wolf asked angrily. 'Do you want your suspicion to spoil this great thing we have with her? Have you felt this way with anyone before? Why not give her benefit of doubt?'

'Zara, you are thinking with your organ and not with your head', I replied him in my head. 'Do I really know Millicent? What do I really know about her?'

'And maybe you should start thinking with your heart and not your head. Overthinking it and being too cautious might just lose us our mate!' he retorted angrily. Zara had never before, spoken this angrily to me.

'I shall make sure we do not lose Millicent, but I want to be sure she doesn't just want me but also loves me!'

'The last time we almost mated, did she not confess her love to you? Go to her!'

'But I do not know where she is!'

'Are you bring serious? Can't you smell her? Sniff and her peculiar smell will lead us to her!'

I felt hurried. I needed to be with Millicent. I needed to apologise for speaking to her the way I did and for doubting her sincerity. I love my brother but I did not want to lose Millicent to him or anyone else for that matter! Sylvester will be safe and I shall have Millicent as my Luna.

'Now hurry and find her so you can tell her that!' Zara prompted. 'Stop telling it to me!'

I laughed as I started walking the path I saw Millicent run through. I started sniffing and soon it led me to a place I knew she might be. A place that she had told me previously brought her peace and which was also my favourite place.

She was sitting on the grass, with her knees raised, her head on her knees and her arms around her head, sobbing like her heart was breaking.

I did not want to alarm her by walking silently to her and touching her lightly like I had originally intended, so I dragged my feet on the ground to alert her of someone approaching.

She did not raise her head but I felt her body tense and her sobbing cease a little.

'Millicent', I called. 'I know you know I am the one. You must have smelt me just like I followed your smell to this place'.

She did not say anything but raised her head and looked into the water, not sparing me a glance.

'I am sorry for doubting you and saying things that hurt you', I said, sitting beside her on the grass and pulling the leaves of the grass from its stem. She still gave no response.

I snaked my arms round her waist, pulling her close. She did not pull away, thank goodness.I felt the pull again, it was stronger this time. What the hell! I was not a beast for goodness sake. Was what I thought of anytime I came close to her, mating?

'But if you are not a beast, what are you, a fickle human?' Zara queried.

I smiled. I had not meant it that way.

'What's so funny?' Millicent asked. I had been so lost in thought and in what I was feeling, compounded by Zara's distraction that I had not seen her turn to my direction.

'You make me feel so good!' I said, the first words that came to mind.

'How can an insincere, avenging wolf make you feel good?' she asked, her voice and eyes filled with pain and something else, longing? I hope.

'I have said I was sorry. What we had was just a lovers' row', I said, tipping her face up with my free hand, to look deep into her eyes.

'And your apology will make it all right I suppose?' she asked, still hurt. 'Will it make it all go away, the pain, the suspicion, the hurtful words, my loss?' she flicked her tongue over her lips to moisten them and my eyes followed the movement. The pull getting stronger.

'I know the words cannot be unsaid but I will make you forget them as well as the pain my brother and I have caused you, I promise', I said huskily.

'And how do you propose to do that?' she asked quietly, looking at me and I was sure now that it was lust I saw in her eyes.

'By replacing them with joyful words, feelings, thoughts and experiences', I murmured, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss. I could not stop myself. Her lips opened wider to better accommodate mine and I grew more demanding. Her response was as fierce as mine was. It felt like I had been starved of her love and touch.

I don't know how it happened but her hands were behind my head, pulling me even closer and I happily obliged. She moaned loudly and a tortured growl escaped from my lips. 'I want you desperately', I murmured into her mouth. Her response was a another moan. I lost it then.

The sitting position was no longer conducive, I quickly pulled my jacked and placed it on the floor, pushed Millicent gently down on it and lay beside her, my fingers combing her hair as I continued kissing her. My other hand was busy pushing her firm butt closer to my rigid shaft. She wriggled her waste, most probably to get a more comfortable position but the effect it had on me, the effect of her body rubbing against my shaft which was already engorged with blood was devastating and with a deep groan, I turned her over so that from lying by her side, I was lying on top of her, tugging at her polo shirt, when I realised it had no buttons nor zip, I quickly pulled it off her head. She had no brassiere on and her breasts were firm. It was not the first time I was seeing those rose peaks but each time I see them, they don't cease to hypnotize me.

I fell on them, wanting to swallow them whole but it was not possible, so I settled for sucking her nipples, while stroking the other. Her moan was my undoing. She threw her legs apart, arching her hips towards me and I knew I could not stop. Not this time. To hell with a comfortable bed. My control was zero.

'Millicent, you will be the death of me', I growled. I had never been this weak all my life and strong at the same time. She was my weakness as well as my strength.

She stopped, moving under me. 'Don't say that again. If you died, what would become of me?' she said, sadly.

'It was only a manner of speaking', I assured her but she was not satisfied. She looked bothered, why did the words affect her this much? I was anxious to get on with the work at hand, so I caught her nipple again, bit it, simultaneously pinching the other, she yelped but I quickly sucked it, first one, then the other, cooling it with my wet mouth and her yelp turned to a whimper of pleasure.

'You are killing me with your love, darling', I said, my mouth trailing kissing from her lovely breasts down to her naval, I tugged at her sort, I wanted to eat her pussy.

'If you do not get off her right this instant, your lust will actually kill you, now!' a voice bellowed in rage.

Millicent started, startled. I rolled of her, covering her with her shirt as I turned to face Sylvester.