Ch. 1..10
Chapter 1 - The New Bride Candidate
Author's notes:
Please check the Aux chapter "Introduction" before starting this story.
Check the comments for photos of characters, and join my discord for more (the link is in the Aux chapter)!
Thank you for reading!
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~ the Dark Howlers pack ~
Damon entered his study and looked grumpily at the stack of documents that are waiting for him to sign.
Why is the Alpha of the largest pack in North America forced to do this office work?
As a child, when he imagined his future, Damon saw himself as a mighty warrior, standing victoriously on the pile of his enemies while his allies and pack members worshiped him. This wood-paneled office and leather furniture are a far cry from it. It's suffocating.
Damon plopped on his chair and glared at the documents, wishing that he can make them disappear (completed preferably). Of course, it didn't work.
He pushed documents on the side and decided to check his email first.
Damon's expression darkened when he saw an email from Elder Parker with subject: "Consider Marcy Redmayne as your Luna".
Another Elder is persistent in getting Damon together with a woman, all wrapped in a story of how an Alpha needs his Luna in order for the pack to prosper, but Damon and his pack are doing just fine.
Damon deleted the email, without reading it, just how he did with the previous twenty that had the same subject.
Damon pinched the roof of his nose as familiar anger swelled inside him. He is irritated that these people are trying to manipulate him. Why don't they give up? He is no one's puppet!
Last night, Elder Parker called and tried convincing Damon to see this woman, the perfect Luna, how he described her. Damon congratulated himself for managing to stay cool and not explode in rage, but he was not unaffected.
After that call, Damon took the car and drove to a bar about forty minutes away and he found two fine she-wolves to keep him company and help him release steam.
That's why all these documents are waiting for him. He was supposed to deal with this work last night.
'Right. Documents…', Damon grumbled internally and resigned himself to his fate wile reaching for the folder that was at the top of the stack.
In the bedroom on the second floor of the packhouse…
"Do you need to leave?", Maya asked Caden in a whiny voice while moving the comforter to expose her left leg, tempting him to stay longer.
Maya knew that Caden was late for work and even though this was their third year of living together, every morning was a struggle to separate.
While looking at Maya's seductive smile, Caden clearly felt her desire for him, just how she felt his.
Mates.
Caden's wolf was clawing at him to pounce on the woman both of them adore and make her scream in ecstasy, but Caden reminded himself that there are things he needs to do.
Caden groaned in frustration while buttoning up his jeans.
Leaving Maya is always difficult, but the sight of her delicious skin is upgrading the difficulty level to: mission impossible.
"I must go, baby. Your man is a Beta. Duty calls.", Caden said in a husky voice that made her smile foolishly.
Caden leaned over Maya and gave her a long lingering kiss.
He breathed heavily while inching away, and Maya bit her lower lip temptingly in her last-ditch effort to keep him for another round of carnal pleasures but Caden grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it over his head.
He winked playfully before leaving the room with, "Keep those thoughts for tonight, sugarplum. I promise to make it up to you."
"I'm counting on it!", Maya shouted after him.
Caden didn't tell Maya that the 'duty' which called him is another marriage request for the Alpha of their pack.
This time, the prospective bride is Marcy Redmayne, the daughter of the Alpha of the Red Moon pack.
Telling a man that a woman is interested in marriage might seem like a small thing, but to Caden, this is more stressful than facing an attack from rogues where they are heavily outnumbered.
First, a little background.
Werewolves are able to sense their mate after their eighteenth birthday, and within the next few years, most of them are mated.
Of course, there are exceptions, and one of them is Alpha Damon, a twenty-seven years-old Adonis with a full head of raven black hair and blue enigmatic eyes to match his unpredictable personality.
Even straight guys think that Damon is hot.
Damon's relationship status: not mated, not married, not taken, and not interested in anything beyond pleasures of the flesh.
One might think how that's the description of a despicable guy everyone would avoid, yet the she-wolves are crazy about him, each thinking that she is THE one to thaw his icy heart and claim the position of the Luna in the Dark Howlers pack, the largest pack in North America.
Caden knows that Damon is not an asshole. After all, they grew up together.
They trained together, studied, and competed in everything. When Damon became an Alpha, Caden supported him unconditionally, and they became the youngest Alpha-Beta pair among all the packs in the history of werewolves. Badass.
Damon took over the Dark Howlers pack at the age of seventeen, after his parents died in an ambush set up by rogues. At that time, the Dark Howlers pack was not the largest pack in North America, but its influence was not to be underestimated.
Then seventeen years old Damon was the best warrior in their generation and great in academics, but he found himself unprepared for the role of a leader that a big pack needed. On top of it all, a number of Alphas and Elders started pressuring Damon into handing over his power and territory.
Caden stood by Damon's side and helped him to the best of his abilities and to everyone's surprise, instead of succumbing under pressure and allowing the pack to crumble, Damon showed skill, determination, and strategy that didn't only maintain the Dark Howler's pack power, but he strengthened and expanded it.
In the last ten years, Damon experienced numerous schemes that had the goal to use him. People approached him as friends, enemies, allies, and anything in-between, with an agenda to swindle him. Some were more successful than others.
Those bitter experiences formed the man he is today: righteous, strong-willed, unyielding, controlling, unforgiving, and completely focused on the prosperity of the Dark Howlers pack.
Saying that Damon is the most eligible bachelor is an understatement. Women are throwing themselves at him and screaming that they want to have his babies.
Damon never allowed any she-wolf to label herself as his girlfriend, and wife (aka Luna) was out of the question, but that didn't discourage ambitious wolves with some standing from trying to matchmake Damon with their daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, or any other she-wolf that is of marriageable age.
One Alpha from the pack in the South of Canada even sneaked his wife in Damon's bed.
Unfortunately for them, Damon is not moved by an endless stream of potential brides coming his way. Actually, with every next woman who is throwing herself at him, Damon is erecting more walls that make him emotionally unavailable.
Damon has nothing against bedding a woman, but giving her a title because of their relationship is a different thing.
Damon is disgusted by people who latch onto him for power, and that is exactly where these brides are classified.
Alas, Caden is about to pressure Damon to meet another of those leeches. Caden hates it, but as a Beta, it's part of his work because Damon is avoiding (or refusing) Elder Parker, and things are getting heated.
Caden reached the study and knocked twice before opening the door.
"Why did you shut down the mind link?", Caden asked Damon who was behind the large executive desk that had several stacks of documents on it.
He is a hard-working Alpha, no one can deny that.
"Good morning to you too…", Damon said dryly before responding, "I didn't. I only shut YOU out."
Caden clicked his tongue irritably.
No one in the pack dares to act so freely in front of Damon, but Caden and Damon are childhood friends.
Of course, Caden will never show anything other than respect when others are present because Damon deserves respect, even though sometimes Caden wants to start a brawl.
Damon's lips lifted into a mocking grin. "Did your duties got in the way of your time with Maya?"
"Why ask if you know?" Caden was irritated that Damon was not looking at him. "I take my role as Beta seriously and I don't skim on work, but there are things that could be avoided if you stop pushing unnecessary burden my way. Every minute of my existence is for Maya. Once you find your mate, you will understand."
Damon raised his gaze from the document he was holding, and he frowned at Caden. "I don't need a woman in my life to obstruct me. A girlfriend is a nuisance, a wife would be a problem, and a mate would be a disaster."
Caden rolled his eyes. 'Damon is such a drama queen.'
There are many she-wolves eyeing to be Luna of the Dark Howlers pack and despite Damon's killer looks, those women don't care who the Alpha is, as long as they can climb that coveted position. Because of this, Caden understands Damon's aversion toward officially accepting a woman as his partner.
However, a werewolf can't pick his mate.
Old Shamans tell stories of how the Moon Goddess creates werewolves and navigates their destiny so that every experience until one meets his mate is molding him into the perfect soulmate. When mates meet, they recognize each other, and the bond is formed immediately as they are halves of a wonderful whole.
But for a stubborn unmated male like Damon, talking about that divine bond is like throwing pearls in front of a swine.
Caden waved at Damon, indicating him to drop the topic. "Enough with useless talk. I'm here for important business."
"If the important business is about the repeated emails that Elder Parker sent, that's the reason why I shut you down.", Damon said casually, like he was discussing the weather.
Caden felt rage and dejection swelling inside him. Damon did it on purpose! Somehow, Caden was not surprised by it.
"We are the biggest pack, and you can win against anyone in a one-on-one fight, but their influence is undeniable. If they unite to pressure us, we won't be able to resist. You can't avoid Elders, Damon."
"Watch me.", Damon spat.
Chapter 2 - The New Bride Candidate (cont.)
Caden rubbed his forehead forcefully while looking at the stubborn Alpha in front of him.
He knew that Damon will resist, but this time he seems to be more determined than ever.
The truth is that Caden handled numerous emails from Elders who are trying to matchmake Damon with his next bride.
Elder Parker is unusually persistent in demanding that Damon meets Marcy (aka the bride candidate) in person.
As much as one Elder doesn't pose much of a threat, Damon already offended quite a bit of them. If not for Elders' public image of benevolent leaders, Caden is confident that Elders would blacklist Damon and smear his reputation while pulling the strings for other packs to unite in a war against the Dark Howlers pack.
Both Damon and Caden hate dealing with Elders who are a bunch of arrogant ex-Alphas, eager to prove that they still have the power. The whole council of Elders is a big mass of testosterone and over-inflated egos, ready to implode at the slightest provocation, and the scariest thing is that they have connections and the power to sway people.
The Dark Howlers are the biggest pack and they have capable warriors, but if several packs join forces, they would be at a disadvantage.
"It's more than three months since you met your last bride. They are impatient.", Caden continued persuading Damon. "The rumor is that if Elder Parker is successful and Marcy becomes your Luna, he will gain enough support to be the next head of the Council. Will you allow him to climb over your back? Why don't you show that you are no one's pawn?"
"That's what I'm doing by ignoring him.", Damon responded.
"They are taking your silence as a sign of fear. You need to step into the light and take charge."
"Are you trying to manipulate me?", Damon asked in a dangerously low voice.
"No.", Caden lied with a straight face. "As your Beta, I'm reminding you of the facts. Why don't you handle this girl and shut them up? Or would you rather avoid that slight inconvenience of bedding a woman and risk causing trouble for the pack?"
Damon cocked his eyebrow and pursed his lips. "You are saying that I put that snobby woman in her place?"
Snobby? Caden was not sure about Marcy's character, but if she is willing to accept an arranged marriage to a man she never met, she is probably not the best example of a she-wolf who is fit to be Luna.
Luna needs to fight for what she believes is right, and not allow others to use her. How can Marcy be a good Luna and take care of the pack if she can't take care of herself? No matter what her background is, a real Luna would approach Damon personally and not use connections to win him over.
In this case, it's obvious that Marcy's father and Elder Parker are pulling the strings.
If the marriage with Marcy goes through, Marcy's father (aka Alpha Edward) will also gain benefits even if Damon ignores him because it will be undeniable that they are connected via marriage, and that will improve Alpha Edward's standing. In addition to that, Alpha Edward probably made a deal with Elder Parker who recommended Marcy as the perfect Luna for the Dark Howlers pack.
It's a whole web of leeches, waiting for Damon to take the bait and Damon is perfectly aware of that.
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Damon did this many times before. He would visit the prospective bride, explore her thoroughly and then announce that a cheap slut can't be his Luna.
Other than insulting that woman, her father (aka the ambitious person), and their pack, that's also a setback for the Elder who was matchmaking Damon in that specific case.
No matter how much Damon offended any of them, they can't publicly admonish Damon because (officially) he came to meet his future bride and he found her lacking.
Caden saw that Damon is considering it, and he thought to give him a push in the right direction.
"She is not just any woman. Did you see the photo? Tall, blonde, a looker, and she has quite the assets…", Caden cupped his palms in front of his chest, gesturing that Marcy has bountiful breasts.
Damon pressed his lips into a line and typed on his keyboard. His eyes skimmed over the content, and he frowned.
'What do you think?', Damon mentally asked his wolf.
'She looks like trouble.', his wolf responded.
Damon groaned in frustration. 'If I go, it's trouble. If I ignore this summon, it's trouble. Which trouble should I pick?'
'Stop acting like it's the first time. Why are you asking me when you know the answer?'
'Because you are my voice of reason.', Damon responded.
'Good that you know. But in this case, you figured it out without me. I'm aware that you don't like dancing with snakes, but as a good Alpha, you should avoid direct confrontation when possible and use a softer approach. This bride-business aside, you might find out something useful while staying in their packhouse. They won't dare act against you if you announce your location. Now let me sleep and don't bother me unless it's an emergency…'
Damon felt his wolf slipping away as he retracted at the back of his mind.
Damon is unique. Other werewolves can sense their wolf and exchange emotions. They can feel when their wolf is restless, angry, or happy, while Damon can actually hold a conversation. No one knows about this, other than Damon and his wolf.
Damon's wolf is one of the key contributors to Damon becoming and staying the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack when he was only seventeen years old.
His wolf is not very chatty, but he gives the right advice whenever Damon needs it, and Damon is aware that his wolf holds the wisdom of many lifetimes.
Damon sensed his wolf, just like any other werewolf when he was in his early teens. And on the night when his parents perished, his wolf spoke to him for the first time.
'Sorry, kid…', his wolf said and Damon jolted out of his bed in the middle of the night.
"What the…?", Damon mumbled while looking around in search of the source of that sound.
'I'm in your head. Your father asked me to take care of you.'
Damon was totally confused. "What? How? Who are you?"
'I'm something that your kind calls the wisdom of the Alpha, and I can manifest myself through your wolf. I served your grandfather, your father, and now I serve you.'
"Why did you stop serving my father?"
'I'm sorry, kid… he and your mother are gone…'
This was a huge emotional shock for Damon that forced him to step into adulthood abruptly.
Since then, Damon relies on his wolf to keep him in check.
Not every Alpha can talk to his wolf, and his wolf didn't have answers if he is the only one, but he advised Damon to keep this a secret.
Back to the present…
"It says that she is untouched.", Damon said while gesturing toward the screen of his computer. "You know I like them experienced. And as much as she is fine-looking, it's not worth a full day traveling. I can have a dozen of such women within half an hour drive or without moving from this chair."
Caden forced a smile while trying to conceal his irritation.
In Damon's words: virgins need to be courted with flowers and chocolates and sweet words, and after he is done with them, they become clingy.
Damon doesn't have the time to waste on such nonsense. Intimacy for him doesn't go beyond pleasures of the flesh. That's as far as any woman reached him.
"What's the worst that can happen?", Caden continued persuading Damon. "You get to taste a new piece of meat, and when your fun is over, you announce that she is not good enough to be your Luna. Marcy may be untouched on paper, but my sources say that's not completely true. I will watch your back, while Maya will collect dirt on the girl so you can create a believable story. We know the drill. We get in and out and are back in three-to-four days, max, and we get to shut down Elders for another couple of months."
Damon's jaw twitched as he grit his teeth.
"Fine. We leave in…", Damon paused and glanced at the calendar. "Five days."
Caden released the breath he was holding. "I will get everything in order."
Caden left the study feeling victorious. Maya loves traveling and when they accompany Damon on his visit to the bride, Maya and Caden roleplay as spies on a secret mission that ends up with a steamy session between the sheets. Just thinking about it makes him excited.
Chapter 3 - Marcy Redmayne
Author's note: see Marcy's photo in the comments section
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~ Paris, France ~
Marcy Redmayne is the princess of the Red Moon pack, the second largest pack in North America.
Her father is Alpha Edward, and her mother is Luna Layla.
Since her younger brother is set to become the next Alpha of the Red Moon pack, Marcy got an opportunity to explore the world.
She spent the last ten years in Europe, starting with the United Kingdom, and after two years in Poland, this was Marcy's third year in France.
Other than immersing herself in different cultures, Marcy is learning languages and attending schools.
Marcy finished college three months ago, and since her parents didn't say anything at that time, Marcy assumed that she could stay in Europe, so she rented an apartment and that was a big deal because until then Marcy stayed in boarding schools. This small one-bedroom apartment gave her a sense of independence and she even started working part-time.
In the last ten years, Marcy didn't visit home. She video chats with her mother once per week and they exchange emails.
Marcy is about halfway through her course on making macaroons, and she plans to go to Spain in a few months as her next adventure. This would be relevant if her parents didn't call her unexpectedly to return home.
It was around midnight when Marcy drowsily picked up the call.
"I booked you a flight tomorrow morning.", Marcy's mother, Luna Layla said.
Marcy's drowsiness was dispelled by this news. "Did anything happen? Is everyone OK?"
"Everyone is fine, but we want you home as soon as possible. Is there a reason for you to delay? Your flight is at 6 AM. The e-ticket is in your inbox."
Marcy blinked while looking at the dates on the ticket, and then at the time. "Mother, you forgot the time difference. That's only six hours from now."
"Well, I guess you hurry packing."
Marcy was dejected while thinking about what to put in her suitcase.
She was planning to meet with her friends in the morning for breakfast, and instead of that, she needs to pack and leave.
Her mother didn't even say how long she needs to stay home. It's not permanent, right? What if it is, and she can't come back?
Some of her favorite clothes were in the laundry, and with the rush, she didn't have time to say goodbye to her friends. What about her part-time job in the café?
Her lease on the apartment was valid for another three months, so Marcy decided to pack only some necessities, confident that she will return in the next three months.
Her parents were always domineering, just like any other Alpha and Luna, but this was extreme. What's with the urgency?
What Marcy didn't know was that as she was approaching graduation, her parents started discussing with Elder Parker how they can use Marcy in order to increase their power. After all, with her college degree, Marcy is more educated than most of the werewolves who don't go beyond high school, and she is speaking multiple languages.
It was time for Marcy to contribute to the family and to her pack.
Alpha Edward was confident that his daughter will be obedient. She is raised for greatness, and there was nothing wrong with their plans; they are beneficial for Marcy as well.
…
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...
~ The Red Moon pack ~
Marcy returned home to a modest welcome from her family.
Alpha Edward, Luna Layla, and her younger brother James were sitting in the luxuriously decorated living room, waiting for Marcy's arrival.
There were pastries and a pitcher with lemonade on the table for refreshments.
'Do I need to do this?'
Marcy jolted when her brother's voice sounded in her head. After ten years away from the pack, she forgot about the mind link and quickly closed her mind so that others can't hear her thoughts.
Luna Layla turned stiffly toward her son. "At least greet your sister."
"Welcome home.", James said with a forced smile. "Sorry, but my next class starts in two minutes, and if I'm late, I get extra work. We will catch up later." James waved at Marcy and left the room in hurried steps.
James was only five years old when Marcy left, and they are practically strangers. James is now a fifteen years-old boy who is working hard in order to become the next Alpha of the Red Moon pack. Between lessons and training, James doesn't have much free time.
Alpha Edward gave Marcy a tight hug and he held her shoulders while observing her flawless face with an approving smile.
He touched her blonde silky hair while saying, "You are a beauty, Marcy. I'm proud to be your father."
Marcy felt her cheeks burning. It's not common for her to hear praises from Alpha Edward. "Thank you, father."
"Did you meet your mate?"
Marcy was surprised by this question. "Uhm… no."
"Good. Good." Alpha Edward's smile widened. "I have things to do, so I will leave you to your mother."
Luna Layla had the schedule ready. "Darling, you must be hungry. Are you jet lagging? We didn't want to overwhelm you today. There will be a bigger welcome party tomorrow evening. For today, I scheduled us a full spa treatment and in the afternoon a few of my friends will come for tea. They know you as a little girl with freckles. I'm sure they will be surprised to see you…"
Marcy raised her hand, to stop her mother's chatter. "I could eat. Can you send the food to my room?"
Luna Layla confirmed. "Shower, and the food will wait for you. You have one hour until we leave for the spa. No matter how tired you are from the trip, the massage will relax you and we can eat there as well."
Marcy responded with a tight smile and went to her old room.
Everything was how she left it in the room that was dominated by pastel pink and purple colors. A queen size poster bed with a side cabinet, on the right was a desk with a chair, and two doors lead to bathroom and walk-in closet respectively.
A wall shelf next to her bed still had plushies that she collected as a child. Teddy bears mostly.
It all brought back memories, but Marcy didn't have many warm and fuzzy feelings about them.
She was confused by the abrupt summon which came with urgency and now that her family welcomed her like this was planned for some time, Marcy felt uneasy.
Just as Luna Layla said, by the time Marcy got out of the bathroom, food was waiting for her on the bedside table. A sandwich, an apple, and a cup of tea.
Marcy plopped on the bed and chewed a sandwich absentmindedly while thinking about her current situation.
She left behind friends, an apartment with her private belongings, and a part-time job in a small café. She had a life there and she didn't plan to return to the Red Moon pack for more than a visit.
There is nothing wrong with the Red Moon pack. It's the second-largest pack in North America, and as the oldest child (and the only daughter) of Alpha and Luna, Marcy is the princess with access to all the luxuries she can imagine.
The packhouse is massive, and Marcy has her own suite on the third floor, everyone is sucking up to her, but this doesn't compare to the vibrance of Europe.
What Marcy has in Europe and not here is… freedom.
In Europe, she could go when and where she wanted, with whom she wanted, and here she needs to follow a protocol as the princess of the Red Moon pack. For Marcy, this opulent packhouse is no more than a golden cage.
Marcy took a deep breath and told herself not to freak out. It's a culture shock and she will get used to it. After all, considering all the money she has, Marcy can travel to Europe anytime, right?
Marcy consoled herself with one big positive. While on the territory of the Red Moon pack, she can shift into her wolf form anytime without worrying that someone will see her and call hunters or the zoo.
Marcy was spacing out with a half-eaten sandwich in her hand when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in…", Marcy called while wondering if her one hour passed already.
"Hello…", a polished brunette said when her head peeked into Marcy's room.
Marcy thought that she looks familiar, but she couldn't put a name and a face together.
The brunette smiled helplessly. "It seems you forgot about me. I'm Nora, my father is Beta Raymond. Luna Layla told me to see if you need anything. I will join you for the spa outing."
When Marcy heard that Nora is Beta's daughter, she remembered a small girl with pigtails and freckles on her nose.
Nora grew into a tall brunette with a slender figure and curves in all the right places.
Marcy understood that she was looking at her new best friend.
This was another thing Marcy left behind in Europe, the freedom to pick her friends.
Marcy decided to focus on the positives. At least Nora is her age and not her mother's tea companion.
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Author's note: See Marcy's photo in the comments
Chapter 4 - The Welcome Party
Marcy mused that she and Nora should have at least something in common. If nothing else, based on Nora's shiny hair and flawless skin, the two of them can talk about hair and makeup, and Nora's outfit was branded as well.
"I don't need anything.", Marcy said. "But you are welcome to come in if you have nothing else to do. We can chat."
"Sure!", Nora said cheerfully and entered the room.
Marcy took a bite of her sandwich and eyed Nora.
"Do you know why my parents called me to return suddenly?"
This was the question that was eating Marcy from the inside since she received her mother's call. Marcy didn't ask her parents for an explanation because she knew that if they wanted her to know, they would tell her. It was always like that.
Nora stared at Marcy with her mouth half-open, obviously caught off guard by this question. "You should ask Alpha Edward and Luna Layla."
Before Marcy could ask anything else, Nora switched the topic. "Tomorrow is your welcome party. The invitation was sent to almost all pack members from eighteen to thirty years old. Your parents think highly of you to have such a big crowd. It's to announce to everyone that you are back and for you to make friends. We all know you because you are the Alpha's daughter, and you probably forgot about us. There will be more than two hundred people…"
Marcy was grateful for her parents, but everything seemed forced, and it reminded her of how things used to be before she left for Europe.
Marcy's childhood was filled with a strict schedule of lessons, training, and planned outings with a selected group of people.
After ten years away from home, Marcy forgot about the environment she endured as a child. At that time, she thought it's normal and she accepted it, but after experiencing freedom, now it was all coming back in painful fragments which suffocated her.
…
The next day…
Marcy's welcome party started at six in the afternoon.
Nora and Marcy got dressed and helped each other with hair and makeup.
The two of them were fashionably late, coming out at six-twenty and they exchanged approving smiles when they saw that their impeccable styles put them above the others, just how Alpha's and Beta's daughters should be.
Marcy observed the massive room on the first floor that opens up to the garden via two glass French doors. She remembered that this is where guests would gather for birthdays when she was a child.
Nora was sticking close to Marcy and making sure to introduce everyone who came close to them.
Marcy felt like royalty, and not in a good way. She was standing and shaking hands with a fake smile on her face. After the twentieth person (or so), Marcy stopped trying to remember their names.
Objectively, the party was well organized. The music was upbeat, and the dance area was packed, the food was tasty and plentiful, and there was a wide selection of beverages. The mood was good, people were friendly, and they all tried to leave a good impression on Marcy.
Marcy thought how after initial formalities are over, she might be able to relax and enjoy.
It was shortly after eight o'clock when her wolf stirred as the most seductive scent of sweet clover invaded her senses.
'Mate…', her wolf spoke inside Marcy's mind, and her insides trembled.
The wolves don't speak unless it's to notify their human half that the mate is nearby. She dreamed about this moment for a long time, and now it's here!
Marcy's twenty-first birthday was four months ago, and she lost hope that she will meet her mate. This was totally unexpected.
Marcy was overwhelmed by the need to follow her senses and give in to the invisible pull in order to find him.
"Where are you going?", Nora asked when she saw Marcy walking away.
"To the restroom.", Marcy lied.
"I'm coming with you."
"No need. I will be back in a minute.", Marcy said and disappeared into the crowd before Nora could respond.
As soon as Marcy stepped on the terrace that was leading toward the garden, Marcy's blue eyes locked with mesmerizing chocolate ones and she was in Heaven.
'Coming home was not a bad thing, after all…', Marcy thought. If she knew that her mate was here, she would come three years ago.
They walked toward each other as possessed, and he took her hand in his without a word spoken. They both jolted as the delightful sparks prickled their skin upon contact, and their wolves stirred in joy.
The brown-haired Greek God took the lead and Marcy followed obediently deeper into the garden, seeking privacy.
Marcy smiled foolishly while observing his broad back. He was tall and muscular and everything she ever imagined her partner will be.
When they were at the edge of the garden, hidden from the crowd by the large hydrangea bushes, he stopped and turned to face Marcy.
She took a moment to admire his features and take note of some details in silence, and he did the same.
There was no need to speak. Their enamored gazes and matching smiles said it all.
Marcy marveled how his hair turned golden under the rays of the setting sun. His full lips lifted into a half-smile demanded to be kissed, and she could see a tattoo peeking under his off-white shirt as his top button was undone. Is it a hummingbird? Marcy was eager to remove his shirt and see the extent of that artwork which embellished his muscular body.
Marcy praised herself for preserving her v-card. This Greek God will definitely be elated when he finds out that she is a virgin, only his, and she couldn't wait for him to claim her possessively. That's the way of the werewolves.
It's not that she was saving herself for marriage, but Marcy knew that if her parents found out that she was defiled, she would be in big trouble. That's why whenever Marcy hooked up with guys, she made sure they are aware there will be no vaginal penetration. Oral pleasures were fine, and if the guy was good, she would agree to anal, but her sweet spot was reserved for someone worthy. And this Greek God standing in front of her was worthy.
He observed with admiration Marcy's impeccably straight blonde hair, parted on the side, that framed her exquisite face. Her light blue eyes, nearly gray… straight nose… full lips… flawless skin. Everything about Marcy was delicate and wonderful.
Before he could say anything, Marcy grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him down for a kiss.
Marcy's heart thumped erratically as mind-numbing electricity shot through her body while his flavors spread within her and his large hands on her back felt just right.
It was not her first kiss, and their tongues barely touched, yet Marcy was lightheaded and giddy.
"I'm Marcy…", she said while catching her breath.
"George", he responded with a smile that made her core clench.
"My father is Alpha Edward and my mother…"
"I know", he cut her off with a smoky voice that made her wish to rip his clothes off and throw herself at him right there, among the hydrangea bushes.
She smiled like an idiot while running her hands over his firm chest. The pesky off-white shirt was in the way, but she suppressed her urges to undress him because she could hear the music and people chattering. Someone might come and see them.
George pushed the lock of Marcy's hair behind her ear, and she was sure that she never experienced anything more seductive in her life, yet.
"Tell me something about you.", Marcy demanded dreamily.
He shrugged. "I'm a nobody."
She didn't get it. "You are from the Red Moon pack, right?" She could feel the mind link tingling, telling her that they belong to the same pack. "The party started two hours ago, how come I noticed you only now?"
"I was cleaning training grounds. My shift ended at eight o'clock. After that, I came here…"
Marcy blinked while trying to process his words and her smile faltered.
Cleaning? An Omega. A nobody.
Why would the Moon Goddess pair her with an Omega? If he is a warrior, or a scout, or anything, it would be better than this. Omegas are the lowest, unskilled pack members.
How can the princess be mated to an Omega?
Marcy inhaled with difficulty and took a step back.
And the next came from her mouth words she never thought she will say, "I Marcy Redmayne, reject you…"
Her heart ached and her wolf howled in protest. She could see anguish veiling George's handsome features, but she knew it had to be done.
She was in so much pain while stammering away, that she didn't register if anyone noticed her leaving the party, or if George accepted her rejection.
George.
That's the name that will be painfully etched into her heart forever.
Marcy was nearing the door of her room when she bumped into someone.
"Sorry…", Marcy mumbled at the girl that was now sitting on the floor, wearing clothes that were too shabby for the party by any standards.
Marcy was in too much pain to think about the girl whose head was lowered, her unkempt copper-colored hair covered her face as she clambered to her feet and ran down the hallway.
Marcy forced her legs to move because she didn't want anyone to see her in this state, especially not her parents, and she hoped that the person she knocked into was no one important.
Marcy's wolf withdrew in the back of her mind, licking her wounds and refusing to acknowledge Marcy. Marcy could feel her wolf's pain that only amplified her own.
Without her wolf, Marcy couldn't shift into wolf form, but soon she will find out how that's the least of her problems.
---
Chapter 5 - Excuses And Reasons
The next day was a blur for Marcy as she struggled to accept reality while cursing the day of returning home.
Luna Layla's tea parties, Nora taking Marcy places and trying to cheer her up while thinking that Marcy has difficulty adjusting to the life in the pack, Marcy coming up with excuses why she is not shifting into her wolf form, various faces, and fake smiles, it all blended into fuzzy nothingness.
The knowledge that she had a mate and lost him was like tasting the best delicacy and knowing it will forever be out of reach. But what were her options?
Marcy didn't reject George on a whim.
As much as Marcy is the princess of the Red Moon pack, in the last ten years, she experienced independence, met various people, and learned some things about life. She is not stupid.
Marcy is aware that her parents see her as a token that can be exchanged for climbing up the power ladder. They sent her to Europe to increase the mystery around Marcy's identity and to give her a label of a she-wolf who knows the ways of the world.
Just like any she-wolf, Marcy dreamed about meeting her other half and losing herself in his embrace.
The guy of her dreams was tall and muscular and his scorching gaze was directed at her. He would command thousands of werewolves during the day, and win fierce battles, while in the night he would make sure to tire her out in all positions of Kama Sutra.
George was tall and muscular, and his scorching gaze whispered promises of sleepless nights full of carnal pleasures. But he didn't have anyone to command because he was the one receiving orders.
Marcy concluded that something must be wrong with George. If he was healthy, he would definitely be part of some warrior unit and not an Omega on cleaning duty.
George would never get the approval of her parents.
Marcy mentally went through numerous scenarios and outcomes, depending on who her mate would be, and she knew that if her mate is not someone outstanding, the best outcome for both of them is to reject that bond before it solidifies.
Omega is someone without a title, without a position, without resources.
Marcy's parents would not accept him and if Marcy insisted on staying with him, they would either disown her, or they would punish him. Harshly. He might even lose his life.
Alpha Edward and Luna Layla would not approve of such union, because that would sully their family and ruin twenty years of investments they made in Marcy.
Marcy is the princess and it's her duty to ensure the prosperity of the pack, even if it means she needs to suffer. That sounds virtuous, but Marcy is aware how that is only a fa?ade created by her parents and other powerful individuals behind them. The truth is that they will use any means to grasp more, and it's never enough.
Losing a mate is devastating, and the longer two are together, the stronger is the bond. There are cases when one mate died and the other one followed soon after, due to heartbreak.
Rejecting George was the best decision, Marcy is confident about that.
The bond was still weak, and they will survive and move on.
Who knows? Maybe the Moon Goddess will give them second chance mates, or if they complete the mating process with someone else, any other crushes and bonds will disappear. Hopefully.
…
-- This work is published on NovelFire (w e b n o v e l . c o m). Don't support illegal copies! Read from the original site to support the author --
...
It was early morning when Alpha Edward called Marcy into his study.
Other than her father, also present were Luna Layla, James (aka the brother), Beta Raymond, and Nora. Based on this lineup, Marcy knew that it's something important.
Panic swelled within her. Is it possible that they heard about her rejecting George?
Marcy told herself to calm down. Being rejected is a big shame, so George probably didn't share that with anyone, and she kept her lips sealed.
Or did someone saw them kissing in the garden? Even if that's the case, kissing is not a big deal. Marcy was already spinning a story in her head, how that was a dare or a bet.
"Sit, Marcy.", Alpha Edward commanded, and when she sat on the chair, he announced, "Alpha Damon of the Dark Howlers pack is coming to visit us tomorrow. He will be here in time for lunch."
Marcy didn't understand why that required her presence or why it sounded so official. It's just a guest, an Alpha. He will join them for lunch and maybe dinner, and spend the day with her father.
"The Dark Howlers pack is the largest pack in North America.", Luna Layla chimed in while looking at Marcy meaningfully.
Marcy nodded in acknowledgment. She knew this.
Marcy spent the last ten years in Europe, but she was aware of the major events among packs.
Alpha Damon made quite a reputation for himself as a fierce warrior, undefeated among Alphas. Other Alphas admire him, fear him, and despise him at the same time because Alpha Damon got his position very young, and he doesn't take anyone's shit.
The word is that Alpha Damon has a nasty temper.
Marcy could guess that her father hates Alpha Damon. It's nothing personal, but because of the Dark Howlers pack, the Red Moon pack is second, and her father hates being second. Sprinkling salt to his wounded ego is the fact that Alpha Damon is half of her father's age, so there is that.
Marcy wondered why her father was smiling, and his next few words answered Marcy's silent question, "He is coming to meet you and discuss with me the deal for you to become his Luna."
Marcy's word stopped. Deal to become his Luna. Luna? Like marriage, Luna?
And then things fell into place.
All the classes and training she took; her parents let her pick whatever she wanted as long as she takes etiquette lessons as well as various classes that are related to house and budget management. It all pointed out to the possibility of her parents grooming Marcy to be the lady of the house, a big house. Probably a Luna.
Marcy understood that her parents are working on this for some time. Maybe from the day she was born.
When Marcy returned, the first thing her father asked was if she is mated, probably to eliminate any potential problems.
Marcy shook her head inwardly while thinking how it's a good thing she didn't tell anyone about George, and she hoped that he kept his mouth shut about them being mates because if that reaches her parent's ears, George will be in trouble.
Marcy looked at her parents. From the beginning, they were preparing her for this, and she knew that the probability of an arranged marriage was high. However, Marcy hoped that it will be more on the lines of them meeting and getting to know each other before they discuss marriage, and not this… business transaction.
Marcy glanced at Nora, and she wondered if Nora knew about this in advance. Does it matter? It won't change anything.
"What do you say, Marcy?", Luna Layla asked excitedly.
Marcy grit her teeth. What kind of a stupid question was that? Does she have a choice to oppose?
"I am still taking in this information.", Marcy responded ambiguously.
"You have until tomorrow noon to take it in and adjust your attitude.", Alpha Edward said, and only then Marcy noticed that his expression darkened. "A lot of things depend on this marriage, so you better leave a good impression."
Marcy responded with a tight smile.
How could she forget that her father did everything for his own gain? He probably sees Alpha Damon as a youngster that can easily be manipulated. It would be stupid to think that this was ever about Marcy.
"Yes, father.", was the only thing Marcy could say. "If you excuse me…"
Luna Layla gave eye signals to Nora to follow after Marcy. From the day Marcy returned, Nora's duty was to ensure Marcy doesn't do anything stupid.
This is a crucial time for Marcy, and they needed Marcy to accept her reality and stay composed. That's what they raised her for.
---
Chapter 6 - Stephanie
Marcy's mind was a mess after receiving the news that tomorrow she will meet Alpha Damon, the Alpha of the notorious Dark Howlers pack, aka her future husband.
She still didn't recuperate from the event of finding (and rejecting) her mate, yet now she needs to think about another man. And this was not just any man. Alpha Damon has a grim reputation on the battlefield and an even worse reputation related to women.
In search of solitude that would allow her to think, Marcy went to her room.
To Marcy's horror, Nora was two steps behind her, cooing how this is the best thing ever.
Marcy was exasperated when she saw that Nora came into her room. Why won't Nora leave her alone?
"What do you know about Alpha Damon?", Marcy asked irritably.
Nora whipped her phone out. "Very handsome! This one was taken two months ago when he visited the Silverburn pack. I have a friend there, so we exchange hottie-related information, and Damon is a hottie, so... I can't believe he is coming here!"
Marcy looked at the photo Nora showed her. Well, he is handsome.
"I guess with you marrying him, I will have the hottest info on him.", Nora grinned at Marcy. "You will be OK with me reporting things to my friends about your hot husband, right? Damon being married won't make him any less handsome, and we are only talking and looking. Not touching."
Marcy let out an exasperated sigh. "Take as many photos as you want. It's not like I own the guy. This is all my father's doing, for the benefit of the pack. No one asked me how I feel about this."
Nora cocked an eyebrow at Marcy. "How do your feelings change the fact that you are set to marry the hottest werewolf in North America? He has looks and money and thousands of warriors at his disposal. I can only imagine how lavish his mansion is. His territory is larger than ours and it has forests and lakes and mountains as far as your eyes can reach. It will be all yours."
"What about his womanizing?", Marcy asked.
Nora rolled her eyes like Marcy asked something silly. "Hellooooo! Damon is the Alpha of the largest pack in North America. He never lost a challenge, and he is young, handsome, and single. Do you expect him to be a monk? Women throw themselves at him. If he says a word, an endless line of beauties will form and wait for him to claim them."
Marcy groaned. "I was not talking about hookups. Didn't you hear about numerous women offering themselves as brides and Alpha Damon rejecting them?"
Nora shrugged. "One or a hundred, why does that matter? Do you put yourself on the same level as them? You are beautiful, well educated, and your father is the Alpha of the Red Moon pack. Even if Alpha Damon doesn't fall for you right away, as long as he doesn't reject you, you will get your chance to seduce him."
Marcy agreed with this, she is all what Nora said, and much more, and Marcy didn't meet a guy who would refuse her. No matter how many layers Alpha Damon has around him, Marcy was confident that she will be able to win him over.
At the mentioning of rejection, Marcy remembered George, the Greek God who gave her a few minutes of bliss before the harsh truth plunged her into agony.
Does Damon have a mate or someone he prefers? Marcy was confident that a guy like Damon probably has several women at home, willing to please him. What if he has a harem?
"Do you know if Alpha Damon found his mate?"
"Maybe he did, and things didn't work out…", Nora mused. "But you should focus on the fact that he is available. After you complete the mating ceremony, it won't matter if his mate is out there because the bond between the two of you will form and overshadow any others. You will be the Luna of the most powerful pack and he will adore you."
Marcy pursed her lips while thinking about Nora's words.
Luna Marcy, Luna of the most powerful pack in North America. It doesn't sound bad. The fact that Alpha Damon is young and good-looking is an added bonus. Only a fool would pass such an opportunity.
Marcy told herself that no matter what mate the Moon Goddess set for her, she can choose her mate. If they complete the mating process, any other bond will disappear, including this longing Marcy feels for George.
Marcy put her hand over her chest. She rejected him. Why does she still feel restless whenever she thinks of him?
"Are you OK?", Nora asked with concern obvious in her voice.
"Yes, yes.", Marcy was quick to plaster a smile on her face. "Tomorrow is a big day. Help me pick what to wear. Unfortunately, I didn't pack some of my favorite dresses and we might need to go shopping."
Nora squealed at the possibility of shopping. That's her favorite pastime.
…
~ The Dark Howlers pack ~
While Marcy and Nora were going through Marcy's closet, at the same time, in the Dark Howlers pack…
Damon exited the packhouse and just like every time when he leaves for longer than one day, he stopped and observed the three-story high majestic building.
On the first floor are common rooms, where pack members gather and they entertain guests.
On the second floor are offices, guest bedrooms, and Beta's quarters.
The third floor is reserved for Alpha and his family.
Damon remembers the time when the packhouse was lively. When he was a child, it was always buzzing with activity. His mother, Luna Violet, knew how to attract people. She was kind, with the warmest smile under the moon, and everyone loved her.
Now, it's just a handful of them staying in this huge mansion. Regular pack members have their own dwellings in the area, and they come to the packhouse only when they have some business or when Alpha is hosting an event, which is not very often.
It's quiet.
Damon turned to the car where Caden and Maya waited for him.
It was time to head to the Red Moon pack and meet Marcy, the next candidate for his Luna.
"Cheer up!", Caden shouted from the car at Damon. "You look like you are going to a funeral, and not to get laid! The mental image of a fine woman like Marcy spreading her legs for you should make you happy!"
Maya slapped Caden over his shoulder.
"What?", Caden asked Maya innocently and she rolled her eyes at him.
"Why can't you pick your words a bit?", Maya scolded Caden.
Caden smirked. "Since when you mind when I talk dirty?"
"It's fine when it's only the two of us...", Maya responded with a whisper and Caden chuckled before pulling her closer to give her a smacking kiss on the lips.
Damon observed this lover's banter, and he was not enthusiastic about the upcoming trip. It will be a long drive and he will be forced to watch the PDA between those two lovebirds.
"Wait!", a breathy female voice was heard from the hallway and a second later a middle-aged woman appeared at the main door with a full head of curly red hair, and food containers in her hands. "This is food for the road. I don't want you kids to go hungry."
Damon stifled a laugh and shook his head. For her, they will always be kids.
Damon accepted food containers without complaining. "Thank you, Steph."
Stephanie takes care of the packhouse, handling tasks that are usually done by the Luna, and Damon often jokes that he will marry her.
Luna of the pack takes care of the packhouse, and she ensures that the pack members are happy, while Alpha is in charge of security and everything running smoothly within the pack, and with their external relationships (allies and enemies).
To explain Alpha and Luna roles in simple language: Alpha takes care of the needs, while Luna takes care of the wants, and only when Alpha and Luna are working in harmony, the pack can grow and prosper.
Damon doesn't have a Luna, so those duties are split between Stephanie and Maya, with Stephanie focusing on the packhouse while Maya keeps an eye on the pack members.
Stephanie was Damon's mother's best friend, and her mate was the Beta of the Dark Howlers pack when Damon's father, Alpha Jacob, was the Alpha. Stephanie's mate died with Damon's parents.
Stephanie has a daughter, Lisa, who was eight years old at that time, and Damon treats Lisa like his baby sister.
With the demise of Alpha and Luna of the Black Howlers pack, the situation was unstable, and Stephanie couldn't leave Damon on his own, so she decided to send her daughter to her sister, for safety reasons.
It took about two years for the peace to return to the Black Howlers pack and by then Lisa adapted to the life with her aunt and uncle, and they decided that she will stay there. Lisa still visits occasionally, mostly during summer break and on holidays.
For the last decade, Stephanie is treating Damon as her child, and everyone in the pack loves and respects her.
Chapter 7 - Power-hungry Ex-es
"Drive safely.", Stephanie said to Caden when he started the car.
The trio would save a lot of time if they went with a helicopter or a plane, but werewolves like to feel the ground below them and won't fly unless it's absolutely necessary.
"Be back in three days.", Stephanie added meaningfully.
Caden paused while thinking about his and Damon's schedule. There was nothing that would require their presence for at least one week. Any work that was pending could be done via phone, email, or video chat.
"What's in three days?", Caden asked.
"Cassie is coming.", Stephanie responded with an unhappy face.
Caden stifled a laugh and Maya grimaced.
"What? Why?", Damon asked dejectedly.
Stephanie narrowed her eyes at him. "You should ask her and not me. Cassie wanted to come today, but I told her that you will be out for a few days on business, and then she changed her tune to how she will go to New York for three days and come here after that. Make sure you are back by then. I don't want to entertain girls who think they are my Luna."
Damon nodded obediently. "I will keep you informed about our schedule."
Before Stephanie could say anything, Damon slipped in the back seat of the car and mind-linked Caden, 'Drive, NOW!'
"See you in a few days, Steph!", Caden shouted through the open window and drove away.
"Not a few! Three! Did you hear me!?", Stephanie shouted after them and shook her head helplessly. Kids.
In the car…
"Man, you should tidy up your loose ends.", Caden said to Damon teasingly.
Damon groaned in frustration.
If not for Caden setting him up with that blasted date, Damon wouldn't even know who Cassie is.
Cassie was one of the bride candidates. About three years ago, Damon went to meet her, and they met. Intimately.
Damon didn't know it was her first time; not that it would make any difference.
Damon deflowered many girls, she-wolves and humans alike, but after Cassie, he made a rule to stay away from virgins.
Cassie is a spoiled young lady, daughter of Alpha Richard, and Damon wonders if she has marbles instead of a brain.
Damon rejected her many times, but she refuses to accept it and walks around telling people that they are planning her Luna ceremony. The woman is delusional.
Since their one night together, Cassie shows up at the Dark Howlers pack occasionally, demanding that Damon marries her because she gave him her first time.
Damon would probably imprison her or maybe make her disappear if that wouldn't risk a war with the Steelbite pack.
The Steelbite pack on its own is not a problem. It's one of the smaller packs in the Southeast. But Alpha Richard has many connections, even among the Elders, and Damon doesn't want to give them more reasons to target him.
To Damon, Cassie is a temporary nuisance, and just like many she-wolves who are throwing themselves at him, Damon can tune her out.
Cassie comes about once a month, spends two to three days making a ruckus, and when she gets tired, she leaves.
As much as Damon can ignore Cassie and block her attempts to crawl onto his lap or sneak into his bedroom at night, Stephanie feels like snapping Cassie's neck whenever she hears Cassie saying how she is the Luna.
For Stephanie, there was only one Luna of the Dark Howlers pack and she perished ten years ago. How Stephanie sees it, every time Cassie shouts she is Luna (and tries to act like one), Cassie is tarnishing the image of Damon's mother, late Luna Violet.
Stephanie is aware that one day Damon will find his Luna, and Stephanie hopes that the girl will be at least half as good as her deceased best friend. Cassie is not good enough to clean Luna Violet's shoes which are sitting boxed up for the last decade, and taking Luna Violet's position is out of the question.
Damon exhaled sharply, releasing his tension together with last thoughts about Cassie. With any luck, she will not come, and he won't need to deal with all that drama.
Women like Cassie enforce Damon's conviction that having a woman in life only brings trouble. He already has so much to deal with. Managing the pack, balancing the relationships with other packs, alliances, deals, concealed enmity, and all those damned Elders who are trying to manipulate him.
Other than his mother and Stephanie (and maybe Maya), Damon didn't see any woman who can handle her own burden. That's why he doesn't want a woman in his life. His hands are already full and if he needs to deal with whinnying and pacifying women, he would go crazy.
How Damon sees it, one-night stands are perfect and there are plenty of women who won't ask for more from a handsome stranger, especially she-wolves who have a high libido.
Whenever he has time, Damon goes outside of his pack borders, into areas where no one knows him. He finds a woman, they have fun, and by morning he can go back to his duties without any strings attached.
A clean break after an enjoyable night. Is that too much to ask for?
Unfortunately, Damon is something like a celebrity, and those few women with whom he spent more than one night, started building expectations and he didn't want to deal with their tantrums, so he bailed out.
Damon's phone rang and his handsome eyebrow arched when he saw the caller ID, "Jade".
Ah, another of his ex-es (aka bride candidates), but this one didn't call him in more than a year, so he decided to see what she wants.
"Yes?"
"Hi Alpha Damon, can we talk?"
Damon hummed in confirmation. This is what he likes about Jade. She doesn't beat around the bush, and she doesn't play games.
Damon remembers when he met Jade for a date, about two years ago. Jade told him that she is into modeling, and she has no plans to abandon her career, but she is not against one night of fun.
"We are already on a date, why not enjoy it all the way?", she said with a wink and Damon approved.
In the morning, there were no hugs, no kisses, and no empty promises. Jade just left which earned her a big brownie point in Damon's books and that's why he didn't block her number.
And now it seems that she has something on her mind.
"Tell me.", Damon said.
"I am aware that you are still single, and that Elders are pressuring you to get married more than ever, right?"
Damon frowned and said sternly, "Get to the point, Jade."
Jade heard the Alpha's tone in Damon's voice, and she got aroused. She can't help it. Every she-wolf reacts to a powerful male, it's in their genes.
"My father is nagging me to quit my job and find a husband and all the other stuff I don't want to do, so I thought of you."
Damon didn't get it. "Explain."
"We can help each other. I will stay at your place for a few days, we go out, take some photos, and make it look like we are in a serious relationship. That should pacify my father and Elders for some time. I can go back to my runway, while you do… whatever you do. When they start bugging us again, we will repeat the process. What do you say?"
"You want to be my fake girlfriend?", Damon summarized. Part of him thought how that's a good idea.
"Fake, real, those are just labels, right? We already shagged each other's brains out, so other than marking, we went as far as possible. This is something that can benefit both of us. If you want, we can sign a contract. I will appreciate it if you don't meddle in my career and don't touch my money." After a brief pause, Jade spoke with urgency, "I need to go. The show starts in five minutes, and I'm the first model. Think about it and let me know. If you have any conditions, I'm open for negotiations."
The call ended abruptly, and Damon stared at his phone.
"Will Jade be your pretend girlfriend?", Maya asked with amusement in her voice.
"I hope not.", Caden said seriously. "Damon, remember that once they get in, it's a headache to kick them out. What if she wants more than pretending? And before you say how Jade is cool, let me remind you that she is crafty and ambitious. If she is not, she wouldn't be such a successful model despite her father's objections."
Damon exhaled sharply as he agreed with Caden. All the irritation he left behind was back again.
Women only bring trouble.
Why can't they leave him alone?
Chapter 8 - Talia
Author's note: see Talia's photo in the comments
---
~ The Red Moon pack ~
"Out of the way!", Anna spat angrily while carrying a stack of plates into the kitchen.
Talia quickly stepped to the side, not wanting to attract attention. She never understood why Anna or other Omegas are treating her like trash, she is an Omega, just like they are.
The only difference between them and Talia is that they all have families, while Talia is an orphan. No one will stand up for her and in the world of werewolves, one wins by strength or numbers. Unfortunately, Talia doesn't have any of those, so she needs to submit or risk another beating.
Talia read in a book that a good Luna should advocate for kindness and helping the less fortunate ones, but Luna Layla is not one of those. Other than worrying about herself, Luna Layla cares about the flashy image of the Red Moon pack, and that's where her concerns stop.
Talia huddled in the corner, behind a big ficus, and observed the commotion.
The whole packhouse was buzzing with activity and she overheard Omegas talking how someone important is coming for lunch. Probably an Alpha.
The packhouse is a big mansion that is used as a home for the Alpha, the Beta, and their families. Also, guests stay there.
Other pack members have their own dwellings in the area whose size and proximity to the packhouse reflect the owner's standing within the pack.
Talia is the only exception as she is a nobody and she lives in the packhouse, but only because she stays in the attic. No one knows Talia exists as long as she completes her chores, and she doesn't get in anyone's way.
On a normal day, Talia thinks of herself as a house mouse that lives within the walls without anyone noticing.
Talia likes when they have important guests because that means there will be plenty of food to go around, just like during the party, two days ago.
That party was amazing. Talia listened to the music from the window she cracked open while munching on a full plate of various snacks she sneaked from the kitchen.
The only bad thing was that the guest of honor, princess Marcy (how other Omegas call her), bumped into Talia after Talia returned the empty plate. Luckily, Marcy didn't raise a fuss and she even apologized.
Talia is confident that Marcy is a good person.
When Talia cleaned Marcy's bathroom while Marcy was on one of her spa outings, Talia observed an array of beauty products she wouldn't even know how to use, and Marcy's closet was full of fancy outfits which confirmed to Talia that Marcy is the real princess. Princess Marcy.
Talia used the less used passages to reach her room in the attic. The things inside are old and dingy, but she keeps it clean and most of the time no one bothers her.
She smiled at the sight of two apples and a dinner roll that were on the napkin, next to the futon where Talia sleeps.
Normally, Talia stays in her room during the day. At night, she would complete her chores, and she uses that opportunity to shower in a bathroom that is attached to one of the unused guest bedrooms. When everyone is sleeping, Talia sneaks into the kitchen to find food.
How Talia sees it, today is a good day. With an important Alpha coming, there will definitely be a feast, which means more leftovers.
Talia laid on the futon that is riled with holes, and she stared at the ceiling while munching on an apple.
Talia likes to think of herself as a captured princess, waiting for her prince to rescue her, but Talia is aware that she is no princess and there is no prince. Not for her at least.
Talia was brought to the Red Moon pack, when she was a toddler, by the previous Alpha. She heard rumors that the Alpha was kind and powerful, but unfortunately, soon after Talia's arrival to the Red Moon pack, he died, and his son, Edward inherited his position.
Alpha Edward was eager to prove himself and in the world of werewolves, that is done by strength and strategizing. His strategy was to focus on warriors and military power, and he neglected everything else.
Of course, Alpha Edward's perfect image was important, so Luna Layla was in charge of making the packhouse looking glamorous and organizing parties, while their daughter Marcy was sent to Europe to attend prestigious boarding schools when she was in her early teens, and their son James was busy with tutors even before he could walk properly.
Between all that activity, Talia is convinced that Alpha Edward and Luna Layla forgot about her existence.
Talia was seven or maybe eight years old when Alpha Edward repurposed common rooms for additional training areas, and at that point, Talia lost her bedroom.
"Where should I go?", Talia asked while looking at people who were taking the furniture out of her room.
The woman paused. "The attic is not used."
And here she is. In the attic.
That was more than a decade ago.
Since then, Talia is living low-key with Alpha and Luna not acknowledging her existence. It's not that they are ignoring her on purpose. Talia is a quiet, inconspicuous girl, with a talent for diminishing her presence.
Talia was a child when she came to the Red Moon pack, and she never went through the ceremony of joining the pack, so she doesn't have the mind link. That's one of the reasons why Alpha Edward doesn't know about her.
But Omegas know. They tend to bully Talia for the smallest mistakes and over the years, Talia learned to keep to herself and to avoid them effectively.
She cleans the bathrooms and empties the trash in the packhouse, without anyone noticing.
Talia shifted and groaned when a hard corner hit her lower back. She reached for the book that's the culprit for her pain. That will leave a bruise.
Talia lives with the werewolves, but she is no more than a human.
If not for her wolf speaking to her, Talia would believe that she IS a human.
Unfortunately, Talia heard her wolf the last time about four years ago.
'You are too weak to shift…', Talia's wolf spoke into her head. 'If you force it, it might kill you…'
Talia didn't feel her wolf since then, and Talia is not sure if her wolf is sleeping or if she is lost forever.
Without her wolf, Talia doesn't have the speed or the strength, or the enhanced senses, and her healing ability is super-slow. On top of that, Talia is malnourished and much smaller than an average werewolf, making her look like a fifteen-sixteen years old (skinny) girl, instead of nineteen years old.
Talia looked at the book in her hand and observed the illustration of a princess who is smiling and running with her prince. There is a castle in the background, they are holding hands and look happy, and Talia's eyes always wander to the princess' shiny shoes.
The book is about Cinderella, a poor girl who is abused by her stepmother and stepsisters, and then she meets a fairy godmother who magics a fancy dress and shiny shoes so that Cinderella can go to the ball, meet her prince, and live happily ever after.
'What nonsense.', Talia thought. 'The story is rubbish. One's fortune can't depend on a pair of shoes', but Talia still cracked a smile.
This book reminds Talia of Olivia, the only member of the Red Moon pack who treated her as a person.
Olivia left the pack about one year ago and Talia misses her dearly. Every night Talia hugs that book to sleep, and she remembers Olivia.
Olivia is two years older than Talia and her father is Dr. Scott, the pack doctor.
Olivia would sneakily come to the attic and help Talia tend to her cuts and bruises. Olivia didn't dare to help Talia openly when others bullied her, but Talia never blamed her for it.
Olivia taught Talia a lot about plants; which one is good for swelling, which one for reducing pain, etc.
When Olivia noticed that Talia is reading slowly, she gave Talia the book about Cinderella. "Practice reading daily. This is a great book to remind you how there is such thing as magic, and dreams can come true..."
Talia thought how that was silly, but she was touched by the gesture and accepted the book.
Last year, Olivia was away for a few weeks, and when she returned she came to say her goodbyes.
"Where are you going?", Talia asked her curiously.
Talia never thought about leaving the pack. Not because she didn't have the courage, but more because she had no idea where she would go. Her knowledge about the world outside of the Red Moon pack was extremely limited making her feel like a frog in a well that was sealed and she can't even see the sky above.
Olivia smiled dreamily. "I met my mate. I'm going to live with him. Larry is waiting for me at my house. I used the chance of Larry talking to my dad to come here and say goodbye…"
Talia hugged Olivia and wished her all the best. Talia was happy for her friend, even though she knew that she will be lonely.
Olivia found her prince and she was going to have her happily ever after, and Talia held her tears for after Olivia left.
Talia placed her hand on the book about Cinderella and dozed off.
Her duties start in the evening when everyone is sleeping, so she can rest. By then, the guests will arrive and all the buzz will be over, and Talia smiled at the thought of all the leftovers she will find in the kitchen.
---
Chapter 9 - The Red Moon Pack
It was late morning when Damon, Caden, and Maya arrived at the Red Moon pack.
Luna Layla apologized for the absence of her husband. "He is with the scouts who picked up suspicious movements on the eastern border of our territory before dawn. Alpha Edward is a hands-on leader and wants to personally ensure we are safe."
Luna Layla was welcoming enough to personally show them to their rooms on the second floor.
'Wow! This place is glitzy.', Maya shared her thoughts with Damon and Caden through their mind link.
'You can say that again.', Caden responded.
None of three commented on two lines of Omegas who bowed to greet them in front of the packhouse.
The floor of the entry hallway was made of white marble and the matching tall columns reached the three stories high ceiling. The marble staircase elegantly curved upward, looking pure and flawless, perfectly complimented by golden rails and the opulent crystal chandeliers that looked like they came from a fancy castle.
'How many homes could one build with all this money if they only take luxury down a notch?', Damon grumbled through the mind link.
'In the Red Moon pack, only mated couples get a dwelling. Highly ranked warriors get a single home, while others get apartments.', Caden reminded Damon who usually doesn't care about the internal workings of other packs. 'Everyone else above the age of twelve years old lives in common buildings where six to eight people share a room.'
Maya frowned at this thought.
In the Dark Howlers pack, they have common buildings, but most of the pack members live in single homes. Community buildings are used by teens who want to experience life away from parents, and by the elderly who want their space while staying close to people of their age, and of course, in case of emergency situations, when someone's home catches on fire or for refugees until they find them a permanent housing solution.
Damon continued his father's practice of treating everyone with equal importance regardless of their occupation or gender. Omegas get the same privileges as warriors and doctors. After all, each of them is an important member of the pack and deserves dignity.
Giving preference to someone compared to others will create an atmosphere where members are inclined to choose an occupation, disregarding their interests, only because of the benefits it brings. It could easily bring inequality and the creation of social classes. And there is also jealousy, feelings of superiority, and other negativity can easily catch roots.
The Red Moon pack is known for its military proves, but only because Alpha Edward appreciates warriors and gives them better living conditions which caused most of the able males to become soldiers.
Maya felt the oppressive atmosphere the moment she alighted from the car. Two warriors standing stiffly on each side of the main entrance, the distant shouts from groups that were training… It was like they came to a military compound and not a pack where families live.
"Are you OK?", Caden asked Maya while rubbing her shoulder and she wondered if she made a face or Caden noticed her uneasiness because of their mate bond.
Maya glanced at Luna Layla before turning to Caden with a smile. "Fine. I'm just tired from the trip."
"Please, freshen up and join us downstairs. Lunch will be served in one hour, food will replenish your energy, and you can rest after that if you wish.", Luna Layla said to what Maya responded with a nod.
"Will Marcy join us for lunch?", Maya asked before entering the room. The young Miss and the reason they are here didn't welcome them at the door.
"Yes. She is getting ready.", Luna Layla said and glanced at Damon. "She wants to look her best."
"Her best…", Caden repeated. "We look forward to seeing her best."
Luna Layla's smile froze, and she would snap at Caden for making such an ambiguous remark. Why does he, a Beta, want to see her daughter? But Alpha Damon was right there, with his icy stern expression that made her shrink, so she plastered a smile on her face and sucked it up.
Damon entered his room and locked the door before heading to the bathroom.
Since they entered the Red Moon pack territory, Damon started feeling uneasy, like an omen of unpleasant things coming.
He wanted to shower and relax a bit because traveling with Caden and Maya who are always flirting or playfully bickering is exhausting, and based on the overly enthusiastic welcome by Luna Layla, Damon had a feeling that his mood will only get worse.
Damon met several dozens of she-wolves who tried to become his Luna, but this was the first time for Damon to stay in the packhouse overnight. Normally, he would meet the woman and her parents, take her out for dinner or to a nightclub before they end up rolling in the sheets in a hotel room. Compared to that, this looked more like meet the in-laws scenario, the one where he needs to stay for a few days and returns home with a wife.
That's not happening.
He wanted to talk to Alpha Edward and get to the bottom of what he wants, other than Damon marrying Marcy. There must be some other expectations attached to it. But unfortunately, Alpha Edward didn't join them for lunch, so that had to wait.
Damon, Caden, and Maya had a meal in the lavish dining room that matched the rest of the villa, in the company of Luna Layla, Marcy, and Nora.
Marcy and Nora were already seated at the table when Damon, Caden, and Maya arrived, and they briefly shook hands while exchanging pleasantries.
Alpha Edward and Beta Raymond were still absent, busy with scouts, and Luna Layla promised that they will return soon and definitely join them for dinner. She also apologized because her son was not present, saying that he is doing some exercises with warriors in order to build a strong character.
During their meal, Luna Layla played the role of a good hostess, Marcy chose her words while striking a balance between not being mute and not overstepping her boundaries, while Nora was stealing glances at Damon and blushing profusely.
How Nora saw it, life doesn't get better than this. The man from her wet fantasies was at the same table, eating and talking and every movement of his lips was seductive. She wondered what else he can do with those lips, and with the rest of his body.
She shook hands with Damon, and his grip was solid and warm and she wished that he grips more than her hand.
Nora glanced at Marcy and wondered if Marcy will mind if Nora makes a move on Damon. After all, Marcy didn't seem to be possessive of her future husband and it's not like Nora wants to snatch him for herself. Just a taste will be enough. One night.
After lunch, Luna Layla suggested, "Marcy, why don't you show Alpha Damon the garden? Hydrangea is in full bloom, and you can use this chance to get to know each other."
Marcy glanced at Damon and smiled. "Are you interested?"
"For a walk?", Damon asked, and Marcy confirmed with a nod. "Since your father is still busy, I need to fill in the time with something."
Luna Layla's lips twitched. Why is Alpha Damon sounding like he came for business with her husband instead of to meet Marcy?
'I'm going for a walk.', Damon said to Caden and Maya through the mind link.
Caden smirked. 'Have fun.'
'We will do our part.', Maya assured Damon.
Caden and Maya had a task to investigate the Red Moon pack and see if they can find anything that Damon can use. Ideally, they would find dirt on Marcy so that Damon can label her as unworthy without making up stuff and any negative information on Alpha Edward would be a bonus.
In the garden…
"You seem uneasy.", Damon voiced his observation.
Marcy was glancing around, hoping that she will not see George. Or maybe she wished to see him. But she couldn't admit that to Damon because she would need to say why George is important and that might complicate things.
Other than Damon's icy demeanor, Marcy thought that he is a good-looking, powerful, man. With his status, he had the right to be prideful. She didn't know Damon, but what she saw so far was impressive.
"I would like for us to talk in private.", Marcy said. "And here we can be overheard."
Damon paused. It's not that he didn't plan to sink deep into Marcy, but he didn't think that she will take the initiative less than one hour after they met.
"How about my room?", Damon suggested, and he smirked when Marcy nodded in approval.
Chapter 10 - Caught In The Act
In the guestroom…
Damon sat in the comfy sofa chair and observed Marcy smugly. She was standing three steps in front of Damon with her hands crossed over her chest defensively.
"You wanted privacy, so here we are.", Damon said while waving his hand, gesturing for Marcy to start talking.
"Considering our future relationship, I believe that we should be able to talk openly."
Damon cocked an eyebrow. "Our future relationship?"
Marcy narrowed her eyes impatiently. Why is he pretending that he doesn't understand? He wants her to spell it out? Fine!
"We both know that you are here because I will be your Luna."
Damon poked his cheek with his tongue while looking at Marcy mockingly. He realized that Marcy is impatient to clarify her status as his Luna. What's with the rush? She didn't seem to be desperate to get married, and if one was watching them during lunch, Nora seemed eager to put her hands on Damon, while Marcy was in a meh-mood.
Damon wondered if he saw it wrongly, or maybe Marcy is a good actress.
He wanted to test how far her act will go.
"My Luna? What makes you think you are qualified?"
Marcy was offended. Is he looking down on her?
"Just so you know, I was trained my whole life to be a good Luna. I can take care of the packhouse and the pack members and many other things, including housing, food, and finance management. I will relieve you of your burden."
"You want to relieve me of my burden…", Damon drawled, and Marcy nodded confidently.
Damon slid lower in the sofa chair until the back of his head reached the edge of the backrest, and his legs parted more.
"Since you are eager to relieve me of my burden, how about you put that pretty mouth of yours to good use and give me some relief."
Marcy paused and it took her a moment to understand the meaning behind Damon glancing at his crotch area.
She swallowed hard. 'He wants me to suck him off…'
Well, it's not like she never did that before, but it involved courting and dinner, and… his smug expression frustrated her profusely.
Marcy told herself that this guy in front of her is not some random Pierre or Jacque, this is Alpha Damon, and he is used to women serving him.
Marcy is prideful and willful, but at this point, she couldn't afford to offend him. Her father would skin her alive.
Marcy walked slowly toward Damon and got on her knees between his legs.
She bit her lower lip while unbuttoning his pants and he lifted his buttocks so that she can pull them lower, just enough for his erection to spring free.
She took a mental note that he didn't have underwear on.
Marcy looked at the beast in front of her and her eyes widened. 'He is huge, and not even fully erect!'
Damon let out a low hiss when Marcy took him into her mouth.
She knew what she was doing.
…
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…
Talia jumped from her sleep when piercing pain assaulted her shin.
"Wake up, slave!", Anna said with malice in her voice and Talia was immediately wide awake.
There are several Omegas who bully Talia, and Anna is their ringleader. But normally they don't come to the attic, and Talia had a bad feeling about this.
Talia yelped when Shawn grabbed a handful of her hair and dragged her toward the door. "You need to listen, slave…"
Talia never understood why they call her 'slave', and sometimes they call her 'rat' or 'roach'.
Is it because she is not part of the Red Moon pack? Or because she has no family? Or because she doesn't get any compensation for the work she does?
She gets a place to stay and food, and Talia even gets clothes from the pile others are discarding, so she didn't think about asking for more. Who would she ask, anyway? She wouldn't dare to approach Alpha or Luna with any demands.
Or maybe it's not about Talia, but these Omegas want to be superior to someone, so they are insulting Talia because she is easy to pick on.
Talia's thoughts were partially right. They bullied her in order to feel better, but what she doesn't know is that Anna and her gang think that Talia is having it easy.
Other than hard work, Omegas attend mandatory harsh trainings because Alpha Edward believes everyone should be a soldier, and whenever they fall behind, they get beatings. Every time Anna gets a beating, she searches for Talia in order to release some of her steam.
This time, Anna came up with a plan that will get Talia in big trouble. How big? It will depend on what happens next.
When Shawn let go of Talia, they were in the hallway on the second floor.
Anna smiled maliciously and tilted her head to the side.
Zina stepped forward and pushed a handful of stacked towels into Talia's hands.
"Fifth door on the right. Alpha Damon needs fresh towels for his bathroom.", Anna said and gestured in that direction.
Talia took a step back. "Towels? I only clean the bathrooms and take the trash. What if he is inside?"
"Are you arguing with me?", Anna hissed and raised her hand like she is about to deliver a slap.
Talia shrunk and scurried down the hallway.
Anna stifled a laugh at the scene.
"What do you think will happen?", Zina asked in a whisper. "Princess Marcy and Alpha Damon are alone for some time. What if they are going at it?"
"Good. We want Talia to cause a ruckus, right?", Shawn chimed in.
"She is enjoying a carefree life while we suffer.", Anna said maliciously. "It's time for Alpha Edward to take notice of this rat who is always falling through the cracks. I wonder if she will survive the day."
Talia gently knocked on the door and listened intently. It was quiet.
She guessed that Alpha Damon Anna mentioned is the big guest and she wondered if it's OK to get in if he is sleeping. With his Alpha-hearing, he would definitely hear that knock and tell her to come in or to scram.
Talia put her hand on the doorknob and slowly opened the door.
Her heart stopped at the sight in front of her and she froze.
A handsome young man with a head full of raven black hair was leaning back in the sofa chair with his head tilted up so that he can stare at the ceiling. His chest heaved and she couldn't see if his eyes were open but what she could see was princess Marcy, kneeling between man's legs and… and… Talia's brain stuttered.
This was too much.
Unsure what to do, Talia's eyes fell on the towels she was clutching tightly, and then she took a peek at the duo who was too busy to notice her.
That's right, they didn't notice her.
Talia decided to complete her mission. If she retreats without delivering towels, Anna will give her a hard time, and if she proceeds inside, there is a chance they will not catch her.
Talia stepped into the room and moved toward the bathroom while sticking as close to the wall as possible, without making any sound.
She left the towels next to the sink and dashed out with light steps, the same ones she uses to move through the packhouse without anyone noticing her.
Talia stopped at the door and pulled it to close slowly. For some inexplicable reason, Talia took another peek at the duo and her stomach dropped when she met two piercing blue eyes directed at her.
She was caught!
And Alpha Damon looked angry!
"Stop!", Damon shouted, but there was no way that Talia would stop.
She closed the door and ran upstairs as fast as she could, not stopping at the giggles and mocking from Anna and her gang, and not stopping until she reached the attic and closed the door behind her firmly. Talia pushed the cabinet to block the door and then she huddled in the corner, slowing down her breathing and wishing that her wild heartbeat doesn't betray her location.
'Is this it? Is this the day I die?', Talia wondered.
She only did what she was told to do, but that doesn't change the fact that she saw something that shouldn't be seen.
What did she see?
Talia didn't know much about male-female relationships, but Talia knew about body parts. Olivia also explained about periods and getting pregnant, and Talia was not sure why would princess Marcy put that part of Alpha Damon in her mouth. It should go elsewhere when they want to have babies.