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Wildflower

***

The Bloodlust Alpha

Zayn & Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever

a/n: Surprise kids. Santa came early this year with this POV change.

Raizel

Three Weeks Prior

"You're my mate."

I tore my attention from Chancellor Williams who was informing me of the latest rogue sightings to the blonde striding toward us. Walking with a confident bounce in her steps, I was almost surprised to see the underlying nervousness and fear under her poised exterior. Dressed in a vibrant yellow sundress, with her hair tied up in a high ponytail, she stopped right in front of Williams and I. It took me a moment to realize that this woman was of Luna status, not because of her aura, but because of the mark on her neck.

An Alpha had a marking larger than an average wolf's. It took up almost the whole side of his partner's neck, depending on how deep he marked her.

Even with her seemingly bold and assertive attitude, her presence wasn't much to dwell on. She didn't possess that spark that would've blatantly announced her a Luna just from first glance. If it wasn't for the mark, I probably wouldn't have noticed. I would've assumed she was just another she-wolf. I guess she didn't have proper training as Luna or that she was newly given the position. No Alpha female would have such little presence if that wasn't the case.

The man jogging to catch up from behind her was obviously the Beta. He was a tall, burly fellow with muscles rivaling most Beta's of the current packs. My own being an exception, of course.

There'd be no way I'd chosen Weston Creed to be my Beta had he been of average standard.

Best friend or not.

Shifting my weight to my right foot, I dropped the hand I was gesturing with to my side and cocked a brow. My eyes traveled down and settled to the skin of her neck once again. The obvious inking of her flesh and two puncture wounds the size of canines, told me and everyone else around us that she was mated and claimed.

What kind of nonsense is this woman spouting?

Maybe the Alpha she was currently involved with chose her because he didn't find his mate.

The Alpha will surely find himself some trouble now that she found her mate and he's another Alpha. The five of us stood here in silence. Four of the men here were all Alpha's, excluding Williams. And three out of four of them were currently mateless. Well, both of them were, I was permanently mateless. Alpha Foster and I were not part of the candidates. I look over to Alpha Hales and Alpha Monterey.

Both of their expressions confused and unsure before turning to each other.

I buried my hands in my pockets and turned my body to the direction of the other men to see just who the hell this woman was talking to. My wolf was already irked for her interruption but out of respect for the Alpha mate of this woman, I restrained my growls. Unlike other Alpha's I've come across, I could somewhat tolerate them.

"Raizel-"

My head whipped in her direction. The growl I've been meaning to restrain slipping and cutting her off immediately. Her eyes widened and the fear she tried concealing instantaneously began to roll off of her. Not that my wolf nor I necessarily cared. My wolf hated the woman calling us so carelessly without the proper title. She had no right to. Hell, no one called me by my first name. Not even my own pack regardless of the tradition. My body tightened with my fists clenched at my sides.

The anger boiling inside me only growing the more she dared to stare at me in a daze.

"Who are you?"

I asked a lot more harsher than I intended. She looked taken aback, like she didn't expect me to respond like that. As if she expected something completely different. Did this woman not know proper etiquette? Did her Luna instincts not warn her off? To call upon an Alpha she wasn't familiar with, without a title and using their first name was disrespectful.

Not to mention, completely fucking stupid.

I was sure by now, everyone knew of my bad temper.

I narrowed my gaze at the girl in front of me.

It was common sense.

"I-I'm Hestia. Hestia W-Dixon of Nightwake."

She blubbered quietly. Her head tipped down in submission which in turn, made me frown.

A weak-willed Luna served as a liability.

Same as a weak-willed Alpha.

Both partners had to be strong not only physically but also mentally to uphold their positions and pack status. In all honesty, sometimes mental strength was much more important than the physical. What good would physical strength do if not utilized correctly? You could be the strongest in the world, but it would all mount to nothing if you couldn't lead and strategize a pack. It would still apply even if you were the weakest person in the world. If you could outsmart your opponent, what good would their muscles do? Though physical strength is still a very good attribute to have.

A Luna was meant to help, strengthen and better a pack. They weren't there simply for decoration and to look pretty. The emotional bit was a package deal. The Luna and Alpha served to maintain each other's condition, emotional included. Without a Luna, the pack could never function.

Then again, I am a different case compared to other Alphas.

An Alpha not blessed with a mate can't exactly need one to begin with.

"I'm your mate."

The woman, who I momentarily forgot was still standing there, said. The wolf inside me growled, red eyes glowing brilliantly in the cage I was keeping him in. The fury I felt for the woman falsely claiming to be my mate when I don't have one, only added to the bitterness of my lonely reality. It was like having salt rubbed into your freshly opened wound and then soaked with a gallon of alcohol before being pressed down on with shards of broken glass.

She was testing my nerves.

"I'd advise you to refrain from making any more foolish jokes, Luna Walker."

She flinched, hearing the name she held but didn't use when introducing herself to me. Nightwake was a pack I heard of. The pack that had failed to aid an ally, Duskfall, during a rogue attack. The very same pack that had fallen by two in the ranks. Alpha Landon Walker and his Luna, Hestia Walker led it. A slight frown etched on my face but I quickly removed it.

I didn't know the Alpha personally, but I doubt he'd approve of what his Luna was doing.

"I don't know what you're talking about, R- Alpha Locksworth. You're my mate."

She walked closer to me, reaching out to lay a hand on my bicep.

I almost cringe away, revolted in her touch meaning to seduce me. It was downright degrading for her to even try. Did she think I was weak enough to succumb to her advances? This wasn't the first time women shamelessly threw themselves at me, and each time I would deflect them. She was no exception. Hell, I had more reason to reject her seeing as she's claimed and mated to a fellow Alpha.  I had no interest in the act of self indulgence nor did I want to give any of them a reason in thinking they could form some type of relationship with me.

My concern and only concern is my pack.

Sex was just a trivial thing I could live without.

I've been doing so for years and I had no plans on changing anything now.

I hastily pull back from her, my wolf beginning to surface out but the interference of Williams prevented me from going berserk.

"Alpha Locksworth, calm down. Reign in your wolf and we will solve this matter peacefully."

He tried to reason. He knew not to touch me, anyone who would try would surely be losing an arm that very same second. Alpha Foster, Hales, and Monterey exchange looks with one another before returning their gazes back to Hestia in shock.

"I am warning you, Luna. You are threading on very thin ice. Any more senseless remarks from you and I won't hesitate to show you your place."

My voice was deeper than usual, my wolf already taking half of the control from me. He was hellbent on showing her that her thoughtless claims wasn't something that could be overseen. He found it insulting, humiliating, disgraceful and the list goes on. Her 'claim' on me was also seen as a threat. By claiming me, she was also claiming the title as my Alpha Female. Even without having one, I felt a need to defend it. The primal part of me urged me to.

"B-But you're my mate."

She whimpered out, tears beginning to spill down her cheeks. I roll my eyes. Did she believe I was one to fall weak to tears? I see tears almost everyday in my life at the torture chambers. Grown ass men, crying and begging for their lives. As if I couldn't handle the sight of a mere female crying. A conniving one at that. I've seen dead rogues with acting skills better than that. 

I see perfectly well through her little act, but it would seem that my associates couldn't. I sense their emotions of pity being directed toward her. Pity that basically said they believed her. Chancellor Williams was not part of the bunch. I was certain he saw through her as well.

Suddenly Hestia gets down on her knees, clutching onto my legs with her arms. Her hold around me is tight. Almost suffocating like a leech. I'm tempted to just walk away and let her fall on her face, but the Beta behind her makes his move. He glares down at me, wolf taking over, with his body all tense from anger. My wolf did not like this one bit. He saw a challenge that was just begging to be taken up. I have to remind myself, Chancellor Williams will not be happy.

Though I don't answer to anyone, I do respect the man.

"Hestia! Get up, this is not fitting for you."

He ushers, trying to grab her arm from around my legs but she nudges away from his grasp. I feel a vein pop from my temple, my frustration already blackening out all my logical thinking. It takes her one second before she looks back up to me.

"Please, darling. I-I can be a good mate. I- I wouldn't have been with Landon had I known you were here all along! We can make this work, please. Please give us a chance."

She begged, the desperation clear in her tone. Although her acting was terrible, I knew her desperation to be my mate was true. For whatever reason, she was dead set on becoming mine. Some other mateless Alphas might have taken the bait but I know better than that. The Moon Goddess could hold a serious grudge.

I would know.

"Alpha Locksworth is your mate?"

The Beta asked calmly. For a moment, the flash of anger turned to interest, intrigue and most noticeably fear. Looking at the two now, I could tell they were related. They both had similar facial structures, and the overprotectiveness of the Beta proved to make the point. Beta Dixon looked at me in complete shock before his gaze traveled back to Hestia in silent question.

With the slight nod of her head, his expression morphed into anger once more. He grit down on his teeth, his jaw clenching tightly before he dared to narrow his gaze on me.

"You're my daughter's mate."

He stated, leaving no room for argument.

Funny.

"Your daughter is lying."

I retort, not bothering to sugarcoat anything. I don't have the time, energy nor do I have the will to play make-believe with the girl. She can say all she wants but in the end of the day, I know damn well she isn't my mate. I was never supposed to have one. And the sparks, tingles, or whatever the fuck the mate bond comes with was most certainly not happening between us.

If it wasn't pure revulsion I felt for her, it would be growing distaste.

"She would never lie. Not about mates. You can't just reject her-"

"Silence."

Beta Dixon's mouth shut up, his eyes widening from his involuntary compliance to my order. The panic setting deep inside him grew immensely with the fear for his daughter. I look over to Chancellor Williams who has a frown etched on his face. He looked at the Beta and his daughter before shifting his gaze at me. I ignored the look he was giving me. The look that said to take this somewhere private.

But I wasnt having that.

I was going to set the record straight in front of everyone.

I didn't need some of these Alphas thinking I abandoned my 'mate'. It wouldn't do well for publicity.

"Your daughter is not my mate. She knows that. I don't understand why she would bother lie about it when she already has a mate, but I don't exactly care much to begin with."

My gaze narrowed at the bump under her dress.

"-I'm sure you're not going to claim me the father as well?"

Her face reddened, her hand instinctively going to her stomach as she flushed in embarrassment. My wolf snorted, whipping his tail back and forth in aggravation. His eyes scanned her once before dismissively huffing out his disdain. Pressing my lips together in a hard line, I look over to the other men who were watching the exchange silently. They kept their gazes away from her and solely focused on what I was about to say,

"I believe we're done here. Shall we?"

They all gave each other a brief look but nodded, straightening up and clearing their throats from the awkwardness growing around us.

"Uh- erm, yes. We shall."

Muttered Monterey as he loosened the tie around his neck. Williams gave me a nod and began to lead the men forward, walking by the woman who was still on her knees in front of me. She had long let her hold of me go when I made the comment of pinning me as the baby's father.

Turning to the Beta who was struggling to open his mouth, I narrowed my eyes down at him.

He flinched, feeling the hostility and stopped his fruitless struggling against my order. If I could, I would rather leave him like this forever. But I don't intend on making pointless trouble with Nightwake. That's just more work than necessary. Of course, if they start it, I won't have a problem ending it. I could use the Luna's false claims as evidence of malice and just get right on to it, but surprisingly, my wolf told me not to. He was stubborn on reigning in his anger.

He wanted me to 'wait'.

I don't know what the hell that means, but it would seem like something is supposed to happen with the Nightwake pack. Whether it had something to do with the Alpha or the Luna, there was no doubt in my mind it was something big. So instead, I simply glance one last time toward the two before turning on my heel and following the men out.

Release.

The sound of the Beta gasping out in harbored breaths was the last thing I heard before we entered the conference room.

***

Present

"Williams, it's Locksworth. Yes, I'll be staying at the Capital for a week or so... Depending on how long it takes... Of course... No, Beta Creed is not attending. It'll just be me. My wolf he needs it... yes.. okay."

My gaze swept to the door when three knocks bounced into the room. Weston stood behind it, his presence made known to me through our blood oath.

Come in.

I mind-linked.

Not a second later, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. His gaze darted around my office to see if anyone was here, before landing on me. Tightening my grip on the phone, I force my eyes to look back at the paperwork spread across my desk.

"I'll be seeing you."

Pulling the phone from my ear, I place it on the table and stare at Weston expectantly. The look on his face was enough to let me know what this was about.

"Alpha, the pests are still sending requests for a meeting."

My jaw ticked in annoyance.

I sigh, pushing myself back on my chair. The woman and her father had been sending me meeting requests for the past three weeks now. Their stubbornness and persistence is truly maddening. Rejection after rejection, the requests keep coming until a good pile was left on Weston's desk. The woman is desperate enough to cling onto me after I so flatly rejected her advances. There could only be a handful of reasons why she's trying so hard.

Power. Authority. Lust. Protection.

None of which, interest me.

"I'm getting tired of this."

I grumbled under my breath. Pushing myself off my chair, I tugged on my suit cuffs before running my hand through my hair.

"We're going to Nightwake territory."

Weston nodded, already calling for our vehicles to be brought out for us through mind-link.

My wolf perked up, lifting its head from its paws and wagged its tail. His heavy pants came steadily, determination set in his red eyes. I scrunched my eyebrows together. What in fucks name was he so excited for? I sincerely hope he didn't think we were going there for a massacre or something. As much as the idea of putting the Beta in his place was enticing, I couldn't just waltz in there and threaten the Alpha.

That would be so unethical.

But did I really care all that much about ethics?

Not really, I suppose.

"Understood, Alpha."

Weston turned on his heel and pulled the door open. Striding out, the warriors posted outside simultaneously bowed their heads in submission. None raised their heads until we walked by and left them all behind.

Every step I got closer and closer outside, I felt this growing need gnawing from inside me. There was this weird sensation bursting from my chest. Excitement, anxiety, desperation... everything coming from my wolf. His internal struggle clouding my own judgement.

With a frustrated sigh, Weston slides open the SUV door. I get in, feeling the seat dip when I press my weight on it. I don't say it out loud but I know for a fact that whatever direction this meeting will take, it'll be for the worse.

"Do you think she's doing it for the clout?"

I raise a brow at Weston. Already forty minutes in the car ride and all he's been doing was trying to educate me about "the art of teenage slang".

I breathe out through my nose and lean against my seat. My head falls to the headrest of the cushion.

"If what you're asking me is if I believe she's doing this for the sake of ranking, then yes. Yes and no. The ranking is a bonus, she's doing this for a completely different reason."

My thoughts went back to Hestia. I felt myself get angry. Truthfully speaking, I've never been this angry by someone trying to lay claim on me before. Granted, no she-wolf was ever stupid enough to do it more than once, but the ones that wanted to form a relationship with me never brought out such intense dislike from my wolf.

This situation felt entirely different.

As if I had someone to save myself for.

Stupid as it sounds.

"The exact reason, I'm not so sure of."

Weston nodded, looking out the window with a slight frown on his face. He chewed on his gums n thought before opening his mouth.

"The Moon Goddess sure does have it out for you, huh?"

He glances over me but quickly averts his gaze,

"Adding salt to the wounds by throwing these women at you. She's a vicious thing."

"A vicious thing my ancestors shouldn't have fucked around with."

I snap, grabbing hold of my suit jacket and pulling it off. Just thinking of the deity had me feeling overwhelmed with a cluster of emotions rivaling one another.

Part anger and part self-pity.

If drowning myself in sorrow for almost my entire life wasn't enough, I guess the Moon Goddess saw it fit to pin a bat-shit crazy she wolf hellbent on making me her mate.

Drawing out a long breath, I let my body relax its tense muscles.

"How much further are we?"

"Not much. Nightwake's borders are just up this hill."

Weston mumbled, peering out the tinted windows. Sure enough the further up the hill we went, I began to catch sight of a large house. No doubt the Alpha's mansion if the big Nightwake Crest flag wasn't a dead giveaway. The presence of their pack members filtered through my body.

It was decent.

Decent enough not to fall to eighth place in the rankings but not good enough to go before fifth. The van made a sudden stop, just behind a similar SUV belonging to another Alpha. Narrowing my eyes, I took note of the symbol on the doors.

"No way..."

Weston mumbled, pressing his face closer to the glass. He curved his hands over his eyes, trying hard to squint.

"Is that the Greyhound insignia?"

My eyebrows shot up.

Greyhound was here? My thoughts wandered over to the identity of Alpha Selene Crestfield. The adoptive daughter of Meredith Crestfield. She was a mysterious one. Most didn't even know her first name, but being rank one doesn't happen by luck. Still, even with my prestigious information team, there wasn't much I could gather. Meredith Crestfield was not to be taken lightly.

She strayed away from social events, didn't get involved in other packs, she was solely focused on her own pack.

Kind of like me.

Some say she's as sweet as honey.

Others say she's worse than the devil.

I felt a slight smirk tug up my lips.

If by chance the Alpha had personally come here, it would seem like my attendance to this meeting wasn't so pointless now. Getting a look first hand of this notorious she wolf would serve me well. Sliding the van door open, I stepped out. The soil and gravel releasing a satisfying crunch under my shoes. Immediately, all the wolves that were outside bowed their heads. My wolf's presence alone even without intentionally releasing my dominance was enough to alert them of the dangers my wolf and I posses.

It was pin drop silent.

I walked on, surprised that the Alpha wasn't here to greet me and admittedly, a little irked at the fact. So much for pleasantries. Weston who had asked for directions soon walked by my side with his hands clasped behind him. The man he had asked directions for had directed us to going to the large building. Said that the Alpha's office was at the second floor. The warriors we had brought with us stayed behind, safe guarding the van and watching out for possible attackers.

Do you think the Hellhound is pretty?

My eyes cut coldly to Weston who immediately slapped a hand over his mouth as if he had said it out loud. A slight snarl slipped through my lips but I managed to reign in the weight of it. He flinched, submitting with his head down out of instinct before casting me a strange look. A look that questioned me about my defensive reaction.

I couldn't understand it myself.

My wolf's emotions surged forward with vicious growls leaving him. His fur was ruffled-- body posture, predatory. His eyes were narrowed, tail and ears up in alert of the threat.

Threat?

Weston was a threat?

Thankfully, I was quite good at keeping a straight face because surely in the inside, I was confused as fuck. There was no killing intent in Weston so why in the Goddess' name was he acting so defensive for? My wolf was not only acting completely out of character but now he's trying to attack my pack members too? My own Beta?

I frown and mentally tighten my hold on him.

He thrashed around, growling louder with resistance but I kept him down.

Keep walking.

I tell Weston, ignoring his previous question. I felt a tinge of something... heavy inside of me. Something that made me feel bound. Like I was wrapped around in silver and chained to the walls. It was an odd sensation, and it all revolved around her.

Selene Crestfield.

A woman I only knew of by name.

Never once meeting or seeing.

I wondered what she looked like. What she was like. What she liked. Was she like what the rumors said of her? Was she completely different? Were there any truth behind them? Was it all fabricated lies?

My wolf pondered with me, his earlier rage forgotten about once he started thinking of the faceless silhouette we had in mind of her. No matter how many times I tried building an image of her, I couldn't. I knew nothing of her. No physical description of any sort.

It was slightly intriguing and all the more exciting.

I felt my palm twitch.

Like a game of chase.

I was chasing after information of this almost phantom being and never coming close to getting even a pinch of information on her.

Greyhound didn't attend any pack meetings with the Chancellor, but I knew they've met. It would be impossible for her to have become Alpha without meeting him. The blood oath with her Beta and Gamma would require his presence. It's not like anyone could force her into agreeing into a meeting. Surely she had a few invitations, but she rejected all of them. I couldn't exactly go up to Williams and ask about her either.

He was mean to be a mediator and not to be biased over any pack.

Very much like myself, Selene never attended those annoying Gala's either.

The Gala's that only served to flaunt the packs' riches through luxury goods and designer clothing. The very same one where Alphas would survey competition and plot some new scheme all at the same time of shaking hands and making pleasantries.

That superficial life is not for me.

That's what my reputation was built up from. I could care less about what people had to say about me regarding my ways as an Alpha, but I will never allow someone to claim I would reject my mate. My mate that the Goddess would've blessed me with.

My non-existent mate.

My feet had carried me up the stairs, not realizing my surroundings because I was so lost in thought. It was only until Weston mind-linked me again that I snapped out of that daze.

I feel the presence of two Alpha's in that room.

Weston's gaze caught mine. His eyes darkening as he stared down at the door.

I believe its her.

It definitely was.

My instincts told me so.

I breathed in. Just a few feet from the door and I could already feel the power of two Alpha's. One, which held the same scent as the pack members in Nightwake and another that was...

enticing.

I breathed in once more. Greedily, I wanted to wrap myself around this intoxicating scent forever. My chest felt hot, a burning desire coursing through me as my wolf bounced around. He barked, tail wagging feverishly as he stared down at the door with an overwhelming sense of urgency. My finger itched to tear open this door and see the one causing such a reaction from me. The ache forming in my chest bid me to. The closer we walked, the more audible the voices got.

As a werewolf, our hearing was enhanced, only if we intend it to.

If our sensitive ears were 'activated' all the time, it would be a bitch to live everyday.

".... Rest assured that seeing him again won't change anything. Now if you'll excuse me, I have much more important things to attend to."

I felt a shiver run down me from that soft yet hard, polite but sharp, unrefined but dignified tone of her voice. My wolf whined, already impatient to see what was going on inside. I too, was losing all sense of reason when I suddenly find my hand wrapped around the doorknob and pulling open the door. A gush of her scent hit me square in the face. The pleasurable shivers rolling through me made me knees feel weak.

My eyes filtered around the room to find the source and immediately zeroed in on the petite frame of a woman in front of me.

I stiffen.

Surprised pale blue eyes pierce into me with no intention of letting go. The sweet scent of flowers and vanilla wrap around her small figure. The scent that had me going off the rails since stepping foot off those stairs. My wolf was going crazy, his eyes narrowed on her like the predator he was. I could barely register the fact that there were other people in this room. Their scents were tossed to the back of my mind whereas this woman had all of my attention.

Fuck, she demanded my attention without wanting it.

The creamy skin hidden under that dress tempted me to rip it off. The tease of seeing how smooth and soft her skin looked only to be stashed away under all that fabric woke up carnal desires from inside me. Her long blonde hair tightly pinned up in a ponytail only managed to bring more light to her striking features. My fingers ached to mess up that perfectly styled hairdo just so I could watch her fall undone by me. To run my fingers through her hair and allow those luscious waves to fan out beneath her with my body hovering over her.

How would she look beneath me?

I groan internally.

My thoughts were going haywire.

Fierce blue eyes that were paired with long lashes hold me captive. Her nose small and sharp, cheekbones high and complimentary, and those cursed blood red lips that did wonders to the more reactive parts of my body. She was small. Compared to me, almost everyone was small.

But she was different.

Her petite size compared to my intimidating one gave me a wave of satisfaction. It brought me inexplicable joy to know that I could wrap myself around her and shield her away from the world. She could literally lose herself in me, and I took pride in that.

She was so endearing.

My hands tightened into fists. I couldn't help but stand there and look completely stupid saying nothing. I've already lost my sense of rational thinking the moment I laid my eyes on her but now, I was also losing my sense of time. If I could just watch her all day and observe the kinds of facial expressions she could make, I would.

Goddess she was gorgeous.

Her whole being dripped with pure and utter seduction.

The way her cheeks faintly tinted pink and her eyes widened with shock but also awe. I couldn't stop the thoughts that maybe she felt the same magnetizing pull toward me as I felt for her. My wolf greedily soaked her in and I wasn't about to go out of limb and deny that I did the same, for the life of me.

This woman had me wrapped up in a haze and she didn't know it.

Fucking hell, I didn't even mind!

I didn't care for the confused looks of everyone around us, nor did I care that Weston was constantly trying to reach me through our mind-link. He and everyone else was a hinderance. I didn't care about the original purpose of my coming here. Everyone could go fuck themselves if they think I was about to break out of this trance I was so willingly pulled into, for a desperate she-wolf and a conniving father. All I could care about was this moment with her and making sure it never ended.

But of course, like all good things in this life, it had to.

"Mate."

For a split second I had hoped it was this Goddess that uttered that dreaded word, but her lips never moved. To my dismay, she turned away to look at Hestia who abruptly stood up. And reluctantly, my gaze followed hers until I was met with another pair of blue eyes.

This time, a lot less appealing and a whole lot more infuriating.

The obvious desire in Hestia's eyes rubbed me the wrong way and I found my wolf growling at the claim she laid on us once again. I thought with our last encounter and all the rejected meeting requests, she would understand I was in no way going to accept her and give into her selfish schemes.

"Alpha Locksworth, thank you so much for coming here to talk about the situation with my daughter, Hestia. Alpha Crestfield, if you will, Alpha Walker still has yet to say his part."

My gaze fell to the Beta and he fidgeted in his place. The nervousness inside of him didn't require werewolf instincts to detect. His face said it all by itself. Immediately, Selene glared at the Beta. All sorts of emotions swirled inside her but the most noticeable one was anger. Weston had found this amusing. He had a a smug look on his face like he was just waiting for hell to break loose.

My eyes drifted to the man Hestia sat beside and knew instantly that this was Alpha Walker. The brunette with green eyes that looked forward. He had yet to say something and honestly, the look on his face as he stared at Selene made my blood boil. But I forced that thick emotion to the back of my mind when I returned my focus on the woman who so tightly held my interest with the palm of her hand.

"I have no business here. If it isn't pack related, I'm not interested."

She said with a certain edge to her voice. Then without another moment's hesitation she turned on her heel and began to walk toward the door. Now that I thought about it, she was already planning to leave when I made my entrance.

My lips moved on their own accord before I could even consider what to say.

"I'll have to second that. I didn't come here to entertain your daughter's delusion from three weeks ago, Dixon."

Selene visibly flinched. I could've sworn I saw her shiver but it could also be my desires clashing with reality. What I knew for sure, however, was that Beta Dixon was glaring daggers at me. His wolf was threatening to switch over, clearly dissatisfied with the way I had completely shut down his daughter.

"Are you denying my daughter? Your mate?"

Is it possible to kill someone with your eyes?

I ignore Weston's input in our link and stare unamused at the Beta. My patience had long been wearing thin from all this nonsense. Now, in front of Selene, it was getting worse. I rose a brow, slightly amused but still really fucking pissed. I was amused at the fact this Beta was spilling forth his dominance. If he really wanted to challenge me, I would have no problem re-painting Alpha Walker's walls red.

I'm sure he has enough blood for the entire room.

Maybe even for a small storage room.

"Frankly, yes. I'll say this only once: she isn't my mate, but she is a liar."

I looked over to a reddened Hestia who flinched under my gaze. She looked uncomfortable, her focus switching back and forth between me and the floor. She sank back into her seat beside Walker timidly. Her hands hooking around one another.

I don't know why, but I had this blinding emotion inside me that ached to let Selene know this woman was not my mate.

I felt like I was obligated to let her know that Hestia was lying.

I didn't want her to think that I belonged to someone. That I was already bound for life. As pointless as it was to feel like this, I did.

"If you strongly believe that, then I'm sure you won't mind if we go to the Moon Goddess' Sacred Pool."

My head snapped to the Beta. His face looking smug as he he gave me a half smirk.

"Beta Benicio!"

Walker exclaims, looking at his Beta in shock and evident nervousness. He knew this could be seen as a challenge, that if I so wished, I could accept his indirect challenge and have the right to kill his Beta when I bested him. I met his smirk with my own, my blood boiling with rage but I calm myself. Or at least, I try to.

"Of course. But you must be prepared to pay the consequences in full once I prove you wrong, Beta."

I paused,

"I expect full reimbursement for all this trouble you and your daughter has been causing me. "

The Beta stumbled back, making a face as if he didn't expect me to accept his proposal in the first place. Slowly, his gaze shifted to his daughter who refused to meet his eyes. He already began to feel disheartened, but he shook away his doubts. Solemnly, he nodded toward me.

I already began to feel the satisfaction of proving them wrong. Weston too, was feeling smug. It was all until I heard Selene sigh beside me that I realized what was happening. Her focus returned to the door again and before I could control myself, I spoke.

"Alpha Crestfield."

Just the idea of talking to her was messing up my nerves. I knew if I didn't come up with a good reason to convince her to stay, she would leave.

She'd leave and I wouldn't be able to see her again.

My wolf whimpered at the thought.

Don't go.

I want to tell her, but I have no reason to. Everything inside me screams for me to tell her not to go. It begs me to convince her to stay, to allow me the privilege of being in her presence. And now, with her gaze locked with mine, I'm feeling that need to keep her by my side much more.

"I'd like to ask you to accompany us."

I say, in almost a whisper.

She looked around, obviously confused.

"For reassurance as a liable witness."

Even to me, it sounded like bullshit. But I guess it was hard to detect to the others because she merely stood there contemplating.

"You wouldn't mind, would you?"

I probe. Her Beta, who I now noticed standing behind her, looked between Selene and I in obvious confusion. He definitely feels the tension between us but couldn't make sense of it. Just like Weston who was still trying to figure it out. Finally, after a few moments of silence, Selene just shakes her head with the purse of her lips.

"No, I suppose I could go."

I can't begin to explain the tremendous amount of relief I felt after hearing her say that. Knowing I still had some time left with her before she eventually leaves. My wolf panted out, tail still wagging high and low.

No one wasted time in getting into their own vehicles when going to the Moon Goddess' Sacred Pool. The entire ride there I felt Weston's persistent gaze on me. I knew he had questions but I didn't have the answers to them. At least, that's what I think.

How the hell was I supposed to explain my desire for her presence.

It would sound like an obsession. An infatuation I surely didn't have!

I was just... intrigued.

I scoffed silently to myself.

Liar.

When we arrived at the pool, the tension that was created in the office returned.

"The entrance is that way."

Beta Dixon said, looking directly at me. Part of me thinks he's waiting for me to back out. Like he figured I was going to pull back on my agreement because I was guilty of the claims him and his daughter were pinning on me. I had to admit, the guy had balls. He was really out here, threatening me with his wolf, when he knew I could easily snap his neck like a twig.

He was admirable, but stupid.

His mate stood by his side, running her hands down his arms in attempt to comfort him. I momentarily felt a tinge of jealousy in my veins.

A mate, huh?

Washing away that green fiend, I look over to Weston and mind-link him to tell our warriors to stay put.

"Stay here, the Alpha demands privacy among all those involved."

It wasn't a surprise to see the other Alpha's do the same. Only those involved were included in. Me, Weston, Selene, her Beta, Walker, Dixon, Hestia and her mother. Her mother has been silent the whole time since seeing her. I hadn't noticed she was even in the office until we all filed out and I caught glimpse of her ushering Hestia out.

We all entered the cave. The silence of it all didn't help calm the tension. If anything, it added fuel to everyone's temper. My wolf who was strangely excited, stayed quiet in the depths of my mind. When we got to the deeper parts of the cave, we were all welcomed with the Moon Goddess' shrine. The Sacred pool lay in front of us, untouched by human hands. The Moon Goddess' stone sculpture with her arms stretched out gave me a sense of serenity but at the same time, vexed.

"Well, there's no need to prolong this. Hestia, go on."

Beta Dixon says gruffly, gesturing to the pool with the nudge of his head. His pride was getting in the way of his reason. Anyone who wasn't so blinded by their pride and unconditional trust for the lying she-wolf would see the guilty face Hestia was making. He was just so intent on proving me wrong and proving his daughter right, to actually see the obvious lies his daughter was spewing.

Then again, I wouldn't fully understand how he feels.

I had no daughter or son to unconditionally trust.

I felt Hestia's wary gaze burn into my back, but I paid her no mind. I instead, brokenly walked by her and to the pool. Stopping at the front where the pool starts, I take out my pocket knife and slice my palm open. Squeezing my fist, I watched my blood bleed into the clear water until it dispersed completely. I couldn't resist the urge to look at Selene again.

We held each other's gazes. The intensity behind those captivating eyes made me stiff with anxiety. Then slowly, I got bolder.

My eyes traveled down to her body.

Shamelessly, I might add.

Every little crevice of her body, every little dip, curve-- everything. I wanted to see and carve everything into my mind. And from the way her breathing was quickening since the start, I knew she felt the same. Whatever the fuck this thing was between us, she felt.

She crossed her arms, which only managed to emphasize the swell of her chests. A groan was stuck in my throat at the sight. Selene looks away, her gaze falling to Hestia who was slowly walking up to the pool. Turning behind her every few seconds, her gaze swept by everyone before she glued her eyes to the ground.

Walker took the initiative to hand her his knife.

The knife she used to slice her palm like I did.

Everyone watched in silence as her blood dripped into the water and mixed with mine. I was certain of what the result would be, it was just a matter of when the water would decide to turn red.

And red it was.

I let out a small sigh of content knowing that Selene saw it first hand. That she knew Hestia and I were not mates. My wolf puffed out his own delight.

"Hestia! How dare you lie?"

The angry voice came from Walker who stared down at his Luna in absolute fury. His fists were tight against this sides with his eyes wide and feral. Hestia, surprised by his tone, cowered away and stumbled back. Even Beta Dixon who was so overly confident earlier before, looked deflated. How can he not? He put his own pride on the line for the honor of his daughter who turned out to be lying. While part of me pitied him, another part really didn't care.

Why would an Alpha like myself, deny my mate?

That would be suicide and extremely stupid.

A Goddess given gift meant to complete and love me wholeheartedly as I would do with her, was something I dreamed of constantly.

Who could be foolish enough to deny such a blessing?

Instinctively, my eyes trailed back to Selene. These feelings I somehow have for her wasn't like anything I ever felt.

"Alpha Locksworth, I- I am so terribly sorry. My daughter, she- I cannot-"

Beta Dixon stumbled on his words, his wolf bowing down in the utmost submissive position. He recognized his wrong and was begging for forgiveness. I stared at him, not letting anything slip through my facade.

"My apo-apologies... I'm sincerely-"

I turned to Selene.

"Alpha Crestfield."

Her arms draped protectively around her chest. She kept her unwavering eyes fixated on mine and I fount it hard not to smile. This little she-wolf held more power and stubbornness than anyone I've come across. Normally, they would've crumbled under my gaze and went on their knees. Yet she simply stares on, patiently waiting for me to continue at my own pace.

I held my hand out to her, preparing myself for her reaction at the next few words I'd say.

"The test. I'd like to try it with you."

She stared at me.

Shocked, surprised, unsure, confused.

Her arms fell to her sides as she regained her composure.

"That won't be necessary,"

She said suddenly. My chest fell in slight defeat, but I was intent on holding my ground. Everyone around us was watching in interest.

Well, more like mortification, but still.

My hand was still up for her to take. It may seem like a kind or gentleman-like gesture, but really, I was just looking for an excuse to touch her. I wanted to feel her soft hand with my rougher one, to feel how warm she was against me. I wanted everything she could offer.

My wolf was growing impatient, already itching for a chance to have her skin against ours.

"Do you already have a mate?"

I asked, not really wanting to find out. I knew if she had answered 'yes' I would've gone on a rampage, wanting to desperately get rid of him but knowing I couldn't. Either way, she was bound to have a mate. And the thought angered me, without saying. Someone out there was meant to do all the things mates would do.

Someone was made to hold her to his chest, to cradle her soft body with his, protect her with his life, love her with everything he had in him, tell her sweet nothings at night, mold her body with his until they became one.

Someone out there was made to do all those things with her.

Someone who wasn't me.

But I desperately wanted it to be.

My wolf snarled at the images flashing through my mind. Images of some man holding her in his arms. Then came the images of my wolf mauling on this man and tearing him to pieces. That somehow brought my mood up. These strange sensations coming over me like wildfire in regards to her told me otherwise of what I initially believed. This was what everyone with a mate said it was like.

Tingles, sparks, unbelievable attraction.

It was all there.

I felt everything I would've with my mate. There was no misplacing emotions like the ones currently raining on me.

So how come?

How come I feel this was toward her when I was never supposed to?

"No. I don't."

Her response almost had me sighing out my relief. If it wasn't obvious from the face I was making, I was more than happy with her response. I kept my gaze on her, walking toward her only to find her holding her ground. A smile threatened to inch across my face as she stood there, waiting.

I longed to caress the side of her face, but I withheld my desire.

So instead, I lift my hand higher,

"Please."

I breathlessly whisper. Her eyes widened by a fraction as she stared at me. The word I never once used that sounded foreign from my own mouth, had weaseled its way out. I was sure she was going to lash out and refrain from agreeing. I could only imagine what kind of thoughts were going through her head right now. Swallowing, the tip of my tongue swept across my lips.

Her eyes immediately followed my gesture as mine swept down to hers.

Then suddenly, her hand was in mine.

Instantly, the tingles I've heard so much about shot through my veins. A shiver almost passes by me from our contact. Just the graze of of her touch had me on my knees . Warmth. Overwhelming warmth washed down on me.

She stiffened, almost pulling back from the shock of our touch but I held her in place.

I didn't want to lose her touch so quickly. These feelings erupting from within me forced the unfamiliar feel of affection to surface through. She felt so good. So right. My soul yearned for more, my body willing to be the instrument she played as long as I could continue feeling her.

This woman was my mate.

She had to be.

There was no other explanation.

I swiped the pad of my thumb across the bumps of her knuckles. Each little ridge brought out more feelings of endearment from me. Such soft, small fingers curling against mine. I couldn't help but stare at our joined hands in complete wonder. This woman was my mate.

A smile almost breaks across my face.

My mate.

The one being that would forever hold me together. The one and only person I could drown my affection in. The one and only woman I could ever confide in and cherish for the rest of my life. My lips tingled to kiss her knuckles. But I refrained, I didn't want to scare her off so early. The things she heard about me must've already affected her first impression.

Snapping out of my daze, I immediately begin to tug her toward the pool.

She says nothing but I feel the uncertainty in her. I knew she felt the 'spark' between us, but she was so certain we weren't mates. Which, I definitely didn't understand. The intensity of the emotions flowing between us was incomparable to anything else.

At least, for me it was.

Once we reached the pool, I reluctantly let go of her hand.

The instant her warmth left mine, I began to miss it dearly. My wolf whined, rolling over to his back and just...

laid there.

It was his way of sulking.

Lifting the same hand I sliced through, I
watched drops of my blood fall into the pool. Once the redness of my blood bled out, I craned my neck over to Selene who still looked incredulous of what we were doing. I was certain she could see through my poker face, the softening of her eyes told me so. She gave me a look, sighing out before taking a dignified step toward me.

"It's not going to work."

She says.

My heart clenched but I ignore it.

I move aside, giving her space to walk over to the pool. I watch intently as she makes her way forward. Walking by me, her shoulder just barely grazes against mine and once again, the eruption of tingles swell between us. I suck in a breath, restraining my desire to pull her back to me. But she walks on as if it never happened. She raises her hand, letting one of her claws extend and sliced down on her palm. I bite back a growl, a little upset that she was bleeding but knew what for.

I practically forced her into trying this out with me.

Her blood inked in the water and all I could do was stare as it cleared out. I was impatient, desperately wanting to see that shade of blue form.

Only, it wasn't blue.

It was red.

My eyes burned through the water. Disappointment, betrayal, sadness, confusion.

All sorts of emotions flowed through me like a typhoon and none of which were good. My shoulders slumped back.

"Like I said,"

She whispered quietly. I could hear the distinct tone of disappointment lace her words but I don't comment on it. I felt the exact same way.

"Not mates."

My throat burned, my jaw clenching tightly as I force down my emotions. My wolf says nothing but simply watching. Not a trace of his emotions filtering through our bond. I expected him to at least react, but nothing.

"I should've known it was impossible..."

I mutter to myself.

Now I just felt stupid. Stupid to actually think the Moon Goddess has let go of her grudge against my bloodline and give me a mate. Even when I knew since at a young age that I wasn't given one, I was foolish enough to think that maybe I was. I've never doubted my fate until today.

When I met the one woman who managed to stir up my feelings with a simple glance.

The consuming sentiment of hope that built up inside me upon seeing her.

I was ready to gamble everything I had on this slim, slim chance.

But of course, the Moon Goddess is not kind.

She is not forgiving.

She did not bless me with a mate.

I didn't care about what everyone with us thought. I honest to God forgot they were even standing here. I was so caught up in her presence, I lost track of reality.

"I've seen the results concerning Luna Walker. If you need me to clarify it with the Chancellor as a witness, don't hesitate to contact me."

My gaze snaps over to Selene. Her face void of any hint of what she was feeling. I had no doubt she felt the same as me, but what were we to do? We weren't mates. She had one, out there. Someone who was fortunate and had the Moon Goddess' favor.

After all, how could anyone who had someone like her as a mate be anything less than perfect?

She looked at me, giving me a brief nod.

"Alpha Locksworth."

I held in the desire to just take her and run. To just lose myself in her. Managing a slow nod, my hands balled into fists.

"Alpha Crestfield."

Her eyes left mine to find Weston's who she gave a silent goodbye to before scanning the rest of us. Turning, her Beta followed close behind. My eyes never trailed away from her as I watched her silhouette disappear from sight. My wolf nudged me to go after her, to just make her mine and stake my claim if she would have me. The desire to do so was incredible.

But I wouldn't.

Even when she was completely gone, I kept looking after her. As if she would just suddenly pop back and take hold of my hand. Her scent still lingered in the air, no matter how faint it had become. And I greedily breathed it all in.

"Alpha Locksworth, I sincerely apologize for Hestia's false accusation of you. I will personally handle the matter myself. Once again, I truly do apologize. She stepped out of line,"

Walker looked down to Hestia before turning his hardened eyes over to me.

"-and I promise you, it will never happen again."

My jaw ticked with amusement. Letting out soft chuckles, I walked over to him. I was already feeling the weight of my aggravation increase from all thats happened. It seemed so appropriate to take it all out now. Weston moved back, knowing better than to interfere.He felt ripples of my anger radiate through the link. I wouldn't the surprised if the warriors outside felt it. I shoved my hands in my pockets and stood tall, looming over Walker.

"I don't need your promises Walker."

I grit out. I look over to the father-daughter pair and felt my eyes narrow.

"Just make sure I never have to see that woman again. That episode of hers in front of the Chancellor cost me, Walker. You're lucky one good thing came out of this."

The thought of Selene momentarily cleared up my anguish before I shook away the thought.

"It would do you well to heed my advice. In fact, include her father. Because believe me, the next time I see either one of their faces, I won't be so civil."

Throwing one last glance over the two, I turned and strode out the cave. Weston followed close behind, his amusement from the little exchange visible in our bond. He was smirking, feeling smug from my power display against Walker and his pack.

He never liked Nightwake to begin with.

Ever since the attack on Duskfall, he had groomed a type of hatred for their pack.

He called them cowards, traitors and spineless for failing to aid an ally in need.

Weston had seen first hand the horrors of what rabid rogues could do, his parents being victims to the rogues currently running free. Xeneron. The master of the rogues. The name I hear him curse every once in a while in our bond. He isn't aware that sometimes his walls aren't as tough as he thinks, but even I don't call him out on it.

"What was that about?"

Weston asks me when we get settled in the van.

By the time I got out, Selene was already gone. Her scent was blown away by the wind and the only physical proof she was here in the first place was the tire marks on the ground. Looking at Weston before looking away, I fold my arms across my chest.

"What do you mean?"

I ask him, knowing full well what he was talking about.

"The whole ordeal with Crestfield? The whole mate test? The hand holding? The damned sexual tension? Jesus, Locksworth. I felt that all the way from where I stood."

I glare at him from the corner of my eyes and he immediately raises his hands in mock surrender.

"What? I'm only stating the obvious. I was worried you'd be getting it on right then and there. And inside of the Sacred shrine too."

I shake my head, not finding the motivation to argue with him. Weston sighs, and gives me a look.

"You already know the situation with your family. What the witch said about your curse-"

"I know."

I snap, not sparing him a glance.

"Believe me Weston, I know."

My hand clutched onto the the side of the door, my knuckles turning white from the pressure I put on it. For the almost the entire ride, Weston stays quiet. The waves of his discomfort reaching me but I push it to the back of my mind. Admittedly, the silence only served to make me a lot snappier.

"She was something, wasn't she?"

I ask him, voicing out my surprise to see the kind of person she was. At first, I expected a stuck up, over confident Alpha who prided on beating Windril. I was expecting to see someone who so blatantly boastful but she wasn't. I never should've thought she would be, seeing as she ranked second. No Alpha who ranked second could ever be someone of that stature.

"Yes, she was."

Weston drawls, looking at me with a certain glint in his eyes.

"She was honestly quite intimidating. Nothing less from the Hellhound."

I purse my lips, thinking of her nickname and found myself disagreeing with it. Hellhound? The name didn't suit her at all. She was more refined than a rabid spawn from hell. Yes, I had heard of her merciless kill of Windril but it still didn't suit her. She probably killed hundreds before and yet 'Hellhound' was not a name I could associate with her.

It was out of place.

She had the face of an angel, no doubt.

Her gentle, kind features that oozed off a type of purity.

Not purity in the sense of doing no wrong, because frankly, there can never be an Alpha that was washed away from sin. We've all done something that would be looked down upon at some point. It wasn't morals that was pure about her. It was something entirely different. Was it the vive she gave out? Her attitude of indifference? Was it the way she carried herself with pride but at the same time, humble and strong?

"Hellhound?"

I heard myself repeat.

"It doesn't suit her."

Weston tilts his head to the side with a raised brow. His interest was perked from my opinion.

"Oh? And what name would suit her?"

She was different from the rest. Even in that short time of knowing her and not exchanging more than just a few words to her, I knew she was unlike any other. She was powerful but delicate. Blunt but graceful. Fierce but calm. Confident but humble. Disinterested but attentive.

She was as beautiful as a flower but as tough as a nail.

"Wildflower."

I say quietly, thinking of her mesmerizing pale blue eyes that I could easily get lost in.

"She's like a wildflower."

Weston hummed, not bothering to hide that delighted face he was making. He was probably thinking all sorts of things right now but I couldn't deny that what he thought was right. If he could see the attraction I had with her, then there'd be no point in trying to deny something so obvious.

"Just drop me off at the Capital. I expect everything to be taken care of. Alert me if anything happens while I'm gone."

Weston nods, looking at me square in the face before letting out a grumble. He most likely wanted to probe more about the subject of my little wildflower. I could feel his curiosity eating at him but he refrains from asking.

Soon enough we reach the Capital. I had doubts that Williams was here seeing as his personal vehicle wasn't outside. It was for the best he wasn't here. I knew I wasn't going to be much of a joy being around when Weston made a call to Williams, telling him we were on our way. I didn't miss the silent 'he isn't very happy at the moment' he whispered to him.

"Take care of yourself, Alpha."

Weston tilted his head down. I breathed out and nod in acknowledgment before I made my way to my guest room. The maid who usually stays behind to greet the guests had let me in. Walking up the stairs was dreadful. Every step I took closer to my room, the more I thought about the sacred pool, Hestia, Dixon and Selene.

The last one having the most effect on me.

The moment I closed the door shut, my hand reached out for the closest thing next to me. It happened to be a table lamp that I had thrown across the room. It shattered into pieces and fell around the floor. Shards of glass haphazardly strewed across the carpet.

All the humiliation, disappointment and disbelief returned at full force. I was having a hard time restraining myself from losing it in the SUV. Talking to Weston had helped, but not nearly enough to sate my frustration. The Moon Goddess was truly out to get me. She was toying with my emotions like she had toyed with my fate. A cynical laugh left me as I tore the bedsheets off the mattress.

This was all a game to her.

A game I had no power in.

I began seeing red, just knowing how she was manipulating all this. She, with her snide smile watching me suffer. I don't know for how long I was wrecking havoc in my room, but it took a broken bed, dismantled table, torn pillows, slashed walls, pieces of the headboard missing, broken glass scattered on the floor and a bathroom door ripped from its hinges laying beside the bed for me to calm down.

I was breathing harshly, my chest heaving up and down in pure rage.

Clenching my jaw, I force my eyelids to shut and allowed myself to sink into the mattress.

The more I released my anger, the angrier I got.

It surprisingly didn't take long for me to fall asleep.

Normally, I had to toss and turn for about an hour or so before I could even get comfortable. But today, it was different. I assumed it was because I exerted so much of my energy in making the room unrecognizable. I was being soothed into sleeping and it wasn't because of the mattress, that much was sure.

The last thought I had before my eyelids fluttered shut was a certain blonde, blue eyed Alpha that forced her way into my mind. A woman who had shown subtle hints of her interest in me as I did her. She was my last thought and my eventual dream.

And for once, I didn't mind it.

I didn't mind it all.

***

I suck in a violent breath as I watch her lay kisses on the bareness of my chest. Her warm, moist lips leaving featherlike trails down my abdomen.

Her blonde hair sprawled over my skin as her hands gently run down my torso. Her nails gently scrape my muscles, pulling out a groan from the back of my throat. I feel myself stiffen, my hands desperately clutching onto the bedsheets as she makes her way up. She shows no mercy as she lets her weight fall on my hips, effectively straddling me with her legs on both sides of my body. The smooth feel of her figure gliding up mine makes a strangled breath leave me in a huff.

She was naked, but so was I.

Her chest brushes against mine seductively. I couldn't bring myself to snap out of it, I was so entranced by her movements that all I could do was watch. Her hardened nipples just barely touches me but I felt it all too much. Suddenly, her mouth latches onto my neck, nipping and sucking at the flesh before peppering the spot with appreciative kisses.

"Raizel-"

She whines in that breathless voice of hers, her blue eyes glazed over with lust.

"I need you"

Her hips roll around mine and a heavy curse leaves my lips. Heat began to pool around the pit of my stomach, my animalistic instincts telling me to take her.

To thrust myself in her warmth repeatedly.

Fast. Hard. Rough.

Senselessly.

Her forehead suddenly drops to mine and I find myself staring straight in her eyes. I yearn for those plump lips to mold with my own but she stops me. With a faint smile playing on her ruby red lips, she leans down to my ear and whispers,

"Soon, my love. Soon."

And then I wake up.

Hot. Bothered. And sexually frustrated.

I was glistening with sweat. The shirt I had been wearing torn and over the bed. Raking a hand through my damp hair, I look down at my pants and a string of profanities leave me. It was like puberty all over again. Looking out the window, I noticed it was still dark. Instead of indulging in myself, I decide to go out for a run. I needed something to let out some steam.

The only place I can ever release my wolf without worrying of hurting someone was in the Capital.

And the last time I was here was almost three months ago.

I was in desperate need to shift and now seemed like the perfect time.

Dragging out a long sigh between my lips, I walk over to the balcony and get on top of the railings. It was when I jumped that I shifted mid-way. My paws dug into the soil when I landed and I wasted no time to go running. Dashing past trees and the garden, I made my way toward the entrance of the woods. The plan was to go into the woods and do some hunting, but that didn't last very long.

There was another Alpha presence here with me.

Without taking any time to identify the scent, my eyes scanned the plains. The dim lighting did nothing to help me but eventually I found the source. I sprinted, paws slamming down on the ground as I ran toward the figure. I jumped, instantly knocking over the person and felt myself shift back involuntarily.

My wolf had given me full control without a fight.

It was only when I felt tingles shoot up my arm that I realized why.

I looked down, my eyes catching her wide unsuspecting gaze. Her pink, full lips parted in soundless surprise and my wolf purred having her under us. She blinked and soon her sweet voice had broken through the silence.

"Raizel."

She whispered.

Lifting one hand from the ground, I let my knuckles brush along the side of her face gently. Her soft skin adorning her face perfectly. Just like how I pictured myself doing earlier. She didn't cower away nor did she sink away from fear. She just laid there, staring at me in awe and without meaning to, leaned into my touch.

Yes.

She was different.

She was my little wildflower.

The starts of a smile almost broke through me as I breathed her in,

"Selene."

***

a/n: OKAYYYYY so in all honesty, I wasn't planning to do his POV anytime soon. But then I was like...

fuck it.

I'll do it.

And sooOOO... bam.

Raizel's POV.

IT WAS FUN TRYING TO BE A DUDE NOT GONNA LIE.

My favorite part was the ending lololol.

but yes more will come our way on airline Railene.

Buckle your seat belts and prepare for some turbulence a.k.a sexual tension.

You already know I'm all about that naughty naughty.

BUT ANYWAYSSSS ah.

I can't believe I 'm saying this but if you want a spoiler regarding the connection between Raizel and Selene and why the water didn't turn blue, keep reading. IF you don't want a spoiler, DONT.

OKAY STOP IF YOU DONT WANT A SPOILER

SERIOUSLY

LAST CHANCE

I WARNED YOU

okay. So, as I was reading some comments from the last two chapters, I noticed that some people were either salty or very much confused/disappointed that they aren't mates. I just want to explain the whole idea of why it didn't turn blue and I also want to confirm that THEY ARE MATES.

Or at least, they will be.

So basically, my whole idea for this is that I want Selene and Raizel to gradually accept each other as mates. Their wolves had already done so. They are, what you would call, 'second chance mates'. Well. Not really. Actually no they aren't. They aren't really SECOND chance mates just keep reading and you'll get what I mean. Bottom line is: yes they're mates. Right now, they aren't 'fully' mates because of her connection to Landon. She still has a slight bond to him which is slowly disappearing.

Now, the reason I did this is because our girl deserves more than a pesky 'mate bond' to dictate her life, especially since that didn't work out well for her in the past. *Cough* Landon *cough*. It was also because of the bond that weakened her when she tried saving Lila. For all she knows now, the bond is just deadweight. It can cause weakness.

Although she feels her attraction to Raizel, its natural for our dear Selene to be wary. I mean come on, her mate flat out rejected her. It's natural for her to be a little hesitant. I'm not saying she's not accepting Raizel cause believe me sis, she'd bounce on his dick if she was given the chance, but she's also unaware that he's her second chance mate.

because you know

*COUGH* LANDON *COUGH*

More explanations will be revealed later on so be patient.

I dont really like explaining in detail through shitty summaries but like here I am lolololol.

ANYWAYSYSYYYSYS

YEAH

BYE

I GUESSS

TIL NEXT TIME'