We all broke our own rules for someone.

-Pinterest.

ANASTASIA'S P.O.V

Breathe, Anna. Breathe.

I continue to chant the words like a remedy to my racing heart.

I was taken aback with what the Alpha had shared. My perspective or tainted view was beginning to shift, leaving me in an array of nerves.

The very thing that I held onto so dearly was beginning to crumble, and it was the scariest thing I had faced thus far.

The hate.

The walls, which I had built and constructed so very carefully to protect myself against the pack wolves were wearing thin.

I was again reminded of what Roxy had suggested.

I did care.

I couldn't look at him with the same deep hate and rage I held earlier. I was beginning to understand why he chose the colour black, why he spread venom through his wicked tongue.

The Alpha was merely a wounded pup, who quickly grew fiercely and too quickly into a powerful man.

I pushed my feet against the soft carpet as I made my way down towards the Alpha's office. It was where the meeting with the pure witch would be taking place, and another reason why I was feeling nervous.

Roxy continued to pace in the depths of my mind, the fur on her back rising slowly as she too felt the anxious tingles that danced against my skin.

What could possibly go wrong?

******

Sighing, I finally reached the door, and I immediately lifted my arm up to knock on the door. The door automatically opened; causing me to leap back in response.

I peered ahead, trying to study the participants in the room carefully. The scent of fresh cinnamon quickly filled my nostrils, altering me to the presence of the Alpha.

The sound of a chuckle filled the air, and I immediately whipped my neck backwards whilst walking further into the office.

"Ah, so we meet again, Destined One".

I narrowed my eyes at the sound of her voice. I felt a sudden cold flush settle over me, and my palms quickly filled with the dread of the encounter.

"Now now dear, no need to be afraid. No harm will come from me. Though the presumptuous Alpha over there, I can not guarantee that he'll leave you unscathed", Rawena chastised.

I heard the deep rumble echo from his chest before his fist had slammed the table.

"Rawena, thank you for gracing us with your presence. Please, ignore Kawan he's still a bit hasty over the recent misadventures", Alpha Drake announced.

Wait, Alpha Drake is here as well!

I was too caught up in meeting the pure witch that I had completely let my guard down. I forgot to scan the room to see exactly who was in attendance.

Slowly, I edged towards the large bay window and turned around to scout the rest of the office.

In the far distance, Alpha Drake stood with his arms crossed, his furrowed brows and narrowed gaze showed his annoyance with one particular person.

Following his gaze, I noticed the Alpha leaning forward over his desk, the muscles in his back came to life with each deep breath he took.

"Always such a charmer, Drake", Rawena cooed.

Following the source of the voice, I looked up for the first time, noticing the woman whose presence seemed to ignite a range of feelings within me.

She stood tall and gracefully. Her silver eyes stood out in contrast to her tanned complexion. I studied her carefully, noting how the black cloak she wore danced across the plush carpet. It was long and the only clothing item that conveniently blended in with the Alpha's office. Despite the tension between the two, they seemed to have their colour choices aligned.

Suddenly, I felt a tingly sensation flow across my bare arms. I gasped as a million little needles poked against the surface of my skin, causing the fine hairs on my arms to rise.

I lifted my head up slowly, glancing up at Rawena, whose eyes seemed to glow a brighter shade of silver.

"What are you doing?", I shrieked.

My eyes grew wide as the unnerving sensation began to spread from my arms down to my stomach and legs.

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed the Alpha's confused expression.

"Don't you dare try harming my mate, Rawena!", the Alpha growled.

Rawena merely raised her palm up to silence the Alpha. My hopes of being free certainly seemed like a far cry. Rawena took a few steps forward, meeting me in the middle of the office. Her silver eyes continued to hold me captive, as she tilted her head to the side as though she were sizing me up.

Silence filled the room, which had been blanketed by thick magic. I felt the need to claw my neck, to breathe as the sensations continued to taunt me.

Finally, Rawena broke the silence "The full moon is near".

I was completely baffled. What was she trying to do! I couldn't under-

"If you are concerned about the finality of our mateship, we will complete the mate bond when we are both ready, Rawena", the Alpha growled.

"So that's what this is about!", I barked out. The tingles that clung to my skin seemed to slowly evaporate now. Although a small smile crept up on my lips at Alpha's response. I was grateful he respected my decision for space and time. He understood what I needed and showed his support.

Rawena seemed still, as though she were deep in thought before she chose to enlighten us with a few words.

"There is something to come off your mateship, I can sense It... it's growing slowly trying to claw to the surface like an animal."

"Her wolf?", Alpha Drake posed.

Rawena shook her head slowly, whilst I met the Alpha's curious gaze.

Rawena opened her mouth once more, then shut it again "well it seems we are off track. Let's begin to discuss the matter at hand."

I was still puzzled over what she had meant. Was I going crazy? No, maybe she meant Roxy... right?

Roxy huffed and shook her fur. Be careful, Anna. She seems to have intentions of her own.

Or she is simply some deluded which of the west.

"We have been informed that a Mystic witch is working for the Rogue group", the Alpha announced.

Rawena clucked her tongue, "well now this just got more complicated."

"We need a plan to counterattack. All borders have been secured, and our warriors are ready for war, but our odds stand unlikely..." Alpha Drake drawled out.

"...When magic comes into play", Rawena finished.

Alpha Drake nodded, confirming her thoughts were correct.

Rawena mulled over the information for a few minutes before she proposed a solution, "I suppose I could conjure a protection spell. Although you would need to choose how you would like this spell to be utilized. It will come with limitations, of time."

My ears perked up at the proposition. "What do you mean?", The Alpha voiced.

"If I cast this spell now, it will fall apart by the next full moon. I can not maintain the spell longer than that. It would require too much energy and dark magic if prolonged," she said.

The Alpha seemed to think over his options before he voiced out, "fine, I don't want to be in the bad books with the Goddess, so let's do this the clean and safe way."

Alpha Drake nodded his agreeance while I looked warily between the Alpha and Rawena.
Two people filled with such power were standing side by side. One blessed with a goddess-given gift while the other is naturally born with power.

"Anastasia", the Alpha voiced.

My eyes quickly followed the source of the voice before his deep blue hues settled upon me.

"Yes?"

The Alpha raised his brow, most likely wondering why I had spaced out, though I wasn't feeling quite generous with sharing my thoughts at this moment. So, I fixed the Alpha with the same look.

He narrowed his eyes before finally speaking, "we were just wondering how we might implement the protection spell?"

His eyes continued to level me with a 'what are you thinking' expression, but I chose to ignore it by looking away.

I sucked in a deep breath; the ball was thrown in my court now. They wanted my input or merely wanted to test my logic and reasoning capacity as a potential Luna.

What better way than to throw me in the deep end

Think about it, Anna. You can't look stupid in front of these people, Roxy shouted through the link.

Thanks a lot, Roxy!

You're welcome, Anna.

Geez, she was totally insufferable at times.

I looked around the room, reminiscing in the dark colours that tainted the walls.

Think Anna, think.

That's when it came to mind.

"I have an idea, although it's going to require some trusting on all ends," I concluded.

The Alpha walked around his desk until he was right in the middle. He leaned back, crossing his arms and legs. He bobbed his head, "The floor is all yours." He murmured.

I focused my gaze on both the powerful alphas in front of me. Taking in a deep breath, I'll ask them the most crucial question.

"Do you trust your pack?"

The Alpha's face was impassive as he quickly uttered the words "Yes".

I nodded in response, then turned to Alpha Drake expectantly, "Yes." He voiced confidently.

"Great!" I clapped my hands together. "Although you'll need to confirm the same with the other Alpha."

The Alpha nodded, "I'm sure they'll all agree."

"Because for this plan to be executed without any issues, we need people we can trust and rely on."

The room was silent as all eyes were trained on me, I could feel the tension building with each passing second.

I slowly turned towards Rawena "Can you manipulate this spell to make it work with the reliance of permission?" I asked her.

I was hoping she could do it. If not, my hopes and potential idea will already be flying out the window before I could tell the curious Alphas about it.

Rawena cocked her head to the side in, "Ahh... I see the wheels that are turning in your head Destined One. Yes, I can do it. although do remember it will fade after the full moon". She cautioned me.

A small smile crept upon my lips as Rawena quickly caught onto my plan.

I turned to the Alpha, who still sported a confused expression.

"Once the spell is in place, it will be bound to the wolves of the pack. The Warriors will be able to let others in and out of the pack. So, in this way, all Alphas can still continue to manage their pack whilst our borders are protected by our most trusted warriors. Without the permission of the warrior or from the Alpha himself, no one can enter or leave."

"One-way entry and exit." Alpha Drake responded.

"Exactly". I beamed.

We all turned to the Alpha, waiting for his final comment. He seemed to be in deep thought before he slowly tilted his head, which was the only indication of his agreeance.

"Well then, consider it done," Rawena said with finality in her voice.

On that final note, both Rawena and Alpha Drake began to bid their goodbyes before dispersing out of the office and from the Black Moon pack.

*******

I turned back around to the Alpha and caught him staring back at me. I lifted my brows and tilted my head to the side, "what?", I questioned.

The Alpha began to walk my way, taking small and slow steps until he reached me. Never once did he break eye contact. I could see the muscles in his arms bulge and come alive underneath his crisp white shirt.

It was amazing how the shirt didn't tear apart by the strength of those muscles. His golden-brown hair was tossed to the side carelessly.

I had to admit the Alpha was quite hot...sometimes it was hard to resist the urge to-

My breath hitched as I realised where exactly my thoughts were leading.

The Alpha smiled before he spoke "You know I don't always see eye to eye with Rawena..." he growled lowly,

I clucked my tongue, as I remembered their encounter. "Oh, I know..." I laughed.

The Alpha suddenly reached for my hand and covered my palms with his. Silent sparks began to trickle from the touch, causing me to feel lightheaded.

I looked down at our intertwined hands before looking up at the Alpha with cocked eyebrows.

He laughed nervously before rushing out the next words "I want you to be my mate."

My eyes grew wide at the sudden request. I could feel my palms begin to get sweaty and hot. My mouth went dry. It was as though I lost my voice.

But I cleared my throat as I spoke up "Is this because of what Rawena said?" I questioned.

"No no... not entirely. I mean-look the full moon is coming soon, and I'd much rather have my pack know that you are my mate and Luna. The wolves are growing restless Anna, they don't know whether you're a threat or not since you were established in this pack as a Rogue. There is too much uncertainty growing."

I drew my hands back and took a step back as he muttered the last words.

"Kawan... It was your prejudice, trauma, and twisted perception of rogues that have painted a tainted image of me in those wolves' minds." I reprimanded.

The Alpha looked down at me, his hooded eyes glowering at my remark. He drew in a long breath before he finally spoke up.

"I have long ago accepted my flaws and mistakes. For this to work you're going to have to meet me halfway. I already told you I'm all shades of fucked up Anastasia. But for a future with you as my mate, I am willing to take a step into a place I am totally unfamiliar with. I've never done this sort of thing before. Mateship is not the first thing I'd lean into, having short-term company for purposes of pleasure was all I wanted before. But it's different now. There's a chance at a future."

I sighed, I let my arms relax at my sides as I drank in the Alpha's current expression. His eyes were wide, while his chest puffed up and down rapidly. He looked at me with such intensity that it was hard to hold his gaze.

"Will you give me a chance?" The Alpha questioned.

I held the Alpha's gaze, not once looking away from his blue orbs. I slowly nodded at the Alpha.

"We've come this far Kawan, let's make it official. I'm ready to give us a chance and make this mateship work."

The Alpha's lips quickly grew into a big smile. He rushed towards me and lifted me up into the air. His arms wrapped around my waist tightly as I squealed and smacked onto his shoulder, demanding he put me down.

The Alpha finally released me. As he looked at my soured expression, he shook his head and continued to laugh. I took a few steps back to take in the alpha's carefree expression.

"Well, we've got a ceremony to prepare. I want the pack to know right away, Anna."

I smiled, looking up at the Alpha, "Are you sure, considering the Zanton pack?"

"Don't worry about them for now. Let's just focus on us. Besides, I won't let anything happen to you." He growled fiercely.

A lump formed in my throat at hearing such endearing words from Kawan. He had his moments of being a fierce and caring man in comparison to his deadly Alpha facade.

Though there was one thing I had to make certain of before we settled on this plan.

I took a few steps towards Kawan, closing the gap between us. Slowly, I reached for his face and held onto his jaw tightly, forcing him to meet my gaze. I wanted his attention and focus completely on me.

"If we do this, Kawan, we are to be equals. I will stand with you and be there during your darkest moments-" I sucked in a deep breath as Kawan awarded me with an intense look. His crystal blue eyes completely focused on mine, I had his unwavering attention, which left me momentarily breathless.

I had witnessed his dark moments, his attempt at self-harm, and the deeply buried and resurfacing trauma. I hadn't expected an all-mighty, powerful alpha to have such twisted moments yet taking in a deep breath I continued.

"I want you to promise me, whatever this is, it will become a partnership. No lies, no threats, no harm, just pure respect, trust, effort, and understanding." I deadpanned.

Kawan lifted his hands towards my face. He narrowed his blue orbs as though studying my face very carefully.

"I accept whatever condition you have, Anastasia. You are mine, and I am yours. You are my equal and will forever remain so."

Kawan gripped my chin between his fingertips and tugged my face fiercely towards his. I shivered at his touch; several tingles danced across my face, leaving me yearning for more. I leaned my body against his basking in all the warmth he offered.

Kawan looked down at me with a heavy gaze, "It will happen tonight." He declared before he crushed his lips against mine. The kiss was harsh, demanding, and all-consuming. I gasped as he tugged at my neck, deepening the kiss, which allowed the Alpha's tongue to slip in and ruin me entirely.

I moaned as I felt his erection press against my abdomen. Kawan continued to kiss me, swallowing my moans, in a rough kiss that had my knees buckling. Though Kawan's hands gripped my waist tightly, ensuring I had no room to escape.

Not that I ever could, I devoured every touch, which felt like pure ecstasy.

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks as the alpha continued to ravish me, leaving no doubt of his intentions. I gladly let him have me, submitting to his embrace and his intoxicating touch.

After several heated minutes, the alpha slowly broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to mine. His hot breath fanned across my face, whilst his hands still pinned me against him.

The sexual tension between us continued to rise. Each kiss, a teasing display of our affections.

Soon, a small smile crept upon my swollen lips as I felt my them tingle. This kiss was different than the lust filled kissed at the bar. It held a deeper meaning and a promise for what was to come.

"Per sempre." He breathed out.
(Forever).

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A/N

Yay!! Finally, I'm releasing this chapter. 💃

Please don't forget to vote or comment! 🫶🏼

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It took quite a while to write and lots of doubts that circulated through my mind. But overall, I'm happy for Anna and Kawan. I'm excited to see where this promise takes them next.

Until next time...

~COCO ❤️