Chapter 4

Why is the moon goddess so cruel? All my life, I thought having a mate will be a blessing and meeting him for the first time will be a dream come true. I thought it will be all butterflies and rainbows, but it isn’t at all.

Instead, I came face to face with my greatest enemy, who has destroyed a lot of packs, killed hundreds of warriors with his bare hands, and just insulted my father and my home. How come I, a gentle loving kind daughter (if I say so myself) has the most dangerous werewolf for a mate? It really makes me wonder. The moon goddess must be having a laugh, watching us meet for the first time.

I watch as my mate retreats his hand, a smirk still plastered all over his face. Confused, I stand up, firing a glare at him. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying all I want... is you,” he states as if it’s that simple, “in exchange for peace. No harm will ever come to your pack as long as you’re mine.”

To be his... my wolf whispers with excitement. I shake my head, brushing away her thoughts. “I don’t trust you, Alpha Blake. I know your reputation and just now you didn’t keep your word.”

“What word exactly did I not keep?” he asks with confusion.

“We offered a truce and you accepted,” I accuse. “Why else would you be here?”

“Truce?” he questions, looking at me like I’m crazy. “Your father invited me to come tonight and I accepted. But I accepted no truce. Do you seriously think I’m that cheap? That I’ll accept a draw to a game I knew I can win? Don’t take me for a fool and a coward. I’m not like your father.”

I shake my head in disbelief. Whatever game it is he’s playing; I will not play it. I will not fall for his tricky words. I finally take a deep breath, rethinking my thoughts. “Do you promise... you won’t harm my pack? You won’t come near it nor hurt my family.”

He nods with agreement. “Of course. I’ll respect your wishes... but I will be expecting your presence by tomorrow at sunset. Or else I’ll destroy your pack and everything left behind will be burned to ashes.”

His threat is nerve wrecking. I know he’s not the kind to give empty threats. My luck and dream giver must have really deserted me. Just when I need them the most, they hide with their tails between their legs. I fear the day I’ll have to leave my home and live with a stranger. But it’s all going so fast. I should’ve enjoyed my old days with my family for as long as it lasted.

“But...” I start, breathing in deep, “how will I know you won’t harm me?”

He smirks, eyes darkening. “How can I ever harm my own mate?”

The moment he said it I hear gasps echoing all around me. Everyone is shocked to know I’m his true mate. What a terrible fate will I suffer in the hands of a dangerous Alpha? And it’s not something I’m proud of. I’m trying my best to be strong but... Just looking up at my mate makes me feel so weak. My wolf is telling me to stop fighting it and just submit. But my pride is too tough to concede to this game.

My stubbornness is getting the best of me and I can slowly feel my wolf surfacing, fangs sharpening. I close my eyes, resisting her with all my strength.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” I hear Alpha Blake’s deep voice coming in my ears. “Fate has caused our paths to collide. And look where we are. Already getting to know each other.”

I snarl with glaring eyes. His humor is not highly appreciated. I don’t care who he is or what he can do. I will not be bonded to someone like him! A cold heartless monster.

“Scarlet,” my father calls, his voice weak, stealing my attention. I turn around, seeing him coming to me. “Please, accept the Alpha’s offer.” The look in his eyes say it all. He has completely surrendered me to the enemy. His own daughter. His own blood and heir. Sometimes, I wonder if he really cares about me. But I guess duty is duty. And family is just family.

“The pack needs you now more than ever,” he murmurs, with sadness in his hopeful eyes.

I know it hurts but… he’s right. Perhaps this is the only way I can make my father proud. Saving the pack is all he cares about and if that means I’ll have to sacrifice myself to the devil and bear him little demon grandchildren, he will gladly give me away. My pack has suffered more than enough. My father too... and it’s my turn to carry their heavy burden in exchange for a long life of peace.

I nod with a sigh, looking down at myself, tears running down my cheeks. After a moment, I feel a warm hand on my face, fingers wiping away my falling tears. I look up, getting lost in his Alpha Blake’s obsidian eyes.

“Don’t cry, peach,” he murmurs. “This is only the beginning.”

I slap his hand away with a glare. How dare he give me a nickname?! “Don’t touch me,” I sneer with anger.

He chuckles, ridiculously amused. “We’ll see again soon. I’ll be waiting.” And with that, he takes a few steps back before turning around and returning to his black truck. The rest of his warriors and high-

ranking members followed after him. Then they drove away as if nothing happened. It was that moment I realized... my good days are behind me and I’m about to be married to my greatest enemy.