Chapter 11

Octavia:

I roll over lazily and shove my face into the large silky pillow that laid beneath the mess of my hair. My mind felt foggy as I tried to recall what was happening or even what day it was. I didn't have the energy to move so, I lay like this for a few moments before I begin to remember the events of last night.

I lift my head off the pillow quickly and shove my birds nest of a hair out of my face and scan the room, that just so happens to not be mine. I sit up as the bathroom door opens and a cloud of steam flows into the room. Ajax in all his naked chest glory steps out with merely a towel wrapped around his waist. Jesus, help me.

I could feel the blood flow to my cheeks as I turn away quickly, wanting to respect his privacy. It was also an attempt to stop my mind from wandering into dangerous places. My wolf was a dirty girl.

"Oh good, you're up." He says pushing his dark brown, almost black, hair back as a few strands dared to fall onto his forehead.

"That's not good." I grumble and flop back onto the bed and tug the duvet over my face. I never wanted to see the light of day again. I just wanted nestle up in a cocoon of blankets.

"It is good, because Cipher came back alone and unmated. She's been asking for you." He rips the blanket away and I flinch at the sight of his still naked chest. I scoot away from him and he gives me a weary look.

"I'm not going to hurt you." His voice becoming more cold. I probably offended him, but it's his fault for jumping to such conclusions.

"It's not that," I roll my eyes at his tone. "Could you just, maybe, throw some clothes on." I could feel the heat in my cheeks once more.

A boyish grin takes place on his plump lips and I so badly just want to punch him in his smug face. He crosses his arms over his sculpted chest and his biceps bulge. Lord, please send immediate help.

"What's the matter? Are you not enjoying the view?"

I groan and roll over to the other side of the bed and step down. There was no way I was going near him like that. The only thing that was covering his junk was that towel.

"I gotta go, Cipher needs me." I send him a fake sweet smile before speed walking out of the room. I thought I heard him chuckle but I couldn't be sure as I closed the door behind me.

I showered and changed quickly, before pulling a brush through my bush looking hair and pulling it back into a high ponytail.

The territory was oddly silent as I made my way over to the Alpha's Family home. I don't come here very often seeing as they usually come to me. The last time I was here I was running away from Ajax... it seems so long ago now. I still can't believe that he treated his mother with so much disrespect.

I knock on the door politely and Alexander opens it, a pair of reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.

"Ah! Octavia come in, come in." He waves me inside excitedly. "We've been expecting you. I'm sorry it's so early. Ciphers been up all night and Christina just doesn't know what to do anymore."

"No, don't worry about it. I would do anything for you guys. You have been so welcoming and kind to me, especially Cipher." My heart ached to know that she had been losing sleep over not finding her mate last night.

"She's up in her bedroom, it's the second door to the right." He gestures to the stairs and gives me a small smile before disappearing into the living room.

I climb up the winding stair case and turn onto a long hallway. It was very similar to Ajax's home but just a tad bit smaller. I knock lightly on the second door and waited a few moments. Nothing.

I knock again and call out her name, "Cipher?"

There was still no response. Maybe she had decided to finally get some rest? Or she was probably using the bathroom.

"It's me, Octavia." I add as I begin to twist the door knob and peek my head through. I had never been in Cipher's room before. The walls were painted a deep gray and all of her furniture was white with tones of baby blues and light greys throughout.

She was sat on her bed, her knees to her chest, as she stared blatantly at the wall. She hardly even blinked. I didn't think not finding her mate would take this kind of toll on her.

I walk over and climb onto the bed and sit beside her. I look at the wall in front of us to find it filled with printed words. A lot of small and inspirational words surrounded a much bigger one. Love.

"Cipher, just because you didn't find the right person last night doesn't mean they won't come along in time." I look over at her and take in her distraught appearance, her hair was thrown in a messy bun with with multiple strands falling out of it. Her eyes were red and enlarged from crying and her cheeks were pale. She wore a large baggy shirt that covered whatever pants she was wearing.

"I'm tired of waiting Octavia." She snapped at me and I couldn't help but be offended at her tone. Cipher had never spoken to me in such a way. Her blue eyes were filled with an anger I had never seen in them before.

"What's the rush? You're still young." I say, my voice draining of any emotions or sympathy it had before. It seemed that kindness, rainbows and unicorns weren't going to cut it this time.

"I'm twenty-one and an unmated female. I just want fucking love. I've met sixteen year olds who got mated as soon as they shifted." She was becoming more angry as she huffed out her response and gripped the sheets beneath her.

I shake my head disappointingly. Doesn't she know who she's talking to? I climb off the bed and this catches her attention, her gaze focusing on me and forgetting the stupid word on the wall.

"Unbelievable," I mumble to myself before turning to speak to her. "What I would give to be unmated and having time to actually meet someone I have a connection with."

"You can't just expect to say hello to someone and then fall in love with them Cipher! Pull your head out of the clouds because this isn't a god damn fairytale. Prince Charming isn't just going to come along and sweep you off your damn feet!"

She flinches as I raise my voice. She was ungrateful. She has the option to choose whom she wanted to be mated too and she wanted to rush it. All the while I was forcefully mated to Ajax.

"Octavia I didn't mean to—"

I raise my hand, cutting her off. "It doesn't matter. You have a choice, you can sulk here and be sad that love doesn't come around in two seconds or you can get off your ass and actually try to make a connection with someone. Just be thankful that you even get a choice."

I turn around on my heels and walk away, ignoring whatever she was saying. My heart felt heavy in my chest. I love Cipher like a sister and to be sad that you can't find a mate at such a young age is just foolish. I make my way down the stairs and Christina is waiting there with a sympathetic smile.

She wraps an arm around me and places a kiss to my temple. "I just wanted to let you know that we do appreciate you. You are exactly what this family and pack needed and even though you may not see it now you're changing Ajax for the better."

She doesn't allow me to respond before she walks off towards the kitchen, leaving me in the foyer. I sigh heavily before exiting their home. I guess she must've heard what I said to Cipher...

I take the long way home, wanting to get some extra fresh air to clear my mind. Was I really changing Ajax for the better? He still seemed like a hot head to me, one wrong move and he would pounce at your neck. And I'm sure there are plenty of she-wolves that could do a better job at being Luna.

I roll my eyes at myself and the frustration that was building up inside of me. I skip up the steps of the large mansion and push the door open. I look around carefully, wanting to avoid Ajax at all cost.

I wasn't in much of a mood to talk to anyone right now, especially him. I tip toe my way up the stairs and into my bedroom. Deciding that it would be a good idea to channel my frustration into exercise I change into a pair of high waisted leggings and a sports bra.

I sneak my way back down the stairs, being as quiet as possible. I scan my surroundings making sure that no one was here before exiting the very large home. Closing the door as carefully as possible, I make my way down the steps and begin the journey to the training center.

I was hoping there wouldn't be too many people there since I did want some peace and quiet while I worked out all of my anger. I haven't been training as much as I used to and I think it's taking a toll on my emotions and mental health.

I step into the spacious gym to find it completely empty. It must be everyone's cheat day. I stretch out my limbs and muscles before jumping on to the treadmill to warm up and get my heart rate going.

***

Hours had passed by in what seemed like minutes. I had found my way over to the large punching bags that hung from the ceiling with a thick chain. I had made sure to wrap my knuckles in attempt to avoid getting them cut and scraped.

I was sweating more than I'd like to admit but I felt better. I step back from the punching bag and bounce on my feet lightly shaking out my wrist and taking a small break.

I resume my fighting position, my feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. I raise my fist and give a few jabs and kicks, before steadying the swaying bag. I felt much better than I had before, lighter. I had slowly worked off the frustration and anger that had built up inside of me.

I felt slightly guilty for speaking to Cipher in such a manner, but I guess it was something she needed to hear. The comment Christina made about Ajax and I also had my mind over thinking and working in so many ways. I mainly found myself wondering why Ajax was so cruel.

It was a question that often came to me, but one I knew that I probably would never get the answer to. I sigh before throwing a few combination punches at the cylinder shaped bag. I hated the thought of being so distant from my mate. I hated it even more knowing that it was something I may never be able to change because of my family. My father.

The gym doors open and cool gust of air blows through. I turn immediately, slightly taken by surprise and disappointed that I no longer had the space to myself.

"And this is the gym!" Samuel announces as he opens his arms widely and gesturing to the room. He was speaking to a blonde girl whom I had never seen before. There were a lot of people in this pack, yes, but as Luna it is part of my duties to know everyone.

And considering he had to tell her what this building is, it must mean she's new. This might be his possible mate...

My heart ached slightly thinking of how Cipher must've felt leaving in the same truck as Samuel and his possible mate. Her reaction was still a bit extreme though. To keep your parents awake all night because you didn't find love as soon as you hoped is ridiculous.

"Oh my gosh! Octavia, there you are!" Samuel says almost relieved at the sight of me. I could feel my eyebrows furrow in confusion. What the hell is he on about?

I was just about to question him when he demanded that the girl and I stay here before dashing out of the room. A few moments later the doors are slammed open and a furious yet worried Ajax is barging through them. His eyes scan the room and land on me. I could see his tense shoulders relax a bit, before he stalks his way over to me.

"You could've told me where you were going to be! Or anyone for that matter! I practically have every warrior in this pack searching for you." He says between gritted teeth.

"Well, they're not doing a good job considering I've been here the whole time!" I roll my eyes and cross my arms over my chest. I begin removing the wrap that was around my knuckles and set them aside. I was tired and now had a furious Ajax on my hands, so exercising was no longer on my agenda.

"Why didn't you tell me where you were going?" He asks, calming down a bit as he takes a step closer to me.

"I didn't want to talk to you, or anyone for that matter. I was upset and came here to be alone." I confess and look up towards him, seeing as he was so close that if I were to just look straight ahead I would be staring at his chest.

"From now on you need to alert me of your whereabouts. We can't have another incident like this occurring again." His voice was strong and demanding leaving me no room to argue. Did he really have all of the pack warriors searching for me? He couldn't just send a few guards to search the territory?

"Did you think I had tried to escape?" I ask curiously and a bit disappointed. I had pretty much given up hope on escaping and seeing my family again. It was no use and I was out numbered. Also, I was permanently mated to him and an official member of his pack.

He merely just sighs and runs his hand through his messy hair. It was clear he had been tugging on it before, its something he doesn't when he stressed or frustrated.

The doors are slammed open once more just as Ajax was going to say something to me. What is with these men and the dramatic ass entrances?! We all looked over to the doors to find a slightly out of breath guard.

He jogs over to us and bows his head respectfully, "Alpha, Luna. I received word from the guards circling territory borders saying they've captured an intruder. A she -wolf. She claims she doesn't know where she is."

"Have you interrogated her yet?" Ajax asks immediately not evening taking a moment to blink or to breathe. Someone intruded the pack lands? Who? Why? A she-wolf who doesn't know where she is... maybe she's genuinely lost?

"No they're waiting on your order." The man responded.

"Okay, let's go." Ajax nods and I move to step in line beside him. I'm guessing they had the girl locked up in a cell surrounded by men. If she was genuinely lost she must be terrified.

"You're not going." Ajax stops and grabs a hold of my upper arm, stopping me along with him.

"What?! Why?" I was absolutely confused. Why couldn't I go? Was he still upset with me for not telling him where I was for the last few hours? You would think after that fiasco he would want to keep an eye on me. But nooooooooo, Ajax just has to be the most difficult person to ever walk the earth.

"Just say here, with a few guards until I'm sure there aren't more of them just outside of the borders. This could be a distraction and I need to keep you safe." He says sternly his blue orbs jumping around my face, taking in my reaction.

"No, I'm coming. I'm sure it's not that extreme and even if it was I can defend myself. Also, wouldn't I be much safer with you?" I raise a quizzical eyebrow at him and he just sighs and shakes his head. He knows that I'm right. The mate bond wouldn't allow him not to protect me to his best ability.

"I said no, Octavia."

"Excuse me, sir, what was it that you just called me a few moments ago?" I smile sweetly toward the guard who had been standing off to the side, trying his best to not eavesdrop our conversation.

"Luna. You're our Luna." He says wearily, not sure if that was the answer I was looking for.

"Thank you." I smile and give him a small nod, before turning back to Ajax. "Did you hear that big boy?" I ask teasingly with a wicked smile on my face. "I am Luna and also have Alpha blood running through my veins. I'm coming along with you and there isn't anything you can do to stop me."

I turn swiftly and ask the guard, I believe his name was Joseph but I didn't want to call him that, and it not be his name. So to save myself the embarrassment I referred to him respectfully as "sir".

He began leading me out of the gym and towards the cells where they had kept prisoners. Cipher showed me the entrance a while back but I had never been inside of it. There was really no need.

Ajax fell into step beside me as the guard led the way. I could tell he was annoyed with my stubbornness and how I insisted on coming but I simply didn't care. This involves the safety of the pack and as Luna I believe that I should get a say in situations like these.

It was dark and musty as we descend down the stairs. I gripped the railing, hardly being  able to see where to place my foot next. Once we got to the bottom there was a window in the ceiling allowing natural light to shine in the center of the large room that held multiple cells. The walls were a crumbling red brick and the steel bars seemed a bit rusted but still sturdy.

There were a few guards littered throughout the room and one in specific caught my attention. He was standing in front of a cell door, a hard expression on his face as he simply stared straight ahead. She must be in that cell.

"Alpha, Luna." The guard said breaking his state to bow his head respectfully. Ajax gave him a simple nod before gesturing to open the door.

I squint my eyes trying to get them to adjust to the darkness of the room. There was a figure, curled up into the corner of the cell. Her shivers had made me realize how cool it was down here. I was still sweaty and probably a bit smelly but I couldn't help but shiver as well.  The thought of being trapped here with no warmth or food made me feel sick.

Ajax stepped into the cell and I followed behind him closely, not wanting to miss anything he or she said.

"What's your name?" Ajax asks, his arms crossed across his chest and a blank expression on his face. It was almost as if he were bored.

I look over at the girl, my eyes had adjusted to the darkness allowing me to see her better. Her brown hair fell lifelessly around her shoulders and covered her face. She was wearing a torn up and dirty dress that I'm sure would've been beautiful, when clean.

But why was she here? Why is she dressed like that? As if she had just come from a party but decided to roll around in the dirt and possibly violently rolled down a hill. There was something about her that was calling to me, I just couldn't tell what.

"Don't make me ask you again." Ajax says impatiently as he shifts from one foot to the other. So rude. This poor girl was covered in dirt, her dress was torn and she had been captured by one of the meanest men I've come to know. She clearly wasn't a threat... So what was the need to be so rude? To keep her locked up in a dirty cold cell?

"My name is Siren."

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