Chapter 5

Octavia:

A week had passed since the sparring incident. I haven't made much contact with Ajax. If anything, I think he's avoiding me. Which is a little strange because it seemed like torturing me was his favorite side hobby. Not that I'm really complaining.

In the meantime I've been getting to know the pack a bit better. I made a new friend Cynthia who is Samuel's sister. The three of us have grown pretty close, but of course with Samuel comes Ajax. So we don't hang out as often as Cynthia and I do.

Cipher had been pretty busy all week helping her mother plan the joining ceremony that will welcome me into their pack. Which also means I have to face Ajax today. I'm also hoping that this has no effect on our mate bond. My wolf has been a little on edge lately with the whole being distant from him.

I was currently on the training field with Cynthia and we thought it would be a good idea to run a few laps around the track to blow off some steam.

"I can't wait to see you in your ceremonial dress today." Cynthia smiles as we continue to run.

I give her a confused look,"Why I'm probably going to look  awful. I'm already feeling nervous."

This time she's the one who gave me a confused look, "Why are you feeling nervous?"

"Because it's Ajax that we're talking about. Who knows what he would do? Plus, Cipher told me the dress has to be white and what if it looks to too much like a wedding dress. Also, what if I trip and fall in front the whole pack." At this point I had to stop running because I was getting way too worked up.

"Okay okay okay, lets calm down for a minute yeah?" Cynthia said placing her hand on my shoulder.

"Everything is going to be fine. I promise. If I know Cipher she will not let Ajax ruin anything and she will make sure that the dress is prefect."

I nod my head and let her words sink in. She's right. Cipher is the queen of planning and perfection, it's so crazy how much she reminds me of Siren. Oh how I miss her and her crazy ideas, but right now I wanted nothing more than to lay down and take a nap. I felt so gross and sweaty.

"Thanks Cynthia. I think I'm gunna head back and take a shower. I don't feel too hot." I explain.

"Sure thing, pal. I'll see you later, yeah?" I nod my head and watch has she runs off and continues to exercise. I turn around and walk slowly making sure to take my time to get there. It was currently only noon time and the ceremony is taking place at 10:00pm.

I practically had the rest of the day all to myself and had nothing to do. I had learned my way around the entire territory pretty easily over the past week. I was trying my very best to avoid the monster whom I currently lived with and I found that exploring the territory was the best way to do so.

It was beautiful to say the least, the amount of greenery and pretty flowers was unreal. The forest was wonderful and untouched by mankind. It was thriving with animals. None that are of danger of course. I was just surprised to see how well kept everything was. I learned quickly that the pack members were very proud of their home and took great care of it.

Once I got back, I headed straight to my room, hoping that Ajax was locked away in his study as usual. I was able to sneak up the steps and into the room with no trouble. The entire mansion was silent. I tuned into my wolf hearing and heard the pen scratching up against a piece of paper before it dropped and he started typing on the computer.

I turned the light on in the bathroom and stripped myself of my slightly damp clothing and threw them in to the laundry bin. I turned the shower on and jumped in when the water wasn't absolutely freezing.

I still wanted it to be cool, seeing as though I was sweating from that run. Once I had finished washing up, I let the tub fill up and poured my two favorite body washes into the water to create some bubbles.

Just as I sat down to relax the door swung up causing me to scream slightly. My heart rate rose quickly and I was about ready to jump out and fight... but finally realized it was none other than the queen of intrusion, Cipher.

"Jesus girlie, it's just me." She giggled at my frightened state. I gave her a murderous glare.

"You can't just barge in—"

"What fuck is all the screaming about?" Ajax all but spat out as he entered the bathroom. He quickly tensed up at the sight of me completely nude in the bathtub. I sighed heavily, completely embarrassed.

"Apparently, Cipher doesn't know how to knock." I groan letting myself sink deeper into the water. I double check to make sure I was completely covered and not accidentally flashing them. I don't care whom has seen me nakey nakey. I do not want to relive those moments.

"Are you trying to seduce my mate as well? I thought we discussed that I do not like sharing girls with you." He snarled harshly, almost causing me to flinch. Almost. Although, hearing Ajax use the word mate made me cringe. How could he call me that after all he's done to harm me?

Also, I found it slightly interesting and weird that Cipher would ever go after someone who has already been with her brother.

"That was one time, and she came to me. I had no idea she had been with you." Cipher barked back. "I would never stoop so low as too steal your mate, no matter how much she deserves someone better."

My jaw dropped at her words and I wanted nothing more than to drown right here in this tub. I couldn't help be a little frightened for Cipher, even though I knew she could handle herself. Ajax was fuming, and I'm sure all of us knew how temperamental he was.

"Get the fuck out of my home. I don't want to see your pathetic face anymore." His voice was sharp and demanding. Anger and power radiated off of him in waves and I almost felt the need to leave as well. He was using his Alpha tone.

I watched as Cipher kept her chin high. She didn't fear him and I gave her lots of props for that. Lowkey though, she was insane for going up against him like that. Even if he might've had a soft spot for his little sister, he still is Ajax and could snap at any point.

"As a women in the Alpha family, it is my duty to help pamper and ready the future Luna for her welcoming ceremony." Cipher stated simply, keeping a blank expression.

"Then send Christina. I'd surprisingly rather see her than you."

Cipher gave me a small smile before exiting the bathroom. I was completely shocked and confused. "Was that even necessary?"

"I know my own sister to know the signs of her becoming attached to someone. Speaking of which, we are leaving the morning after the ceremony."

My lips parted slightly in surprised. His ice cold eyes trailed over my face taking in my reaction. "Why?"

"I'm taking Samuel has a witness to a possible alliance which means there's no one I truly trust left here to watch you. Seeing has though Cipher has become too fond of you." He stated. His face was completely blank and he looked almost bored. I didn't say anything, I just nodded at his words.

I was surprised when he picked up the towel and walked over to the tub. I moved away from the direction his hand went in and watched has he drained the tub. I stand has he turned the shower on and rinse myself off. I maintain eye contact with him to ensure that his eyes don't slip any lower than my face.

Once I was all rinsed off he turned the water off and out stretched the towel, helping me wrap it around myself. He leaned and tucked in the towel at the top so it wouldn't fall from my body. His lips brushed up against my ears and a small shiver made its way down my spine. "If you try anything foolish, such as running away there will be consequences."

Is that threat? How dare he think that he can threaten me when it was made clear that if I come in harms way because of him, his Alpha title will be revoked. "You can't, because I'll go straight to your father and you will no longer be Alpha."

He let out a dark chuckle that for a moment made me second guess myself. No. There's was no way he could harm me and get away with it. "That'll be pretty hard since you'll have no proof." He began to walk away and exit the bathroom. I followed behind him furious.

"I—If you even come close to harming me I-I'll cut you?" It came out more as a question and I couldn't help but laugh at myself. "That was the lamest thing I've ever said." I laughed even harder and clung to the towel around me. He had a slight smirk on his face and simply watched me lose my breath.

"Seriously though," I say as I return to an upright position and sober up from laughing. "If you even think of harming me, I'll cut your fingers off one by one. Then I'll cut your hands off and if you don't bleed out my the time I'm done with all of that I'll cut your balls off." I kept my face blank and serious, but his smirk only grew. I sent a hard glare his way, how could he be so calm and content with my threat?

"I hope that's a promise, ugly duckling." He winked and left the room without allowing me to answer. Ugh, why must he be so gorgeous? I hate him. I hate him. I hate him.

I head over to my closet and got dressed in some shorts and a over sized T-shirt. I threw my hair up into a bun and plopped down on the bed. I had nothing else to do. It was way to early to start getting ready for the ceremony. Speaking of which, there was a box laying at the edge of the bed. It was a plain white box with black lettering that I could not understand. It must be in a different language.

I opened up the box and pulled back the tissue paper to find a beautiful white dress. Cipher had done a wonderful job at finding the perfect dress. I didn't want anything over the top and I certainly didn't want it to resemble a wedding dress. Also it seemed comfortable, I did not want a tight fitting dress.

I laid it out on the bed and admired it for a few moments before there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" I called out.

I turned to see Christina poke her head through. Her eyes met mine and she gave me a warm smile. "Hey honey, how are you?"

I return the smile and usher her into the room before closing the door. "I'm okay. You?"

"I'm alright dear. I heard what happened earlier and I just wanted to apologize on behalf of Ajax and Cipher."

Cipher must've told her. I felt a little sorry for Christina, this must not be the first time she's had to apologize for Ajax's actions. "No, don't worry about it. It's okay."

Christina and I spent the next few hours chatting. She insisted she pamper me before the ceremony. She painted both my finger nails and toe nails, and did some type of exfoliating sea mask on my face. Also she explained the ceremony to me on a little more detail.

"You will walk bare foot down the path through the pack, head held high and join the Alpha family on stage. You'll join blood with Ajax, by cutting your hands and joining them and placing it in a bowl of water, flowers, and dirt. You'll be accept into the pack and then we run."

"What happens if I trip?"

She let out small laugh. "Oh dear, you'll be fine either way."

"When we shift, should I take off my dress or let it tear?"

"We remove all clothing and place them where we can find them so that we aren't just all walking around naked."

I nod my head and stop bothering her with all my questions. I hope the ceremony is quick and painless. We talked some more about normal things like food, shows, and all that jazz. I didn't realize how much I missed Netflix until now. It's been almost three weeks without any type of technology. It was refreshing, but becoming annoying because of that fact I can't watch Netflix. Christina then explained to me that there was indeed a movie theater room here. I was shocked to say the least.

Ajax had never given me a proper tour of the mansion. I was too scared to roam around alone. I feared I might stumble upon something I wasn't supposed to see and he'd appear out of no where like in those cliche stories.

Christina left me to relax and insisted that she fix us up something to eat. I refused and tried to convince her I could make myself something to eat but she wasn't having it. She told me to stay put until she came back. Christina reminded me so much of my mother, head strong mixed in with just a little bit of stubborn.

I wonder what my family was doing in this moment. If they thought about me, the way I did them. I hoped they were happy and living their lives. I could imagine Orion's face as father pushed him to train harder and learn the ways of Alpha business. On the other hand Odin would be on the side lines teasing Orion for making a mistake. Odessa would be somewhere peaceful putting together a scrapbook of her future wedding. I couldn't help but smile, my sister always was a hopeless romantic. She'd dream of marrying a king and living in a castle.

I could feel my heart sink at the thought of them all moving on without me. Would I be at the ceremony where Orion takes his title as Alpha? Would I get to see my father walk my little sister down the aisle? It was unnecessary for wolves to have weddings but some did it anyway.

Christina walked into the room with a tray full of food, causing me to come back to reality. I tried to shake off this heavy feeling as best as possible and put on a smile.

"You really didn't have to do all of this." I say sheepishly. I'm not one for attention, but I must say this feels nice, to have someone take care of you. I knew that Ajax would never really care enough to even consider my feelings.

After we finished eating Christina pulled me into the bathroom and began the process that was my hair. It was pretty long and thick. I've always hated how much hair I had but my mother and father never let me cut it until I was sixteen. It used to go all the way down to my bum and I cut it to my mid back. I haven't cut it in awhile so it's managed to reach the middle of my waist.

She curled it effortlessly and ran her fingers through a few times to create loose curl like waves. She told me that I didn't need any makeup whatsoever and just simply applied some lip balm. I couldn't help but blush at her compliment.

We exited the bathroom and she helped me into my dress. "Oh my! You look gorgeous!" My cheeks flushed and I lowered my head to hide it has best as I could.

"Thank you," I practically whispered. This is it. I would no longer be apart of the SnowMoon pack. I would be accepted into the CrescentBlood pack and all werewolf ties to my family would be cut off.

The sun had set and the moon had rose. I was feeling anxious and nervous. I was about to be taken in by a magnificent pack and a cruel Alpha. None of this had been my choice. I hadn't really had much of a choice since I got here.

I had always dreamed of a hot fiery and passionate love, someone who'd take care of me as we grow old together. I could feel a tear slip down my cheek, I'm glad Christina thought I didn't need any makeup. I wiped away the tears and held my head high.

Samuel gave me the signal and it was time. I would be locked in a pack underneath the control of the devil. I stared straight head as I began to walk, my hands placed flat on my stomach like Christina had instructed me too. All the females wore black dresses and the male were shirtless and wore black dress pants. No one wore shoes.

The sight of Ajax shirtless almost made my knees weak. Almost. I could feel my wolf stir with excitement. She adored being close to her mate and she wanted nothing more than to be free and run.

Once I reached the stage, the former Alpha, Alexander extended his hand to me and brought me over to where Ajax stood. We were side by side standing behind a bowl. Alexander moved to the front and began to address the whole crowd.

"We are gathered here today to welcome Octavia to the CrescentBlood pack as the mate of Ajax Black, and Luna of this pack." His voice boomed over the silent crowd and I only felt more nervous as he announced me Luna. In all my years wishing for love I never once thought possible that I would be a Luna. Due to my height, all Alpha's simply over looked me. Literally and figuratively.

Alexander took our spot behind the bowl as Ajax and I moved to stand on either side of it. "With this dagger they both shall draw blood and share it." He held up the dagger for everyone to see before putting it aside. "In this water I shall place, plants and flowers, dirt along with the seed of a tree so that this unification may help not only them but also help the pack blossom into its truest potential!"

Once he finished placing all the ingredients into the water he gave it a small stir with the dagger before handing it to Ajax. "We may now begin!" Alexander spoke loudly. I couldn't help but shiver. My fate was really going to be sealed, now and forever I was to be Luna and rule beside a monster.

I watched as Ajax sliced at his hand and squeezed his fist over the the bowl. He didn't even flinch, my eyes met his and he looked bored, per usual, othing was ever good enough for him. He handed me the dagger and I copied his actions. I maintained eye contact and sliced my hand, it stung a little but I managed not to flinch. I squeezed my hand over the bowl and allowed my blood to drip.

"Now, unite hands and close your eyes." Alexander voice broke the deafening silence. Ajax reached out his hand and I placed mine in his. I closed my eyes no longer wanting to look at him. In that moment I felt something. It was almost like an electric current traveling through me, although it only lasted a moment. Alexander raised are linked hands a bit higher for everyone to see before sinking them into the bowl of water.

The electric current returned but this time it spread through my whole body. It stung causing me to slightly squeeze Ajax's hand. Was this supposed to happen? It is as though it was coursing through my veins, passing through my head, my chests, my arms, my hands, my legs, my feet. It's gone.

"It is complete. You may now open your eyes." Alexander's voice once again broke the silence. I released my grip on Ajax's hand and we both retracted them from the water. "Welcome, Luna." Alexander bowed gracefully in respect as did the rest of the pack, causing my cheeks to flush a bright red.

"Thank you." I say bowing my head slightly returning the respect.

"Now we run!" Alexander boomed excitedly, causing the whole crowd to cheer and scream. I looked over at Ajax whom simply had smirk on his face as he over looked the crowd. As if sensing my eyes on him he turned back to me. I expected his smirk to falter but it didn't, it grew. He flashed his eyes at me, his blue orbs turned black before returning to their normal color. I flashed mine back, my forest green eyes turned a creme almost white color before returning to their normal color.

The crowd began to disperse and I followed the Alpha family off the stage. Alexander, Christina, and Cipher came up to me as Ajax disappeared behind a tree. "You and Ajax will lead the run as the leaders of the pack. We will do a full lap around the territory and whom ever wants to roam around in wolf form for the rest of night may and whom wishes to turn back and head home can as well." I nodded my head. It seemed pretty simple, yet fun.

My wolf was excited. She hadn't been let out in almost a month and she couldn't wait to run free, especially with her mate. Speaking of, a large black wolf emerged from the tree where Ajax was. My breathe hitched in my throat at the size of him. Obviously Alphas are larger in size but Ajax succeeded that standard. My wolf was all but howling at the sight of him.

He snapped his teeth in my direction and turned back towards the tree as if waiting for me. I walked over to him cautiously. Power radiated off him now more than ever in this form. Once I reached him he nudged me behind the tree and sat down. I roll my eyes at him, which caused him to snap his teeth at me once more. I stripped myself of the white dress, not caring that I wasn't wearing a bra. I didn't dare look at him though because I would just give away the redness in my cheeks. I also pulled my panties down and shifted quickly to save myself the embarrassment.

My bones cracked and broke and began to reposition themselves. It was a bit painful since I hadn't done it in a while but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. My wolf shook off her creme like fur and trotted around Ajax to see the other wolves. My white tipped ears and tailed perked up at the sound of Ajax following closely behind.

My wolf wanted nothing more than to rub herself up against her mate and intermingle their scents even more, but I refused and pushed her back slightly. Once all the wolves were transformed Ajax let out a piercing howl followed by me and the Alpha family.

We began to run.

Everyone fell into place has Ajax took the lead with me hot on his heels. I knew he was much large than me but I was the fastest wolf in the SnowMoon pack. There was no way he was going to out run me in this form. My wolf was slim but built. She wasn't much smaller than the rest of the she-wolves, which I was grateful for.

I pushed myself harder and soon found myself in line with Ajax. He seemed a little surprised which cause me to giggle a little as I sent him a wolfish grin. I pushed even harder and found myself passing him with ease. This wasn't even hard. He let out playfull growl as he tried to catch up.

We raced around the whole pack territory three times. Many wolfs stuck around to run while some went off to play and others simply went home. After the third time around I began to trot off back to my clothes. I was happy to learn that I still held the title for the fastest wolf, although Ajax was right there at the tips of beak ready to snap at my tail.

I could sense Ajax not far behind me, but still out of sight. I shifted back and pulled my panties back on quickly before I could flash anyone.

"You never told me you were that fast." His voice frightened me and I could help but let out a little squeak. I guess I was too focused on not flashing anyone that I didn't hear him approach.

Speaking of flashing, he was completely nude allowing anyone who stopped by to see. I saw everything, and I do mean everything. I looked away quickly, my cheeks flushing red. I covered up my chest embarrassed at all the nudity that was taking place.

"Because our conversations usually aren't very pleasant." I answer as I pick up his boxers and pants and throw them at him. He merely chuckled at my actions.

He didn't bother to put either of his clothing articles on as he made his way closer to me. I back up slightly and grab my dress and cover my chest with it.

"You didn't cover up before so why now?" He scowled.

"Because before you couldn't talk." I slip back into my dress and pull the zipper up as far as I could. I'll admit I struggled immensely before giving up and asking Ajax for help. He took his sweet time, trailing his hands down my back and to the zipper and the back up as the dressed closed. I couldn't help but shiver at his touch.

"Thanks." I mumbled. I tried to walk away without another word but his large hand enclosed itself around my bicep, pulling me back.

"What are you doing to me?" He snarled, his hand tightened and pulled me closer until I was pressed up against his chest. I all but gasped at the contact. I had never touched this much of him before, my hands laid flat against his abdomen. I looked up at his now dark blue eyes.

"Y–You're hurting me." I stuttered out as I tried to losses his grip on my arm. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. "Ajax." I begged as I tugged at his hand. It was like his name brought him back. He released his grip causing me to stumble backwards.

He looked away for a moment and took a deep breath. When he looked back his eyes were their normal icy blue. "Go home and get some rest. It's going to be a long drive up to the FireMoon pack."

I simply nodded my head and turned away. This time he let me. I was shocked to say the least. What the hell happened back there? I rubbed my upper arm that looked slightly bruised. I knew it would heal quickly but it still hurts.

His words stuck in my head. What are you doing to me? As I recalled the harshness in his voice and the darkness in his eyes I picked up my pace. I wanted to put as much distance between us as I could.

Once I reached the mansion, I cleaned myself up and changed into some pajamas. I turned off all the lights and tucked myself into bed, hoping sleep would consume me. But the truth is, I'm not tired.

All I could think about was Ajax and the way he reacted in the forest. I found it strange but something inside me told me it was a step in the right direction.

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