My gaze locked with this dashing young man whom I just discovered was my mate, and for a long moment, the world around us faded. He had the most striking blue eyes and a face that made other she-wolves whisper when he was sparring. Not just his face. His whole body was a work of art. Such huge build and tough looking muscles that seemed to ripple with every little movement of his. The goddess blessed him with such handsomeness that made me jealous of those who had been around him for years.

I watched him, hoping he'd feel the pull, the mate bond that connected us, but his expression stayed hard.

We started to walk towards each other. Every step was slow, like time itself was slowing down. My heart pounded, ready to hear him say the words, to acknowledge what we both felt.

But the first words out of his mouth hit me like a rock. "You shouldn't be here," he said, his voice flat. "The king won't like seeing you on the training grounds."

"W...what?" I muttered in utter confusion.

I looked at him, completely shocked. And then, fury flared inside me. How could he talk about the king? About rules? We were supposed to be mates, destined to be together.

He didn't care. He didn't even flinch. He just brushed past me, his shoulders stiff, and walked away. The mate bond, the pull I felt so strongly, seemed to mean nothing to him at all.

I felt like breaking into hot tears but not in front of them. Was this a dream? Just who was he? Was he scared of the king? But it didn't seem that way when he defended my father from being killed by Lucas.

"Whatcha doing here, little Luna?"

A soft but commanding voice asked. I quickly turned around and noticed that it was the soldier sparring with him. He was just as striking but nothing compared to my mate.

"I, uhm..." I stuttered.

"You really shouldn't be here. Where's your attendant?"

"I don't understand; why can't I be here?"

He raised the corner of his lips in a smirk as he approached me.

"Oh, come on, don't tell me you didn't know about the king before agreeing to the alliance," he stated, brushing past me as well. I couldn't help but notice the sour look on the faces of the ladies who were earlier drooling over my mate.

I quickly scurried after the soldier.

"You might be right. I may not know much about your king, but what's with him?" I asked as I levelled up with the soldier. He halted and turned around fully to face me.

"Him? Umm...you mean...Kai?"

Kai...so that's his name.

"Kai should be the least of your worries, but listen," he licked his lips with his gaze on me. Are men of the Blood Moon Pack this arrogant? "The king will have our heads if he ever sees you here. You are his Luna."

"More like his prisoner," I muttered even though I knew he heard me.

"Your little Highness, if you will excuse me," he said with a slight smile and a wink before scampering out of sight.

What in the world is wrong with everyone?I feel at a loss for words. I needed someone to talk to. I needed a heads-up about what to do and what not to. And to be honest, I wish I could find someone who would tell me how to escape being bedded by the king. The females should, actually.

I turned to face them with a smile on my face.

But just as I was about to take a step towards them, they all scattered like birds being chased by a big black hawk.

I stormed back to my room, still fuming about Kai not acknowledging our mate bond. I felt like I was hitting a dead end everywhere.

Trina followed behind as she saw me headed to my room, concern etched on her face. "My lady, I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" I asked, my anger still simmering.

"It's about the man you're curious about, the one who saved you on your wedding day... he's the king's brother."

My jaw dropped, and my footsteps paused. Kai, the king's brother? This was insane. My mate was brother to the man whom I had just married?

Wait, why was this happening to me? The goddess can't possibly hate me this much to give me such a cruel fate.

I felt like my world was turned upside down. Could this be the reason he refused to recognise our mate bond? What now?

I jumped on my bed and pressed my face against my pillow, completely shattered. Amy was no different; she sighed, heartbroken about the revelation.

☆☆☆☆

As night fell, I heard the door crack open. No doubt it was him. The room was dark as the night except for the burning wood Trina had lit earlier to keep me warm and the partially bright moonlight. I slowly sat up straight on my bed as Lucas moved over to my bed. I could tell he was wearing nothing except his pants. He had a disgusting smile spread across his lips.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest. My wolf seemed to be going out of control. I don't want this; Amy doesn't want it either, especially now that she's found our mate. But how can I escape this night?

"I guess you're ready for me, little bride?" He asked as he approached the bed even more quietly. Just then, he dipped his knees on my bed, making me tremble in fright.

I shook my head, tears dripping at the corners of my eyes. I know I wouldn't be able to do this, and the fact that I might not escape made it even worse. Just as he began climbing on the bed, I began to move back. This made him pause at once.

"You're scared?" He asked, almost like he never expected it. I couldn't say a word. I just needed to escape this night.

I noticed his expression darkened at once, and in a swift second, he suddenly grabbed me by the neck and pulled me towards him.

I squirmed, quickly reaching for his hand, which was holding my throat tightly.

"L... let me go," I muffled out the words.

"Are you stupid, or do you just have a death wish?" He thundered, his wolf seething behind his eyes.

"Listen, Alma. You had two choices, and you chose being married to me. Do you think you can escape now?"

Tears trickled down my face. Not because I was scared this time but because he was right. I chose this; I should give him what he wants. But how can I when my mate is so close and happens to be his brother? I can't give in. Not until I've settled things with Kai.

"P...please give me time," I begged, but this only seemed to increase his anger.

"I am not a patient man, Alma. I will get what I want tonight!" And with that, he dived for my neck and began kissing my nape roughly. I could hear his raspy breath fanning my neck. His touch made the hairs on my body stand. I just can't. I struggled under his hold. He wasn't just kissing me; he was suffocating me. I knew I had to do something else, or I might get raped. With that, I gathered all the strength I had and shoved him to the bed. Without waiting a second more, I scrambled out of bed and dashed out of my room in my sleeping gown. I didn't care where I was headed, as long as I was away from Lucas.

His growl echoed behind me, and I instantly paused for a moment. My heart was beating so loudly like it was going to burst out of my chest.

Just then, I heard heavy footsteps. "Shit!" He was chasing after me. Immediately, I resumed my escape. I ran as fast as my legs could take me, looking for a hiding spot. At that moment, I sighted a door which was slightly ajar. I didn't care what room it was and immediately rushed in and banged the door behind me. I shut my eyes, trying to control my panting.

"Who's there?" The deep, sharp, familiar voice echoed behind me, and I instantly froze. Of all places to run to, it has to be his room.