CHAPTER 7

MONA

"Shall we?" Archer questioned as he stretched forth his hand to me and bowed lightly. I gave him a small smile, took his hand and wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

We made our way into the hall with cameras flashing before us and paparazzi trying to ask about our engagement. How they knew about it still baffled me but we'd decided not to give them any answers except smiles.

Finally, we found our way into the ball room that was already filled with a lot of members. It was a gala held for wolves who owned businesses and were respected figures in our world. Six years ago, I'd never thought I would attend the most anticipated party in our world but here I was, strolling in as one of the most influential people not only in our world but the entire country.

But as we stepped in, different people started approaching us to congratulate us on our engagement, we weren't even allowed to enjoy the party. It wasn't until the auction started that we were left alone and I was able to focus on the bustling party.

"I don't think you deserve that painting," a voice came from behind me a few minutes after the auction ended. Archer had just walked away with one of his friends while I was sipping my wine.

My brows raised as I swung my gaze slowly to the voice. Instantly, my face morphed into a frown while her lips curled into a sly smirk.

"Greta," I called, my stomach twisting into knots as memories of how she'd treated me after she caught me in bed with her future husband flooded my brain.

"Luna Greta," she corrected and I almost let out a scoff. "Just because you've been sleeping your way to the top doesn't mean you can talk to me anyhow, Monique."

My lips stretched into a tight-lipped smile.

"Not everyone is like you. I'm Mona by the way," I said, holding out my hand, but she only looked down with a contorted face.

"I'm sure you must have heard who Mona is, but who is Greta?" I asked, retrieving my hand to my side.

"Someone you can never be," she spat and I let out a low chuckle.

"Of course, I can never be you."

She opened her mouth to retort but I picked up my wine glass and walked away. It was clear she wanted to pick a fight with me but I didn't want anything ruining my night and seeing her face, a surge of fury was already coursing through me.

The best thing was to step away and get some fresh air. Climbing the stairs, I decided to go to the balcony to get the perfect view of the night and some fresh air.

Thankfully, there was no one there, so I could enjoy the peace and cool breeze hitting my skin. Dropping the wind glass on the railings, I pulled out my phone from the pocket of my jumpsuit and took a picture of the beautiful sky and city view.

Hugging my body, I closed my eyes slowly, enjoying the cool breeze until I felt a coat on my body and a strong scent.

I knew that scent.

I'd gotten my sense of smell after giving birth to Logan. Actually, my whole life had changed after I had my miracle. I couldn't recognise anyone from their scents before and after meeting him the previous day, I'd registered his scent.

Letting the coat slip out of my body, I turned to him.

"You shouldn't do that," I warned while his eyes darted between me and his coat.

"But it seemed like you were cold," he replied, picking up his coat.

"It's none of your business. You shouldn't creep up on me here, we are meeting tomorrow anyway," I spat, my frustration bubbling as I recalled the message I'd gotten last night.

I was being summoned like someone who had committed a crime.

"Yeah, but I wanted to talk." He leaned on the railing beside me and I grabbed my wine glass.

"You look beautiful by the way." His voice stopped me from making a move. "You've always been beautiful but you're exceptionally stunning tonight."

I threw him a glare. If it had been years ago, I would have blushed, but not anymore. "I'll appreciate it if you return to the party. I'm trying to enjoy some peace here."

"I'm sorry," he replied in a low and convincing tone.

My brows furrowed.

"I'm sorry for everything. And I'm sorry for involving the council. I was just desperate, it didn't seem like you were ready to help and I couldn't watch my pack die."

I let out a scoff. "Too late for any apology. You need the cure, right? I'll give it to you but after that, I hope you'll leave me alone."

"I can't."

I arched an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

" I can't leave you alone, Monique." His voice dropped as he stepped closer to me. "I need you."

My stupid heart skipped a beat. He was too close, just too close and it seemed like his smell would start clouding my judgement.

Quickly, I side stepped him. "You should go meet your Luna, I'm sure she'll be worried sick."

"She's not my Luna," he whispered. The hairs on my neck stood at his sound and I drew in a long breath.

"I'm not interested in your story. You'll get the cure."

" But I want something more than a cure."

My fingers wrapped tightly around the glass. What the hell was he trying to do?

" We don't need just your cure. We need you."

I turned to him. His gray eyes glistened under the moonlight and I could see regret and want in them.

"You're the only one that can save our pack."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "That's why I've decided to give you the cure. What more do you need?"

"You."

I swallowed.

"We need you in our pack. We want you back. Ever since you left, the good thing about our pack disappeared and a lot of terrible things kept on happening. And now, you have to return to our pack before the red moon comes or ... "

I cut him short. "Or what? You want to use me again? Or is this your stupid tactic of seeking forgiveness and taking me back to the pack or what?"

He shook his head and reached out to take my hand but I stepped away from him immediately.

"It's not. I'm desperate here. Without your stabilising bond, I'll slowly lose my wolf, my sanity and control. Our economy is failing, the business is suffering. Our pack's survival depends on you.There's a prophecy and you're the key."

Laughter gurgled out of my mouth. I couldn't even control myself at his nonsense. To think he was going the extra mile just to get me back made me lose the little respect I still had for him. He had become so pathetic and useless.

Without being fazed by my mocking laughter, he continued, "I need you back as my Luna or my cousin will take over and become the Alpha."

A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Unfortunately, your Luna is Greta and I'm engaged to Archer," I reminded him, flashing my diamond ring across his face. There was no way I was falling for his bullshit.

"You shouldn't get married to Archer," he stated and my face screwed up.

"Are you trying to dictate my life or what?" I snapped. I'd had enough of his empty words and he was starting to piss me off.

He shook his head. "No, I'm just trying to protect you."

I huffed. "I only need protection from the likes of you."

He ran his palm through his hair. " Archer isn't who you think he is."

A frown puckered my brows. "I can't believe you'll stoop so low."

"I'm telling you the truth. You shouldn't get married to him."

I placed my hand on my waist. " Please, enlighten me. Give me a good reason."

I waved my hand and he stepped closer to me.

"Archer..."

I raised my brows.

"He caused your father's death. I'm sure he didn't tell you he killed your father."

My shoulders slumped. The air left my lungs and my eyes widened.

" What...what did you just say?"

A beat passed.

"Archer killed your father."