Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Ava's POV

In the early hours of the morning, the door of the cabin was opened as I stretched my limbs. I yawned as the sunrise hit my face. My punishment was over. My stomach growled and my wolf, Isla grimaced. We were literally starving. I walked out of the cabin as my legs threatened to fail me.

Being locked up for two and a half days without food had it tow on me. Uncle Phil was standing outside the cabin. "Your breakfast has been served in your cabin. You'll have a wash, eat and then gather the people to address them," he said and I said nothing to him as I walked numbly past him and towards my cabin.

I heard the guard say." A dead snake is in here."

"What?" uncle asked probably going in to verify.

"I think she killed it," he said again. I paid no more attention to them as I continued walking. I got into my cabin and immediately attacked the food on the table without giving a care in the world that my hands have been unwashed for two days. I ate like I'd be starving for months and in no time I was done.

I lay flat on my bed breathing heavily and feeling satisfied. I was done with my bath and a gathering was called for. I was standing in front of my people with Lucia and my uncle beside me. I turned to her and apologized for my actions but I was still glad I gave her a broken nose. She deserved it.

She also apologized for her insubordination and walked towards the pack to stand with them. I took a deep breath as they watched me with accusing eyes. "I have made grave mistakes, one that should have been easily avoided and uncalled for. I've been punished for it." I began. "This simply proves that no one is above the rules of the pack and that anyone can be punished for their wrongdoings. The rules would not be twisted to play favoritism to anyone including the alpha of the pack, which is me." They glued their eyes on me as I kept speaking to them. "I'm genuinely sorry for my actions and I make a promise today that there would be no repetition of this again. My fists will be to protect and defend this pack, my pack, and my family. I'll rather use my fists on the enemies. I believe that disrespect and insubordination to my reign will cease and would not arise a second time." I said to them. They murmured amongst themselves and nodded. " With all that said, I once again humbly apologize to Lucia and you all. My sincere deep regrets." I said lowering to my knees.

"The alpha does not bow to her people," Mary, one of the elders immediately forbade me and I shook my head.

"An alpha should be humble to her people, one with her people, and share their pains," I said.

"Please rise my Queen," she said to me and I slowly stood to my feet. I could tell I made a good impression on them and my mistakes were immediately forgiven.

"I've always known you'd be a great alpha just like your mother," Uncle Phil said right after everyone was gone and I gave him a small smile. "Do you understand now why I couldn't let the rules slide because you're going to be alpha?" he asked and I nodded.

This had taught me a lesson. The rules were rules. "How's the purchasing of the house going?" I asked. "It would be completed before your coronation. Its landscape is enough to house every member of the pack," he said and I nodded again. It was time we left the forest. "What happened in there with the snake?" he finally asked.

I shrugged. "I killed it that's all," I said and he nodded.

"Alright then," he said. I nodded to him and walked toward the direction of the river. My place of solace. One will wonder where my pack got the money to purchase a house. We were not thieves, no! far from it. We were wood merchants. We deal in the selling and manufacturing of timbers. Uncle's sculpting was very good. He always carved sculptures and figurines that would be painted and sold to both humans and other packs. He and some members of the pack were also good at making furniture. So there it is, we were making enough to get what we deserve. I was close to the river when a hand pulled me away from my course of direction and I landed on whoever had the guts to be in the crescent's territory. I gasped as I stood shoulder length looking into a pair of hazelnut eyes. He looked roguishly handsome with that annoying and still irresistible smirk on his face.

"How did you...." I began asking him a question but he hushed me with a finger on my lips. It pressed against my lips and I felt my heart suddenly skip.

I brushed aside his finger from my lips. "How did you get here?" I asked harshly.

"Lower your voice or I'll be seen," he said to me. I pulled away from his arms. "Answer me," I demanded in a low tone.

He shrugged. "You crescents are easy to fool," he said smirking.

"How dare.." I began to say but changed my mind. "Now leave," I ordered. How dare he say that about us.

"No," he said pulling me closer and placing my back on the tree. My breath hitched as he stared at me.

It felt like he was staring deep into my soul. "Let go of me," I said struggling as I saw his eyes travel down my heaving chest.

All he did was stare at me like I was just a statue there. The way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine. "I don't think I can." he finally said still staring at me with a look I couldn't understand. His wolf's eyes flashed and something inside my stomach flipped. What was wrong with me?