Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Aiden stalked in a circle around the edge of the empty space, shoulders squared and held high. His neck extended in a show of dominance. I couldn't help but gawk at the Alpha in front of me. He was a handsome wolf with sleek dark brown thick fur, healthy stature and bulky in all the right places.

He growled at me.

The pack wolves were yipping and howling around him, the others who had wandered off swiftly returning to witness the scene unfolding.

A whine escaped my lips pitifully, nearly losing myself when Aiden's eyes snapped directly to me, holding eye contact for several long seconds. Why was he staring at me like that? Did he not like my wolf? Maybe he was disgusted by my small stature; the omega wolves were always a laughing matter among the Alphas. Or maybe my mind was just playing tricks, and he wasn't looking my way.

There was no way Alpha Aiden would take notice of someone like me.

He bared his teeth in a snarl, growling menacingly at any males standing near me. A shiver ran down my spine, and I was surprised at how vicious he could seem.

It was intimidating but oddly thrilling at the same time.

While the rest of the pack began to drift away from the clearing, making way for Aiden, I hung back in the shadows. I watched in curiosity; my breath caught in my throat as Aiden stalked towards me. He appeared powerful, tall and like he owned the entire place. The wolves shrank in their spots, gawking at the Alpha as he approached me.

My omega was shivering, eager and excited to be claimed by him. I shrank back at the thoughts going on in my head.

His nostrils flared, lips raising to reveal his teeth while he scented the air. I whined and dropped to the ground at his feet, twisting my body as I rolled over and presented my belly to the Alpha. Aiden was still scenting the air, his tongue flipping out to wet his nose more rapidly than normal.

Just then, one of the younger Alphas started to inch a little too close. I took a step back. Aiden caught that. He snarled in a warning way at the wolf, who quickly retreated into the spot. That was a clear act of dominance and staking his claim. It shouldn't affect me, but it did.

When he stepped closed, I mewled at him, letting him nose along my thick fur, rubbing his whole body against me. Grooming. The Alpha was trying to groom me. They say it's an act of affection, mostly performed in between mates and also newly mothers groom their pups. Why was his wolf so affectionate? Almost opposite of him.

He rounded me multiple times until I could smell nothing but his thick scent sticking to my fur. Another way of showing his claim over me. Whatever it was, I was delighted in the feeling of being owned, being claimed by the Alpha.

Before I could make out his next move, the Alpha mounted over me in a mating position, his paw coming around me. I screwed my eyes shut, abdomen clenching at the way he pressed against me. It felt amazing, better than what I imagined, but then it dawned on me. We were in front of our pack.

It pained me to pull my body away, but it was expected.

The Pack Alpha cleared his throat, motioning the both of us to face him. I was embarrassed at losing myself like that. Why did my wolf react that way? He was the Alpha who hated me for moons sake! I should be more careful.

We both separated and walked in front of the podium, keeping distance between us.

"We are gathered here to celebrate the union of my son, Alpha Aiden and his other half, Omega Rose."

The wolves yipped as soon as our names were announced, tapping their paws against the ground. It might be a way to show their excitement. Mostly because they were all eager to have a Luna after so many years.

When Cara told me that growing up, Aiden only had his father as a parent figure; it made my stomach twist. The pack also suffered without a Luna for all these years because Alexander, the Pack Alpha, refused to marry someone else.

"We pray our elements—fire, air, water and earth, request them to bless and protect the couple, help them overcome obstacles and find love along the way. Make them stay together till the end."

I almost wanted to snort at that. Aiden must be rolling at those blessings since he was not happy with our union. I held my ground, focusing on the Pack Alpha as he began to chant prayers for each element.

"Rose, please take a step forward."

Once I did, Alexander motioned towards the people in a dark cloak. They were carrying a stand with a sizzling mark sign and cloth along with it. I know what it meant.

"You'll be marked with this symbol making you a part of our pack. With this symbol, you promise to fulfil your duties for this pack, make the members your highest priority and serve us till your last breath."

As the people in cloak inched towards me, I stilled in the spot. The faint smell of the fumes wafted in the air along with the ink from the sign. I bowed down.

"This might hurt", One of them whispered as they used the cloth to clean my fur.

Few seconds passed by before the harsh sign burned into my skin, penetrating against the fur. The pack wolves around me began to howl, their sounds drowning out the screams escaping from my lips. I threw my head back, eyes stinging with tears as the mark was fully inked on my back.

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Alpha Aiden grinding his teeth together, eyes focused on the podium. His paw tightened against the ground, body rigid. It appeared as if he was holding back.

"If the symbol on your body and promises are not honoured, you will be banished from this pack. No questions asked. Do you understand?"

I meekly nodded my head.

The Pack Alpha tilted his head towards the sky, his face gleaming under the moon light. A bright smile tugged at his lips. He motioned us to shift our attention to our goddess, eyes closed and chant the familiar verse under our breath.

"Moon goddess, keep us safe, and we shall thrive."

In unison, we threw our heads back, basking in the glow of our goddess and howled.

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