Chapter 20: Chapter 20

I was compelled to draw nearer to him, though the Alpha didn't like the idea of being my husband at all. He had no obligation to provide for me or care for me. I clamped my teeth over my lower lip in the uncertainty of whether moving closer to him was an odd thing to do.

It was not like Aiden had a smile on his face as he held my hand. Though when he reached his hand out for me, I quickly obliged. As his fingers grasped onto mine, touch cool as if he'd been standing in the snow for too long. Despite that, I didn't wish to extract my hand even though my blood chilled beneath my fingertips.

We continued our wandering until my toes felt numb in my shoes, and we were at the back of the packhouse. The bushes and trees sprouting up in a prearranged order stare back at me. A fountain sat in between it all, though no water gushed from its spouts. It was frozen like everything else.

I found my footing along the dirt path there, my grip tightening around Aiden's hand. He glared at me but said nothing. Before we could knock on the door, a body came rushing towards her.

"A!"

Ria threw her arms around Aiden, making the Alpha pull back his hand from me. My heart clenched as he chuckled, eyes rolled back before patting her back. Were they that close? I thought to myself, twisting my lips.

"Ri", He straightened up, pulling away from her grip. "When did you come back?"

She tucked the loose strands of her hair behind her ear, a bright smile on her face. "This morning. I came to your cabin as well, but you were not there."

Both of them started talking as if I wasn't standing there. I shrunk on myself, eyes falling on the floor and urging not to cry. They were only friends. Ria said so. Besides, it's not Aiden paid me any attention, to begin with.

"Oh, I was training."

"Killed any rogues?"

"Two of them"

She shook her head, wrapping an arm around his biceps. The beta didn't even spare me a look, simply tugging Aiden along with her. And the Alpha did not resist, a cheerful smile curving around his lips. Why was he not glaring at her?

Because she did not ruin his life like you!

I winced at the ugly reminder. As they walked inside, leaving me all alone on the patio, I sighed. Exhaling loudly, I walked behind them, ignoring the chilly wind nipping at my skin.

***

The Pack Alpha was waiting for us. Aiden curtly nodded his head at his father, giving him the cold shoulder. Did something happen between the two of them? I was lost on it.

Alexander smiled warmly at Ria. "Hello, dear! I see you are back!"

Ria pushed past Aiden and went to greet the Pack Alpha. It seemed as if she enchanted every single one. She cast some sort of spell on them.

"I came back this morning."

Soon, the other pack members started filtering out of the kitchen. Mostly the omegas and betas. The Alphas were either on the training ground or guarding the borderlines. They would be joining us for breakfast soon.

"Happy for you", Alexander hummed. "Have you met our new Luna?"

Ria turned to me, her smile slipping for a bit. "Oh, Rose? Yes, I did. She's a lovely one."

"That's what I have been saying!" The Pack Alpha said, directing his smile towards me. My cheeks flushed, but then I noticed Aiden rolling his eyes, plopping on the chair. The disinterest on his face was clear as the day.

Ria quickly turned and started conversing with the pack members, joking around. It all felt so natural as they joined it too. My chest twisted at sight. Ria could have made a better Luna with the way she talked and behaved with everyone.

I excused myself to the washroom. I should have known that since I chose this path, replacing my sister and mating Aiden. Now I need to live with the consequences.

As reality set in, a sigh escaped my lips. I decided to splash some cold water on my face, immediately wincing as it stung. With a new set of determination, I exited the washroom.

Upon walking back into the common dining room, my lips parted. Everyone already sat around the oval table—almost fifty chairs all occupied. Where was I going to sit? Just then, my eyes fell on Aiden and the seat next to him, which was filled by Ria. They both were lost in their world, whispering among themselves. Did he even notice I was missing?

Alexander, who suddenly noticed my presence, motioned me to step in. It felt as if the Pack Alpha was the only one who worried about me. I blushed as everyone stared back at me. The pups were missing from the chairs, obviously playing outside.

"Luna" They all stood up, bowing their heads.

"P-Please sit", I croaked, not knowing what to say exactly. They were already treating me like a Luna when I had no idea how everything worked.

"Oh, I am sorry", Ria started, her voice full of regret. "I should have known you would want to sit next to your mate."

As all the stares fell on me, I shook my head. It's not like I could throw a fit. "No, it's alright. I can sit after everyone is done with their meal."

"Nonsense", Alexander huffed. "We cannot finish this meal without the couple. I am sure we can arrange a seat for you."

"Yes. Wait for a second," Ria motioned to the guard nearby. The pack guard rushed to get an extra chair which he placed next to the beta. I gaped at him.

"Now you can sit here."

I licked my lips before striding towards the empty chair, agonisingly dragging my feet. Plopping next to Ria, I gritted my teeth together. Why was Aiden quiet? Shouldn't he be saying anything?

The Pack Alpha exhaled, turning to me with a glint in his eyes. "Now that everyone is here, we can start our meal."

***

During the meal, our glasses were filled with wine and a plate full of meat and fresh bread. My mouth watered just by staring at the food, stomach in knots. The entire pack toasted for our bond, dedicating the meal in our name before they began eating.

Ria, who was sitting beside me, nudged my elbow. "I'm sorry for taking your place."

"Oh, please do not apologise" I gave her a bright smile, shrugging. "It's only temporary seating."

***