Chapter 37 There's Always a Price to Pay
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I couldn't control the anxiety that built within me. I was sure I would pass out if I saw Alpha Jaxon kill Alpha Christian because of me. Who was I? Definitely not worth the taking of another life. I could feel lingering eyes all around the room, watching from their corners. I mentally switched off and, against my better judgment, stepped right in front of Alpha Jaxon. I bore into his black eyes, fighting his stare with mine, trying to reach my mate who was somewhere deep within the beast in front of me.
I struggled to breathe, the air becoming thin around me from the dominance he held. I reached out and placed my hands on his muscular biceps, hoping to get through to him with the mating bond. I spoke quietly, "It's okay, Jaxon. Calm down, I'm yours." I saw the words slowly register in his head. I knew he was struggling to stay in his human form. The entire encounter had been too much to process.
Guilt poured through me, but I also strangely felt pride and contentment. There was something so sexy about Alpha Jaxon's inability to control his jealousy; my wolf purred in delight. His features slowly softened, and his eyes turned back to that gorgeous golden honey color that I loved to stare into. I was sure it wasn't just the mate bond reaching out or my wolf's obsession with him—I cared about Alpha Jaxon. Nothing else mattered; I would figure it out as I went along. I would fight for him with my last breath.
He looked down at me, passion filling his eyes. He knew I was only able to calm his wolf because I was his one true mate. We connected on another level in that brief moment. I wanted him to take me back to his pack house so badly. Hell, I would even let him mark me with all the desire I had for him right then.
Feeling satisfied that he had his wolf at bay, I turned to the group and excused myself to the washroom. I needed a moment to compose myself now that my mate was calm. I noticed the stares I received from some of the wolves as I made my way there—curious was what they were.
I pushed through the black wooden door labeled "ladies" in bold black letters and was thankful to find no one inside. I stared in the mirror for what felt like an eternity, enveloped in my own thoughts when I heard the door open. I felt the air from the door circle on my exposed skin and locked eyes with Beverly.
"I'm not sure you realize, but you can't keep running away from your battles. I'd much rather choose to run toward mine," Beverly taunted as she leaned against the vanity, pulling out a nude lipstick and carefully applying it.
I forced my gaze down, carefully curating my next words. "The first thing you should know about me is that I'm not you. A lot more should make sense after that," I forced out, bitterness in my voice.
A smile formed on her lips as she continued applying the lipstick. Her disgust for me was evident. "Thank the Moon Goddess for that," she smacked her lips and turned to face me. "It really doesn't bother me if Jaxon chooses to use you as his toy, but you won't take away what I've worked so hard for. You'll never become Luna of Midnight Moon. He'll come running back with his tail between his legs sooner or later. The sting never fades for me; it'll come as a painful lesson, but it's one you're about to learn, Omega."
I failed miserably trying to hold in a gasp as she called me an Omega. It wasn't Alpha Jaxon or some technical error that put my family on the Omega list— it was her. I should've realized it when it happened, but I was so wrapped up in believing Alpha Jaxon had betrayed me. Fury boiled through me, and I felt my claws extend. I knew I had no chance against Beverly, but I could no longer control the urge.
"Hmm, it seems that while you may not have a spine tall enough to stand against mine, you might just have some balls," she retorted with a laugh, tossing her long red waves over one shoulder. "You see, Alannah"—she took her time to emphasize the name—"oh, sorry, Adeline, I meant," and let out a stifling giggle—"I'm what one would call a businesswoman of sorts. The way I see it, there are only two options here. Your first option is to continue this war you won't win. I'll make it my life's mission to get to you one way or another. That'll most likely be after I challenge you for the Luna position and leave your neck pouring blood until your entire pathetic wolf goes limp. Your second option, which I highly recommend, is to reject Jaxon. In turn, I'll ensure a nice, comfortable life for you and trade you to a higher-ranking wolf in another pack. But if I ever see you again, I'll rip your throat out with my bare hands."
My knees quivered at Beverly's threat. I realized then that she didn't actually love Alpha Jaxon. Maybe once upon a time long ago she did. "Y-you don't love him, do you? You only care about being Luna," I spoke softly as the reality hit me.
She stepped closer and leaned in. "I did love him. I loved him with my wolf's entire being until I saw the way he looks at you and realized he'd never look at me that way. That still doesn't mean I'm going to let him go, especially not to a weak little wolf like you."
Her words stung deeply, like pouring salt into a fresh wound. My vision went hazy, and all I could see was red—pure hatred flowing through me as I gathered all the strength I had and launched myself at her. I managed to cut her arm slightly with my claw, but she sidestepped just in time to deflect my attack. My body hit the cold tiled wall of the washroom with a thump.
"The outcome has already been decided, little slut. It's how you want to get there that's still a question," she said with a low growl as she opened the black wooden door and vanished.
