Chapter 5

The air seemed to be serene and I felt like my mind floated in the skies. The Moon goddess wasn't being fair to me but I wasn't being fair to myself either. I guess maybe that's why she had decided to do this to me, to punish me a little. I had returned to doing what I usually did; taking orders and getting 'special' attention from pack members. Keira constantly growled whenever I got a kick or two, but I assured her I was alright. I knew she saw right through me. In the midst of all these vicious souls, my mind ran 500 plus miles. It was mainly because I kept sensing him and because I had a fear that he would sense me too.

After Leo and I had held onto each other earlier today, the remembrance of affection dawned on me. I remembered how it was like to be sympathized and emphasized with. I remembered my brother and how he would hold me till I fell asleep when it was dark and raining. My heart accepted Leo.

He had told me I could get out if I wanted, I didn't have to consider the pack and their flimsy lives. I could just reject the Alpha as my mate and lure him to the sanctuary of The Moon goddess. But I couldn't. As much as they loathed my existence, I would never find it in my heart to make them suffer. Leo had told me much more. He told me how rejecting an Alpha could make him run mad if the rejection wasn't mutual or accepted. When Alphas found their mates, it ensured them more power. But rejection made them to deteriorate slowly, even after acceptance. The pack would still die off one by one, but at a much much slower rate. That's why it was rare for Alphas to be rejected.

Another reason why Leo's plan seemed too impossible was because I was scared. When Xander finally found out I was his mate, if I ran, he would have me hunted down and he could have me locked up somewhere and build up his power. I could be even more abused, maybe even sexually. The thought alone brought goosebumps to my pale skin. What if when I ran, everything just backfired?

'I hardly see why you can't run. You have me. We can leave this place together.' Keira said

I smiled slightly as I rushed to put the plates in the sink. Because today was the day of the coronation, everyone was busy doing one thing or the other. Most didn't have my time, which I was thankful for. After talking with Leo, he told me how he had to report my status to the Alpha, not Xander, but his dad. I knew I had given him enough trouble and even though I was over reluctant, I still managed to voice out that I wanted to come back to the pack house. I had to. I would have hell if I didn't. Keira encouraged me to do it too. She said that was what had to be done. Leo had promised to check on me later and had let me keep the clothes he had gotten me.

I was put straight to work immediately I stepped foot in the pack house.

"Ava!" My head turned sharply to where the voice came from and I found a woman standing there

Her hair was long and straight and dark, she was beautiful but the scowl she wore covered up most of it. I knew who it was. It was the beta's daughter; Raven. Just like her hair. Her dad was the outgoing beta and her older brother was next in line. She was three years older than I was.

"Yes Miss Sanders." I answered, startled at the fact my voice came out firm for the first time in forever, firm but quiet. Her scowl deepened.

"Everyone is supposed to be outside wench. When you get outside, make sure you stay at the best back, don't touch any of the food. I heard about what you did that got you punished." She smirked slightly at her last sentence and Keira growled

I suddenly shrunk back into myself.

"I-I...It won't h-happen Miss Sanders." I assured

"For your own sake, it better not. Stay away from pack members and just stand near by incase you're needed as a foot mat or something." She turned back and began to walk out "Not like if you do step out of line, anyone would care if you're gone."

She didn't intend to hide her words and I felt a clench at my heart, even though I had become accustomed to all the verbal abuse. I wiped away a rogue tear that fell out of my eye and returned to the dishes. When I was done, I wiped at my hands and stared at my reflection in the clean marble. There was a glow but when I heard the shouts of pack members, I saw what I knew; fear and reluctance etched into my features. What if when I went there, in that gathering, my mate sniffed me out?

'Don't worry, I know a thing or two about biting off heads' Keira snickered and I smiled. She made me feel better

I walked the halls of the pack house till I reached the back door that was wide open. It lead to a clearing that was being used for the ceremony. The pack members were all clapping as Alpha Harrison was giving a speech.

Only a few pack members noticed me and I saw almost all of them having the same expressions; indifference or irritation. I looked around for a place to hide myself and caught sight of the darkness near the trees, next to the refreshment table. It was covenient for me since I wouldn't be seen, unless someone were to turn back.

My eyes scanned and gradually saw the scene for what it was. Alpha Harrison was standing next to his son, with the new beta next to him and Beta Sanders standing next to his son. I caught sight of Beta Sanders' mate; Lauren, all smiles, at the edge of the stage that they stood on. From what I learnt, the mates of the outgoing leaders and the incoming ones were supposed to stand on stage.

I had never seen Alpha Harrison's mate, but I doubt she was dead. Beta Sanders' son; Cole hadn't found his mate and Xander....

"I've been waiting for this day to come since the moment I learnt that my wife had given birth to a healthy baby boy." Alpha Harrison's voice interrupted my thoughts "We've completed all the rights, created the pact and done all which has to be done, in the presence of you all."

There were hoots and a round of applause. My eyes became stuck on our aloof new alpha. I couldn't help but study him as he began to speak.

His stance was confident and his smile was so genuine, you would think under all that, there wasn't a beast of a man that threatened to tear lives apart whenever he shook with anger. His dark brown hair was windswept and he just looked so beautiful, so dangerously beautiful. I was torn between looking away and keep admiring this monster I was suddenly attracted to. A part of me wanted him to know who I was, but that part was so minute, I wouldn't declare it existent at all.

"The Blue Moon pack has always been my home, the one place I would never turn my back on. Every one of you in this pack has a part of me and I adore you all." He began and Keira scoffed in my head but remained silent "My goal and sole wish has always been to keep you safe and make sure no harm comes to you. I am more than honoured to become your Alpha."

The pack members seemed to just gush over him even more.

'I can sense him...' Keira mumbled and I knit my brows in confusion

'Sense who?'

She stayed quiet and I watched on as Xander's stance began to change. His ears lifted slightly and it looked like he began to sniff a little. It wasn't really noticeable but I saw it all. I saw how he tried to get his cool back together, his smile faltering slightly.

'Ava, I can sense him.' Keira said again

'Sense who? Xander? You've been sensing him all day.'

'No no no! This is different...'

"I promise and swear on everything that this pack stands for to offer protection, justice, proper guidance as well as love to every one of you..." his voice gradually trailed off and he suddenly growled as he sniffed the air.

'Ava! He knows! He can smell you, move right now!'

I didn't listen. The pack members started to mumble and watched on, while a feeling of alarm and worry germinated in me.

'Run.'

But I couldn't bring myself to move because I didn't understand. I continued to watch as Alpha Harrison asked repeatedly what was wrong and everyone else began sniffing the air, maybe thinking Xander could smell enemies. It wasn't until his eyes fixed on me directly, that I realised what was happening.

"Mine." He growled and began to slowly descend the stage, moving in my direction

It seemed that everyone realized too and whispers began. I heard them all and my anxiety grew when they gave way, making a clear path for him to get to me.

No....

He looked meaner than before, angrier even. And he was coming for me.

No....

My eyes grew wide. I pictured how everything would go down, how i'd have to spend the rest of my life chained to this monster. The main cause of my pain.

He was so close, if he took a few more steps...

'Dammit!! Move your feet now woman! RUN!!!'

This time, I didn't have to be told twice. I turned the other way and with a strength I deducted was not my own, I bolted through the trees, away from them. Away from him. I heard a menacing growl from behind me and I knew, I knew so well.

He wouldn't let me leave without a fight.

"Get her!"

The words acted as a source of power somehow and I found myself surging forward even faster. This time it was different, I felt it in my bones. Maybe this time, I was finally going to be free.

........

Xander finally knows about Ava. What do you think is going to happen now that she's tried escaping? Is she going to get away or not? And how come Xander didn't sense her until the time he was making his speech? Hmmmm, I wish I knew. Guess you'll have to stay tuned as well to find out.

Thank you so much for reading. Your support encourages my lazy ass to work. Don't forget to vote and comment! Till we meet again ❤❤

Love,

Erebi.