04

« Listen to me Adrienne, » she squeezes my shoulders, speaking firmly, « I don’t have time to explain right now, but just— don’t go off into the woods by yourself. I know you like to, but don’t. Stay near the pack. You understand ? »

I catch a chill running up my spine ; one that’s not caused by the cold. I can only think one thing in that moment, and it’s what the fuck is out there ?

I don’t understand. I have no idea what she’s talking about, only that whatever it is is dangerous. But I nod anyway.

This seems to be good enough for her because the next thing I know, she’s pulling me into a hug.

« Stay safe, bitch, » she says beside my ear. So much for her seriousness.

She lets me go and steps away. When she does she’s wearing one of her signature ornery grins. Usually that gesture would comfort me, seeing her back to normal instead of spewing warnings at me. But it doesn’t. Because her smile is half forced.

« Sorry I can’t stay for the party. Looks like you’ll get Nathan all to yourself, » she teases sarcastically.

A pang of anger shocks my stomach and I open my mouth with intent of spitting profanities at her. But I bite my tongue as realization hits me.

She doesn’t know.

She doesn’t know about the blackmailed engagement or wedding. If she did, she would have told me. I know she would’ve. And she would’ve kicked Nathan’s ass, regardless of the consequences.

I force an empty smile back to her, not quite as convincing as her own.

Let her have her fun, I think, My problems aren’t hers.

« Yeah whatever, » I call back as she gets farther and farther away, « Just don’t get aids. »

She turns around just brief enough to stick her tongue out at me in a playful sneer.

I let out a heavy sigh when I turn around and start walking back. There are a couple people bustling about, a lot of them carrying various ribbons or decorations.

I walk past all of the working wolves, heading back to my room.

If Nathan or Andre either one expect me to prepare for the party of my own demise, then they’re out of their minds. What could they possibly do to me ? Sentence me to a lifetime of misery ?

It’s been three days since Aimee left. Three days that I’ve been locked in my room, trying anything to keep my mind off reality.

The only time any part of me left the room is when I stuck my head out the window to smoke, not wanting the smell to stick to the walls. The little glass ashtray on my desk is full and two empty cigarette packs lay in the trash can.

At least four times a day, one of the lower ranking members, a maid or a servant, would bring me food. My only guess is that this is Nathan’s way of trying to suck up. Feigning sweetness in hopes that I won’t act out during the ceremony.

What he doesn’t know though, is that his pathetic attempt to win me over is in vain. I won’t bend for that asshole no matter how much food he sends to me.

I hadn’t even realized I was letting myself drift to sleep until a knock on the door stirs me awake.

Each time food was delivered, someone called out to me after knocking. No voice follows this one.

Now what is it ? Let me guess, I have to plan the bridal shower ?

They knock again, this time louder.

« I’m coming, » I growl, untangling myself from the sheets. I stumble my way over to the door and open it.

Nathan is standing there, hands in his pockets and a polite smile on his face. « Well hey there, sleepy head, » he chirps. His tone is so nice that I can almost feel the bile rising in my throat. « The party’s starting in half an hour. So look your best. It is in our honor after all. »

I narrow my eyes and step back, looking him up and down. « Who the hell are you ? »

He laughs, as if that were the funniest thing he’d ever heard. A cheerful sound, but also a fake one. « I just came to remind you, » he says with in overly friendly tone before turning business-like, « Now do something with your hair, put on something expensive, and meet downstairs in ten minutes. »

I don’t move. Instead I stand like a statue, keeping my skeptical stare focused on him.

« Okay, look. As my chosen Luna, you have to have a look that makes everyone jealous of you on sight. Of course they’ll already do that as long as you’re on my arm, but still. I expect you to act like a perfect sweetheart, and if not… there will be consequences. »

And just like that, the act is up. His conceited and bossy attitude is back in full swing, along with that pulsing vein in his neck. It always makes an appearance when he doesn’t get his way.

I continue staring at him with dead eyes, knowing it would eventually make that nerve of his crack. If he intends to try and control my life— which he does— then he’ll at least have to give me his reasoning.

« Why am I your chosen Luna ? » I ask, suspicious. It doesn’t make sense to me. We don’t get along anymore, so why would he want to marry me ? Against my will at that.

He smirks, meeting my eyes with a devious gleam of his own. « You’re mouthy, Adrienne Gage. A sharp tongue and a clever head. That’s what people can’t see until it’s already too late. »

He moves closer, lifting my chin with his thumb. With less than an inch between our cheeks, his hot breath fans over my ear as he speaks in a low whisper. « And I can’t forget those grey eyes… They’re so cold. So unpredictable. So… unreadable. »

He swipes his thumb across my jaw as he steps away, turning and leaving just like that. « Remember, » he calls, his voice echoing in the dark hallway, « Ten minutes. »

My fingers raise to touch where he did. I rub the skin until it starts to burn. I’m quite certain I’ve rubbed it raw with my palm, yet it still doesn’t feel clean.

So that’s his reason.

He plans to use me as his pawn.

But I’ll be damned if I help him win whatever chess game he thinks he’s playing.

With Alpha Andre’s threat in mind, I close the door and get to work on myself reluctantly. If only I had a fashion savvy best friend like all the movies portray, then this would be a lot easier.

The cruel thing is is that I do ; except she’s miles away, partying her ass off in another pack.

At least one of us is having a good time.

I comb through my long hair, letting it hang down my back. Working against the clock, I throw on a pair of dark jeans, leather boots, a white t-shirt, and a black jacket. He said to wear something expensive, but this event can be called a high class cook out at best.

Technically, it’s a bonding ceremony, which is the equivalent of a wedding to humans except without all of the elegance, fancy clothes, and decor.

Just like Nathan said, I find him waiting for me in the living room of the pack house. He stops his pacing in order to look me over from head to toe.

« How much did that cost ? »

« Enough, » I answer as I walk past him.

« Is it designer ? » He asks, coming up beside me.

« It is for tonight. »