Chapter 9

6 hours, 50 books and 1 friend later, the sun began to set beyond the foliage surrounding the house, amber hues glistening among the leaves and branches.

"I'll go switch the light on now Rose" Fredrick called from beside me, his back cracking as he slowly lifted out of his seat and walked towards the wall, wooden stick in tow.

"Ok Freddy" I replied stifling a yawn.

As I've found, when your stuck in a room with a person for a matter of hours, you tend to become friends with them. The obvious exception to this being Asher, of course.

Frederick was the oldest werewolf in the entirety of the BlackMoon pack, however, he hasn't been able to shift in over 10 years because of his age and the risks that come with it. He never found his mate, never had children, therefore lives in this broken, nearly dilapidated house all by himself with his envious collection of books as company.

Once shutting down the antique novel in front of me, dust exploding off the covers, Freddy reassumed his position next to me,

"Ok, now recite to me everything you've learnt through out today Rose, I have a feeling that Alpha Asher will be picking you up soon" He spoke softly, his last words spoken with a sadness that mirrored mine. I felt bad for him, subjected to loneliness day after day.

Apparently he's supposed to refer to me as Luna Rose, but I didn't want him to use that title with me.

I inched my hand closer to his over the table, giving it a quick squeeze before kicking into all the information I'd crammed inside my head.

"Werewolves were created by the moon goddess. They are half human, half wolf, and a secret to humans despite there being a pack in each state and packs all around the world. In each pack there is a hierarchy, the Alpha and Luna are the top of each pack however, very sexist in my opinion, the Alphas which are always men, are the most powerful and they are the protectors and providers for the pack, almost like a king. Werewolves don't pick their mates. The mating bond is a joining of 2 people who are soul mates, the moon goddess made these people for each other and every werewolf has a mate however it's very rare when one of them is human and the other is werewolf. There are two parts to fully complete the mating bond, it begins with the marking, claiming the female, marking her. This enhances the desires between the two therefore leading to the second part, the mating. The mating is sexual intercourse which ultimately leads to producing pups, these pups being werewolves. The time between the marking and the mating, however,can be painful for the female as when there is a full moon she will go into heat, an uncontrollable warmth, similar to a fire spreading through ones body, despite the agony it doesn't result in death. The heat all goes away with the mating though." I took a deep breath before continuing reciting facts, "When a Luna meets her Alpha she is introduced to the pack and takes an oath to the pack to protect and care for them. After this there will be a bonfire, celebrating the Luna, and after this the Alpha and Luna are expected to complete the mating bond" I spoke with bitterness on my tongue.

"That's it"  I looked up to Freddy, proud to remember all the knowledge but also terrified. This was happening to me, I'd entered a new world, a different world where sexism was even more prominent and women were expected to obey the males every command.

The butterflies flying around in my stomach during my conveyance of information, were sending tingles up my spine, my whole body shivering.

These weren't butterflies conceived by anxiousness. I could feel Asher's proximity, heat and desire cracking through the air.

My head snapped left and there i saw him, leaning against the door frame ,his chiselled face so sharp it could cut diamonds.

Freddy followed my gaze and abruptly stood, tilting his neck as a display of submission.

"Alpha" The old man spoke, fear evident in his trembling yet strong voice.

"Frederick" Asher acknowledged with his glare still pinned on me.

"I'm glad that you've learnt today" He directed to me, a hint of relief in his voice.

"Time to go" He commanded sharply, turning into the hallway and out of the door.

A sad silence filled the room and I couldn't help but run over to Freddy and hug him, still being careful with his fragile body.

"Thank you, I'll see you again soon" i spoke sincerely, leaving the room without turning back.

Once I'd joined Asher in the car, I could immediately tell something was off. His knuckles were tightening on the steering wheel angrily.

"What's wrong?" I asked calmly whilst pushing my seatbelt in.

"I can smell his scent on you" he replied menacingly, his eyes darkening.

"I... I.. it was a hug Asher, and he's like 90 years old"

"I know that but I can't help it, it's my wolf" he growled. "We're aren't mated and my instincts are taking over, another mans touch, let alone thought about you, makes me want to bite their heads off" he spat.

I could of done so much in that moment. Ideas were bustling through my head. Despite the violence he's put me through, the mate bond shone and glistened, almost not allowing me to leave and punch him, hit him.

"Get out the car" I declared ,forcing as much authority into my voice as possible.

I stormed out of the car and opened the driver door, urging Asher out and into the passenger seat.

Once we had comfortably switched places, I spoke up, " You calm down, I'm driving. Your driving is bad enough as it is"

Ultimately, This was for my protection. I told myself this as I backed out of the drive way and onto the main road.

Asher only conversed with me to give me short and to the point directions and soon enough we were back at the house, the sun finally descending below the horizon.

I should be scared of him, terrified even but I am a strong, independent woman and if he thinks he can beat me into the perfect Luna he is the most idiotic man alive.

As we walk inside I notice that Asher's back is less tense, his arms hang loosely at his sides. I understand that he had no control over his wolf instincts but I mean, Freddy is 90 years old! His actions were over-dramatic in my opinion, but I think i handled the situation well, I mean it could of ended with both of us dead at the bottom of a cliff or something similarly tragic.

"Can you come into the kitchen? I'm making us dinner and I need to talk with you about something" Asher called. It was only then I snapped out of my daze and looked into the now- vacated hallway.

Following the voice, I pushed open an old wooden door, leading me into a cavernous, modern masterpiece of a space.

It was an extremely large room, spanning the entirety of the left side of the house. I truly admired the black marble worktops and the sleek kitchen island, but something more beautiful caught my attention.

He was delving into the fridge, hauling various foods and throwing them onto the surfaces. His back was to me, giving me time to admire his muscles as he tensed. Abruptly, Some cord within me snapped, dragging me out of my desire-induced state and back into reality.

Just as Asher swivelled around, I made my presence known, although he could probably sense me, mate bond and all.

"What are you making?" I inquired, making no move to offer to help as I leaped onto a stool and slumped, trying to relax my ever anxious body.

What if he hits me again? I ask myself sorrowfully. You'll hit him back my subconscious sneered. But it was the truth. I was just as a hard and strong and powerful as he was, maybe not physically, but definitely mentally.

"Rose" Asher glared at me, waving his hand in front of my face.

I jumped, ascending out of my temporary daze.

"Yeah, sorry ..umm..what were you saying?" I ask groggily.

Asher sighed loudly and deeply, letting his annoyance be known to countries as far away as Australia.

"Homemade pizza, is that ok?"

I emerged from my sleepy state immediately.

"I love pizza, hmmm"

The corner of his lip twitched, the closest I'd ever seen him to an actual smile. But it was gone in a flash, replaced by a look of pure anger, hatred and belligerence.

"What is it?" Curiosity got the better of me as butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

His eyes darkened ,"Rogues"