Chapter 3

~We are all playing the same game, just different levels. We are all dealing with the same hell; just different devils

*            *            *

Chapter Three

A nightmare. This is all just one big, stupid nightmare.

It must be.

I wanted to wake up, but my eyes felt sealed shut. My body lay limp, but my ears were wide open.

I could hear everything, or more so nothing since the room was silent.

"So, what's the plan?"

An unfamiliar voice cut the stillness. I almost shivered at the sound, was there someone here this whole time?

"I don't know." I could have sworn the second voice belonged to Hunter, but the man spoke with such sadness and sympathy, it couldn't have been him.

"She is our Luna, Hunter." So, it was him.

Were they talking about me? Was Hunter going to accept me as his mate? An unsettling feeling sat in my stomach at the thought. I don't want to be his mate or Luna, not after his forcefulness and how he opens his arms for another.

Though my thoughts led me one way, my heart went another.

"Emily can be the Luna."

I think my heart just broke a little bit.

Knowing Hunter would even suggest another woman as her Luna made me want to throw up.

I finally open my eyes, nearly squinting from the brightness of the room. It was a simple room with white walls and a desk in the corner. Looking down I noticed I was tucked into a bed and directly in front of me were two men.

Hunter, and another slightly shorter man who looked almost as powerful as Hunter. The man gave me a familiar smile and I recognized him as the Beta.

"How much did you hear?" Hunter's dark tone brought me back to reality.

I just woke up and he is already yelling, how typical.

"I heard enough, and I remember everything."

He had forcefully marked me. He was rude and manipulative, and most of all he had Emily.

"Good. So now I won't need to repeat myself." Alpha Hunter held no sympathy in his words, not even for his mate.

"You will not be the Luna; you are far too weak."

"Yeah, well sorry I'm not big and scary like you!" My mouth moved before my brain could even register that I was talking. The anger inside me turned to fear, I had just yelled at the big bad Alpha.

"What did you just say?" Hunter growled out.

"N-N-Nothing." I pathetically stuttered.

Way to hold your ground, Rose. *Cue the sarcasm*

"Nothing what?"

"Nothing, Alpha Hunter."

Hunters expression didn't change but he did become calmer.

"You make her call you Alpha?" The beta spoke up.

"I mean, I don't even call you that."

Hunter turned towards his Beta. "Well Jaxon, you are my Beta and hold power. Why would a weak pup have permission to act with power?"

The Beta went silent and Hunter didn't mind.

So that's what I was to him, a weak pup. Beta Jaxon glanced at me and as our eyes connect, I could have sworn I saw a speck of sympathy.

I wanted to be angry at Hunter, scream at him for making me feel so insubstantial, but a bigger part of me knew there is truth to his words. I couldn't be the Luna because I was nothing but a weak unworthy wolf. I would only bring everyone down.

An awkward tension carried around the room.

"I have to go," Hunter abruptly spoke up.

The Beta only nodded, not caring for an explanation although that didn't stop Alpha Hunter from giving one.

Looking me in the eyes, he said, " I promised a dinner with Emily."

Emily.

How can one word bring out so much anger and hatred from me? I never used to be such a spiteful person before.

I hate her. I don't know who she is and quite frankly, I don't care.

If Emily wanted to be Luna, then by all means she can go right ahead. She can have my mate. My title. Heck, she can even have my life.

I just wanted to start a new school with a new pack and new life. I just wanted my happiness back.

"It's not too late."

As if the Jaxon had read my mind, he came closer to me so that he was standing beside the head of the bed.

"Hunter- he's a tricky person but he does care for you."

Giving a sarcastic laugh I respond, "Yeah, he's clearly overjoyed that I'm his mate."

"He doesn't show it, but it's true. Why else would he mark you?"

Looking up to meet the Beta's blue orbs, "How about he's a possessive, power-hungry jerk who loves to ruin lives."

The Beta's hands clenched into fists. I was insulting his Alpha, of course he'd be angry.

"It's only because you're his mate. He doesn't know how to share his feelings, so he chooses to hide them. He takes his anger and confusion out by acting irrationally."

"Wow, you really do know your Alpha." I gave out a dry humorless laugh. I knew Jaxon was just trying to help and I should watch my tone but the bitterness inside me was seeping out uncontrollably.

"Well, we have been best friends since we were children."

The Beta sighed and turned to leave.

"I'll call your mother to come get you."

"Where am I?"

"You're in Hunters house."

My mouth hung open and my eyes go wide.

If Hunter hated me so much, why on earth would he bring me to his home? I figured the room I caught him and Emily in at the packhouse was where he lived, but this place seemed more fitting. It was much smaller and gloomier.

I wanted to think something special of the fact Hunter brought me to his home but with my luck the only reason he brought me here was because it's the closest place to go to without being noticed by others.

"Umm Beta-" Looking around, I realized the Beta was long gone, most likely calling my mother to pick me up.

My mom!

As horrible as it sounds, I nearly forgot about them. My poor mom will now have to take time out of her night to pick me up. It's not easy being a single parent.

Not wanting to be stuck in a bed any longer, I stand up and steadily take some steps forward. Turning my hip and hearing small creaks as my joints finally got some stretch, I prepare to search for the front door.

You would think that the biggest, boldest werewolf would want to live in a huge mansion, but clearly this wasn't the case for Alpha Hunter.

His house was small, only two floors, yet it still had this cozy feeling to it. The more I looked around the less gloomy it felt. As soon as I walked out from the room, I saw two other doors further down the hall and a grand staircase leading down. Following down the steps, I reached the only other floor. I was impressed with how organized everything was, the glossy white tiled floor with grey designs on it and white furniture to match looked straight out of a designer home magazine.

I could see the front door to my left, a dining room to my right and a hall that went further back most likely leading to the kitchen.

The house may have been cozy but it sure was lonely. Not a single picture was put up on the walls. I decided to wait for my mom in the dining room.

As I walked in, I realized it was more like two sections attached.

The first part seemed more like a family room. There was a fireplace lining the wall and a full set of white leather couches lined up in front of a flat screen television. It was overall a nice room.

Looking out through the window, I only found darkness. It must be late.

Great, now my mom will have to be woken up.

Sighing, I walk back towards one of the couches and take a seat on a single recliner.

The room seemed quite dull without any framed pictures or art hanging around the room like my previous home had.

The house was so quiet, Hunter's dinner plans must be out in public or in secret at Emily's home. Or...what if Emily lived with Hunter?

I quickly dismissed the thought.

Why did it matter? He didn't want me anyways.

And I don't want him.

Deciding I needed a distraction, I let my eyes wander around the room.

The fireplace was really nice. Black bricks outlined fireplace while there was a white edge at the top.

And then I saw it.

An actual picture frame. I was stunned, for it was the only picture I had seen in the house.

Not being able to distinguish who was in the photo, I slowly walk closer. I could lightly see the outline of a man and woman standing side by side.

As I came close enough, I realized it wasn't a man and woman, but two teens. The uneasy feeling returned to my stomach.

They seemed no older than 15. Both young, happy, and smiling wide. There was so much joy in the photo but that wasn't what shocked me most.

There in front of me was two young kids who looked to be in love. So young, yet so certain.

It was Hunter with an unrecognizable female.

"That's Hunter as a teen."

Startled by the voice, I turned back to see Greg standing there.

"I figured, but who's the girl?"

I knew I sounded jealous, but I really didn't care at the moment.

"That is the famous Emily, our future Luna."

I felt as Greg had stabbed in directly in the heart with his words. Turning fully towards him, I didn't even try to hide the pained expression on my face.

"How could she be your Luna? She's not Alpha Hunter's mate." I could barely speak, but I needed information.

He laughs bitterly. "I doubt Hunter even has a mate."

"And why would you say that?"

"Well, he's so cold hearted, I don't think he's even capable of love."

I was surprised by Greg's opinion. "You think he had a cold heart, yet you still follow him?"

"He has a cold heart when it comes to love, but he's the best Alpha there can be. Always puts his pack first. Your pack is lucky to be joining ours instead of being slaughtered."

I was appalled at the cruel words that Greg made sound so easygoing.

"But he loves Emily?" I question.

"Some say it's love, but I see it as a sham. She's strong, the strongest she-wolf I have ever seen. I'm guessing Hunter only picked her because she'd make the next best Luna and they were already close since childhood. He has a soft spot for Emily, but I doubt it's real love. I'd call it companionship at most."

I decided that changing the subject would be best before I say something I may regret.

"Hypothetically, let's say Alpha Hunter did find his mate. "

He's eyes squinted in confusion before he swiftly spoke,

"Then I wish her luck."

"Why would you say that?"

"Like I said, I don't think Hunter can even love."

You and me both, Greg.

"Hey, wait. You called him Hunter," I say.

"Yes?" Greg asked confused again.

"I thought only a wolf with a high rank could do that."

He smiled at my words.

"I'm the Delta of the Dark Moon pack," He spoke proudly.

He had more power than I suspected.

"The reason I'm here is because Jaxon told me to inform you that he wasn't able to contact your mother, guessing she has already fallen asleep. I spoke to her this morning when Hunter asked me to pick you up. I let her know you are safe and getting an early jump at adjusting to the new pack. That is what Hunter told me to tell her at least," he gave me a sheepish look.

It's good they didn't wake my mother up, the last thing I need is to add more to her stress. I knew she would still be angry with me, blaming me for the fact that I didn't come home even though I was taken without my will. I knew I should have probably tried to find a way to contact her or leave a message, but I guess if she was that worried, she'd have found me already.

That, or she fears the Dark Moon pack enough to trust them when they told her I was safe. A sudden fatigue came over me, making me yawn loudly. It has been a long day.

First, I was marked. Then I passed out for the second time in 24 hours. Finally, I find out I am being replaced in my mate's life. I will never find true love, not the way my parents had described when teaching me about mates.

I've had enough.

"Greg?"

"Mmhm?"

"Take me home."

I was once again astonished by Greg's behaviour. He obliged with my demand and led me to his car.

He seemed much different than before. He was nicer.

"It's nearly midnight and you live about thirty minutes away. How about you just crash at my place? I have to get up early tomorrow."

I didn't know how to respond. On one hand, I would much rather sleep in the comfort of my home, safe with my family. But on the other hand, driving me home would be a very big hassle.

"Alright."

"Cool. I live alone in a one room complex. You can take the bed."

"Thanks Greg. Can I ask for a super big favour?"

Greg glances over at me with curiosity.

"What is it?"

"Can we get McDonalds? I haven't eaten all day and my mouth is watering at the thought of a Big Mac right now."

He wasn't looking at me, but I still gave him my puppy dog eyes.

"Only if you're paying," he chuckled, and I noticed he had such cute dimples. Why couldn't my mate be like this?

Or better yet, why couldn't Greg be my mate?

As Greg drove into the drive thru, I remembered I didn't have my phone or wallet on me, they were all in my backpack.

"Umm Greg?" I interrupt him before he could order.

"What?" He scowled, turning away from the fast-food speakers to look at me.

"I don't exactly have my wallet right now, how about an IOU?" I give him a cheeky smile, praying he would still buy me food.

I got my food.

-------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not too sure how I feel about this chapter.

If you have any questions, thoughts, comments, or feedback.. please comment and tell me!

I promise you, I read ALL of you're comments!

Thank you so much for reading!

Please VOTE -------->

Happy Eid :)

XOXO-Jada