Chapter 9

Octavia:

Exactly two weeks had passed since the incident and I had found a sense of normalcy amongst the CrescentBlood pack. My new pack. The members have been very welcoming and respectful. No matter where I went they bowed their heads respectfully and only referred to me as their Luna. I've began to take more responsibility and tended to my Luna duties. They mainly consisted of making sure that everything amongst the members ran smoothly and I lend a hand whenever I could. Sometimes I'd help the elderly and older mothers in watching over the children, which was what I was doing at the moment.

I had a little girl sat in my lap as we rocked in a rocking chair in the far corner of the room, an open book in hand. Her two blond pigtails were wrapped up in silky pink bows and her bright blue eyes grew exited to find the lost puppy of the story had found it's way home.

"The end!" I say enthusiastically as I closed the book.

"Luna, can you read it again?" She begged looking up at me, her blue eyes pleading with mine. She gave me a wide smile causing her chubby cheeks to blossom and my heart nearly melted.

"That will be the third time I've read it to you this morning, Lola." I couldn't help but giggle at the little girl in my lap. She adored this story and I just couldn't say no to her cute little face.

So I opened the book once more, to which she cheered to and clapped her little chubby hands. Just as I reached the middle of the story the door opened and the guards announced the presence of the Alpha.

"Good morning, Alpha." The children said in unison as they bowed their heads respectfully. It was a bit creepy and shocking. The children ranged from one year olds to ten year olds. After the age of ten you're moved up into a higher education and your warrior training begins.

"Good morning boys and girls." Ajax greeted them with a genuine smile, which I was pleased to see. At least he was kind to the children. Now that I think about it, he treats his pack very well. He cares for them and their well being. He made his way over to me and the children around us returned to their previous activities.

"Is this what you do during your free time?" He teases gesturing to me rocking in the chair to soothe the antsy girl who simply wanted to hear the rest of the story for the third time.

"Yes, I enjoy Lola's company very much. Plus, this is a very good book. Isn't that right Lola?" I look down at the sweet girl as she nods her head timidly.

"Well," Ajax says as he gets down on his knees in front of me to come face to face with Lola. "I'm so sorry but would you mind if I stole Octavia away?"

I watched as Lola pouted and thought about her answer. She was probably one of the brightest five year olds I had ever met. She lifted her head up to me and asked, "But when will you be back to finish the story?"

I couldn't help but smile, "I will be back here the day after tomorrow. I would come back today but it's almost lunch time for you and you have lessons afterwards, okay? I promise I will be back soon."

"Okay." She frowned and for a minute I thought my heart would break. She was so adorable and I didn't want to leave like this. I gave her the book before kissing the crown of her head and placing her at a table with other children her age.

I followed Ajax out of the school building that sat behind the pack house. We began to make our way back home. "I didn't know you did so well with children." Ajax stated, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"It's not that hard, you just have to be nice." I shrug. I never really noticed the way I handled children, it just sort of came naturally.

"I pulled you away because Cipher, Samuel and I are leaving for in few hours and I would like you to come a long with us."

"Oh..." I didn't really know what to say. I didn't want to leave pack territory. I just began to feel at home and the last time I left well, it obviously didn't go well. I knew that they were going to the mating ceremony of two twins in a near by pack and the last time I was at one of those I was marked forcefully.

"I promise that I will not leave your side. Cipher and Samuel are going as well and I know you're close with the two of them. Plus, there will be no one here trusty worthy enough to look over you."

We reached the mansion and the guards opened the door, greeting us with bowed heads. I let out a heavy sigh. I guess I didn't have much of a choice the matter.

"It's clear that you obviously don't trust me enough to leave me here," I say stalking over to the kitchen with him following. "So, I don't really have a choice now do I?"

"No. You don't. I just thought I might me a little more polite and give you a heads up. I could've just shoved you into the truck and not tell you where we're going." He snapped back. I roll my eyes at him and yank the fridge open. Asshole. I crack open a water bottle and take a long sip.

"We leave at five pm. I expect Cipher will be by to help you get dressed. There will be a few other un-mated pack members going as well."

"Why are we going?" I didn't realize it until now but it didn't make much sense for a mated couple to go. Although we acted very hostile to each other we were stuck together, forever. Well, until we die.

"To pay my respects to the Alpha of the MoonClaw pack and to watch over my little sister and Beta. The ride his only an hour and we won't be there long, I promise."

"Promise is a big word, Ajax." I shoot him a weary look. Ajax has never made a promise to me so I wasn't sure if he was keen on seeing them through. I'll admit I was a bit intrigued to go. I used to have so much fun at parties with my best friend. Of course it was always Siren's idea to go out but I still had fun nonetheless.

"Make sure you eat something before going." He exited the kitchen and disappeared up to his room. I let out a frustrated sigh. I had such mixed emotions about the events that were to take place today. I wish I could just run back to the school and read books to the children all day long.

I trudge up the stairs, tired. I had woken up at six am to attend to my Luna duties. The pack was alive and buzzing at such an hour and there were so many things to do.

I plopped myself down onto the bed and looked over at the clock. It was eleven am, I had plenty of time to take a nap and just relax. I kick off my shoes just as the door busts open. Cipher.

"Oh good, I found you!" She seemed overly excited and I was overly tired.

"Yay." I say in a sarcastic tone. She let out a small giggle and made her way over to me with dresses in tow. She had to have at least ten dress, all hung neatly on a rack.

"How'd you get the rack up stairs?" I question curiously. She rolls her eyes at me before spacing the dresses out carefully on the rack.

"The real question is, which dress are we going to wear?" She turned around to look at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I shake my head jokingly and go to stand beside her.

"Don't you think your dresses might me a little to long for me?" I say looking up at her. She was so much taller and if they were pulled straight from her closet... well.

"Don't worry short cake, I had some dresses pulled just for you. I just didn't know which one you'd like so I grabbed a few." She separates the dresses that are meant for me and a red one immediately catches my eye.

"Isn't a little bit early to be getting ready? I want to take a nap."

"No!" She yells. "This could be the day that I find my mate. I need to look perfect. I need to look hot." She took one of the dresses off the rack and held it up to her body. It was a plum color and it reminded me of a bruise so I immediately shook my head no.

I miss the excitement that came along with this party. The thought of finding your mate and living happily ever after was a dream every she-wolf had at some point in her life.

Cipher pulled out a royal blue dress and held up to her body. I tilted my head a little and squinted one eye and hummed a little bit. "What? What does that mean?" Cipher asked.

"You should try them on, so that we can really see what they look like!" I said suddenly and shooed her away into the bathroom so she can try the dress on. The dress was pretty but I'm not sure I liked the shade of blue.

For the next hour and a half we tried on all the dress at least twice. I was torn between a cute flowy white dress and more fitted red one. Cipher was pushing me towards the red one of course, but I reminded her that I was not the one looking for a mate tonight. She still practically yanked the white dress away and put it back on the rack with a roll of her eyes. Cipher did not joke when it came to getting dressed up.

It was almost one in the afternoon and I hadn't had lunch. My stomach sounded like an angry bear and I was craving Oreos. "Why can't we just have Oreo's for lunch?" I ask as Cipher and I ran down to the kitchen.

"Because that's not a well balanced meal you goof." She giggled and she pulled open the fridge and began to dig through it. I sighed heavily and leaned against the counter.

"How about a salad?" Cipher says as she plucked some lettuce out of the fridge. I simply shrug my shoulders.

"I'm just going to drown it in ranch dressing."

She gave me yet another eye roll as she began to prepare the salad while I made sure that there was actually ranch dressing in the fridge. Ugh, I could really go for some pepperoni pizza with this dressing.

"Hey ladies," Samuel greeted as he entered the room a big smile on his face. Sam was usually a happy person but I don't think I've ever seen him this happy before. Cipher and I greeted him back in unison.

He sat down at the island and began to type away at his large phone. I took the seat next to him and placed my ranch dressing in front of me and waited patiently for Cipher to finish preparing the salad.

"Why can't we just have pizza?" I ask placing my chin in the palm of my hand.

"Ooo, that sounds so good." Sam says as he lifts his gaze up from his phone. I couldn't help but laugh.

"No. You're gunna eat whatever I make you and today that's a salad." Cipher whipped around and gave us both a stern look.

"You're like the cruel nanny, that I never hired." Ajax entered the room smoothly and made his way over to the fridge. He was in a pair of pleated pants with his white dress shirt pushed up to his elbows. I had squeeze my legs shut to prevent the tingling sensation that came along with looking at such a sexy man.

No. No Octavia. You can't think of him in such ways. I shake off any sexual feeling I had for him and tune back into the conversation. Samuel was laughing so hard I thought he might choke. Ajax took a seat next to me and took a long sip of his water before an amused smirk took place on his lips.

"I'm not a mean nanny, right?" Cipher looked at me, awaiting for my answer. I found this whole situation very amusing. Cipher was kind of like my nanny, even if I didn't need one. She took care of me whether I asked for it or not.

"I think I might fire you." I tapped my chin and pretended to think about the decision. She scoffed and attempted the throw a piece of lettuce at me. It was quickly deflected by Ajax who gave Cipher a mean look.

"No throwing food." Ajax rolled his eyes at his little sister. Cipher let out a small "oomf" before taking another piece of lettuce and throwing it at Samuel. Being a werewolf you obviously have heightened senses, so instead of trying to catch the lettuce Samuel tried to dodge it. He fell completely off the chair with a girly shriek.

Cipher and I bursted out into laughter. I clutched my stomach as it began to burn and tears of laughter streamed down my face. I was so out of breath I thought I might pass out. Just as I was about to loose my balance on my chair I gripped onto the closest thing near me. Ajax.

For a moment I thought I saw him smile but it was gone in seconds. Maybe I had imagined it? He steadied me an amused look in his eyes as my girly giggle continued to spill past my lips. Samuel still laid  sprawled across the floor, defeated.

Once we had sobered up from laughing we ate. Cipher had finished tossing salads for everyone and I drowned mine in ranch dressing. Ugh, I love it! We continued to talk even after we finished the meal. Surprisingly Ajax stuck around as well. He mentioned that he canceled any other meetings for the rest of the day because of the party.

Cipher and Samuel started talking about their excitement and went on and on about what they imagined their mate to be like. A sad smile graced my face, I was happy for them of course! I was also a bit envious.

As it got later in the day Cipher demanded that I go and shower so that we could start getting ready for the party. I turned the light on in my bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror, I decided that I wasn't going to wear much make up tonight. Not because I thought I looked cute but because I was lazy and already mated.

I pulled my hair up into a high bun before stripping myself of the clothes I was wearing and hopped into the shower. I scrubbed my body and face clean before shaving.

I patted myself dry before practically bathing in lotion. I was a stickler when it came to moisturizing. I feel like a lot of people just don't understand the importance of it.

Cipher barged into the bathroom in her bra and panties with her hair pulled into a bun like mine. "What do you think of this set? Is it too much?" She asked.

I raise a quizzical eyebrow at her. "Well, why does it matter it's not like anyone's gunna see it right?" She flushed a bright red and it was the first time I had ever seen Cipher blush.

"I don't know, you silly goose! That's why I'm asking!" She laughed before going over to the mirror and releasing her hair from the bun that it was in. "Do you think you could curl my hair?"

"Cipher, you could wear a trash bag and still look like a Victoria Secret model." I roll my eyes before pulling on a silky robe to cover up my undergarments. I plug in my curling iron to allow it to get nice and hot.

"That's a lie." She stated as I began to brush out her hair and section it off before creating big loose curls. She went on and on about how she's been on the hunt for the perfect girl. It was sweet really, but the whole situation was a sore reminder about my "relationship".

Once I finished, I ran my fingers through them a few times to make sure they all fell in unison. She thanked me before moving on to do her makeup. Cipher obviously didn't need it because she was absolutely stunning, but if it made her happy then I guess that's all that matters.

I simply put on some mascara and fixed my brows a little before applying lipgloss. I hated the way I looked with colored lipstick. I feel like I look super trashy with colored lips.

I exited the bathroom and picked up the red dress that Cipher made me choose. Now that I truly look at it, it was more a maroon/burgundy color. It was still gorgeous nonetheless. I was equally torn between this one and the white one but she said I need to show my assets, to which I just rolled my eyes. I wasn't exactly sure if I was comfortable wearing something this fitting and revealing.

I take off the robe and slip on the dress. It was very form fitting and I have to admit Cipher was right. This is much better than the white dress. The sweet heart neckline dipped a little lower than normal making my breast look great.

"Cipher, I need help zipping up my dress." I say going back into the bathroom to find her scooping up spilled powder. She gave me a sheepish smile as she tried her best to clean up the mess.

"Sorry love, but I don't think you want me to touch your dress with this powder all over my hands."

"You're right," I laughed and shook my head before leaving her to clean up the mess.

I tried to zip the dress up as much as I could on my own but it was a complete fail. I swear I almost dislocated my shoulder trying to do this. There was a knock on the door and I let out a frustrated sigh before holding the dress to my chest to make sure I wouldn't flash anyone. I open the door just a bit to poke my head out to see Ajax standing there. A bored expression on his face.

"Where's Cipher? I need to speak to her." His icy blue eyes looked down at me, they were cold and serious.

"She's in the bathroom, but she's indecent at the moment." I say softly, not liking the way his hard glare fell upon my face. A shiver ran down my spine as his husky voice said my name.

"Octavia, go tell her I need to speak with her."

I roll my eyes as I turn around letting him into the room. I was getting ready to grab the silk robe that I once wore and give it to his sister when his hand on my shoulder stopped me.

I let out a small gasp as his hand slipped down to my waist and my dress became tighter as he zipped it up. His hand lingered for a moment before it disappeared. I tried my best to shake off the feeling of electricity I got when his skin touched mine, but it was almost impossible.

I pick up the robe and walk over to the bathroom quickly, wanting nothing more than to escape his gaze. I felt like I couldn't breathe with his eyes on me. I entered the bathroom and closed the door behind me, letting out a relieved sigh. Cipher finished misting her face with a makeup setting spray before giving me a weird look.

"Why do you seem so flustered?"

"Shhh," I hush her and gave her the robe. "You're brother is outside and he needs to talk to you right in this moment apparently, so put that on."

She pulls the silky material over her shoulders with a small laugh. I give a her a stern glare before turning to open the door once she was covered up. "You look hot by the way."

"Shut up, Cipher." I tried to hold back a laugh and maintain my glare but she was making it hard. I pulled the door open to find Ajax standing a few feet away staring right at me or the door. I don't know.

I avoid eye contact as much as possible and go into my closet so that I can accessorize and find some shoes to go with this dress. I decided to go with a dainty necklace that wouldn't draw too much a attention away from the lace detailing of the dress. I picked out black high heels with a platform, making me almost five inches taller.

I head over to the full body length mirror and run my hands over the dress making sure it wasn't wrinkled. I pull my hair out of the bun it was in and let it fall around my shoulders. I run my fingers through it a few times and let it fall as it wishes.

I turn the closet light off and close the door behind me to see Cipher and Ajax bickering at the open bedroom door. Their argument ceases as they realize they're no longer alone. I give them a sheepish smile, embarrassed that I had interrupted. It was my room after all though.

"You better watch out for her, because every male at that party is going to want to know her name." Cipher whispered to Ajax who snapped his head in her direction giving her the hardest glare I've ever seen. I nearly flinched. His eyes glowed angrily and Cipher merely giggled at his actions. He exits the room without another word.

"Must you always push his buttons?" I asked, an amused smile on my face. I have learned that Ajax can be quite possessive, even though it's very common amongst wolves he takes it to a whole new level.

"I just spoke the truth." She sobered up from her laughing and removed the robe and pulled on the blush pink dress she had chosen earlier today. I zipped it up for her and helped her with the clasp on the choker she picked out.

She put on her nude heels and moved into the closet to take a look at herself in the full length mirror. She fluffed up her hair and smoothed out her dress. "Oh shit."

I raise a brow at her, a bit confused. "Is everything alright?"

"What if I actually find someone to be my mate tonight?" She asked, turning around to face me. She fiddled with her fingers and I could tell she was a bit overwhelmed with emotions.

"That is the best thing that could happen tonight." I reassure her and take her hands in mine. "Cipher, you're a total catch and everyone there is going to be taken with you. So, just relax and remember to have fun." I give her a warm smile.

"Ugh, you're seriously the sweetest thing I've ever seen in my whole existence." She pulled me into a hug and whispered a small thank you before we separated.

We found our way down stairs where Ajax and Samuel were waiting along with a few other people. There were two other males and a female. She was dressed similarly to Cipher and I, except her red fire like hair was pulled up into a neat high pony tail. She was gorgeous of course.

"Luna." They bowed their heads respectfully once I reached them.

"You all look amazing." I said, giving them a warm smile. It's been a few weeks and I still feel a bit shocked when people bowed their heads to me. Their respect was held very highly in my heart. Being here has been hard and surrounding myself with the rest of the pack members has helped me a lot.

"As do you, Luna." Weston says with a dazzling smile. I recognized him from the spontaneous pack training sessions that Ajax held. He was Ajax's third in command and in charge of making sure that everyone was in shape and ready for battle.

Ajax sent him a cold glare, but I ignored it and thanked him for his kindness. At least one of these men knew how to treat a lady. "Let's go." Ajax huffed and moved towards me, placing his large hand on the small of my back and nudging me forward. I roll my eyes at him. He walks around as if he doesn't want me but as soon as someone else shows the slightest bit of interest, I "belong" to him.

He helped me get inside of the sleek black truck and I slid all the way over to the window seat. Cipher and Samuel were in the truck behind us. While Weston and his two friends would be in the truck in front of us.

We sat in silence for the majority of the ride, before I let out a heavy sigh. I was completely bored. I bet that Cipher and Samuel were laughing it up in the truck behind us. I felt like my vocal cords were going to shrivel up and die if I stood silent any longer.

I could feel Ajax's hard glare on my face, I ignore it again and cross my arms over my chest. I couldn't help but be frustrated with the situation I was put in.

"Is something not up to your standards, princess?" He asked mockingly, his stupidly cold glare still on me. I roll my eyes.

"Yes, trash bag. I don't understand why I can't ride in the same truck as Cipher and Sam." I made sure to keep my voice void of any emotion, not wanting to give him any satisfaction.

"Listen here you little brat," His large hand clasped my bicep and yanked me over to him. His other hand coming up to grab my face forcing me to look at him. I tried to pull away as best as I could but it was no use. "You're my mate and you will do as I say. I've let you have your time to heal after what's happened but your disrespect needs to stop."

My eyebrows furrow in anger. I extend my claws and dig them into his wrist, to which he barely winced. "I'm not your mate. I'm your prisoner and you're the bipolar asshole who kidnapped me to get revenge on my father."

"I'm not bipolar." He growled out, his eyes turning a darker shade of blue.

"Oh really? Is that why one day you're taking care of me and I'm sleeping in your bed and the next you're man handling me with your hand at my throat." I spat out, digging my claws deeper into his wrist. He merely sneered at me before letting me go with a small shove.

"Do you think it's only okay when you hurt me?" I question angrily as I pushed myself back over to the window, wanting to put as much space between us as possible.

"No. It's not okay when anyone hurts you. What kind of fucking question is that?" He asked, looking at me as if I had two heads.

"So then why do you always hurt me?!" I yelled out in frustration. I was tired of this weird game he was playing with me. It was like I was just some toy to him. He thought he could be kind and lead me on one moment just to rip the carpet out from underneath me.

"Because every time I look at you I see your father!" His voice boomed throughout the truck and I sank back into my seat. "Everything from your eyes to your damn name is similar to that man!"

"What did he do to you that was so wrong?!" I could feel my blood boiling and the frustration growing inside of me and it felt uncontrollable. I could feel my wolf become anxious and uneasy, she didn't like fighting with her mate.

"He didn't help me when I needed it the most!" He growled at me his eyes flashing a bright blue color and I couldn't help but be silenced. The power and anger that flowed off of him was deafening.

But what exactly did his words mean?

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Cipher's dress: