"Put this on. Alpha Erik will arrive soon. And do put on some makeup. Goddess knows you don't have a pretty face with those pink eyelashes and eyebrows. You have to make a good impression. We need the money for the witches' covenant."

I take a look at the dress. It's a dress I never even considered wearing.

"I can't wear this dress! It's too revealing. And short!"

I usually wear jeans and hoodies, so I can hide my hair.

"Of course it is revealing. You expect to wear those awful jeans and hoodies you always do?"

"I won't wear this dress!" I protest.

My eyes go round with shock the moment mother slaps me. She never did this before. Tears threaten to escape my eyes.

"Don't you dare cry! You will wear this, and smile and make a good impression. Otherwise, tomorrow you be in the care of doctor Jackson. Permanently!"

Anything but that pervert doctor. It makes me sick to think of him.

"Do you understand, Daniela?"

"Yes, mother, I understand."

She leaves my room and I stare a long time at the dress. I take a deep breath and put the dress on.

I take a seat at my vanity desk and look at my reflection. With shaky hands, I take a hairbrush and start arranging my hair. I opt for a simpler braid.

Once my hair is done is decide to put on some makeup. I don't want to appear before Alpha Erik with a red cheek.

When I am ready, I go to father's office. Before I knock on the door, I stop and send a small prayer to the Goddess.

'Please, Goddess, let this go well. I don't want to go to doctor Jackson.'

I knock on the door and hold my breath.

"Come in," I hear father say.

I enter. Mother is also here. And a man I have never seen before.

The man turns and looks at me. He has dirty blond hair, a crooked nose, and big lips, with a scar on his upper lip. His eyes, blue, as cold as the ice. He is about 1.80m (5'9).

I have to tilt my head to look at the man before me because I am only 1.53m (5').

He looks at me with disgust. And this makes me shiver with fear. If he finds me disgusting, will he want to be my mate? If not, will mother send me to doctor Jackson?

"Daniela. Just in time! Alpha Erik just arrived, and he was telling me and your mother about his pack."

"Come here. Don't stand in the door!" my mother says and waves at me to take a seat next to Alpha Erik.

I do as told and sit on the armchair.

"I was telling Alpha Erik, that your mother is teaching her how to be a proper Luna," my father tells.

I look at Alpha Erik, but I can tell he is not impressed.

"It does not matter if she knows her duty as a Luna, or not. She will have time to learn. When will she turn eighteen?"

"On July 13th," mother says.

"On the day she becomes Luna for my pack I will pay the witches covenant the money you own them for the magic barrier," he says, not even looking at me.

It is like I don't exist.

"Can I ask you something?" father says. "Why do you want to take my daughter as a mate?"

Not even blinking Alpha Erik says "My mate died before I could claim her. My pack has been without a Luna for a long time. I think it is only natural to help each other."

My father nods. "Of course."

"I think we should let the two of them get to know each other," mother says. "I am sure they have a lot to talk about."

"Yes, dear. You are right."

I watch in silence, as father and mother leaves, and I remain alone with Alpha Erik.

I look at him and see that he studies me.

"I am sorry about your mate," I say after moments of silence.

He snorts.

"I don't need your pity," he says in a cold tone.

I grasp hard on the hem of my dress and fall silent. I should keep my mouth shut.

"I expect something else. I never thought that you would look like this," he says with a little anger in his voice. "How am I supposed to bring someone like you, to be Luna to my pack? I expect you to lose weight until the day of your birthday. And don't dye your hair anymore. Pink is not a color for a future Luna."

My cheeks burn with shame. Of course he will ask of me to lose weight. What man would like a girl like me?

"I will try to lose weight. And for my hair, this is my natural color."

"Then dye it to a more appropriate color. I don't want to see pink hair on the day of our mating ceremony."

"Yes, Alpha Erik."

"I will leave tomorrow. I can't leave my pack alone for a very long time. I expect you on the day of your birthday. Fail to come on July 13th and the deal is off. "

"I understand."

"If you understand, then there is nothing more we should talk about. You already know what to do and what I expect from you."

We remain in silence after this.

My parents expect me to be his mate? I have to change their minds.

I have to spend the rest of the evening with my parents, Alana and Alpha Erik.

When he finally leaves the next morning, I am relieved. He makes me feel very uncomfortable around him. He looks at me like I am beneath him.

I decide to talk to father. When I am in front of the office, I knock and enter. Mother is in the office as well. She is usually in the office if father is in here, helping him with the pack.

"Father, can I talk to you?" I ask after Alpha Erik is gone.

"About?"

I hesitate before speaking.

"Isn't there another way? I feel that Alpha Erik doesn't like too much."

"No. This is the only way to get the money we need for the pack," father says.

"But, what if we contact the regents' Kings? I am sure they will help our pack," I suggest.

"I already send out emails to the palace, but they never replied. Besides, the Kings have more important things to do. You have to accept Alpha Erik as a mate. This is final! There is no point in talking more about this," mother says.

I feel like crying but I don't want to cry in front of mother and father.

"I will go to my room," I say and leave.

On the way to my room, I bump into Alana.

"Piggy, what's with the sour face? There's finally a man to want you as a mate."

"Leave me alone, Alana," I say, trying to get past her.

"I want to see his face, on the night of your mating. Can you imagine how disgusted he will be with your body? I saw you naked once and I still have nightmares," she says, laughing at me.

I finally get past her and rush to my room. I throw myself on the bed and cry.

I think of Alpha Erik and the way he looked at me in disgust. And I think of what Alana said. And it hits me. I have to have sex with Alpha Erik. The thought makes me sick. Maybe he doesn't want me in that way. Yes! How can he? I am sure he doesn't. But he is a man, and men have urges.

Suddenly I think of the burning man. And I want to see him. I need to see him. I close my eyes and think of him, conjuring him in my mind. I sigh. He is a nightmare. I can't summon him when I want to. And why do I want to see a burning man, for?

I open my eyes. Am I dreaming? I must be, otherwise, how can I see the man from my nightmare? But this time is different. He is not burning.