Chapter 4 HER MISTAKE

It was a long journey to Goda pack, but Chanda was in the utmost state of bliss. She stuck her head out the window of the car, letting the fresh breeze wash over her face as she admired the dusty roads and beautiful mountain tops. They drove past lakes and fields while she imagined herself running out of the car, heading straight for the fields, never having to think of going back to the Montana pack.

"Close that window, omega. Mia is going to catch an illness from all that dust." Sera said, spoiling her daydream.

"Yes, my lady." She responded.

The car came to a halt at the front of a checkpoint, and they were approached by men dressed like guards. Sera held up a card and announced proudly, "I am Sera, Luna of The Montana pack and that's my daughter, Mia. We are here for the Luna Ritual."

"Who's the red-haired?" he asked, pointing at Chanda.

"Oh, a nobody. Don't mind her presence. She is my daughter's personal servant."

Chanda sighed at the description. Sera sure knew how to make her feel worthless.

"You may pass." He gave Sera back the card and signaled for the gate to be opened.

"You see why I said we shouldn't have brought this servant. They almost didn't let us in." Sera complained.

"That's because you didn't say who she was when you were introducing us, Mother." Mia tossed and turned in the car, obviously trying to get comfortable.

The car drove round a fountain and parked by the side of the tower where several cars were packed.

"Seems a lot of people drive fancy cars here," Mia said.

"No, silly. Today is the welcoming party for all the Alpha daughters." Sera said. "Seems we are not as early as I had hoped."

"No wonder you made me dress up already." Mia murmured.

They were ushered into a hall where the party was already in full swing.

Chanda was amazed by the number of beautifully dressed ladies, walking around, making small talk, while their mothers stood in the corners, watching their daughters' every move. This ritual made no sense to her. If the Alphas wanted to show off their packs, why didn't they bring their warriors instead of parading their daughters, she wondered.

"Quick, Mia. Mingle with the crowd and remember, smile. Chanda, take our bags to the room prepared for us." Sera pushed Mia into the crowd.

To Chanda, it looked like a mother, feeding her child to the wolves to be eaten. She laughed at the irony of it and dragged the bags upstairs, in search of the room meant for Sera and Mia, hoping she would have a little bit of peace and quiet before Sera came back.

****

"Tell me again, why am I doing this?" Velkan asked, lying down on his bed.

"As the new Lycan King, you have to choose a bride, seeing that you won't get a mate. That's how I married your father. Bless his heart. You really need to start paying more attention to tradition and rules." His mother said.

"It's just a pity show. I already know who I need to marry."

"Don't be cocky. Let's go and welcome those ladies. They came from all the region over for you." She scolded.

Velkan smirked. The only person who would dare yell at him and still be standing was his mother. Any other person will be long gone before they have even finished talking.

Ever since Ryder's body had been examined, and they found out he had cheated by using wolfsbane but still lost, everyone was in fear of him. Some even rumored that he dined with witches and that was why he hadn't died.

He enjoyed every moment of it.

"Pledge my apologies to them for me, Mother. You can tell them I'm still recovering."

"I will do no such thing."

"I have no intention of mingling with fame-hungry mothers and their daughters. So now, as your king, I'm telling you to please, go."He said, sternly making sure his mother understood.

She walked out angrily while he went back to sleep.

****

Chanda's wish for peace was squashed as Sera came into the room a few minutes later, looking quite drunk. "Go downstairs and make yourself useful in the party instead of sleeping here." Sera had screamed at her.

So much for freedom, she thought, as she served drinks at the party. She turned to go refill the drinks when she bumped into Mia, who looked wide-eyed and more cheerful than she had been earlier.

"My lady," Chanda bowed.

"Ohh, Chanda. Today is the best day ever." She squealed. Chanda had never seen Mia so happy before. "I would finally get to leave my mother's watchful gaze and live. I'm so happy." Mia twirled around. "I knew coming here was the best idea of my life."

A loud voice boomed from the stage and everyone suddenly turned quiet, facing the stage.

"Welcome all, to the Luna Ritual's Welcoming party." The Lycan king's mother beamed at the crowd. "Let's raise a toast to new beginnings."

"Yes, new beginnings. Chanda, drink with me." Mia said.

"Oh no, I can't, my lady."

"Yes, you can. It's an order."

Well, if she put it like that, Chanda thought, taking a sip of the drink. She could as well enjoy these few hours of freedom before her life goes back to normal.