Chapter 4 Beneath the Tombstones and Thrones

"Your scent...it drives me crazy, Nova. Should you have let me sleep with your youthfulness, nothing would've gone downhill. However, I would still have made my arrangements to take over your wealthy pack."

My blood boiled over his last statement. Not my pack. Not the people whom I love and cherish.

What if the elders and others in power dislike me? The pups and omegas still care for me in that pack!

"Oh...I know that look, sweetheart." I had stopped wailing. My glare was filled with hatred towards him.

"So here, right now, I propose a deal to you." I watch his hand rise to touch my breast, anger clouded me over existing feeling of disgust.

"Devote your body to me, and I'll keep you in the pack."

Well, my hatred flowed out of the brim and I couldn't help myself with my reaction.

I spat on his disgusting hand that was advancing to claim my chastity!

He quickly pulled it away, and slapped me harshly on my cheek as reply to my vehement refusal!

"You bloody bitch! Shit!"

I wasn't sure why he yelled at me like that. But surely, he felt a little guilt to hurt a girl like me. His slap busted my lip open, blood trickled

down the center of my lip.

Everything was a haze after that.

The next morning, I returned back to my pack to attend my parent's funeral ceremony. They decided to let me see my parents one last time, before seeing me away.

I'd become a rogue...Elias's words from last night ring in my ear as I sat in solitude by the tree of our garden.

'If you dare breach my words, mind you, Nova...I'll set your pack on fire and dwell on the sweet screams and moans of agony of every single member of your dying pack. Remember my words.'

Well...if I tell the 'alpha' of our pack right now, Elias cannot go against us anymore. Right?

Oh, I was so wrong.

Standing over me, his shadow and presence made me look up to his face.

"...You've finally been elected as interim alpha now."

"I have duties as beta of this prestigious pack, sweetheart. I'm sorry for the loss, and the haste from last night. You still wish to leave the pack, Nova-"

"I want to break off my engagement with Elias."

Cutting Garrick off, I spoke. I didn't care if the elders, who were following him to talk to me as well, heard my confession.

Just then, I hear Elias chuckling from a distance.

Just great.

"She wouldn't do that, Garrick. The poor girl is distraught. I'll take care of her. Also, please look over her childish decision to leave the pack. You and I both know it was a hasty decision, right, Nova?"

My lip shuddered in anger of his words.

Suddenly...there was a presence.

While the elders were lamenting my decision and how immature I was, the situation quickly took an unexpected turn. Even if wasn't having a wolf, I sensed the presence.

Silence befell heavily in the garden.

The strong presence made everyone question, stand up and look around.

He walked over the grass as if he owned the damn place, and he walked elegantly. I didn't notice he made a beeline towards me. Until he stopped midway and just...stared at me.

Isn't he the guy from somewhere...?

Who is he...?

Why does he have such a strong presence that made even Elias bow at his appearance?The world...it seemed to have stopped.

Everything moves slow, and my vision is clouded all except what I'm looking at.

The powerful alpha in front of me.

No, I must be wrong.

He isn't just an ordinary alpha.

The power he exudes is of a Lycan! But I've never met a lycan that us this powerful. Who is he?

With each step he takes towards my parent's tombstone, I felt my heart quake.

Suddenly, I felt the presence of the person I loathe behind me. He placed his left hand on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but stare at the ring on his finger.

"Do not disgrace me neither yourself now, Nova. Come with me."

I took a deep breath in.

"He's the Lycan Prince. Be respectful and do no speak in between. A lot of people are angered by your presence already."

I know better about that, Elias. You've put me in such a state. What do I do?

Pushing me by the small of my waist, Elias chuckles and announced his arrival.

Oh Goddess...

What is this pressure I feel? It's as if every muscle in my body feels the incredible pushing pressure, thrice of the gravity on my skin as we go closer and closer to the Lycan Prince.

Wait...it's the man who was adamant to keep me company for the dance last night at the party!

Shit, I'm such a downer!

He's a tall, black haired man who looks like he's jumped out of a fiction. His body which hides behind the suit is fit and healthy. I noticed the bumps in his arms as he put the wreath around my parents' tombstone.

I respect him well from now, for taking time out from his probably busy schedule as the prince to attend the funeral.

"Ahem. Prince of Lycans..." the man standing beside me spoke. I looked down at how Elias intertwined our hands.

His ring was hurting my palm, because he squeezed my hand as he talked to the man who was leagues above in power and prestige.

Until now, I was only observing the Prince's side profile. When he turned to look at us, I almost gasped.

His irises...they're a ghostly grey. His pupils looked like a whole iris. The deep grey was soon changing to a soft hazel under the sunlight, as the clouds moved away.

"Call me Lucien. I prefer to be humble today."

The last words were uttered whilst looking at me. I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Are you feeling alright?" He mouthed softly to me, and I nodded.