Despising Him

~ZARA~

He is my mate! Pedro Wade is my mate? Can my life get anymore eventful? I am seated in my chambers-his chambers actually. It has been twenty four hours. Twenty four hours of me seating in this chamber, twenty four hours of devote skincare and being surrounded by the infinity Wolfgang to watch my every movement and every action. It has been twenty four hours since I found out that Alpha Pedro Wade is my mate and in the next twenty four hours, he would be hosting a grand ceremony all over infinity city to announce that we are mates. I wince at the thought, my fingers digging deep into my skin in dread and anger. I could possibly use any means to get myself out of here, of course I wouldn't even have come here in my own accord had the ruthless sonofabitch didn't demand that the Wolfgang forcefully makes sure I am present. That's right, Alpha Pedro never asked. He demanded. My chest heaves slowly when my mind casts back to the demise of my parents, to the moment when my hatred and resentment of Alpha Pedro had all began four years ago. Four years ago "Run! Run Zara, we'll catch up with you. No matter what, run and don't let them see you-" I heard mum hurriedly say as her hands transformed into a pair of white claws and her back clothed in furs, she gave me one more glance, nodded and growled - Asif to say she was going to survive this no matter what. I hid behind a massive tree, watching helplessly as she pounced on the huge black wolf attacking my father furiously. I watched as father tumbled, letting out a painful grunt, gradually transforming into his human form, his whole body bled as he lay weakly by the side, staring helplessly at the menacing wolf approaching him. Mother is growling at another giant black wolf who cruelly has her pinned to the ground, his claws around her neck and I know in a nanosecond, he'd smite her throat. Carefully, I stuck my foot out of where I hid, positioning my stance, trying to mumble out the spells mother had taught me. I whispered the words faster, ignoring her instructions to run. The black wolf drew nearer and I mumbled the words faster, feeling the weight of massive force of air surround my palms, the whole place is rumbling, shaking beneath my feet. I say the words persistently as my whole body quake from the spells, from the side of my eyes, I see mother slowly transform back to her human form, a lone tears streaking down at her face as she stares forlornly at me. I forcefully push my hands forward, releasing the spells which surrounds the environment, throwing back both the black wolves and I across the woods. I feel my a sharp pain shoot through my spine as I struggle to pick myself up, my cuts and bruises sting painfully. I mange to run when I don't hear the sound of the black wolves. I'm running and running and running until I can feel my legs no more. There's no one in the woods but I keep running. Images of my parents bleeding to death flashes across my eyes, tears sting my eyes until I breakdown in sobs. I run as swift as I can although I couldn't sense the black wolves around me. Suddenly I collide into someone, he's pale skinned and his hair is full, black and shiny. His eyes are a color of sea green and before I can process anymore featured of him, I fall exhausted in his arms. Letting the thick shroud of darkness envelope me. I awaken after what looks for an eternity. Startling in surprise at the man who sits beside me, patiently waiting for me to gather up my remaining strength and stability. I don't know how long I've been asleep and I don't even know how long he has been watching me sleep but what I do remember is my parents bleeding to death, the black wolves tailing me and passing out in the arms of this stranger. The black wolves... It rings in with a start in my head and I immediately prop myself up, taking note of all my cuts and bruises gone. I look as good as new except for the pains I feel internally. The black wolves? Why were they after my parents? Why would they suddenly go after my parents? I'm horrified and terrified about the thought, the questions ringing continuously like a broken siren and then the only explanation I could come up with was reporting this whole incident to the Infinity Alpha. Alpha Pedro Wade. Alpha Pedro- the leader of the light pack and the very strongest of all packs in infinity city. He would surely know what to do. Stricken with conviction, I stand up determinedly to get to the home of Alpha Pedro. I was going to report this incident and together, we would hunt down the black wolves until justice is served. I fasten the cloak around me, proceeding to leave when I hear a voice speak with uncertainty. "Hey," These are the first words I've heard him say although I have no idea what he wants to talk about. I look over at him, taking in his full features. His eyes are kind and he regards me with benign affection. I realize that I haven't said any words of appreciation so I cut through his words before he could say anything else. "Thank you for yesterday." I speak softly, turning around to walk away when I feel his soft touch graze my skin. I could sense unlike me, he is a vampire. I slowly pull my hands from his touch when I hear him speak again. "Your wounds are not fully healed. You could get caught by whoever chasing you if you step out again."

"My bruises are gone and I need to get to the Alpha as soon as possible." I say, feeling his presence around me.

"Still you'll need to rest for a little while before you step out again. Something tells me whoever is after you, is still lurking around." I take his words into consideration knowing that he maybe right after all, the black wolves although in the woods I couldn't sense them, they may still be lurking about. Slowly I draw back my steps, taking note if the wide spaced apartment we were. The lights are dim and the windows are closed to prevent sunlight.

"I am George," he says, "George Stewart. A vampire. What's your name?"

I swallow a brewing lump in my throat, gazing up at the pale skinned guy who just introduced himself. His deep voice is unconventionally attractive.

"Zara WilGeorge. A werewolf." I introduce.

He shoots me a warm smile, getting up from where he reclined.

"Zara do you mind me making you breakfast while take some rest?" he asks, I open my mouth to tell him that it's fine when he interrupts.

"It has been two and a half days since you past out." He reveals. My eyes widen at the information. He knows he has made his point so without further questions, he disappears into a section of the house which I presume to be a kitchen. The next time she arrives, he is with a tray of bacon and cheese. The smell of food waft through my nostrils causing my stomach to grumble aloud. He gives me an amused smile and I reciprocate with a feigned clueless gaze. The food is placed in front of me and I immediately pounce on it, stuffing my mouth with the bacon quickly.

"Woah! Slow down honey," he chuckles and I nod at him still with my mouth stuffed. George watches in amusement, as I continue to eat hungrily. After I am done, I turn to him in acknowledgment. "Thank you George."

"It's my pleasure, Zara." He begins to help put out the plate, turning to me again. "are you from this city?"

I nod, "yes. I was born and brought up here. You?"

"No. I'm just visiting the city once again." He admits. "It's a beautiful city. Bet you'd love your stay here."

"Actually, Light city is known to be one of the best cities among the packs. I've read so much about the city and each time I visit, there's always something new to fall in love with. In this case, someone." He says, giving me an affectionate stare. I double blink at his words which I know is directed at me.

Nervously tearing my eyes off him and his toned muscles which he has on display when his sleeves are rolled up to do the dishes. My heart beating erratically in excitement as his words spurs a feeling of warmth.

"That- that's flattering, I may say." I reply and he gives me a lopsided grin. "In any case, the truth." He dries the plates in the sink, "tell me, why are you being chased?"

~PEDRO~

It's twenty four hours to the day when I would be revealing my Luna, my mate. Zara WilGeorge. Everything and everyone in infinity city would be gathered at this grand event. To say I looked forward to this day is an understatement. I am very much ecstatic about this day although, deep within, I am aware that my mate. Zara Alonso isn't as pleased as I am. The cold look she shoots at me upon her arrival to the chamber crowns the suspicion. She hates me. And I know if given an opportunity, she would stab her claws into my heart and make sure to feed them to dogs. I toss the thoughts aside, we could fix her hatred someday but for now, I can barely focus especially when Lia keeps running her fingers into my scalp. She's been at it for a few hours now and it's starting to get really annoying. I try to hold in my annoyance, taking her hands off me.

"Okay Lia, that's enough." I say and she hisses under her breath.

"Is it because of her?" she asks rhetorically. After I had told her that I had found my mate, Lia has been grumpy and sour and I can't blame her for that. Not when she's been my mistress for as long as I could remember.

"Yes. And I would appreciate it if you cease to come any closer to me." I say out rightly, watching her frown turn grimly that it was before. She scoffs aloud. "She doesn't even want to have anything to do with you so why must you take her as your mate?

"I didn't choose her. Moon goddess did and we must honor moon goddess wishes." I retort, my patience ticking by the minute. Any more questions and I may snap her skull into two. As if sensing my thoughts, Lia sulks in her remaining protest, before stalking off. I proceed to call the Wolfgang who are made of the beta wolf of the light pack, to seek what progress in happening with the arrangements. On second thoughts, I decide against the idea and however, amble to the chambers where Zara is being attended to. She shoots me a murderous glare as I take long strides towards her, feigning obliviousness to her glare. I settle down in front of her, taking in her features. She is light in complexion and has a fiery dark eyes. Her thick brown long hair is framed over her face and her lips is pursed in a grimace as she glares spitefully. I smirk,

"Anger will only lead to your frustration honey, you should smile often because we are going to spend a long time together as mates."

She scowls deeper, her dark eyes threatening to unleash the spells she carried within her,

"in your dreams Pedro. And you need to snap out of that dream by the way because it's never going to happen."

I bit the insides of my lips in anger, clenching and unclenching my fist as I stared at her. A lone feeling of dread washes through me with the thought that she means it. It's the last thing I want from her now. So I widen my smirk, bringing my hands to raise her chins softly. I release a long exhale when she pulls her face from mine quickly, her heart heaving continuously in resentment. The memories of four year ago cutting cross my thoughts. Back then she was didn't have this much resent for me, this amount of hatred was nowhere near rather a petrified look plastered her countenance as she spilled the words, reporting the incidents in the presence of the Beta wolves and all the people of infinity city gathered. She reported the incident of how her family had been killed by the black wolves. Now everyone in the chambers knew the black wolves were powerful, destructive and to not to dared with. There was no point going to fighting the black wolves especially when it was obvious that we'd never win. The black wolves were powerful and were not to be messed with. However, I had simply done something any man In my position would do. Zara's mother was an omega and her father was a half vampire-werewolf. These were the lowest class of the light pack and I had used it as a leverage to turn her away. There was nothing I could do for her. The black wolves were too dangerous to risk the Wolfgang lives just to avenge the death of the light pack. Flashes of how she spitefully cussed at me, flashed through my mind. And I knew deep down, I couldn't fault her for having those dark thoughts against me. I revved my mind to the present, taking in her slender frame with one last glance,

"get dressed. We have few hours to go," I say, and then added. "Mate." I don't wait for her reply before walking out but I could hear her thoughts anyway and of course- they sounded so colorful. Outside, I see Alfred, a beta wolf whom I told to bring her to the chambers.

"Keep an eye on her. Make sure she does nothing stupid." I say briskly, Alfred makes to speak, although he doesn't need to, I could sense his thoughts, I could here what he was thinking. What if she rejects me publicly? I sigh. Of course I had thought about that. About Zara who already hates the idea of me and her together. There's no suspicion as to what she can do. However, I am Pedro Wade and Zara WilGeorge would dare not defile moon goddess wishes. I quickly dismiss Alfred's suspicion and make my way to my room to begin preparations for the event. Finally it's time. Slow sonorous music plays softly from the background and the ball room is filled up with men and women from light pack. Everyone is having chatters and fun, drinking and conversing light. I'm as nervous as a hell wreck. My hands are sweaty and my try everything in my power to suppress myself from transforming into my wolf form. Involuntarily, I glance up at father's picture plastered solidly on the walls of my chambers. Alpha Devan Wade. Father never liked any sign of weakness. If he was present, he probably would have knocked me to the ground to cover up any trace of weakness in me. Although, no one can tell I'm anxious about today's event since I smile at everyone present and make sure I carry myself with poise and an authoritative stance. However, I know father always had a way if finding out. Growing up, he made sure that I was groomed into the future Alpha he wanted me to be. Strong, authoritative. Powerful and ruthless. He had always made sure to see to it that I take after who he was even though, whatever I did, I wasn't good enough. So I tried everyday to please father. To mold myself to his perception of my image in his head. I had to keep doing as he wished until he died and I was left to lead the pack. His traits I know, is long embedded in me and even though father was no more, I have this string urge to never let him down. To never disappoint him nor his memories. So when Zara came with the incident four years back, I had to do something to validate my reason. Now seated around the pack, watching the event take place. Waiting for the right time to announce the revelation of my Luna. I am beyond excited and anxious. Finally, I had found my mate but unfortunately, I am uncertain this will take a good turn. Unable to hold my uncertainty together again, I raise my wine filled glass, calling up for the attention. The place falls silent as I gently take my time to stand up to my feet. "Ladies and gentlemen gathered here..." my voice booms through the crowd. It's deep an authoritative. From the corners of eyes, I could see Lia. She isn't among the people gathered here but I could still see her around the premises. A courtesy of super sharp sense of sight as an Alpha. I ignore her presence, bringing my gaze to meet the crowd, "The moon goddess had finally revealed to me my mate. My mate who would be the Luna of the Alpha and would rule the pack side by side with me. For this, it is a pleasure that you get to meet her so we can consummate our union. Ladies and gentlemen, let's us welcome-"

"Luna Zara WilGeorge." The crowd erupt into howls and cheers as everyone claps, chatters excitedly and await the presence of Zara. Soon the curtains are drawn, revealing Zara dressed in a white robe.

~ZARA~

The curtains are drawn open and I'm standing in the direction of the spotlight focused on me. He's looking at me expectantly, I could sense the trails of helpless hope he carried within. Like he was desperately pleading that I honor moon goddess wishes. However, he's perfect at masking his hopelessness with a daring stare. I let out a sigh, and take my first steps in. Today is the day when I finally put to an end this nightmare. The crowd is hooting and howling in excitement and for a nanosecond, I wonder if George would be doing alright. He's not here. The light pack are not friendly to vampires. Funny how I have always known that Alpha Pedro was my mate. Yes, I'd realize this from the first day I ran into his chambers pleading for help, when he gazed at me, even when his hands grazed my skin. I could feel the tingles and spark shoot through my spine. Fortunately, I had fallen in love with George . The kind stranger who was quick to offer me assistance when I needed help. I hadn't bothered to take any rash decisions then because I knew Alpha Pedro had a mistress, Lia. But as the days approached, and however he found out, he had me vrou6to his chambers and now here we are. He holds his palms out for me to take it, it was a tradition that we would do the first dance as a couple before he asks me to be his mate in front of all these people. Hesitantly, I place my hands in his, letting him sway me back and forth at the sound of the music. I hold one of my arms around his neck and let's his strong arms hold my other hand. I use the opportunity to take in his full features. He has deep black eyes. As dark as the night. His gaze boring into mine sends a quick shiver down my spine. His hair is laid back and only a portion of it is let out, his lips are full and his nose are sharp. He has a chiseled jawline that crowns his facial features. I couldn't help not noticing his hard rock chest when my hands fall softly on them. He's handsome. And I still don't mind. Tonight was going to mark an end to whatever he thought. He couldn't read my thoughts anyways. I've mastered mother's spells in shielding my thoughts from a werewolf if I wished. "What are you thinking about?" Pedro Wade asks, narrowing his gaze to meet mine and I shrug, mirroring his expression. "Is there something you should be worried about?" The music stops abruptly, but I hear him whisper underneath his breath, close to my ears, "you better don't try anything funny today, mate." My blood boils with a seething rage. Alpha Pedro Wade knows I hate him and he'd do more and more to get on my nerves by adding the stupid mate to whatever he tells me. I let out a low scoff and await for him to begin his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is time-" he turns to me, taking my hands gently. The daring look is gone and now replaced with one of soft warming gaze. "I Alpha Pedro Wade accepts you, Luna Zara WilGeorge s to be my mate." He says. The crowd howls in excitement and I grimace. He's awaiting my acceptance and my mind immediately cast back to the incident of four years ago. My parents, his outright rejection- my fist hardens as I look up at him with a glare. The nerve of him to toss me aside and afterwards pretend like everything is fine, expecting me to run into his arms just like that. "I Zara WilGeorge s, with all fiber of disdain in me, reject you, Alpha Pedro Wade as my mate because I believe moon goddess must be playing a sick joke on me right now to let me have you, a coward as my mate." I announced and for a second, I feel a sharp pain shoot through my spine. The crowd is rooted in shock. And I dare to meet Pedro Wade's gaze. He is as fiery ad a burning furnace. Like his eyes are literally blazing in anger. "What?" a low growl resounds from around me and I quiver, taking a moment to realize that the sound erupted from Alpha Pedro. I take small steps backwards. The gasp of shock and dread from the crowd, a low mumbling whisper which would obviously reach through the whole of almight town, Pedro's hot glare on my skin like it could actually pierce through me. I'm done for. He won't let it go. Never. I take his rooted shock as my cue to dash out if the building, Until I hear him order the Wolfgang, "Get her! Don't let her leave this building!" he shouts. Immediately, some beta wolves grab my arms, pulling me towards where I do not know. I grapple and try struggling away from their grip firmly on my frame. I quickly mutter some spells that makes them fly off from me. I quickly dash across the woods. A déjà vu I'm running as swift as possible and in no time, I get to where George is. He looks up startled by my presence. "George -" I softly call. I'm not panting from the race. Just exhausted as I fill him in on the details is why I'm being chased. The anger on his face is visible. "What the hell, Zara. He's your mate? You mean Pedro Wade is your mate?" he yells in out right anger. I grasp his hands to steady him, looking up to meet his gaze, "we need to do something about this George . Right now, Pedro is after me and we need to hide somewhere." "Let's run away." He suggest and I shook my head in disagreement just before he beats me to it, "listen Zara, if we stay here, Pedro's will come after us so let's run away." This is my birth city, memories of my parents are still buried in this city yet, George 's right. If we stayed here, Pedro would come after us. So I agree to his plan and we quickly pack up our things. I could sense Pedro's men hot on my tails. We quickly gather our properties and again we're running. This time towards the west which leads to the borders if almight town. On crossing the borders, a sharp pain shoots through me and I feel myself collapse into George 's arms. My eyes close slowly as he calls my name frantically. The last thing I could hear was George , he is shaking frantically, scared to his wits that I may have died or something. I feel his hands wrapped around me, holding me closely to his body while he yells my name. The thoughts of him are replaced with a blurry backtrack. The announcement... Pedro... Mate... Wolfgang after me The boarders... The pain... And immediately, I jerk up roughly from my faint slumber.