Piece Of Deception

Lyra's POV

"Father, I implore you, I cannot imagine marrying him," I pleaded earnestly, facing my father who remained resolute in the garden.

"Lyra, you will marry him," he replied calmly, yet an underlying severity marked his tone.

"He is not my destined mate. I'll recognize my mate when our eyes meet," I retorted with conviction.

"Do you believe someone else would be more suitable? Maximus is among the most wealthy and powerful Alphas, not to mention he is handsome".

"I am bestowing upon you a considerable favour," he added, his anger palpable.

"A favour? Father, as the Alpha's daughter, I possess beauty, courage, and distinction," I disputed, my voice almost trembling with emotion.

"You are to heed my every command unquestioningly!" he declared emphatically.

Feeling tears welling up, I turned away, walking back to the house.

At twenty years old, my father sought to trade me to this imperious Alpha, and the weight of his decision pressed heavily upon me.

"What's troubling you, darling?" My mother inquired as soon as I entered the house, embracing me tightly upon recognizing my distress.

"Come, darling," she led me to my room, and we settled on the couch near my bed.

"I understand this is challenging, but it's for the best," she comforted me, delicately tucking away a strand of loose hair from my face.

"Mother, I don't have any admiration for him. I know he's not the one meant for me," I confessed with teary eyes.

"As you live your married life, feelings will grow, and love may blossom," she reassured, gently patting my face.

"The goddess has a mate for everyone. Why compel me into a relationship that isn't ordained?" I questioned, almost in a whisper.

"Honey, your father is ageing, and we face numerous oppositions. We need powerful allies, and who better than Maximus?" she posed rhetorically.

"Are you trading your only daughter for alliances?" I asked, wiping away my tears.

"You know what? I'll leave you to calm down and think carefully," my mother said before exiting the room.

The weight of sadness intensifies as I reflect on Maximus, a beast I've encountered before.

After he eliminated his formidable uncle, the former Alpha of the Fable pack. Everyone yearns for his favour and the support of his formidable werewolf army.

I won't succumb to my father's selfish motives, forcing me into a union with a man I find repulsive. Despite being 20, I am steadfast in my belief that my true mate awaits me somewhere.

Declining the invitation to join the family for dinner, I remained in my room, lost in contemplation throughout the day.

Nightfall brought no sleep. I tossed and turned, unable to find solace until the early hours when exhaustion finally claimed me.

Awakening to a pounding migraine, likely a consequence of both hunger and the relentless barrage of thoughts, I knew I needed relief. I decided I'd shift into my wolf form and embark on a run, a restorative remedy for us werewolves.

"You need food, not a run," my wolf's voice resonated in my head.

"Thanks for the timely advice, where were you last night when I needed calming words?" I retorted sharply.

My wolf groaned, retreating to the back of my head. Confronting my reflection in the mirror, I realized the disarray I had.

Even in my disorderly state, I remained the epitome of beauty within the pack. Tall and possessing an alluring figure, I gathered my long white hair into a hasty bun.

Ignoring the concerned faces of my parents and brother, I ventured outside, escaping to the solace of the woods.

Inhaling the earthy scent, surrounded by the symphony of chirping birds, I marvelled at the perfection of nature. Dropping the clothes meant for the transformation back, I grappled with my reality.

Despite being the most beautiful, I couldn't partake in the mind-link communication among the pack members. My parents had tirelessly sought a solution, but the only voice I could hear in my mind was that of my wolf.

Misunderstood by others in the pack, they perceived me as distant and prideful. Unaware that my silence was born of the inability to hear their thoughts, and not ignore them.

Shifting into my wolf form, I relinquished control, allowing my white and formidable wolf to guide us through the woods. Both she and my mother's wolf were the only pure white ones in the pack.

We ventured far, disregarding the unspoken rule not to go close to the mountains. Captivated by the breathtaking sight, I shifted back, gazing at the expansive mountains that marked the edge of our world.

Taking a moment to absorb the scenery, I shifted once again, letting my wolf take charge as we raced back home.

Exhausted, I headed straight to the bathroom for a refreshing shower before changing into comfortable clothes, seeking solace in the embrace of my bed.

A sudden knock shattered the peace, jolting me back to reality. Opening my eyes, I found my younger brother, Damian, entering with a tray in hand.

"You could at least wait for me to let you in before barging into my room," I quipped, sitting up.

"You haven't eaten since yesterday," he remarked, placing the food on my bed.

"How sweet of you to notice," I responded sarcastically.

"Don't be so upset, Lyra," he urged.

"Easy for you to say. You're not the one being sold off," I sighed unenthusiastically.

He began to whine and plead, knowing I will fall for it.

"Argh! You win. You know I can't resist that," I conceded, my weariness softened by Damian's persistence.

I ate the food methodically while he sat there, his eyes fixed on me.

Despite being four years my junior, his concern often made him seem like the older sibling. As I chewed, he casually dropped a bombshell.

"The next full moon ceremony is next week," I responded with a nonchalant nod.

"What about it?" I asked, mouth still occupied.

"Maximus will officially announce you as his mate during the ceremony," he revealed, his words delivered in a low tone that hung in the air.

At that moment, the shock of his revelation caused me to involuntarily spit out the food, my heart pounding against my chest.

"You... said what?" I stammered, the weight of the impending announcement settling heavily on my shoulders.

Lyra's POV

I was aware of the impending pressure to marry Maximus, but the speed of this development caught me off guard.

"Mother, what's the meaning behind Maximus's announcement for the next full moon?" I confronted her, interrupting a conversation with a servant.

She signalled the servant to leave, and without directly addressing my question, she took a seat at the dining table.

"We needed to expedite matters, dear," she replied, evading eye contact.

"And you couldn't have informed me?" I retorted sharply.

"Well..." She began to explain, but I cut her off.

"Whose decision is this?" I demanded, searching her face for the truth. The silence spoke volumes, and I knew the answer.

"It's Maximus, isn't it?" I pressed, not waiting for confirmation before storming away.

Arriving at my father's office, anger fueled my every step. I couldn't bring myself to knock I barged in.

"Why was I kept in the dark about next week's schedule, Father?" He sat, absorbed in paperwork.

"I've conveyed the crucial details," he replied, not bothering to meet my gaze.

"I'm not a commodity to be sold. The least you could do is keep me informed about these changes. It's my life we're discussing here," I pleaded, restraining my frustration.

"What difference would it make?" he questioned, finally looking at me. I was left speechless.

"We'll have friends come over to celebrate. The sooner you compose yourself, the better!" he added.

Speechless, I exited his office. Whether informed or not, it seemed inconsequential.

Back in my room, I quietly sobbed, attempting to envision what my life would become with Maximus.

In a matter of days, preparations unfolded, transforming the occasion into a grand event.

My mother, persistent in her efforts, coerced me into shopping for the event, my compliance was reluctant but inevitable.

As the event loomed just two days away, I stood on the balcony, observing the servants work tirelessly below.

"Should I just fall from here?" I pondered silently.

"Maybe I should end it all," a darker thought surfaced.

"You coward," my wolf scolded.

"I'm not a coward!" I defended.

With that, my wolf retreated to the recesses of my head. Despite the problems she was right, why sacrifice myself for someone who wouldn't flinch?

A day before the ceremony, a wave of additional guests flooded in.

My father's mansion, vast with numerous rooms, accommodated his close friends within its expansive walls.

Standing outside to welcome his friends, Maximus arrived, and the sight of him only intensified my disgust.

"Welcome," my mother greeted warmly, and I reluctantly echoed her sentiments.

"You're to address me properly," he demanded, maintaining a stern expression and locking eyes with me.

I nodded, my disappointment palpable as I held his gaze.

"Huh?" he challenged me to repeat myself. I rolled my eyes.

"Welcome, Alpha Maximus," I said mockingly.

"Kids these days," he scoffed, shooting me a disdainful look before stepping inside.

"Kids? This individual is just eight years older than me," I muttered angrily.

"Mind your tongue," my mother warned. Rolling my eyes, I continued to fake a smile, welcoming the remaining guests.

During dinner in our grand banquet hall, I wore a flowery flare gown paired with sandals. My father occupied the largest chair, overseeing the gathering.

Maximus sat to his right, dressed in a white shirt and jeans, accompanied by his Gamma and Beta, followed by the remaining guests.

On my father's left were my mother, my brother, our Gamma, and the others in succession.

The banquet commenced smoothly, with guests chatting and enjoying their meals. I, however, remained quiet, eating slowly.

My father and Maximus delved into a conversation that grated on my nerves.

"By the end of the year, I should have more slaves than any other Alpha known," Lycaon boasted, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

"Servants, you mean?" My father clarified, raising an eyebrow.

"That wasn't a mistake. I said, slaves. From the weak packs I've raided and will continue to until I have a large empire," he responded, his tone dripping with disrespect that unsettled the atmosphere.

"Eww! As if that's an achievement," I scoffed, my gaze fixed on my food.

"Say what now?" Maximus glared at me.

"Huh?" I feigned innocence, pushing back against his arrogance.

"As my Luna, you must not forget your place..."

"I'm not yet your Luna!" I interrupted defiantly. Anger surged, and he slammed the table, getting the attention of everyone in the room.

"You do not speak while I'm speaking! I'm the absolute authority here" he declared, rising and storming away with a prideful arrogance that left me taken aback.

I turned to my father, seeking support, but he avoided my eyes. The others, seemingly unfazed, continued their conversations as if no one noticed his disrespect.

"Hmmph," I stood up, the tension lingering in the air, and walked away from the lavish dinner, retreating to my room.

Disappointment overwhelmed me. This was our territory. My father, an Alpha I'd always perceived as strong, revealed a vulnerability I had never seen before.

Maximus claimed absolute authority, yet no one dared to challenge him. Why were they all so afraid? I pondered these thoughts as I lay in bed.

The following day, I opted to stay in my room to avoid further distressing incidents. My brother, concerned, checked in on me, providing a company amid the brewing storm.

In the evening, servants arrived to dress me for the full moon ceremony. I adorned a black gown with a daring thigh-high slit, my hair meticulously styled.

At the climax of the event, Maximus, adorned in black and gold, seized the opportunity to address the gathering.

After an unnecessarily prolonged speech, he finally made the awaited announcement.

"I, Maximus Orion, the Alpha of Fable pack, take Lyra Sabastian of Wildfire pack as my mate and Luna," he declared, sparking applause and jubilation from the crowd.

Desperation clung to me, this could not be my destiny as I prayed for the goddess to intervene, but deep down, I knew I was the only one who could save myself.

The crowd hushed, awaiting my response. Reluctantly, I approached him, facing the expectant onlookers.

His gaze, filled with repulsive arrogance and lust, met mine. Summoning all my courage, I spoke firmly.

"I, Lyra Sabastian of Wildfire pack, reject you, Maximus Orion of Fable pack, as my mate,".

My words echoed through the crowd, sending shockwaves not only through them but through myself as well.

Lyra's POV

As I transitioned into my wolf form and darted into the woods, contemplation seized my thoughts.

Every onlooker cast a glance filled with shock and disdain, except for my brother, whose expression reflected satisfaction, yearning for nothing but my happiness.

My wolf, too, echoed my fear, tearing through the woods with swift urgency, disturbing dry leaves and snapping sticks in the obscurity of the night.

She halted before the mountain standing resolute, a forbidden boundary I dared to cross. Resuming control, I shifted back, fixing my gaze on the formidable peak. Moments lingered in contemplation.

The heat at home was oppressive, and escaping seemed a tempting choice.

What's the worst that could happen? I preferred confronting the unknown beyond the mountain to facing Maximus and my father.

Returning to my human form, my wolf skillfully ascended the mountain, and after what felt like an eternity, we emerged on the other side, greeted by dense woods.

"Are you sure about this?" My wolf inquired.

"Yes, we'll be fine."

We walked the forest for an extended period, weariness settling upon both my wolf and me. Finding a snug spot amidst the bushes, I shifted to my human form and lay down.

The consequences of my actions weighed heavily. The cold air induced shivers, and I curled up. Sleep eluded me until the early hours of the morning.

Awakening to a distant sound, a sense of presence to something significant lingered.

"What is that smell?" I questioned my wolf, met with silence. An unfamiliar scent extended throughout the air.

Intrigued yet uneasy, I shifted back to my wolf form and approached the mysterious fragrance.

Before us emerged a man, terror etched across his face as he gazed at my wolf. In an instant, he let out a piercing scream. Terrified, my wolf and I let out a collective howl.

Swiftly regaining control, I shifted back, witnessing the man's eyes widen in awe before he crumpled to the ground.

Concerned, I approached and bent down for a closer inspection. His features were strikingly handsome, his physique well-built.

"He is a human," my wolf pointed out.

"Obviously."

Tales of human wickedness and danger echoed in my mind, yet encountering one was bizarre. Humans and wolves had never coexisted. I used to believe they were mere myths.

Torn between leaving and aiding him, I paced a few steps away, repeatedly drawn back by an inexplicable force.

He didn't exude the danger described in stories. My wolf remained undisturbed as I lingered, studying him.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, widened in awe once more. Hoping he wouldn't faint again, I prepared to retreat, but he called me back.

With a shirt in hand, he gestured I should wear it. Fixing his gaze into the woods. Hesitant, I recognized my nakedness was unsettling him.

I accepted the shirt, realizing it was generously sized, given his huge stature. The fabric draped down to my thighs as I wore it.

"Who are you? A human? Some kind of werewolf? Do you have a name?" He bombarded me with questions.

Amid his unending questions, I maintained a stoic expression, my contemplation visible in the subtle furrow of my brows.

"Can you even hear me?" he asked again. I scoffed, arching an eyebrow with a hint of amusement, my eyes revealing a glimmer of indifference.

"So, you can hear me!" His joy-filled exclamation prompted genuine laughter from me, the sound unexpectedly softening the atmosphere.

"I've never seen anything like you," he admitted hastily, a mix of curiosity and bewilderment in his gaze.

In response, I raised an eyebrow, silently prompting him to elaborate.

"I'm sorry. I'm just overwhelmed by these emotions," he confessed, a vulnerability surfacing in his expression. Momentarily breaking the rhythm of his questions.

"I'm George. Can you please tell me your name?" he pleaded, his eyes holding a sincere request for connection.

After a moment's hesitation, I relented, revealing my name with a subtle softening in my tone.

"What are you doing here? Where do you come from?" The barrage of questions continued.

Standing there, undisturbed, I mused over the ceaseless chatter, observing the flow of emotions in the human before me. Are humans always this noisy? I thought to myself.

My stomach growled, a reminder of the hunger lingering since the disastrous dinner. Suppressing the discomfort, I held my stomach.

"Are you hungry?" he inquired, but I remained quiet.

"What type of food do you eat? Do you hunt or something?" he persisted. Frustrated, I decided to put an end to the interrogation.

"Yes, and I only hunt humans," I deadpanned.

"Wait! What?" He flinched, and I sighed, rubbing my temple unenthusiastically.

"I was just joking," I retorted.

"heh" he exclaimed.

Realizing the joke, he brought up a suggestion.

"You seem far from home. Can you come with me? I'll get you something to eat."

Having nowhere else to go and nothing to eat, I agreed. We walked for a while until we reached a cottage.

Entering, I observed its modest size. Though not comparable to my home, the prospect of a meal and rest comforted me.

"Have a seat," he gestured towards a cushion in what appeared to be the sitting room.

While he retrieved a shirt from another room, I couldn't resist but asked.

"Is this your place?"

"No, well yes. It's a getaway cabin owned by my late grandfather, but my family hardly visits, so it's mostly in my care," he explained with a nostalgic gaze, as if recalling memories of the place.

Making his way to the kitchen, he turned back, the subtle play of sunshine accentuating the outline of his face.

"What would you like me to fix for you?" he inquired, genuine curiosity etched across his features. I shrugged in response.

As he swiftly prepared a meal, the rhythmic dance of his movements unveiled a quiet strength, and I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles moved beneath his skin.

His hands, skillfully navigating the ingredients, hinted at a familiarity with the culinary arts.

Caught in this unexpected moment, I found myself mesmerized by the variation of his appearance.

He caught me looking at him, I shifted my gaze swiftly, now he'll think I'm weird. I sucked my teeth in embarrassment.

The play of sunlight revealed the warmth in his eyes, and I became acutely aware of the forbidden nature of our encounter.

Yet, in this cabin, I allowed the unfolding of fate, a delicate dance between worlds.