The Legendary Luna - mystery

Sophia

"Sophia,get your fucking ass over here, now!"

My stepmother sharp voice echoed through the massive house, sending a shiver down my spine. I put down the plates I was washing and hurried down the hallway, my bare feet barely making a sound against the cold wooden floor. I knew better than to keep Evelyn waiting. Sweat was trickling down my forehead as I approach her.

As soon as I entered the grand living room,my stepmother's icy glare pierced through me. Evelyn stood with her arms crossed, perfectly manicured nails tapping impatiently against her elbow.

"I- I'm. What can I do for you?" I stammered nervously.

Smack!

Her hand struck my cheeks sharply, and I felt my face go numb. She looked at me with utter disgust.This house is a fucking mess, and you're still dragging your feet,you good-for-nothing bitch. "I told you to have it spotless before I woke up. What the hell have you been doing?"

I lowered her head, my hands clenched at my sides. "I-I was trying. It's just- I was washing the plates.I didn't mean to get you angry."

Smack!

The sting of Evelyn's hand cracked across my face, snapping my head to the side.

"You were just what?" Evelyn mocked. "Too fucking lazy? Too slow? Useless little brat."

I–I'm sorry mother, I won't be too slo...

Another slap interrupted my words, snapping my head to the other side. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me your mother?! Your mother is pathetic and a weakling,you hear that? You are disgusting and amount to nothing,I hope you can go and join your mother in hell where you both belong.

My breath hitched as hot tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision. Each day,my stepmother maltreat me, she made it clear that I'm unwanted in the family and find every chance to insult my dead mother. It was difficult to believe that my dad is the Alpha of this pack,yet I lived in a situation that is worst than that of a slave. All of this was because of Evenly Greystone, My father's mate, whose hatred towards me is so intense that she has sworn to make my life a living hell.

My name is Sophia Greystone and this is my goddess-forsaken life.

Seeing my face teary, Evelyn smirked wickedly and pour a wine on the floor. "Oops". She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her cold eyes. Would you look at that? "Clean that up!" she commanded with a stern tone. She kept her eyes locked on mine.

My fingers curled into fists at my sides,but I bit down my frustration. I knew better than to fight back.

My stepmother took a slow sip from what was left in her glass, watching me with cruel delight. "Well,get to it".

Terror gripped as I knelt down, gripping the cloth as I began scrubbing the floor and kept my graze low.

A blow landed on my face this time harder, and I gasped as pain seared through my lip. I tasted blood instantly, the sharp, metallic tang filling my mouth. Is that how to scrub a floor? Evenly voice dripped with cruelty as she loomed over me. Pathetic, do it properly.

Yes, ma'am,I whispered and brace myself for whatever is coming next.

The Alpha's wife grapped a handful of my hair on her hand and pulled it violently. You missed this spot bitch. My scalp has almost torn apart. I was in extreme pain as she laid into me without remorse.

"P-please mother... I-it hu-rts.." I whispered in agony as I could no longer take the blows she was inflicting on me. What I could only do at that moment is to continue to appeal to her to stop. I was expecting she would at least think about her action as I expressed how much pain she was inflicting on me at that moment. And yet,as expected my appeal seems to energize her more as she continue to smack me in the face faster and harder.

"I-I'm beg-ging y-you, ma'am, please stop"

"I won't stop until you work harder and stop being a useless little thing. Scrub the damn floor harder or I swear to disfigure your face untill you become unrecognizable!"

My stepmother continue to hit me untill my strength slowly drained. She grabbed me by the arm and shoved my back with much force that I lost my balance. A terrified gasp left my lips as I felt myself falling. I grew oblivious to my surrounding, my vision become blurry and shaky. And just when I thought I would fall and lose consciousness.I felt a pair of strong arm holding me.

"Evenly! What the hell are you doing?!" My father, Alpha Rhydor Greystone,arrived at the scene. I felt a glimmer of hope as he arrived and took me away from his wife's grasp.

"Why are you hitting her?" Dad continue to question her.

My stepmother's face frowned, pointing her finger at me, this filthy garbage can't do her chores right. Evenly face reddened with anger.

My head jerked up, and I met my father's deep brown eyes-filled with concern and regret.

Rhydor, the Alpha of the pack, set me on my feet, his jaw tight with barely restrained anger. His hands lingered on my arms as if ensuring I was steady. Then, slowly, he turned to Evelyn.

"That's enough," he said, his voice low and warning.

Evelyn scoffed. "She needs to learn her place. If you won't discipline her, I will."

Rhydor's fists clenched at his sides, but he didn't argue. He never did. Sophia knew why-because no matter how cruel Evelyn was, the mate bond tied them together. He couldn't leave her

That knowledge sat like a heavy weight in my chest.My father cared, but he was powerless to stop any of this. And Evelyn knew it.

With a satisfied smirk, my stepmother turned on her heel and walked away, leaving me standing there, still trembling.

Rhydor exhaled, his expression pained as he looked at me.Without a word, he headed to the first aid box,pulling out a small jar of healing ointment.

"Here," he murmured, gently dabbing some onto my swollen lip.The coolness of the medicine soothed the burning sting.

I winced but didn't pull away.

"You need to be careful," Rhydor said softly, his voice heavy with guilt. "I'll try to keep her off your back, but..."

Sophia knew how that sentence ended. He couldn't stop Evelyn. He couldn't protect her.

So she just nodded. "I know, Dad."

Afterward, he sighed and gave me an apologetic look,brushing a strand of hair from her face before stepping back. "Go rest in your room, sweetheart. I'll check on you later."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, gave a small nod, and turned away.

As I retire to my room,I continue to drown in my solitude untill I heard a gentle knock on the door. Slowly I went to open it and when I did,the unexpected visitor immediately hug me.

Sophia

"Sophy! You won't believe what is happening in few days time," she exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh,calm down,Elera," I replied. My bestfriend froze immediately she saw the bruises and cut on my arms and face,her face showing concern as her grip on me tightened, and she pulled back just enough to look at me, her wide eyes scanning my face, my arms, the bruises blooming beneath my skin like dark, ugly flowers. Her expression shifted-confusion, then horror, then fury.

"What the hell happened to you?" she whispered, voice shaking. She didn't need to ask. She already knew. Did Aunt Evenly beat you up again?

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "It's nothing new" it's been like this since I was a child I uttered bitterly.Elera walked into the room and shut the door leading me to the edge of my bed to sit.

I looked at Elera's face, and all I could see in her eyes is love and concern. In this pack,she is the only one I have as a friend.The only one who saw me-not as a burden, not as something to break, but as a person.Even the omegas are afraid of making friends with me, fearing my stepmother. Not only did my stepmother abuse me physically,she also succeeded in chasing pack members away from me and shattered my confidence.

Fortunately, Elera become my friend. Being the daughter of the Beta,who also happen to be a family friend, Evenly couldn't manipulate her into hating me.

Her jaw clenched. "Nothing new?" Her hands hovered near my arms, as if she wanted to touch me but was afraid it would hurt.This is wickedness and unacceptable.I mean Uncle Rhydor didn't try to put a stop to your stepmother cruelty,this is getting out of hand. You don't have to put up with that,you know? You have the freedom to walk away, to rebuild, to become something greater than the pain they left you with.

"Do you want her to runaway from the pack, Elera?"

Our heads turned to the door,and there stood my stepsister, Sylvia. She was standing with her arms crossed,with her lips curled into a knowing smirk, her golden eyes glinting with something between amusement and malice.

Elera rolled her eyes."what are you doing here,Sylvia? You're not welcome here."

Well I heard my mother beat you up for being a sluggish bitch. I wanted to see how messed up your face look but I'm disappointed because I can still recognize your ugly face. I guess you still need some blows on your face so you can know who's in charge.

Elera clenched her fist and faced her. I guess you will be the one receiving those blows on your face,if you don't get the hell out this moment. Sylvia's face turn serious, knowing fully well that she is not joking with what she said.

I don't know why you hang out with that dirty trash.

You're the most beautiful lady in the pack ,yet you're friends with Sophia. Really? You could've pick me as your bestie or any other person in the pack.

"Oh,news flash I'm not interested," Elera interjected. I'd rather be alone than be besties with a shallow bitch like you.

Sylvia left the room banging the door,her face fumed with embarrassment.

Noticing that,I held Elera's hand. You shouldn't have do that. What if she turned on you next?

Well,she won't dare. I'm not scared of her, Elera shrugged. Sylvia is like a leach. She's been all around me getting close to me because of my beauty and she don't want you to have a friend. So I'm pretty sure she won't turn on me,even if she does I'm ready for her.

Elera and I laughed,well aware of my stepsister personality.I mean what I said earlier, Elera said with seriousness in a tone.

I let out a big sigh, showing how stuck and frustrated I am. "I know."

Okay? You're not going to do anything?

Well, I'm not, sounding defeated. I've got nowhere to go. Never heard of mom's pack,i haven't met my destined mate and no other family to look after me.

The truth of the situation sinks in. My mother died giving birth to me and nobody knows where she came from except my dad. I've asked my dad countless times about my mom's pack but he wouldn't say anything,not even the name of my mom.

Then suddenly, Elera's face lit up. I think I've got the solution you've been waiting for. The mating ball is in few days and every warewolf is preparing themself for the big day, she screamed with joy.

"Mating ball,I murmured as I listen to her. I look at Elera with confusion but almost immediately she started explaining in details.

Yes,Sophy. You will be attending the most anticipated mating ball of the year.

The mating ball is held annually in the Moonshadow pack, being one of the biggest pack in the entire land. It is a grand event where unmated wolves gather to find their destined mates.Different packs travelled far and wide for this grand occasion. The main purpose is to allow unmated wolves, especially from different packs, to meet and identify their fated mates.It helps strengthen alliances between packs and ensures the continuation of strong bloodlines.

For some wolves, finding a mate is a matter of survival, as an unbonded wolf may grow weaker over time. Even Sylvia will be eager to go to the mating ball.

You know I'm not allow to attend any functions outside the pack. I can't go with you.

Come on , Sophy. You can't be caged for life. She held my hand and caressed the side of my face to comfort me. Besides, nobody will even noticed you're gone, Evenly will be busy preparing Sylvia for the mating ball.

I don't think that is a good idea, Elera. I don't even have a wolf so I don't think I have a mate either.

Don't say that. You might be a late bloomer. Who knows? You might meet your mate and that can make you feel your wolf. This is the perfect time to find a suitable partner who can help you escape from this suffering.

As I stared at Elera,her words keep replying in my head. Deep down I know she is right. This could be the opportunity I've been waiting for all my life. I mean, there must be someone out there who's my mate, right ? It's the perfect opportunity to find my mate who will help me escape from this goddess-forsaken life.

And all it takes is for me to attend the mating ball that I hope will change the course of my suffering.

Damon

The Moonshadow Pack Hall

The scent of arousal clung to the air, thick and intoxicating, but I barely noticed. Two she-wolf kissed each other.They moaned my name, their body arching, desperate for my touch, but I felt nothing.

The sound of skin against skin could be heard as I fucked one of them. My hands moved over her skin, rough and commanding, drawing gasps from her lips, but inside, I was empty. This was nothing but a means to an end-an attempt to silence the restless hunger clawing at me from within.

"She is not our mate."

The voices of my wolves echoed in my mind, deep and primal.My wolves, Kael, growled in discontent, while Raze snarled, restless and unsatisfied. They craved more-not just sex, but completion.

I block both of my wolves,Kael and Raze can be annoying sometimes.I simply pulled out of the she-wolf and get off the bed,as I took a drag from the cigarettes between my lips.

Get out,I shouted at the two she-wolves without giving them a second glance. They dragged theirself from the bed, walking slowly out of the bed like a crippled person,I doubt if they will be able to walk properly for a day or two.

They've fulfilled their role and now I don't want to see them again. I hissed in pain as my erected dick pointed at me. No release, no pleasure.

No she-wolf had ever made me cum. No matter how eager, how skilled, they all failed. Because my body, my soul, my very essence belonged to someone else."my mate."

She is out there, Damon. Our mate. We need her." Kael's voice was a dark murmur, calm but insistent.

"Find her! Or we will tear through every she-wolf until we do!" Raze snarled, restless and impatient.

I have waited for years for my mate, but still haven't find her. I'd scoured pack after pack, land after land, seeking the one thing that eluded me,my mate. The one destined to stand by my side, to soothe the storm raging within me. But she was nowhere to be found. No scent had called to me.My wolves tormented me for it.No touch had ignited the primal need buried deep in my soul. My wolves tormented me for it.

I walked into the bathroom to wash their scent off me. I turned the light off. Enjoying the darkness that welcome me in the bathroom. I stepped into the shower after throwing away the cigarettes into the bin.

Turning the tap on,I close my eyes as the cold water pour all over my body. I soaped my body and was rinsing off when I felt someone mind linking me.

"Alpha. The annual mating ball is tomorrow. Kane,my second in command,My Beta,my friend since childhood. He is the only one who understand me since he hasn't find a mate too.

Oh,I want to attend the mating ball disguised,I linked back.

We will leave tonight. 'I will be ready in 25'

Okay Alpha, Kane uttered. I cut the link and grab a towel. A knowing smile on my face. Keal and Raze dance with joy in my head "let go find mate". I hope we find her this time,I don't want to feel disappointed again.

I grabbed my phone and left the room. I haven't been to the Pack Square since last annual mating ball. So,it would actually be fair to go earlier than the time scheduled to see how the preparation for the mating ball is going.The pack square is quiet far from the pack hall.I decided to go the night before the mating ball.

Kane met me in a secluded place of the forest near the Pack Hall. He handed a bundle of clothing. "It is nothing fancy," he said. "But enough to make sure no one looks twice." I looked at him and couldn't help but laugh at his dress,his disguise look funny.

I unfolded the garments,it contain a dark, hooded cloak made of lightweight but durable fabric, designed to conceal my features without making me look suspicious. Beneath it was a simple black tunic and pants, a far cry from the tailored, authoritative clothing I usually wore. The boots were sturdy but worn, the kind an ordinary pack member might wear for work rather than prestige.

To complete the disguise, my beta handed me a mask. It was a plain, half-face mask made of dark leather, something that wouldn't stand out too much since many unmated wolves wore masks at these events to add mystery to the night.

"You blend in, you observe, and you leave before anyone gets too curious," Kane reminded me. "No shifting, no giving orders, and for the love of the moon, try not to radiate 'Alpha' energy all over the place."

Raze growled in discontent as my beta uttered those words out,it sound commanding to my wolf.

I'm sorry, Alpha, my beta bowed to me.His action calming my wolf as he remain quiet afterwards.

"I've heard you". You act like I don't know how to behave. I smirked, slipping the mask over my face and pulling the hood up.

I walked out of the forest,my beta beside me. I move through the crowd,my sharp eye scanning everywhere,when a faint sniffle caught my attention. I turn toward the sound, my senses honing in on the small figure sitting near one of the large oak trees.

A little boy,no older than five,was hunched over, clutching a tangled mess of broken sticks and torn paper in his tiny hands. His chubby cheeks were streaked with tears, his lower lip quivering as he tried to straighten out what had once been a kite.

I exhaled, shaking my head. I have no business dealing with pups. And yet, before I could talk myself out of it, I was already crouching down.

"That's quite the mess you've got there." my voice was lower than usual, careful to keep the commanding edge out of it and no scare the pup way.

The pup sniffed and looked up, big, watery eyes meeting my masked face. "My kite," he hiccupped. "The wind took it, and then it hit a tree, and now it's... it's..." Another sniff. "It's dead."

I bit back a smirk. "Dead, huh? I think I can fix that."

Th pup blinked at me. "Really?"

My beta aim for the kite to fix it,but I raised my finger stopping him from fixing the kite. He step back and stood at my back.

I nodded, reaching for the broken kite. With quick, sure hands, I untangled the knots, straightened the thin wooden sticks, and carefully tore away the ruined paper. My fingers weren't used to delicate work, but I made do, weaving the frame back together before pulling a discarded cloth from my cloak. It wasn't perfect, but soon, a new kite shape began to form.

The pup watched me with wide-eyed wonder, completely fascinated.

"There," I said at last, handing the kite back. "Try not to let the wind steal this one."

The boy took it with awe, holding it up like it was the greatest gift in the world. Then, his little face scrunched in delight. "Wow! You're really good at this, mister." He grinned. "And you're super handsome too!"

I froze. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or be mildly offended that a five-year-old had just called me 'mister.'

The pup beamed at me. "Thank you! I'm gonna go show my mommy!"

Before I could react, the little boy dashed off, his tiny legs carrying him back into the crowd, his new kite flapping behind him.

I shook my head, standing up and dusting myself off. Handsome, huh? I chuckled under my breath. At least someone in this pack had good taste.