Vengeful Luna- fated to the alphas who killed my family

MELODY'S POV

My name is Melody Karin. Sounds like music, right? Well! That's because it is.

I was told my mum gave birth to me at the seaside. One sunny morning- 3rd of April- She had gone to the sea just to wash and relax, but instead, she went into labour, without any notice and with no one on site, everyone had gone to the market, office or the pack house just like father... Oh I forgot to tell you guys, My father-Karin Enoch- is the beta of Oceanfront pack.

Mother tried to mind link father but the pain was intense and the contractions were fast and short-spaced. Within five minutes, I was already sprawled on the sand..

The winds and waves blew softly as if they were whispering melodious lullabies. Like the sea itself called me forth from the womb and I answered.

So she named me Melody- melody of the Sea. And honestly? It fits. The sea has always felt more like home than anywhere else.

-----

Five years later, everyone was excited, the eastern coast pack had offered to build a bridge between our island and the mainland. In exchange, they would build and run an oil refinery here and also receive an estimated supply of timber yearly.

The alpha and other dignitaries of our pack had gone to finalise the negotiation and inaugurate the project with the eastern coast alpha and his entourage at the sea dock house.

They said it was an attack but it didn't look like one, it was a selective assassination, it was carefully planned. As if someone wanted certain persons gone. Also they didn't steal anything, they even let the gamma and others go unharmed ...

That day the alpha, Luna, my parents, a few elders and guards were brutally murdered...

Grandpa told me my parents have gone to heaven but I knew they didn't go, they were taken, forcefully taken from me..

Then I made a vow to fiercely protect all that was mine. I won't let anything be taken away from me again.. I started training and learnt how to defend myself.

--------

I'm twelve now and It's my grandpa's 60th birthday today. I wanted to do something special for him. Because he deserves it, he has never allowed me to feel the absence of my parents.

Though most times he goes overboard with it, who pays all the car, tricycle owners to rent their car and tricycle to form an entourage just for his granddaughter's first day in school? Who throws a party for every little achievement, who pays school fees and every other necessity on the first day of school resumption? That's my grandpa...

So you see, he deserves something special...After school, I changed and ran straight to the shore with my fishing basket and dove right in.. I wanted to do something. I wanted to make him smile.

And I did. I made a great catch. My basket was filled with freshly caught fish.

I was rinsing the salt and sand from my legs and hands when I heard his annoying and arrogant voice.

"Wow, these fish are so big! They will make a yummy pot of fish soup. Boys, get them in my bag!"

Who else but Anthony. The Alpha's troublesome son. And as usual, barking at his puppies-Damian and Jacob.

I just hope he's not talking about my basket of fish.

Because if he is?

Let me not say what's on my mind..

"What fish?" I asked as I rushed over, my eyes narrowing as I spotted Jacob's greedy hands reaching for my basket.

"Hey, stop! Those are not yours. They're mine." as I snatched the basket from them.

Anthony smirked, stepping before me. "I am the future Alpha. I take whatever I want. So move before I move you."

I stood barefoot on the sea-washed rocks, My clothes clinging to my wet skin. My hair was damp, sticking to my face- I probably looked like a drowned cat.

But my grip on the basket didn't shake and I didn't move an inch.

"No, I won't," I said firmly.

Anthony's eyes narrowed. "You're just a common girl. You should know your place."

I looked him straight in the eyes. "I do. My place is here. I worked hard for these fishes. They're mine, and you won't take them."

He raised his hand trying to strike me.

"Don't you dare," I warned.

"What will you do?" he asked mockingly.

"Try it and see," I answered.

He swung his hand towards my cheek.

But I was very fast, I dodged and He missed. Immediately I held his hand, bent it backward and flipped him over, and- Thud- I landed him on the ground.

He cried out in pain, struggling. He grabbed my hair in anger, pulling it hard.

But I don't give up easily. I refused to let go of him. I sank my claws into his right arm, slicing deep into his skin..

He screamed. "You wild little thing! Do you know who I am? I'm the Alpha's son!"

I stood over him, breathing heavily. My eyes red. "Then tell the Alpha's son not to steal from his subordinates."

Anthony looked at his bleeding arm. "You see this scar... I'll never forget it. I'll make sure you pay for this!"

"Good," I said calmly. "I also hope it will remind you not to mess with me again-or steal from others."

Anthony's friends helped him up and slowly backed away. They looked at me with fear- maybe pity in their eyes as they whispered to each other. But I didn't care.

---

"Melody, are you crazy?!" Linda, my cousin and best friend, finally spoke after Anthony and his boys left.

"You're in big trouble now. You should've just let him take it- or begged him to pay for the fishes.. Anything but fighting him." she continued nagging, her eyes wide with panic.

"I don't beg thieves," I snapped. "And I won't let anyone steal from me just because of their title. If he wants fish, let him catch his own- or learn how to say please."

"Melody, you are very reckless! But I won't lie, It was so funny seeing his face twist in pain," Linda said, bursting out in laughter.

"This is the first time someone is standing up to him. He will be so shocked!"

"I don't care, I always avoid trouble but I don't run when trouble comes knocking at my door." I chipped in.

"Anthony never forgives insults, so you need to be more careful from now on, Mel." Linda scolded.

"I am not a careful person. I am carefree, sister," I replied as I picked up my basket and started walking home.

---------

Linda was right, I should have been more careful, because Anthony became a thorn in my fles. He made my life a living hell in the school and I tried my best to ignore him because of Linda and grandpa's warning.

I dreaded school. He tripped me in the hallway, put gum on my seat and desk... But the day he made fun of my late parents- calling them weak and foolish- I snapped.

I had to run. If I had stayed that day, I would have killed him... I ran past the city.

Straight to the sea. I passed the safe zone and went further than I've gone, I needed a quiet place to cry..

And before I realized myself, I ended up on the forbidden northern shore.

That's when I saw him.

A boy-struggling in the waters. That part of the sea was dangerous, it was off-limits, but I didn't think twice. I dived in. The water pulled me forcefully, but I fought it.

I reached him just in time. I grabbed him under the arms, kicking hard until we reached the shore. I dragged him onto the rocks, panting.

He looked a bit older than me, about seventeen or nineteen years old, while I was twelve.

"Hello?" I called softly, touching his shoulder.

No response. He was bleeding and unconscious, but still breathing.

I laid him by his side, he must have ingested a lot of sea water. He had a deep cut across his left wrist, then bruises on his ribs and eyebrow.

I looked around. There was no one – just me and this mysterious boy.

My heartbeat pounded.

I need to act fast, his wrist was bleeding profusely.

I pulled him further up the shore and searched the nearby bush for the miracle leaf. I saw one, cut out some and crushed it, squeezed its juice into the bleeding cut on his wrist, ribs, and pressed the leaf over the wounds.

Then, I did the unthinkable.

I took off the twin silver bangle-my mother's bangle. I split it into two and slid one half onto the boy's wrist and use it to tightly hold the leaf over the cut.

Then something caught my eyes... The boys' clothes.

He was wearing a school uniform with a tag-Royal Oxbridge College.

He wasn't from Oceanfront.

No one here wears that.

No one goes to college. There's only one school on our island -Derek High school named after Alpha Derek- Anthony's father.

This boy... must be from the mainland.

MELODY'S POV

I slightly opened my eyes and I peeked at the heart-shaped pink clock hanging on my wall.

9:59 a.m.

Urghh...It's almost 3 hours behind my normal waking time. I can proudly say I am a morning person. I'm the kind of person who jumps out of bed early, excited to start the day.

But not today.

I didn't feel like getting up. I didn't feel like doing anything or going anywhere.

Grandpa has come upstairs for the uptenth time to check if I was up - While I pretended to be asleep....

I switched on my phone ... My phone beeped unstoppably... It was messages from our class group chat: "check out my gown for the Wine&Dine ceremony" "my new hairstyle is so dope""

"Good for them" I muttered as I shut my phone again, not bothering to even open any of the pictures.

I didn't understand why everyone is so excited about the Wine&Dine ceremony. Imposing a public holiday, shutting down Shops, schools, businesses and offices just for some wolves to drink and fall in love...

To me?

This just meant another wasted and unproductive day.

Another day where my dreams were put on pause.

I sighed and dragged myself out of bed, I picked up my face wipes and started cleaning my face... I sluggishly made my bed, headed to my bathroom and freshened up... I gently brushed my hair and tied it up with my silver bangle. After I'm done, I made my way downstairs towards the kitchen to start my morning chores

I smelt something delicious.l

Meat. Fried meatballs.

"Grandpa is cooking again?" I murmured, surprised.

He never cooked unless it was a special day... or a difficult one.

I got to the kitchen and leaned on the doorframe...

A pot was bubbling on the cooker, while the kitchen smelled of garlic, tomatoes, pepper and fried meatballs, making me feel hungry already.

"Goodmorning, Grandpa, OMG, what's the occasion?" I exclaimed softly.

"Morning, my sunshine!, finally you are awake" he replied as his eyes-those tired yet wise eyes-sparkled as he smiled.

"You smell that? Something special for my special granddaughter!"

I tilted my head. "Grandpa, why are you stressing yourself?. You should have woken me up."

He smiled wider. "No, you shouldn't stress yourself today, just eat and get ready to meet your mate"

"I've told you grandpa, I'm not interested" I said frowning.

"Sssshhh. I have something for you... it's on the couch.. Didn't you see it?"

I rushed to the living room-and froze.

Laid out carefully on the sofa was the most beautiful gown I've ever seen. A sky-blue dress embroidered with tiny seashells and a pair of silver low heels..

"Grandpa," I ran back into the kitchen. "It's so... gorgeous.

Still, you shouldn't have, I haven't even worn the one you got for me on my birthday two weeks ago."

He chuckled, walking over and placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Nothing is too much for my baby"

"What's the point of being a grandpa if I can't spoil my only granddaughter? Besides, I want you to look better than everyone else tonight."

"Thank you, Grandpa... but I don't want to attend the ceremony," I smiled faintly

While we ate, Grandpa couldn't stop talking about how he met my grandma-how magical it was- how it used to be known as the wine-tasting ceremony during his days- the wines was stored for three years and unveiled by the alpha, while they drank the scent of the wine, will reveal everyone's mate...

All these stories and history just to convince me...

I laughed at some of his jokes.

"Good for you, Grandpa. But I don't think I'm ready for that."

I moved toward the sink, starting to rinse the dishes and tidy the kitchen.

"Melody." His voice grew serious.

"Leave the chores and get ready. You just turned eighteen. Who knows- the wine might reveal your mate tonight."

I shook my head hard.

"I've told you before-I'm not interested in all this mate stuff. I just want to apply to the university on the mainland. I want to study medicine. I want to take care of you better. I don't want to be caged as anyone's mate. Maybe later-but not now."

His shoulders tensed.

"Mel, you know no one leaves the island without the Alpha's permission. It's forbidden."

"Then help me get permission!" I pleaded, my voice rising with desperation.

He sighed deeply.

"Melody, enough. You're eighteen now. Thankfully you shifted into your wolf three nights ago. Your wolf is no longer dormant. Sooner or later, the Moon Goddess will connect you to your fated mate. There's no need fighting it." he added firmly.

I paused, my hands trembling over a glass jug.

"I kept my shift a secret for a reason. No one needs to know yet."

"Why, child?" he asked gently. "What are you afraid of?"

Before I could answer.

The door opened

Hello, is anyone home?

Linda walked straight to the kitchen to meet us, her dress in her hands and hair all done, she was already looking like a bride...

"Good morning grandpa" as she hugged grandpa.

Then she turned towards me.

"OMG! Mel, you've not made your hair?" she gasped. "Are you seriously going to miss the ceremony while the rest of us fall in love?"

I didn't bother looking at her...

I just walked into the living room and started cleaning the dining room...

"Melody, can you stop being difficult" Linda screamed as she followed me.

"I'm not interested in falling." I snapped.

"You're insane Mel. This is the Wine&Dine Ceremony! Girls are all getting glammed up, the boys are already warming up for tonight . The whole town is bubbling!"

I rolled my eyes, dusting the table..

"Smells like desperation."

Linda came closer and leaned towards me, lowering her voice.

"Come on Sis. Don't you want to find your mate?"

"I'm not yet ready and even when I will be, I don't want anyone from here.They are all cowards, not even one of them could stand up to that bully" I muttered.

She narrowed her eyes.

"So you think your mate is... out there? Beyond the ocean?"

My silence gave me away.

Her eyes widened.

"Wait... don't tell me you're into rogues now or are you interested in the enemies out there!"

I turned away quickly.

"You wouldn't understand."

"Stop dreaming, there's nothing out there for you Mel," she urged.

"You don't know that... I met someone," I whispered before I could stop myself.

Her jaw dropped.

"You what? When? Where? Who?!"

"It's nothing," I said, walking out of the kitchen.

"You are hiding something! Linda persisted.

"I said it's nothing, I just want to go out there and study, nothing more" I snapped.

"Do you still want me to go to the D&W ceremony or not? You better get your ass down here and help me out".

-because I still have a lot to do. I'll only consider going to the ceremony when I'm done."

"I'm sure you're hiding something," she said, before walking off to my room to drop her dress and bag.

---

That Evening...

Linda styled my hair, curled and added tiny silver hair clips. She did my makeup. I wore the sky-blue dress Grandpa had gifted me. I did it for him-not for some fated mate or wine whatever.

And as I stepped out, I saw the prideful smile on his face as he exclaimed "oh my angel"

Truly I looked like an angel, I barely recognized myself in the mirror.....

The winery banquet glowed with golden chandeliers... Everyone was glowing, some laughed, danced, and clinked glasses filled with the sacred wine said to reveal one's mate.

I just stood by the side, sipping from a glass of water.

But Linda wouldn't let me be.

"Just one dance!" Linda insisted, pulling me onto the floor.

To my surprise, I laughed and danced and started enjoying the ceremony.

But my wolf-Sirena-was uncomfortable. Inside me, she paced anxiously, sniffing the air.

Something wasn't right.

Then the music stopped.

Alpha Anthony Derek took the stage.

"As Alpha of this great pack," he began, his voice commanding, "I will be the first to announce my mate. For this year's ceremony.."

Applause erupted.

I rolled my eyes so hard I almost had a headache.

Ugggh. Of course he wants to go first.

He's one of the reasons I didn't want to come. Very annoying person. I've had peace since he graduated from high school and I've done a very good job at avoiding him.

I walked off, grabbing a glass of wine and walked into a quiet corner and stared out the tall window-admiring the full white moon surrounded by glittering stars that looked like crushed crystals or diamonds.

I smiled. Nature always found a way to comfort me.

Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to come after all.

I'll just sip my wine, watch the stars, and let all the drama unfold and pass...

I was lost in thought.

Until I heard it.

His annoying voice-closer this time.

"Mate."

The crowd cheered behind me.

The Alpha had found his mate.

Yet I didn't turn. The truth is, I didn't care.

Poor girl, I thought.

Whoever she is.

I sipped my wine again.

Then- a hand touched my shoulder.

"Mate."

I turned slowly.

Anthony.

He stood there smiling, like he owned the world.

The kind of smile that said: I always get what I want.

My eyes widened.

"What...? Who is your mate?"

Anthony grinned proudly.

"You, my beloved Melody. You are my mate. And the future Luna of Oceanfront."

The wine glass slipped from my fingers, shattering at my feet.

I stepped back.

"You must be joking. This is a prank, right?"

But his expression was deadly serious.

My heart pounded.

"No. No, this can't be.!"

I turned and ran-out of the hall, down the path that led towards the sea.

I kicked off my shoes. My bare feet slapped against the stones...

No. Not him. Not Anthony. Anyone but him.

I stopped, gasping for air.

"I must be dreaming... Please let me wake up," I whispered, pinching my face.

Footsteps behind me.

"Melody!" Linda's voice rang out. "Stop running like a crazy person!"

Grandfather also caught up, breathless.

"Come let's go home, child."

I didn't speak.

They held me and walked me back in silence.

What started as a normal day...

Had turned into my worst nightmare.

Enoch's POV

I sat up from my bed. The house was filled with sadness-even the night of the bloodbath wasn't this bad. Melody was by my side, and we comforted each other.

Her melodious voice-singing or humming-and the soft sound of her footsteps while she did her morning chores has always been my morning alarm, waking me up with a smile. But today everywhere was silent.

I sat up slowly, my bones aching more than usual.

I hadn't slept all night. The weight of last night's revelation pressed heavily on my chest. My mind kept spinning. Melody-my sweet, stubborn granddaughter-chosen by the Moon Goddess to be Alpha Anthony's mate?

She hated Anthony. Their rivalry ran deep. But I guess fate had other plans.

I remember, back then when Melody's mother, Selena, was pregnant with her, she had dreamt that she was carrying the great Luna of three packs who will bring expansion to Oceanfront, but only if she accepts her mates..

I dragged my tired body toward her door, but when I heard her sobs, I couldn't bear it anymore.

I need to see Anthony first, so I can have something to tell Melody when I return.

I arrived at the Pack House early the next morning, my boots were muddy because I decided to walk, so I could clear my head.

The scent of damp earth hung in the air. There is fear because of the flooding that keeps increasing. Our greatest fear is the grape plantation despite being located at the highest part of the island but it's just a matter of time before the waters get there.

They told me the Alpha was in a meeting.

I sighed and found a seat in the grand reception hall.. I sat quietly.

But I quickly fell asleep before I realized it.

I dreamt of my younger years, when I was still the Beta of oceanfront. I barked orders to warriors and kept the rogues away from our island. I started the grape Vine farming - many kicked against it, some said it's stupidity to grow grapes on an island, someone jokingly said that "we will be lucky if the sea doesn't drink all the wine first"-

The old Alpha had trusted me. The people followed me without question and here we are today - The winery has become one of our major businesses on the island...

Then I saw myself now old, not Beta anymore but still managing the winery and-clinging to the one person who still made life feel worth something: Melody.

A tap on my shoulder broke the dream.

"The Alpha is ready for you now, sir," a guard said respectfully.

I stood slowly, bones aching, and followed the guard into the council chamber. The room was newer than I remembered- it looked larger, fancier. Mahogany chairs, Air conditioners, water dispensers and other modern facilities have replaced the old furniture's and painting patterns that tell the story and history of the pack.

The golden crest of Oceanfront still hung proudly behind the Alpha's seat.

Anthony stood as I entered.

"Beta Enoch," he greeted with a nod.

"You don't have to call me Beta anymore," I replied.

"To me, you always will be, you still keep the pack's major source of income running," Anthony said sincerely.

"It's an honour, besides the work has been made easy with all those machines and workers" I replied smiling.

"Still you are the force behind it all" he persisted with the flattery.

He called a guard and ordered him. "Bring refreshments. Wine and dried fish."

"No, thank you, Alpha, it's too early, maybe some other time" I said firmly.

Anthony dismissed the guard and sat.

I took the seat across from him. We exchanged greetings and spoke briefly of the winery business and politics.

Then I leaned forward, my voice soft but firm.

"I'm here because I'm worried about my granddaughter. I need to know your true intentions-especially after everything you two shared... and the history you both have."

"I understand," Anthony began. "I know I treated her badly when we were younger. I was immature... the truth is I was threatened by her strength. She was strong, bold, and never bowed to anyone-not even me. I didn't know how to handle that."

He looked down, shame in his eyes.

"But I'm a grownup now and I've changed.

I'm glad the moon goddess chose her-she's strong, she's what I need by my side. Not just as a mate but as Luna of this pack because oceanfront needs a Luna like her.

I raised an eyebrow. "It's too sudden, the wedding is in two days. What happens if she says no?"

"I'll accept it," Anthony said quickly. "I'll never force her. Even if she walks away, I'll still protect her. She means too much to this pack... and to me."

A long silence followed.

Then he added softly, "Maybe this is the Moon Goddess giving us a second chance. Your family have sacrificed a lot to bring this pack to this level, her parents even died to protect this pack. Maybe Melody is meant to finish what they started."

My heart clenched. I stared at him for a long moment. This wasn't a speech rehearsed for power. It came from somewhere real.

"You've given me peace, I will take my leave now " I said quietly.

-

It was a few minutes past 10 a.m. when I got home. The house was still quiet, the compound untouched-just as I had left it.

I walked again to Melody's door, took a deep breath, and knocked. No response.

After a few seconds, I knocked again, softer this time.

"Melody... can I come in?"

Still no answer.

I slowly opened the door.

Melody sat on the edge of her bed, hunched over, her long black hair covering her face. Her eyes were puffy and red. It was clear she didn't get any sleep either.

My heart ached.

I sat beside her.

"My child," I whispered, "my poor baby girl."

She didn't look at me. Her voice came out as a whisper.

"I don't want this. I don't want him, He's not even my mate."

I sighed deeply. "I know, Melody.

But... you can't reject or disobey Alpha Anthony. It's the law. If you do... the punishment is death."

Her body stiffened. "Then let them kill me.

I would rather die than belong to him."

I gasped. "Don't say that! Don't ever speak of death so easily!"

"I mean it," she said sharply, tears rolling down her cheeks. "You don't know all the things he did to me.. I hate him and I still do."

I dropped my gaze. "That was a long time ago. You were kids then. Anthony is different now. He's a strong Alpha. He's not an enemy. He might be the best thing that could happen to you. I won't be here much longer... you need someone by your side when I'm gone and he is powerful enough to protect you."

"Protect me?" she laughed bitterly.

"You've heard the rumors. He's cruel. A womanizer. And let me remind you-he tried to steal from me, threatened me, fought me when I was just a girl. You call that a protector?"

I gently took her hand. "People grow, Melody. Maybe this is the Moon Goddess's way of healing the past. Maybe... This is the beginning of something bigger. You were born to be a Luna. I believe that with all my heart."

"Besides, I spoke with Anthony," I added.

She looked away, jaw tight.

"He wants what's best for you," I continued. "He regrets the past. He remembers my contributions and your parents' sacrifice-and I believe him."

She stood to her feet.

"No, Grandpa!" she yelled, eyes burning. "He's pretending. That's what he does-he plays games and everyone falls for it!"

She turned from me, wrapping her arms around herself.

Then she pointed toward the distant sea.

"Let's leave Oceanfront. Let's cross the sea! I've seen it in my dreams... A place full of opportunities, where I will be free to pursue my dream career! Please, Papa-before it's too late. This is a trap. Anthony's trap, and I don't want to be caged," she cried, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"This is your home," I said, gripping her shoulders. "Why would you want to run away from your home"

"My blood, my sweat built this land. Your parents' bones lie beneath these trees. There is nothing across the sea, only danger! The pack who killed your parents came from there. You think your future lies beyond the ocean?"

"I know it does!" she yelled.

My face twisted. My voice was no longer gentle.

"Stop driving me nuts, Mel! I am tired of your childish behavior! Grow up, you are eighteen now" I thundered and slammed the door as I left.

As I stepped outside, I felt bad for being too harsh on her but this is for the best..

Alpha Anthony is the best choice for her..

I hope and pray she accepts him...