Chapter Eight

Gina's POV

It's been two days since I last saw Dagen, and that was when he came to inform me about my Luna title ceremony. And I haven't stepped out of my room, or rather, I haven't been permitted to. For the past two days, I could barely sleep as I thought about being to this fate for the rest of my life.

I was seated in the bed, with my arms around my knees. My eyes were fixed on the silken red dress that was hanging on the clothing rack. Tonight, was the supposed ceremony that was held in my honor.

I sighed. It was twilight already. I could already hear the loud noise of chattering from outside the castle. I bet some guests had begun to make appearances.

I closed my eyes, huffing again when the door pulled open. There was a triggering shift in the air. At once, I was aware of his presence, Dagen. Somehow, whenever he was around me, the air seemed to surrender to his pleasant scent. I pushed my eyes open, exhausting every ounce of control I had not to gaze at him. I hate to admit it, but he looks very handsome tonight.

“Gina!” Dagen growled from the door. “What do you think you are doing, not dressed?” His voice was huskier than ever, leaving a cold trail down my spine.

I tore my gaze away from him, not saying a word.

“Get dressed, Gina, and come downstairs at once, or I swear by the goddess, you will regret it.”

I nodded sharply.

Then, with one last menacing glare, he walked away and slammed the door behind him.

As soon as Dagen left my room, I angrily pushed out of the bed and grabbed the dress on the rack. I slid into it, and Diane appeared just in time to save me from making a disastrous mess. Soon, I was all dressed. I looked into the mirror, unable to recognise my sudden transformation. I looked beautiful. I thanked Diane. Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a maid sauntered inside, informing us everyone had gathered already, waiting for me.

I sucked in some air, leaving my room with Diane for the big hall in the castle.

Everyone’s eyes were on me as I kept moving. The place was packed with a lot of people, many of whom I was certain were from the Council, while the others were probably villagers of the pack. I looked around, there was no sign of Dagen. I know without a doubt that he was probably with his lover. I found myself fighting hard against the tears that are threatening to fall. I really tried, but just couldn't win against my emotions.

I turned away, rushing to the door before anyone could see me in my messy state. Unexpectedly, I collapsed into a hard figure. Its force made me lose my balance, and before I could fall, firm hands gripped my waist, steadying me. I fell into his eyes. They were a fine hazel pair.

Before the stranger could speak, a growl silenced the air.

I whipped my head to where the loud growl emanated from. It came from the entrance to the hall, and a very angry-looking Moved hurriedly to us. My eyes darted back to the stranger. His eyes were on Dagen as well, but they were full of fear.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Dagen said, barely in a low tone, his eyes lowered distastefully on me in the arms of the stranger. It was then I realized that the cute stranger was still holding me by my waist. I quickly steadied my shoes on the floor, regaining my balance, and sent a thankful smile to the stranger, whose flawless hazel eyes were still fixed on Dagen.

“Thank you for - - -” I began but was abruptly cut off by Dagen's pointed words.

“What are you doing here, Tyler?” Dagen was looking straight at the young man beside me, Tyler. From Dagen's tone, it seemed the man was not welcomed at all.

“The Council Invited us to the ceremony, and so here I am. My brother sent his apologies for not being able to make it to your Luna's coronation.” With every word that left Tyler’s lips, he never took his eyes off me. “So you are the lady of this ceremony,” Tyler whispered to me, making me blush.

Dagen's huge and domineering figure soon stood between us.

“Get out, Tyler!” He counted each word in the most terrifying manner, making it obvious he had lost the last straw of patience. Quickly, his Beta, Edvin and another guy called Felix were by Dagen's side.

The air around us became too uncomfortable, charged with a knife-edge tension. Diane rushed to me and pulled me away.

My mate and Tyler stood, glaring at each other so intensely, a second away from lunging at each other. I felt the hatred that burned between them.

Thankfully, before anything disastrous happened, a voice vibrated within the castle hall.

“Enough!” two men strutted from the far end of the hall. They were quite old, and if you listened closely, one could note the rich accent that dangled on their words. My eyes rounded in recognition. The Elder Wolves. I had never seen them, but I had heard stories about them and the Council.

“What is this madness? There are so many eyes on you for goodness sake, or have you forgotten the reason why we are here today?” One of the elders spoke to them.

“You are correct,” Dagen grunted. “This is my Luna's coronation, and witches are not invited.”

Another elder spoke up. “He's a Council guest.”

“One that is not welcomed in my pack.” Dagen voiced again.

I watched Tyler’s face harden with sternness. He was vibrating with raw emotions of hate. His eyes traveled across the hall, finding me. The coldness and hate in his eyes flushed away instantly, his features becoming soft. He held my gaze briefly as if communicating to me in a language that I didn't understand.

“Alpha Dagen…” An elder began, but Tyler cut through.

“That's alright, Elder Thaddeus.” His eyes were locked with mine. “I will take my leave now,” he announced, moving to my side.

Unexpectedly, he took my hand and said, “It's a pleasure to meet you, Regina.”

Another growl thundered from Dagen. Tyler quickly released my hand and stormed out of the hall.