Betrayal

"Excuse me?" What kind of question was that? And he didn't even bat an eye while asking it.

"Couple of years, I assume?" He continued nonchalantly. I couldn't avoid his gaze, it's as though my eyes were glued to his.

"I don't see why that matters," I attempted to argue, however it didn't seem to effect him at all.

"That's a long time to build up a relationship. I'm sure you feel like your love could stand against anything."

"Stop mocking us!" I stood up, my fury causing Maya to jump and spill some of the wine on herself. I would've paid no mind to this, had Austin ignored it as well.

But of course, that's not how things went down.

"Are you okay?" Austin stood to aid Maya as she attempted to clean the mess she'd made. He was so gentle with her, so sweet.

"Maya, Maya, Maya. That was some very fine wine you just spilled. What will I do with you?" Alpha stood as well, causing Austin to stand between Maya and Angelo.

"It wasn't her fault. Don't hurt her," Austin practically growled in defense. Angelo's eyes turned to me, as if this were his 'I told you so,' moment. There was nothing I could do or say to deny the fact of the matter. Maya was Austin's mate.

"What is your opinion on all of this, Amaris?" Alpha asked me, not even trying to hide the amusement in his voice.

"I'm not hungry anymore." Did he expect me to sentence Maya to an actual punishment? She couldn't help it if they were mates, however much it may hurt me.

"Come," Alpha reached his hand out to me, and who was I to say no? What did it matter anymore, anyways?

"Ama, things aren't the way you think they are," Austin called out, though he only turned his attention away from Maya once he knew she was safe.

I sat down next to Angelo, turning my head towards him instead of Austin now. I couldn't bear to look at him just yet. I was still processing everything that was happening.

"Eat," He commanded me softly, his hand grasping my chin to hold me in place as he brought a strawberry up to my lips. I took a bite, not in the right mindset to argue or refuse. This pleased him, eliciting a sound that resembled a purr from his chest.

"Ama, you have to listen to me! She's my mate but that's not why I brought you here!" I flinched, wanting to cover my ears. I couldn't do this right now.

"Quiet, pup! You are upsetting my mate and if you continue there will be consequences!" Angelo's voice boomed, and silence was immediately granted.

"Have another bite, beautiful," He whispered, bringing the strawberry up to my lips again. I complied, focusing on the texture and sweetness of the strawberry, rather than the bitterness I could feel manifesting in my heart.

"Good girl," He licked his lips, and I felt the hold on my chin tighten just a bit. He was watching me eat like it was primetime television.

"I can't fucking watch this anymore," Austin stormed out of the dining hall, slamming the door behind himself. Alpha was on his feet before the door could shut completely, but I took his hand to stop him. I felt betrayed, but I did not wish harm on Austin.

"Can you take me to my room?" I asked in hopes of distracting him. I'm sure he knew this was the reason I had spoken up, but it didn't seem to matter to him.

"Of course, beloved." He helped me up to my feet and proceeded to wrap his arm around my waist. "Maya, find your mate and calm him down. Tell him his life was spared because his Luna decided so."

"Yes, Alph-"

"I am NO ONE'S LUNA!" I finally lost it. I shoved the Alpha away and glared at him with all the hatred I could muster up. "I will die before I become Luna! I have no reason to live anymore!" I only caught a glimpse of the Alpha's surprised face before I took off running. I wasn't going to do this anymore. With any luck, it would only be my life in danger.

It wasn't until I reached the garden area that I remembered the Alpha's initial threat. Succumb, or my entire family faces banishment.

I dropped down onto the grass in front of me, not caring if I ruined my look for the night. There was no one to impress, anyways.

I didn't doubt the Alpha was capable of doing something so cruel. It was the whole reason I detested him. If rouges were caught on our perimeter, execution was their fate. Dozens of lives lost, why? Because they were looking for food and stumbled along the wrong pack?

I finally allowed my sobs to escape my chest, laying on the cold grass. Was I really expected to learn to love someone so horrible? Could I ever possibly put my feelings aside and allow a monster like that to lay next to me at night?

"Ama, please listen to me,"

I couldn't look at him. He must've heard that I ran away and came looking for me. I commend him for trying, but I just could not handle another conversation today.

"Dammit, Amaris! You're going to listen to me, now!"

"Don't yell at me!" I whipped up and looked at him. He had never raised his voice at me before. Why now?

"For fucks sake stop throwing a fit and listen to me!" He continued, grabbing my wrist to keep me from leaving.

"LET GO OF MY MATE!"