Chapter Two

I was busy decorating when a sudden, delightful smell of crisp pines hit my nose. I followed it blinded by the refreshing scent until I saw the source. Maverick. I growled in disgust with myself. He was a brutal murderer! He didn't deserve a mate! Then I was filled with indescribable despair. How could you Moon goddess?! I hid myself away quickly. Hoping he wouldn't catch my scent. The last thing I ever wanted was to be his mate. I would rather die. Though being his mate would be no different than death. I ran away to the forest that bordered the territory and hid myself in a hollowed out tree in a place just far enough to feel like I was free. I wished I could leave now. I COULD run away but given what the elders knew, they would have me returned to face Alpha Mikhail, or worse yet my mate, Maverick. If I renounced the pack they would kill me. If I ran away the elders would have me dragged back. If I stayed I would die. It all felt hopeless. I cried until the night came.

I woke up as I heard my name being called. I turned stiff as a board when I recognized the voice. Maverick! I wasn't ready! I felt so scared! My body refused to move, rather it was the fatigue or the fear I had no idea.

                                     "Verica! Where are you?!" His voice was commanding, harsh. I flinched hearing him shouting it out. I whimpered as I tried to bury myself but someone pull me out roughly.

                "She's here Alpha!" It was the soon to be Beta Alexander. He hated me the most for reasons I never understood. I felt like my wrist would shatter in his grip but I refused to cry out. I was so tired of everything! I wanted to tear him apart but felt my resolve waiver as Maverick drew near. I struggled hard against Alexander but his grip was iron clad. He didn't release me until Maverick took me in his hands. It felt like I was being hugged by magma, the heat made me weak. Maybe it was a combination of everything but I suddenly blacked out. The last memory I had was Maverick saying my name.

                        When I woke up I found myself restrained by a chain connecting my ankle to a bed in a strange room. It was spacious yet simple, there was the large fluffy bed, a desk with a few stationary items, a dresser, a door leading to a comfortable sized bathroom and a loveseat facing a large television. I was so thrown off I had forgotten what happened until the scent of pine hit me again. My stomach churned the closer it go. I felt so mixed up as my mind told me to resist but my heart craved him, my mate. I could throw up from the stress. I couldn't stop the trembling as he walked in, his steely blue eyes locked onto me like a predator to prey. He was handsome with his jet black hair styled into a sophisticated Mohawk style, his commanding presence was intense as he stood six foot five with a strong muscular build and those eyes that pierced through to one's soul. He was attractive but those strong hands were covered in blood. I refused to trust him. Mate bond be damned! I cringed as he approached me carefully. He tried to approach me gently but I couldn't hide my fears.

              He sighed in disappointment, "it is ok Verica. I won't hurt you. I promise." His voice was smooth and gentle but I couldn't trust his words. I remained silent trying not to upset him further. He looked at me, the frustration evident in his furrowed brows. "I understand. It will take time. I only ask you try to bear with it." I looked at him in surprise. Endure what?? The idea of his touch was repulsive. Just having him close made me want to pass out yet his sad eyes mad my heart desire to comfort him.

                       He turned on the TV for me and handed me the remote. I could tell he wanted to stay but he was respectful of my discomfort. It took me a while to get the courage to move, the chain was long enough I could go anywhere in the room I wanted with little resistance and light enough if I didn't focus on it I almost couldn't feel it. I couldn't understand why he was being so nice to me. Was it because I was his mate? I still couldn't trust it. If I gave him everything he could smash it into pieces. I also feared what everyone else would do to me. Their favorite punching bag turned Luna, even I found that amusing.

                 A few days passed without him visiting. I felt comfortable in this new space, not completely relaxed but I began to notice my days were full of luxuries I hadn't had before. I was served food three times a day, I had fine clothes to wear, I didn't have any chores to do and all the free time to read or sketch. It was like a vacation. The only bad times were when Maverick would appear without notice. Maybe if I had notice I could prepare but his surprise visits were still met with negative reaction.