Chapter 7

As Verity slowly opened her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar space. As she slowly regained consciousness, she became aware of her surroundings - a dimly lit hotel room. The young woman lowered herself onto the seat, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Her gaze wandered aimlessly, taking in the surroundings with a sense of curiosity. As she slowly regained consciousness, she became aware of her unfamiliar surroundings. It was clear that she was not in the comfort of her own cabin. Verity reminisced about the events that had befallen her. As she pondered over her thoughts, a sudden recollection of the mating ball flooded her mind.

The pupils of her eyes dilated, expanding to their fullest extent. The realization hit her with the force of a thousand blows. As their gazes locked, she witnessed the Alpha's swift and decisive action, as he swiftly eliminated the lycan who dared to lay claim on her. A

s Verity reminisced about her childhood, a shiver ran down her spine as she recalled the words of her mother from years ago. She had been just a tender twelve-year-old then, but the memory of her mother's cautionary advice still lingered in her mind, haunting her like a ghost.

Verity took a deep breath, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach. Her heart began to race and her palms grew clammy as a wave of unease washed over her.

The young woman shouted, "Oh goodness!"

Without a moment's hesitation, she rose to her feet. Verity gazed upon her reflection in a grandiose mirror, the size of a human being. As she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her eyes widened in surprise. The reflection staring back at her was adorned in unfamiliar attire, causing her heart to race with confusion.

The garment in question was a billowing white t-shirt, its size far exceeding the norm. Currently, it reaches just below her knees. She nervously bit her lower lip as the scent of masculinity wafted from her skin.

Verity's eyes widened with a sense of awe, yet they were tinged with a hint of trepidation. She possessed the ability to decipher the events unfolding before her, and it filled her with a sense of dread. The room was empty, devoid of any human presence, yet she appeared to possess an innate knowledge of its owner.

Verity's intuition proved correct as the door abruptly swung open, expelling the two men from its depths.

Last night—or was it last night—these two guys attended the ball. They were so taken aback that they even stared directly into the eyes of the guy she was with last night. For some while, they exchanged intense looks.

The figure that emerged from the shadows before was none other than Alpha Nero Astadel himself. The man with Alpha Nero spoke in a hushed tone, "This situation is rather uncomfortable."

Verity concentrated his attention on the Alpha, who was staring back at the man who's him with a sneer.

He raised a finger to his lips, signaling to the man beside him to remain silent. Once more, the Alpha fixed his gaze upon her with unwavering intensity. Her heart raced as she took a step back, her eyes fixed on the ominous figure before her. Verity's throat tightened as she struggled to find her voice, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty.

She knew she had to act fast, but her body refused to obey. With a trembling hand and her fingers fumbling as she tried to escape the looming danger. As she took a step backwards, her heel collided with the edge of the bed. With a sudden jolt, she lost her balance and tumbled backwards onto the soft mattress where she had been reclining just moments before.

The hem of her t-shirt barely grazed her upper thighs, leaving little to the imagination. It was clear that she had forgone the comfort of undergarments, adding to the allure of her already delicate frame.

She let out a curse under her breath. The Alpha emitted a low, menacing growl directed specifically at his Beta. "I didn't see anything, Alpha," Beta Rett said, his voice tinged with fear. Alpha's jaw tightened. Without a moment's hesitation, the Beta took a defensive stance.

"Get out!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the empty room. "Now!” With a fierce snarl, Alpha Nero turned to face his Beta.

Beta Rett departed without delay. Beta's heart raced as he stared at Alpha Nero's menacing figure. He knew that a misunderstanding had led to this moment, but he couldn't find the words to explain himself. If he didn't leave immediately, he feared that Alpha Nero would beat him to a pulp. Verity intended to stop the Alpha's companion, she didn't want to be alone with Alpha Astadel but when he glanced at her, she bowed.

Verity felt a shiver run down her spine as she met Alpha Nero's intense gaze. His eyes bore into hers with a possessive intensity that made her heart race. She couldn't help but feel a sense of danger and excitement in his presence.

The woman's lower lip was caught between her teeth, her heart racing with anxiety. Verity's heart raced as she felt the Alpha's presence drawing near. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her nerves.

The woman clutched the bedspread tightly, drawing upon its fabric as if it were a source of strength. The girl sensed a shift in the mattress, as if it were responding to the weight of the person sitting. Someone had taken a seat before her, though she could see who it was.

"Look at me," He said. The words lacked the tone of a directive or a plea.

Verity disregarded Alpha's instructions. The room was silent, save for the sound of her rhythmic breathing.

She bit down so hard that her lips were on the verge of bleeding. Had Alpha not intervened, she would have gone through with it. With a swift motion, the Alpha raised his female bringing their gazes to meet.

Her eyes widened as Alpha Nero's gaze locked onto hers, their faces mere inches apart.

As the Alpha's fingers grazed her chin, Verity's body was once again consumed by a jolt of electricity that surged through her veins.

"Did you feel it?" He asked, his eyes fixed on her face. She could sense the intensity in his voice and the way his gaze bore into her. "Did you feel it?" he repeated, his tone low and urgent. She couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze, her heart racing with anticipation.

The Alpha's piercing gaze settled on her as he questioned her. Verity inclined her head in agreement. Alpha Nero's voice was a low murmur as he leaned in close to Verity's ear. "That's our direct connection," he whispered.

A shiver ran down her spine, sending a chill through her body. The woman was taken aback by the sudden surge of affection that coursed through her veins, causing her to almost gasp in surprise.

“C-Connection?” Verity's brows furrowed as she posed her question, her confusion evident in her tone. As an ordinary human being, she struggled to comprehend the Alpha's words. A sly grin spread across Alpha Nero's face.

"Yes, there is a connection. The bond between them was one that had been foretold by fate itself." Verity appeared to be deaf to the Alpha's words, her attention consumed by the fervor in his voice.

Verity had already surmised the identity of her fated companion. Her mind struggled to comprehend the reality of the situation unfolding before her very eyes. The notion that this was actually happening to her and the Alpha seemed unfathomable.

Verity mentally reviewed all the signs, and as she comprehended the veracity of the Alpha's words, she felt as though she might faint once more. Verity's tongue quivered with anticipation.

An air of stillness hung heavy in the space that separated them. Not a word was uttered, as if the very act of speaking would shatter the fragile peace that had settled upon them. The Alpha allowed her to contemplate every word he had spoken.

"D-Destined mates?" Once more, the girl's words stumbled out of her mouth, her voice faltering with uncertainty.

A sudden pallor overtook Verity's countenance. Her body felt heavy and unresponsive, as if it were rooted to the spot. She tried to shift her weight, but her muscles refused to cooperate. It was as if an invisible force held her captive, trapping her in place.

She felt a sense of panic rising within her, wondering if she would ever be able to move again. She swallowed hard, her eyes darting back and forth as she processed the words that had just left the Alpha's mouth. It was as if she couldn't quite believe what she had heard and needed to confirm it with her own ears.

"Yes. The symptoms are visible to you." The Alpha's voice was firm and unwavering as he spoke. "I am serious," he repeated, his eyes fixed on her.

Verity remained quiet for a brief period. The dreaded event that her mother had been apprehensive about had come to pass. Despite the cool breeze of the air conditioning, beads of sweat trickled down the girl's forehead, betraying her discomfort.

Alpha Nero stood silently, allowing his mate to contemplate. He was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation at hand, one that seemed to be growing more complex by the minute. And yet, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, knowing full well that his reputation as a ruthless, unforgiving Alpha preceded him.

The notion had eluded Alpha Nero until now. His mind was consumed with the notion that he held the power to select a mate at his leisure. Little did he know that fate and the ethereal powers of the Moon Goddess had already ordained it.

Alpha Nero was a devout follower of the Moon Goddess, unwavering in their faith. "If it be the will of the Goddess," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. With a smile on his face, he assured her that he would make it happen.

He looked at her with a furrowed brow, waiting for an answer. "Are you done thinking?" he asked, his voice laced with impatience. She took a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts and ideas. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his with a steely determination.

"No," she said firmly, "I'm not done thinking yet." Nero turned to the girl with a curious gaze.

As he gazed upon her, he couldn't help but perceive her as a fragile mortal. Yet, there was something in her eyes that spoke of a resolute spirit and dauntless courage. Despite her fear, the girl's apprehension was palpable.

Her voice trembled as she spoke, betraying the nervousness that had taken hold of her. "I-I don't know what to say," she repeated, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. Her honesty was palpable, and it was clear that she was struggling to find the right words.

A sly grin crept across the Alpha's face as he took in the girl's response. It was a sign, he thought, that the Moon Goddess had not selected just any woman for him.

She spoke with a hint of vulnerability, her eyes searching his for any sign of acceptance. "I don't expect you to embrace me with open arms," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She knew that trust and understanding took time, and she was willing to wait for as long as it took.

"I implore you to understand that the current state of affairs between us is one that cannot be undone," he spoke with a heavy heart. "The will of the Moon Goddess is our guiding light, and we, the lycans, are bound to follow it," the man vowed with utmost sincerity.

Verity was taken aback by the revelation that destined mates truly existed. She had only encountered the concept in a book she was currently reading, and had yet to reach its conclusion.

Once more, a heavy silence descended upon them, enveloping the room in a thick shroud of stillness. Neither spoke, their eyes locked in a tense and uneasy exchange. Verity drew closer to Alpha Nero's face, her fragrant breath filling his senses.

'Oh God! The alluring prospect before me was nothing short of a temptation. A tumultuous storm raged within me as I grappled with conflicting emotions.' Verity's heart raced as she struggled to contain her conflicting emotions.

Fear and attraction battled within her, each vying for dominance over her thoughts. She couldn't deny the intensity of her feelings for this man, even as she trembled with terror at the thought of what he might do. 'I am terrified,' she whispered to herself, 'but I am also attracted to this man!' The words echoed in her mind, a testament to the turmoil that raged within her.

In a few moments with Nero and his mate, he seemed to be very used to touching her, which is why his hand would have automatically touched the girl's pale cheek, but she moved away.

Verity stammered, her voice trembling with fear and regret. "I-I'm sorry," she said, her eyes downcast. "I didn't mean to do it." Alpha Nero let out a deep sigh, his disappointment palpable.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, signaling his intention to speak, but before he could utter a word, his Beta barged into the room uninvited.

"Scold me later, Alpha," the Beta said, his voice laced with urgency. "But for now, let us focus on remedying the issue at hand." Beta Rett's voice was urgent as he relayed the news to his Alpha.

Alpha Maurius, the leader of the city's authorities, had summoned them and was demanding their immediate eviction.

Alpha Nero's countenance contorted into a frown as he absorbed the words of his Beta. Alpha Maurius was losing his grip on reality, consumed by the madness of his actions. The old man appeared to harbor a desire to challenge the Northwest Pack, a formidable metropolis that ranked among the largest in the world.

Nero's mouth fell agape in disbelief. He rose from his chair and gazed upon Verity. "Stay here till I resolve this issue," with a grave expression etched on his face, Nero turned to the woman and spoke with a sense of urgency. "We must depart from this city," he declared, before swiftly making his way out. Left behind was Verity.

"Once again, his voice boomed across the room, commanding me as if I were a mere object. It was the second time he had done so, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of indignation rise within me. How dare he treat me as if I were nothing?" She stood there, her fists clenched at her sides, struggling to maintain composure in the face of such disrespect.

Her mind was consumed with a deafening scream, one that echoed through her thoughts with a ferocity that threatened to overwhelm her. 'And me? She pondered for a moment before asking, 'Go with you?' Her voice was firm and resolute as she uttered the words, 'No, absolutely not!' With a sudden burst of energy, she rose to her feet.

She knew that if she didn't leave, she would forever be at the mercy of the merciless Alpha. Her thoughts were fraught with danger, for the one who laid claim to her was none other than Alpha Astadel himself! The mere thought of attempting to flee to this place was a clear indication of her insanity.

Her mind was in a state of disarray, unable to form coherent thoughts. Her mind was consumed with the desire to venture even further beyond, but she was all too aware of the Alpha's merciless nature.

Verity pondered over her intelligence, marveling at how she could possess such sharp wit and astuteness despite her lack of exposure to the urban lifestyle.

Her life had been spent entirely amidst the woods. If Alpha Astadel discovers that she is the child of lawbreakers, he will not hesitate to kill her.

"Goodness!" she exclaimed to herself. With a graceful movement, the young woman glides through the open window. Luckily, the room in which she had taken up residence was situated on the second level of the building.

Verity's heart raced as she bit her lip, her eyes darting around in fear. Without a second thought, she leaped forward and sprinted back to the safety of her cabin. She carried with her a deep-seated suspicion that the Alpha would not venture any further.