8.It wasn't me
Annatoria's POV
I got up early this morning, feeling different. For the first time in a long time, I smiled.
"Good morning" I heard Radolf's voice. Oh no! It was just in my head.
I scoffed, as memories of him flashed in my head. I felt like I was being alive for the first time ever.
I realized I'm too young to live my entire life in sadness and pain. The goal was to be happy.
"Annatoria" Someone called my name from behind as soon as I stepped on the training ground.
Back in Radolf's pack, I would join the trainees in their training. It was more than joy whenever I practiced among them.
I was strong enough and in no time, I had my abilities … ..the abilities everyone in the pack envied.
"Good morning, Ash"I smiled with my eyes.
"What was last night about?"He asked.
What!
Last night?
I didn't even understand what he meant.
"I was in my room, all night. As a matter of fact, I slept all night" I responded, walking towards the COMBAT ARENA. My sharp eyes scanning the intense sparring matches as young werewolves clashed fiercely, their growls echoing in the crisp air—a stark reminder of the battles I once fought to prove my worth.
.
"Turn," I stopped, my brows furrowed.
What was he talking about??
I turned around, as though I was about to be scanned.
"I knew it" He yelled as he stamped his feet to the ground.
"What did you know?"
"Manga!" He whispered to my ears. He didn't want to alert the pack members that were on the training ground.
"What!" My eyes shone in surprise..
How did they know I'm here?
What happened??
Annatoria, calm down….breath in and out.
"I saw her. I couldn't see her face properly. Her hair length was longer than yours. I'd always stared and admired how long…."He shut his mouth.
What did he mean by that? Well, it wasn't the time to listen to whatever he was saying.
"what happened?"
"They're spying on you" Asher told me.
I knew it. I knew they'd come for me.
"I spoke about the initiation with her" Asher told me, as his fingers ran through his full hair.
He must hate himself.
"I'll be right back, enjoy your day" He told me before running off.
For sure, he wasn't getting himself. He must hate himself for being tricked.
I dropped my backpack, running after him.
"Wait Ash" I yelled, running as fast as my legs could carry me.
As I ran past some ladies, my wolf warned.
"They're staring again"
I slowed down, then slowly turned at them. It was obvious, they couldn't even lie about it.
They'd been staring at me the whole time.
"So, what are you gonna do?" The red-haired smirked. She had bodily features that were similar to Candace's.
"What am i going to do?" I repeated slowly, as i waked over to them.
" Look, we don't know who you are or what you are….but what we know is that, you're nothing but some low-life who's trying to find her way into our Alpha's life".
" Your Alpha?"
Did she just call me a low-life?
Why did it have to be today? Today of all days?
I fucking woke up happy!
"Look,"I tried to speak…..
" Lauren!" Asher yelled.
Who's Lauren?
I turned to look at him ..."Apologize to her now, go on your knees"
On her knees?
He'd probably noticed what she did.
"B…but, i said nothing bad"He ran over like flash and before i knew it, his hand already slapped her cheeks..
There she was, with her palm pinned to her cheeks while her two other minions glanced venomously at me before he sent them off.
If anyone was falling for their Alpha, it would never be me. I had zero interest in him and bringing such matter, only annoyed me.
"How did you go about it?"
" I just needed to cool off. I'm sorry for what my sister said to you"
"She's only 18" He said with a shrug, his tone more apologetic.
"I get it, I'm not that old too" I smiled back. This time, it was a real one.
I truly appreciated how he'd cancel his appointments, just to ensure my safety. He'd have discussions with the elders and unit heads, just to make sure they were comfortable with my stay.
"What about the initiation?" I asked him, stopping at a coffee shop. It was early and cold and since i didn't go for the training I'd initially decided to go, it was only good that i grabbed a cup of coffee.
"Empresso?"
"No! Americano" He chuckled lightly.
"I love Americano too"
We cracked little jokes, before the waiter brought the drinks.
"I'll get that" I gently grabbed the tray from the waitress, Asher wanted to do it but luckily, I got up before she did.
She did that shitty thing again!
The thing Candace always did whenever she was serving Radolf.
"Don't you feel embarassed?? He's not even looking at you?" I mocked as my eyes flew to the name tag on her uniform, while she threw her eyes to the floor.
Even though i had no feelings for him, seeing her do that, only infuriated me.
Good thing Asher was not even paying attention….or was he just pretending not to?
Annatoria, it's not your business…..
"Where's the energy coming from?" His voice spread in the air, drawing me out of my angry mood.
"From the unseen places" i smirked, dismissing her with my fingers.
"I loved that fierce face"Asher teased, as a smile crawled to his face.
"C'mon, she was being annoying. You weren't even looking at her and she was being all seductive." I complained playfully.
"I'm the Alpha…you should expect such" He chuckled dryly, before sipping his coffee.
"Tastes good, right?"
"Yeah, it's been a while since I had Coffee" the muscles on his face curved into a smile.
"Me too"
Well, in a long time, i haven't had coffee. The last time i had it, was when my Father invited Radolf and I over….the day he intended to break our union.
That was the same day i ran away, leaving all behind…I left my name– Alshamore…..the name of the Alpha King that caused people to tremble.
"Would you love to have Garlic Butter Shrimps?" He asked, dropping his empty coffee cup.
"Yeah, I would" i smiled, my memory recalling the aroma. The sweet aroma of that meal that always drive me crazy…
"Don't you think the pack's security should be looked into?" It dawned on me that i hadn't spoken much about the incident he tried not to talk about.
"Yes, I've settled it already. Extra guards will be added at the gates and at the borders too"
"Wow, I want to be like you" I teased, then we both laughed.
If I must say, Asher and I became so close in just a little time. He's my only friend and I find comfort in being with him…..he makes me forget of the toxic and wicked past of mine.
"By the way, do you know of the NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM that's coming up soon?" He asked me.
"How am I supposed to know?"
Of course! How am I supposed to know, when I just got into his pack?
"Oh yeah! It's a program where we accept the homeless rogues into our pack. We give them the opportunity to begin a new life among those who are ready to accept them" He explained.
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"Boss, I've prepared the agents. They'll reach their pack on the exact day" Loreen bowed, to Manga.
She had completed her mission for the week. The first mission, was using her witchcraft to look so much like Annatoria, which gave her access to The Moon Crest Pack.
And now, she was planning something with Manga. She'd agreed to help him, only if he could make her the Luna of The Ember Wolves Pack but something she didn't know was that, the great werewolf slayer wasn't who she really thought he was.
Meanwhile, in the Ember Wolves' territory, Manga paced in his chambers.
"She won't give in easily," Manga mused. "But that's where you come in, Loreen. You've already infiltrated Moon Crest. Now, I need you to go deeper. Earn their trust. Get close to Annatoria and that's all."He continued.
Loreen's smirk widened. "Consider it done.But I can't do it by myself.. I'll get my minions to do that"
"Why haven't you brought her back yet?"
Loreen turned to him, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Patience, boss. You'll have her soon enough. But remember, when I fulfil my promise to you, I expect my reward."
Manga's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You'll get what you deserve."
"Let me know when you reach" Loreen whispered over the phone, as soon as the door shut.
Something no one could ever imagine, was cooking..