Consequences of Choice

CHAPTER TWO

Elara's pov

Run... that's the only thing my mind screams at me to do but my legs stay rooted to the floor. This couldn't possibly be happening, not today of all days. Blink as I might, the domineering stranger is still there when I open my eyes, not a figment of my imagination as I'd hoped.

A magnetic force pulls me to him as those piercing silver eyes rake down my body. I wondered what thoughts went through his mind as he stared at me, knowing I probably looked like a drowning fish.

My wolf claws within me, desperate to meet this stranger and try as I might there was no denying that this was my mate. The connection was too strong to doubt and I couldn't help but wonder what exactly the moon goddess was doing.

The man stopped a hairsbreadth away from me and I could feel the welcoming heat emanating from him. The scent of sandwood and cinnamon mingled with the scent of rain invaded my senses.

He carefully lifting his hand as if I was a frightened gazelle that would bolt at any moment and gently brushed away stray strands of hair from my face. A zap of awareness swept through me at the feel of his fingers and my breath became laboured. I tried to calm my racing heart and I dated not breathe as I awaited what he would do next.

"Beautiful" he murmured in a low husky voice that sent my wolf leaping with joy within me. My eyes met his once more and I fought against getting lost in those silver orbs.

"I'm sorry about your car" I blurted out before I cleared my throat and took a step back. I internally cringed, wondering why I said that.

"What is your name?" He asked me, unperturbed. His voice rang with authority and instantly I knew this was a man used to getting his way. The manner with which he held his head high and his domineering aura made my heart drop.

"You are an alpha" I whispered, my words coming out more as a statement than a question.

"Alpha Ronan of the Silverfang pack" he replied as my eyes bulged.

The moon goddess had to be playing some trick on me. Of all the wolves that would be mated to me it had to be the alpha of the most feared and equally respected pack in the werewolf kingdom. The Silverfang pack was known for crushing their enemies ruthlessly and fiercely protecting their own.

"What... what are you doing here?" I stuttered. My cheeks heated as I was sure I was making a fool of myself.

"Business" he simply said and I nodded mutely.

"What is your name mi alma?" He asked again, his eyes never leaving my face as a shiver swept through me at the endearment

"Elara...Elara Monroe" I squeaked out, mortified at my body's reaction to him.

"Elara" he tested my name on his lips and my knees nearly bucked.

"We should get out of the rain before you catch a cold, we can talk later" he commented.

"I'm really sorry about your car" I apologized once more.

"It's not a problem. I'll have it fixed tomorrow" he replied.

"Well it was nice meeting you" I took several steps back and made my escape towards my car.

"Where do you think you are going?" His voice stopped me in my tracks and I tightly shut my eyes.

'i knew I wouldn't belet off the hook so easily' I almost face palmed before I turned back to him.

"Going home. It's quite late and as you pointed out I could get a chill" I responded.

"You are coming home with me mi alma" a thunderclap boomed, startling me.

"I'm sorry but I have to get back to my pack house" I squeaked, trying to get away from him but in a flash he was in front of me and I mentally cursed his alpha reflexes.

"You are mine Elara, we are mates" he glowered down at me, his silver eyes flashing.

"I belong to no one" I retorted as I rose my head to meet his eyes.

"You won't be saying that when I have you writhing under me as I give you my mark" his finger traced along my collar bone, right where most wolves bore the marks of their mate and to my utter suprise, the thought didn't repulse me.

"I have the power to reject you" I pointed out and immediately his expression became stoic.

"But for some reason you haven't" he quirked a brow at me.

"I don't want to cause you pain" I revealed. I had heard tales of rejected mates running mad or killing themselves because the pain of rejection was too much to bear.

"How magnanimous of you" he commented dryly.

"Look Ronan. I think there's some mistake here, you can't be my mate. I don't want to be attracted or attached to someone for the rest of my life because of some stupid bond we share" I explained as he stared at me blankly.

"There is no mistake mi alma. You cannot deny the tension wafting around us" his voice was slow and I felt his warm breath beside my ear. I wondered when he had come so close to me and tried to calm my nerves.

"I don't want a mate and could you please stop calling me that?" I bit my bottom lip but immediately let it go when his eyes zoned in on the action.

"As much as you don't want it we are mates Elara, we are meant to be together" he shrugged.

"I can't do this" I shook my head.

"Do what exactly?" He asked.

"This...just falling in line with fate and being your good little Luna. I don't believe in fate" I announced.

"That's alright. You can return to your pack of you want to" he took a step back from me.

"Do you mean it?" I gazed at him skeptically.

"Of course. Everyone should have a choice" he shrugged. I stared at him for some seconds before slowly moving towards my car as he stared at me like a hawk.

"But of course every choice has a consequence" he declared just as I was about to pull open the car door.