CHAPTER 16: SCREAM IN PLEASURE

Ayla's POV.

[Nineteen years ago].

My voice trembled as I clung desperately to my mother's hand. I didn't care about the uncontrollable tears that were streaming down my cheeks. All I want is for them to stay with me in this darkness.

"M-Mommy, please don't go!"

Each word that came out of me was a plea, wishing that they would listen. "Please don't leave me alone. I want to go with you. Please take me with you!"

Mommy just shook her head while staring at me. "Sorry, Honey. You need to stay. I know the Moon Goddess will watch over you. Have faith."

"No, Mommy. No!" I cried at the thought of them leaving me for good.

"Everything happens for a reason, honey." I felt my heart aching more when Daddy knelt down to meet my gaze. "Don't forget how much we love you. Please stay strong and brave for us."

My palms began to sweat as uncontrollable tears streamed down my cheeks from a nightmare.

It made me stare silently at my surroundings while rubbing my eyes. Even though it was pitch-black inside the cave, my night vision allowed me to feel that the bats were agitated by my cries.

I'm about to wipe the tears from my face when a comforting light in the form of a woman appears before me.

"My child," she said softly.

"Who are you?" I asked, confused.

I think words are not enough to explain the gentle effect of his voice on my system.

"I am Zefrina," she answered.

My mouth hung open. Now, I know why the pain in my heart was comforted by her mere presence.

"You are the Moon Goddess. My mommy told me stories about the beautiful and graceful Zefrina."

"You are a kind and gentle child."

I couldn't help but draw a deep breath because there's something in her voice that's comparable to a soothing melody.

"My parents...where are they?" I asked with eyes welled with tears.

"In the afterlife, my child," she gently answered.

"Can you please bring them back? I miss them so much. I miss my family."

Although her face wasn't visible enough, I witnessed how the light scattered as if she gently shook her head in front of me.

"Listen, my child. Don't allow grief and loneliness to defeat you. We can't bring them back, but you'll always have their memories in your heart."

"But Moon Goddess..." I paused. "It was scary, I don’t want to be alone."

"Fear not, my child." There was a warm sensation that embraced my body all of a sudden. "You are here for a reason."

I was lost in thought when a man's voice woke me from my nightmare.

"Luna…"

I draw a deep breath while trying to get myself back to my senses.

"It was you. Can you please tell me your name?" I asked the Omega.

"Just call me Duke, Luna," he replied smoothly. "Do you need something?"

"Nope," I answered while shaking my head. "I just spaced out while waiting for the Alpha's arrival. Today marks the third day of his expedition. I know he will arrive soon."

I was able to leave when Duke's voice broke through my thoughts again.

"Aren't you afraid of Alpha Liam's safety?"

There was a moment of silence before I answered him. "He's the strongest. I know he can handle everything." I smiled at him. "He's like a predator savoring the helplessness of his prey. He won't spare a single soul when he's mad, Duke."

"How about your own safety?"

My expression softened. I don't know why, but I felt a bit of concern in his words. "What do you mean?"

"You are this pack's Luna. As the lady standing beside the greatest Alpha of this generation, this pack has high hopes for you."

I was taken aback by his answer but I did my best to return to my senses quickly.

"I think you're mistaken. Everyone still sees me as the daughter of the Alpha who started the Creeze Bloody War—a rogue who represents nothing but failure and suffering."

He stared at me for a split second before shaking his head.

"You know, you are more than that. You'll find your purpose if you let go of that heavy burden within you, Luna."

"My purpose?" My eyes widened in disbelief while staring at him. "How did you know that?"

"The Moon Goddess works wonders for each of us," he replied with a smile.

My brows furrowed in disbelief. "But she hasn't shown up all this time. Answer me, Duke. Have you also witnessed the divine light?

I tried my best to get the answer from him but his gaze was telling me that it was too late.

When I turned my head, I noticed Alpha Liam approaching in our direction. I didn't know why, but I found his presence more terrifying than usual.

"To my chambers now, my Luna!"

The Alpha's voice rang in my ears like thunder as his deadly gaze was fixed on the Omega.

"If you try to approach her again, I will cut your body in half. Keep in mind that she belongs to me, don't treat her as a potential love interest."

The expression on Alpha Liam's face was emotionless as he continued to walk in front of me. And when we finally reached his chambers, I timidly turned around and looked at him.

"We're simply talking about you and his perception of me as your Luna. Please don't hurt the omega, Alpha Liam."

"Oh, come on, Ayla. I could hear your conversation from a distance," he groaned. "Did the Moon Goddess tell him about your purpose?"

His question was enough to make me draw a deep breath. "I don't know. I'm still trying to figure it out. He didn't tell me about it either."

A fleeting moment of silence passed between us. I thought his expression would change because of my answer but it became darker and more straightforward. His possessive voice cut through the stillness in an instant.

"For what it's worth, it won't change the fact that your life is mine and mine alone."

And as he walked closer to where I was, Alpha Liam's mischievous smile became more and more visible to my eyes.

"I think it's time for me to claim what's mine," he said with a grin. "Tell your wolf not to interfere this time because you're going to enjoy my way of marking you."

I tried to brace myself as I was still not prepared to face Alpha Liam's plan to claim my chastity. His two attempts failed, and I guess I won't be able to hold him for the third time.

"I want you so bad."

His hoarse voice was enough to send a shiver down my spine, as if he were trying to win my soul.

"Alpha Liam—"

As soon as our eyes met, I saw an unfamiliar image of a young boy smiling in front of me.

"Li—" I wasn't able to say his name when he suddenly cut me off.

"I told you to stay silent."

I found myself in the middle of giving him a yes or no. I'm too afraid that I'll regret my decision afterward.

I was about to call out to him again when Alpha Liam suddenly devoured my lips. I was unable to move my mouth, making me inhale deeply in frustration.

"You're telling me to stop, but your body was screaming otherwise," he said as his hand traveled down to my clothing. "It's obvious that you want me to stare at your nakedness and drool over you. You want me to take you, Ayla. Nothing could conceal your thirst."

I stared at him silently as the fear in my heart gradually disappeared with his every touch.

As he rubbed his palm against my body, I felt the heat from the temptation burning inside me.

"I can’t wait to hear you scream my name in pleasure, Ayla."

I bit my lower lip and looked at him in the eyes. Should I stop him?

I couldn't do that anymore because my soul was already succumbing to the Alpha's temptation.

"I'll dominate you and make you scream in ecstasy tonight, Ayla. You’ll be on all fours, hands clutching helplessly as I thrust deep and hard inside you."