Chapter 52

Ruby "Wake up luna," I heard a female voice say as I was gently shaken out of my sleep.

"What did you call me?" I asked confused as I sat up.

"Luna. You're Alpha Phoenix’s mate?" she said giving me strange look. Even though it was true it was the first time I had been called luna. It was a weird feeling considering that me and my mate weren't exactly an official couple and I had been forcibly marked.

"It's Ruby, just Ruby. No need for a title." She was maybe a couple years younger than me. I was excited to possibly have someone to talk to since I would be basically stuck here.

"As you wish," she said. I cringed at the formality in her tone.

"You don't have to be so formal you know. I'm just a person after all. You can relax." Was everyone going to treat me like this? Were they all afraid of Phoenix?

"I'm sorry. It's a habit. When you're the runt of the pack like me you tend to get used to it. My name is Kathy by the way." She extended her hand and I shook it.

"Nice to meet you Kathy."

"Likewise. Alpha Phoenix sent me to help get you dressed," she said nonchalantly.

"Get dressed. For what?" I asked curiously.

" I have no idea. Just following orders." There was a smile on her face that said she knew more than she was saying. I eyed her suspiciously but kept quiet. What was Phoenix up to? If this was some poor excuse for a date to try and woo me he was sadly mistaken.

After two hours of picking outfits, getting my hair done, showering and all types of unspeakable things that clearly weren't my style, I was ready. I told Kathy countless times I wasn't trying to impress Phoenix. All of this was unnecessary. But she insisted everyone wanted to impress their mate. I would be grateful once I was his reaction. I had on a dress, nothing fancy but it made me feel exposed. I wasn't a girly girl, so being in a dress was rare for me. I drew the line at high heels and ended up in a cute pair of flats. Never knew when a girl would need to take off running. When you had a mate like mine that could be any moment.

I was told to meet Phoenix in a huge dining room downstairs. It was quiet, but I sensed his presence.

"Thank you for joining me." His voice came from behind me and I turned to face him.

"It's not like you gave me much choice," I said sarcastically. To my surprise he laughed.

"I simply sent someone to retrieve you. You could have respectfully declined."

"Why? So you could have come and threatened me? Then dragged me out of my room like some kind of Neanderthal. No thank you I'll pass."

"You have no idea how much I'm falling for you right now my little firecracker. I see that red hair of yours reflects the fieriness within. I love it. You will undoubtedly keep me entertained for years to come." I tried to ignore the emotions that arose from his words. I knew spending time with him would be a bad idea.

"Funny that you think my red hair is a reflection of what's within. Want to know what I think of when your red hair comes to mind? I think of how much of a loose cannon you are. How out of control you are when it comes to your actions. In other words, I think of the madness that you display in order to keep your true self hidden. It’s like a flashing neon sign that says don't come any closer or risk getting burned. You're controlling and impulsive. I don't trust you at all. The only reason I'm here is because you left me no choice. Keep that in mind." He went silent as he studied me. I expected him to get upset but he surprised me.

"I know I didn't give you much of a choice. I meant what I said when I told you I would always find you. I'm not willing to let you go, not yet. We have only just begun. I know I made some mistakes. But I don't have any regrets. Marking you the way I did was wrong. But I can't help but feel so damn proud when I see it displayed so beautifully on your neck. I know I should not have treated you the way I did. The way you looked at me when you woke up in my lab tied down was a look I never want to see again. But the thought of finding immunity to silver for werewolf kind. The thought of giving you the world was enough to overcome any doubt. You were right about me being impulsive and controlling. You were wrong about me not wanting anyone to get close to me. I'm willing to let you get closer than I ever let anyone get. I want to gain your trust and your forgiveness. It doesn't matter how long it takes. I've waited years to find you. I don't mind waiting longer if it means that you will eventually give me a chance. Tonight is about us starting over, a fresh start, a new beginning if you will. We can't erase the past. But I want you to put it aside just for tonight. I never wanted to hurt you. I hope you know that. Can you allow me to at least try to fix things before you shut me out completely?" He didn't have to wait for my answer because I already knew what it would be.

"You're too late," I said and turned to walk away. Like I said, he was sadly mistaken.