Chapter 2 CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER TWO
ZARIA’S POV
I let out a deep sigh as I stared at the cracked ceiling above me.
How am I supposed to tell Gwen about this?
The thought alone made my chest tighten. Would she peel my skin off alive?
I lay there on my mat, my eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in my thoughts—until splash!
Ice-cold water slammed into my face.
“Ahh!” I gasped, jerking upright, my heart pounding. Water dripped down my hair and soaked my clothes.
Standing over me was my stepsister, her face twisted in anger, makeup half done and uneven.
“That’s to wake your lazy ass up,” she snapped. “Get the fuck up. Today is my wedding day!”
I groaned and pushed myself up slowly, water still dripping from my clothes. At least it was only a cup and not a bucket. I didn’t need more laundry than I already had.
“Get downstairs immediately and prepare for the Alpha’s arrival,” she yelled before storming out.
I changed my clothes quickly and rolled up my old mat. I’ve slept on a mat ever since Jenny came into my life. The day she moved in, she took my bed and told my father she was teaching me independence. She claimed my mother had spoiled me too much—and he believed her.
“ZARIA ADAM!” Gwen’s voice echoed through the house.
“Get down here now! Why are you always so slow?”
I ran downstairs and joined the maids preparing for the wedding, even though deep down, I knew it wouldn’t happen.
Not long after, Elder Finn walked into the living room with a pleased smile. Behind him were Max, his mother, and several noblemen of the pack.
My heart dropped.
Sweat broke out on my forehead as panic rushed through me. I turned and fled back to my room, slamming the door shut.
“Fuck,” I whispered, pacing the small space. “What do I do?”
Before I could think further, Gwen screamed.
My chest tightened. I knew it instantly—the secret I had been hiding was out.
My breathing became uneven as heavy footsteps approached my room. Each step felt louder than the last.
The door flew open, banging hard against the wall.
Fear twisted my stomach. The air around me felt thick and cold. I didn’t need to turn around to know she was there—I could feel her rage burning into my back.
Slowly, I turned to face her.
Her lips were pressed into a thin line, her nose flaring as she breathed heavily. Her eyes were blazing, sharp and full of hatred.
“You bastard!” she screamed. “You took my man!”
She grabbed my hair and yanked it hard. Pain shot through my scalp, making my eyes sting.
“It wasn’t my fault!” I cried, trying to pull her hand away.
“You won’t win this,” she hissed, tightening her grip. “I’ll rip your skin off and make sure you regret ever being born.”
“ENOUGH!”
My father’s voice thundered through the room. It was the first time he had ever defended me.
Gwen shoved me to the floor and turned on him.
“So now Mark wants to save his useless daughter?” she scoffed.
My father ignored her.
“Fix your hair, Zaria,” he said calmly. “The Alpha and the noblemen want to see you.”
Then he turned to Gwen. “Get out of her room and let her prepare.”
Gwen shot me a long, hateful look before walking out. My father followed behind her.
I picked myself up from the floor, my hands shaking. I tied my hair into a messy bun, slipped into a simple black dress, and walked into the living room where the Alpha and noblemen were seated.
I could feel Gwen’s and Jenny’s eyes burning into my back, but I forced myself to ignore them.
“Miss Zaria Adam,” Elder Finn said, standing up, “I witnessed the Alpha place a wedding band on your finger. Do you agree? If not, swear by the Moon Goddess.”
“I agree,” I said softly. “The Alpha placed a wedding band on my finger last night at the ceremonial hall.”
“Does His Grace agree?” Elder Finn asked, turning to Max.
Max stood, and everyone bowed. I didn’t. He was a bully, and I would not submit to him.
“I agree,” Max said. “I believed she was my bride because she was wearing my bride’s wedding dress.”
Gasps filled the room.
My blood boiled. He made it sound like I had planned everything.
“She seduced me,” he added loudly.
Tears burned my eyes. I hated how emotional I became when it mattered most.
“You lying scumbag!” I shouted. “You were drunk. I didn’t come onto you—you came onto me!”
The room fell dead silent.
I had just insulted the Alpha of the pack.
“Zaria!” my father yelled. “Apologize at once!”
Swallowing hard, I looked into Max’s dark, cold eyes.
“My apologies, Your Grace,” I said, bowing.
He looked at me with clear disgust before turning to Gwen.
“I will not marry any woman other than my betrothed and mate.”
“That goes against pack law,” an elderly nobleman said firmly. “Not even the Alpha is above the rules.”
“I don’t want to marry you anyway,” I snapped. “You’re arrogant and full of pride.”
Elder Finn stood again, sensing the rising tension.
“If you both wish to call off this union,” he said calmly, “the rules allow it. The final wedding ritual may be canceled after one year of trial marriage.”
My mouth fell open.
“One year?” Max and I asked at the same time.
Elder Finn nodded.
I turned to look at the arrogant Alpha, my chest heavy. One year with him would be pure torture.
“Prepare your things, Zaria,” my father said quietly. “You are about to become the Luna.”
The room spun—and everything went black.