CHAPTER 22: UNKNOWN PURPOSE

Ayla's POV.

All of a sudden, his whole aura changed and the ruthless man I was talking to disappeared and was replaced by someone different.

In just a single glance I know he's completely different from Alpha Liam. His domineering aura was nerve-wracking and powerful enough to send shivers down my spine.

And despite the unavoidable distraction brought by his piercing presence, I tried my best to be as friendly as possible.

Still, I wasn't able to greet his greatness when the Alpha's wolf growled loudly.

And just like that, my right hand instantly landed on my chest to prevent my heart from bursting.

"Mate!" he repeated while gritting his teeth.

I faced him with all the courage I had as I gradually shook my head. "No, I’m not. I’m just a phony."

An anxious gasp escaped my lips when our eyes met. I was amused and speechless that even the color and sharpness of his eyes were different from the Alpha.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, with confusion in his eyes.

I continued to explain things without thinking of the risk that I might face from being too comfortable with a high wolf.

"I'm not supposed to live this life, Azael."

He was too kind to listen to me, despite the disagreement that was visible in his eyes. I don't know the cause, but I knew something was running through his head while listening to my explanation.

Shouldn't he be omniscient?

He should have known everything from the very beginning, including Alpha Liam's intention of bringing someone like me into his life.

"You need to get used to your new life, Luna. This is your destined path as our mate," he insisted, as if he didn't even listen to me. "The Moon Goddess pulled our strings together on purpose. Always keep that in mind."

Those words alone made me draw a deep breath. I guess arguing with a high wolf was not a good idea. I might as well let everything slip to the extent of being silent in front of him.

"Hmm. Back to the topic..." I said awkwardly as I smiled at him. "Would you please let us rest for tonight?"

He looked at me, confused. "Why would I grant your request?"

I tried my best to be as polite as possible while hiding the very reason that I am afraid that the night after the offering ceremony will only become long and painful for me and Dara. Hearing her whimper again and again, only confirms that there's a possibility that my guess was valid.

"I am begging you, Azael. My wolf keeps on howling in my head, and I don't know why."

His eyes landed on mine like he was trying to assess things.

"Fine," Azael said in a deep voice.

Anxiety builds within me.

"What about the Alpha?" I asked him without breaking away from the eye contact.

"I'll take care of him."

Stepping backward, I lowered my head to show him the utmost respect and gratitude.

"Thanks for your kindness, Azael."

"Kindness?" He tilted his head like he was confused about what he heard. "Not at all. He just gave me the chance to decide for tonight."

After my conversation with Azael, I went back to my room and waited for tonight's dinner.

I was able to finish my meal without noticing Alpha Liam even for a second. His presence was too weak, as if he was intentionally concealing himself to grant my request.

Still, I barely slept that night because of my wolf, and at the same time, my mind was jumbled by a tornado of thoughts.

"Dara?"

I tried to call out my wolf while wishing that she'd be all better despite her howls and whimpers last night.

"Do you feel better now?" I asked again, hoping to hear even just an exhale from her.

Minutes later, I didn't give up. Knowing that my wolf wouldn't allow a day to pass by without hearing my voice.

We always talked to each other since I had her to pamper our cold nights and loneliness inside the cave. She turned out to he the only friend I truly had. That's why, I know for sure that she wouldn't abandon me through thick or thin.

"Sorry about last night, Ayla. I don't know what happened." Her voice was low but still audible.

My head shook on its own while holding my tears. "Stop making me worry again, 'kay?"

I felt the heaviness in my chest lighten. Maybe because I knew that Dara was in good shape again.

"I will," she said before drawing a deep breath. "By the way, where's Alpha Liam?"

"The omega said he went to work early in the morning," I answered briefly.

I felt a joy within me that was brought on by Dara's positive reaction. It's obvious that she's pumped out that the Alpha was not around.

"That's what he gets from the humiliation he made. His plan worked like magic, but it came back to him like a boomerang in the end." But that happiness was suddenly replaced by an annoyed feeling, causing my wolf to mutter curses under her breath. "I really hate him for insulting you in front of his pack. Damn you, Alpha Liam!"

I sighed deeply, changing the topic was my only way of keeping her away from stress.

"Thanks for saving me last night, Dara. I’m sorry for making you angry on my behalf," I said with a smile.

Instead of saying welcome as a response, she answered me otherwise.

"Do you think it's time to prove your worth?"

I took a deep breath upon hearing my wolf’s suggestion.

My worth?

Since losing my own pack at a very young age, I found it incredibly difficult to show my worth to others. No matter how hard I try to show them the positive, they still consider me as trash for being the rogue's daughter.

"Not yet..."

She sighed, and the silence grew. I could feel she was thinking something or maybe working something out in her head.

"Are you somehow loving the pain and shame, Ayla?" My body stilled at her question. "I know it's rude, but you need to know that your kindness could kill you sooner or later."

"B-But I haven't found my purpose yet," I muttered.

"Why don't you ask the Moon Goddess again? That’s the easiest way, Ayla."

I draw a deep breath.

Yes, my wolf's second suggestion was the best and easiest thing to do, if only...

"I tried a lot of times, Dara, but I haven't received a single response from the Moon Goddess."

Sighing, I tried to fight my emotions.

There's no way the Moon Goddess would abandon me in the hands of Alpha Liam, right?

"Don't worry, Dara. After hearing what Omega Duke and Azael said, I know I'm getting closer to it."

"Azael? Who's that?" she asked.

"Alpha Liam's wolf. You didn't meet him last night because you keep on whining in pain."

"Shouldn't I blame Azael for what happened?" Her words came out as almost a growl. "If I'm not mistaken, I first felt the pain when I saw Alpha Liam's eyes change color."

My lips pursed on their own. I thought I had done well to prevent her from thinking negative thoughts, but my tongue slipped on its own.

"Don't blame him, Dara. We should be thankful that the Alpha listened to Azael to spare us."

There's no need to tell her everything, thinking how upset she is because of Alpha Liam's actions.

"Does that mean we found an ally?"

I gradually shook my head and walked in the window, where I saw Alpha Liam's car approaching.

"You said I shouldn't trust anyone but myself, right?"

"Yes." My wolf's word was quiet, as if she understood what I meant. "He marked you, but he threw you into a lion's den last night."

I silently nodded while staring in Alpha Liam's direction. He came out formally in his expensive car wearing a black tuxedo that fit perfectly fine with his muscular body. His hair made him more dignified and respectable from afar.

"Alpha Liam keeps on saving me, but I could feel his hatred towards me," I said, feigning the confusion and pain that was lurking in my chest. "It is said that the Silverline pack is the strongest, but he uncovered my secret in front of the Alphas last night."

Dara draw a deep breath.

"And because of that, I want to know what he’s trying to do," I added.