Cestia’s POV
“YOU ARE MY MATE...”
Those red eyes penetrating the darkness and the words that sent my life into a tailspin were the last things I remembered: You are my mate. After then, everything was a haze. My knees had given way, and I was completely engulfed in darkness.
Now, I am awake.
“G-Goodness! W-Where am I?”
Blinking against the warm light coming through the wide windows, I sat up gradually. My body fell into the comfortable mattress of a large bed, the silky sheets cooling on my skin.
The space surrounding me was gorgeous, with ornate sculptures and rich tapestries on the walls. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, providing a golden glow that accentuated the opulent furniture.
For a second, I wondered if I was dreaming.
Then, I saw him.
“Y-You...”
So, that's not a dream.
He stood by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the light. His dark hair was tousled, and his broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the world. Those same crimson eyes from before met mine, though now they seemed softer, less intense.
“You’re awake,” he said, his voice deep and smooth.
I scrambled to the far side of the bed, pulling the sheets up as if they could shield me from him. “Who are you? Where am I?”
“You fainted,” he said, ignoring my panic. “I brought you here for your safety. Welcome to my palace.”
“That doesn’t answer my question!” I snapped, my voice shaking.
He sighed, stepping closer, and I noticed the tension in his jaw. “My name is Jacques Caldwell, though most know me as Jack. I am the King Alpha, ruler of all werewolves.”
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I stared at him, my mind racing. “King Alpha?” I echoed. “You mean… you’re the leader of werewolves?”
“Yes,” he said simply, as if that explained everything.
I shook my head, my disbelief bubbling to the surface. “This isn’t possible. Werewolves aren’t real. This has to be a dream.”
“It’s not a dream.” His voice was firm but not unkind. “You’ve already seen the truth.”
I paused for a moment and then I introduce myself to him. “I am Cestia Storm. I am a human. This can't be... This is not possible!”
He scoffed. “But look, here we are already. So yes, this is possible. That my mate is a human.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but immediately closed it. I had a distinct and unmistakable recall of his transitioning from wolf to man. “Why did you say that I am your mate?”
He approached, his presence authoritative yet somehow reassuring. “Because you are. I can smell it,” he said, his eyes unflinching. “Werewolves view the tie between mates as holy. It's a fate-forged bond that is stronger than anything else in the world.”
My pulse quickened, and my thoughts became disorganised. “But I am not a werewolf! I am just... human.”
“That doesn’t matter,” he said, his tone resolute. “Fate doesn’t make mistakes. You’re meant to be mine, Cestia. My mate, my Luna.”
“Luna?”
“My queen,” he clarified, his voice softening. “You would rule beside me, guiding our kind.”
I stared at him, stunned by the weight of his words. None of this made sense. Less than a day ago, I was worrying about my next paycheck, and now I was being told I was destined to be the queen of werewolves?
“You can’t just decide that for me,” I said, my voice shaking. “I didn’t ask for this.”
“I’m not asking, Cestia,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “This is bigger than either of us. The bond between mates is not something that can be ignored.”
I felt a cold knot of fear twist in my stomach. “What happens if I say no?”
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, his expression was unreadable. “If you refuse, it will weaken me as King Alpha. The pack needs a Luna to maintain balance and order. Without you, my leadership will be challenged.”
“And if I refuse anyway?” I pressed, my voice barely above a whisper.
He met my gaze, his crimson eyes darkening. “Disobeying the King Alpha is not an option, Cestia. For your sake, I advise against it.”
The unspoken threat sent a chill down my spine. I was trapped, caught in a web I didn’t understand.
He must have sensed my fear because his tone softened. “I don’t wish to force this on you,” he said. “But it must be done. For both of us.”
“What must be done?” I asked hesitantly.
He stepped back, folding his arms across his chest. “A pact. It’s the ceremony that binds mates together. Think of it as a wedding, but for werewolves. Once the pact is made, you’ll officially be my Luna.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “You expect me to marry you? I don’t even know you!”
He nodded, as if my outburst was expected. “I understand this is sudden, but there’s no time to waste. My enemies are already circling, looking for any sign of weakness. The bond will solidify my position as King Alpha and protect you from those who might harm you.”
I swallowed hard, my mind reeling. It was all too much, too fast. Yet the fear of defying him loomed large.
“What happens during this… pact?” I asked reluctantly.
“The ceremony is simple,” he explained. “It involves an exchange of vows and a symbolic marking to signify the bond.”
“Marking?” I repeated, alarmed.
He nodded. “It’s painless, I assure you. The mark will protect you, letting all wolves know that you are my mate and under my protection.”
I felt trapped, my choices slipping away with every word he spoke. Refusing him wasn’t an option, not if it meant putting my life—and possibly his—at risk.
“When would this… ceremony happen?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Tonight,” he said, his tone final.
My heart sank, the weight of his words crashing down on me. I was about to be bound to a stranger, a man who was more beast than human.
And yet, deep down, a part of me wondered if this was truly fate—or a nightmare I couldn’t wake from.
“Alright, I will be your mate. Your Luna.”
