Walking back to the pack house where all the merriment took place, I shuddered when the cold night air slapped my skin, almost like it had joined the others in mocking me too since I had no wolf and was like every ordinary human.
The full moon shone brightly above, ready to peak. Its metallic-silver hues brightened the entire forest that led to the lake mouth. The nocturnal sounds and the cawing of some night birds and owls added a far more serene feel to the occasion.
The unmated female wolves gathered round the Moon Lake that was said to have been blessed by the moon goddess herself as a gift to help us reveal our mates.
Gazing at the unclad females, I stared at the colorful patterned leaves that were used to decorate the surroundings, making it look like an enchanted forest.
As if on cue, Hazel spotted me again. She smirked sinisterly, stalking towards me with malicious intent evident in her eyes. I backed away, locking eyes with Cale, who just shrugged, looking away.
"I'm amazed at your stupidity, Isla. What makes you think you could join us?"
"I could say the same about you. Aren't you mated to Arden?"
She scoffed, "I'm the soon-to-be Luna and as tradition demands, I lead these unmated wolves in the moon ritual." She paused, eyeing me, "You wouldn't know that since you're a bastard wolf."
At her words, I felt rage boil inside of me, "What did you just call me?"
"A bastard wolf." She smiled, "Oh, no. I think the right words, wolfless bastard."
I yelled, lunging at her but instantly, her minions appeared out of nowhere and held my arms tightly. Pulling forcefully, I winced from the pain.
"Let me go!"
"Since you so eagerly wish to make a fool of yourself, let me help you be the talk of the town."
Her eyes glazed and I could tell she was mind-linking the rest of her friends, and from the joyful giggles leaving their lips, I could tell whatever they had planned out for me wasn't good in any way.
"Let me go!" I screamed again, trying to squirm out of their tight grasp but they dragged me abruptly forward through the rest of the females.
My eyes widened as the realization of what she'd planned to do dawned on me. No! No! I shrieked. I couldn't swim! When they pushed my body forward to the edge of the lake, I bucked and kicked with newfound strength but it was of no use; they were too strong.
All my pleading fell on deaf ears as they continued to relentlessly drag me into the cold, freezing water. I looked to the others, some wanted to protest but chose to remain quiet for fear of getting on Hazel's bad list; the rest remained indifferent to the situation.
The moment we stepped into the lake, a shudder racked through my entire body. I gritted my teeth to ease some of the tension.
When they'd gotten me where they'd wanted me and we were waist-deep, Hazel growled before a sinister chuckle left her lips, "This would be an example to any of those who dare to cross me or disrespect me openly like this one here."
Their hold on me softened and they circled around me, instantly pushing me with a hard kick at my side. I wheezed and with one last shiver, I sank deep into the lake, feeling the water engulf my body, its icy cold grasp holding me in its dark clutches.
Suddenly, I felt hands holding me down and pulling me deep beneath, claws wrapped my mouth to stop my muffled screech. I struggled hard to breathe and gasped for air.
When it all felt like the end of it all and my life flashed before my eyes, a tear of regret slid down my face. I felt strong, sturdy arms wrap around my body, jerking me up to the surface.
I wheezed, sputtering the bit of water I had swallowed, hyperventilating as I struggled to gasp for breath, feeling lightheaded as I was being lifted up and dropped down gently on dry ground, the earth sticking to my skin. Then I heard a very angered voice chafed.
"Is this how you treat your people? I've been watching you and somehow I wonder how Arden chose to settle for a creature as vile as you."
When I managed to open my eyes as my panic settled, I turned towards the direction where Hazel stood, noticing a man standing right in front of her with claws wrapped around the neck she inclined in submission.
"Alpha Sage," she whimpered under his hold.
My eyes widened as realization dawned on me, the man standing right in front of her was the same person from earlier and she addressed him as Alpha Sage.
He was angered, his body bristled and growls rumbled through his chest. I could tell he was fighting the urge to shift. Why was he so mad at Hazel? Was he trying to defend me or just acting on impulse?
"You're not worthy of being a Luna, no, you're not worthy of being anything. I'll see to it that you're punished."
My wet hair stuck to my face as I tried to shift my body but was being restrained by sturdy arms I hadn't noticed were still around me. Lifting my head to whoever it was, I was met with the calm and calculating gaze of a much younger guy probably a few years older than I was. His curly form covered part of his eyes. I couldn't tell what color they were.
"I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me." I nearly laughed at Hazel's trembling voice as she pleaded with the Alpha.
"Be thankful I don't hurt women." Then he turned to the rest of them still gathered with horrified expressions on their faces. "You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Is this what this pack teaches? To watch another person get trampled upon and do nothing?! I'm disappointed in all of you."
After he'd said those words, his hold on her neck loosened, and he shrugged her to the side and walked towards me, his pinched expression softening when our eyes met.
My heartbeat suddenly increased under the intensity of his stare and I fidgeted. When he got close enough, he dropped down and carried me up into his grasp before placing his head at mine.
"You're safe now. I'll never let anyone hurt you again. I promise."