Hunted, Hated, Desired

Arabella's POV

In my world, werewolves and humans have lived together peacefully for hundreds of years. We share cities, schools, and workplaces, but we wolves still keep our own secret communities and territories. During the day, we look just like normal people, but at night, when the moon comes out, we follow our old traditions and embrace our wolf instincts.

The city where I was living was ruled by the Blood Moon pack. My brother, Asher, was a council member of the Blood Moon pack, and one of his buddies, Alexander Harrington, was our alpha. The youngest alpha in our pack's history, having taken over after his father's early death. The asshole had all that power and zero humility to go with it.

For as long as I can remember, my brother's friends, Alexander and his two buddies, Lucas and Tristan, have been a pain in my ass. When we were kids, they were vicious little shits—locking me in the pack's basement, stealing my shoes after gym class, or calling me that stupid "Puppy" nickname just because I was smaller than the others. As we got older, their pranks turned into annoying flirting and teasing.

Fortunately, I had met my mate in my college life. I'll never forget that first moment with Wesley Morgan—the electric shock that hit me like a freight train, my soul practically yanking me toward him. He was handsome, caring, and most importantly, he didn't make me feel trapped like Alexander always did.

Tonight, I finished the bonding ceremony with Wesley in my pack. I was going to live with him in the Black Moon pack.

"Congratulations, Arabella. May the Moon Goddess bless your bond with Wesley." my mother walked up to me, smiling despite the pain I knew she was in. I could smell the medication in her blood.

"Thanks, Mom." I hugged her gently, trying not to notice how fragile she felt.

Asher put his arm around our mother, supporting her.

"Asher, I can stand by myself," she complained with her usual stubbornness.

My brother kissed her forehead gently before turning to me with a much fiercer look. "If that bastard ever hurts you, just tell me. I'll cut his balls off."

I rolled my eyes, but secretly, my heart swelled at his protectiveness. "No need to be so dramatic, bro. Wesley would never hurt me. The mate bond connects our souls."

After the party, people started to leave.

I took a stroll near the parking lot by myself for a while.

During our date, Wesley always acted like a gentleman and never crossed any boundaries. And tonight, I was about to become his woman, anticipation and joy filling my chest.

I leaned against Wesley's car, taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart.

Suddenly, I heard rustling leaves nearby. A female pack member came out of the woods besides, quickly fixing her dress and smoothing her messy hair.

"Congratulations on your mate ceremony, Arabella," she said, sounding awkward. My nose picked up another wolf's scent all over her.

Alexander appeared seconds later, lazily fixing his clothes. I hated that I noticed his perfect body—tall and muscular, his dark hair messy as if a woman's fingers had just run through it; his stubble perfectly outlining his strong jawline; and most unforgettable, those amber eyes that seemed to pierce right through me.

When his gaze met mine, he flashed that shit-eating grin, his eyes gleaming with tease.

"Why don't you go find somewhere else to unload your filthy dick?" I said coldly.

Alexander's lips curved into that smile that pissed me off. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, I would've missed the hilarious look on your face right now."

He lit a cigarette and held it out to me. "Want a hit, Puppy?"

I refused with a scowl. "As a werewolf, you should know that damages your sense of smell." My tone was sharp.

Alexander laughed. "Always such a good girl, aren't you?" His eyes moved from my face to my chest, then to my waist. "So, did you sleep with your fated mate yet? Or is Asher's precious sister still a virgin?"

My cheeks flushed, betraying my embarrassment. "I chose to wait until after the official ceremony. Not that it's any of your damn business."

"What a good puppy you are." Alexander leaned closer, smirk widening. "If you find Wesley's dick too small, you can always come to me to pop your cherry." His eyes got intense, possessive.

Fury exploded inside me. "Shut your mouth, asshole. Even if Wesley was the last male wolf on earth, I wouldn't touch your filthy cock."

We might have grown up together, but damn, I fucking hated him. The guy couldn't stand to see me happy for even five seconds. Every time something good happened in my life, there he was, ready to piss all over it with his smug face.

"Don't get your panties in a twist, Puppy," he drawled, taking a long drag from his cigarette. "All I'm saying is if shit hits the fan with your precious mate, my door's always open."

I snorted, crossing my arms over my chest. "Save it. Wesley and I are blessed by the Moon Goddess herself." The confidence in my voice was absolute—I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing even a flicker of doubt.

Alexander's face suddenly got serious as he looked directly into my eyes. "My gut tells me Wesley isn't being completely honest with you."

I scoffed, "Your 'gut feeling' is just jealousy. You can't stand when things don't go your way."

His eyes darkened, his voice low and dangerous. "You're right, I'm not happy to see him become your mate."

His honest answer caught me off guard. I stepped back instinctively. "Why?"

Alexander's expression quickly changed back to that annoying cocky smirk. "Because then I can't mess with you anymore, Puppy."

"I told you not to call me that," I said through clenched teeth.

"And I told you I'll never stop."

"Why that stupid nickname anyway?" I demanded.

"Because you always show your fangs, but when it's actually time to fight, you're about as scary as a baby puppy." He reached toward my face, and I immediately backed away.

I felt my wolf stirring inside, anger burning through me. "Screw you. If I wanted to, I could make you bleed with my claws."

"But if those claws aren't sharp enough, remember you can always call out for us when you're in trouble."

"He's right, Puppy." A familiar voice called.

Lucas walked out from the shadows, with Tristan right behind him. Great. The Blood Moon trio was now complete.