Chapter 2

Arabella's POV

Lucas had his usual confident look, with red hair and those green eyes. He was thinner than Alexander but still very muscular. Tonight he wore a black suit with his blue Beta moon symbol on it.

Tristan was different, always standing back, watching everything quietly. His blonde hair made him look elegant. He was the skinniest of the three, but I'd seen him easily take down guys twice his size. He never did anything bad to me directly, but he always just stood there watching when they messed with me. That made me hate him just as much.

"The Blood Moon trio reunites," I rolled my eyes. "Don't you guys have real work to do in the pack?"

Lucas smiled as he walked up to me. "Puppy's in such a hurry to ditch us? Picked a weak mate and now can't wait to run off?"

I stood up straight, trying to sound strong. "Wesley is my fated mate. I don't need you three 'messing with' me anymore."

"By the way," I pushed his arm away when he tried to touch my shoulder. "Wesley treats me better than your stupid games ever did."

Alexander stepped closer, looking straight at me with those annoying amber eyes. "This is just how we show our affection. You know that. Puppy."

"Normal people don't show affection by bullying someone," I shot back. "And I'm not your puppy anymore. I never really was."

Just then, I smelled strong liquor coming from the forest path. Wesley walked out, looking angry. I got nervous—he wasn't this drunk during our ceremony.

"Looks like I missed a party," Wesley sounded dangerous. "What the fuck are you all crowding around my mate for?"

The air got super tense. I could feel the Blood Moon trio getting all defensive with Wesley showing up. Alexander stood taller, like he was trying to flex or something.

"Just saying goodbye to Arabella," Alexander said with total authority.

Wesley pushed between Lucas and me, yanking me to his side. I frowned. His breath reeked of alcohol, worse than I thought.

I put my hand on Wesley's chest, trying to calm him down. "Don't worry. They're just saying goodbye to me."

Wesley suddenly turned to me, looking fierce. "Don't act like a whore with other males. You trying to make me look like a joke to my pack?"

His words felt like a slap. My face burned with shame. I couldn't believe he called me that in front of everyone, especially on our bonding night.

"What did you say, Wesley?" I asked in disbelief. Was this still my gentleman-like mate? Maybe he's drunk.

Wesley cut me off, "Leave with me! Now!"

He grabbed my wrist so hard I yelped in pain. Before I could say anything, the three wolves reacted in a way that shocked me.

Alexander's eyes turned solid wolf gold, and his power filled the air. Lucas's muscles got tight, like he was ready to attack. Even quiet Tristan rolled up his sleeves—which meant he was ready to fight. I shook my head, secretly begging them not to interfere.

"Let her go, Wesley," Lucas didn't sound playful anymore, just threatening. "You hurt her."

I saw Wesley let go of my wrist, but he still faced the three guys. He looked strong, but I could tell from his breathing he was nervous.

"This is between me and my mate," Wesley said firmly. "You have no right butting into our business."

Alexander stepped forward, looking even taller now. "Mate or not, she's Blood Moon. Nobody fucking touches what's mine on my territory."

"Then what?" Wesley asked, his voice a little shaky.

Alexander's voice got deeper, "Then I'll rip your wolf balls out through your throat. You won't even deserve to be called a dog."

Wesley's body got stiff. He tried to look tough, but his smell changed—angry mixed with something he was trying to hide.

Seeing things getting worse, I stepped between them, trying to stop the fight.

"Tonight's supposed to be special," I tried to sound strong. "Don't ruin it with fighting."

Is he seriously going to continue taunting them? I don't want to see my mate hurt in our ceremony.

Alexander and Lucas seemed to calm down a bit, but Wesley turned his anger at me.

"Are you taking their side?" Wesley growled, making me jump.

I realized Wesley's ego was hurt bad in front of these three powerful wolves, especially by Alexander's threat that he couldn't match.

"I'm not taking sides, Wesley," I said as calmly as I could. "I just don't want our special night ruined."

Wesley growled and yanked my arm. "Enough! Leave! Now!"

He pulled me fast toward the parking lot, rough and in a hurry.

I could feel the three wolves watching us until Wesley pulled me through the trees and to the car.

Wesley slammed the car door so hard the whole car shook.

The car was quiet except for Wesley's heavy breathing. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white. I'd never seen him this mad.

After a few really uncomfortable minutes, I carefully said, "Wesley, I didn't mean to embarrass you..."

Before I could say anything nice, Wesley's hand hit my cheek hard. The pain shot through me, and my head slammed against the window.

He...hit me. He actually hit me.

I should jump out of the car. But Alexander and his friends were probably still close by. And I'd just bragged about how great Wesley was before.

"Did you see how they looked at me?" he growled. "Like I was garbage not good enough for you!"

"And you!" Wesley kept yelling, sounding humiliated and furious. "You took their side in front of me!"

Maybe this is my fault. I should've known Wesley would be insecure, especially around Alexander. I shouldn't have stayed alone after the ceremony or let those three wolves surround me.

"I'm sorry, Wesley," I said weakly, "I didn't know they'd be waiting for me."

Wesley started breathing more normally, though he was still angry.

"You should be sorry," his voice got softer but still sounded like a warning. "If you want our bond to work, you need to know where your loyalty belongs."

"I understand," I nodded, my cheek still hurting. "It won't happen again."

After a few quiet minutes, Wesley reached out to me like he never hit me at all.

Even though my cheek hurt, I put my hand in his. He held my hand tight, possessively, but without the warmth and safety I thought mates should feel.

"I love you, my mate," Wesley suddenly sounded gentle, "From tonight on, you're mine, only mine."

"I love you too," I forced a smile.

Back then, I had no idea what was waiting for me...