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Section 1
### Chapter 1: Chapter One
Chapter One I awoke with a start. Sweat covered my face and neck; my hair sticking to my skin. My heart was hammering and my hands shook. Out of fear my head whipped around the room, as if I was looking for an evil demon or something else that had scared me. I took in the familiar view of my bedroom, and let out a breath of relief. "It was only a dream" I whispered, "it was only a dream". I looked around the room, frowning slightly, before I flopped back down in the bed. It was close to dawn, but it was still dark. I didn't return to sleep, I just stayed lying on my bed for a few hours. When it reached close to six am, a knock came on the door. "Time to get up" my mother shouted, sounding rushed. She didn't even open the door before running down the corridor to wake my sister up. I heard her say a few words to my sister, as I sat up in bed. I sighed heavily, looking over at my closet – my outfit for the day, which was picked out three months previous, and handing off the door, and my packed suitcase standing next to it. The day was November 10th. To humans it was just another day, but to Werewolves it was a day of excitement and joy. Because November 10th was Mate Day. Every year, on the sixth day of November, every Werewolf from the age of eighteen to twenty five met on neutral ground – for the Mating Ritual. The male Wolves – from all the different Packs – got the choice of all the She Wolves in the country. To see which one they wanted for mating. As soon as a She Wolf turned eighteen they had to go, and then if they weren't chosen they continued to go back until they turned twenty five. I was dreading the entire process. And the fact that all the She Wolves had to line up according to strength was just degrading. I didn't want to stand with the other weak Wolves, awaiting someone to decide I look good enough to be his mate. However, my opinion was not shared with many. Most females couldn't wait for the Mating Ritual, in the hope that one of the Alpha's would choose them. To be picked by a Pack Leader – an Alpha – was rare, but not unheard of. However, Alpha's mated with Alpha's. That was just how it was. An Alpha male, who wanted strong pups would always chose a She Wolf who had an Alpha father or grandfather; to ensure their pups would be as strong as possible. Yet, that didn't stop the eighteen year old girls living in hope. It was in a She Wolves nature to want to be with an Alpha. "Gemini you better be dressed in the next two minutes, or else I'll come up there and dress you myself" my mother shouted. I groaned loudly, as I grabbed my outfit and walked into the bathroom. I glanced myself over in the mirror – realising that the sleepless night didn't do me any good. I had some serious work to do. I showered myself before changing into my outfit – a knee length cotton white dress, with small delicate ivory flowers decorating the others. The top of the dress was strapless, and hung to my chest tightly – but not in a revealing way. The dress was A-Line and showed my figure. My mother told me that I had to show the male Wolves what they would be getting. Once my dress was on, I headed downstairs. My mother and my elder sister were both waiting for me. My sister – Jazmine – was three years older than me. She met her mate, Adam, on her second year at that the Mating Ritual. Adam was nice guy, quiet, but nice. He was in our pack, so Jazmine continued to stay with our pack and live with us. "Gemini" my mother greeted me, smiling nervously. "I knew that dress would be perfect. Now, please, sit". There was a seat in the middle of the lounge, a table next to it covered in beauty products. I wore the basics of make-up most days, but looking at the table I suddenly felt like I knew nothing of beauty regimens. I took a seat at the chair, and let my sister and my mother work on me. My sister curled my blonde hair, leaving it to cascade down to my lower back. My mother then worked on my face – making it seem flawless and bright. I mean, I wasn't an ugly person and I was fairly slim – but even I was surprised by how pretty I looked once I was completely ready. My skin seemed to glow, and my cheekbones were obvious. My large eyes, a silver colour, looked almost bewitching as they were lined with black. "Well she defiantly looks the part" Jazmine commented to my mother, who nodded in agreement. "Let's just hope they don't try to talk to her, then she might have a chance of being picked by someone" she replied. I frowned, slightly hurt, but didn't comment. It wasn't exactly untrue to say that my personality was so what lacking. I had been told I didn't have a personality on many occasions. I was told I was boring and quiet, but I knew I was just comfortable in my own company. I got it from my father; who didn't speak much, but when he did it was said with wisdom. "Let's just hope her looks distract people from her strength and personality" my mother muttered, as I headed towards the front door. I grabbed my suitcase and pulled it with me. My mother kissed and hugged me goodbye, as did my sister, before they waved me off – not before a quick reminded on how I needed to act. I met the other Wolves who were all going to the Mating Ritual. Both the girls and the boys were all dressed to impress; but obviously the girls more than the boys. When I saw my best friend, Jacob, I smiled and rushed over to him. Jacob wore a pair of black jeans, and a white polo shirt. His brown hair was tousled and styles messily, but in a good way. Jacob was an attractive guy, there was no doubt that She Wolves would be pushing their chests out for his attention. "Gem" he smiled. "Hey" I grinned brightly at him. "You look amazing" he commented, reaching forward to give me a hug. I swatted his hands away – blushing profoundly. I didn't like being the centre of attention – never had. "Don't mess up my hair" I joked. He laughed with me, shaking his head. I was quiet, but I spoke more when I got comfortable with people. With Jacob, I could be myself. He gave me a large smile, before a voice sounded to my left. It was our Alpha – we had a bus taking us to the Mating Ritual. I instantly took a seat near the back, next to Jacob and we shared his IPod for the ride. When we arrived, our Alpha gave us a small speech about presenting ourselves. Our Alpha, Alpha Jones, was attractive – for an older man – and always walked with an air of authority. I climbed off the bus and Jacob placed his hand my lower back. It was an odd thing for him to do, and I frowned. It wasn't that I had a problem with him touching me, it was just that I was there to find a mate, and his touch was like a claim. He was warning other males away from me. "Jake, what are you doing?" I hissed quietly, as we lined up at the entrance. As if he hadn't even realised what he done, he dropped his hand. "Sorry" he mumbled, almost embarrassed. As I waited to get my badge – which would say my name, my age, my strength out of ten and my current pack – I looked around. The entire ritual was held outside. There was three large marques, all contained food, drink and other refreshments. People stood around everywhere, just talking and mingling. There was a long queue to get the badges, and get inside. When I got to the front of the queue, an elder Werewolf asked my name and then handed me my badge. It was small and white, with basic script and words. Gemini Burn. Strength 3/10. 18 years old. Gresall Wolf Pack. I looked at it with slight distaste, before I clipped it to the top of my dress. "The Alpha rated you a three out of ten?" Jacob asked, looking upset. I gave him a look, telling him I was fine with it. But it wasn't. I knew three was not good. There was only so far my looks could get me – I wouldn't get much attention from the males. Because my pups wouldn't be strong. "What did you get?" I questioned Jacob; changing the subject. "Six". "That's good". "It's alright" he smiled smugly, before giving me a playful smirk. I giggled, "I'm surprised you got that high". Annoyed Jacob pushed my shoulder, I hadn't been expecting it. I yelped in shock as I fell backward, but I didn't hit the floor. No, I hit something worse, or rather someone worse. I crashed straight into an Alpha. But not just any Alpha – the scariest Alpha of them all. The Alpha was tall with a large build – his chest wide set and toned, and his tattooed arms were bulging from his shirt. He was a beautiful looking man; hair the colour of a midnight sky, and eyes the colour of a plush green field in summer. He was a good foot, or so, taller than me – just adding to his intimidation. I was terrified. I had never met a man more scary in my life. His face was void from all emotion, as if he was a zombie – completely wiped clean of all thoughts and feelings. I gulped nervously, as his arms steadied me. His hands were strong and firm; as if they were made of steel. I glanced at his badge and almost collapsed. Alpha Vetteriano. Strength 10/10. 25 years old. Endoro Wolf Pack. I knew who Alpha Vetteriano was – everyone did. The man was well known, and not for any good reasons. On his eighteenth birthday he murdered both his parents, before taking over his Wolf pack. He ran his pack harshly, and if anyone so much as looked at him in a way he didn't like – he would kill them. He was the thing of nightmares, a monster of the greatest heights. Every year at the Mating Ritual – since his eighteenth birthday – he hadn't picked a mate. He refused to do so, yet he showed up every year; more because he had to, not because he wanted to. That was the last year he would be able to attend, and the last year he would be able to choose. But, everyone knew he would remain mate less – despite the hundreds of She Wolves who threw themselves at his feet. He was the Blood Alpha – and I had just crashed into him. "A-Alpha" I stuttered out, jumping away and snapping my head to the floor. I was being submissive – showing him that I understood that he was my superior and I was weaker than him. "I'm sorry, it was an accident. Please forget me". I was terrified he was going to kill me; right then and there. "Look at me" he growled out. His voice was rough and hoarse, a hint on foreignness in his accent – he was a quiet man, I knew that, he never addressed many people. Only a handful of people had ever heard him speak. I gulped at his tone. But, I didn't dare look up at him. "I said look at me" he snapped. I whimpered in fear, as his hand grasped my chin. His hands were hard and callous; as if he spent his entire life doing manual labour. I was shaking, terrified, as he pushed my chin upwards. My eyes, unwillingly, met his. His eyes were large and circular, with a bright green orbs that looked both alive and dead at the same time. Alpha Vetteriano scared me to my very core. He didn't get the nickname 'The Blood Alpha' for no reason. He stared into my eyes for a few seconds – his eyes narrow as if he was trying to read my mind. Then, finally, he let go off me, before stepping away. He paused – fingered my badge to see it clearly – before stalking off. He walked with as much dominance as he stared with. When he was completely out of sight, I let out a long shaky breath. I quickly looked around, noticing everyone's eyes on me – they all looked as terrified as I felt. I had a feeling they all thought he would have killed me as well. But then, as I reminded myself, he could still come back for me. That thought made me shiver with fear. "Gem, I am so sorry" Jacob gushed, pulling me into a tight hug. I no longer cared that it may have turned other male Wolves away from me, because they thought I was already spoken for, because I was still shaking with fear. "I can't believe I almost got you killed" he breathed out, pulling back. "I was so scared, Jake. I thought he was going to kill me" I muttered. I was close to crying – to breaking down. I didn't have a lot of courage, or experience with Alpha's, so I felt like I was about to keel over in fear. "Come on, let's get a drink" Jacob suggested, taking my arm and pulling me towards one of the marquees. He was trying to make me feel better. As we walked away, I glanced to my left to see Alpha Vetteraino once more. And his intense stare was firmly on me.
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### Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Chapter Two A few men were interested in me, and that felt nice. They spoke, they flirted and they spoke of choosing me. Then, they saw my strength and changed their minds. I was too weak for them. One wolf – who was extremely interested – decided 'I wasn't for him', after he got a closer look at my score. Jacob just stood next to me, shaking his head in annoyance. "You deceive better than that asshole anyway". "Thanks, Jake" I smiled at him – I knew he was trying to make me feel better. I took a glass of water of the table behind me, before handing one to him. We stood inside one of the marquees, the summer sun shining setting. Jacob took the glass from me, before popping a finger sandwich into his mouth. My best friend caught the eye of another girl, who smiled at him flirtatiously. Jacob didn't even pay her mind, and turned back to me. He had dismissed every She Wolf who had tried to flirt with him – and refused to seek out any girl he wanted. His behaviour was odd. Jacob sighed, before moving closer to me. I frowned as his face turned serious – it wasn't often that Jacob was serious. I was the quiet and serious friend, and he was the jovial and immature friend; that was why we got on so well. "Look, Gemini, I've been thinking that--" "Excuse me" a male voice interrupted Jacob. I turned to see a tall man, with ash hair and light eyes. He wasn't overly attractive, but he wasn't unfortunate looking either. I offered him a smile, hoping he was just another suitor trying for my hand. "Yes?" I asked, as Jacob scowled for being interrupted. "Gemini Burn?" he questioned, eyes briefly flicking down to my badge. I nodded yes, and he continued. "I am Beta Strider of the Endoro Pack. Alpha Vetteriano asked me to find you and bring you to him" he told me. At his words my blood ran cold, and my face fell. "No" Jacob spoke up, slipping his arm around my waist and pulling me to my side. I crashed into his broad side, and quickly grabbed a hold of his shirt in fear. I didn't want him to leave me alone with Alpha Vetteriano – with the Blood Alpha. Beta Strider frowned, before glaring at Jacob. "Do not speak to me like that, pup. And do not touch Gemini" he growled out. With amazing strength, he grabbed me and pulled me away from Jacob. "Now stand down". "She will be my mate" Jacob snapped, lunging forward to grab me. Beta Strider pushed me behind him, before I even had a chance to think over Jacob's words. He wanted me as a mate. He wanted to choose me. Jacob and I had been friends for as long as I could remember, and there had never be any romantic feelings between us. Well, not as far as I knew. But I couldn't deny that I hadn't thought about Jacob and I ending up together, it would be easy for us. We never had secrets, we knew everything about one another. It would be easy to be with him – I knew that, I had always know that. "Watch your mouth pup" Beta Strider growled. The commotion was causing a scene and a few of the ritual organisers rushed over. I blushed deeply, hiding behind by curtain of hair. "Beta, is something wrong?" one of the man asked, looking between the three of us in confusion. "Keep this pup away from Gemini. She will be chosen by Alpha Vetteriano" he replied, and it wasn't only me who was shocked. Everyone nearby gasped. Alpha Vetteriano was known for always keeping away from relationships and emotional attachments. It was the last year for him to claim a mate – and he had made it very clear that he hadn't planned to choose a female. I couldn't deny that Alpha Vetteriano was attractive, but that did nothing to discourage from the fact he was a murderer, a monster. The Blood Alpha. I didn't want to be chosen by Alpha Vetteriano, I wanted to be chosen by Jacob or someone else. Anyone else. Just not the Blood Alpha. "No, she'll be chosen by me. Gemini is mine" Jacob growled out. I had never heard him sound so angry or possessive in my life. He didn't sound like my friend Jacob, he sounded like every other male Wolf. I didn't like that – but I would have rather been with him than the infamous Alpha Vetteriano. "Take him away" the Beta yelled. "Understood Beta Strider" one of the workers said, before two of them grabbed Jacob. My friend growled and snapped, as he fought against them. But, they just dragged him away. "Jake" I called after him, moving away from Beta Strider and trying to go after my friend. "Do not run, Gemini. Alpha Vetteriano will not like that". "I don't want them to hurt him" I whispered, "I just want to make sure he doesn't get send out". The Beta just rolled his eyes at my words – as if they were childish. "I don't care what you want. But I will give Alpha Vetteriano what he wants. And he wants you. So stop this behaviour and follow me, before I beat you into submission". His voice was powerful and dominant. He was no Alpha, but he was still a lot higher than me – a simple pack Wolf with no title. His words scared me, and I felt tears prickling at my eyes. I didn't want him to beat me, and I didn't want to be mated to Alpha Vetteriano. "Don't cry" Beta Strider snapped, annoyed. His words made me ever more upset, and I felt more tears rising. "Come". He grabbed my arm – fingers digging into my arm – and he pulled me after him. Tears began to fall as he dragged me through the mutual territory. He took me to a smaller marquee towards the back of the area, and pushed back the curtain to drag me into it. As soon as we walked in, I gulped. Alpha Vetteriano sat on a chair, eyes staring at the floor in his usual emotionless stare. When we walked in, his eyes snapped up to us. He looked at me, before frowning deeply. Fear ran through me – maybe I wasn't as pretty as he first thought, and because of that he was going to kill me. "Why is she crying?" Alpha Vetteriano demanded, looking at his second in command. Beta Strider just shrugged, as if he had no idea. Alpha Vetteriano didn't buy it, and frowned deeply. His frown was the most emotion I had seen that far. He turned to me. "Why are you crying?" he asked. His voice just made me more fearful. But it was odd, I was more afraid of Beta Strider than Alpha Vetteriano. I mean, I wasn't planning to be best friends with him any time – but the fact he was going to choose me made me look at him differently. All day male Wolves had been shunning me because of my weakness, yet Alpha Vetteriano – someone who should have been shunning me because of my weakness, wanted to make me his mate. That made me feel slightly safe – as if he saw past the labelling score. Yet, Alpha Vetteriano still terrified me. "Well?" he snapped, when I didn't reply. "Why are you crying?" His harsh voice made me whimper, dropping my head once more. More tears feel from my eyes at an ever faster rate. "Look at me". Grabbing my chin – once more – he forced me to meet his green eyes. "What happened?" "I'm scared" I whispered out; voice almost lost in the soft summer breeze. "Of what?" Alpha Vetteriano demanded; no sympathy in his tone. "He said he'd beat me" I confessed. "My Beta?" he asked, jaw setting in anger and fury. I nodded yes, and instantly regretted it. Turning on his heels, he faced Beta Strider. He grabbed his Beta's collar, before smashing his fist into his face. I screamed as Beta Strider's nose cracked – breaking almost instantly. He fell to the floor, as blood spurted from his face. Alpha Vetteriano didn't pause, he bent down and continued to beat him. I cried harder, and screamed a few times, as I watched him – the man who planned to take me as a mate – continue to punch and kick Beta Strider. But, there was still no emotion on his face. When he'd finished beating him, the Beta was unconscious and bloodied. Alpha Vetteriano turned away from him, before looking at me. His frown returned when he took my crying form in. He then took his shirt off, and used it to mop up the blood from his hands. Alpha Vetteriano's body was large and well toned – his abs prominent and obvious. He looked at me, once he'd finished cleaning himself, before walking over to me. He stopped when he was only a few inches away from me. My heart was pounding out of fear. He took my hand, in his, and brought it to his toned body. I blushed, as he ran my hand over his hard body. I wasn't sure what he was doing, but I didn't ask or question him. He brushed my hand over his abs and chest a few more time, before dropping it. "Very odd" he mumbled to himself. I wanted to ask him what was odd, but decided against it. I was worried he would find me intruding, so I stayed deathly silence. "Come" he instructed, before walking away. I followed him without queries. Alpha Vetteriano didn't stop walking until we reached a different part of the marquee. There were a few chairs there, and a table filled with drinks and food. I knew it was tent reserved for Alpha's – Jake had pointed it out to me. He had also mentioned that Alpha Vetteriano was the only Alpha there to find a mate. "Sit" he nodded to a chair. I did as I was told, as perched on the chair. Alpha Vetteriano studied me for a few minutes – eyes scanning my body closely. I felt very self-conscious, and curled into myself slightly. Before I'd even thought about it, a question flew from my mouth. "Alpha Vetteriano?" I asked. "Layton" he interrupted me. I gave him a confused look. "My name, is Layton". It was odd him having a first name – not because I didn't think he had one, but because it reminded me that he was still a normal person, and he was going to be my mate. I would get to know him, to mate him, to have his pup. The Blood Alpha was going to be my mate – and his name was Layton Vetteriano. "Layton, why are you going to choose me?" I questioned, worried for his answer. "Because I want you" was his simple reply. I had worked out quickly, that Layton was a man of very few words. I wasn't a large talker, but at least I could hold a conversation. It seemed that Layton found talking more of a chore than a necessity. "But why? I'm weak". My voice was small and childlike, I felt so pathetic and weak next to him. Layton continued to stare at me – his eyes wide and hard. He gave nothing away. "I don't care about strength. I want you; so, now, you are mine". Layton gave me an intense look; green eyes piercing mine. We stayed like that for a few seconds – Layton staring at me, and me holding his gaze as not to drop it and anger him. Finally, he broke the eye contact. "It's time for the choosing" he stated, before turning and walking away from him. It took me a few seconds to realise he wanted me to follow him – so I had to jog a few steps to catch up. He walked with a big stride, which was hard for me to keep up with. Layton led me towards the centre of the mutual territory, where all the other She Wolves were lined up. They stood according to strength and then alphabetically. I was only ranked a three for my strength, so I was slightly embarrassed to have to line with the others. But, then, I remembered that an Alpha would choose me. The male Wolves all stood around the line, there was a low murmur of chatter over the group. "Follow me" Layton told me, taking my arm and pulling me towards the line of She Wolves. Everyone fell silent as they saw the Blood Alpha dragging a weak She Wolf to the line – it was a shock to everyone. I blushed from the attention. He walked me to the line, every single pair of eyes on me. He found the other She Wolves with my same ranking, and took me to them. With a simple glare of his hard eyes, the Wolves all moved to make room for me. Layton placed me in the line, before walking back to where all the males stood I would have felt nervous being so on show, under normal circumstances, but as everyone knew that an Alpha like Layton had interest in me, I felt even more nervous. I ringed my hands, keeping them in front of them – as I bit my bottom lip. I was terrified. One of the workers for the Ritual stepped forward, and began to talk. The blood that pounded in my ears was too loud, I didn't hear a single word she said. But she didn't speak for long, because soon she began to call out names. "Charlotte Morrisey" she announced, standing in front of the first girl in the line. "Mine" a male Wolf voiced, taking a step out of the crowd. There were a few seconds of pause, making sure no one else tried to choose her, before the woman nodded. Then the man walked over, took the girl's hand, and led her away. The woman continued her way down the line – calling allowed each She Wolves name. Most got chosen, but a few were unclaimed. Each girl that wasn't chosen, looked both upset and embarrassed, and stayed where they were. I felt sorry for them – I had expected to be like them before meeting Layton. When she reached me, I felt my breath catch in my throat. "Gemini Burn" she shouted. Not a second past before Layton's voice sounded out. "She's mine". He stormed over to me, and grabbed me. A small pit of both nerves and excitement bubbled in the bottom of my stomach. I was being chosen by an Alpha – never, ever, in my wildest dreams did I think that was going too happened. But it did, I was chosen by not only an Alpha, but the Blood Alpha.
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