The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

” Luna”

Call me “Isabella, and why do you have to be formal around me, I thought we are friends Violet?”

” Yes, Luna, you’re more than a friend to me, I see you as my big sister but I can’t address you by your name in public. Maybe I can do that in your chamber with just us there.”

And why can’t you address me by my name in public?

” It’s forbidden in the pack and whoever defaults the order would be burnt alive at the stake as their punishment.” She said in a low tone.

I wondered what kind of barbaric act, was there anything wrong in addressing someone by their name?

I can’t get used to being called by a title.

” Luna, I wanted to inform you there would be a pack gathering, Alpha Arden would be announcing his beta and also his immediate brother had just returned from war so there would be a pack dinner tonight. You need to prepare and join him, your presence really matters as the Luna and heart of the pack,” she answered with her signature smiling face.

My eyes widened at her words, choosing a beta is also a function in Blood Moon Pack, In my pack, there is nothing like having a gathering because of beta. In short, the beta would be chosen immediately after the coronation. But the difference is quite obvious: the Blood Moon Pack is massive while my Dad’s pack is small.

” Fine,” I said as we made our way back to my chamber. I quickly changed into something nice for the occasion. I wore something simple yet graceful. And Violet styled my hair while I applied a little makeup and lip gloss to glisten my lips.

Just then without much of a courtesy knock on the door, Arden barged into my chamber.

His eyes fell on Violet who was standing beside me. She lowered her head instantly, but Arden’s eyes moved away from her to me.

He stood still, his eyes ruthlessly cold, showing absolutely no emotion.

” Leave us!” At his command, Violet scampered out of the chamber leaving just me and Arden.

” Get up!”

I flinched visibly at his tone and stood up from the dressing table.

“Are you not ready?” His voice dripped with hostility as if the mere sight of me nauseated him

My breath hitched, getting stuck in my throat. His tall and dominating figure moved closer to me as I forced myself to steady my pose. He had a towering height that I had to force my gaze up to his face.

He bore down on me with flickers of raw emotion that I recognized as hatred and disgust. I clutched the silken fabric of my dress, fighting back the urge not to cower.

I lifted my chin and looked him straight in the eyes, but it seemed like he was more annoyed that I was bold enough to stare at him. My heart began to race thinking he would hit me.

I blinked and realized that I’m yet to answer him, I answered him with as much courage as I could muster

” I am ready.”

He took my hand and dragged me down the hallway. He didn’t even care if I was stumbling. We got to the elevator and he stabbed the buttons and shoved me inside.

” Can you stop doing that,” I said while gritting my teeth. I was not sure what had emboldened me to stand up to him but somehow those words had left my mouth.

He looked at me sharply ” Doing what?”

” Shoving me around and dragging my arms, I’m not a child.”

Placing his hands in his pockets, he circled me with those slow steps that made the back of my hair stand on its end. His robe brushed past my leg and I clenched my fists and nervously shifted my weight from one foot to another.

” You are not anything, and you mean nothing to me, Isabella,” he made sure to enunciate every word

” But for tonight, we must maintain appearance, that’s the only reason I’m standing close to you,”

His voice was so deep and suave that I could easily listen to it all day even though he sounds so ruthlessly cold.

The doors to the elevator opened and we stepped out and walked down the hallway toward the dining hall. As we were getting close to the dining hall, he held my hand.

I braced myself against the sparks and lure, I would not allow myself to be influenced by the mate bond. I have to pretend like I’m not attracted to him.

We walked together to the Alpha table, I sat in my usual position and Arden joined his Dad in front of the hall.

And King Leonard cleared his voice, his eyes scanned over the faces of everyone in the dining hall and he began

” Ladies and Gentlemen, brothers and sisters, tonight we’re gathered here for two reasons, to welcome my son Malcolm Vinci who had been at war in North Central, and today he had returned after conquering the war and also I have appointed him as the leader of the North Central. Please welcome Malcolm Vinci.”

I watched as a handsome and attractive-looking man emerged and stood beside Arden. He had deeply tanned skin, sharp features, and an angular cheekbone. His dark brown hair seemed unruly and almost falling to his face. His smile was wide and captivating. His smile was teasing but his eyes spread a calm and peaceful wave through me.

He waved to the crowd and shook hands with his Dad and then walked back to the Alpha table and pecked his mum on the cheek while King Leonard retreated back to his seat.

And Arden came forward ” Tonight I would like to announce my chosen beta. He has trained and fought beside me since we were kids and he’s worthy of this honor, Harry Reid please join me and a young man came out he was built like he had dedicated all his life training, with his broad and barrel chest and wide shoulders. The hall erupted in clapping and approval.

Arden shook hands with his beta ” You will have to join the Alpha’s table from now on”

The table settings were shuffled and I found myself sitting beside my husband and across from his brother Malcolm.

The Chef and the omegas served the meal and conversation swirled around me but I ignored it and nibbled on my food while trying to avoid making skin contact with Arden to avoid sparks from flying between us.

I felt eyes on me and a cold sweat formed at the back of my neck and I looked up and saw Malcolm staring at me. His eyes were mesmerizing and there was something about his gaze that made me uncomfortable.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.