Evelyn
I was ignoring Xander after his blatant answer about fated mates, but this man wasn't ready to leave me alone.
"So Evelyn, what do you think about us being chosen mates? It would be convenient for both of us. We're both alphas. Powerful. And probably you heard about vampires. They've become a nuisance nowadays. It would be better if we fight them together."
He leaned closer, confident as hell. "The vampire king couldn't stand against us."
I raised an eyebrow. "How are you so sure, Alpha Xander, that we could defeat him? Did you not hear that he's very powerful? Anyone who dared to fight or challenge him was killed in the end."
He chuckled like I'd just told him a joke.
"Oh come on, Evelyn. They're rumors. I'm damn sure I alone could defeat him, as you know I'm a powerful Alpha."
Oh goddess, this man was so full of himself. I didn't say anything. What was the point?
"So what do you think about us, Evelyn?"
I met his eyes directly. "No, Alpha Xander. I told you before and I'm telling you now. I would never settle for a chosen mate. I want real sparks and pure love, which only my fated mate can give me. I hope you understand."
He looked at me with rage, his jaw clenching tight.
But I didn't care.
I excused myself before he could push more conversation further.
To be honest, it was better that he rejected his mate. No she-wolf deserved a mate like him. A man who could never give love and respect to his mate. A man who was too full of himself to see anything beyond his own reflection. I joined my parents near the refreshment table.
"Evelyn, it's so nice to meet you, dear."
Luna Cara appeared with her bright smile. She was the Luna of the Blue Moon Pack.
"Me too, Luna Cara."
"Oh goddess, look at you, Evelyn. You've become even more beautiful. The last time I saw you was at your eighteenth birthday. You looked like a princess then, but now you look like a queen."
I blushed. "Thank you, Luna Cara. You look beautiful too."
She laughed, warm and genuine. We continued talking. She was talkative and funny, the kind of woman who made you feel at ease. Soon after, her daughter Zoey joined us.
"Hey, Evelyn!"
She hugged me tight and I hugged her back.
"Hi, Zoey."
She was my old friend. We weren't like besties, but we were good friends. Close enough.
"Where have you been all these years, Zoey? She smiled mischievously, that familiar glint in her eyes.
"I was traveling to other places. Places that were forbidden for us.
I narrowed my eyes on her. "Which places?"
"I was traveling to vampire territories."
My eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you crazy? Don't you know they're dangerous? They could kill you!"
Zoey was an adventurous person. This wasn't the first time she'd visited dangerous places. Once she visited human lands and pulled a stunt that could've been dangerous for all werewolves.
She giggled like it was nothing. "I'm fine, Evelyn. Of course they could've killed me if they smelled me as a werewolf. But I went there after putting a magical potion on me. I bought it from a witch. After using that potion, I smelled like a vampire."
"Damn it, Zoey. Why would you do that?"
"I wanted to see them, Evelyn. I was kind of bored. But do you know they're damn hot? I've never seen anyone as beautiful as them."
I shook my head. "Really, Zoey? You're something else."
SMASH.
SMASH.
Then screams.
I heard an unsettling sound first. Then running. Then screams after screams and more smashing sounds echoing through the hall.
"Vampires!"
"Vampires!"
What? Vampires?
My eyes widened as people started running in every direction. Panic spread like wildfire. They weren't supposed to be here this early. Our secret informant had told Dad we were their last target, they were heading towards the north. So how the hell were they here now?
Eva growled in my head, furious and ready. Let me out. I'll kill these bloodthirsty monsters.Before I could shift, my father and mother rushed toward me.
"Evelyn!" my mother screamed. My father stood in front of us both, protective and ready.
Most of the alphas were already preparing to shift. We were too.
"STOP."
A loud, thundering voice froze everyone in place.
Everyone stopped moving.
"If anyone shifts into wolf form, trust me, we will kill each and every single wolf."
That dominating voice was laced with danger.
Soon after, the owner of that voice stepped into the center of the hall.
His eyes were red. His skin was pale white. He radiated power which is strong.
This was the first time I was seeing a vampire, and I wanted nothing but to kill him.
A second later, more vampires appeared out of nowhere. Everyone was shocked. They were fast. Too damn fast.
"My name is Jacob, and I'm the king's second-in-command."
He smiled cruelly, his eyes roaming over everyone like we were nothing but prey.
"My king is very kind. He doesn't want to fight, so he's giving you a chance to accept our leadership. Come under the vampire regime and follow our orders like pets. Then we'll leave you."
Everyone growled at his insult.
But he just laughed.
"Well, it seems like the pets aren't ready to hear us. If not, then we have to kill you. And trust me, it's a piece of cake for us. Vampires can easily kill you, animals."
"Oh really?"
Alpha Sean shouted from across the hall. "I challenge you, bloodsucker! Fight with me, then we'll see who's more powerful!"
Before he could shift into his wolf form, Jacob moved at lightning speed. One second he was across the room. The next, his hand was wrapped around Alpha Sean's neck, and he threw him across the hall like he weighed nothing.
"Dad!" Alpha Xander shouted.
Everyone gasped.
Oh goddess. My mother's grip tightened on me.
I couldn't even see him the way he moved. That was why it was so difficult to fight them.
Eva, do you think we can defeat him? I asked my wolf.
We could, Evelyn. We're more powerful than him. But we're not as fast as them. If we can't see their movements, then how can I claw my nails across his face? Only if we had our witchy powers, or if I'm prepared for their speed beforehand, then we could definitely win against these bastards. But we can still fight. I saw when he moved. When their eyes turn red, they're ready for action.
Damn it, Eva. That's still not useful.
"So, does anyone still want to fight with us? Well, you can't. You can never see us the way we move."
Jacob's smile widened.
"Oh, by the way, we heard that another alpha is present here which was ours next target."
After saying that, his eyes zeroed in on my father.
"It's an honor to meet you, Alpha Samuel. Isn't it good that we met here? It saves our time since we were targeting your pack next anyway."
He said it arrogantly, like he'd already won.
My blood boiled.