Vesper's POV:
Under the cover of the dark night, The Wolfsbane's grand hall was sparkling with bright light, lively with the sound of district chatters.
My feet stilled on the cold marble floor, fear clenched my chest, making each breath a struggle as my eyes darted around the lively hall.
This very hall that I used to attend, basking in glory and honor, fanned over by those wolf beasts with beaming smiles was now glaring at me in disgust. I had known that those smiles weren't genuine, but by the time I fully realized it, I had became an outcast from my family. A worthless wolf that brought them shame and ridicule.
But I couldn't fight back. I couldn't retort at their statements or refute their insults becaise I was now a powerless mute without any voice or power.
I was finally facing the fate I had been avoiding for the past three years: bonding to my mate. I had tried fleeing, or commiting suicide, but probably, the moon goddess had cursed me, and here I am, safe and sound. In their ruthless claws.
It should have been a grand or special party for me, but since I had become useless to my family, they were giving me out not as their daughter, but as a commodity that could fetch them money.
Suddenly, a shiver danced down my spine as an icy breath caressed my nape. "Want a grand party? You shouldn't have got your power deactivated! " My father whispered into my ears through gritted teeths.
I shivered slightly, my fingers trembling as I clutched my dress. He was saying it as if was my fault, as if I was to be blamed. I possessed unique healing powers, something rare in our town. But the very day my father requested me to heal his uncle that was cursed by the moon goddess, my powers got deactivated, and I became mute as a punishment. And since then, my family turned away from me. Coldly.
I had never believed that I'd one day become unrecognizable, or to put it bluntly, denied by the very same family that used to care and protect me while I was at my strongest.
He strode forward, his hands placed in his suit pants as his gaze burned into mine. My mother and two older brother followed, their eyes locking onto mine, masked with resentment and rage.
"Remember, we used to attend this party, with our heads up, elegant and proud, but.." he took a step closer to me, his hot breath burning my face. "But you suddenly refused to help the family again, making us an object of ridicule in the society."
"Husband, you shouldn't be bothered by her tonight," my mother pulled my father's sleeve, her gaze flickering over me briefly. "We shouldn't keep Alpha Gideon waiting, should we?"
I thought I'd receive a slap or something worse as a reminder of my disappointment, but my father just brushed his suit to the back, gritting his teeth. He finally took a step back, shoting me a last glance before walking into the grand hall.
My mother and brothers did the same thing, eyeing me a warning before stroding away.
"Ah.." I inhaled a sharp breath, collapsing against the pillar beside me as I held my heaving chest.
After I had finally caught my breath, I adjusted my black gown, about to walk into the hall when I heard a dull sound of something falling. My eyes flew open, shock etched on my face, and my gaze turning to the source of the noise.
I should've just walked away, but curiousity got the best of me, and I retreated in my steps, walking into the dark spot to see what it was. But before I could squint my eyes to observe what it was, an heavy object was thrown on my head from the back, dizziness washing over me in an instant.
My knees trembled beneath me, and I collapsed on the floor, my head spinning hard. I tried to shout, but only a muffled sound escaped my mouth. I let out a depreciating smile, how would a mute be able to call for help?
A hot tears rolled down my pale cheeks down to my neck. My family didn't even bother to check out why I was taking too long to come in, or if something bad could have happened to me. With all my strength, I tried to look back to see who it was, but my eyes had gone blurry, and I soon fell unconscious.
***
Gideon's POV:
The white chandeliers cast bright glow on the high-profile guests, the sound of their hushed conversation and the soft music playing creating a lively atmosphere. The sound of glasses clinging, the smell of Champagne and rich wines filled the expansive hall, it's golden interior wall shining like the morning sun.
I stood tall, my tailored suit pants accentuating my commanding presence, as I swirled the wine glass in my hand and surveyed the golden hall. I rarely attend the parties hosted by The Wolfsbane park, my archenemy, but I wanted to get a treasure, and it would be fun getting it here. Because it would help me against this same park.
My attention was caught by the approaching footstep of my in-laws, and a sly smirk formed on my lips. As their steps faltered in front of me, my sharp gaze locked onto them, the smirk on my lips widening.
"Alpha Gideon, we didn't know you'd arrive earlier..haha..." Liam, Vesper's father said with a forced smile. His laughter a little too loud.
I gulped down my wine, slowly. "Hmm..so?" I asked, my piercy gaze still locked onto Liam's. "Em.." Liam stuttered under the gaze, a cold breath forming on his forehead. Maria nudged his shoulders, telling him to speak. It was rare to get a chance to talk to Alpha Gideon, and a slight mistake from them could ruin their chance or lead to a bigger problem.
"As you've demanded, we've brought your mate over..." Liam whispered softly, as if he was talking about some secret affairs.
Well, probably it was. Because bonding of mate required some rituals before the mate could be claimed. But Liam family's thirst for money made them to cast those things aside, "selling" Vesper to her mate.
My gaze scanned the faces in front of me, hatching my brows."And where is my mate?" I asked, dropping the glass on the round table beside me.
Everyone turned to eachother, then to the entrance. No one. Their faces became pale, as if they've been slapped.
"I'll go check.." Sawyer, the oldest son, whispered before heading out in quick, panicked steps, cursing under his breath.
Liam turned back to me, his smile worse than crying. "We're sorry for this small distraction. He'd bring her over soon," he whispered stifly.
Everyone turned to the door, their eyes shimmering with anxiousness. Zarek, Vesper's second brother clenched his fist tightly with a pale face. It was after a lot of persuasion that his parents finally accepted to sell Vesper to her mate to get money to fund his academy fees. And now she dared to run away, did she have a death wish?
I pocketed my hands, my black polished shoes tapping the tiled floor rhythmically. The better not try to play with me, or else....
Sawyer rushed back in, empty-handed, his face as pale as a white paper. "Dad..mom.. Vesper isn't outside..." he whispered with uneven breath.
"What!?" everyone exclaimed, their sudden outburst attracting puzzled gazes. But Liam's family couldn't be bothered by their identity right now.
I squint my blue eyes dangerously, watching their display on the side. But then, Liam turned to me, his face etched with panic. "Alpha Gideon, there's been a problem, Vesper is missing..."
I tilted my heads to the sides, rubbing my forehead with a suppressed anger. "Are you done with your dramas yet?"
"Ah!" They exclaimed in horror, their mouths wide opened.