Sandy's POV
I selected my finest white dress and applied makeup carefully to conceal the exhaustion that had been my constant companion. The seven-hour journey to the Void Maw Pack stretched ahead of me, but I was determined to face whatever awaited.
The pack warriors intercepted us at the territorial boundary, demanding identification before contacting their Beta. I prepared myself to handle any complications, yet we gained entry with surprising ease.
The Alpha King's territory overwhelmed me with its grandeur. Every residence exuded wealth and luxury that left me speechless. Though Dominic and I had worked tirelessly to provide for our pack members, nothing we had achieved compared to this extravagance.
Kessler steered our vehicle toward the packhouse following the gate warriors' directions. The moment we entered the circular drive, my skin prickled with unease.
The massive estate before us commanded attention, but my focus shifted immediately to Dominic standing directly in our path. His expression burned with unmistakable fury as he stared through the windshield at me.
"Luna," Kessler's nervous voice broke through my thoughts.
"Everything will be fine, Kessler," I murmured, stepping from the vehicle with as much dignity as I could gather.
Dominic materialized before me instantly, his hands clamping down on my arms with bruising force. I inhaled sharply, meeting his cold stare.
The warmth I once knew in his eyes had vanished completely, replaced by contempt and rage that made my blood run cold.
"Why did you ignore my calls?" he demanded, his grip tightening as he shook me roughly.
I clenched my teeth and responded with equal venom. "I could pose the same question. While you were occupied with your destined mate, why did you refuse to answer your Luna's calls?"
"Sandy! I have reached my limit. What brings you here?"
His hold on my arms became painful, threatening to leave permanent marks on my skin.
I refused to understand his hatred toward me, but I knew my tolerance had reached its breaking point.
"I came to speak with the Alpha King," I declared, raising my chin in defiance.
His expression transformed immediately. His eyes expanded briefly before narrowing into dangerous slits.
"Regarding what matter?" he questioned, his fingers pressing deeper into my flesh until I feared my bones might snap.
Tears welled in my eyes from the pain. "Regarding the impossible position you have created for me. Since your parents refuse assistance, I will approach the Alpha King directly and ensure that he—"
My explanation ended abruptly as his palm connected with my face in a vicious blow. The impact sent me crashing to the ground, my hand instinctively covering my burning cheek while my mind struggled to process what had occurred.
"I ignored your behavior when you tormented Kari. You hired assassins to eliminate her. You commanded warriors to assault her. I overlooked everything, Sandy. I allowed you to remain my Luna and live like royalty in my pack. How dare you attempt to humiliate me before my Uncle?" Dominic's voice thundered above me, each word shattering what remained of my heart.
Was this the source of his hatred? Was this how little faith he had in my character?
"Dominic, I—"
"Silence yourself, Sandy. I tolerate your presence solely because of the prophecy, otherwise I would have subjected you to the same treatment you planned for my innocent mate." His words dripped with venom, his eyes blazing crimson with fury.
My heart stopped beating momentarily as I absorbed his meaning.
"How could you—"
"Pretending to love you exhausted me completely, Sandy. But I maintained the charade to preserve this union. Could you not have overlooked the one person who truly mattered to me?" He stepped backward, his hateful gaze boring down at me.
The world seemed to collapse around me, crushing me beneath its weight.
My ears began ringing with a deafening sound.
"You were acting the entire time?" I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice.
"What else did you imagine it could be? How could anyone genuinely love someone as arrogant as you? You did not actually believe my feelings were real, did you?"
Dominic's laughter cut through me like shattered glass. "If you did, then you are truly pathetic, Sandy. A delusional fool who thinks herself superior when you could never measure up to half of what Kari represents."
My entire body went numb. His confession repeated endlessly in my mind. My wolf cried out in agony before retreating into protective dormancy.
"Return to the pack immediately and wait for my arrival," Dominic commanded before storming toward the packhouse, abandoning me on the cold ground.
If his betrayal had wounded my heart, his truth annihilated my very soul. How could I have been foolish enough to believe in his love?
Tears threatened to spill as I pressed my lips together firmly.
The last connection between us severed completely. He had manipulated me from the beginning and never felt genuine affection for me.
"Luna," Kessler whispered, extending his hand toward me.
I observed his outstretched palm, then his eyes filled with pity. I had never been this pathetic before. People once feared to show me such condescension.
I dried my cheeks and rose independently. "Kessler, remain here. I must speak with the Alpha King."
"Luna, you heard the Alpha's orders. We should depart."
He fidgeted uncomfortably in his position.
"He is no longer our Alpha," I hissed, anger surging through my veins. "I am. Follow my instructions—stay with the car and wait. I will request that the Alpha King separate our packs and restore what rightfully belongs to me."
I marched into the packhouse with renewed determination. The main area stood empty, with no trace of Dominic anywhere visible.
Biting my lower lip, I searched for any staff member who could direct me to the Alpha King's office, but my quest was interrupted by a sickeningly familiar voice.
"You possess remarkable shamelessness, Sandy. Still hovering around after that beating, are you?" Kari's laughter echoed mockingly.
She positioned herself on the upper level beside the curved staircase, looking down at me with obvious amusement.
"If my mate had struck me publicly, I would never dare show my face again."
She giggled while leaning against the banister.
Rage consumed my vision completely. I ascended the stairs and confronted her directly.
"You performed admirably," I admitted. "Your manipulation was truly masterful."
"What manipulation?" She smirked, tucking her hair behind her ears coquettishly.
"I attempted to have you assaulted and murdered? Did I make your existence unbearable?" I raised one eyebrow questioningly.
She made a disapproving sound and responded in an artificially sweet tone. "I understand your jealousy, Luna, but—"
I lifted my hand and struck her face forcefully. She screamed, her palm flying to cover her reddened cheek.
"You witch! How dare you strike—"
I seized her hair and delivered multiple blows. Her arms fell limply to her sides as she wailed in pain.
As an omega, she posed no threat to someone of Alpha bloodline like myself. She understood better than to retaliate.
I continued striking her while dragging her toward the wall to slam her head against it.
"Dominic! Dominic, Sandy is attempting murder! Dominic, help me!"
She shrieked, fighting desperately to escape my grasp.
I kicked her backward, sending her crashing into the wall. "Allow me to demonstrate how I truly attempt to kill someone."
Before I could grab her hair again, someone seized mine and yanked me backward violently. I gasped, briefly meeting Dominic's furious expression.
He slapped me again and shoved me away. My ankle buckled, and I felt myself falling through space.
My horrified eyes met Dominic's as he lunged for Kari, embracing her protectively while watching my descent.
My skull struck the railing before my body collided with the stairs. I tumbled downward, hitting multiple steps until my forehead connected with the final step and the metallic scent of blood filled the air.
My sight became cloudy. Agony coursed through every part of my body. I attempted to stand, but the pain kept me immobilized.
Struggling for breath, I clenched my hands and looked upward to see a figure entering my hazy vision.
An overwhelming presence filled the space, causing my wolf to whimper. The dark energy radiating from this newcomer transformed everything cold and ominous.
Electric sensations shot through my injured body, making my spine arch involuntarily. My nose detected his intoxicating, masculine scent despite the copper smell of my blood.
My mouth watered as I tried to whisper the word my wolf was howling within my consciousness.
Mate.
I had discovered my destined mate.