Joan's Pov
I froze under the voice of Alpha Rex. "Did he just call me mate?" I thought to myself. "Does it mean I am his mate?" When I turned to meet his gaze, he had a frown on his face. I was twice as shocked as he is.
I couldn't believe any of these, plus the numerous eyes staring at us. "No, this is not possible. There must be a mistake somewhere. You're wrong, it can't be me. I can't be your mate." I said, shaking my head continuously as I stepped backwards from him.
"Look here, young lady, as much as you think this is a mistake, you better start accepting your reality. And bear in mind, none of this changes anything between us." He said as a matter of fact.
"You're lying!" I yelled. "This is all fake! I can't be your mate! I'd rather rot in hell than to accept you. I don't want…"
He grabbed my hand tightly. "You better shut the fuck up and act for once." He growled, his voice low but hard. His gaze was piercing to the bones, and there was no single joy in the way he looked at me.
Alpha Rex does hate me, and realizing I am his mate has only gotten things worse for the both of us. I guess he wasn't expecting it to be me. I mean, who in his right sense would ever imagine someone like me as a mate?
I'm just eighteen with no parents. Looking so messy like I've been picked up from some junk garbage store room. He made an eye sign to Mrs Green, while she came to our direction, he walked away.
I realized I was even more terrified of her than I was of him. Her looks alone can send one to his grave. "Don't feel so excited about tonight, Miss Crawford, your journey has only begun."
Was she threatening me or what? I didn't bother asking.
I followed her to who-knows-where. We got to a room, it was so beautiful and had pink decorations in it. I've never gotten the chance to be in here until today, and somehow I was feeling freedom knocking on my door.
But I tried my best not to let any of this look new to me. It was obviously clear to me that none of this was going to change anything.
"Get a shower and get dressed too. I'll be back in the next ten minutes. The Alpha queen wants to see you, don't keep her waiting."
"How am I supposed to get dressed when I don't even know what to wear?" I asked.
"You can check the wardrobe for one and stop trying to act new. No more questions, get things done already. Remember, you have ten minutes for this." She left.
I think the hatred has just skyrocketed into a different level. The way she looks at me seems odd. I didn't let any of these bother me, I shut the door close, heading towards the wardrobe. I opened it, citing a royal blue gown already folded at one end of the wardrobe with silver heels on it.
I picked it, dropping it on the bed. Then I went into the bathroom to get a shower which didn't take much of my time. I made sure I had my skin scrubbed very well to avoid looking dirty before the Alpha and his mother.
I wasn't good with make-up. I did my best to apply the few I got, like the face powder, the lipgloss and eye pencil. I braided my hair in two but halfway, then made a ponytail with the unbraided hair. I walked back to the bed, putting on my gown.
It took my minutes to figure out how to walk on heels, and honestly I still couldn't figure a way out. I have never worn heels before, to talk about walking on them. Mrs Green walked in, glaring at me.
"Aren't you done yet?" She asked.
"I am. But…" I paused, unable to say the words.
"But what?" She questioned.
"I can't walk in heels, can I get something else? Like a flat shoe or something?" She requested.
"If you have any in mind to purchase, then you're free to. The king is done already, we should probably be on our way to the dining."
Dining? No one told me this meeting is for dinner.
A lady walked in, looking furnished. Her skin glowed like that of an Asian, with her red lips which enhanced every beauty she possessed. Her shape was something else, the kind I had always admired. Her hips were curvy, her breasts round with a flat tummy which complemented the gown she was putting on.
"So, this is the famous Joan Crawford." She said, I wish I can tell where this is actually heading to. "Now I see why he never liked you. You don't deserve him, and you don't deserve his love. You don't even deserve to be called his queen. Your type isn't for people like Alpha Rex, your type belongs to the rogue."
She scanned me from head to toe. She scoffed, leaving the room. I felt ashamed of myself, feeling unpresentable even with the new outfit I was putting on. "Don't just stand there, get your ass moving, will you?" Mrs Green sounded and we made our way down stairs to the dining room.
Luna Ryan was already seated on one of the chairs with Alpha Rex. I know Alpha Rex to be a handsome Alpha, but never have I seen him looking this breathtaking before. He was talking with his mother and they didn't notice my entrance.
The Luna was quite old, but still looked young in her late sixties. I noticed her hand was shaking, her smile wasn't much like she always does back then when she was healthy. Nature does have a way of calling its people.
She looked in my direction, her face plastered with a smile. "Wow! Look what we have here." She said in utmost excitement. "Oh gracious goodness, Rex, you never told me you have a beautiful mate."
I noticed the smile on Alpha Rex's face, though it was captivating, but it looked more like he was forcing it out. "Good evening, Your Majesty." I bowed my head in respect.
"Good evening, dear. I'm so glad to see you tonight. Please, have a seat." She gestured for me to sit down on the chair beside Alpha Rex's chair. "Finally the day has come, now I can leave this earth in peace when death comes calling. But, I pray the moon goddess will grant me the grace to live till I see my grandchildren."
"Don't worry, mother, she will." He said, assuring her.
"Yes. Of course, she will." She nodded her head. "You just don't know how happy I am tonight, finally you've found yourself a mate, after all those years of living single.
"I wasn't doing that on purpose, mother, I just wasn't in the mood to have a mate yet."
"And you still aren't in the mood?" She questioned.
I slowly looked at him, waiting for a response or reaction. He looked back at me, he hesitated. "No. I'm happy I finally found one."
I shyly took my gaze off, burying it on the salad in front of me. I was feeling comfortable with the environment, not because of the Luna's presence, but I was actually feeling that way because of Alpha Rex.
I quivered at his touch on my hand as he folded his palms with mine. My system was doing the opposite, I could feel every part of my body responding to his touch, causing goosebumps on my skin.
"I have promised myself to do whatever it takes to protect her, and to stand by her side." He said, sounding real.
But deep down inside of me, something tells me this is all an act.
Joan's PovThe dinner went successfully even though what happened there felt unrealistic to me. I hated myself for feeling that way towards him, I hated how my body kept responding to his touch. He had touched me twice to show his mother how true he was to have me, giving me those sweet romantic looks that almost made me think he was for real.He told me to go to his room and wait for him while he escorts his mother to her room. All that kept ringing in my mind is why exactly did he ask me to come here? To question me or yell at me for winning the poor old woman's heart?I stood in the same position until he finally showed up. Those romantic looks were gone, and I was staring at the ruthless Alpha Rex who has no single feeling for me."All thanks to you for winning her heart, yes, I really appreciate that. But don't take it too personally. She finds you quite interesting doesn't mean I do. It's two different things. So, if you still wanna live your life without crossing my path, then
Joan's POVI couldn't sleep, my eyes were opened with regrets boiling inside of me. How could I allow the Don of the man who had my entire family slaughtered to….My heart felt heavy, I felt like I had betrayed my family and all the people who died that horrible night….One look at Alpha Rex was looked as innocent as ever while sleeping, i wanted to grab a knife and stab it through his heart!What have I done? Joan, what have you done to yourself? Ypu made yourself so accessible and now this happened…I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration, weeping quietly. "You're such an idiot, Joan."I realized my hatred for him had gotten even worse. If only I stayed under the stairs and let Ms Green screaming my name till she passes out, none of these would have happened. How could forget what just happened? How could I have let everyone including myself down?And all for what?A mate that was never going to make me his Luna…I need to get the heck out of here!I have to walk
Joan's POVHer cottage is something out of a fairy tale and the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.In contrast to its rough exterior, the interior looked like the walk room of a royal family.The couch looked like something made out of the finest timber and clothing. From the ceiling, hanging down is a lovely chandelier and the bookshelf on the wall held different books from across all packs."My son. He loves to read" I took another look at the countless books, just about what percentage of thus has he been able to read? From the furniture to the fittings, it looked way too pleasant for an average old woman."I have a son who thinks it's a wise decision to spend a lot of money to make this place look homely. It's looking like a guest house, not a family house" "It is…really beautiful ma'am" "Ms Anna is just fine!" She cautioned with a smile "And yes it is lovely. Not so lovely if you live alone" "Your son. He doesn't stay home?" "For his own saf
Alpha Rex's POV "What do you mean by she's gone?!" I yelled, asking my beta for some answers.Joan was in my bed the night before she went missing for almost a week and he has the guts to tell me she's missing."Alpha Rex, we've looked everywhere for her and no one seems to have seen her. Nor even the maids Alpha" "Your reply is not what I want to hear, Beta. Find. Her" He left immediately.Staring down at the paperwork I had to go through, a sigh of frustration escaped me. Why do I care where she was and why do I feel so unsettled knowing she might be missing? If made no sense to me! She's just a maid! /And your mate Rex, don't ever forget that!/ Aaron snapped, he was as irritated as I was about her absence."I am aware of my name Aaron! Where the hell has she gone? Who does she think she is sneaking out of my bed?" /You were never going to accept her as your name. What point was it for her to stay with you?/ Aaron was starting to frustrate me with his useless talks!
Joan's POV "It must have been nice growing up here" I said with a smile. Ms Anna was back from her meeting and she seemed very light headed.We were out in her cottage eating dinner under the stars and she filled me in on tales about her youth."I was never born in this part of Dark Stream my dear. There's little or nothing to say about where you were born after a war" My heart sank at her words as memories of my home came flooding. My home was raided and rendered desolate by Alpha's Rex's father. "I'm really sorry to hear that Ms Anna " I managed to say "It's been a long time ago, all water under the bridge. I can barely remember what it looked like anymore or the way that leads to it" She sighed, a sad smile on her face."What have you come to enjoy in this pack Ms Anna? The people seem really nice and wonderful" She chuckled, almost in mockery."In a place ruled by a ruthless Alpha , the people chose to live a life of hospitality. Things are hard on everyon
Joan's POV "Hurry up, we don't have time to waste" Ms Anna called out I packed the last of the baskets and hurried out of the cottage in time to meet up with Ms Anna."I'm sorry, I understand to check on the windows again" "I understand Joan but we can't be late for morning like this" I took a look at Ms Anna, she looked very pale and barely able to keep one leg after the other without slouching."Ms Anna, are you alright? " "I am alright child, as healthy as a bull!" She snapped I know she is lying but what could I do when she's not going to take a break from work?Ms Anna works so hard it's hard to keep up with her despite being younger than she was.I wondered if she lived her life like this, every day without breaks. It is only a matter of time before she breaks down with a fatal illness.."Ms Anna, I can handle the sales for today. You can go home and take a break" "What would I do at home? Sleep all day? Only the lazy do that, taking a break when they don't deserve one!"
Joan POV "Are you new here?"My heart skipped a beat, racing wildly in my chest as I turned slowly to look at him.He's about my height, golden brown hair and brown eyes that sparkle with delight.The awkwardness of our meeting…I am in the stream,without clothes! I was back from the morning sales and I craved some peace and quiet. Ms Anna seems to be out more often and I couldn't stay in the h0use all alone.It was hard getting used to a place where I wasn't abused everyday….Is this a bad thing? "I work for Ms Anna" He chuckled "Why so formal? She's your aunt after all" he got closer and I felt even more uncomfortable."Do you mind staying put?" "What?""I'm without clothes" I announced, feeling embarrassed.He laughs out loud " I look like a boy don't I?" I took another look at her and my chin coloured with embarrassment! I really thought she was a boy from first glance because she had her hair in a pixie cut."I want to take a swim too" She joins in and sighs in
Joan's POV A knock on the door and I was back to panic mode. I almost forgot about the pastries in the oven and that made me so scared , I could throw up! Now there's a knock on the door, Ms Anna barely has any visitors. "Who is it?"I asked quietly, thinking of ways to get out of this situation if it got worse."It's me Racheal " A sigh of relief washed over me, thank goodness! I pulled the door open, wondering where Ms Anna had gone so early in the morning."The festival is happening in an h0ur! What are you doing?!" Racheal walks into the house, uninvited "Good afternoon to you too" I muttered, shitting the door behind her. "What are you going to wear? Your shoes? You need to get ready!" "Why is this an emergency? What's so big a deal about this gathering anyway?" I asked, feeling drained from the panic of making sure the pastries turned out right. Asides that, the thought of parties was draining. I wasn't the type to party and getting ready for one was exhausting