Lavinia's POV
Over the years, I'd always imagined what living in a pack would be like and what it would feel like to be around so many people but the real thing beat my imagination hands down.
I've never left so welcomed in my entire life. Everyone was already gathered outside of the pack house, waiting for me. I was welcomed upon arrival and they all seemed so happy to see me. I was equally happy as well to meet everyone, though being around so many people made me feel shy. I met my stepmother and step siblings for the first time.
I was given a beautifully furnished room in the pack house and I felt like all my worries had disappeared.
Dad came to my room and informed me that my marriage would be taking place in three days, after which I would go with my mate to his pack to start my new life. He also told me that Prince Rylan and his entourage would be arriving at our pack the next day so we would have enough time to at least get to know each other and come to an understanding before the marriage.
Thinking about the marriage still made me very nervous but what could I do? I had already agreed to it and there was no going back now. I can only pray that Rylan turns out to be a good person and the perfect mate.
My first day in the pack house went by very quickly, almost too quickly for my liking. Everything was just so new and strange to me. Despite the fact that everyone was nice to me, I couldn't help but notice something. They were all avoiding me for some reason.
The workers refused to hold a conversation with me at all. They just expected me to give orders which they would follow obediently and after that, they'd leave. I also wasn't allowed to have dinner with the rest of the pack, my food was brought to my room and I was advised not to wander around.
This felt really strange but then again, I'm new here and there might be pre-existing rules that I'm not aware of. I might just be overthinking this.
The Luna didn't come to my room to see me but I wasn't surprised though, despite her smile at my welcome ceremony, I could tell that she didn't particularly like me. Besides, she was the one who suggested this marriage in the first place and that's proof enough that she doesn't seem to have any good intentions towards me. It would be wise to avoid her.
After having dinner, Siri came to my room to keep me company and for the first time ever, she was free with me. It was right there and then that I found out that she actually had a sense of humour! She had me laughing throughout the entire conversation and I was grateful for her company.
Before she left, she told me that there would be a lot of difficulties that would come my way but I should remain strong through all of them and though I couldn't understand what she meant, I promised her that I would.
I went to bed after that but I couldn't really sleep due to first time jitters, the room suddenly felt so loud and the bed became bumpy. I was finally able to sleep in the early hours of the morning, after being overcome with exhaustion.
****
I was woken up by the maids who got me ready for the day, solely because I would be meeting my future husband for the first time and it's indispensable to look nice.
They dressed me up in a lovely dress and wove my long wavy hair into fishtail braids.
I slowly and gracefully headed for the Grand Hall of our pack with my maids in tow, the whole pack was already gathered there and from the corner of my eyes, I searched among the guests to get a peek of what my future husband looked like but I was disappointed because there was not a single young man in the entourage from Shadow Stone.
I instantly began to have second thoughts. Could it be possible that my father was getting me married to an older man? Had I made a mistake accepting this proposal? I began to fidget and it took every single thing in me to maintain my composure in front of everyone else.
My eyes met with my father's and I threw him a hurt look, he quickly understood my worries and began the introductions.
"I'm so glad you could make it Alpha Argo. I humbly welcome you to the SilverClaw Pack, I hope that your stay here will be blissful and memorable." My father began.
"The feeling is mutual, Alpha Damon. I'm happy to be here. We're gathered here for a good reason, we'll become family soon so I assure you that there's no need for such formalities." Alpha Argo replied, turning out to be more kind than I could have imagined.
For someone that was ready to attack our pack if I had refused this marriage, this man is very chummy. But still, they should both cut the crap and just tell me who my future husband is.
"I'm glad you feel that way. This is my daughter, Princess Lavinia." My father introduced and beckoned to me. I obediently went forward, my legs seeming to move on their own.
"She's very beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. My son wouldn't be able to take his eyes off of her but unfortunately he's not here at the moment. Urgent matters of state arose at the last minute and he had to stay back to take care of it so he'll be arriving much later." Alpha Argo explained and I heaved out a sigh before I could even stop myself.
I bit my bottom lip nervously, hoping they didn't hear it.
"It seems that the princess is very eager to meet her future husband, I assure you that he's just as eager. Your wish will be fulfilled soon." Alpha Argo commented with a laugh and my father joined in.
I almost can't believe I had to dress up this much for nothing. The dress is beautiful, yes but it's heavy and I can barely walk properly in it.
Since the person I'm here for isn't even present, I quickly excuse myself and return back to my room. Both Alphas would surely be discussing politics and I don't do well in a large crowd.
The day went by just like that and it was soon nighttime. I completely forgot about the fact that I was supposed to meet my fiance later on.
I had a lot of things planned the following day. Since it's just been two days since I gained my freedom, I had a bucket list of things planned for before I would get married. The first thing I wanted to do was go for a run. Isis has been itching to stretch her legs since she manifested and tomorrow would be my chance.
I went to bed early because I planned to go for an early morning run, that would be the only way that no one would stop me.
Today marked my second night in this pack but I still couldn't fall asleep. When signs of daylight appeared in the sky, I got up and took a quick shower. I wore a simple dress, one of my cottage clothes since I would have to take it off anyway.
When I opened my door, the whole place was dead silent, everyone was still asleep, the halls were dark and you could literally hear a pin drop.
I tiptoed out of my room and quietly closed the door behind me. I headed for the exit and was able to successfully sneak out without the guards spotting me.
As soon as I was outside the pack house, I took a deep breath, finally allowing myself to breathe properly.
It was cold and foggy outside, the trees gently swaying in the morning breeze. I could feel the mist all around me as water droplets dripped on my skin. It brought a smile to my face, people might take this for granted but to me, this will be a forever cherished memory, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was yet to experience the rain but this would do for now.
It was still a bit dark and I walked around the pack house, taking in a proper view for the first time, it was huge and just perfect for the size of our pack.
I had to take a look around the surrounding trees and search for a suitable undergrowth where I would hide my clothes.
I had barely walked a good distance from the pack house when out of nowhere, a wolf came running towards me at full speed. It seemed ferocious and unforgiving.
I screamed my lungs out in fear just as it pounced on me………
Lavinia's POVI landed heavily on the ground with a thud, the wolf pinning me to the ground with its weight. It growled at me aggressively, looking like it was ready to tear me to pieces. I was too afraid to shift at this time and even if I could, I had received no training whatsoever. How am I supposed to defend myself? I closed my eyes in fear, tears falling down my cheeks but then it suddenly stopped and got off of me.When I couldn't feel its cold and ragged breath on my cheek, I slowly opened my eyes and saw the wolf standing a few metres away from me.Just then, it shifted into a man and a very handsome one at that. There was just one problem, he was completely naked!He looked at me straight in the eyes, seemingly unashamed of his nudity. A huge blush instantly spread across my cheeks as my eyes travelled downwards to the place they were not supposed to.I turned away instantly in shame, mentally kicking myself for staring at him so boldly.I heard him chuckle behind me before
Lavinia's POVI closed my eyes, petrified, waiting for the intense pain that was to inevitably envelope me once the arrow lodged into my body but it surprisingly never came.I opened my eyes slowly and saw Prince Rylan standing a few metres away from me, a bow in his hand and a quiver of arrows hung around his shoulder.He held an apologetic look and I turned around to see that I was standing in front of the target. The arrow was embedded directly in the bullseye, which meant that it had missed me only by a few inches…..The arrow was never meant for me but I had unknowingly gotten in the way and was almost hit. Thanks to the goddess for the prince's perfect aim."My lady, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?" The maids soon clattered around me, checking my body for any signs of injury but they found none.Prince Rylan finally approached me. "Are you OK? Please tell me that you're fine." He asked, worry and guilt etched on his face."I'm….. I'm fine, just feeling a little shaken."
Lavinia's POVI followed the maid to my father's room and though I was slightly upset, I didn't show it.As I knocked on the door of his room, the maid retreated. I heard his voice from the other side of the door and when I informed him of my identity, he told me to come in.When I entered the room, he was standing by the window gazing outside, he didn't turn around to acknowledge and this worried me a bit. Had I done something wrong?I cleared my throat before speaking. "Father, you called?""Yes." He replied before finally turning to face me and it was then that I saw that he was holding something, a golden box.He clutched it protectively and I wondered what it could possibly contain."Please take a seat." He requested and I obeyed."Lavinia, you'll be getting married tomorrow and once this marriage happens, there's no going back so I'm giving you a final chance to decide if you want to go through with it or not. I realize that the first time I asked this of you, I was indirectly
LAVINIA'S POV"Son, I still don't understand why you agreed to this marriage in the first place, we could have easily gone to war instead. That girl is cursed, she could bring destruction to our pack but yet you're still adamant about it." Alpha Argo said and my heart clenched. I didn't realize it but tears had gathered at the edge of my eyes.Was this really what my future father in-law thought about me? How can he refer to me as cursed and a bringer of destruction? What had I ever done to him? I was beginning to worry if I would be treated right in the Shadow Stone Pack after marriage."Lavinia please calm down and control yourself or they'll be alerted of your presence. In life, not everyone will like you, there's always bound to be people who dislike you." Isis tried to console me."It doesn't seem like Alpha Argo just dislikes me, from his words, it's clear that he hates me for some reason." I muttered sadly."That shouldn't matter right now, Rylan is the one we're going to marr
LAVINIA'S POVMy eyelids open gradually and I'm blinded by the darkness all around. I blink repeatedly and it takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dim light coming from what I assume to be a lamp.I try to move but then notice that I'm stuck, I try again with more force this time and the thick chains around me bore into my skin, rubbing roughly against it and leaving my skin sore and raw. I seemed to be chained tightly to a chair.Confusion instantly sets in and I start to wonder where I am but just then, a deep but familiar voice causes me to still."I see you're finally awake."I turned my head to the direction of the voice and I saw him sitting in the shadows. Even in the dark, I could make out his figure, he was sitting back, legs crossed. His eyes were fixed on me and I could make out the small smirk at the edge of his lips.His eyes twinkled in the dark, they held a raw emotion I had never seen, one that scared and intrigued me at the same time."Lavinia focus! Have
LAVINIA'S POVI'm awakened by the sound of birds chirping. As my eyes flick open, I'm nearly blinded by the sharp rays of sunlight that wash over my face. Only then do I realize that I'm chained to a chair just beside the window. It takes a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to the light but when they finally did, another realization quickly hit me.Taking a good look around, I soon discovered that I had been kidnapped and was currently being held hostage in my own cottage!Yes, the cottage I'd known as home my entire life had suddenly become a prison for me and I was being held by a twisted and sadistic man who I'm sure is completely out of his mind.I think back to the events of yesterday and though much of it still makes absolutely no sense to me, I decide not to focus on it.The most important thing to me right now should be escaping from here. I should try my best to free myself and leave before Rylan comes back. The sooner I'm able to return to the pack and tell my father everyth
Lavinia's POVHe tore at my panties, leaving them in shreds. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, readying myself for the intrusion but just then, the door pushed open and I saw the last person I expected to see.Siri was standing at the door with anger expressly written on her face and I had never been so happy to see anyone.Rylan paused, obviously shocked. Siri didn't grant him a moment to second guess as she rushed towards the both of us and pushed him away from me. For a woman of her age, she seemed to be really strong and I'm grateful for that.Rylan fell flat on his face and she quickly helped to untie my hands."Siri…." I cried and grabbed her into a hug, crying into her chest."I thank the goddess that you're OK, I'm glad I got here just in time. I'm so sorry about what you've been through dear but now's not the time to cry, you have to leave now. Shift and run to the pack as fast as you can, inform the Alpha about everything. I'll deal with this sicko for now while you b
Alpha Damon's POVIt had already been a day.One whole day since Lavinia went missing and I'm on the verge of losing my mind. I've thought severally about the possibilities and the fact that she just suddenly disappeared without a trace is scaring me.I doubt that she ran away from the wedding because if she did, someone would have seen her leave but no one did and no matter how much I've tried to explain this to Argo, the Alpha of the Shadow Stone Pack seems to believe that Lavinia purposefully jilted his son just to make a mockery of him and his pack.As much as I'm worried about Lavinia, I also feel sorry for Rylan. He also seems to believe that Lavinia ran away because she didn't want to marry him but I doubt that's the case.At some point, I had felt like I was putting too much pressure on her and forcing her into this so I gave her the choice to back out of it but she didn't. She decided she wanted to go ahead with the alliance and she seemed genuinely happy. I was happy about