Chapter 2. The Girl from Ten Years Ago

Charlotte’s POV

I could see in her eyes how broken she was.

I felt like a fool, like I betrayed my best friend, but somehow I know it’s not my fault. If anyone is to blame, it’s the moon goddess.

I wonder if Kiana feels the same way. We have been best friends since we were five years old. Our relationship won’t be ruined because of this, will it?

“I refuse to believe it,” Kiana said, turning on her heel and disappearing into the night. I wanted to chase her.

“Stay,” a man’s voice filled my head and I found myself glued to the spot unable to move. Adonis slowly walked towards me. He stopped a few steps in front of me, but far enough to fill my senses with his intoxicating scent.

“I haven’t seen you before. Are you new here?” he spoke softly in a tone I didn’t know he had and it made my heart feel so warm.

“It’s me, Charlotte,” I said with a frown. Let’s be real, I had to face reality.

“Charlotte?” he asked unsure, but I knew the memory was buried in there somewhere.

“Yes, the same Charlotte who chased you around with a spider when we were kids.”

If I remember correctly, we were only ten, while Kiana was busy sneaking flowers into Adonis’s bag, I was trying to figure out how to deal with him stealing my best friend. Don’t blame me, I’m a very jealous friend and Kiana is all I have. Anyway, little Adonis was afraid of insects and I wasn’t, I could catch them with my eyes closed and I used it to my advantage. Every time I chased him, Kiana came to his rescue. There’s no way he had forgotten me.

His eyes widened as he realized this. “Why would the moon goddess do this?” I could see the frustration written all over his face, I’m sure the memories still haunt him at night.

I took a step forward, looking scary but shaking inside. “Why do you think so? So I can pick up where I left off.”

He smiled and said, “You must think I’m still the little boy I was 10 years ago.”

The way he spoke caused an electric shock. I have never found Adonis attractive before, although I must say that the man is a beauty. It’s just in my mind and he has always belonged to Kiana, but right now it took a lot of effort not to touch him and I could tell that he felt it too.

I turned around to escape, but Adonis grabbed my arm. “Don’t think you can run away like your little best friend.”

My breath caught in my throat but I still managed to say, “You have to understand how Kiana feels, we shouldn’t be doing this.”

He was my mate, but something still didn’t feel right.

“Are you sure?” he asked with a raised brow. “How about I reject you here and now and go be with your best friend?”

As soon as he said that I felt something snap in my chest, it was so horrible to think about it that I almost broke down.

When I didn’t say anything, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest. I heard whispers from the people around me and I awkwardly struggled out of his embrace.

“People are watching, Adonis.”

I’m sure this news will reach Kiana soon and I can’t imagine how upset she will be.

He looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t care. Don’t think for a second that you can run away from me or force me to go be with your best friend. Neither of you are my type, the only difference is that one of you is mine and it’s not Kiana. I call the shots at this table and you have no choice but to obey me. Do you understand that?”

I found myself nodding, satisfied that he let me go. Before he could teach me a second lesson, I turned and ran to find Kiana.

I knew exactly where to find her when she was upset, there’s only one place she’d be right now and I was the only one who knew that place, it was our safe spot. We had a close relationship like sisters, but It was about to be ruined because of a man. Although I haven’t decided what to do yet, I hope Kiana will understand that I don’t want this either. I found her sitting alone on the dirt-covered ground, curled up like a ball.

“Kiana!” I screamed softly.

She didn’t look at me and said, “Go away.”

I sat next to her anyway. “I didn’t ask for it.”

“I know and that’s what hurts most. I’ve been praying for this my whole life.”

All I could get myself to say was. “I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, Kiana lifted her head and looked at me, mascara flowing over her eyes like a zombie. “Alpha would never agree to this. With your title, you’re not fit to be Luna, and what’s worse is that you can’t even shift.”

Damn, did she really have to say that to my face?

“We’re best friends, right? And you love me, don’t you?”

Although I was hurt by her previous words, I still nodded, “I owe you my life, Kiana, and I am willing to do anything for you.”

She smiled, took my hand and looked me straight in the eyes and I was not prepared for her next words. “How about you reject Adonis as your mate?” she suggested.

Excuse me? I could hardly say it out loud.

“It won’t work either way,” she continued. “Instead of sitting around waiting for it to happen, why not do it first? That way I can be sure of your loyalty and I can assure you that you won’t get close to my husband in the future.”

Listening to her speech made my blood boil. I’ve heard of rejection pain, and according to those who have experienced it, it’s no joke. Kiana was very much aware of my health status, how could she suggest such a thing.

“Kiana…” I started to speak but she silenced me.

“This is not a request, I command you as the Beta’s daughter and the next Luna. If you refuse me, you will face my wrath.”