Chapter 2

Clary struggled to breathe as tears built up in her eyes. Her lungs were begging for air and her heart was working harder than normal to keep up with what was going on. She tried to speak but it was close to impossible. 

Was this how she was going to die? On the night that she was supposed to finally find her mate? 

Her dad’s hand wrapped even tighter around her throat and she tried to pry it off but he was too strong for her. She was being choked to death, she was beginning to get dizzy. Hot tears flowed down her cheeks as she continued to try to break free. 

Adrenaline rushed through her veins and as if on instinct, she decided to defend herself. With a grunt and all she had, she kicked him hard in the crotch, causing him to release her neck immediately. 

She gasped loudly, taking in all the air that she needed as she coughed. Her neck was burning and more tears flowed from her eyes freely. 

Her dad fell to the wooden floor as he groaned in pain and released swear words loudly. He was pissed. “I’m going to kill you, girl! If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to rip your throat open! I’m going to bury you in the backyard before the damn sun comes up!!” 

Clary did not wait for her dad to catch his breath, she rushed to the door, opened it, and ran. She ran away from the house and more tears flowed from her eyes. She did not look back. She ran with all she had. 

A few people stared at her as she ran but she did not care. She just kept running. Her legs took her as far as Royal street. That was only when she stopped to catch her breath. She was breathing very deeply and bent over for a few seconds to get a hold of herself. 

She felt lightheaded and her neck was still burning in pain. After a few seconds, she stood upright and began to walk. She looked around and was taken aback at how crowded the street was. 

Royal street was where the mansion of the Alpha and Luna was located. And everyone there was probably there because of the Moon Festival. She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand as sweat dripped down her back. 

Fear and adrenaline still coursed through her but she tried her best to ignore them so she could focus on what was right in front of her. She was literally on Royal street! She was as close to her dreams as she ever imagined. 

And not even her dad was going to ruin that for her. 

Clary tried her best to walk through the crowd of people until she came to the gate at the compound of the mansion. There were so many guards and dogs. The security level was very high, and rightfully so. 

“Excuse me, if you’re not here for the festival, I would suggest that you step back,” One of the guards approached Clary and said to her. 

“Um…” She cleared her throat. “No, I’m here for the festival. Please.” 

“Okay, name and age?” The guy asked in a monotone. He had a camera hanging around his neck on a black rope and an electronic tablet in his hand. 

“My name is Clary Astoria. I’m eighteen years of age.” Her voice was a bit hoarse.

The guard stared at her for a few seconds and then asked, “Are you okay? You don’t look well. And your neck, it looks like you need medical attention.” 

“No, thank you.” She forced a smile. “I’m fine. Let’s continue, please.” She swallowed. 

“Hmm.” The guard nodded slowly. “I would have to see some identification for confirmation on who you say you are.” 

Clary cursed under her breath. She had left her school ID on her bed. And there was no way she was going to go back to that house tonight. “I…um, I do have an ID but I forgot to bring it,” She said in a low tone. 

The guard pursed his lips and then shook his head. “I’m sorry but you have to move to the back of the line. You’re holding up the line, dear.” 

“Please, please, sir. I’m not lying to you. I do have an ID but I forgot to bring it,” Clary begged him. 

“Dear, you’re holding up the line. I really don’t want to have you removed.” He started to wave for another person to come over but Clary stopped him. 

“Wait! Please, wait!” Her voice broke. “This is my first time being here. And I swear to you that I’m not lying. My name is truly Clary Astoria, and I’m eighteen years old,” She cried lowly as she pled with the guard. “I just want to find a mate, sir. I just want a better life. I’m an omega and my life has been hell. Please…” 

The guard made a small throaty sound and clicked his tongue. “I’m only going to consider you because I have a daughter your age and you two look alike.” 

She breathed out a shaky sigh and chuckled happily. “Oh my gosh, thank you so much, sir.” 

“Alright alright. Stand still and stare into the camera,” The guard informed her and she did as he asked. He took her picture and then allowed her to come into the compound. He gave her a pass to hang around her neck and bid her good luck on her desire to find a mate. 

Clary was so happy and could not believe that she almost did not make it to the festival. She followed the crowd of people and they all came to another checkpoint. She was searched at that one and then allowed to go deeper into the impressive compound. 

Her lips broke into a smile as she took in her surroundings. It was beautiful, and she was breathless. She could not believe that she was actually there!

She was offered some food and she gladly accepted. There, no one saw her as the acne-faced omega that had an awful life, she was being treated with respect. A few guys stared at her with lust in their eyes, and most of the girls ignored her.

She preferred being ignored to being bullied. It was refreshing. 

Then the festival officially started. A loud bell went off a couple of times, capturing everyone’s attention. The Luna then walked out on the terrace of the huge mansion. Everyone could see her clearly. 

She was stunning. Her snow-white skin was perfect and her face was so smooth that it looked like it was glowing. Her hair was blonde and lengthy. And her voice, gosh, her voice was like honey. 

“I am Luna Selena and I would like to officially welcome you all to the Moon Festival!” She said in a cheerful tone and cheers erupted. Everyone was applauding and shouting in joy. 

As the Luna continued to speak, the Alpha walked amongst the people, greeting them. His Beta was close behind. He was literally the most attractive man Clary had ever seen. She had heard of how good-looking he was but seeing him in person knocked the breath right out of her lungs.

Then suddenly, his eyes landed on her in the crowd. He did not look away, he kept staring at her as he walked in her direction. Something in her shifted and it was like her heart was begging to be joined with him. 

Was he her mate? And if so, what the hell was going on? He was the Alpha of the pack, and most of all, he was married!