Chapter 4 Unclaimed

Elara's Pov

"I... I don't understand," I finally managed to whisper, my voice trembling.

He too seemed a bit astonished to have found me. He leaned down, in front of every person standing, and sniffed my scent in.

I could feel his wolf whirling within him. His growl was enough to send shivers down my spine.

"But... how?" I asked, my mind reeling. "How did you know?"

"Where have you been?" He said, his voice a low rumbling sound. "My wolf has been restless. Not seeing you."

I was confused to death.

"I'm sorry Alpha. You must have the wrong person. I'm an Omega. I'm not even fit to stand beside you."

"The moon goddess makes no mistakes." He said, his face still buried in my neck. I didn't know what to do. I was perplexed, uncomfortable, and oddly satisfied but scared at the same time.

Was this a joke? Was the goddess playing pranks again? I wasn't ready for this, I wasn't ready for love. I didn't think I could take anymore heart break or pain. It wasn't guaranteed that something like what happened between me and Kai wouldn't happen again.

I couldn't...

"I can't..." I blurted, pulling away from the Alpha. The gasp that echoed in the hall was deafening. Even the Alpha had a shocked look on his face. In the history of Alphas, nobody had ever defied one. But today that was broken, and my life was at stake.

"What did you say?" He questioned, his brows furrowing in disbelief

I gulped as my hands trembled with fear. From the corner of my eye I noticed Anya and Kai. Anya's eyes were widened with the anticipation that something would go wrong. Her jealousy was written all over her. While Kai looked at me intently, like saying I wouldn't dare defy him for the Alpha.

Not knowing what to do, at that moment I found myself running out of the hall, hoping nobody would stop or follow me. I needed a moment to myself.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, the sound of my heels echoing off the marble floor. I couldn't believe what had just happened. The Alpha, Ryker, had claimed me as his mate, and I had rejected him in front of the entire pack. I was either very brave or very stupid.

Just as I thought I had escaped, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back. I struggled to break free, but the grip was too tight.

"Let me go!" I demanded, trying to kick my legs.

But the arm only tightened its hold. I spun around, and I found myself face to face with Ryker. His eyes blazed with intensity, and his jaw was set in a firm line.

"You're not going anywhere," he growled, his voice low and husky.

I tried to push him away, but he was too strong. He pulled me closer, his face inches from mine.

"Why did you run?" he asked, his breath warm against my skin.

I swallowed hard, trying to think of a reason. But all I could think about was the way his eyes seemed to see right through me.

"I...I was scared," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ryker's expression softened slightly, and he pulled me closer. I felt his chest against mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

"You don't have to be scared," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear. "I won't hurt you."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke, his words sending a thrill through me. But I knew I couldn't trust him. I couldn't trust anyone.

I tried to push him away again, but he held me firm. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths.

"Let me go," I repeated, trying to sound firm.

But Ryker just smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"I don't think so," he said, his voice low and husky. I tried pulling away but he pulled me closer. "I'm not allowing you to leave so easily. Everybody knows you're now my mate. The risk of letting you out there all by yourself is something I won't be able to do love." He stated.

"The moon goddess must be playing tricks on me." I stated.

"What if she isn't?" He questioned with a cocked brow.

I shook my head. "I don't want this Alpha. I'm too low in status to even..."

He buried his face into my neck again, sniffing my scent in. The bond sent tingles down my body. I was drawn to him, no doubts, but I wholeheartedly wanted to pull away.

"You feel the bond too don't you?" He questioned. I didn't respond though. I was as stiff as a log of wood. "You're still scared." He whispered, before releasing me. His gaze narrowed slightly, a hint of something dangerous whirling in them. "I want you little mate."

"I'm sorry Alpha. I don't want to be with you. I can't be with you." I was too scared of getting heart broken because of my status again.

"Let me propose something then." He said. "You don't want to be with me, but I'm not letting you off that easily. A contract marriage. For a limited period of time."

"What?" I questioned.

"I'm targeting someone." He said and I raised my brows in anticipation. "My ex mate. It's obvious you also have been through the same experience. It's going to be a win win. And I won't mark you, until you beg me to." He smirked.