Falling For My Cruel Mate
Chapter 32

I watched as Lola pouted and thought about her answer. She was probably one of the brightest five year olds I had ever met. She lifted her head up to me and asked, "But when will you be back to finish the story?"

I couldn't help but smile, "I will be back here the day after tomorrow. I would come back today but it's almost lunch time for you and you have lessons afterwards, okay? I promise I will be back soon."

"Okay." She frowned and for a minute I thought my heart would break. She was so adorable and I didn't want to leave like this. I gave her the book before kissing the crown of her head and placing her at a table with other children her age.

I followed Ajax out of the school building that sat behind the pack house. We began to make our way back home. "I didn't know you did so well with children." Ajax stated, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"It's not that hard, you just have to be nice." I shrug. I never really noticed the way I handled children, it just sort of came naturally.

"I pulled you away because Cipher, Samuel and I are leaving for in few hours and

I would like you to come a long with us."

"Oh..." I didn't really know what to say. I didn't want to leave pack territory. I just began to feel at home and the last time I left well, it obviously didn't go well. I knew that they were going to the mating ceremony of two twins in a near by pack and the last time I was at one of those I was marked forcefully.

"I promise that I will not leave your side. Cipher and Samuel are going as well and

I know you're close with the two of them. Plus, there will be no one here trusty worthy enough to look over you."

We reached the mansion and the guards opened the door, greeting us with bowed heads. I let out a heavy sigh. I guess I didn't have much of a choice the matter.

"It's clear that you obviously don't trust me enough to leave me here," I say stalking over to the kitchen with him following. "So, I don't really have a choice now do I?"

"No. You don't. I just thought I might me a little more polite and give you a heads up. I could've just shoved you into the truck and not tell you where we're going." He snapped back. I roll my eyes at him and yank the fridge open. Asshole. I crack open a water bottle and take a long sip.

"We leave at five pm. I expect Cipher will be by to help you get dressed. There will be a few other un-mated pack members going as well."

"Why are we going?" I didn't realize it until now but it didn't make much sense for a mated couple to go. Although we acted very hostile to each other we were stuck together, forever. Well, until we die.

"To pay my respects to the Alpha of the MoonClaw pack and to watch over my little sister and Beta. The ride his only an hour and we won't be there long, I promise."

"Promise is a big word, Ajax." I shoot him a weary look. Ajax has never made a promise to me so I wasn't sure if he was keen on seeing them through. I'll admit I was a bit intrigued to go. I used to have so much fun at parties with my best friend. Of course it was always Siren's idea to go out but I still had fun nonetheless.

"Make sure you eat something before going." He exited the kitchen and disappeared up to his room. I let out a frustrated sigh. I had such mixed emotions about the events that were to take place today. I wish I could just run back to the school and read books to the children all day long.

I trudge up the stairs, tired. I had woken up at six am to attend to my Luna duties. The pack was alive and buzzing at such an hour and there were so many things to do.

I plopped myself down onto the bed and looked over at the clock. It was eleven am, I had plenty of time to take a nap and just relax. I kick off my shoes just as the door busts open. Cipher.

"Oh good, I found you!" She seemed overly excited and I was overly tired.

"Yay." I say in a sarcastic tone. She let out a small giggle and made her way over to me with dresses in tow. She had to have at least ten dress, all hung neatly on a rack.

"How'd you get the rack up stairs?" I question curiously. She rolls her eyes at me before spacing the dresses out carefully on the rack.

"The real question is, which dress are we going to wear?" She turned around to look at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I shake my head jokingly and go to stand beside her.

"Don't you think your dresses might me a little to long for me?" I say looking up at her. She was so much taller and if they were pulled straight from her closet... well.

"Don't worry short cake, I had some dresses pulled just for you. I just didn't know which one you'd like so I grabbed a few." She separates the dresses that are meant for me and a red one immediately catches my eye.

"Isn't a little bit early to be getting ready? I want to take a nap."

"No!" She yells. "This could be the day that I replace my mate. I need to look perfect. I need to look hot." She took one of the dresses off the rack and held it up to her body. It was a plum color and it reminded me of a bruise so I immediately shook my head no.

I miss the excitement that came along with this party. The thought of replaceing your mate and living happily ever after was a dream every she-wolf had at some point in her life.

Cipher pulled out a royal blue dress and held up to her body. I tilted my head a little and squinted one eye and hummed a little bit. "What? What does that mean?" Cipher asked.