The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

The next day I was feeling much better, I was thankful that he didn’t take anyone to his bed last night, otherwise, I would have been bedridden.

I took my bath and dressed up, I pulled up my hair and applied some makeup to hide the tiny puffiness around my eyes. I decided to take my time and look extra beautiful, I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of seeing me looking miserable.

When I finished, I went down to the dining hall, I walked in gracefully, and also took my time greeting some of the pack members before I made my way to the Alpha table.

“Good morning Mum,” I greeted Queen Selena

“Good morning Dad,” I greeted King Leonard but he raised an eyebrow at me in surprise at being called “Dad” and smiled back at me. It feels so good seeing him smile and not having that grumpy look.

“Are you feeling better, my dear child?” Queen Selena asked with genuine concern etched on her face.

“Oh yeah! I’m perfectly fine,” I smiled and pulled out my seat, and sat down while the uniformed omegas in charge of serving the banquets swarmed around the table. The omegas placed a fancy pottery cup and a carafe was set before me with different types of tea pouches. I picked up my favorite almond and lemon tea, put them inside the cup, and poured the steaming water over it. While my tea was marinating, I saw my husband enter the dining hall with his brothers. His head was slightly bent listening to what Malcolm was saying. I couldn’t stop staring at him, and he wasn’t so immune to the mate bond as his eyes lifted and met mine. We stared each other down before he got bored of our staring match and continued his conversation.

He sat beside me without a word or any form of divulgence. But I decided that today I wasn’t going to flow with his silent treatment game, I wasn’t going to act invisible like he had expected. Nah!!!

I deliberately lay my hand on his forearm so the sparks would flinch around us. I smiled sweetly and said in a soothing voice

” Good morning, Alpha Arden.” He scowled at me and shook off my hand forcefully.

I didn’t give a damn about his action because it only proved that I had annoyed him a little.

I grinned knowing that I’m ready to dish out the same energy to him.

I turned back to my breakfast and started relishing the food in front of me, and I felt eyes on me and I looked across the table and found Malcolm staring at me with a weird expression. I stared back at him and shook my head. I wasn’t even ashamed, he knew everything. How his brother had cheated and rubbed it on my face and how he had disgraced me in front of him. But the expression on his handsome or would I say alluring face didn’t seem to be related to yesterday’s incident, it held something else

” Good morning, Luna,” he greeted ” How are you feeling this morning?” he asked quietly

” I am perfectly fine, and you?” I replied while still staring at him.

He smiled. I couldn’t help but admire him, he had a really cute smile with dimples on his cheek and the way his eyes lit up was quite hypnotizing. And there was something about the way his eyelids fluttered, it was a beautiful sight to behold.

” I am fine Luna, between you, look extremely gorgeous today,” he repliedNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I saw the way Arden glared at Malcolm but he was not moved instead he smiled back at me saying

” I’m wondering if Luna will be training with us soon?”

” Training?” A small smile appeared on my lips, that would be perfect, my heart was giddy with euphoria. I have always wanted to train but my Dad never allowed me to partake in the training because he thinks I’m cursed and my involvement with the pack warriors would bring nothing but disaster to them. I was excited, Nah I was thrilled even my wolf Sia was happy hearing that.

I felt Arden’s hostile gaze turn on me, his face was contorted in rage and those emerald-green eyes were spitting balls of invisible fire.

” She won’t be joining the training, a weakling like her won’t even be able to wedge a sword let alone defend the pack. She is utterly useless, and the best place for her would be in the pup’s nursery,” he said in a disapproving tone and let out a deep throaty laughter

“And why would you conclude, when you have not even seen her train,” Malcolm said while staring daggers at Arden.

” Drop it, brother. It’s more like you would be wasting your time, She’s worthless and I’m sure she would chicken out before the training starts,” he smiled and picked up his drink, and tipped it sideways before sipping.

I wasn’t going to sit and watch Arden talk down at me. As a Luna, I know my opinion counts, so I won’t allow him to keep making a mockery of me. I would defend myself and put an end to this condensing behavior of his.

I raised my chin and held his gaze defiantly, then turned my attention back to Malcolm and smiled at him

” Of course, I will train, as the Luna of the pack I need to be able to defend my people too, and not just the warriors,” I spoke louder, earning a smile from the King and Queen while Lance winked and gave me a thumbs up. Arden’s face became rigid and the mocking laughter disappeared immediately from his face. While Malcolm tilted his cup before me and grinned.

” Please, would you be so kind as to inform me of the time for the training, I will be prepared to join you tomorrow,” I said

“Yes, Luna.” Malcolm nodded. He glanced between Arden and me, and his eyes were gleaming with some hidden emotion.

Deep down I wondered what it would be like to train with the ruthless warriors of Blood Moon Pack. The thought made me feel both excited and nervous.