Chapter Eight

Ariana's mother, driven by a desperate desire to salvage her family's honor, acted swiftly. She was well aware that their future rested on the outcome of this encounter with the Alpha.

She hurried Ariana into a dimly lit room, the air heavy with tension and anxiety. "Stay here," she whispered, fear and desperation etched across her face. Ariana nodded silently, her own emotions a sea of confusion and apprehension.

Margret whispered urgently to Mia, "Cover those bruises quickly. Make her look presentable. We can't let the Alpha see her like this. We must make a good impression on the Alpha"

Mia, though conflicted, had to put her family's honor first. Her hatred and disgust for Ariana were evident but she had to keep all that aside for now and focus on making a good impression on the Alpha which was a priority for the time being.

She nodded and set to work. She carefully concealed some of the visible marks and tried to mask the physical toll that had been taken on Ariana's body. Despite her efforts, the emotional scars ran deeper.

As Ariana stood in front of a small, cracked mirror, her reflection was a testament to her pain. Her once radiant eyes had dimmed, and her spirit seemed on the brink of breaking.

It was time, and Ariana was escorted into the main chambers, the weight of her impending fate pressing heavily upon her as she approached the Alpha who would soon claim her. The room was filled with a tangible sense of anticipation.

The grand doors swung open, revealing the imposing presence of the Alpha. Her eyes fell upon him, and she couldn't help but be struck by his presence. Alpha Ethan, the formidable leader of the Crescent Moon pack, stood with an imposing stature. His broad shoulders and commanding presence filled the room, exuding an undeniable aura of authority.

His features were striking, like a masterpiece sculpted by the gods. His rugged handsomeness was breathtaking, and the depth in his piercing blue eyes held a mysterious allure. Ariana was taken aback by the captivating contradiction between his commanding exterior and his captivating appearance.

The stories she had heard about the ruthless Alpha had painted a far darker picture than the man before her. He was a paradox, charming in his appearance yet chilling in his demeanor.

However, Ariana soon realized that the Alpha barely spared her more than a passing glance. His focus remained solely on the business at hand, and she felt like an insignificant shadow in his presence. The indifference hurt more than any physical pain, reminding her of the life she dreaded and now stepping into.

As the negotiations concluded, it was time to leave. Alpha Ethan's gaze finally fell upon Ariana, his intense eyes scrutinizing her fragile state. "She looks malnourished," he remarked, his voice cool and detached.

Ariana swallowed hard, "I... I've.."

Margret immediately cut in, attempting to minimize the issue, "Alpha, it's just a temporary setback. Ariana has always been a bit delicate, but we have plans in place to ensure she gets back to full health soon. We're sure she'll flourish under your guidance."

The Alpha continued to assess her, his gaze unrelenting. "Strength is crucial in our pack, Ariana. Can you be strong?"

Her father, Joseph, keen to play down the concern, chimed in,

"Alpha, it's nothing serious. We understand the importance of strength in your pack. Ariana's always been a bit of a late bloomer, but she's got a strong spirit. Once she's in your pack, we're confident she'll catch up and meet your expectations."

Margaret, feeling the urgency, added, "Alpha, we're aware of her condition, and we regret the state you found her in, but we hope you'll allow her the chance to nurse her back and prove herself once she's with you."

The room seemed to hold its breath as the Alpha's gaze bore into her. After a pregnant pause, he spoke again, his voice carrying the weight of leadership.

"We'll discuss her condition further once she's with us. The time for departure has come. Prepare her immediately. We'll address her well-being in the pack."

Ariana's heart sank, and she realized that the Alpha's interest was far from a positive sign. He would treat her even worse than her darkest fears had foreseen.

Mia, holding a small bag containing Ariana's meager belongings, with a sneer of disdain, offered it to her.

"Ariana, here are your precious belongings. You're going to need all the reminders of your old life since your future is so bleak."

Mia thrust the bag at Ariana with a vindictive smile and taunt, "You'll need something to cling to in your new life of misery."

Her tone, laced with mockery as she continued,

"I can't say I'll miss you, but I'm sure you'll be the star of the show with your endless problems. Have a 'wonderful' time in the Crescent Moon pack."

Ariana hesitated, her apprehension written across her face as she contemplated the uncertain future that awaited her in the Crescent Moon Pack.

She stood before the ruthless Alpha Ethan, her fear paralyzing her. Her wide eyes were filled with sheer terror, and she trembled as if in the presence of a monster.

Alpha Ethan, sensed that she was a bit reluctant to follow him. He was running out of patience, his ruthless aura undeniable as he turned to his guards with a commanding growl, "Take her away. Now."

Ariana, her voice barely a whisper, desperately resisted the guards' attempts to lead her away. She pleaded, her words quivering with desperation, "Please, please, don't do this. I can't go. Just let me be, please."

The Alpha, with a cruel grip on her arm, leaned in close, his voice dripping with menace, "Ariana, you're mine. Every part of you is claimed, and there's no escape. None."

Ariana's face paled, and her struggles ceased momentarily as the ruthless Alpha's words settled in. She could hardly find her voice.

The guards, with brutal force, seized Ariana's hands with a firm grip. Their touch sent a shiver down her spine. As they forcefully lifted her feet off the ground and attempted to carry her away, Ariana's fear escalated. She fought with every ounce of her strength, her legs flailing, trying to resist their grasp. Tears streamed down her face, her cries filled with desperation and fear. Her heart-wrenching sobs echoed through the chamber. There was no escaping this nightmare.

At the very exit of the chamber, Alpha Ethan turned to her, his gaze locking onto her, and his words held a hint of authority and resolve. "You are coming with me to the Crescent Moon pack, Ariana. Your place among us will be revealed in time."