C H A P T E R 8

"You're not going, Asteria," Eligor responded sternly.

I knew it. I saw this coming.

I heaved a sigh as I tried to put on an act. "I can't decline his invitation, Eligor. You have to understand. My father was the one that set me up with him." I tried explaining.

Eligor pushed me lightly and crossed his arms. "And I'm supposed to honor Declan and Cillian's agreement? You know damn well that I despise them, Asteria. I hope you're not forgetting what I am."

My eyebrows instantly furrowed. "I've never forgotten who and what you are, Eligor. I'm merely asking you to do me a favor. Just one peaceful night without having to worry about you is all that I'm asking for, Eligor."

I tried my best to keep a straight face as I negotiated with him. Trying to conceal my authentic sentiments was the only way I could gain his trust.

"You're asking for too much, Asteria. I'm not stupid to let that Cillian wolf take you out on a date and steal you away from me." He declared.

My arms made their way back onto his nape, running my fingers through his hair. If I can't convince him with my words, then maybe convincing him with my body would work. It's about time that I use him to my advantage. It can't be always the other way around.

Eligor's hands circled around my waist as he felt my body moving closer to him. "You don't have to worry, lover. You've already made me yours with your kisses last night. Khai has absolutely nothing on you." I whispered.

"Did you just call me lover?" He asked, amused.

When I noticed Eligor's sneer, my eyes immediately rolled. "You're the one that started it, Eligor. I'm just returning your words." I replied.

Eligor chuckled and kissed my shoulder. "I'm not going to lie, Asteria, it's good to hear you call me by that endearment. You should do it more often."

I pressed my lower hips against his torso, burying my face in his neck. His body tensed for a little moment, and I assumed that he was taken aback by my initiation. After all, I'm not one to grow attached to him because he knew how much I loathed him in the first place.

"Please, lover. Let me go tonight." I whispered in his ear, nibbling and marking the skin on his neck. I made sure that it was sensuous enough for Eligor to lose his wits.

"Mmh… You're turning me on again, Asteria." He moaned.

I couldn't help but smirk against Eligor's skin as I heard his remarks. It's working. My strategy is working. Eligor will eventually lose his cool, and I may be able to mislead him into agreeing to my rendezvous with Khai.

I dropped my gaze to his hardness and laid my palm on his crotch. I made certain that my hands were teasing him and that he could feel my touch even through his trousers. "You're the only wolf that I'd touch like this, Eligor. You don't have to worry about Khai, I promise." I said.

Eligor's lips parted in need, while his hands made their own way to my ass. I couldn't stop myself from moaning. "Shit… Eligor…" I seductively whimpered in his ear.

"You have to tell me that you're mine first, Asteria." He demanded, spanking my behind.

I immediately felt myself pooling in the center as I was overtaken by pain mixed with pleasure. I didn't know that getting spank would turn me on that hard.

I grind myself over his abated cock, and pulled him for a kiss that I was holding back. Eligor slipped his tongue inside my mouth, which I immediately welcomed with my own. At that instant, his hands shifted from grabbing my ass to gripping my hair, humping me even though we were both dressed. My breathing got heavy as I lost sight of what I was thinking, and I found myself moaning in ecstasy as his hardness plunged into my center. I could practically feel him inside of me, and it took a lot of willpower to keep me from pulling his clothing off alongside mine.

"I'm yours, Eligor…" I couldn't help but declare as I was yet again overcome with lust.

…

Eligor and I fortunately came to an agreement. Sure, it took a lot of time and effort to convince him, but I at least can be secure today that he's not going to attack us at the sight of me and Khai together.

"Are you ready yet, Lilith?" My father asked.

I nodded. "Yes, Father. I've already prepared myself before dinner." I replied.

Alpha Declan smiled at me and patted my shoulders. "I hope it works out for the both of you, my daughter. I would love to have Khai in our family."

I feigned a smile at his response. I know my father just wants what is best for me and the pack, but how could Khai and I be together while Eligor is still alive? Even I, myself, am no longer confident that I could be free from this mate bond. Eligor is slowly pulling me into him and I'm almost certain that I would suffer its consequences alone in the future.

Koen is not the sort to give up his ambitions for the sake of love. He is, in fact, the polar opposite. He's prepared to sacrifice love for the sake of his revenge. Worse, our relationship could not even be labeled romantic. I can't even expect Eligor to change out of love, because this isn't love in the first place. All that we have is a sexual relationship, a dalliance if you must.

If I hadn't met him that day when I and Dusk was wolfing it down, I may have already become Alpha Khai's mate at this very moment.

"It's still too early to tell, Father. I'm going to give it a try but I'm afraid that I can't guarantee being mated with Alpha Khai." I boldly replied.

My father chuckled and just nodded his head in my response. "No pressure, Lilith. I merely want to find someone who could take care of you. I'm grateful enough that you're giving this relationship a chance."

I cracked a smile. I'm thankful that my father isn't overly demanding with me and Khai. If this were to be added to the list of difficulties I already have, I don't believe I'd be able to handle it.

It didn't take long for the man of the hour to arrive. Khai greeted my father and turned to face me with a huge smile, and I was instantly filled with memories of our antics on the day of the ball.

My cheeks brightened in shame, but I made sure to beam back. "You're here, Alpha." I greeted.

Khai looked confused as soon as he heard me call him by his title. He must be wondering why I suddenly switched back to being formal with him. I just didn't want to lead him on anymore. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes I've done the other night. I almost pulled Khai into my problem with Eligor, and I'm going to make sure that this ends tonight.

"I told you to leave the Alpha title behind, Lilith. You can always just call me Khai." He replied.

I scratched the back of my head as I thought of an excuse. "I don't dare talk to you informally while my father is still here, Alpha Khai." I reasoned out.

My father took the signal and chuckled. "My daughter appears to be requesting that I leave you two alone, Khai. I'll go my own way and take a rest. I'm entrusting my daughter to you, buddy. Make sure she's safe."

Khai just nodded, then held my waist. "You can always count on me, Declan. I'll make sure she's back before the sun sets."

When my father was finally gone, Khai softened in my arms and hugged me by my waist. I was shocked for a moment. "I'm so sorry about the other night, Lilith. I shouldn't have left you alone." He whispered.

My lips curled into a smile, while my hands glided into his back. "You don't have to say sorry, Khai. That sound could have come from a rogue, it was better for you to check it out that night."

It did come from a rogue. It had to have come from Eligor. There are a lot of rogues in our region right now, but none of them stay by me as much as Eligor does. He's constantly close by, and I'm fairly certain he's watching me right now.

Khai sighed as he let go of me. "I'm glad that you're not mad at me, Lilith. I thought it blew up my chances of being with you." He whispered, pouting.

My jaw almost dropped at the cute gesture. I can't believe that I'll ever see an Alpha act all cute in this lifetime! Khai is unexpectedly melting my heart more than he should.

"How could I be mad at you, Khai? I know that you're still eager to avenge your pack. I understand you and your priorities." I replied, trying to stop myself from falling for his cuteness.

Khai's eyes twinkled with delight. "I'm always glad to have you and your pack by my side, Lilith,"

"Wanna go for a run?"

…

I was greeted by the midnight air from the forest as I and Khai ran in our wolf forms. It wasn't really the first time that I had seen his wolf, but he still looked majestic in my eyes. Alphas just always have this unique coat and presence in them once they are born, and Khai is one of them.

His jet-black fur with silver-white accents, along with his emerald green eyes, never ceases to astonish me. He is the only one of his kind, and I haven't seen another wolf like him in our zone. He's unique, powerful, and compassionate, and it honestly feels so romantic running with him with the moon shining its light on us.

Khai looked at me and matched his pace with mine. I nudged him with my nose, which he did back. We nearly felt like match-made lovers enjoying their freedom in the woods. It made me feel at peace.

When I saw Khai propel right into a charming cottage dressed up with fairy lights, I knew he had something special planned for me. True enough, he was already wrapped in a robe when I came in. He was also polite enough to turn his back on me as I made myself comfortable into one.

My eyes automatically scanned the place as soon as I was back in my human form.

"Do you like it?" Khai immediately asked, finally facing me.

I left a smile plastered on my lips and nodded. "I love it, Khai. But you shouldn't have bothered yourself. This looks like it took a lot of time." I answered, my gaze fixed on the dinner he had cooked.

He chuckled. "I'm having a date with the most beautiful and competent Luna, Lilith. How could I not prepare anything for you?"

His kind remarks immediately warmed my heart. Khai is an absolute gentleman. The wolf that would get to be his chosen mate would be eternally thankful for his kindness. I really wish Eligor didn't exist.

"You're flattering me too much, Khai. Is this how you make those she-wolves fall head over heels for you?" I replied, joking.

"I'm merely stating the facts, Lilith. I'd even go so far as to say you're the only she-wolf I think is so gorgeous and strong. I actually feel lucky that you even graced me with your presence." Khai said, making my cheeks flush.

I know that I shouldn't compare, but the time I spent with him so far made it evident that he is the polar opposite of Eligor. While Khai is always uplifting and gentle towards me, Eligor enjoys looking down on and controlling me.

So can anyone really blame me for wanting to be selfish and have Khai by my side?