The Alpha's Contract Luna novel Chapter 8

~Alexia~

“Alexia!” Rae called her name in the hallway. When Rae caught up to her, Alexia was about to have her quiet time in the packhouse’s backyard.

Immediately, Rae hugged her tightly. Alexia could not keep count of how many times Rae repeatedly breathed in and out. In each second that passed, Rae's embrace strengthened around her.

“Everything okay, Rae?” She asked, utterly bemused by her sudden emotional hug.

Pulling away, Rae replied, “I’m glad you are in our pack now. Maybe it was, in fact, your fate to join us. You shall never return to your previous pack - I won’t allow it! I'm so sorry for what you have experienced, Alexia."

Alexia froze in her stance. Her brows meeting, thinking. “Did.” She gulped and looked around. “Did you - did you find out about my curse?”

Rae had dragged Alexia out to the backyard and found a secluded place to talk. As they sat on a wooden bench, Rae admitted to Alexia, “Look, Alexia. I’m sorry to tell you this, but yes. We learned about how your family treated you. Kieran had your past investigated.”

‘They know.’ Alexia felt chills down her spine. She looked down, frightened as she thought, ‘They must know about that night too. Alpha Kieran knows.’

Rae must have noticed her silence that she explained. “It was important that Kieran learn about you. The king gave our alpha your file, but that same document suggested your father spoiled and loved you.”

Holding Alexia’s hand, Rae added, “I hope you understand, Alexia. Alpha Kieran might not have said it in words, but he simply wanted to prove your claims.”

“Or disprove?” Alexia pointed out.

They both stilled. After some time, Rae suggested, “On the bright side, he knows you are innocent.”

Faintly, Alexia responded, “And he knows that I am dirty and cursed -”

“Whatever made you think it was a curse? It was just a coincidence! The former Beta died out of his own misery. His lust probably got the best of him!” Rae countered. “And no!”

Alexia saw how the corners of Rae’s eyes watered. She hugged her from the side and claimed, “You are not dirty! Don’t ever think that of yourself.”

While pondering on Rae’s words, she breathed deeply. Alexia did not know how long she stayed that way. Minutes passed with Alexia hardly noticing the time. She looked remotely into the vast lawn and then to the pines that fenced the estate.

After some time, Alexia took a deep breath. Softly, she said, “Thank you. Thank you for telling me this.” She sniffed and resumed, “This means a lot to me, Rae.”

Alexia and Rae lingered in the garden for another half an hour, discussing her stepfamily’s maltreatment‌. Rae mentioned, “Your stepbrother probably rode on that curse too, just to give you a bad reputation.”

Letting out a sigh, Alexia weakly replied, “I don’t know, Rae. To be honest, Drake would rather get his way with me. I don’t think he faked it when he reacted. It was the same with the former beta. I could not explain what happened to him, either.”

Alexia was looking distantly into the garden, when Rae sought, “Do you want to talk about it? I mean, it’s okay if you don’t, but maybe talking about it helps?”

For seconds, Alexia stilled in silence, contemplating. Nearly a minute passed, and she faintly answered, “I’ll - I’ll tell you.”

FLASHBACK: THREE YEARS PASSED

The storm has reached its full strength. Alpha Roland and some of his warriors were helping those affected by the storm.

Beta Edward made an excuse, saying he was feeling unwell.

The packhouse had long accommodated the Alpha and his family, including Beta Edward.

Since Alexia had turned seventeen, she observed how Beta Edward often stared at her longer. His eyes roamed her body in a way that made her feel he was actually touching her.

When their eyes would meet, Beta Edward would grin at her maliciously. It made Alexia’s skin crawl. She reported her fears to her father, but Alpha Roland ignored her. Instead, he scolded her, allowing Beta Edward to think he could do anything to Alexia and not be punished.

Alexia saw it. With each day that passed, his confidence grew. It started with Beta Edward waiting outside her room, to constantly following her around and spanking her behind. One day, the beta lost control and took advantage of the fact that the entire pack was busy attending to the storm.

That night, Alexia was getting ready for bed. She wasn’t allowed outside the packhouse, so she wasn’t needed yet. However, just as she was about to climb into her bed, she heard a knock on the door.

When she opened it and realized it was Beta Edward, she tried her hardest to slam it shut, but the man was too strong compared to her little frame.

“What are you doing here?” Alexia asked.