Chapter 2 Deceit and Humiliation

Scott Peterson's eyebrow arched, his frown deepening as he took in Zara's appearance. Despite her unhealthy curves, he found her captivating.

A sly smile spread across his face, and he licked his lips suggestively. "Who is she?" He asked Danny Dante, leader of the moonlight pack, his gaze still fixed on the chubby girl.

Danny followed his gaze and panicked recognising the younger alpha's interest in his younger daughter. "She's...no one," He stammered.

"I want her," Scott replied, his response sending a chill down Danny's spine.

Danny's eyes widened in shock. "But you're about to get engaged to my elder daughter........

Scott didn't let him finish. He stormed out of Danny's presence and began walking towards Zara.

Danny cursed under his breath and clenched his fist to control his anger, knowing Scott's pack was stronger. He took a brief moment to calm himself before following Scott.

"Hi," Scott said, his voice low and smooth, as he approached Zara.

Zara turned around, glancing behind her to see if Scott was addressing someone else. But there was no one. Her eyes snapped back to his, her voice laced with surprise. "You're talking to me?"

Scott's hearty laughter filled the air. "Who else would I be talking to, but the beautiful damsel standing right before me?" He flirted shamelessly, his eyes locked on Zara's.

Zara's cheeks flushed, and she swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond.

Scott's smile widened as he continued, his voice low and smooth. "And you are....?"

Danny spoke up, his voice firm. "She is Zara Dante, my younger daughter."

Zara's eyes lit up with hope as she gazed up at her father, her voice barely audible. "Papa?" This was the first time her father had acknowledged her in front of someone important.

Scott's expression changed to one of surprise, his eyes darting between Danny and Zara. "She's.....the Zara? The one you invited me to celebrate her birthday?"

Danny nodded and smiled, but Scott scoffed, his expression disbelieving. "Then why was she never mentioned?"

Danny's smile faltered.

Scott's questions came rapidly. "Why did she show up so late to her own party? And why did you discuss engaging your other daughter to me at her party?"

Danny stuttered, struggling to respond. "That's because.....because...."

Scott cut him with another scoff, waving his hand dismissively. "Let's forget about that. I want your daughter, I want her in my pack tonight." His words made Zara's ears perk up in surprise.

"Tonight?" she asked, staring at him confusedly.

Her dad's expression was equally perplexed. "What do you mean by that, Alpha Scott?" Danny's voice was laced with anger.

Scott smiled lazily, his voice dripping with nonchalance. "You know what I mean, Alpha Danny."

Danny opened his mouth to speak, but Scott's words made him swallow them back. "I'll give you the alliance you need. I'll give you the protection, make your pack strong, and make you walk side by side with my pack."

Danny's eyes reflected his greediness as he asked, "What then about Harley?"

"Nothing changes," Scott replied, holding Danny's gaze as if daring him to reject. "I'll keep my promise. I just want Zara too."

A long silence followed. Danny Kept his gaze straight ahead, thinking.

"You want me too?" Zara finally summoned the courage to ask.

Scott nodded.

She frowned at him." But you aren't my mate?"

Scott gave her a sly smile. "Then I can be your mate, if that changes anything. I'll be your mate."

Zara shook her head firmly. "No. Eve said my mate and I would share a very strong bond. That I'd be able to tell my mate just by their scent....."

"Enough," Her father's loud voice shut her up, making her gulp hard, nervously. "You don't even have a wolf yet, and you're taking about a bond?" He sneered at her before turning to Scott. "I accept, Alpha Scott."

Scott smiled triumphantly. "Meaning we can go now, Miss." He grasped Zara's hands tightly and began to drag her along with him.

Before Zara could comprehend what was happening, she found herself struggling to break free from Scott's iron grip. His strength was overwhelming.

Just as they were about to exit, Harley's voice stopped them.

"Are you already leaving the party, Alpha Scott?"

Zara stumbled, and Scott quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to ensure she was alright. He then turned to face Harley. "Yes, I am leaving, " He replied bluntly.

Harley's gaze shifted to Zara, her expression darkening. "Why is she with you?"

"She's now a member of my pack, Miss Harley,"Scott drawled, winking at Harley before resuming his stride, pulling Zara along with him. "Tell your dad to explain better to you. I'll see you tomorrow."  Without turning around, he waved at Harley and strode out of the hall, Zara by his side.

A man dressed in black opened the car door for them, and once they settled in, the vehicle began to move, heading towards the highway.

Zara shifted uncomfortably, trying to create some distance between them. But Scott's grip tightened, pulling her back against him. "Running away from me, little girl?" His warm breath danced across her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

"Please, stop!" she begged, her voice trembling. Scott laughed, his breath tickling her.

"But I've not even started doing anything." He whispered, his lips trailing down her neck.

His hands slid lower, lifting the hem of her gown, and Zara's heart skipped a beat as his fingers trailed across her skin.

What was he doing to her?

She struggled to break free, but his grip only tightened. "Stay still." he growled, his voice dangerous as he began to release his pheromones.

Musky and woody, with hint of spice and earthy undertones.

Zara's vision blurred, her eyelids growing heavy as the alpha's pheromones wrapped around her. It was like a potent aphrodisiac that melted her resistance, leaving her vulnerable and open to his every whim. "Just accept whatever I give to you, sweetheart." Those were the last words she heard before she succumbed to unconsciousness.

~~~~~

She woke up with aching joints, stretched, yawned, and opened her eyes to an unfamiliar bed. Her body was naked and bruised, and the events of the previous night were hazy. One thing was clear, though: she had her first time with an alpha who claimed to her mate.

The creaking door drew her attention, and her eyes widened as a familiar face appeared. "Eve?" she called in surprise. "How did you get here? Why are you here?"

Eve approached her with a somber expression, ignoring her questions. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked instead.

Zara shook her head, telling the truth."No, my whole body aches. I can barely move or feel myself."

Eve's face darkening, she cursed under her breath. "That bastard."

Zara gestured for her to keep her voice down. "He is a powerful alpha, Eve."

Eve rolled her eyes sarcastically. "Yes, a powerful alpha who took advantage...." she stopped abruptly, sighing. "You need to get ready. Alpha Scott needs all pack members in the hall."

Without a word, Zara limped into the adjoining bathroom to freshen up. When she returned, Eve helped her into the yellow gown and silver shoes she'd worn the previous night. Together, they left the room.

As they ventured into the large hall, the sound of whispering filled her ears. Zara bowed her head, feeling the weight of their stares and judgemental looks. The cruel words echoed in her mind: Fat, useless and ugly." That's what she believed she was.

Standing in the crowd, she watched as Scott took the center stage. Her stepsister stood beside him, and Zara felt a mix of fear and confusion.

Why was Harley here in his pack? Why was she standing with him?

Scott's voice boomed through the hall."Good morning, everyone. I've called you all here to announce my mate."

Zara's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she felt important.

Was the handsome Alpha going to acknowledge her as his mate in public, despite her appearance?

But all those hope shattered when Scott turned to Harley and declared."I announce to you the first princess of the Dante's moonlight pack, my mate, and your Luna, Harley Dante."

The crowd erupted in applause, but Zara only felt shame and humiliation.

Tears brimming in her eyes, she locked gazes with Scott, her unspoken "why" hanging in the air, only to be met with his mocking smirk.

~~~~~  TBC