Chapter 2

"Why should I believe you?" he asked, and then he folded his arms. He looked intimidating, but I did not let his look get to me. With a smirk on my face, I answered, "I know about your plans to come and overtake this pack and free the slave she-wolves," I said. "I could help you," I added, and shock was evident on his face. His mouth opened up and closed, and he seemed to be shocked beyond words. But then I did not expect his next question, but I could answer him fluently. "What is your purpose? Why do you want to help me?" he asked. "My mate, the Alpha of this pack, will kill in the future. He would take my wolf's ability, and I don't want that. I need your protection," I said to him, without mincing words. It was like a give-and-take situation. It would help him, and he would protect me. "You're a smart one," he said to me. His fingers found his jaw, and he drummed against it. His eyes roamed over me with interest. At this point, I knew he was considering my words. Our deal would be made. I was sure of that. However, in the next second, a wicked smirk crept onto his face. I shivered in anticipation, knowing he was onto something. I could not wait anymore; he should just give in already. "I have a condition," he said suddenly. His hands dropped on each side of his body. I frowned at his words, not knowing what his condition was. What other thing did he need? I would help him with my power, and he would protect me. A perfect give-and-take situation! "What's your condition?" I asked, with a skeptical look on my face. "Give yourself to me," he said, and I frowned. I did not know what he was saying. How would I give myself to him? By sleeping with me? But I thought he was different. However, I still voiced out my confusion, "How? I'm confused," I said, with a deep frown on my face. In the next second, he chuckled, and I rolled my eyes. "Are you willing to receive my mark and become my woman?" he asked, and I gasped in shock. My body stilled as soon as I processed Axel's words. I was hesitant to accept his condition even though I needed his protection desperately. I knew of a rumor about Axel. He was cursed and mateless. The hesitation in my eyes was evident, and I could see Axel's face fall. "Did he want me to become his woman, that much?" These words rang in my head as I contemplated what to do. Axel stretched his hand to touch my cheek, and he caressed it. I could feel warmth spread through my body and I felt soothed. However, his next question caused what I felt to seize. "Do you still love Bryton? He is your mate, after all." I heard him as,k and I shook my head immediately. For a moment, I could feel that Axel's voice sounded pained. "I do not love Bryton." I declared with my hands clenched. My face turned red in anger at the thought of Bryton. "Nothing would make me love him! I have never loved him!!" I shouted, like I wanted to dissociate myself from Bryton completely. "I hate him!" I declared, and Axel's brows raised. "Oh, you do?" He asked me and I nodded my head frantically. "I hate him for being useless. I hate him for being incompetent. He treats the she-wolves like trash and has no regard for them." I said, with a wronged look on my face. "That's bad!" I heard Axes say, and I nodded. "Now, imagine me becoming his mate. He would hurt me without remorse. I can't let myself and my wolf get hurt." I said as my lips quivered. My eyes watered, red, knowing that if Axel did not help me, I would die by Bryton's clutches. "I'll never agree to be hi, at," I added, in a shaky tone, in fear. "I understand you…" He said, drawing his words out. I knew he wanted to mention my name, but he did not know it. "I'm Scarlet," I said, and he nodded with a smile on his face. "Do you accept my offer, Scarlett?" He said in a deep voice. I wouldn't lie, I liked the way my name rolled off his lips. It did mysterious things to my body. Without thinking twice, I nodded my head resolutely. "Yes!" I said, a nd a victorious smile crept onto Axel's face. I felt like he had won a trophy, and I was that trophy. I did not care if he considered me something to be won. I just knew I would be safe with him. I knew he was not one to treat people harshly. In the next second, Axel stepped toward me, and my heart increased in speed. I could guess what he was about to do, and I wondered how it would feel. In the next second, I felt his hands around my waist. He held me firm, and I knew he would never let go. His neck was,e not, and his head moved toward the crook of my neck. I could see his fangs lengthen, and I knew the moment was here. In the next second, I felt a light kiss on my neck and I felt soothed. In record time, his fangs pierced through m,y skin and imme, and immediately I felt the connection being made. I felt shivers run through my body, and everywhere he touched me, I could feel sparks. I felt his hands tighten around,d my body, and I realized he could feel what I felt. I just wanted to drown in his embrace and never let go. However, in the next second, Axel withdrew his fangs and stepped away. His eyes were glassy, but I did not see any hint of regret on his face. I thought he was going to regret choosing me, but then it looked like he had made the best decision of his life. "It's done." He said, with a smile on his face. I nodded my head at his words as his hand landed on my left cheek. "The mark will mask your scent for some time, to protect you." He said to me, and I nodded. I was not aware of that information, but I was glad he told me. "Why is it temporary, though?" I asked, as his hand fell to my neck. He caressed the mark that had begun to form, and I could feel sparks flying. His touches ignited something in me that I could not explain. "Masking your scent will be less effective when the mate bond gets deeper. So, it's temporary." He explained, with a patient look on his face. My eyes roamed around,n d and I realized we had been in the same spot for some time now. It was surprising how I met Axel just minutes ago, and now I was his mate. I could feel the connection on, and for a moment, I thought I could hear his thoughts. However, I shook that thought aside. I knew mates could hear each other's thoughts, but our bond was not deep yet. Suddenly, Axel took hold of my hand. "We are late for the assembly." He said to me. He then started to lead the way. The word "we" resonated in my head. I realized he wanted me to accompany him to the assembly. It was a place I thought I would never step foot in. I was afraid that I would be sent back immediately when I got there. However, I looked up at Ax, and I could see the confident look in his eyes, yes, and I knew I could go against the world. We walked for a total of five minutes, and we got to the royal hall where the assembly was to take place. The attendants at the door of the hall bowed before Axel. "Welcome, Alpha." They said in greeting, and Axel nodded his head slowly. I could feel the eyes of the attendants on me. I knew they were surprised to see me there. Who wouldn't be surprised when the girl who was called a monster appeared at a place meant for kings? However, they did not dare to stop me, and I felt my chest puff up with pride. As soon as we walked into the royal hall, I felt numerous eyes on me. Everyone's face was filled with surprise to see the strongest Alpha holding onto the pack's monster. However, I could feel a particular pair of eyes on me. It was Bryton! In the next second, I saw him walk toward me and Axel. In fear, I held onto Axel's hands. He was supposed to protect me. I could feel Axel rub small and slow circles on the palm of my hand.