Chapter 3 Aquamarine's POV I stumbled backwards , my eyes moving away from the window . The scene branded itself into my mind , refusing to fade . No , no , no … This can't be ! I ran away from the tavern ; I didn't even know where I was running to , but I couldn't stop . " It must be Clifford ," I told myself , desperate for denial . " Yes , Clinton's twin . That's why ….. why it looked like him . " But the memory of Fiona's sly smile and Clinton's closed eyes lost in pleasure , destroyed my attempts at denial . Maybe Fiona seduced him . She's always been manipulative and seductive . Or perhaps … Perhaps Clinton only did it because I'd pushed him away last night . But deep down , I felt Clinton had chosen Fiona . Tears streamed down my face . The mate bond within me wailed , a mournful cry echoing through my soul . How could he ? Why Fiona ? I recalled what Fiona said last night : ' You need a reality check , and I know just how to give it to you . ' I didn't realize I ran to the outskirts of the pack's territory . Close to the waterfall . But Clinton and Fiona's image was still in my mind even though I tried to forget it . Almost immediately , I heard someone whispering my name in a low , urgent tone . " Aquamarine . " I didn't even move ; I felt dead . But a figure stepped forward , revealing Katherine , our maid's daughter . " Aquamarine , I've been searching for you , " Katherine said , placing a cold , wet cloth on my swollen bruised cheek . " What do you want ? " I asked , looking away from her . I felt ashamed that she saw me like this , I hated that she felt pity for me because if she was caught taking care of me , the pack members wouldn't spare her. " I saw what Beta Liam and Clinton did , " she said . " I'm sorry , " she continued , her voice heavy as she wiped away the tears from my face . That was it . I broke down crying . Wailing like a baby in her arms . I just wanted to stay like that forever , with her . Alone . " But you must listen , Aquamarine . You have to leave immediately . Don't go back home , Beta Liam and Fiona are planning something , and it has to do with you ." she said , trembling . " What ? " I asked , confused , blinking away tears . " I don't understand . " It was weird , I'd never seen Kath so scared like this ever since the day I called Beta Liam Father . Kath looked around as if someone was watching; beads of sweat forming on her head , T - they are going to … " Before she could go on , we heard people shouting my name , their footsteps growing as they ran in our direction . " Run , Aquamarine , " she whispered urgently , forcing something in my pocket and pushing me off her body , past the trees . But it was too late . Strong hands grabbed me , carrying me to where I didn't know . As I struggled , a voice growled in my ear . " Stop moving whore ! The Alpha awaits . " Whore ? The Alpha ? When we got to the palace , I was thrown into the centre of the hall . Pack members were seated , watching as if they were waiting for my death sentence . Alpha Felix's voice echoed . " You've been accused of seducing Clinton . People have witnessed how you've shamelessly thrown yourself at him and how you've stalked him relentlessly " What ? Me ? Seduction ? I stammered , despite the fear clawing at my heart . 1/2 Chapter 3 " Y - your Majesty . It's not true , I never seduced Clinton . I never threw myself at him . C - Clifford saw what ….. " The Alpha's expression darkened further . " How dare you drag my other son into this ! " he thundered . " Clifford is on assignment , serving our pack , and you dare tell lies about him ? " " N - no , " I shook my head violently and fell on my knees . " Y - your Majesty . C - Clinton is my mate , he told me himself … " " I assure you her claims of an affair between us are nothing more than a fabrication , " Clinton stepped forward , interrupting me . My eyes widened in shock , " Clinton you .. " " I've tried to be kind to you , to treat you like a normal person despite your … cursed fate , but you just won't leave me alone . " Clinton continued , looking at me with pity . My heart sank . I couldn't believe what I heard . Wasn't cheating on me enough ? Why would he go this far ? I tried to reach out to him , but the pack Gamma shifted and charged at me , pinning me to the floor . " With the council's approval , I'm honoured to announce my mate , the future Luna of our pack … Fiona ! " It was then I remembered what Clinton said last night : ' I'll announce my mate .' Not'I'll announce you as my mate . Fiona stepped forward with a radiant smile on her face , and Clinton took her hand , his eyes locked on hers , his expression filled with adoration . He never looked at me that way before . Never . " Fiona embodies the qualities that make a true leader , the qualities that will help our pack thrive and prosper ; she is my partner , my friend , and my mate . " Alpha Felix nodded in approval , his face glowing with happiness . " My son has chosen wisely , " he declared . " Fiona , welcome to our family ; you will make a magnificent Luna ." Fiona's gaze met mine , and she smirked as if to say she had won . Sarah did the same , and Beta Liam was busy talking with Alpha Felix . " D - did you ever love me ? " I stammered , tears threatening to fall . I wanted him to say something , that this was only a test , to prove my loyalty to him or a prank . " I have no idea why you carne up with this nonsense believing that you're my mate , but I'll do you a big favour by rejecting you , perhaps then you'll finally snap out of this delusional dream world you've created , " Clinton replied . I was wrong . He raised his hands . " I , Clinton Felix , hereby formally sever all ties that bind you to me , cutting off any lingering hopes or expectations you may have created . " His words struck like a dagger , piercing deep into my body and soul . A searing pain ripped through my chest as if my heart was being torn apart . The bond I thought existed between us , the bond I had clung to with desperate hope , snapped violently . I gasped , struggling to breathe , but the words I heard next made my body still , and I swore my heart stopped for a moment . " Punishment ! Death ! " Alpha Felix growled . " Effective immediately . " 2/2