Claiming His Tempting Mate

Savannah's POV

Two years later...

"Wow, you look so beautiful. You know I am totally envious now" Tanea smirked as she eyed my dress. I chuckled looking at her through the mirror. The white lace flowing like a river behind me while the perfectly fitted diamond coated dress hugged my body tightly reflecting my curves.

"I still can't believe Hardwick really proposed to you infront of everyone. God, a hard headed Alpha man like him to bent on his knee then propose you with a ring" she chuckled "it was a sight to see you know"

I turned around to look at her "you think I was not amazed?" I rolled my eyes playfully "I still can't believe he really did that. Who could have thought that in the name of taking me to my parents’ anniversary he would propose to me so suddenly?"

"Right, mom and dad looked so happy. Even Dev who always held so much grudges against him looked so pleased" Tanea laughed.

I still remember that day. Dev invited us to attend the anniversary of our parents. On that day Hardwick also said he has a big gift for them. But I never expected that the big gift he was talking about was meant for me. I was so shocked when I saw him suddenly kneeled before me and pulled a velvet box. His words were so touching that I couldn't help myself but cry out of joy.

"Earth to Sav " Tanea waved her hand in front of my face.

"What?" I shook my head.

"It's not a time to dream about your mate now. Let's put the flowers in your hair first" she said then tugged the flower in my bun.

"There you look so enchanting. I guess today Hardwick will faint if he sees you like this" she grinned. I turned around and checked myself again. The white flowers look beautiful, matching the dress code of my dress. I don't know how Hardwick managed to find these matches. He personally instructed the designers to bring it.

"You are ready. I am so happy that he is giving you a huge wedding like this Sav. I always knew he is the best choice of mate for you" she hugged me lightly.

"I guess you are right,” I nodded in agreement. Hardwick is the best one I could ever ask for. He never let me down no matter what. After the end of those tragic incidents two years ago, our life finally became smooth and comfortable. It's not that there's no problems in these two years, but it was much easier to deal with when the enemy is a stranger, someone for whom we have no feelings at all. At least it is better than dealing with your own pack members as enemies. I sighed inwardly. Life, being a Luna is not easy but since I was chosen to be one then I would do anything with my power to secure my position and my pack.

"Are you guys really?" Mom walked in, opening the door.

"Oh, my dear you looked so beautiful today” she gasped.

I smiled at her "thanks mom"

"Here, this little guy is nagging about you. Looks like he couldn't wait to get you" mom chuckled, handling the little guy in her arms.

"Mum-mum® the little guy mumbled in his cute voice.

"My baby" I kissed his chubby cheeks "are you missing mummy?" I held him while he clutched me with his small arms.

"He is not the only one who is missing you" suddenly dad walked in with a smile.

"Dad"

He walked towards me and planted a small kiss on my forehead "you look gorgeous princess" "Thanks dad" I grinned. He still talks to me like I am a kid and Pampers me to hell. He never let me feel like I am a grown up woman and a mom too. I chuckled at the thought but my heart flattered with happiness.

"Come on now. Your mate is getting restless standing at aisle" he laughed "I guess he is more impatient than Alvis"

I glanced at the little man who was mumbling something in his baby language. I could not help but smile. I know my son will become powerful and strong just like his father when grow up in the future and I am really looking forward to it. He raised his head and looked at me with his beautiful purple orbs. Yes, my son is the junior version of Hardwick but I am glad at least he got my purple gen at the end. Even dad was surprised when he saw that. But I am too happy.

"Give the little guy to your mom and start the wedding. Everyone is waiting outside for the bride" Dad said.

I nodded smiling and handed Aldric to his grandmother. Dad led me out of the room linking our arms. I am nervous but happy, though in our tribe this formal wedding is not really necessary but I am glad Hardwick gave me this honor to walk down the aisle. I could not feel more lucky than this. Every pain of the past is really worth it.

As we stepped out of the door the slow instrumental music of * I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know started to play in the background. My face was hidden under the lace transparent veil. I smiled as I looked around. Dev stood beside Tanea holding his little baby girl while Ryan stood at side wearing the best man attire. Jenny will be my maid of honor and two little kids were throwing flower petals on the aisle leading towards the priest waiting for us. Then my eyes fell on the handsome man who was in all white with a smirk on his face. My heart jolted suddenly looking at him. He is my mate.

~ Our mate ~ Red corrected immediately.

I chuckled inwardly and calmed my heart as we reached the center. Dad handed my hand to Hardwick with a smile. Hardwick kissed the back of my hand and pulled me beside him. Soon the priest started to chant his words.

"Before God, your friends, and your families, I ask you to affirm your willingness to enter the covenant of marriage and to share all the joys and sorrows of your lives and your relationship, whatever the future may hold.” The priest said then looked at Hardwick.

" Alpha Hardwick Leon, do you want this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?" Hardwick looked at me and smiled. His eyes were reflecting the unending love as he replied "Yes, I do"

The priest nodded and turned to me "Luna Savannah Lang, do you take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

I nodded my head smiling while my eyes become wet "Yes, I do"

"An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never-ending. This ring should be a reminder of the commitment to love each other that you have made today. Please exchange the rings” the priest said and Ryan and Jenny immediately brought our rings Once we exchanged the rings everyone clapped and cheered happily. Hardwick and I looked at eachother. Today we are bound officially with the witness of this world.

"May God bless you and keep you. Alpha Hardwick and Luna Savannah, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Alpha, you may kiss your Luna” The priest ended closing the book in his hand.

Hardwick didn't waste any time before pulling me to his chest holding me tight and kissed me with extreme eagerness. My mind flooded with pleasure and my heart filled with love. I love this man so much that I couldn't think of anything but him.

Everyone present there cheered for us and shouted our names. He pulled away and smiled. Joining his forehead with mine he whispered.

"I love you"

I closed my eyes and smiled "I love you too"

Reese's POV

I watched the happy wedding and the couple in the center. My eyes brimmed with tears and I felt my chest tightening. Savannah was someone who always hide behind the scenes and always wanted someone to protect her. She used to be timid and weak. And easy to bully. But who could have thought that at the end she will be the one who has her dream come true?

I looked up at the sky. Finally Savannah had her happy ending unlike me. I don't have the heart to attend the wedding. I know even if I try hard it will hurt me but I will be guilty. I was the one ruining her first mate and now I don't have such courage to face her like nothing happened. She is happy with her new life. A good family, a loving mate and a cute baby boy.

The baby boy! My heart saddened as it started to twist. The pain of losing my baby was the final blow for me. Though the baby was started to get Avan and Luna's position but at the end he became more important than anything. Even if Avan didn't give me anything I would be happy if I had my baby in my arms but I was not lucky enough.

Tears fell like streams not wanting to end. How could I expect to have happy life after ruining someone's life. Robbing her mate, how could I think that I will be happy? Moon Goddess has punished me by taking my baby with her. Since I can't even become a good person, how could I become a good mother? I watched Savannah dancing with her mate. I sighed and got up from the stone. The wedding was held outside the pack house and since I am standing at the high place I can clearly see the arrangements. Shaking my head I turned around and walked towards the forest. Now I don't have anyone beside me. For Avan I sacrificed everything. If only I was rational enough and ended everything before it started then maybe my situation would be much better than this. But what's the point of regretting after the destruction? My life was my own choice. I was so blind to think I could be happy with someone who was not even bonded by heart.

"You are such a fool Reese" I mumbled, shaking my head. It's better to live wandering around. The new place would help me heal my own sanity now. I walk through the narrow path brushing the small flowers with my fingers. Forest is peaceful and beautiful. At least the dark shadows of the past won't affect me here. I stopped on my track when I heard a noise. I frowned. Usually this place is scheduled. This area of forest doesn't come into any territory of packs then how come there's someone here?

The noises increased followed by groans and moans. I walked towards the bush and hide myself in it. Parting the stems I looked forward to. There are a few people a little far. Some were lying on the ground and some were standing. I frowned looking at the scene.

"I never thought that these things would be this easy,” a rough-sounding man laughed. "Do you think you can be against us? If you don't want to lose you life just hand over the box"

"You bastard, dream on" a familiar voice replied, making my heart jolt. My eyes widened. I can't see the face of the man who was bound by the enemy party.

The rough man laughed again "you are already at your dead end. But you are still protecting the box. I must praise your loyalty. How about we make a deal huh? I guess it will benefit both of us” he paused then smirked "come and join my pack. Such a loyal member like you, it's hard to come by. I will give you more better position than your current pack”

"No, don't listen to him," another man said.

"Shut up” the rough man shouted and punched the second man who spoke, making him groan. "So John Smith, what do you think about my offer?”

John Smith? My heart raced. My mate? His voice was so familiar too. But what is he doing here? Didn't he say he is the beta of Silver Shine Pack?

"Fuck you, Avedor" John growled at him.

"Fine since you rejected my offer then the only way left for you is to die. Go die you fucker" that rough man shouted angrily.

I clutched the stems tightly. He is not my mate anymore but watching him die in front of my eyes is not something I could accept. Besides, the enemy party has more manpower than them. I really don't want to involve myself in it but.... I gritted my teeth and got out of the bush before running towards them.

Fuck it.

The rough man was about to stab John with a sharp machete but I kicked it away.

"Fuck, who the hell is it?" The rough man who was called Avedor growled

"Can't you guys just shut up. So noisy" I glared at him.

"Oh looks like there's a beautiful rogue running around in the wild huh” Avedor smirked.

I rolled my eyes at him. His face was filled with cuts and he looked so ugly already.

"Reese?"

I turned around and found John looking at me with shock. He was kneeling on the ground with his hand tied behind his back while his enemy was holding from behind.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, shaking his head.

"Oh so you both know each other?" Avedor laughed "what a coincidence! Now I will take the box and this beauty too. It has been a long since I fucked a beauty like her"

"Avedor you fucker, if you dare to lay a finger on her I will chop you off" John growled.

I looked at him with shock. What happened to him suddenly? Even though we were mates once, it was already broken. I shook my head. I need to get out of here. I can't stay here for long. Besides After living like a rogue for 2 years I have already cultivated my skills and become stronger.

"You are disgusting” I snapped at Avedor then turning around I kicked the man who was holding John. John freed himself then pounced on Avedor in a swift manner. Another man who was kneeling beside John also freed himself then they started to fight.

I watched them fighting severely. Suddenly John threw a green coloured box towards me. I catched it and frowned.

The fight ended with Avedor's death. Once they made sure there's no enemy left, John walked towards me.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, frowning.

I threw the box at him "you should be grateful that I am here or else you would have died"

"Why don't you just answer my question?” He gritted his teeth.

"Hey man, none are alive. Should we proceed?" The man who was with John walked towards us "huh? You both know each other?" He frowned.

"Since you are fine, I am leaving” I turned around to leave but John grabbed my wrist.

"What the hell are you doing?" I glared at him.

"Ethan go take this box and meet with others" he tossed the box to Ethan.

"What about you?" Ethan asked. He eyed me more than John

"I will meet you in the pack" John replied without avoiding my gaze.

"Okay" Ethan didn't waste any time before running away in the forest leaving us alone.

"Now what are you doing here? And you are alive? Isn't your pack destroyed by the Dark Forest?" He asked.

"I guess I was lucky" I replied shortly.

"That Alpha also died?"

I rolled my eyes but didn't reply.

"You have become a rogue?" He asked again.

"What do you think you are doing? Whether I have become a rogue or not it has nothing to do with you. Now can you just let my hand go?" I asked.

Something flashed in his eyes "no"

My eyes widened "what do you mean by no? Let my hand go" I hissed.

"I said no" he looked so determined that it made my heart jump. What the hell is this man thinking of doing now?

I sighed "John what are you doing? Our bonding has already ended years ago. It's better to move on and live our life"

"Do you know when I heard your pack was destroyed years ago I was shocked, thinking you also died there. I felt like my wolf was on the verge of dying. I couldn't pull myself back but now seeing you here alive, I am feeling good all of a sudden. My wolf came into life" instead of answering he told me.

I frowned "what are you trying to say?"

"I am saying that I can just forget about your past and take you back in my pack as my mate”

My eyes widened "are you out of your mind?" How could he say that?

"Why not? That Alpha you loved is already dead. Do you want to live alone all your life? Isn't it better to live with your destined mate?" He insisted.

"You don't know anything about me" I hissed "let me go"

"Fuck with that. Who cares? I am gonna take you to Silver Shine and tell everyone that you are alive” I frowned at him.

"Come on, let's go. Stop thinking about that dead Alpha" he turned around and started to pull me with him

"Wait, what are you doing?" I almost screamed. You already rejected me. How could you do this?" "I know, I was harsh that day. I never wanted to reject you in the first place but you forced me. I never meant those words I said that night. It was just a moment of anger for losing you, thinking you loved your Alpha instead of your mate. But now since he is already gone now I can take you without anyone disturbance”

"No you are wrong. I can't go" I tried to pull my hand back.

He stopped and looked at me "you can't run away"

I gulped "there's no point in taking me with you. I.... Can't give you anything"

"What do you mean? Won't you let me make love to you? You are my mate so it's my right to have you" he frowned.

I stared at him "I can't give birth. I lost that ability" he will definitely let me go after hearing this. No man will want a woman who can't give him a child. And people will laugh at him in the future when he takes me with him.

John looked at me for sometime "that's it? Is that why you were resisting?"

"Yes, besides our bond is already broken" I lowered my head.

He sighed then loosened his grip on my wrist but didn't let it go "even if I rejected our bond is still there so we can do something to recover it" he shook his head "and about that baby thing..."

I squealed loudly when he threw me over his shoulder "it doesn't matter anymore”

Then started to walk again while I was hanging on his broad shoulder.

THE END