Page 81 of Red's Beast

"I made sure your cloak was retrieved today. It might be a little chilly tonight, but you should be fine."

Beast

The last few days have been agony without her. As I stare at the alpha's house from the edge of the woods, I argue with myself about what I should do. She has clearly chosen the pack and doesn't care what happens to me or the curse. If she only listened to her wolf.

Destiny is never wrong.

I heard her wolf's cries about how she has the answers within, but my Lily argued she didn't know and was tired of hearing how it was her choice. Laughing to myself, I realize I can't say that anymore. My Lily. After tonight, she will belong to Corbin, which makes me internally gag.

Looking toward the house, it's finally dusk, and the moon will rise soon. I've debated with myself repeatedly if I should do this or if I should wait for another chance. Tonight is my last night escaping the woods before being bound to them forever, unable to escape. Though I’m not sure if I’m going to use it or not.

The lights in the house come on, distracting me from my depressing thoughts. Alana walks by the kitchen window, her hair done in spirals and make-up to match. I see her hands reach up as Corbin comes into view, and she hugs him before straightening his shirt. Her lips move, but I can't tell what she is saying from here. It’s too far for my ears to hear.

They both turn toward something inside the house, probably Lily coming down the stairs. My heart longs to see her in a ceremonial dress adorned with her signature red cloak that has been passed down in her family for years. Oh, what a sight that would be.

But it isn’t for me to see.

Soon, the door opens, and Corbin walks out, followed by his mother. I can see the moon rising just over the trees on the opposite side of the woods as me. Shaking, I reach out with onepaw and pass through the barrier easily. Now, to wait for the right moment.

The pack is already gathered at the spot they hold their ceremonies. I watch as they unanimously move to make an aisle for Lily.

My stomach rolls at the thought of what is about to happen to Lily. They will say the vows, and then Corbin will perform his mark, followed by her returning it. After that, I can't possibly even say it because it's just too awful to think about.

I swallow back the emotions and watch as they get ready for Lily's arrival. Moments pass, and the alpha's house door swings open. I hear the soft pat as she walks out barefoot, clothed in a white long sleeve dress. Her red cloak drapes over her dress beautifully, but I'm confused as to why the hood is over her head. The night is chilly, but not terribly.

As she walks down the steps, I realize the hood acts like blinders, so she sees nothing on the sides. Maybe that's why she did it. She doesn't want to see the look of hurt in my eyes as she willingly chooses another.

A low growl escapes as I become restless in my thoughts.

Lily crosses the frozen ground, snow still covering it from the earlier precipitation. The very thought of her feet touching the cold grass makes me blood thirsty. How dare Corbin not take care of his mate and carry her?

I understand the importance, but he doesn't have to do it this way.

Scoffing, I turn to watch intently as she continues up the aisle between pack members. Her back is facing me, but I wish I could see her face. Just one last look before she takes him as hers.

I quietly make my way around the forest, moving stealthily, so I don't make a sound. Samson starts the ceremony by welcoming everyone, as I'm almost halfway around. Kas still doesn’t look well, but he is there, near the front.

I grow impatient at my pace, because I want to see her before the mating mark. A branch breaks and I freeze as heads turn in my direction, but she never glances my way.

Once everyone sees nothing else is going to make a noise, they all turn their attention to Lily. I try to watch my step until I'm standing directly behind Kev, right in Lily's line of sight. She freezes as our gazes meet. Her face flushes a pleasant shade of pink the longer I stare at her.

I can tell she isn't too happy to see me and is fighting the urge to tell me off, but she doesn't want to alert Corbin to my presence.

"Are there any objections to Lillian becoming the Luna to the pack?" Samson asks, as he looks over the crowd.

I object. I object. I object.

Lily shakes her head slightly and Corbin finally notices her blank stare as she keeps looking off into the woods behind him. He turns slightly to peer over his shoulder with a smirk. I want to laugh about his cockiness. He truly thinks he has won, but the night is far from over.

"Since everyone is silent, then we will proceed."

Samson recites the binding words as Corbin and Lily join hands. I'm dying on the inside as I recognize those words. Though I've heard them at other ceremonies, I just never paid much attention. It isn't like I thought I'd have a mate to share them with or that I'd ever be rid of this curse.

My heart breaks in two as I watch the scene before me. Lily gazes up at Corbin now, intent on watching him instead of looking at me. The last words binding them as mates leave his lips and now it's their turn to bind themselves as a mated pair, along with the words for becoming alpha and luna of the pack.

Corbin recites them perfectly, as if he's practiced the line a hundred times. It's rather shocking because I had always thought he was on the dense side. When it's Lily's turn, she glances back in my direction, making eye contact with me once again.

Her throat bobs as she swallows, her mouth going dry. "I..."

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