The Alpha's Bridal Nun: Defying Fate

The Alpha's Bridal Nun

Defying Fate

Dark Romance Fated Mates Series Book 2

Aly Wrights

BLURB

I tried to get away from him. Running away, I see. He sneered as he crawled on top of me. You must fulfill your duty as my Luna. you are no longer a church maid, Rosaria. He grabbed my legs as he spread them apart. You will be rewarded with my seed, and you will reach ecstasy just to be filled. But I didn't want this! I only wanted to be pure! You were never pure to begin with. Not as long as you are born in this accursed pack.

*** All of her life, Rosaria devoted herself to the Hatiist Church. Hati, the Sun God and one of the sons of the Great Wolf, Fenrir, who attempted to eat the Moon Goddess and a threat to the werewolf race. But was he truly a danger despite his genuine love for them? So, she stayed at the covenant and prayed for their god's return. However, just before her ordination, the Alpha King of the Skollist pack came to the scene and declared her his fated mate. Bear me a child who can rule over the pack, he said. Lord Varick despised Hati for bringing damnation to their pack and forced Rosaria to be his Luna - and her life changed for the worse.

Chapter Thirty Seven: The Small Cottage Behind The Lake

Each wolf pack needs a Seer.

A Seer's duty for the wolves was to relay the words of the Moon Goddess's to the pack. They were the ones who would announce the wolf's fate like their destined mates or their roles. They were also called the oracles, the diviners or messengers of the wolf goddess.

But their origin continued to be shrouded in mystery. No wolf in history had ever known how they became Seers, aside from their own. Before a Seer dies, one announces their successor to replace them in the pack.

And we thought it was the norm without question, like a silent agreement to never dwell on its history.

The current Seer in the Skollist Pack was an enigma I couldn't decipher.

He rarely showed up during the coming of age rituals to identify a wolf's life mate and relied more on the pack's messenger to speak for his behalf. You could say he was like the High Mage, Phineas, but far worse, in a sense that we barely knew his existence.

Now I was given this opportunity to finally see him.

Looks like we're here.

After teleporting to a new place, I was expecting to be in one of the towers or a large house like Varick's.

But we landed in a meadow with spring flowers blooming around the vicinity.

Flowers that bloomed beautifully even under the bright blue sky.

To where we were standing, we were on the pavement path which led straight to a small cottage nearby.

Achoo! Phineas sneezed then he rubbed his nose. This is the place-choo!

Are you okay? I asked, placing my hand on his shoulder. We should have teleported directly inside his house. Like you often do, popping out of nowhere as you pleased-is something I liked to add.

As much as I wanted to, he said as he took out a handkerchief. But I promised the Seer not to do that in exchange for the magic mirror.

I see… He continued sneezing and I felt sympathetic at his condition.

Good thing you aren't allergic to daisies cause the Seer loves flowers a lot! He continued.

Daisies? I knelt down and gently held the soft stem of the pure white flower. This is a daisy?

Without a doubt, he sniffed as he blew his nose. They don't naturally grow in our territory but I often see them outside our walls.

Then the Seer was fortunate to be blessed with the abundance of various flowers.

I caught sight of the red roses from a distance. Suddenly I was reminded of the Hatiist Church from the red rose garden.

'I wonder if Lenalee was buried near the garden.'

I couldn't help but to smile a bit. Father Gossep would love to chat with her with his silliest stories and Lenalee wouldn't get bored of it.

Suddenly, thinking of Father Gossep made me yearned to embrace him once more. Or to pray with the nuns of the Church as we chanted the Holy Lycan.

Luna? Phineas broke the trance of my homesickness and I flinched.

You have been staring at those red roses for a while.

Oh, right. I blushed. I was just remembering the flowers in the Hatiist Church.

Phineas's nose wrinkled and he took out his handkerchief and gave another huge sneeze.

I took that as a sign so I smiled. Standing up and back to the pavement. Shall we go then, Master Phineas?

Otherwise, the High Mage would risk himself with a fever just by being here.

Phineas looked relieved as we walked to the road.

Where is this place? I suddenly asked, looking around the area like we were in a different world.

Because everything here-the landscape, the nature and the bright blue sky contrasted to the gloomy gray sky casted on our lands for decades.

It is the closest to the outside wo-choo! He sniffed. Fucking guy took a risk to live where it wasn't protected by the barriers. But he is wise enough to reside behind the lake.

Personally, I hadn't reached this area in my whole life. But then again, Hatiist followers had a limitation of areas to be in.

But to think there was a hidden land behind the lake… the Seer was incredibly secretive.

Isn't that far from the town square? Oh, does he have teleportation magic like you do?

He shook his head. No, his magic is weaker compared to the mages here.

We both stopped at the entrance of his cottage and Phineas reached for the doorknob.

Aren't you going to knock? I asked, and I felt flustered by his lack of decency.

It is better that way. Otherwise, Samael would be alarmed that I did something different than I usually do.

Samael. That was a good name for a Seer.

'It means God in human language. Or God's voice. Like he was born meant to be the Seer for the wolves.'

The door opened and Phineas stepped inside.

Seer, I brought the Luna! He called, and I looked around before following suit.

It felt surprisingly normal that the ambience in the room felt cozy. I was expecting a room filled with books like Phineas's in his bedroom, but if anything, this room is far from it.

It felt… welcoming for someone who rarely had visitors apart from the Skollist Officials.

Oh, greetings. A gentle voice that was soothing to my ears. The last time I liked listening to someone speak was- Kozart.

Then a figure came out-not as tall as both Phineas and Varick-but of an average height. He was covered by a dark cloak from head to toe, and I couldn't even see a single sight of his skin protruding from the holes of his oversized clothing.

It gave me the impression of a human pretending to be a hobbit if this race still exists in this world.

Now when he stepped closer and we were at a short proximity, I was mistaken. After being exposed to the likes of Phineas, Varick, Father Gossep and even the human bard, Kozart, the Seer could still be slightly taller than me.

I was expecting to see you soon, he said as his hands touched the edges of his cloak and unveiled to reveal his face.

At first, I thought he wasn't a wolf, but more like an elf.

Male wolves were known for their masculinity and their intimidating aura. But the one in front of me had feminine features.

If it weren't for his Adam's apple which was clearly visible after he revealed himself and his voice, I couldn't tell if I was speaking to a female wolf.

My name is Samael, he said as he held my hand with his with an eager smile.

R-Rosaria. Pleasure is mine. I felt like a fool for fumbling with my words. His expression didn't change as he released my hand.

He only smiled and seeing him, I couldn't help but stare.

Why did it feel like it wasn't the first time I had seen him?

I ignored these thoughts, and as his eyes darted to Phineas.

Do you mind if I speak to her in private?

Phineas rolled his eyes. Would you mind if I take your bed in the meantime? I haven't had any shut-eye till now.

The Seer chuckled. His rosy lips curved into a smile. Second floor on the right. You won't miss it.

Gee, thanks, Samael! He turned to me as he gave a friendly squeeze on my shoulder.

You will be in excellent hands with this man. I will take a nap-a long one! Night! He rushed to the stairs without a moment of hesitation.

Now alone with a stranger, I felt awkward being next to him.

Seeing that you're here, congratulations on your pregnancy.

H-huh? Oh, yes. Thank you… I lowered my head. My husband told me to see you and check if there are problems with my womb.

Given the state of our pack, it is a wise decision to see me instead of a doctor. Hatiist followers are also eligible to check on you, but I'm afraid your husband still despises them.

I nodded and ignored the homesickness resurfacing in my thoughts once more.

Let's go to the dining room. I bet you haven't been fed by Phineas. I know he lacked manners.

No, I'm not really hungry. In fact, I haven't had anything aside from alcohol.

He stopped and turned to me. Nonsense. You need to consume food. After all, you're carrying another life in you.

Another life…

Until now, the thought of being pregnant hadn't dawned on me. I had heard stories of women feeling the joy of being pregnant.

But for me, as a woman and the Luna of the pack, I didn't feel such joys at all.

Perhaps I was happier when the other wolves were glad to hear the news more than to have the pregnancy itself.

As I touched my womb, I should be happy, really…

… but I wasn't.

Not because of Lenalee's death or the fact that I yearned to see my family once more.

But because I felt nothing for this life inside of me.

Chapter Thirty Eight: Inevitable Prophecy

I believe you have questions longing to be answered, he stated, and I confirmed from his eyes that he had long observed me in silence.

The dining room brought a feeling of normalcy that I didn't expect from a wolf of prestige. Just like the hall where we had our greetings, the ambience felt homely.

After he caught me in my own thoughts about my worries, my eyes dropped to catch sight of a bowl of porridge before me.

When did he place a meal without me getting a whiff of its delectable smell?

I felt foolish and obvious from the lack of focus around my surroundings and the Seer called it out.

Oh, I said as I grabbed the spoon that was neatly placed next to the bowl. Sorry, I have been rude, despite your hospitality.

Well, I don't blame you for the confusion of all things that happened to you. For instance, you were forced to marry rather than become a devoted nun to your Church.

Yes, about that… I gripped on my dress as I mentally brace myself to speak what came to my mind.

Seer, am I truly Varick's life mate?

Without a doubt, yes. It was a straight answer.

There was no sign of concealing or anything between the lines that could help me find the answers to my uncertainties.

Never in Lycan history shows any records of Hatiist supporters having their mates. After all, the Hatiist Church was looked down by the Moon Goddess herself.

Despite that, she has chosen you to be the current Alpha leader's fated mate. He sipped tea and placed it back into its saucer.

The moon goddess knows that if the descendant of Skoll could change history, then it will. The prophecy doesn't lie. His chin leaned on his hands as he smiled. We shouldn't question the impossible, Luna.

'So, my happiness is being robbed, all for the sake of the prophecy?' I thought and the aching pain in my heart throbbed from the realization and I noticed the sudden pain from my womb.

Are you all right?

I grimaced. To be frank, it was a stinging pain, but it would subside. And after that, it did, to my relief.

Perhaps it was caused by the physical infliction. He pulled back from his chair. Its wooden feet made a creaking noise as the Seer stood up.

Allow me to provide you with some herbal ointment used by humans. He walked straight to the overhead cupboard and tiptoed as soon as he opened them.

I could sense that the infant is perfectly safe, but we can't be too sure if there are any long-term problems.

A-And the alcohol? Will it hurt the baby?

As long as you don't consume from now on, it won't affect the pup's development, he explained while he was rummaging through the cabinet. It looked awkward the way he tiptoed with his whole body gave too much pressure on his toes so he could reach above.

I stood up. Should I help you find a stool?

There's no need to burden yourself. Aha! I found it! He turned to me with a vial.

Purplish color that reminded me of bile was shoved in front of me. I could see the tiny bubbles rising from above and I suddenly felt nauseous just from the sight of it.

You need to drink this.

I felt like my skin lost its color. Pardon? My eyes blinked as I instinctively backed away. I have to drink this? H-How often?

Just once and I assure you it works. Also, it helps you get better during your morning sickness.

Morning sickness? I remembered the time in the bathroom that led me to faint right after.

If I had to choose to experience that once more and drink what reminded me of last night's vomit…I would choose the latter.

I accepted the vial, pulled out its cover and-Oh, Hati! The stench was enough to give me a heart attack-and threw it all out to my mouth without a second of complaint.

At first, I gagged, and I had the urge to throw up from its powerful smell and flavor. But the Seer grabbed my chin and pushed it up.

You have to swallow them all.

With his help, I forced the liquid inside of my mouth until its last drop.

I gasped after he released me, and I held my stomach tight. All I felt was the pain inside my body as a tear gland fell at the corner of my eye.

W-What is this?! I screamed as I dropped to my knees.

It's a side-effect, you have to fight it!

How could I when it was too painful? I dropped my body, and I was caught by the arms of the Seer.

You will get better soon, trust me.

Why did I have to endure this? In fact, pray tell why didn't the Seer warn me after taking it all?!

With that, the excruciating pain subsided, and I was left catching my breath.

The Seer pulled my body up to his arms as he placed me on the chair where I sat earlier. He gave me a glass of water that was left untouched and I accepted willingly and drank the fresh water to my satisfaction.

After calming down, I turned to give him a flabbergasted look.

The medicine was meant to cleanse any harmful effects to your infant. Even if there were no signs, it was a strong concoction for safe delivery.

I h-hope I don't drink this again.

He smiled. As long as you take good care of your body, then you have nothing to worry about.

Should I thank him after experiencing something so…vile and painful? I only give him a glance of acknowledgement and decide to…change the subject for my sanity's sake.

About Varick's fate…

His calm expression changed before he frowned. Had the High Mage broken his vow to reveal the prophecy to you?

I nodded. But he meant it to make me aware of the future. I do hope you can keep it from my husband.

I noticed during our brief conversation…do you not trust the words I spoke from the Moon Goddess herself?

I immediately shook my head. N-no. I do trust her words. But the thought of Varick's death is beyond me.

I recalled how he defeated the rogues, those murderers, with ease.

I couldn't imagine anything or anyone could easily kill him.

What if he had to sacrifice himself?

I blinked. What is that supposed to mean?

He stood up as he walked around the room as his long robes followed behind.

I only heard words from the Moon Goddess, albeit briefly without further details.

"She quotes: 'Until such time when thy sons of the Moon wolf beseech for peace, the moon wolf shall be reborn to live and to slaughter anywhere in thy path.'

He turned to stare at the flower meadow outside the window as he continued.

'When thy exist with its flesh and wolf in thy grounds of the mortal world, the Moon Wolf's ancestor, unfortunately perishes after twenty four full moons.'

He turned to gaze at my shocked expression once more.

These were the words given to me about the current Skollist Alpha's fate.

Now, the room became tense and I lowered my gaze.

Varick accepted his inevitable death and only wished to save this pack.

I shook my head in disbelief. My lower lip trembled while I clenched my fist.

That's not true.

The Seer raised his brow in a mild surprise. So, you don't believe the words of the Moon Goddess?

I do! B-but… I paused for a second.

And my eyes centered to show my determination, I said.

However, I believe in Hati more than any prophecy.

And he, the Sun God, shall be the one to save us all.

Chapter Thirty Nine: Faith Being Questioned

The Seer looked displeased with my words then he crossed his arms. There was a long tense atmosphere in the once comfortable dining room and I knew the inevitable for bringing Hati to the only wolf who could hear the Moon Goddess's voice.

It seems that your church brainwashed you to believe such claims.

No, if you feel his words, his presence and the scriptures that were passed through generations, Hati wouldn't wish for the wolves to die for his sake.

Based on the seriousness of the situation,