Chapter 6

Induratise

v. To make ones own heart hardened or resistant to someone's pleas or advances, or to the idea of love.

A knock on the door jolted me from my sleep. Rubbing my face, I got up and opened the door. A small petite girl stood there, shuffling awkwardly from foot to foot.

"The alpha requests your presence in the family dining hall. I am here to escort you there," she stated. Her eyes remained glued to the ground.

"Uh okay. Just give me a second to clean up," I smiled. "Please, come in and sit down. You don't have to stand there you know," I chuckled. I stepped back to let her in and after a moment's hesitation she scurried in and stood in the middle of the room.

I ran a hand through my thick and long hair. It almost reached my hips and was overdue on a trim. I hadn't cut it in so many years and it was getting quite unruly.

"What's your name?" I asked, carefully twisting my hair into a bun. A few loose strands framed my face.

"Amelia, Ma'am," she squeaked.

"Just call me Artemis. That's my name," I insisted. I quickly headed to the bathroom, washing my face and rinsing my mouth.

"Okay. Let's get this over with," I muttered to my reflection. I needed to know what this pack wanted with me. I was wary of their kindness so far and was not looking forward to meeting the alpha.

After all, I was a rogue and they were the Phantom Pack.

As we walked down the stairs and through a couple of hallways, we came to a stop in front of the dining room.

The handsome stranger that plagued my dreams sat there at the end of an impressive mahogany table. His back was straight and his posture stiff. His face was completely stoic and impassive. As soon as I entered, his icy blue gaze snapped to me, looking me up and down.

The dress suddenly felt inappropriate.

The white cotton material was thin. It stuck to my chest and fell mid thigh. It also had a low neckline and it exposed some of my back. It seemed odd that I was offered such clothing as it was the middle of winter here.

"Please, have a seat," his voice was smooth and authoritative. He gestured to the seat opposite him at the other end. I carefully took the seat, only now noticing Amelia had disappeared.

More maids scurried into the room, holding plates. They set the delicious food before us before leaving as quickly as they came. "Eat," He commanded. Deciding not to argue, I did as he asked and dug into the steak after watching him take a large bite.

"Your name, what is it?" He asked.

Watching him eat was oddly interesting. His Adam's apple would bob up and down as he swallowed and I had the sudden urge to lick it. I pushed my thoughts away and answered his question. "Artemis," More silence fell over us.

He had finished eating rather quickly and watched me as I finished my own.

"What about you? What's your name?" I asked.

"Aurelius Hadrian," he answered.

"Aurelius Hadrian," I said, testing his name on my tongue. It was beautiful. His eyes darkened and his fists clenched on the table.

"I am the alpha of the pack and you will address me as such," he growled. I pushed away the initial hurt over his harsh words and biting tone and remained silent, a frown settling on my face. I set my fork down once I finished eating.

I was done playing nice.

"Why am I here Alpha?" I gave the alpha unnecessary emphasis.

"You're my mate," Knowing it was one thing, as I had my suspicions, but hearing him say the words was another thing. It warmed me on the inside knowing I was his. "But I need time to decide," his words snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Decide what?" I asked, my voice sounding alarmed. I mentally cursed myself for losing my composure so quick.

"Whether I accept or reject the bond," he said it so casually as if it didn't affect him at all. Pushing away my hurt and confusion, I frowned up at him.

"Why?" I demanded. He shrugged and the motion pissed me off incredibly. He was acting as if this decision wouldn't affect us both. Like it wouldn't destroy my wolf.

"I'm the alpha of the most ruthless and notorious pack in the West. You're a rogue. You're not Luna material," he explained. His eyes watched me and I didn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me hurt.

"I understand," I replied, sipping some water to push down the lump in my throat.

It was just my luck I was mated to someone who hated me and didn't think even me worthy enough to carry my rightful title as their mate.

If anything it hardened my resolve and pushed me to get my plan going already.

I vaguely wondered if the pull in my chest had brought me up here because my mate was here. Was the moon goddess leading me to him? I scoffed to myself. What a fail that was.

"How long till you come to a decision?" I asked.

"A week," he replied. His gaze swept over my face, looking concerned for a second before he turned away.

"And what do I do till then?" I growled. Was I just expected to wait around for him to decide if I was worth it or not?

"You are not allowed to leave the house whatsoever. I don't want my pack gossiping. But asides from that, it's up to you how you choose to spend your time,"

Pushing down another growl, I flexed my hands and let out a long breath. I traced the pattern on my forearms with my fingers, remembering what they meant.

"Fine. So be it. Now if you'll excuse me," I stood up, the chair behind me scraping the floor noisily. "Thank you for dinner," I gave him a tight smile, ignoring his surprised expression, and left the room.

I wasn't the best person in the world. I had done many terrible things in my life but I had tried improving. Diana, the old witch, had helped me and taught me there was strength in kindness and love. Expressing emotions and being open with our feelings would bring us happiness and peace.

But this was different.

I was only going to hurt myself by being so open with my feelings. It was clear I wasn't going to get the happy ending I wished for and I had to toughen up and ready myself for the inevitable pain that was surely to come when he rejected me.

And with that, I headed back to the room I had been in to think my plan through.