The Alpha's Contract Luna (Alexia)
Chapter 8

-Alexia-

"Alexia!" Rae called her name in the hallway. When Rae caught up to her, Alexia was about to have her quiet time in the packhouse's backyard.

Immediately, Rae hugged her tightly. Alexia could not keep count of how many times Rae repeatedly breathed in and out. In each second that passed, Rae's embrace strengthened around her.

"Everything okay, Rae?" She asked, utterly bemused by her sudden emotional hug.

Pulling away, Rae replied, "I'm glad you are in our pack now. Maybe it was, in fact, your fate to join us. You shall never return to your previous pack - I won't allow it! I'm so sorry for what you have experienced, Alexia."

Alexia froze in her stance. Her brows meeting, thinking. "Did." She gulped and looked around. "Did you did you replace out about my curse?"

Rae had dragged Alexia out to the backyard and found a secluded place to talk. As they sat on a wooden bench, Rae admitted to Alexia, "Look, Alexia. I'm sorry to tell you this, but yes. We learned about how your family treated you. Kieran had your past investigated." 'They know.' Alexia felt chills down her spine. She looked down, frightened as she thought, 'They must know about that night too. Alpha Kieran knows.'

Rae must have noticed her silence that she explained. "It was important that Kieran learn about you. The king gave our alpha your file, but that same document suggested your father spoiled and loved you."

Holding Alexia's hand, Rae added, "I hope you understand, Alexia. Alpha Kieran might not have said it in words, but he simply wanted to prove your claims."

"Or disprove?" Alexia pointed out.

They both stilled. After some time, Rae suggested, "On the bright side, he knows you are innocent."

Faintly, Alexia responded, "And he knows that I am dirty and cursed -"

"Whatever made you think it was a curse? It was just a coincidence! The former Beta died out of his own misery. His lust probably got the best of him!" Rae countered. "And no!"

Alexia saw how the corners of Rae's eyes watered. She hugged her from the side and claimed, "You are not dirty! Don't ever think that of yourself."

While pondering on Rae's words, she breathed deeply. Alexia did not know how long she stayed that way. Minutes passed with Alexia hardly noticing the time. She looked remotely into the vast lawn and then to the pines that fenced the estate. After some time, Alexia took a deep breath. Softly, she said, "Thank you. Thank you for telling me this." She sniffed and resumed, "This means a lot to me, Rae."

Alexia and Rae lingered in the garden for another half an hour, discussing her stepfamily's maltreatment. Rae mentioned, "Your stepbrother probably rode on that curse too, just to give you a bad reputation."

Letting out a sigh, Alexia weakly replied, "I don't know, Rae. To be honest, Drake would rather get his way with me. I don't think he faked it when he reacted. It was the same with the former beta. I could not explain what happened to him, either." Alexia was looking distantly into the garden, when Rae sought, "Do you want to talk about it? I mean, it's okay if you don't, but maybe talking about it helps?"

For seconds, Alexia stilled in silence, contemplating. Nearly a minute passed, and she faintly answered, "I'll - I'll tell you." FLASHBACK: THREE YEARS PASSED

The storm has reached its full strength. Alpha Roland and some of his warriors were helping those affected by the storm.

Beta Edward made an excuse, saying he was feeling unwell.

The packhouse had long accommodated the Alpha and his family, including Beta Edward.

Since Alexia had turned seventeen, she observed how Beta Edward often stared at her longer. His eyes roamed her body in a way that made her feel he was actually touching her.

When their eyes would meet, Beta Edward would grin at her maliciously. It made Alexia's skin crawl. She reported her fears to her father, but Alpha Roland ignored her. Instead, he scolded her, allowing Beta Edward to think he could do anything to Alexia and not be punished.

Alexia saw it. With each day that passed, his confidence grew. It started with Beta Edward waiting outside her room, to constantly following her around and spanking her behind. One day, the beta lost control and took advantage of the fact that the entire pack was busy attending to the storm.

That night, Alexia was getting ready for bed. She wasn't allowed outside the packhouse, so she wasn't needed yet. However, just as she was about to climb into her bed, she heard a knock on the door. When she opened it and realized it was Beta Edward, she tried her hardest to slam it shut, but the man was too strong compared to her little frame.

"What are you doing here?" Alexia asked.

Beta Edward closed the door behind him and began stripping off his clothes. He hissed and said, "I've been dreaming of this for too many nights. I can't hold back anymore. I just had to come for you tonight!" "No. Don't come near me," Alexia pleaded, her heart racing in fear. Hurting her was one thing, but taking her purity was another. "No! Stop!"

The Beta rushed to grab her arm and slammed her into the bed. He started touching her and tearing off her clothes. He punched her whenever he had the chance, hoping she would lose consciousness.

"No! How could you? Stop!" Tears flooded her cheeks as Alexia defended herself. She tried kicking him off, scratching his skin, but it was useless. He was much too strong for her.

"I beg you! Stop! Stop!!!!" Screaming at the top of her lungs, Alexia felt there was a sudden change in the way she cried. It echoed in her head as if her voice doubled in strength and number. "Get away from me! Stop!" Alexia could feel her blood boiling, her anger surging in waves.

Out of nowhere, she found the strength to push him away. Edward's body flung to the wall, his hand clenching his chest.

Alexia saw him gasp as if the air was not reaching his lungs. While she saw the life of Edward fading away, she had no remorse. She hated him for touching her. He was this close to taking her virginity! She did not care how he wound up lifeless in her room, completely naked.

The next thing she knew, the door to her room swung open. Her father and stepfamily were at the door. They were shocked by what they have seen.

Matilda, her stepmother, first declared, "What a whore you are! You tried to seduce Beta Edward!"

"What? What are you saying? He tried to rape me! Can't you see how my clothes have been torn?!" Alexia retorted, but the more she reasoned, the more she felt her father's disapproving stare.

After she changed her clothes, Alexia was locked up in the attic. The same had become her room. Since then, she has slept on the hard surface of the floor. She had nothing but a pillow and a torn blanket to warm her at night.

In the days that followed, rumors spread of how Alexia was bewitched - cursed, and that she may have killed Beta Edward. Since then, Alexia has lost her father completely.

END OF FLASHBACK

After Alexia's tale, silence stretched between her and Rae.

Rae embraced Alexia again and wept. She said, "Forget your family. Forget your father. I will be your family, me and Jaxon. Lydia and everyone in the pack."

"How could they name it as a curse? It was obvious that you were fighting for your life! Your adrenaline powered up your strength and pushed him away!"

Rae put her hands on Alexia's face. She described, "Helping Kieran deal with those affected by the war, I've come across many victims of violence and abuse. When the abuse happened, it clouded their judgement and they saw things differently." "Alexia, you are not cursed! Someone so pure, so gentle, and kind could not be. You were not in the wrong, but your family was!" Rae concluded.

It was because of Rae's words that Alexia cried too. Hearing such encouraging words from a stranger warmed her heart. Who knew she would replace a friend in The Stone Blood Pack? Who knew her contract marriage would grant her friendship? Even if she would endure a loveless marriage, Alexia still felt the Moon Goddesss gifted her.

Alexia and Rae spent another hour in the gardens behind the packhouse. Afterward, they had a late dinner before heading to their rooms.

Arriving at her room, Alexia hastily opened the door. She was sure Kieran was in his room, for Alexia had mentioned Jaxon was already resting.

She was certain she had already escaped Kieran's presence that day, but alas, he heard him clear his throat behind her.

Alexia gulped and turned to the man. She bowed and greeted, "Good evening, Alpha Kieran."

"Alexia." Kieran spoke. "Look at me."

Lifting her face, she was surprised to replace Kieran's eyes were not cold on her. She heard him say, "I am an alpha, and I acknowledge how I am stern with my leadership. I am ruthless, it's true, and I am unforgiving towards my enemies."

"However, I am righteous." He

added. "I don't believe in curses, the

same way I don't believe in luck. A man's downfall is caused by his lack of better judgment. And that's what happened to Beta Edward... promise you; I will give you the justice that you deserve."

Alexia was taken aback. 'Did I hear him right?'

Tears welled in her eyes, observing how Kieran never looked away from her. Her lips trembled as they thinned into a smile. She said, "Thank you, Alpha Kieran."

Lowering her head, she added, "Thank you for giving me a chance."

He nodded. For the first time since they met, his@oice was calm. Alexia watched as he held the knob to his room. Kieran was about to enter his chamber when he retreated his steps. He reminded her, "This doesn't change anything

contract, Alexia. Remen our

rules."

the