Whatever made Apphia appear so vulnerable scared me, but seeing the blood-stained drinking glass and his explanation made sense.
Being a pack member meant I would have to join their training, which would be difficult for an unshifted she-wolf like me.
Omegas were the lowest, doing the servant chores and not privy to train with the tribe-born if we were even allowed to train but putting me in a tough spot made me vulnerable.
"I don't want to be a rogue," I said honestly, he insisted, "Then you are agreeing to be a pack member. There are no vacancies for omegas here."
He was making it sound like an employment but that was what it was. No one was allowed to lazy about in the tribes as everyone was accustomed to something meaningful.
Knowing that this pack specializes in wine production, I would have the opportunity to learn as a full pack member, but it would also make it difficult for me to find my parents.
"Alpha Zion, I lost touch with my mother when I was eight, and I never met my father. I need to search for them," I revealed. His brows raised before he questioned, "How do you plan to find them? Do you think you can walk to any tribe with Zach's decree on your head?"
How foolish of me to have forgotten. Perhaps I should find a way to clear my name before trying to figure out how to find my parents.
As I was about to agree to it, he spoke again. "Or, you can be my Luna and use my resources to find them. That offer is still available," he winked.
The blend of seriousness and playfulness in his eyes made me afraid to turn him down, but I was no longer a virgin and already betrothed to another Alpha. I don't know how, but I have to wait in the hope that he will find me.
"I will accept the tribe membership offer," I replied, Alpha Zion smiled at me and asked, "What if that offer is no longer available?"
My heart sank as I gazed into his dark brown eyes, which matched his black raven hair. "Then you want me to become a rogue," I said with discomfort, although I knew I could survive on my own now that I was in good health.
I felt indebted to Alpha Zion for funding my treatment and protection of me. His eyes reflected disappointment. "So, you would rather be a rogue than be my Luna?"
I struggled to explain, so I hinted, "I don't feel worthy of you."
He seemed about to say something, then sighed and pursed his lips, as if searching for words. Finally, he sighed again.
"Suit yourself, but if you change your mind, the offer still stands." I was certain I would never change my mind, but I nodded. "Thank you."
"Do you accept to become a full member of this tribe, to bear its burdens as you enjoy its protection?" He asked. I nodded eagerly.
"Yes, Alpha, I do."
He extended his hand towards me, his expression stern. "Then taste my blood."
"What?" Confusion swirled through my mind as my gaze shifted to the bloodstained drinking glass. Wasn't he supposed to pour it in there for me?
"That drinking glass is unwashed, and the maids are busy," he explained, seemingly aware of my concerns.
"I can wash it," I offered, but he shook his head. "What's the use? You're going to taste it anyway."
He appeared to be intentionally making things difficult for me, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the tribe.
Stepping closer to him, I grabbed his wrist and sank my canine into it the moment I lifted it to my mouth. There was no sound of pain as I tasted his blood.
Before I could wipe the residue, the wound healed, and at the same time, I felt a wave of dizziness hit me like drumsticks on my head.
I woke up on a comfortable bed, more luxurious than Dina's but not as lavish as the one at the Crimson pack house. It was embarrassing to desire it after everything that had happened, but the room was beautiful, decorated in my favorite colors of peach and orange.
Since I had never mentioned my preferences to anyone, it must have been a coincidence.
A chandelier hung above the bed, casting a magical glow, though not as grand as those in the Crimson Moon banquet hall.
Was this going to be my room? Part of me hoped it would be, but another part hesitated to wish for it. I've never had a room as beautiful as this and before I could explore its environs, the scent of crepes wafted through the air, making me wonder who was cooking.
The last thing I remembered was passing out after the blood covenant, feeling weak and drained, much like Apphia. Alpha bloods are incredibly powerful due to their wolves, which is why I couldn't challenge Alpha Zach despite my self-taught fighting skills.
Nevertheless, I was determined to train harder and be fully prepared for our next encounter. Just because he didn't believe me didn't mean I would allow myself to be unjustly punished for a crime I didn't commit.
"You slept longer than the others," I heard Alpha Zion's voice before seeing him in the kitchen. My attention shifted to the breakfast pantry, similar to that of a house I cleaned before in a different pack.
This didn't seem like the pack house, so why was he here? Though his back was turned, his muscular physique was evident through his shirt. "I'm sorry, it felt like something new entered my body," I admitted as he turned to face me.
"Then I hope you understand the gravity of that. If you betray me, my blood will turn into poison in your veins, eventually killing you. You may never even meet your wolf," he warned, his tone serious.
His words filled me with fear as I had never heard of such consequences, being a new member of the tribe.
"You've only shown me kindness, so if I were to betray you, I will deserve death," I assured him. He smiled and turned away. "I made you crepes. Give them a try."
I eagerly accepted the offer, grateful for the first good meal I had in a long time. The crepes were delicious, but before I could thank him, a knock interrupted us. He went to answer the door, and I overheard Beta Madai's voice.
"Alpha, Ivy sent a telegram saying she's on her way to see you." My heart skipped a beat.