Bella's POV.

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror and ran my hands slowly down my sides. My fingers pressed into the soft curves of my hips and belly as I smiled at my reflection.

“You are beautiful,” I whispered to myself softly.

My voice sounded small but sure. I turned sideways and watched how my body moved. My thighs touched, my waist dipped in then flared out, and my breasts sat full and heavy. For once, the sight didn’t make me want to hide.

I could recall Elias looking at me the same way. His eyes would go dark and hungry. He would step close, breathe my name, and tell me how he couldn’t get enough of my curves.

I closed my eyes and let the daydream play. Elias pulling me against his chest after hockey practice in the locker room, his hands sliding over my waist, squeezing gently like he loved every inch.

I remembered winter break so clearly it made my cheeks warm. We had sneaked away to his family’s cabin for one afternoon as we sat by the fire.

Elias had begged me to show him what I looked like under my sweater. I felt shy, but his voice was so gentle. I finally slipped out of my clothes until I stood in just my bra and panties.

“You’re perfect, Bella,” he had said, voice rough. “I want you so bad right now… but I’m going to wait. I want you to still be a virgin after the mating ceremony. You deserve that.” He didn’t touch me that day, even though I could see how much he wanted to.

He only kissed my forehead and held me close.

I giggled softly and picked up the small silver keychain I had bought him. It was shaped like a tiny hockey puck with his initials carved on it. Elias was the best hockey player in our school.

Captain of the Northwood Pack team. Everyone called him the golden boy. Tall, strong, with an easy smile that made girls stare.

And he was one of the top choices to become the new Alpha’s Beta. Today was the day the Alpha heir would finally arrive. I just knew Elias would be picked. He was perfect for it.

And somehow, that perfect boy had chosen me, the curvy girl everyone else whispered about. I slipped the keychain into my bag, grabbed my jacket.

I walked out of my room with a big smile. Mom was in the kitchen pouring coffee. She glanced at me and raised an eyebrow.

“Morning, Bella. You’re smiling like you won the lottery. Thinking about Elias again?”

I shook my head quickly, but I couldn’t stop the grin. “Maybe a little.”

Mom’s face changed. She set the mug down and looked at me with worried eyes. “Baby, I need you to be careful around that boy. I’ve told you this before. Guys like him… they know when a girl feels insecure about her body. They use that.”

“Mom,” I said, rolling my eyes but keeping my voice soft.

I walked over and gave her a quick hug. “You don’t have to worry. Elias loves me. He tells me every day how much he likes my curves. He makes me feel beautiful. I love my body, and he does too.”

She sighed and touched my cheek. “I just want you to be safe. Promise me that.”

“I promise,” I said, even though I didn’t really mean it. I grabbed my lunch bag from the counter, kissed her on the cheek, and headed for the door. “Love you, Mom. See you later!”

I rushed out of the house. I was almost floating by the time I reached the school gates.

But the second I stepped through those iron gates, everything changed.

Eyes turned toward me. Dozens of them. The usual morning chatter went quiet. Then it started again, louder, meaner. Faces twisted with disgust.

Some girls covered their mouths like they might laugh or throw up. A group of hockey guys near the steps stared at me like I was something dirty.

My stomach tightened. I pulled my bag closer to my chest and kept walking, head down a little. What was going on? Did I spill something on my shirt? I checked quickly but everything looked normal.

Inside the main hallway it got worse. People didn’t even try to hide their whispers.

“Desperate…”

“Look at her. So disgusting.”

“The plump little thing thought she could trap him…”

“Fat ass…”

The words hit me one after another. My brows pulled together. My heart started beating too fast. I turned in a slow circle, confused. Why were they looking at me like that? What had I done?

A girl I barely knew smirked as she passed. “Guess the video finally came out. About time.”

Video? What video?

Suddenly, fast footsteps came from behind me. A hand grabbed my wrist.

“Bella!” Riley’s voice was sharp and scared. Her face looked pale. “We need to leave. Right now. Come on.”

She started pulling me toward the side exit, her grip tight on my arm. But I couldn't leave just yet.

I yanked my arm away from Riley’s tight grip and stood still in the middle of the hallway. “No, Riley. I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what’s happening. Why is everyone looking at me like that?”

Riley’s eyes darted around nervously. She grabbed my hand again, gentler this time, and tried to pull me toward the side door. “Bella, please. I’ll explain everything once we’re outside. It’s bad. We need to go now before it gets worse.”

I shook my head hard. My chest felt tight, like someone was squeezing it. “Tell me right here. I deserve to know.” My voice came out shaky but I held my ground.

Riley opened her mouth to argue again, but before she could say anything, my phone chimed loudly in my pocket. I reached down and pulled it out, my fingers trembling a little.

“Don’t!” Riley begged. She stepped forward and tried to grab my phone. “Bella, stop. Please don’t look at it.”

I shoved her hand away, harder than I meant to. My heart pounded in my ears as I tapped the screen. A message waited for me from an unknown number. I clicked it open.

The video started playing automatically.

There I was. In my room during winter break. Standing in front of the mirror in just my light pink bra and panties. The ones with the little lace edges.

I looked shy in the video, biting my lip, turning slowly the way Elias had asked me to. My soft belly, thick thighs, and full hips were all there, clear as day.

My whole body went cold. I couldn’t move. Tears welled up fast in my eyes, making everything blurry. That video… only Elias had it.

He was the only one I trusted enough to record me like that. He had begged so sweetly, promising it would stay between us. That he just wanted to look at it when we were apart.

Now the whole school had seen it. That’s why they were laughing. Calling me desperate. Disgusting. Fat. My life felt ruined at that moment.

I kept staring at the screen, frozen, as the video looped. My cheeks burned with shame. I wanted to sink into the floor and disappear.

But then, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. I looked up slowly. Elias walked in with his two best friends, Jake and Marcus, laughing loudly like nothing was wrong.

He looked perfect as always, tall, broad shoulders under his hockey jacket, messy dark hair, that easy golden-boy smile. The same smile that made me feel special every day.

Tears spilled down my cheeks. I wiped them quickly and walked straight up to him, my legs feeling heavy. “Elias,” I said, my voice cracking. “Did you post that video? Please tell me it was a mistake.”

He stopped laughing. His friends smirked behind him. Elias looked me up and down, then scoffed.

I nodded fast, trying so hard to believe it wasn’t him. “You didn’t do it, right? I’m sure it wasn’t you. You promised you wouldn’t show anyone. Your phone must have been hacked or something. Tell me it’s not true.”

Elias tilted his head. His smile turned mean, nothing like the warm one I knew. “Wait a second,” he said loudly so everyone nearby could hear. “Did you really think I’d fall for a pumpkin like you? Do you even look in the mirror, Bella?”

The words hit me deep. Pain exploded in my chest. My heart shattered into tiny pieces right there. I felt my confidence, the little bit I had built while staring in my mirror this morning, break apart. Tears poured down my face now. I couldn’t stop them.

“You’re disgusting,” he continued, his voice cold and sharp. “Walking around like your fat ass is something to be proud of. I only dated you because it was a bet. My friends didn’t think I could get the chubby insecure girl to make a video like that. Guess what? I won.”

I gasped, the air hurting my lungs. “But… you said you loved my curves. You said I was beautiful. You wanted to wait until after the mating ceremony because you respected me.”

He laughed again, louder this time. His friends joined in. “Desperate. That’s what you are. Clinging to me like I was your only chance. Newsflash, I don’t need you. Tonight, when the Alpha heir arrives, I’ll become the pack’s new Beta. Do you really think I’d want someone like you standing next to me? You’d just embarrass me.”

Every word cut deeper. I had rooted for him for months. Cheered at his hockey games. Dreamed about our future together. Now it all felt like a cruel joke. My body shook with sobs.

I couldn’t stand there anymore. I turned away from him, tears blinding me, and ran toward the exit. My bag bounced against my side.

I pushed past people, not caring who I bumped into. I just needed to get away from the laughter and pain.

But right before I reached the exit, I crashed hard into something solid. A muscular build. My hands hit a wide, firm chest.

I could feel the hard muscles under his shirt, strong and athletic like someone who trained every day. Broad shoulders, thick arms, tall enough that I had to tilt my head way back to look up.

His body felt powerful, like it could block out the whole world.

He wore a black mask that covered the top half of his face. Only his sharp jaw and full lips showed. His eyes behind the mask were dark and intense.

I stepped back quickly, but his big hand caught my arm to steady me. His touch was firm, almost electric.

And just then, his voice came out low and cold, but there was something seductive in the way it rolled over me, smooth like dark honey.

“Watch where you’re running, little wolf."

Bella's POV.

I stood there frozen, staring up at the tall masked stranger. My cheeks burned even hotter when I realized my phone was still in my hand.

The video kept playing on the screen, making the masked guy look down to the phone. He tilted his head slightly, studying the video with a cold, sharp look. His jaw tightened under the black mask.

That was enough. Shame flooded through me like ice water. I quickly shut off the screen and shoved the phone deep into my pocket. My hands shook so badly I almost dropped it.

“I-I’m sorry,” I mumbled, not waiting for him to say anything else. I turned and ran.

“Bella! Wait!” Riley called after me, her voice full of worry. I ignored her completely. I didn’t want her pity or her explanations.

I just needed to get away from everyone.

My feet pounded against the hallway floor as I pushed through the laughing students and burst out the school doors.

Tears blurred my vision the whole way home. I didn’t stop running until I reached our front door. I slammed it shut behind me so hard the walls shook.

“Bella? Is that you?” Mom’s voice came from the kitchen. “Why are you back so early? What’s wrong, honey? Are you crying?”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. My throat felt too tight. I ran straight up the stairs, ignoring her footsteps coming after me.

Once inside my room, I slammed that door too and locked it. Then I threw myself onto my bed and buried my face in the pillow. Sobs shook my whole body.

Why did I let myself believe him? I lay there thinking about how my relationship with Elias started.

It was last year during a hockey game. I had gone to watch with Riley. Elias scored the winning goal and after the game, he came straight to the stands and smiled at me.

At first, he was so sweet. He texted me every night. Told me my curves were sexy. Kissed my forehead and said he loved how soft I felt when we hugged.

But now I saw it clearly. He was only really nice when we were alone. Around his friends, he would tease me a little or act distant.

I thought it was just guy stuff. I didn’t want to see the truth because deep down I never believed anyone like him could love someone like me.

I sat up and hugged my knees to my chest. “Stupid,” I whispered. “You’re so stupid, Bella.” Fresh tears rolled down my face.

*****

The hours passed slowly. I stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling as the light outside faded into dusk. My eyes were puffy and red. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to do anything.

A soft knock came at my door. “Bella, it’s time to get ready for the mating ceremony,” Mom said gently from the other side.

“I’m not going,” I called back, my voice hoarse.

She tried the handle, but it was locked. After a moment, I heard a click. She must have used the spare key.

The door opened slowly and Mom stepped inside. She looked at me with sad but strong eyes.

“Whatever happened at school today, it doesn't stop you from finding your mate,” she said firmly.

She walked over and sat on the edge of my bed. “You’re twenty now, Bella. If you don’t find him tonight, the pack will force you into an arranged marriage. This could be the best thing that ever happens to you. Your true mate will see you. The real you. He won’t care about what other people say.”

I stayed quiet, but her words sank in. She reached out and brushed my hair away from my wet face. “You deserve real love, baby. Don’t let a scum take that chance from you.”

She leaned forward and kissed my forehead softly, then she stood up and left the room without another word, closing the door behind her.

I sat there for a long time, thinking. Elias had betrayed my trust in the worst way. If by some cruel twist he turned out to be my mate tonight, I would reject him right there in front of everyone. I wouldn’t let him hurt me again.

With a deep breath, I forced myself up. I washed my face with cold water, trying to make the redness go away.

Then I picked out a simple dark green dress that hugged my curves but still felt comfortable. I brushed my hair until it shone and put on a little lip gloss. Not for anyone else.

I walked to the Northwood Pack House as the moon started to rise. The big hall was already full of pack members.

Everyone buzzed with excitement, hoping to find their mates tonight. I could only find a spot near the back, squeezed between two older wolves. My feet hurt in my shoes, but I stayed standing.

Some students from school walked past and saw me. They covered their mouths and laughed quietly, whispering about the video, but I pushed the hurt aside and stared straight ahead.

My arms crossed over my chest as I tried to forget everything that happened today. The betrayal. The laughter. The pain. I just wanted this night to be over.

Then I turned my head a little and saw him. Elias stood near the front, already surrounded by a group of girls.

They giggled and touched his arm, clearly hoping they would be chosen as his mate. He smiled at them, entertaining every word, laughing like he hadn’t destroyed my heart just hours ago.

I scoffed under my breath. Pain twisted in my chest again, but I forced myself to look away.

The big hall inside the Northwood Pack House grew quiet as the ceremony officially started. Lights dimmed a little, and everyone turned toward the raised stage at the front.

My heart felt heavy, but I sat up straighter, trying to pay attention. A tall elder stepped forward and cleared his throat.

“Tonight, we welcome our new Alpha heir,” he announced in a loud, proud voice. “Dominic West.”

The name sent whispers through the crowd. Dominic West. I had heard the rumors for months. He was ruthless and cold, a monster who destroyed anyone who crossed him.

People said he was so ugly that he always hid his face behind a mask. That was why no one really knew what he looked like.

“Mask?” I thought as my mind drifted back to earlier that day at school. The tall, muscular stranger I had crashed into while running away in tears.

The black mask covering the top of his face. The cold but strangely seductive voice. Could it be the same person? I shook my head slightly. No way. It had to be a coincidence.

Just then, a tall figure walked onto the stage with strong, confident steps. My breath caught. It was him. The exact same black mask.

The same powerful build and straight posture.

Dominic West stood there like he owned the entire room. The crowd leaned forward, buzzing with curiosity.

The elder spoke again. “Alpha heir, please remove your mask so your pack can see you.”

Dominic reached up slowly with one big hand and pulled the mask off. Gasps filled the hall. I couldn’t hold back my own surprise.

He was not ugly at all. Far from it. His face was strikingly handsome, sharp jawline, high cheekbones, and full lips that looked soft but serious.

His eyes were a deep, piercing gray that seemed to see everything. Dark hair fell slightly messy over his forehead, and there was a small, almost cute dimple on his left cheek when his lips twitched.

He looked dangerous but beautiful. Even I felt a tiny spark of delight at how cute that dimple made him seem. The girls around me started whispering excitedly.

“He’s so hot,” someone near me breathed.

But I pushed the thought away. He was just another golden boy. Another powerful guy who would probably hurt people like me.

The mating moon rose high outside. The elder raised his hands. “Let the bond search begin. Find your true mates.”

All around me, wolves started stirring. Happy cries and tight hugs broke out as people found each other.

I closed my eyes and reached inside for my wolf, Xia. “Please,” I muttered.

“Work with me tonight.” But she stayed quiet, just like in every other ceremony before. Nothing happened.

My chest tightened with worry. I was already twenty. If I didn’t find my mate soon, the pack would choose someone for me.

I stood up, ready to leave and go hide somewhere. But suddenly, Xia stirred deep inside me. Her voice rang clear and excited in my head.

“Mate!!!”

My heart jumped. I turned quickly, looking around. “Where?” I whispered.

“Mate!!” I heard it again.

I quickly followed the pull, pushing through the thick crowd. Shoulders bumped against mine.

I squeezed between people, saying quiet “excuse me” as I went.

Hope bubbled up in my chest for the first time since the video nightmare. Maybe things could get better.

But as I got closer to the front, Xia went completely quiet again. I tried calling her. “Xia? Xia, where did you go? Talk to me.” but I got no response. I couldn't be sure of who my mate was without my Wolf.

The pull faded, leaving me confused and lost in the middle of the crowd.

Just as I was still trying to avoid being stranded, the people in front of me slowly parted, like they sensed something important. I lifted my head almost immediately.

And that was when my eyes met his; Dominic’s intense gray eyes. He stood about ten feet away, staring right at me.

My heart raced so fast it hurt. “Was he my mate?” The question filled my mind.

He took the first step toward me. His long legs moved with purpose. My breath caught. He kept coming closer, eyes locked on mine.

I could see the strong lines of his shoulders and the way his fists clenched at his sides. My own feet moved before I could think.

I stepped forward too, wanting to reach out, to touch him, to accept the bond and finally feel wanted.

But then his eyes slowly drifted away from me. He didn’t stop. He walked right past me, so close that his arm brushed mine for a split second.

The touch sent sparks through my skin, but he kept going like I was nothing. My world crashed down for the second time that day.

He wasn't my mate.

The hope I had just felt shattered into pieces. Pain filled my chest, sharp and deep. I stood there frozen, tears burning in my eyes again.

People who had noticed what happened started giggling under their hands.

I heard soft laughs and whispers. “She really thought the Alpha heir would be her mate?”

The humiliation burned hot on my cheeks. I wanted the floor to open and swallow me whole. I should have just stayed at home.

Soon, Dominic halted a few steps behind me. His voice came out in a deep, powerful growl that echoed through the hall.

“My Mate isn’t present!”

Bella's POV.

(One week later)

“Alpha Dominic” I whispered softly, my body aching for his touch.

He leaned down and kissed my neck gently, then moved lower to my collarbone. His lips were warm and careful, like he wanted to remember every inch of me.

“So soft,” he whispered against my skin. His voice sounded deep and rough, sending shivers straight through me.

His hands moved to the bottom of my shirt. He didn’t rush. Instead, he slowly pulled it up, inch by inch, his gray eyes behind the mask watching closely.

I felt shy but excited as the fabric slid over my belly. He paused and ran his fingers over my curves, tracing the roundness of my stomach and hips.

“Look at you, Little Wolf,” he murmured. “Every curve is perfect. Full and beautiful. Made for me.” He kept lifting the shirt until it came off completely.

Cool air touched my breasts, making my nipples tighten. Dominic stared for a long moment, his breathing heavier.

Then he lowered his head and kissed between my breasts, slow and tender, before moving to one side and sucking gently.

I arched my back and let out a soft moan. His hand slid lower, over my waist and down to my thigh. He squeezed softly, like he loved how thick and warm I felt.

His fingers moved between my legs, teasing gently, stroking me through my panties until I was wet and trembling.

“That’s it,” he said quietly. “Let me take care of you.” He slipped one finger inside, then two, moving slow and deep while whispering, “My little wolf… so tight and sweet for me.”

I was lost in the feeling, my body burning with need. He kissed up my body again, taking his time on every soft part, until his face hovered right above mine.

His masked eyes locked on mine. He was about to kiss my lips when my eyes suddenly snapped open.

I sat up fast in my own bed, breathing hard. My heart pounded like crazy.

My boobs felt perky and sensitive from the dream, pushing against my thin nightgown. I looked around my room. Morning light came through the curtains. It was just a dream again.

I covered my face with my hands and groaned. It had been one full week since the humiliating day at school and the mating ceremony.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. In my dreams, he touched me like I was beautiful.

He called me his Little Wolf while his fingers moved inside me, making me feel wanted for the first time. The real Dominic was cold and powerful. Yet my body kept remembering the dream version of him.

I shook my head and tried to pull myself together. “Stop it, Bella,” I whispered. “He’s not for you. Soon you’ll be in an arranged marriage anyway. Just forget him.” The thought made my chest hurt. I hated feeling this weak again.

“Bella!” Mom’s voice called from downstairs. “Breakfast is ready. Come down before it gets cold.”

I sighed, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and got out of bed. When I reached the living room, I stopped. Riley sat at the table with Mom, looking at me with big pleading eyes.

“Please, Bella,” Riley said quickly, standing up. “Come back to school today. I know it’s been awful, but you can’t hide forever. Tryouts are happening, and I don’t want to go alone. I need my best friend.”

I didn’t want to. The idea of facing everyone again made my stomach twist. But Mom gave me that look, and deep down I knew Riley was right.

I had no choice if I wanted to finish the school year. “Fine,” I said quietly. “Give me ten minutes.”

I ran upstairs, washed my face with cold water, and picked out a simple black sweater and jeans that hugged my curves.

I brushed my hair and took a deep breath. “You can do this,” I said to myself.

Riley and I walked to school together. The moment we passed through the gates, the stares came back.

Students whispered and laughed. My cheeks burned, but I kept walking with my head down.

Riley held my hand tight and whispered, “Ignore them.”

Soon it was time for hockey tryouts. We made our way to the ice rink and found seats in the stands.

The players warmed up on the ice, sticks slapping against pucks. My eyes scanned the side of the rink and landed on him.

Dominic West stood there in full hockey gear, arms crossed over his broad chest. Even in gear, he looked powerful and commanding.

His dark hair was messy, and that sharp jawline made my stomach flip.

I couldn’t help swooning a little. In my mind, I saw his hands from the dream trailing over my skin again. Those strong fingers touching my curves, calling me Little Wolf. Heat rushed to my face.

Just then, Dominic turned his head and looked straight at me. Our eyes met for a second, making my heart jump.

I quickly looked away, feeling so awkward and embarrassed. What was I doing? He probably thought I was pathetic.

I couldn’t take the shame anymore. I stood up fast. “I need to go,” I told Riley and hurried out of the stands.

My feet carried me toward the building. I slipped into the boys’ locker room, hoping no one would see me. It was empty and quiet.

I hid near the back, leaning against the cool wall, trying to calm my racing heart.

“Stupid, Bella,” I cursed myself softly. “Why did you stare at him so long? He isn't even your mate.” I closed my eyes and breathed slowly, wishing the ground would swallow me.

Suddenly, the door opened forcefully and slammed shut. The lock clicked loudly. I froze. No one was supposed to be here for at least three more hours.

My body went tense. I couldn’t be caught in the boys’ locker room. That would make everything worse.

I tried to think of a way to sneak out without being seen when a loud crash echoed through the room, followed by painful grunts.

It sounded like someone was hurting badly.

My curiosity won. I walked slowly toward the sound, my shoes quiet on the tile floor. I peeked behind a row of lockers.

To my utmost surprise, Dominic West was on the ground. He clutched his head with both hands, wincing hard. Low growls came from his throat. His face looked twisted in pain with sweat on his forehead.

Without thinking, I rushed over and knelt beside him. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” I asked, my voice full of worry.

He didn’t answer. His breathing stayed rough. I stood up quickly. “I’ll get someone to help…”

His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist tight. “Don’t,” he growled. “Don’t bring anyone.”

I was confused and panicked. “Then what can I do? Tell me how to help you.”

His eyes met mine, dark and dangerous. “Run!” he warned, his voice low and strained.

I didn’t understand. Instead of running, I crouched down again closer to him. I reached out slowly to touch his head, hoping to ease his pain.

In a flash, he grabbed me by the neck and pushed me back hard against the locker behind me. His claws extended as he half-shifted, fur rippling on his arms, eyes glowing.

My eyes widened with fear. He was going to kill me. I needed to run, but his grip held me in place.

He leaned close to my ear, his hot breath brushing my skin. “Too late to run, Little Wolf… you should have left when I warned you to.” He let out a deep, low growl. His fingers tightened around my neck.

Something wild was taking over him. I could feel it in the way his body shook. Panic filled me. “Please,” I begged, my voice small and scared. “Let me go. Please, Dominic.”

He refused, holding me tighter. I started to run out of breath, black spots dancing in my vision.

Then my inner wolf, Xia, surged forward with sudden strength. Immediately, Dominic’s hand loosened on my neck right away.

I gasped and coughed, trying to catch my breath. Before I could say anything, unexpected words escaped his lips in a powerful growl.

“Mate!!!”

I froze and looked up at him, shocked. His hands slammed against the locker on both sides of my head, trapping me.

He leaned in fast. Before I could speak, he snatched my waist with one strong arm, pulling me hard against his heated body.

“What's happening? What are you…”

I was about to speak when he swiftly closed the distance between us and kissed me deeply, possessively.

I struggled to pull away from his hold and when I did, his next words left me reeling.

“You are mine now,” he said roughly as he stared deeply into my eyes.

I went ice cold as it had begun to dawn on me.

He leaned in again and this time, I felt a sharp sting on my neck as his fangs pierced deeply into my skin.

My eyes widened in full realisation…

I belong to Alpha Dominic now.

I was his Claim.