Her Destined Alpha

Born from darkness, Delsanra Silver grew up knowing nothing but pain and suffering, even her own kind treated her as an outcast.

Running from the coven who so madly craves her power, she finds herself accidentally crashing straight into the arms of none other than Rayhan Rossi, the future Alpha of the Black Storm Pack.

Never would have expected that her saviour, would come in the form of one of the very races she’s tried so desperately to evade.

What will happen when the dangerous young Alpha claims she is his destined mate? Will their love have a chance to blossom… Or will their differences tear them apart.

-----

He pushed my hair behind my ear as he moved closer, his warm breath fanning my face.

“You're beautiful, Delsanra. I've never seen anyone more ravishing in my life and the best part is you were made for me. You’re mine to claim, and I won't rest until I do.”

I couldn't respond, this contact was making my body react weirdly, the urge to yield consuming me. His nose brushed my neck and a small whimper left my lips. All I could think of was his seductive scent, the way his touch felt…

“Oh, and one more thing…” His voice was husky and the heat between my legs was growing. I gasped when his hand cupped my knee, only making that ache throb harder. “You smell divine.”

-----

Book 3 of The Alpha Series

Book 1 – Her Forbidden Alpha

Book 2 – Her Cold-Heated Alpha

Book 3 – Her Destined Alpha

Book 4 – Caged Between The Beta & Alpha

1. Prologue

SIX YEARS AGO…

DELSANRA

"Don’t just stand there, you stupid little bitch!"

A sharp slap snapped my face to the left as my stepmother Elinai looked at me with resentment in her eyes, wiping her hand on her dress as if she had just touched something filthy.

"Sorry." I replied quietly, it was the norm for me.

I dropped to my knees and picked up the cloth that I had been wiping the floor with.

"Don’t speak back! You filth!" She sounded disgusted, kicking me sharply in the ribs before she walked away.

I clenched my teeth, biting back the hiss of pain, gingerly touching my ribs with my free hand. It still hurt from the last beating at the hands of my stepbrother, Dawson.

Just do your chores, stay out of sight, and it will be ok.

It was all that kept me going. My hands were purple from the cold, they felt itchy and raw thanks to the detergent in the washing water; I wasn’t allowed gloves after all.

I looked at the dark grey floors as I continued scrubbing. What did I do to deserve this? I had never been a rowdy child, I’ve done nothing to cause trouble, but did anyone need a reason to hurt me? No, they didn’t.

No one cared about me. Nobody loved me.

I stood up and cast a glance through the large window.

It was cold and bitter outside, I could hear the rain hitting the glass relentlessly. The howling of the wind penetrated through the panes and filled the large room. The large trees that moved viciously in the heavy gust seemed to be on the verge of being ripped from their roots.

In the distance, looming against the darkness, was the dark, sinister castle that belonged to the Coven. The windows were glowing with light, yet there was nothing welcoming about them.

The Coven and its people hated me because I was born from darkness.

I shivered at the sight of the ominous castle. From the moment we moved to England from Salem, America, five years ago, things had just gotten worse. With father put into a high position as one of the elders in the coven of England, he held more power, and no one would oppose his treatment of me.

There were even talks he may become a high elder, which meant even more power. I dreaded that day, for it surely would be my end.

I pressed my hand against the windowpane. My sickly fingers were extremely bony and skeletal, lacking vital nutrition that I needed. I looked past the castle to the moon that shone down upon us, peeping through the heavy clouds. I knew that beyond those hills were more dangers, in the form of werewolves and vampires. But I didn’t care how dangerous it was out there. Anything was better than being in this house. In this place of torture… in this hell…

"Well, well… It looks like someone’s having a lot of fun wasting time."

My heart sank at the sound of my half-sister’s voice.

"Someone needs to be taught a lesson, don’t you agree, Amoria?" Dawson said, making my stomach twist.

I turned and looked at them. Dawson was watching me with unmasked hatred burning in his brown eyes, whilst Amoria stood there glaring at me contemptuously; her blonde hair curled with precision, her blue eyes held so much disgust and resentment as she looked down at me as if I was worse than scum. I guess for them, I was.

"I’ll get back to work." I said quietly turning back to the bucket.

Please not today. My entire body was covered in bruises and ached from the last beating.

"Oh? You think you have a choice?" Amoria laughed. "Urgh, look at her filthy, shitty hair."

I didn’t look up, trying not to shake, my brown hair curtained my face. It was dull and lifeless, lacking nourishment and a wash.

Please go away…

There was nothing I could do against them. My abilities were suppressed. I looked at the faint runes along my wrists. The shackles that cut off my powers as a witch.

I was ripped from my thoughts when Dawson yanked me back by my hair. The sudden move sent a jarring pain through my head before he threw my small body against the wall below the window.

I cried out, as pain shot through me.

"Oh, she wants to cause a scene." Amoria hissed, whispering a spell. The blue haze of her power wrap around me and suddenly I couldn’t breathe, suffocated by the spell that was enveloping my mouth and nose. I struggled against it, as she laughed. "Go on, Dawson, remind her of her status."

I tried to calm myself down, knowing that if I panicked it wouldn’t make matters better. No matter how much I fought it… nothing got better, I felt… numb.

How long was I going to have to put up with this? I was thirteen... But I just wanted to die... My eyes stung with unshed tears as Dawson began beating me, not caring whether he was kicking my face, chest or ribs. He laughed manically as Amoria giggled. Her soft, melodious voice sounded poisonous.

She yanked me up by my hair, as Dawson delivered another brutal kick to my stomach.

From as far back as I could remember, we were taught that werewolves were our greatest enemy, that they were vile, ruthless monsters… but then... What about these monsters that hide behind handsome faces?

I tried to stop his leg from hitting my face, but my hands did nothing to stop the taller, stronger man.

Please stop!

I couldn’t breathe anymore. My vision was darkening. The lack of oxygen was finally getting to me, but just before I could give way to the blessing of unconsciousness, Amoria’s spell was lifted. I gasped as I sucked in air, the taste of blood in my mouth. Blood trickled down my nose and I wiped it away shakily. My entire body was crying in pain.

"What are you two doing?" Father’s cold voice came.

"Sorry, father, but she was being disrespectful." Amoria whined.

Father sighed,

"Well, you will both be glad to know that we’re finally getting rid of this thing. I can finally make a name for myself, a proper one without the foreshadows of this curse!" He spat.

His words hurt the most, I looked up at him. I had been able to hold back my tears, but now seeing the unbridled rage emanating from him seemed to destroy everything within me.

"Father." I croaked.

He yanked me up by my elbow and dragged me towards the door.

"Where are we going?!" I cried, whimpering at the pain in my body.

"Father! Wh-what are you doing?" My nine-year-old brother Ames cried fearfully from where he stood on the winding staircase.

If anyone in this house cared for me, it was him. Four years younger than me, but with a heart full of compassion.

"I’m finally getting rid of this omen." Father spat harshly, shoving me out the front door.

I hit the wet ground, my tears stinging my cheeks as I looked back at father, who was stepping out into the cold after grabbing a cloak. He yanked me up and dragged me towards the forest.

"Father, where are you taking me? Please!" I cried out, the smooth floor changing to sharp stones and gravel the closer we got to the forest, digging into my feet painfully.

He didn’t even bother replying as he made his way faster into the forest. It was freezing and my tattered, oversized, thin shirt hung off my shoulder. The pair of worn-out leggings that I wore did nothing to protect me from the cold.

Father suddenly stopped and threw me to the ground. I wasn’t expecting it, going face forward, my cheek scraping against the roots of a tree. My heart was racing with frustration and agony. What did I do to deserve this?

"As promised, she’s all yours." Father spoke.

I tensely looked up and around, only to notice the cloaked figure that stood a few feet away, the hood covering his face.

"Perfect. As promised." He tossed a bag towards father, who picked it up and looked through it.

"Perfect." He replied.

Any hope I had that deep down he still had an ounce of compassion for me, vanished when I saw the bundles of money. But it was his next words that destroyed me completely. "When you’re done with her, don’t bring her back here."

I couldn’t breathe, my vision blurring with tears as he turned and walked away. I raised a trembling hand, reaching out for him.

"Father! Please don’t!" I screamed.

"Shut it." The man who had bought me muttered, dragging me by my arm.

"No! Father please! Don’t let him take me! Father!" I screamed with everything I had, my fear and panic consuming me as I struggled to free myself. "No father please! Please… I’m sorry, I’m sorry for not doing better…"

Deep down, I knew it wasn’t me... But it was futile as I was dragged away, clawing at the man’s hand to release me, I screamed for forgiveness and one more chance. Deep within something snapped. The howling wind suddenly stilled, and I glared into the darkness behind me.

I felt this blistering rage swell inside. My wrists burned as the runes glowed, my eyes stinging.

"I won’t forget this." I whispered; my words so cold that I myself felt the ominous shiver run down my spine.

"Shit!" The man muttered before something struck me on the back of my skull, extreme pain erupted in my head and then my world went black…

A/N: THIS BOOK WILL CONTAIN SOME DARKER THEMES AND MENTION PAST PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABUSE. UNLESS THE TRIGGER IS EXTREME I WONT INCLUDE A WARNING. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND. THANK YOU!

2. My Life

CURRENT DAY

DELSANRA

"Please Horace, can’t you fit me in for a few more hours?" I asked pleadingly, glancing towards the open door to the diner. The warm glow and chatter of people having a good time on a Friday night created a pleasant buzz.

He looked down at me, his beefy body bulging in his poorly fitted suit and his pale blue eyes running over my body. I felt repulsed but kept my face emotionless.

"You know, doll, there are other ways to earn well... I’m willing to pay a good number." He rasped.

I pursed my lip. Yeah right, as if I’d ever let this beef burger and his sausage anywhere near me.

"Horace, aren’t you married?" I asked, trying not to glare at the man before me.

He’s your boss, Del. Remember that.

"Jill doesn’t need to know anything." He murmured, brushing a strand of my white hair off my face. I tried not to cringe when his stale, smoky breath hit my face. "You’re a pretty little thing, Ana, I’m sure anyone would pay a pretty penny…"

I stepped back, taking my all not to slap him for his sleazy comments.

"No thanks, Horace. I was asking if you have any extra shifts at the diner. Since you don’t, I better get back to work." I said, turning to the open door that was beckoning me into the warmth.

I had barely taken two steps when his large hand clamped around my slender arm when he yanked me around. I tensed, flashbacks of my past rushing to the forefront of my mind.

"Come on doll, just one night... Name your price." He murmured, his arm wrapping around my waist. My heart thundered as I wrenched free, my chest heaving as I glared at him.

"Stay. Away." I warned coldly.

His lust-filled gaze vanished as he looked at me, clear annoyance on his face as I turned and ran inside. I could have done something to him. Despite most of my power being locked away by Endora, I was able to manage enough spells to keep my powers suppressed and a few more tricks!

I scanned the diner. I knew there were werewolves, other witches passing through and the extremely rare vampire who would come to the diner, but I couldn’t afford for anyone to discover my identity.

To the world, I was only Ana, a girl who never stopped in one place long enough because she was afraid of being caught.

"Ana! Table six!" Gwen shouted from behind the counter.

I nodded, tightening the sash of my apron as I hurried over to her, my white hair bouncing with every step. I grabbed the tray and got back to work.

I worked fast, everything becoming a blur of routine as I cleared tables, attending to topping up people’s drinks and asking if anyone needed anything. Cleaning up after rowdy jocks.

Life had been hard, ever since I was a child, I had been beaten for as long as I could remember. Then I was sold to a warden of darkness. I knew the power I had within me was one that anyone practising dark magic would love to attain, but neither he nor I had known how to control my powers. It was when I accidentally killed him and escaped that I was captured by Endora. I still felt sick thinking of everything he had wanted me to do, beating me and threatening me until I did as he said. I had delved into dark magic and spells.

Unlike female witches, males of witch bloodlines could only practise certain spells. They were stronger and more intuitive than humans, but apart from that, they were not as strong as witches... yet it is the males who run the covens.

Endora… another nightmare... In fact, I wondered who was worse? The man who held me for two years, forcing me to practise necromancy, or the witch who beat me and drained my very life energy to fuel her dark magic… She'd always bring me to the edge of life before she’d stop, knowing she needed me. That was when my hair had turned white from the excessive abuse of my powers. She had made me connect to the dark witches of the past, seeking the answers to some of the sickest plans she had in mind. Yet I helped her. She didn’t let me die, nor did she let me live.

I felt guilty for everything I had a hand in, I was darkness… I was barely sixteen and I had committed more crimes than most would in their lifetime. My stomach twisted as I remembered her commanding the werewolves who worked with her to beat me when I refused to give her the answers she wanted. My heart thumped as I remembered her terrifying threats if I didn’t speak. Seeing those wolves watching me…

I had felt weak, useless, hopeless and dead inside.

I had wanted to die.

When I managed to escape, I thought maybe this was a chance at freedom or to at least take my own life. But those shifters came after me. My stomach twisted as I remembered the boy who had found me... Why did I help them? Was it the honesty in his eyes? Was it some sort of redemption for the darkness I had delved into? I don’t know, but I had given him the answers he sought and jumped ready to embrace death.

His empty promises to help me, when we both knew that all he wanted were the answers I held.

"Ana! There are dishes to wash. Will you go do them?"

I was brought out of my thoughts once again when Coleen, the manager, came over. Her face softened when she looked down at me.

"You ok, girl?"

"Of course, is Axel of?" I asked. On Fridays, he usually handled the dishes.

"His girl is experiencing contractions, I swear it's just a false alarm but you know how she is." She rolled her eyes.

I nodded,

"Well, either way, at least he’s there for her. I’ll go do the dishes."

"Oh, you are a dear. Get some food packed for tomorrow before you go!"

"Thanks, Coleen." I replied appreciatively.

These humans were more compassionate to me than any other race had ever been. I wish I could just stay here forever...

Maybe I could make this my life... I walked into the back, the sound of the jukebox was mostly blocked out by the heavy doors now.

I wish I could, but I knew that was a dream… I would always be a target. I was always someone who was sought after. No matter how much I covered my tracks, kept my magic suppressed, I knew there were those tracking me, getting ever closer the longer I stayed in one place. Sometimes they’d come by, but I didn’t look anything like I once did.

For one, I had filled out. I mean, I was still on the slim side, I had grown a little, now standing at five-foot-three inches, and my skin wasn’t as sickly as it was a few years ago. I had gained weight and even had some curves.

But if anyone saw my body beneath these clothes, they’d be repulsed. The runes, the bruises and scars from many beatings… It was one of the reasons I never opened my heart to anyone. Nobody would want me. I was also terrified that I would fall in love one day and then they would pay the price.

I brushed off a few soap suds from my sleeves, even while washing up I didn’t dare push my sleeves up in case someone saw my arms. I would never be anything more than someone on the run. I didn’t deserve more, did I?

I often wished I'd been left for dead, but the couple who found me after that fall off the cliff took care of me for months while I flitted between the gates of death and back. I sighed heavily as I scrubbed the plates. Everything was going too well, I knew I’d have to move again soon but this had been the best job I had gotten in a while. Well, apart from Horace the pig, everything was going well. I only wished I could just hold out a little longer, earn a bit more and move to a new location.

-----

It was hours later, and I wanted to get out of there before Horace returned for the cash. The greedy man never liked the money being left in the till or with Coleen. I just didn’t want to see him. I snuck out the backdoor, but to my dismay, he was there waiting. He smirked at me puffing on his cigarette.

"Come on, I’ll drop you home."

"Did you not get the picture earlier?" I said, clutching my boxes of leftovers tightly to my stomach.

These would cover me for the weekend… I needed to save every penny I had so I could get out of the country and far away…

"If you don’t co-operate… you’re fired." He said coldly.

My stomach sank. What did I do wrong this time? Why did I deserve this sort of treatment? I was the only one who got this treatment from him. I wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, so why me?

"Please Horace, I need this job." I whispered.

"Think about it. You have a week, or be gone. I’m not letting you stay here if all you’re going to do is shake that ass to tease me." He muttered.

I knew he meant it, I could see the lust and anger in his eyes. I turned away, refusing to let his words cut into me. I focused on my breathing as I walked down the road.

Don’t cry, you’re stronger than that. I smiled up at the cloudy sky, trying to think positively. I guess I had run my course here, I’ll move before the week is out. I’ll ask Coleen for this month’s pay and then I’ll go somewhere else.

You are so much more than this.

I would keep on telling myself that, I don’t care if no one believed it, I would try to believe that.

You are alone.

That was a truth I didn’t need to tell myself; the cold reminder was ever-present.

The streets were silent, the occasional cab driving passed but no one bothered me. I was halfway home when I sensed the chilling magic that told me there was a witch near. My heart thundered as I sped up.

"Who would have thought she’d be hiding in plain damn sight?" A dark, sinister voice came.

Shit. They’d found me.

3. A Dream

RAYHAN

The sound of women laughing filled the room. All I could see was white mist and dazzling golden light.

Where was I?

"I agreed to your condition years ago when I created that bond. At least you are able to admit that your children are going down a dark path." A voice so deep and melodious spoke. It sounded soothing, majestic and something about it made me want to yield to it.

"Yours are not all innocents. This condition will do us both good. Let us see if they are able to pass this test." This voice was more… magical. It felt like a whisper in the wind, yet held something alluring beneath…

"It is done, under the power of the blood moon… Will they unite their kind or break this sacred bond? Only time will tell, my children love deeply."

Another melodious laugh followed, then suddenly everything was dark.

I was on that cliff edge once again. It was darker than the last time.

I knew this was a dream, a dream of that memory which refused to leave me, although it had been years…

The broken skeletal witch, who looked like she had been to hell and back. Once again, she was haunting my dreams.

"The daughters of Hecate always ask for something in return for helping… I know I am darkness, but even then, may I ask a favour?" Her fragile yet soft voice echoed in my head.

Why had I nodded? I shouldn’t have agreed.

"Don’t stop me!"

I shouted out in alarm as she jumped off the cliff, then I sat up in bed with my heart beating like a drum. My entire body was covered in a thin sheen of sweat, as I ran my hand through my hair. Taking a deep breath to focus, I pushed the duvet back and got out of bed, staring at the Blood Moon that shone through the window.

What was I dreaming of? All I could remember was the witch girl jumping off the cliff. There was something more before that... But no matter how much I tried to grasp it, it seemed to leave my mind even faster.

"Damn…" I muttered, getting out of bed, glancing at my watch.

1:20 am

I hadn’t even slept for an hour… I walked over to the window and looked out at the city. Despite the time, cars were out and about in this part of the city, which was still alive at this hour.

If I were at the mating ball, would I have found my mate this time around? Maybe, but I did not want to go all the way down to Bristol for it… Was that it? Or did I feel a pull to this city for some reason? Goddess knows. I couldn’t deny the fact that we were meant to have moved on from this city last night… but I didn’t want to.

And it definitely wasn’t the hot girls or those sexy dancers that were keeping me here…

Dad had been adamant that I should go to the ball, that I needed to find my Luna, but it didn’t appeal to me.

I entered the bathroom to take a quick shower, suddenly feeling sticky and hot. Letting the cold water run down my body, I became lost in thought.

This was meant to be a road trip with a few hot spots to stop at. I even got Lola, Rose and Chris to come down. It had been pretty neat and we had hit up a few clubs. But when we came here, I just wanted to stay for a bit...

Chris had completely gone into whore mode whilst I had just grinded against a few girls on the dance floor, but I didn’t bring any of them back. Ok, maybe I accepted a blowjob or two whilst I was there... But hey, I’m an Alpha, I have a high sex drive, and all I had to do was give those girls one killer smirk and they were willing to drop to their knees for me. As for fucking them, it wasn’t for me.

I mean, I would have in the past, but in the last two years I have toned it down a lot. I heard too much shit from men about regretting their past once they found their mates and I didn’t want that.

I sighed, I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep again. Maybe I actually needed to get out and go for a run or something.

I grabbed some pants, a shirt, a leather jacket and my boots. Once dressed, I walked out of the luxury penthouse I had booked for the four of us.

The sound of moans reached my ears and I sighed, not bothering to give them privacy and looking at the couple on the sofa. Rose was straddling Lola, whose hands were under her top as they made out passionately. The smell of their arousal was strong in the air.

"Can you ladies take it to the bedroom? This is a shared space." I remarked, grabbing my phone from the table. Rose gasped, pulling away and blushing in embarrassment. She obviously hadn’t realised that I had entered.

Well, as one of the best trackers, I knew how to creep up on a person and keep my heart rate low.

Lola quirked an eyebrow with a smirk. Unlike her partner, she sure didn’t care.

"Tell me, Ray, are you jealous that you’re single and lonely on this cold winter night?" She asked, kissing Rose’s shoulder.

"Actually no, not when I see what Rose has to put up with." I said to her pointedly. Flashing her a patronising smirk.

Lola was like Raihana to me; we had grown up together. Sure, she was a bombshell with glossy brown hair, large hazel eyes and a sexy athletic figure, but she was like a sister to me. Rose was slightly more petite with filled out curves. She had ash-blonde hair and grey eyes. Both had found each other at the mating ball a year ago and Rose had quickly become part of our small group.

I sure was glad, because Lola was pretty headstrong and Rose was the perfect remedy to soothe her. Something I often had to put up with before Rose came into the picture.

"Sucks to be you then." Lola shrugged, her eyes narrowing as she looked at me keenly. "Why are you awake? Didn’t you decide on an early night after the call from Luna Maria?"

"Yeah, I did… then got disturbed." I said, unlocking my phone.

Mom’s call... That had not gone well. She really needed to stop stressing out. I was an Alpha, not a newborn pup. I scrolled through the messages.

Raihana complaining, she didn’t find her mate…

Liam wishing me the best… I didn’t tell him I was skipping it this time around. The topic was still painful for him. The man had gone through shit.

"Was it that dream?" Lola frowned.

I had told her and Chris about them, I’m sure Rose probably knew although I didn’t directly discuss it with her, but she was Lola’s mate.

"Maybe it’s your guilt, babe?" Rose said to me with concern.

I didn’t reply. Guilt? Maybe. I often felt like I had pushed her to that extent. Even now, no one mentioned the young witch who had helped us. To our kind, witches were all just trash, forgetting that if it wasn’t for that witch many more would be dead.

"Don’t think too much about it." Lola said, pulling Rose into her lap. "Maybe you should have gone to the mating ball. You and Chris both."

"She isn’t wrong, you are going to be Alpha soon." Rose agreed.

"Something I know. Thanks ladies, for the reminder." I said with a mock smirk.

"Ok, we get it. That’s your business. Now can we have some privacy?"

"Yeah, that’s what bedrooms are for."

"Go to a club or something!" Lola called after me.

I could use a drink…

4. The Streets

RAYHAN

Ten minutes later, I was out in the cold, wet streets. As a werewolf I didn’t really feel the chill, we were pretty hot-blooded. Lost in thought, I let my feet carry me and soon I realised I was in a quieter area. I saw a group of men standing against the wall, sniffing drugs and smoking. The smell made me want to wrinkle my nose.

"Pretty boy looks loaded… Shall we rough him up?" One of them muttered.

"Too stupid to be out here… Those clothes are fucking branded mate, I swear…"

"His boots alone are fucking gold mines."

Oh, you better not pick a fight with me… I might look like a rich dude, but I could take them all with one hand tied behind my back. I really didn’t want to. I frowned, actually I did want to have some fun.

A smirk crossed my face as I carried on walking, hands in my pocket.

They really were asking for it…

They began to follow me. I slowed down, turning around and raising an eyebrow.

"Can I help you boys?" I asked.

"What ya think mate? Think you’re some big shot or some shit like that?" One of them sniggered in his strong accent.

"No, just a pretty boy stupid enough to be out here all alone." I teased with amusement.

That made them look a little confused, probably wondering if it was a coincidence that I said exactly what they had moments earlier. I knew if they were in their right minds, none of them would have approached me. They were too high on drugs to sense that I was not someone to trifle with.

"Well, since you’re here, shall we have some fun?" One of the chunkier ones said, cracking his knuckles.

I sighed and shrugged. Clearly, they couldn’t see that I was more muscular than them all.

"Let’s play then. Come on pretty boy, let’s have some fun." Another snickered.

"I really wish I could say at least one of you boys is my type, but each of your faces is worse than a donkey's backside, and that in itself is a total turn off." I remarked, running my fingers through my hair.

They burst into laughter, jeering and swearing.

"Hear that guys? News flash pretty boy, you’re the bitch here."

My eyes flashed, my smile vanishing as anger flared up inside me. Neither I nor my wolf were going to take insults from anyone, let alone some low-life jerks.

"Let’s put that to the test then." I said quietly.

My aura wrapped around me, and although I was keeping it low, my anger radiated off of me. They tensed when I walked over to them, but before they could react, I grabbed the first one and punched him in the face. The next two jumped at me; I stepped back, letting them smash into each other. Another tried to sneak up behind me but I spun around, kicking him straight in the face.

"Fuck you, you piece of shit!"

The apparent leader of these scum bags ran at me. I grabbed him by the neck, holding him away as he swung the small knife he had pulled out at me.

"You should learn some respect." I growled, my eyes blazing.

Fighting every urge to snap his neck, I instead punched him in the throat, doing my best to hold all my strength back. The last two backed away fearfully.

"He… isn’t normal…" One of them mumbled when they caught sight of me.

I knew they meant my glowing green eyes, even in the dim streetlights the change was visible. By tomorrow, they would have forgotten about tonight, thanks to the excessive amount of drugs in their system, or they would assume they had hallucinated.

"I wouldn’t run if I were you, because I always love a chase…" My voice was no longer completely human, my wolf’s overlaying with my own.

They looked even more terrified as I walked over towards them. Grabbing them by the collars, I slammed their heads together, letting them fall like ragdolls. I didn’t really want to deal with human trash any longer. I glanced at the floor where they all lay, most of them unconscious.

Time to get out of here…

I made sure to step on a few of their family jewels with my so-called ‘goldmine boots’ before I walked away.

The two who weren’t completely out of it shrieked in pain, sounding like little girls and drawing a smirk to cross my lips.

Well, that was a bit fun.

My mind once again drifted to the dream. I hadn’t dreamt of her or that day for over five months, so why was it back now? I had a dull headache coming on.

I couldn’t really talk about it to anyone. Not properly anyway, not how I truly felt… Everyone seemed to get funny if the conversation was even brought up. Dad, I could try, but he’d tell Mom and Mom hated the topic.

The only ones who seemed to be on the same page as me, were Kiara and Raven. Neither was someone I could talk to. For one, I didn’t have Raven’s number and we weren’t that close. Kiara… Well, although we were friends, she was now my uncle’s mate. Me sleeping with her didn’t help our relationship, and although I and Uncle Al were getting on better terms again, I was not going to be messaging her and giving him a reason to try to tear me to pieces.

I guess it was just me and my dreams.

I kicked a stray bottle on the ground, watching it hit the far wall and shatter into a thousand pieces. A startled cat meowed and two dogs barked in the distance.

As I rounded the corner, I caught a whiff of the most enticing scent I'd ever smelled. My heart rate picked up and the urge to find the source of that scent consumed me.

I broke into a run, following it as I made my way into the worst parts of the city. Through small side alleys and over low walls, my wolf was becoming restless, the urge to shift and track in wolf form was threatening to take over. Something about this scent… Goddess, it was divine, no doubt about it.

I heard some commotion up ahead; the scent suddenly became stronger. I sped up, and just then, I saw a slender young woman running towards me, looking over her shoulders. Her heart was pounding, her breathing heavy, her very pale hair covering her face. Two pairs of heavier footsteps were approaching as well and the smell of witches mixed with her intoxicating one.

I froze on the spot, my heart pounding as I stared at the young woman- the source of that scent.

The realisation struck me like a bolt of lightning. This girl… this human… she…

As she looked over her shoulder, she was so preoccupied with her own panic that she slammed straight into me. Sparks erupted, shooting through me like a sizzling live wire. The moment our bodies made contact, she would’ve gone tumbling to the ground if I didn’t catch her. My hand snaked around her tiny waist and she gasped, looking up at me, her hands gripping the leather of my jacket. From behind her locks, her stunning, vibrant blue eyes widened. Never had I ever seen a prettier pair of eyes.

Her scent enveloped me, and the moment her breasts grazed against my thin shirt, my eyes flashed. The urge to mark her, coursing through me.

Goddess… She’s my mate.

5. A Debt

DELSANRA

"Hidden in plain sight… You have done well to stay under the radar. To think, we were passing through here by accident."

I turned to look at the witch, who had black hair and piercing green eyes, wearing a black cloak. The man wore a leather jacket, with a badge on his left upper arm that consisted of a black six-pointed star on a blood-red background. I knew who he was. A high knight of the coven, a son of a powerful witch. Something Dawson had been training to become years ago.

I didn’t recognise either of the two, but they were both strong. When the knight project was established, I knew they were laying the groundwork for the formation of a powerful army.

I stepped back. It was too late to play dumb. They somehow knew who I was… How though?

"You can drop the dumb act. She's rather pretty for a cursed one, don't you think?" Muttered the man.

He took something out of his pocket, and I frowned at what looked like papers with runes.

Hell, he had spells to hand! My powers were still suppressed by Endora, I could only do the bare minimum... At this rate, I wasn’t going to get far. But they could go fuck themselves if they thought I was just going to go with them without a fight.

"Piss off." I said, mustering every ounce of venom I could muster into my voice as I threw the container of food at them. That was not something they had been expecting. It hit the woman, bursting open and covering her with spaghetti and whatever else Gwen had packed for me.

I didn’t stop to see exactly what it had been. Instead, I turned and began running.

The man chanted and I felt something whizz past me. Instinctively, I dived to the side just as a small explosion erupted in the spot I had been in seconds earlier.

If there was one thing that I was exceptionally good at, it was running. I was fast, maybe it was the years of trying to escape and failing that made me continue to push myself, I had built my stamina up. I never knew when I would need it. The ground trembled as the woman whispered a spell.

Shit, she was an earth witch! I jumped over the growing cracks, speeding up, my heart thundered in my chest as I stared over my shoulder.

Not even looking where I was going, I turned a corner, my feet barely hitting the floor as I ran as fast as I could. Suddenly, I slammed into a wall of pure muscle and heat.

I gasped, my head snapping up to the dangerously handsome stranger I had knocked into. My stomach sank when I realised that it was a werewolf. His eyes flashed a dazzling emerald green as he looked down at me possessively.

From one enemy… straight into the arms of another.

I tried to pull away, panic filling me as I stared over my shoulder, the shadow of the duo coming into view.

"Let go of me!"

Hell! He was strong! What was he made out of? Pure rock? His large hand was holding me tight, he didn’t even seem to move when I pushed against him with all my might.

"Fuck! Dude, let me go!"

Wasn’t it the blood moon tonight? Wasn’t he meant to be doing something useful like wolves did on a blood moon?

He didn’t speak. His eyes were fixed on the two who had now stopped. The tension in the air was so strong that I could have cut it with a knife.

"Give the girl to us and you are free to leave." The woman said with a cold smirk.

The hostility and hatred between our kinds had only grown in the last few years, and as much as this felt like the perfect moment to escape, I couldn’t. Firstly, the animal man was holding on to me like a treat he had just won, one he really seemed to want to devour, and secondly; this wasn’t his fight.

"Let go of me." I commanded.

He simply looked down at me as I glared at him with a deep frown. Argh! It didn’t work.

"Walk away and no one gets hurt." He said quietly to the others.

My heart thrummed strangely at the sound of his voice. It was deep and masculine with a sexy- stop. Stop Del. What the hell... Am I actually checking out a werewolf? Gross.

He seemed familiar, but I’d remember if I saw someone so handsome. I frowned as my thoughts went in an unnecessary direction.

He let go of me, moving me behind him protectively. That in itself confused me. Actually no… He most likely saw a helpless human... If he knew I was a witch, and a dark one at that, he’d throw me at their feet willingly.

I backed away. The urge to run was strong, yet…

I watched him as he ran forward, his strong aura rolling off of him, and I instantly realised he was an Alpha wolf. Oh shit, I hope he wasn’t expecting anything in return. Then again, I wasn’t anything special, I doubt that’s the case. Ah, the joys of being a wallflower.

He attacked the man first. Both were skilled fighters, but the werewolf was doing far better. He ripped his head clean off his body, making me jump in surprise.

Run, Del.

I turned away, but saw the woman whispering a spell and then blood. I gasped as the Alpha staggered back, the ground rumbling before he was knocked off his feet. Although he simply got back up and rushed at her, this time he took something from his pocket.

"Watch out!" I shouted, noticing the witch's victorious smile.

He didn’t move, keeping his stance as he threw the knife just as several stakes of wood impaled him.

The knife sliced the witch's cheek, just as I ran over without thinking. He wasn’t done though. The moment the witch turned her attention to me, her eyes blazing with hatred, he lunged forward with a chilling growl. His canines out, his eyes blazing, as he ripped her heart out of her chest before she could even complete the spell.

He destroyed it in his fist, as he fell to his knees. My heart thundered, he looked at me as if he wanted to say something, only to fall face forward to the ground. I stumbled back.

I was terrified. Should I leave this town? But like they said… they weren’t expecting to find me here. Plus, if anyone found them, this was a wolf attack. No one would know I’m here. I backed away, looking at the blood that was painting the ground.

Run.

But I couldn’t, not after he had helped me. I had to return the favour, the daughters of Hecate always return a favour. I walked over to him. He was huge, I don’t think my much smaller frame was going to be able to lift him. I turned him over, pulling out the stakes. Werewolves can heal, right? Maybe if I just stayed here until he had healed enough… right?

That wasn’t going to happen, I needed to stem the bleeding… I think, and what if someone saw him here? He was losing a lot of blood. I finally yanked out the last stake and took a deep breath.

Ok Del, just drag him onto your back. You've got this.

I pulled him up, his head dropping, his black glossy hair falling in front of his eyes. The urge to touch them to see if they were actually as silky as they looked tempted me, but I pushed it aside and managed to drag him onto my back after several tries.

Ok, now stand up.

I grunted as I forced myself to carry - well drag - him towards my apartment. Oh god, this was so damn hard! Not to mention, a certain part of him was against my ass. My cheeks burned and I tried to ignore it as I dragged him towards my apartment. I paused as I looked at the trail of blood.

I whispered a spell, ignoring the painful squeeze in my chest as I tugged at the powers that were mostly sealed away, watching as the blood faded away from the ground, spreading along the entire trail until there was not an ounce of blood left on the floor.

Perfect. Now to get home.

-

What should have been a five-minute walk had turned into a twenty-minute one. My legs were screaming in pain and I didn’t know a spell to help. Finally, I managed to unlock the door of my small apartment, relieved for once that it was on the ground floor. I kicked the door shut behind me before staggering over to the bed, so happy to see it.

I doubted he’d even fit; the man was a giant. I unwrapped his arm from around my shoulder, trying to ignore the delicious smell of his aftershave. About to flip him onto the bed, I stumbled and fell face-first on it, with him on top of me.

"Ow…"

I pushed him off, not caring when his head hit the wall next to the bed. Before I clambered out from under him, letting out a deep breath of relief.

"Finally."

I dragged him by his arm, making him lie down properly and tearing open what was left of his shirt. My heart thundered as I looked at his body. It wasn’t a myth when they said that the body of an Alpha wolf was God-like…

The man before me was indeed blessed with everything. Every inch of his muscular, lean body was carved to perfection.

Ok, stop perving and get those injuries bandaged.

I quickly grabbed my first aid kit. I took out the large square bandage plasters and covered the holes. My eyes dipped to his leg. There was one there… but I was not going to remove his trousers... I grabbed one of my shirts and tied it around his leg instead.

There, perfect.

I stood up and smacked my thighs as I looked at my work proudly. Now I can go shower too.

My smile vanished when I wondered if I should have cleaned and dried the area first? I’d never had anything to take care of my injuries with, so I never thought about it… But that was logic, right?

Oh well, too late, he’ll live.

I was about to turn away when memories of long ago once again flitted to the forefront of my mind. I froze, turning sharply and staring at the man’s face. My heart was pounding in my chest.

I backed away as that day rushed through me like a brutal tidal wave.

I knew why he looked so familiar…

It was the tracker from the forest all those years ago…