Chapter 2
Lola's POV
I was startled awake when I felt water on my body, I was still processing where the water could have come from when I felt stinging pain across my cheeks. I opened my eyes and saw Aaron, Grayson's best friend, standing over me with a bucket in his hand. He must have dumped the bucket of water on my head.
"Get up bitch!", He barked at me making me stand up quickly, almost tripping on my feet. I remembered stripping myself of all my clothings the night before and rushed to cover my body earning myself another slap on the cheek. I fell down, hitting my head on my stone bed. I felt sticky liquid trickling down my forehead and lowly hissed in pain.
"You think because you're Gray's mate, you'd be treated differently? You're just a stupid nobody that will never be recognised. Freya is our Luna, you're just a wretched bitch that will die lonely", he said to me mockingly and kicked me repeatedly.
I'm sure my body has fresh bruises, the ones that were there are still taking time to heal. I have to get Jas and I out of here, I'd die at this rate if I refuse to do something.
"You have a lot to do today, we're crowning our new Alpha and Luna today and everything has to be fully prepared for that", he barked at me. I nodded my head meekly while looking at the floor.
He held my chin roughly and made me look him in the eye, "You should be grateful I came to get you and not Grayson. You were trying to seduce whoever came to get you? Nobody will want you,your body is not even attractive. You'd be good to relieve stress though, pathetic little bitch", he spoke as he groped me.
I felt disgusted and wanted to crawl out of my skin as he touched me. Tears poured down my face but I dare not talk back or refuse or I'd be in more trouble.
"Be out in 5 minutes bitch, or there will be consequences", he barked at me and left me after slapping me one more time.
The torture and pain never stop. We all used to be friends then they suddenly turned on me. I wish it will stop, I haven't done anything wrong.
I knew I had to get up before the punishment gets worse, I always get up early, I must have been so drained from what happened yesterday. I got up, went to the basin at the corner of my room and washed my face and wore my dirty gown like that.
I packed my once platinum blonde hair that's now dirty brown due to the dirt that has accumulated in it. I've never enjoyed basic amenities since I became an omega, no new clothes, I only take my bath once in a week and barely have enough water to wash my hair or even look remotely good. I only eat leftover from the pack, sometimes I'm not even allowed to eat. This is not a life I'd wish on anyone, even the poorest in the pack don't live like this.
I limped to the kitchen, doing my best to avoid pack members to avoid any additional punishment or insult that morning. As my luck would have it, I met the current Luna, Grayson's mom and Freya in the kitchen discussing clothes and fashion.
Immediately I entered the pack kitchen, Luna Natalie sprung on me and barked out orders. Freya looked like she was enjoying my pain as Luna listed out what I'm supposed to do before her son's coronation tonight.
I nodded my head and she left the kitchen with Freya behind her, not before she "accidentally" spilled the drink she was having before I came in and broke the the glass, leaving it for me to clean.
I sighed in relief as they both left without touching me, they must be in a good mood today. I rushed to wash the plates used by the pack members that morning. My stomach grumbled as I thought about food, I had not eaten anything since yesterday afternoon and I probably won't be getting food till evening. I sighed and carried on with my job.
The pack's ballroom was next, I had to make it squeaky clean or get a beating from Luna Natalie. I got to work cleaning it and was done by noon. I had to clean the whole pack house too and could barely stand by the time I was done. I hate my life.
I haven't heard from Jasmine all day, she was probably still recovering from yesterday night. The wolf feels it most when their partner have sex with another she-wolf. I felt so sad for her and that only fueled my determination to break free from this cruel pack that has deemed me worthless.
Hearing voices, I snapped out of my thoughts and tried to make myself small on instinct. It was probably time for lunch, my stomach grumbled again even though I know I won't be getting any food till nighttime. I felt him before I saw him and went still as I felt him move closer to me, I dare not look up at him if I do not want more problems to myself.
He lifted my chin and looked into my eyes, he smirked evilly at me and I felt my ears ringing before I could even process what was going on. He slapped me. I did not even do anything wrong and he slapped me, I heard people around me laughing mockingly.
"You dare to be in the same room as me and look me in the eye,slut? What have I told you about disrespect and the consequences that comes with it", he growled at me angrily and gripped my chin to the point that it started hurting.
Tears streamed down my face and Jasmine whimpered lowly in my head, her mate was hurting her and she could not even communicate with his wolf side because she had to stay hidden for our safety. She receded to the back of my mind, leaving me to face this monster alone. I guess I'm on my own now.
"I need to teach you a lesson that will permanently put you in your place, a lesson I should have taught you sooner. You'd be ready for me tonight, I'd take you however I want and you'll take it like the whore that you are. Make sure you clean up nice after my coronation tonight, I'll deal with you and others can have their turn", he said and loud cheers went off in the room.
I could not believe my ears. He was going to rape me, he was going to rape me, they're horrible people but no one ever dared to take my innocence . I've lost everything, I can't lose the only dignity I have left.
I felt disgusted and wanted to puke out my insides, how can anyone be so vile and cruel? He said he wanted to rape me and everyone cheered him on? Freya was in the room when he said it and she had no problems with that?. Just great.
He said right after their coronation, I need to get as far away from here as I can, I can't go on like this.This pack is fucked up and I refuse to live like this anymore, I'd rather go rogue than live in a pack that has no mercy for who was once a part of them
They shortly left and I fell to the ground, I was still in shock of what I saw and heard. He was going to break me completely and then give me to his friends to humiliate, I won't wait for such to happen.
I'll protect you, Jas. I'll protect us, I'll not let anybody taint you, I'd rather die running, were my thoughts as I finally found the strength to leave my position in the floor and made my way to the basement.
Tonight. I have to leave tonight!
Chapter 3
Lola's POV
Tonight. I have to leave tonight.
I sat down on my stone bed thinking about my life so far. Jasmine had been holding on for too long, I couldn't let her go through this anymore.
I used to be almost everyone's favorite in the pack until Mom and Dad passed. I don't know what came over Aunt Natalie and Uncle Andrew, Grayson's mom and dad. It's like they've been waiting for the opportunity to make me worthless. They used to be very nice until they were not.
People that were not in the pack before that incident did not know I am the daughter of the last Alpha and Luna. Everybody in the wolf world thought I was dead, that's what I heard.
I can't get raped, I can't get my innocence taken away from me and by that vile bastard nonetheless. I have to come up with a plan,I don't care if I die running, I have to leave this fucked up pack before I am humiliated.
I have to eat this afternoon, I'll need the energy if I'm going to be running. That bastard is definitely going to send people after me so I have to be in my wolf form.
"Jasmine, you there?", I mindlinked Jas and she whimpered in response in my head. "I'll need you tonight, girl. I'll need you if I'm ever going to make it out alive. I can't let him do this to me, to us, we have to fight our way out of this bondage. We waited because we thought we might find love but it's over now, Jas, we need to run", I said pleadingly to Jasmine.
"I don't know if I can do it for us, Lola. What if we get killed on sight because of my fur color? What if he catches up to us? What if we don't make it alive? I'm so weak and I've only ever shifted once, I don't want to let you down Lola", Jasmine said weakly in my head and fresh tears ran down my cheeks. We don't deserve any of this .
"Jas, we need to try , girl. There's a full moon out tonight, I heard we get stronger when there's a full moon, maybe that will give us strength to propel forward but we can't stay here tonight. We might find help in another pack, anything but here Jasmine", I said to her.
"You're right, we've been taking this for too long. It's time we break free and start over, we run tonight", Jasmine said in my head with new found determination.
Her words made me see rays of hope and new found determination. I stood up and made my way to the pack kitchen to see if there's any food I can make do with till evening. I need to eat to at least get enough energy to run.
I went to the kitchen and there were slaves running around cooking up a feast for Freya and Grayson's coronation. I was disappointed and was about to leave when I spotted Jane. Jane is an elderly woman and she used to be our head cook. She's the only one in the pack who doesn't treat me like I'm beneath her, she can't be nice to me publicly though or she'd be punished.
She saw me as I was about to leave too and came to meet me in the hallway. She hugged me with tears in her eyes and I hugged her back too. She has always been like a grandmother to me.
She pulled me towards a dark corner in the hallway where she broke down in tears seeing my state. She's not been to the pack in a while, I guess she quit her job but why was she back tonight? She saw her mouth moving and tried to listen to her over her thoughts
"........heard he rejected you and chose Freya anyway. I'm so sorry, Lola, no one deserves to be treated like that by their mate", she whispered with tears running down her cheeks and I hugged her again.
"You look malnourished, child, do they ever feed you? I'm sorry I left without telling you, I had to go see my daughter in another pack. She gave birth to her first child and I went to see her", she told me while looking me over. My stomach chose that moment to grumble again, I looked down in embarrassment.
"Have you had anything to eat today, child?"I shook my head negatively and she told me she'd be back for me. As she left, I tried to make myself small and invisible to anyone passing. I can't take anymore beating and assault today, I need to be somewhat okay for me to be able to escape.
Jane soon came back with a paper bag in her hand. She gave it to me and hugged me tightly after telling me to live well, it was almost like she knew I was going away. I thanked her and left for the basement again.
I could not eat a lot, it was almost like my body was used to not being fed and rejected the food. I sighed as I kept the paper bag, I could not let anyone find it or I'd be punished.
I was waiting for night to fall and the coronation to start while praying to the moon goddess to give me the energy and luck to escape this vile land that has done nothing but cause me pain.
I shook in my seat when I heard footsteps coming down the basement. I looked up and saw one of the pack guards and slightly relaxed, they're not as worse as the high ranking wolves.
"It's time for the coronation and Alpha Grayson requires you to be near the ballroom", his deep voice boomed making me jump in my seat and I nodded my head. He turned to leave and I followed after him, I don't want to incur wrath on myself.
I followed him to where the coronation was taking place. It looked beautiful and magnificent, beautiful flowers were used to create an arch in the doorway and was also scattered across the room. People dressed in white, women in elegant gowns and men in fitting suits, were scattered around the room chatting.
I stood out in my dirty attire and unkempt appearance, I knew Grayson brought me there to humiliate me and show me that I'd never be his Luna because I'm below him. People gave me dirty glances and some even cursed me out but I kept my head down the whole time. I stood to a side in the ballroom and made myself small.
The chatters in the room suddenly quiet down and I looked up to see Grayson in a black suit that was perfectly tailored to suit him and Freya in a blood red gown with thigh high slit that accentuated all of her curves.
She looked so good with her hair in waves that she let down to frame her beautiful face, her make up looked minimal and I, could not even deny the fact that she looked stunning. Together, they looked amazing and Jasmine howled in pain in my head seeing her mate with another she-wolf.
They made their way to the stage and people started clapping, focusing all of their attention on them. Grayson made eye contact with me and smirked evilly, that gesture made me sick to my stomach because I knew what awaited me if I don't escape before the coronation ends.
Everybody focused their attention on their future rulers and I took that opportunity to sneak out of the ballroom and out of the pack house. The moon was high up in the sky and shine brightly, almost like the Moon goddess was making way for me.
I made my way to the end of the pack, avoiding patrol and guards. Security is not as tight at the pack boundary and I sent a thanks to the Moon goddess. Right before I morphed into my wolf ,I said the words I should have said since the moment I knew he wasn't going to choose me.
Using my original title, I said those words, "I, Lola Ashton, the daughter of Alpha Ryan and Luna Lilian of the Moonlit pack, accept the rejection of Grayson Dawson, the son of Beta Andrew and Female Beta Natalie, as his mate and chosen one", I said and felt a surge of power through me at the same time I heard a wolf howling in pain in distant.
Jasmine took over my body and I was a pure white wolf. I felt a new burst of energy coursing through my veins, then I ran. I ran with everything in me and never looked back.
Chapter 4
Lola's POV
Then I ran.
I ran past the pack boundary feeling the barely there bond I had with the pack break within me and I felt free. Jasmine howled in happiness as her paws hit the ground and she charged forward at full speed.
I heard distant howling and knew Grayson had sent his men after me. Jasmine charged on wildly feeling the wind in her fur, I'm sure she's not even bothered about the fact that warriors could have been sent after us. She's never felt such freedom before and was just basking in it
We were on unclaimed lands which means rogues could be around. I've heard about rogues even though I don't know what they looked like. Memories from when Mom and Dad died seemed to have vanished but I do know rogues are dangerous wolf that have lost their touch with their human sides. They're said to look wild and have red eyes and will kill anything in their sight.
I heard howls get closer and knew we had company, Grayson must be so desperate to have sent men after me. I don't even mean anything to him, he shouldn't have bothered himself with things as trivia as me.
Jasmine did not falter for once or show any signs of weakness as she charged on dodging branches and jumping over trees. I know we had to lose the wolf on our tail and also, no one can find out about us so we have to conceal our fur colour.
We passed a muddy water and Jasmine rolled in it making our fur brown and dirty. I knew that was not enough to mask our scent but it sure helped with concealing out color.
"Jas, we can't get caught now. We need to mask our scent so we can buy enough time to get us into another pack", I said to her through our mindlink.
"I know, Lola. We have to find a lake or large body of water and drench ourselves in it or find pile of waste to mask our scent. I don't know how far we have to go till we reach a pack that we can crash in", she said, not once stopping to catch her breath.
We saw a lake ahead and dived into it, it was freezing and I felt it to my home even though I wasn't in human form. Jasmine growled lowly and slowly laid down in the part of the water that wasn't too deep, but deep enough to conceal us if anybody passed by.
We saw about 5 wolves come into the view and stayed as still as we could. I prayed to the moon goddess that I'd not be discovered. I don't know what will be done to me if I go back and I never want to find out. I'd rather die out here alone than go back to that evil, fucked up pack.
I felt one of the wolves sniff the air around us and Jasmine held her breath. The wolf came up with nothing and they lurked around for a while before they turned back the way they came.
We waited a while before leaving the lake and running into the forest as far as our limbs will take us. We ran into the early morning before stopping by a tree to catch our breath.
"Jasmine, let me shift back so you can rest a bit before we continue", I said through the mindlink, she looked tired and our limbs were already brown from running all night.
"I can't allow you shift back, human. We did not bring a change of clothes and it's so cold out here. We need to stay in this form to conserve energy and body heat", she said and I had to agree with her.
We did not think this through, we just wanted to escape without knowing where to go or how to go about it. I did not know our pack is so far from other packs as I've never been outside that pack for 8 years.
Jasmine saw a rabbit and killed it, she ate part of it and left the remaining beside her as we drifted off to sleep, the sun was high up by this time. I hope we won't be captured in our sleep , was my thought as Jasmine rested her head on her fore limbs and closed her eyes.
We woke up when the sun had almost set and began running again. We need to find a pack that will take us in, we did not escape Grayson just to live in this place forever.
We continued this way for 2 days. Sleeping when the sun is up and running when the sun goes down. We have been in wolf form since we left Moonlit pack, our speed has reduced drastically and our fur is already brown from sleeping on the forest floor.
The third day rain started falling and we could not stop to sleep. Jasmine was about to lay down under a big shaded tree when a smell filled our nose. It smelled like a dead rat but ten times worse. Jasmine rolled in the muddy floor to really conceal our fur colour, seeing as we had company.
Through the heavy rain, we saw glowing red eyes. Rouge. The wolf looked wild and feral and the rotten smell came from it despite the heavy rainfall.
It snarled at us and our survival instincts kicked in making us growl back too. The wolf eyed us hungrily and we snapped at him daring him to come closer.
He growled loudly and charged at us trying to get ahold of our neck. She instinctively moved to the side and the rouge wolf missed. This seemed to annoy him and he made a move to snap at our left hindlimb. We did not see that coming and he bit a chunk off our hindlimb. We howled in pain and limped to the side when the wolf tried to attack us again.
We instinctively slashed at his chest and he fell backwards. We started circling each other and the rogue moved to bite the left side of our stomach. He grabbed us unexpectedly and bit off a bit of our stomach making blood stain our fur.
Suddenly a surge of electricity ran through us and the rogue was thrown back , hitting his back on a tree . He charged towards us again and we moved to the right, biting into his neck when he came close enough. He struggled to release himself but we held him down making blood spill everywhere including our fur.
We dropped him to the ground and stood on top of him, clawing at him blindly making him howl out in pain. Right before his life ended, his eyes shone with something I could not quiet place. I think it was fear, and I wondered what he saw in our eyes that made him afraid.
Once he was dead, I ran. I ran until I came across a claimed territory. I ran into the land and heard howls around me, they think I'm a rogue. I ran into the middle of the pack and felt myself being surrounded by big wolves.
They snarled at me and I snarled back. I'm not going to get treated like trash again, I'm not going to be imprisoned again. I was about to attack one of them when I felt a needle in my side, I got dizzy and fell to the ground changing into my human form. Naked.
"Take her to the dungeon and await the Alpha's order",I heard as I was picked off the ground by rough hands.
I thought I escaped this, I was going to really die now, were my thoughts as I lost consciousness.