My Alpha's Betrayal: Burning In The Flames Of His Vengeance

They say there is a fine line between love and hate, but where does one end and the other begin? When does something so pure become something so toxic that even you yourself cannot fathom when things changed?

This story starts on the day that my parents were killed. That was the day that I felt like my entire life had ended. If only I knew then that it was only the beginning of the storm I would be made to endure.

Struggling to grasp onto the threads of my unraveling life, I found comfort in the arms of someone I didn't truly know. His dangerously handsome looks and his lethal allure consumed me, and, despite my every instinct, I fell.

He became my world, the very air I needed to breathe, the only one that I thought I could rely on... but then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed.

When the truth of my very existence and reality was revealed, he cast me aside and lit my world ablaze, leaving me to burn in the flames of his hatred. Even then, we were still intertwined together by one fate.

My name is Yileyna De'Lacor, and this is my story.

For updates, character aesthetics and more follow me on author.muse on IG and author muse on

1. The King

***

There was no love nor emotions in the eyes of the man before me… only the flames of hatred burning brightly, consuming them.

“Tell me… what are we?” I asked softly. The pain in my body was suffocating and no matter how strong I tried to remain, I couldn’t keep the pain from my voice.

“Nothing more than Heaven and Hell.” His voice was equally cold, destroying the last of my resolve.

“Then kill me,” I whispered hoarsely, trying to ignore the pain of betrayal that was tearing me up from within.

A ruthless smirk graced his handsome face, his fingers curling under my chin and making the sparks from his touch rush through me; pleasurable yet equally painful.

He was so close… yet so far away…

“That would be far too easy… but I assure you, when I’m done with you, you’ll wish you were never born.”

“You don’t mean that…”

“Watch me.” He turned away, pushing me to the ground roughly, “Burn her.”

My heart sank, my head hanging as the pain of his rejection tore through me. Even when I was doused in gasoline, I didn’t move, trying not to gag on the strong pungent smell that now cloaked me entirely, keeping my eyes clamped shut.

Didn’t he realise I was already burning in agony from the pain he had inflicted within me?

My eyes stung as I forced them open, watching him retreat, hoping… praying… that he’d turn back and change his mind. That perhaps deep inside of him, that man that I loved, still existed.

He once said that I was his kryptonite…

Was it all lies?

He paused, my heart leapt with a glimmer of hope, but then I saw it, the blazing match in his hand as his eyes met mine…

***

PRESENT DAY

YILEYNA

The incessant rapping on my bedroom door made me groan. I had just laid down. Forcing myself up, I moved toward my bedroom door and ripped it open. To find Theon. Hadn’t he kicked my butt in training enough? He decided to come back again. Did he miss a spot? I’m pretty sure there is only one patch of skin that isn’t aching yet! Not that I mind, really; I never complain about being tossed around by Theon. I just wish it was in the bedroom setting and not on a rubber mat or in the dirt.

My heart skipped a beat, and I turned, staring up at the man that stood a good foot taller than me; his coppery brown hair brushed back, his amber eyes burning with a fury that was barely contained, and his chiselled jaw set taut as he clenched his teeth. His bulging arms were crossed over his broad chest, and the tattoos that peeked out from the collar and sleeves of his clothes only added to how hot he looked right now. The sun made his hair look like it was on fire, emphasising every angle and curve of his face.

“Get dressed. The Alpha wants to see the both of us.” He snarled at me. Well, hello to you too!

His eyes roam over me disapprovingly seeing me in my pyjamas. “You have twenty minutes. Be presentable!” he then slams my door shut in my face. Jerk!

Shaking my head, I quickly stripped my clothes off and pulled on a navy-fitted top, black pants, and boots, before I pulled my wet hair back into a ponytail. While wondering what the Alpha wanted. It made me nervous because I know he blamed me for what happened. He may not say it out loud, but he didn’t need to. If I wasn’t expected to be Charlene’s guard as I was her best friend, I have no doubt he would get rid of me.

I exited my room and almost knocked into Theon, who was leaning against the wall.

“Goddess!” I gasped, jumping back, my heart thumping. “You scared me.” I half expected him to leave while I found my own way to the Alpha.

“For someone so audacious, I didn’t know anything could scare you.” He replied emotionlessly, clearly still annoyed, catching me skinny dipping with our future Queen. It was probably why he gave me such a butt-whooping at training today.

“What’s life if you don’t live it at full throttle?” I replied, making sure the door was locked before we both fell in step.

“Let me guess, not living, simply existing?” He raised his eyebrow.

“Are you mocking me?”

“I’m glad you figured it out.” He whispered huskily, leaning down.

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, making me feel giddy. His sexy masculine scent invaded my senses, the thrum of his steady heartbeat making my own pound louder.

“Jerk.” I retorted, pushing him away.

Theon had only been in this pack for two years. We didn’t know where he had come from, or who he was. The only thing he remembered when he regained consciousness was his name: Theon.

It had actually been Charlene, and me, who had found him a few weeks after her shift. We had been out, sneaking away as usual, when we saw a Naga; a half-human, half-serpent-like being. Unlike the ones who lived on land, the sea Naga were as dangerous as the sirens, and this one had been no different.

Seeing the bloody body in the Naga’s hold, Charlene had frozen in horror, and although my instincts told me to run, I couldn’t leave someone to die and so I swam out. With nothing but my sword, I had injured the Naga just enough to free Theon from his hold. Despite him having elemental powers, I had managed to pull Theon to safety, and we had then called for help.

But Theon didn’t know that. Charlene had asked if she could say she saved him when she saw how handsome the young man was. As much as I would have loved to taunt him, this was even better. Now I often reminded him he had been saved by a princess.

We weren’t sure about Theon’s age, but he looked to be in his early twenties.

It had taken time for everyone to trust him, but slowly he became one of us and was initiated into the pack. He never regained his memory, but he was hard-working, strong and an excellent warrior, so he had risen through the ranks. He was now an Epsilon rank warrior, which meant there were only four ranks above him, and that included the Alpha rank.

Being the princess’ bodyguard was an honourable job. It meant that the Alpha trusted him and knew he was capable of protecting her.

We walked down the hall. I turned towards the Alpha King’s office only for Theon to take a left.

“The office is this way.”

“I know, but did I say he was in his office?” He replied, as if this was obvious.

“Right…”

Alpha Andres, no matter how many times you go before him, he was still intimidating and powerful. He was the biggest man I had seen at around six feet seven or eight inches. He just looked far too large around everyone else. There were a handful of men around Theon’s size, but they were rare, too. The king was a beast and a king in all aspects.

Theon walked out of the double doors that led to the backgrounds, and I grabbed the door before it swung shut in my face.

“Ever heard of manners? That’s no way to treat a lady.” I remarked.

“Never knew you were one.” His emotionless reply came as he glanced at me over his shoulder. His gaze flicked to my body for a moment before a small smirk crossed his face. “Yeah, definitely not a woman.”

I’ll get you back for that…

I glared at his back, my gaze falling to his ass. I couldn’t deny he was sexy, yet he was equally irritating. Although both Charlene and I found him incredibly handsome, he didn’t give us any attention. Although lately, I felt he teased me a little more… or maybe that was me being wishful. I also didn’t know what to think of that. Charlene also liked him, and she was the Alpha’s daughter… she deserved him more than I did…

I followed him out just as the king slammed two men to the ground, making the ground shake at the impact.

His torso was shirtless, a man-made from pure bulging muscles. His tanned skin was littered with scars and tattoos of runes. Symbols and images depicting war and victory mapped his entire torso, and his straggly chocolate-brown hair fell below his huge, muscular shoulders. He was the opposite of his daughter, who had gone after her mother.

“Just on time. Who’s next?” He asked with a grin as he turned to us, his gold tooth glinting under the lights of the courtyard.

2. A Sparring Match

“I wouldn’t mind sparring with you, Alpha, but I fear I may not make it out alive,” I replied with a small smile.

It felt good to know he was still talking to me, even if it was just the adrenaline of beating us to a pulp that put him in a good mood.

“I hear you have been training a lot more… let’s see.”

That was a command.

One I couldn’t disobey.

“Don’t die,” Theon remarked mockingly, crossing his arms, and placing one hand under his chin as if he was about to enjoy the show.

I stepped out and looked up at my Alpha, amusement clear in his eyes. He knew I wouldn’t even last a few minutes… The two men who had been thrown to the ground got up as the king jerked his head in dismissal.

“I’m not sure if you are reckless or brave.” The king stated, grabbing a towel and wiping his face, which was coated with a layer of sweat.

“A little of both?” I suggested when he turned back to me.

A predatory grin crossed his face, and he raised his fist, lunging at me without warning. My eyes flew open, and I ducked to the left, just as his fist hit the ground, creating a crack. He turned and threw another punch, using all his brute strength. Of course, I wouldn’t last in a battle of strength.

Was it disrespectful to defend or attack the king?

I kept dodging when the king growled.

“Do not run! Attack! You are already a handicap to the Pack by being wolfless. But that is no excuse! I’m sure Will showed you something!” The sudden anger and irritation in his voice at the loss of his closest confidant was raw and clear, sending a stab of pain through me. “Don’t disgrace their names. Show me what you got, or am I risking my daughter with you as her guard?!” he yells.

Of course, he had… I would never let my father’s name be tarnished…

I knew he blamed me, too. Everyone blamed me for my parent’s death. Sometimes I swear they forget they lost their respected Beta. But I lost my mother and father!

I could see it in his eyes, even if he never voiced it… Don’t you get it Alpha, I’m hurting too… I’m breaking inside yet you are all so caught up in your own loss that you forget that they were my parents. Mine. Instead, I put up with snide comments and judging stares.

Since my parent’s death, I had focused on working harder, and pushing myself to my limits. I was seventeen, but I still hadn’t gotten my wolf. Werewolves usually shifted at any age from thirteen. The latest recorded shift was at nineteen. But the average age was fourteen to sixteen for most wolves. Charlene had shifted at fifteen, and I was now seventeen, nearly eighteen, with no sign of a shift happening.

I knew the expectation of shifting and proving my worth to take the Beta position had only grown since my parents had passed away, but there was nothing I could do to force it to happen. I just had to bide my time and wait for the shift.

A flash of anger and sadness overcame me, but I didn’t let it show. The urge to release this pent-up irritation and anguish was rising within me. If the king had strength, then I had speed.

This time when he lunged at me, fist raised, I didn’t duck, blocking it with my arms and gritting my teeth as I felt something break. I twisted, grabbing the king’s thick forearms, and with all the force I could muster, I kicked him straight in the stomach. I hope he realised I could have kneed him where the sun didn’t shine, but I don’t think it would have been very respectful.

He staggered slightly, and I glanced at Theon, a flash of surprise crossing his usually arrogant, emotionless face.

“Hmph… Talent, but no strength.” The king grunted, turning away, a clear signal we were done.

My arms screamed in agony, but they would heal. I looked down, noticing my right one was at a slight angle, but I would not snap it into place in front of the king.

I didn’t reply, bowing my head in submission. I knew what he meant… the fact that I hadn’t shifted or come into full strength…

He picked up a bottle of water, downing it in a few gulps, leaning against the pillar as he looked at both Theon and me. I could feel Theon’s gaze burning into me, but I refused to look at him.

“Do you know why we are constantly attacked?” He asked.

“Everyone wants a slice of the power that the Alpha king holds, and possibly the legend that the one who conquers Astalion ultimately has within their hold the power to rule the thirteen kingdoms and the seven seas.” Theon replied.

That old folk’s tale? I know people believed it, but I didn’t think Theon was one for old wives’ tales.

The king nodded with a smirk.

“Well, that’s a total load of bullshit, but every myth and legend comes from somewhere.” His smirk vanished, and he looked up at the sky. “I trust you both. Theon, we may have only had you here for two years, but you have proven yourself as a loyal warrior, and an honoured member of this pack. I have placed my greatest treasure in your care, and I know you will protect her with everything. You will honour the oath you took when you joined us.”

I glanced at Theon, who was simply watching the king indifferently. Both men were regal and powerful. I felt like an unnecessary extra here. Why did he want to speak to me?

“She saved my life. That isn’t a debt that I’ll ever forget.” He replied.

The king nodded.

“Yileyna, you are the… daughter of my closest friend and confidant, and you are also Charlene’s best friend. I know you mean the world to her and despite everything, you do protect her. There is something I need to share with you both…” His gaze scanned the area, making sure we were alone.

Why did it feel like whatever he wanted to tell us was very important?

“The myth you speak of Theon, the so-called treasure given to the middle kingdom; the heart of Kaeladia, of our world… It’s not a tome or a magical crystal, it’s something entirely different… and the reason no one has ever found it. It’s said to be revealed every few centuries...”

I frowned as I began to piece the puzzle together. He mentioned Charlene... Was she somehow connected?

“You mean…” Theon murmured, but I could tell from his tone that understanding had dawned on him.

“Yes. My daughter is the heart, the treasure that every kingdom seeks.”

Theon’s eyes flashed a brilliant gold, but it was only for a split second as he frowned.

“That makes sense… A treasure to reveal itself every fifth century… because it’s reborn.” Theon mused, realisation flooding his face.

The king nodded.

“Yes, in an Alpha female. However, the thing is, Charlene has shown no signs of unlocking this power. Trouble is rising from all sides. We cannot delay.”

Well, I knew how that felt, having something expected of you and yet… unable to do anything about it.

“What if she isn’t the one to have this ability? You said yourself, once every few centuries, maybe it’s not Charlene.” I reasoned, trying not to clutch my broken arm.

“She is the heart of Kaeladia. Before her birth, a prophecy was revealed. My daughter is the one holding the heart of our world, the powers that everyone on the planet seeks and I want you, Theon, to train her, to push her to her limits until she unlocks those powers by luck or by force.”

His cold grey eyes met Theon’s amber ones. An agreement was made without even a word spoken.

The king dismissed us soon after, and as we walked down the hallway in silence, I didn’t know what to make of it. Something big was worrying the king for him to actually think of pushing Charlene to her limits. I knew he chose Theon because everyone knew he followed rules without thinking of the consequences.

“Do you think you can do that to her?” I asked, knowing exactly what pushing her to her limits meant.

I was doing the same to myself. Sometimes I wasn’t even able to move after training and even fell unconscious at times.

“Why not?”

“She saved your life, and you want to break her?” I asked. Only that was a lie. She never saved him, I did. Not that he would ever find out. Stopping at my bedroom door, I wait for his answer.

His smouldering eyes met mine, and he turned, making my heart thunder under the intensity.

“If it’s for her benefit, then yes, I’ll break her willingly.” A small smirk crossed his lips as he tilted his head. “What’s wrong, Little Storm, jealous?”

“Oh please, jealous of what? Being beaten to a pulp by you?” I growled, when suddenly he grabbed my arm and snapped it back into place, making me whimper at the jarring pain that shot through my arm and neck, making my eyes water.

“No.” He stepped closer, and I took a step back, his threatening gaze making me swallow. My back hits my door, his hands hitting it on either side of my head when he leaned closer. The heat of his body invading my personal space, his chest grazing against mine. I felt his warm breath on my ear as he whispered the words that sent a rush of pleasure through me. “To be broken by me.”

He pulls away, and my face heated only for my stomach to sink at his following words. “I’d offer to break you too, but I don't do charity cases. And now your father isn’t here. That is all you are. You haven’t got daddy to hide behind anymore.” His words stung more than anyone else’s. He was the last person I expected to hear those words and hatred from. He was there. Theon saw what happened, and stopped me from trying to help them.

“Now get to bed and try to stay out of trouble,” he growled, storming off down the hall without so much as a second glance back.

3. My Worth

YILEYNA

Last night’s events were fresh on my mind, along with Alpha Andres’ and Theon’s parting words. I hadn’t even been able to thank him for helping fix my arm, not that he deserved any thanks after what he said to me. Those words played on my mind all night. My arm was something that I could have done myself, but it’s a lot easier when you’re not the one snapping your bones back into place. I hadn’t shifted yet, so I didn’t heal as fast as those who had.

I had woken up with Theon’s words playing on my mind and an ache between my legs that begged for only one man’s touch, also with a violent urge to punch his gorgeous face for being a jerk. Sucks to crave and loathe someone at the same time. As much as I was sure I could find a man to satiate the hunger, I didn’t want just anyone.

I had changed and come out to one of the smaller, less frequently used training fields. No one really came this far out often, and since the pack had in a way shunned me, I felt more comfortable training out here alone.

The rain had fallen heavily throughout the night, and it was still ongoing. The ground beneath my feet was muddy and my boots were completely covered in it. Squelching with every move I made as I punched the tree repeatedly, venting my frustration.

I was wearing a tank top with a leather jacket and pants; my hair was open, and I was completely drenched despite the overhead branches that partially shielded me from the rain. I didn’t mind it. There wasn’t a soul in sight, so I was relieved. I guess the regulars were all training in the indoor courts and halls.

I punched the tree again, the Alpha’s words ringing in my head.

‘Talent, but no strength.’

The tone of his voice made it obvious I was just a failure…

I punched the tree harder, staring at the blood that streaked the trunk. Despite the bandages I had wrapped around my hands, I had still bruised them. The once-white wrap was covered with dirt, water, and blood.

Useless.

A failure…

I was a shame to the De’Lacor name… I was meant to be my father’s legacy… Someone who he’d be proud to call his daughter, the future Beta, but without my wolf, I don’t think that title was going to be mine.

It had been two months, and I knew the rest of the ranked wolves wanted the king to pick a new Beta… No doubt the Gamma and Delta wolves had their eyes on that position. A position that was rightfully the De’Lacor’s. Rightfully mine!

I felt an all-too-familiar stinging in my eyes as I continued to hit the tree. My grunts, and whimpers of pain and effort faded into the sound of the downpour. Weather that truly fitted my mood.

I kept going, no longer focusing on anything but the pain in my entire body. I knew I was going to end up in bed for an entire day after this.

I stumbled, my feet skidding in the mud. I fell forward, bracing my hands on the tree as my knees hit the ground.

“Now I think that’s the best position for you to be in.” A haughty voice from behind came.

Irritation flashed through me as I got to my feet, turning to look at the two young men who stood there. Nikolai and Kyson. Warriors that were of the same rank as Theon, but unlike him, both were trash in my eyes.

It had been Nikolai who had spoken. With his dark hair and blue eyes, one might think he was handsome, but his personality was far from it.

“I don’t think anyone was asking you what the best position for me to be in is,” I replied, acting unbothered as I unwrapped the bandage on my right hand. The number of splinters in my hands were far more than I thought.

“Curvaceous, beautiful and wolfless; I think we have ourselves an Omega… and what are they good for, Kyson?” Nikolai remarked, a smirk on his face.

Anger flared inside of me at the insult; I was no Omega!

“Fucking.” Kyson added arrogantly, his brown eyes glimmering with lust.

“Exactly,” Nikolai replied, his voice laced with amusement.

“Say that again and I’ll show you what you will or won’t be capable of when I’m done with you.” I hissed, clenching my fists.

“Ah… I see you have quite the tongue on you. Maybe we could put it to better use.” Kyson stepped forward; his shoulder-length blond hair was pulled back in a pony, displaying the scar that ran across his jaw.

If he carried on as he was, I wouldn’t mind adding another one to his face.

I scoffed as I stared at them in disgust. There was no one around for miles and in the exhausted state I was in, I didn’t want to be alone with these two…

“How about we do just that? Just looking at her makes me want to bury myself in the little whore.”

“Touch me, Nikolai, and I swear by the goddess I will have you castrated.”

“I think you forget you have no rank anymore; don’t you know what they are saying in court? Theon might take the Beta title… and once he does, you become an Omega by default. But play for the right team and we might just make that experience very pleasurable for you…”

His words shook me, but I refused to admit that. Was it true? Theon may become Beta?

Nikolai advanced towards me, making my heart thunder. His eyes were predatory, like the animal he was. Unmarked women were just targets for men like them, and one without a wolf was the perfect plaything.

“I am Yileyna De’Lacor, and until the king himself strips me of my rank, I am still the Beta candidate,” I warned, my voice sounding breathless and shaky even to me.

“And a beautiful name it is for the flower you are. The king can strip your title, but allow me to strip you of a little more.” Nikolai remarked, his eyes darkening with hunger as his gaze fell to my front and I realised my shirt was sticking to me, almost completely see-through thanks to the rain. In a flash, he grabbed my arm, spun me around, and tugged my jacket off roughly.

I heard Kyson’s sadistic chuckle and felt their eyes on me. Nikolai’s hand reached around, grabbing my left breast.

“Don’t touch me!” I hissed, ripping his hand from my body, twisting back towards them, and yanking free from his hold, only for him to grab my hand and squeeze it painfully. I winced as I felt something break, making me gasp in pain.

I needed to get away from here. Now.

He slammed me against the tree, the jagged edges of the splinters I had created in the trunk cutting into my back. I could feel them embedded in me, making my eyes water in pain.

I raised my hands, using both to push him back, but he was a wall of muscle and one that would not budge no matter how hard I tried. I was as weak as a pup, and he was a full-fledged werewolf.

My gaze flickered to Kyson, who stood there watching, a smirk on his face. As much as I wanted to plead for him to help me, I knew he was waiting his turn… The very thought made me sick…

“Let go of me, Nikolai,” I growled coldly.

He sneered in response and instead stepped right up to me. Reaching down, he forced my legs apart. I shoved him hard, but he didn’t budge.

“You will pay for this, Nikolai!” I hissed.

“Will I?”

Probably not… he was the respected son of one of the highest-ranked families. No, he wouldn’t pay because I didn’t have my father to protect me anymore.

Right now, I was the one who was a no one, even if no one said it, I knew.

He hustled me back, pinning my arms to my side as he forced himself between my legs, and I felt my stomach churn as I felt his hard shaft pressing against me.

Immense rage flared inside of me, like a brewing storm, as I struggled in his hold. Did he really find pleasure in this?

If there was a time to shift, now would be it. I was using all my willpower and strength to fight him, but I had worn myself down. I felt helpless… useless. Even though I tried so hard, and trained so hard, I was still weaker than them.

“Calm down, beautiful. Let’s put this body to good use.” He rasped huskily, making me glare at him in disgust.

“Let me go!” I hissed, trying to kick him, but he had my legs clamped between his, restricting me completely.

He bent down, one hand squeezing my neck as he forcefully pinned my head back against the tree trunk, his eyes falling to my lips as he licked his hungrily.

A move that could look appealing on one person’s face but was sickening to see on Nikolai’s.

Using all my might, I tried again and pushed him, making him momentarily loosen his grip.

I needed to escape!

Taking the chance, I darted to the side, ready to make a run for it, when a hand twisted in my hair and yanked me back.

“Now she wants to do this the fucking hard way.” Nikolai spat.

Something hit the back of my head and I heard Kyson murmur something as I fell to my knees. He tossed whatever he had hit me with on the ground.

“She’s done.” Nikolai’s voice came before I was pushed back into the mud.

My vision was slightly hazy as my top was ripped off, leaving me exposed in my bra. Nikolai climbed on top of me, pinning my thighs under his knee as he unbuckled his pants.

“The Alpha will not forgive you!” I shouted.

He scoffed.

“He won’t care… you aren’t even Beta’s Williams’s own blood… I think you were right Kyson, she was probably born from an Omega whore.”

His words hit me hard, my heart thumping in fear.

What were they saying? What did he mean?

“I’ll show you exactly what someone like you deserves…” He reached down, ready to unbutton my pants, but I forced myself up.

I’ll ask questions later. I needed to get away from here!

No matter how terrified and helpless I felt, I would not let this happen. My body screamed in response. I brought my knee up and kicked Nikolai in the leg, making him fall back onto the muddy ground.

I lurched to my feet and barrelled into Kyson. He staggered, and I turned away. I needed to run far and fast before they raped me.

“Grab her!” Nikolai growled at Kyson.

I ran blindly; the mud slowing me down, my feet squelching as they sank into the ground. Both men were gaining on me, but luckily, being heavier, they were finding it harder to keep up, sinking deeper into the muddy ground.

“Don’t do something you will regret, you bitch!” Nikolai growled just as I stumbled, falling face-first into the mud.

“I would say the same to you too, Levin.”

My head snapped up as a pair of hands grabbed my elbows, lifting me from the ground. Wet strands of coppery brown hair fell over his forehead, rainwater trickling down his perfect features, and I found myself staring into a pair of seductive yet dangerous amber eyes.

“Theon…” Theon steps forward threateningly, and the two men smirk as he jerks me behind him. My heart hammered against my ribcage painfully at what was about to happen.

4. His Rage and Anger

YILEYNA

The rain continued to beat down upon us, washing away most of the mud that had splashed in my face.

He reached up, brushing my dirty hair back from my face. My eyes fluttered shut under his touch, a touch that I welcomed…

A wave of relief washed over me. Theon was many things; mocking, aloof, cold, and arrogant, but he was not a monster.

“It seems you can’t stay out of trouble for even a moment.” He murmured quietly before his eyes sharply snapped to the two men who stood a mere few feet away.

“You should leave. Don’t interfere where it’s not your business.” Nikolai’s cocky voice came from behind.

The gold flash in Theon’s eyes made my heart skip a beat. Even if the rest of his face remained emotionless, the anger I saw in those eyes… for me. My stomach fluttered before Theon moved me behind him.

“As warriors of the pack, it’s a nice example to set.”

“This has nothing to do with you. Leave. You saw nothing.” Kyson added coldly.

I stared at the back of Theon’s head as I crossed my arms over my breasts, hugging myself.

“I saw enough to take this back to the Alpha.” Theon stepped forward and both men tensed.

I frowned as realisation hit me. They weren’t scared of Theon, but that he may be the future Beta… It just showed that rank made you everything or nothing…

The two exchanged looks, mind-linking before they glared at me coldly. The silent promise that this was not over was clear in their eyes. Both men walked past us, only for Theon to grab Nikolai by the collar and punch him across the jaw.

“What the actual fuck?!” Nikolai hissed, clutching his face as he stumbled back.

“Touch her again, and I’ll kill you,” Theon snarled, his voice dangerous and cold.

Both men walked off, but Theon turned towards me. I suddenly felt very bare, despite having paraded in front of him only yesterday... Today was different. The sheer weight of what could have happened to me suddenly made me feel dirty and used. I turned my back on him, not wanting him to see the vulnerable state I was in.

The fear that rattled me, my entire body, was beyond the point of exhaustion. I gasped when I felt his fingers brush my upper back. I bit my lip when he tugs a lint of wool from me.

The silence between us was loud, but I had nothing to say today. My heart thudded when I felt the warmth of his jacket being placed around my shoulders, his scent invading my senses. I closed my eyes. Despite the intensity of the comfort, it brought me, the sheer reality that I was now a no one… pretty much alone in this world, hit me hard.

My parents were dead… I couldn’t uphold the De’Lacor name, and I had no one…

You have Charlene and Theon… I tried to tell myself, but did I?

“Let’s get out of here.” His voice came, and I nodded, clutching the jacket tightly as he turned away.

To my surprise, he took hold of my wrist, glancing at my bruised hands, a frown creasing his brow as he led me away. I looked at his large hand wrapped around the sleeve of his leather jacket, my heart skipping a beat.

He had saved me…

‘Theon may become Beta…’

I glanced up at him sharply, wondering how true that was. Did he know? However, I was pulled from my musings when his grip on my wrist tightens until it was almost painful.

“What were you bloody thinking?” He snarled, startling me with the anger in his voice. I blink, the rain coming down harder as he yanks me after him.

“Pardon?” I asked, confused by his words. His entire demeanour had just changed in a blink of an eye.

“Have you learned nothing since the attack? You should know better than to wander off on your own. Especially after rumours are going around the kingdom!” He snarls venomously and I take a step back from him, startled and hurt. “How many times will you mess up?!”

Was he blaming me for what happened? Does he also blame me for their deaths? Like I asked for that to happen?

His words hurt despite his normally cold, arrogant attitude. I didn’t expect this from him, of all people. “You’re lucky I stumbled upon you.” He hisses, and I jerked my hand from his impossible grasp. The movement does not go unnoticed by him, making him spin around and glare at me. My back hits a tree as I take another step back, making me hiss in pain, my back already stinging from the assault.

His eyes blazed with fury. “Answer me!” He growled, slamming his hands onto the trunk at either side of my face, his chest pressed against mine. His face was so close that for a second I am simply stunned, losing my ability to speak. He was too close…

“Theon?” I managed to murmur and his eyes snap to mine and I swallow as his piercing amber eyes burn into me.

“You’re lucky I didn’t just keep walking.” He whispers harshly, making my stomach sink at his words, blinking back tears that thankfully were covered by the rain. His words anger me too. How dare he say that? Nothing I did warranted what they tried to do. I just wanted to go to train.

“Then why fucking didn’t you?” I hiss, the terrifying growl that left him made me want to take the words back and when he pressed his entire body against mine, pain slivers up my back as he pressed closer. I could feel every ridge of his body and my stomach knots.

“I bet you would have liked that, huh? So you can play the victim. Is that what you wanted and were simply playing hard to get?” He growled. “Is that what it was? Tell me Little Storm, do you like it rough?” His hand grabbed my throat and I struggled against him, trying to free myself.

“Theon! Stop!” I rasped out.

Theon leaned closer, his nose trailing across my cheek to my ear. “I can smell them all over you...” He growled dangerously, the sound sending a cold shiver up my spine and goosebumps spread across my arms.

“Theon, please. Why are you acting like this?” I whispered, my heart pounding as I stared up into those burning gold eyes. His hand tantalisingly ran down my throat to my breast and he squeezed harshly, making me whimper, and sending a jolt of pleasure straight to my core.

“You risked your life because of your stupidity. You let them put their filthy hands all over you. You’re weak,” He snarled. “No one is to touch you…the only hands allowed to touch you are mine.”

5. A Hot Brew & Flirting

I freeze, my heart thundering at his words. Was he jealous because they touched me, that they tried to rape me? For a moment, I’m unable to put two words together, unable to focus on what he had just said.

“Get off me. I can’t believe you’re jealous.” I muttered, shoving him as hard as I could. He didn’t budge, just tilted his head to look at my hands on his chest, making me yank them back quickly. I clutch his jacket tighter, knowing it is the only thing that offered me cover from his burning gaze.

“Jealous of you?” He sneers and tears prick my eyes. “Don’t be stupid. If I wanted you, you and I both know I wouldn’t have to force you. You would drop to your knees fucking willingly.” He taunted coldly.

I swallowed, my cheeks burning with embarrassment and hurt at his words, and I glanced away only for him to grab my face and force it back towards him.

“I’m angry because you put yourself at unnecessary risk. Just like the damn night you and Charlene snuck out and your parents were killed. Have you learned nothing?” He said icily, before letting go of me roughly.

“Now hurry up before you die out here.” He turned away, leading the way down the path.

I hesitated and didn’t move to follow. He scoffs as he pauses for a moment, looking at me over his shoulder, his eyes filled with a new wave of burning anger.

“Or I guess you can wait out here for them to find you again; I won’t save you a second time, unless, of course, like I said earlier, you want them.” He remarks arrogantly. My eyes scanned our surroundings. A violent tremor ran through me because I knew he was right. I’m safer with him than out here by myself. Yet I have hardly been in his good graces lately. “Now! Or maybe I will drag you back to Kyson and Nikolai to finish what they were about to start!” Chewing my lip and I glanced around one last time.

But then what? I couldn’t go home like this. What if Charlene saw me? Or the Alpha? I would just prove to them how weak I am compared to everyone else. Proving I’m not Beta material.

Swallowing down my hurt feelings, I jogged to catch up to him, only for him to grab my arm and yank me closer. He said nothing for the rest of the walk, which gave me time to figure out how to get past the guards and back home without being seen.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even realise we had come to a stop. He pushed open the door to the small cabin.

“Where are we?” I asked,

“My place.”

I raised an eyebrow; “You live at the castle…”

“I have a room at the castle, but this is mine.” He corrected, looking over at me. I realised I had actually never been here… But how much did I really know about Theon? Not much. He didn’t really share, nor did I bother to ask. “Are you planning on letting the rain continue to flood the place?”

I blinked and quickly stepped out of the doorway, about to shut it when he leaned over me, snapping it shut.

My heart skipped a beat as he flipped the light on, and I took a good look around me. It was simple and clean, with a small kitchen area and a table with two chairs standing to one side. On the other side, a two-seater sofa was opposite the fireplace, with a coffee table before it and two large bookshelves on either side of the fireplace.

Two doors led off the room, most likely to the bedroom and bathroom.

Theon walked across the room and through one of the doors. The edge of the bed was visible from where I stood. I turned away, glancing up at the ceiling with the wooden beams and the iron filigree light shades. I had to admit the place looked very cosy.

His scent lingered in the air. It made me wonder how much time he spent here. I looked down at the mud we had stained the ground with, and slowly stepped out of my boots, not wanting to spread the mud and water everywhere. I clutched Theon’s jacket around me tighter, finding comfort in such a simple piece of clothing, yet I knew it was his lingering scent I truly found comfort in.

“Go shower.”

I looked up as Theon stepped out of his room, holding a shirt and some sweatpants. His clothes.

“Thanks,” I replied, walking over to him. I took the clothes gingerly, careful not to dirty them.

“Wear the shirt back to front. I’ll check your back over.” He said just when I turned away, making me freeze.

Check my back? He was going to check it?

“I don’t need-“

“It’s that or we go to the royal healer, take your pick.” He cut in coldly.

I frowned. What happened wasn’t something I wanted others to know. It would not help my case and the rumours would spread fast.

I entered the bathroom, shut the door behind me, and hung the clean clothes up on the peg behind the door before I took his jacket off. Mud covered the lining, and I felt guilty.

I turned the showerhead on and placed my hand under it, waiting for the water to warm, and quickly stripped out of my clothes, carefully placing my panties aside. They weren’t as wet as the rest of my clothes, and I needed to wear them. I stepped into the tub and under the water, welcoming the warmth of the hot water, letting it soothe my aching bones.

Once I had soaped myself, my finger tracing the marks and bruises staining my skin, grabbing the loofah from off the niche I cleaned myself trying to erase the feelings of their dirty paws on my body, erasing their lingering scents. Tears burn my eyes at the thought and Theon is right.

I could no longer hide behind my father. Only now did I realise how much his name kept me safe. Not any more. No, now I am on my own, navigating through the world completely at everyone’s mercy. If Theon hadn’t stumbled across me I hate to admit it but I would have lost the last thing I had left, my innocence.

And without a wolf, I might be exactly what Theon claims, a nobody. I have no wolf and with my father gone, my mother too. If the Alpha decides to get rid of me, I would officially have no one, no purpose.

I scrub my skin raw, turning it a deep shade of red. Maybe if I just scrubbed hard enough I could erase the memories, erase my past failures, erase me. None of that works though and once scrubbed clean I realise I smell a little like Theon thanks to his body wash,

I stepped out of the shower and grabbed one of his towels. I wrap a towel around myself. Glancing around I look for a hamper for the dirty clothes or wonder if I should wash them but find nothing. I place them aside. I guess he took his clothes to the castle to have washed, Omegas or the human staff would usually do all the chores like this and someone of Theon’s status would have one or two Omegas attending to him personally, that I was sure of.

Remembering what Nikolai said made a pang of jealousy flood inside of me. Theon was a young man, one who would obviously have needs. Did he have Omegas for his sexual desires? Or maybe he visited The White Dove.

A deep frown settled on my face as my thoughts got darker and darker. I quickly towelled myself dry before slipping my panties on. My body was screaming with exhaustion and the urge to just curl up into a ball and go to sleep threatened to consume me.

I examined the pants before pulling them on, binding them by the drawstring at my waist. Last of all the shirt, I slipped it on backwards, flinching slightly as I reached behind and closed one button.

I looked at my bruised hands and sighed, picking out a few splinters before I clutched the towel and stepped out of the bathroom. I looked around, noticing the curtains were drawn, the lights were switched on; the floor was clean from all the mud and water, and both our shoes stood by the front door, clean. The hearth was lit with a blazing fire that warmed the entire room up.

Looking over at Theon, he is pouring what smelled like coffee into two mugs. A small smile crossed my lips. I don’t think I had ever seen Theon do anything so… ordinary? I wasn’t sure if it was the right word, but he still looked far too handsome whilst doing something like that.

He glanced at me, raising an eyebrow and I shook my head quickly, turning away, trying not to blush. I went over to the sofa and took a seat, staring at the shelves. Most looked like history books, although there were some training ones and others on other subjects.

“Don’t be nosy.” He remarked, placing the two mugs on the table, and I took a moment to drink up his muscular biceps.

Oh Goddess, this man is made to sin... May I be the subject of that sin?

I frowned at the thought, remembering the incident with Nikolai.

“Drink it whilst it’s warm.” He said, taking a seat on the sofa, and I suddenly became very aware that this was the first time we were in a private place, alone.

I reached for the mug, my arms screaming with agony, when he grabbed hold of my wrist, pulling me back.

“Are you simply stupid, or incredibly reckless?” He raised an eyebrow, giving me a stony gaze. My heart skipped a beat when he took my hand in his, using the other hand to feel my bones cracking a few as he went. I bit my lip at one point, trying not to pay attention to the tingles that danced up my hand and arm at his touch. He dropped my hand, took the other and picked out a few pieces of wood that my body hadn’t automatically rejected.

“Ouch.” I winced when he pulled out a thin piece of a splinter that was embedded in my finger.

He glanced up at me before he let go of my hand.

“You didn’t answer that question.”

“I didn’t realise it was a question,” I replied. Reaching over, I grabbed the mug, the shirt I was wearing slid off my shoulder, and I placed my free hand on my chest, moving back slowly. I inhaled the milky coffee, relishing the smell before I took a sip.

Theon had made coffee. For me…

Oh, I couldn’t wait to tell Charlene, wait can I tell her this? No, if she knew what happened, she might be hurt. I didn’t want her to feel like that because of me.

I sipped the coffee, enjoying the silence as Theon picked up his own mug and downed it in a few gulps, making my eyes widen.

“Wasn’t that hot?” I asked in surprise.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Not for me. I can handle the heat; we aren’t all babies.”

His mocking, arrogant tone made me narrow my eyes.

“I’m not a baby…”

“No… maybe not… Want to share exactly how stuff went down on that path?” He asked, the mood darkening instantly.

I shook my head. I didn’t know what to say. How do you tell someone you didn’t even do anything wrong or anything to instigate that? Besides, with how things were in the pack and how everyone saw me these days, they would probably say I deserved it, or enticed them.

Nikolai’s words were spinning in my head, only adding to the exhaustion I was feeling.

‘…Aren’t even Beta Williams’s own blood… Theon might take the Beta title…’

“Turn around.”

His command pulled me from my thoughts, and I glanced down at the white shirt that was covering me before staring into his eyes. A glint of something I couldn’t make out flickered in them, but his gaze didn’t falter, as if challenging me to refuse. I clutched the shirt tightly and slowly turned my back towards him, holding my mug steadily with both hands now.

I bit my lip, trying to ignore my hammering heart that I knew he could hear too. I stared down at my mug as I felt him tug on the shirt slightly as he undid the button. His eyes were burning into me, and my stomach fluttered as the shirt fell open, revealing my back to him.

His heart was steady, and I wondered why he had such an effect on me.

I hissed when he pulled the first of the splinters from my back.

“You have a few, and you’ve begun healing, embedding them into your skin.”

“Great.”

“Hold still.”

I rolled my eyes. I was already still!

My eyes flew open when his hand went to my waist, gripping it tightly, sending a powerful jolt of pleasure through me.

Goddess, don’t let him hear my heartbeat.

He pulled out another splinter, making me flinch as a sharp stab of pain shot up my back.

“That one was deep.”

I nodded, unable to focus with his hand still gripping my waist.

Goddess…

His touch was like a drug, intoxicating and dangerous, yet so, so… tempting and made me feel all lightheaded.

I felt a trickle of fresh blood drip down my back and Theon’s thumb brushes it up, igniting a trail of sparks in his wake.

“Perfect.”

I turned just in time to see him lick the blood off his thumb, making my stomach flip and my core throb with a desire that he alone could ignite.

I raise an eyebrow at him. “So how do I taste?” I chuckle expecting him to become a little embarrassed at what he did. Such an odd thing to do and for a split second I thought I imagined it.

His gaze flickers to mine and those intense amber eyes fell to my lips and then I heard it, the slight change to the beat of his heart. He tilts his head to the side watching me.

“Curiosity got the better of me. It won’t happen again,” he murmurs yet his eyes scan my face. His words I thought were strange.

“Well, you know what they say, curiosity killed the cat,” I chuckle.

“Good thing I’m not a cat,” he smirks arrogantly, leaning closer.

“You never answered.”

He looks at me with those cold eyes. “Different.”

“Different? Do you drink enough blood to compare?” I laugh.

“No, but I bathed in my enemies, it’s an acquired taste.”

“So do I taste your enemies?” he leans forward, his lips almost brushing mine.

“That I haven’t decided. Do you want to be my enemy?” he purrs and my face heats at his words and leans back, a knowing smirk on his face. Like he knew exactly how he affected me.