AVA

My heart pounded as I pleaded with my mother to stay, tears streaming down my face. I sniffled and trembled with fear as I stammered, "Mama, don't leave me, please!" Sniffing my runny nose, I insisted, "I'll go with you! I don't want to stay here! It's scary!"

"I'm sorry, darling. You can't come with me." She hugs me tightly and kisses my forehead while cupping my cheeks. "You must stay here and don't leave the tunnel until I say so, Ava," Mommy Caroline instructs me, her voice laced with calmness.

She closed the door softly and walked away, but I stayed in the tunnel and hugged myself as my eyes darted around the creepy area. My terror grew with each passing moment of being alone in the dark, cramped space, which only amplified my fear.

All of a sudden, screams echoed outside the door, causing me to panic. What if something terrible happened to mommy? Should I stay put or try to help her?

I need to help her! She's alone in the packhouse with bad wolves surrounding her!

The thought of my mother being in danger was almost too much to bear, and I wrestled with deciding what to do. Eventually, I bolted into the corridor, hoping to help her somehow. I arrived just in time to see her surrounded by a pack of black wolves, yet she remained composed. While the pack warriors around her lay dead, she had already transformed into her white wolf form and was defending herself.

"Mama..." I muttered as I stepped closer.

She transformed into her human form and pleaded, "Go back, Ava! Don't go here!"

"No! I'm staying!" My fear kept me rooted to the spot, my eyes widening in terror as I watched the scene unfold.

As she pulled me towards the tunnel, a sudden attack shook us. A wolf pounced on her from behind and clamped its teeth on her neck. The piercing scream of terror escaped my lips as I stood frozen with fear. I heard the sickening sound of bones cracking as the wolf snapped her neck and retreated, leaving her lifeless body to hit the ground with a thud.

Mama Caroline's eyes stared back at me, devoid of life, as I ran over to her and held her close. Blood soaked my clothes, but I didn't care as tears streamed down my face.

"NO!" I screamed, shaking her body with all my might, tears cascading down my face. "Please come back to me, Mommy!" I begged, clutching her body and crying even harder.

Right then, Papa came with his pack warriors. One pack soldier went toward him, whispering something. The clarity in his eyes changed into a foreboding grimness as he saw me holding Mommy Caroline's dead body.

His muscles tensed in rage as he rushed over us, snatching her body from mine. Papa got down on his knees and wrapped his arms around Mama's lifeless body. He cried out in pain as he did this. "NO! Caroline! Please come back to me!" While tears flowed down his cheeks, he brushed her pale skin and begged, "Come back, Caroline! You're not dead! You can't die!"

"Papa..." I crawled toward him, reaching for his arms. However, the moment I came closer to him, he glared at me, shoving me away.

"Get out, you spineless child!" Papa shouted. "This is your fault! You killed her!" Standing on his feet as he carried her, he said, "Get away from me! I don't want to see you here!"

"Papa! I'm sorry!" I sobbed as I moved up.

He turned to the pack warriors and commanded them, "Take the kid away from me right now!" Gritting his teeth, he growled, "You will pay for this, child! I swear in my soul that you won't get away with this!"

"It not me, Papa! I didn't do it!" I wailed as I rubbed my tears away.

"It's your damn fault!" He came to me, lifted his hand, and hit me in the face. "You're the curse in this pack!"

The pack warriors grabbed my arms and dragged me outside of the packhouse. They threw me inside the dark dungeon—much like the tunnel where Mama had brought me. Papa was behind the warrior, watching me gravel while the warriors cuffed me.

Crying relentlessly, I begged, "Papa, please! Don't do this! I didn't kill Mama! Please!"

"Tie her tightly! I want her on all fours!" He commanded as he moved forward with a whip in his hand.

As soon as I saw what he was holding, I cowered in fear. "Please! It's not my fault, Papa! I didn't do it!"

"Shut up, child! I don't need to hear your explanations!" He hit my arm with a whip.

"Papa, no! Please no! It hurts!" I screamed, my voice shrilling loudly as the first pain of the lash struck my skin.

"You ungrateful wench! You'll pay for what you did!" Another whip slashed my backside.

"I didn't do anything! No! It hurts, Papa!" I screamed, drenched in sweat.

Gasping for air, I sat in bed and felt my body shudder. As if the nightmare were still hunting me in damnation, my entire body was still trembling with fear. The room was pitch black, except for a faint light filtering through the window, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

I shivered and pulled the covers to my chin as the darkness filled my cold, tight room. The nightmare had been so vivid and terrifying. As though it had just happened yesterday, I was back to that day when Alpha Benjamin accused me of my mother's death. No matter how hard I tried to defend myself, they wouldn't listen. He was screaming at me, blaming me for everything that had happened.

After realizing it was already morning, I checked my phone and saw the glowing number three a.m. I couldn't get to sleep since my heart was beating so fast. In an attempt to control my breathing, I sat up, hugged my knees, and tried to relax.

As the hours ticked by, I lay in the darkness, lost in my thoughts. When the alarm finally rang at five, I stumbled out of bed and began my morning routine. I dressed quickly, trying not to think about the nightmare that still lingered in my mind.

Everyone else in the house would soon be up, rushing off to school or work. But I was different. I wasn't allowed to attend school and had to educate myself at home. It was a lonely existence, and the only time I felt alive was when I was lost in a book at the library.

Living in the dungeon, away from everyone else who looked at me with hate and disgust, my life was a constant struggle. The walls were old and dilapidated, and the ceiling leaked whenever it rained. My only solace was the small window that let in a sliver of light but also allowed in the chilly air that made me shiver in my thin clothes.

Learning to read was a challenge that I had to face alone. I scoured through old books and papers, squinting to decipher the words. My clothes were a patchwork of rags that I scavenged from the trash cans of the others in the pack house.

It was humiliating, but it was all I had.

As I cooked breakfast for everyone, the sizzle of bacon and eggs filled the air, making my mouth water with hunger. I ate whatever scraps were left, never daring to ask for more, as the others in the pack house always made it clear that I was not welcome.

"Hey, slave! I'm done! Clean the mess up!" Brittany shouted across the room. She was the worst of them all. Once in a while, she'd deliberately make a mess so she could mock me.

"Coming!" I answered as I scrambled back into the dining area.

I could only sigh when I observed the disorder she had created. Brittany spilled her juice on the floor so she could watch me clean it up on my knees.

"What are you doing standing there, slave?" She raised her eyebrows and smirked haughtily. "Are you deaf? I said clean that shit up!"

I didn't respond to her and went to get a mop from the cupboard. Trying to hide my anger and frustration, I lowered my head as I returned to the dining hall. I cleaned up the spilled juice as soon as possible and headed back to the kitchen.

Even after I was publicly shamed, she persisted in making a mess, which I had to clean up repeatedly.

"Oops! Sorry. I must have a clumsy hand." She laughed as she let her juice spill again on the floor.

'Oh! Yeah, that's just great!' I grumbled inwardly as I made my way back to the spilled juice and mopped the wet floor for the third time.

She believed her relationship with Alpha Benjamin's son authorized her to treat others contemptuously. But little did she know I was biding my time, waiting for the moment when I could finally stand up for myself and show her that I was no longer afraid

"Pathetic Omega! " Brittany hissed, hurling the juice in my direction.

The juice hit my face, and Brittany's snickering laugh echoed through the kitchen. I wiped the sticky juice from my face with the back of my hand, feeling the wetness soak through my clothes. I could feel my face reddened with anger, but I forced myself to remain calm. I grabbed a nearby cloth and began wiping the juice off the floor, trying to ignore the burning sensation in my eyes.

As I cleaned up the mess, I couldn't help but reflect on the unfair situation. Brittany always acted entitled, as if she was better than everyone else. She had a way of getting what she wanted, and it made me sick. But I knew that complaining would only make things worse.

Once everyone had finished eating, I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and headed upstairs to my room. I stripped off my sticky clothes and took a refreshing shower, feeling the water washing away the remnants of the juice from my hair and skin. I dressed in my usual attire, which was comfortable and practical for my daily activities.

As I read, I gathered my hair into a messy bun to keep it out of my face. With a deep breath, I left my room and headed to the library, hoping for a quiet and peaceful day.

I found a secluded spot at the back of the library, hiding from the critical gazes of others. I picked up a book, opened it, and immersed myself in its world. The hours ticked by in silence. I was interrupted only by the occasional sound of turning pages.

Suddenly, the noise of a chair dragging along the floor broke my concentration. I saw Josh, my brother's best friend, sitting before me. My heart skipped a beat. I had been crushing on him for as long as I could remember.

He had piercing silver eyes that sparkled like diamonds, sandy blonde hair that appeared to have received a sun kiss, and a straight nose that complemented his strong jawline. Girls couldn't get enough of his good looks and never stopped gushing over him.

I pretended to read, but my cheeks were ablaze with heat, trying to suppress the blush that threatened to give me away.

"What book are you reading?" he asked, breaking the silence.

I turned my head and looked around the library to find the person Josh was talking to. Was he talking to me? Or was Josh asking someone? Then, as my head jittered around, a soft chuckle escaped him as he pointed the finger at me, his smile showcasing his charming dimples.

"Yeah, I'm talking to you," he said, his eyes lingering on mine as he licked his lips.

"Um, Shakespeare," I whispered, feeling my cheeks warm under his gaze.

"Cool," he replied with a boyish grin, leaning forward and resting his hands on the table.

"So I hear that tomorrow is your birthday," he continued, his face inching closer to mine, and I felt a flutter in my chest in the proximity.

"Er, yeah," I stuttered, feeling awkward, but I couldn't take my eyes off his silver, grey eyes.

Josh's question caught me off guard as he sat beside me, his warm presence making my heart race. I tried to avoid his piercing gaze, but his charm was too much to handle.

"So... What are you doing tomorrow?" Josh's voice was smooth like honey, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

"No-nothing," I stuttered, my cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

"How about I take you out... on a date?" Josh's suggestion surprised me, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was he really asking me out?

"I don't know," I murmured, fidgeting with a strand of hair that fell over my face.

"Come on. Go out with me." His smile was like a magnet, pulling me closer to him.

"Sure," I said, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Suddenly, I heard laughter beside me, and I turned to see a group of people holding up a phone, laughing uncontrollably. My heart sank as I realized they were making fun of me. I looked back at Josh, hoping he wasn't a part of it, but he struggled to hide his laughter. It was all a joke. I was just a joke to them.

"Really, you should have seen the look on your face. Don't think for a second that I'd ever consider dating a schlub like you," Josh said with a mocking smirk.

Josh's cruel words echoed through my ears as I stood frozen, feeling the weight of humiliation crushed me.

"Sucker!" the other guy said behind me.

"Dream on, slut! He's never going to like you!" the other girl derided.

"Aww! You gonna cry, bitch?" The girl pouted, taunting me.

Everyone laughed with Josh in the center. He gave his friends a high-five, taking pride in bullying me.

My hands trembled as I tried to hold back the tears that were about to fall. With every step I took, the joshing laughter of Josh's friends seemed to get louder, making my heart race faster. I quickly gathered my belongings, my backpack feeling heavier than ever before.

The tears that had gathered in my eyes now fell freely down my cheeks as I bolted out of the library. My vision blurred, but I didn't stop wiping my tears. I just needed to get out of there, away from their cruel taunts and laughter.

***

AVA

As I gradually stirred from my slumber, I opened my eyes to the familiar sight of my bedroom. The soft glow of morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm hue on the walls. I sat up, rubbed the sleep from my desk, and gazed over to my desk, where my calendar lay open. My heart sank as my eyes landed on the bold, red circle drawn around today's date—my birthday.

I sighed heavily and said, "Happy Birthday to me," under my breath. The words were full of sarcasm.

Another year had passed, and yet again, nothing was positive about it. Instead, it reminded me of my tragic loss. I was still here, but my mother was not.

Alone and isolated, I had no one to share this day with. The only company I had was the bleak four walls surrounding me. I felt like an outcast, a girl forced to navigate life with no sense of belonging.

My thoughts drifted back to the memories of my mother, and I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt wash over me. I couldn't help but think she would still be here today if I had done something different. Despite knowing deep down that it wasn't my fault, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was somehow responsible for her passing.

I pushed those thoughts aside, forcing myself to focus on something positive. As I scanned my room, my eyes fell upon the modest surroundings that constituted my living space. A small single bed was pushed against one corner of the room, and the walls were peeling from years of neglect. My clothes were crammed into boxes, and the only decoration in the room was a full-length mirror.

As I sat there in contemplation, I realized that I needed to find a way to move on from the past and make a better life for myself. I deserved to live a life filled with happiness, and it was up to me to make that happen.

The attic was a dimly lit space, filled to the brim with piles of old and unwanted belongings carelessly stacked on each other. There was no order or organization—just an assortment of items no longer in use.

It was as if the attic was a dumping ground for anything that no longer had a place in the house. The stale air was thick with the scent of dust, and the cobwebs that hung from the ceiling gave me the creeps. I couldn't help but wonder why they had stored so much unnecessary trash up here, as most of it was utterly excessive.

As for showering, I had no choice but to use the bathroom everyone else used. It was always an uncomfortable experience for me, trying to time it just right so that I could avoid bumping into anyone else. I didn't want to draw any attention to myself, especially since I already felt like an outsider.

I dragged myself out of bed and into the day, weighed down by the persistent feeling that nothing was changing in my situation. It was a constant cycle of cleaning up after everyone, doing their laundry, and cooking their meals.

My life felt like a dead end.

But today was different—it was Saturday—everyone was home. I quickly got to work, making breakfast and cleaning the house from top to bottom. It was gruelling, especially since they watched my every move while I cleaned. It was as if they were waiting for me to make a mistake so they could criticize me.

Finally, after hours of cleaning, I finished all my daily chores. Fortunately, cooking dinner today was missing from my to-do list, so I had the rest of the day to myself. I returned to my room, keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact with anyone on the way.

But as I walked past Caleb's room, I heard my name mentioned. Curiosity getting the better of me, I stopped outside the slightly ajar door and listened intently to what they were saying. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but I couldn't resist the urge to find out what they were saying about me.

Their crude conversation made me uncomfortable, and I tried to ignore it, but their words were too vulgar.

"I'm going to fuck her tonight, and when I'm done, she's all yours," Josh said confidently.

"Right on that, Josh! I wanna tap her ass," another voice chimed in. As I listened further, I could feel my face turning red with anger and disgust.

"We could spice it up by taking turns with her at the same time. Ya' know, for added excitement, I wanna see the bitch beg for us," someone suggested, and the group laughed.

"The fuck, bro! You porno-addict, that's sick!" another voice said, trying to diffuse the situation.

But Josh was persistent. "Come on, man; let the guy have some fun.," he complained.

The others seemed hesitant at first but soon warmed up to the idea. "Josh is right, dude. It could be fun," someone else suggested.

"You fucking want an orgy with your friends while gangbanging that poor girl?" He scoffed. "I can't believe you."

"And why the hell not? It's fun!" Josh retorted as I heard hoots and claps accompanying them.

"Yeah!" another person agreed. "Let's fuck that swot! I wanna pop her damn cherry, bro!"

While listening, my heart raced erratically. Hearing these guys discuss their plan, as though I were a commodity to be traded, made the hair on my nape stand on end.

"Guys, chill out," Josh interrupted. "We'll all get our turn. If she protests, we'll have to force her to give us what we want."

As soon as I heard him, my stomach churned in fear. I wanted to confront Josh and his friends and warn them against such a horrendous thing, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. They wouldn't listen, and I didn't want to endanger myself. Instead, I quietly walked away from the door and retreated to my room, feeling violated and helpless.

I wasn't just going to let them take away the only precious thing I had left. I was saving myself for my mate when I found him. They could ruin me if I just sat and did nothing.

As I stood frozen in the hallway, I heard Josh calling out Caleb's name. My heart raced as I listened to their conversation, not daring to move an inch.

"You alright with that, Caleb?" Josh asked, his tone low and conspiratorial. I held my breath, waiting for Caleb's reply.

"What the hell you want to do with her is none of my business," snarled Caleb angrily. "My mom would still be alive if that whore hadn't killed her."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized what they were discussing. It had been two years since Luna Caroline had passed away, but the wounds were still fresh. Like how his father, Alpha Benjamin, despised me, Caleb hated me to the core.

"Good," Josh said, and I knew I had to act fast.

I hurried back to my room, my mind racing. With the danger looming over me, I couldn't stay here any longer. I quickly grabbed an old duffel bag from under my bed, throwing in only the essentials I would need. I knew I had to travel lightly to scurry and stay ahead of them.

As I waited for nightfall, my nerves were on edge. Before they executed their plan, I had to leave. I sat in my room, nervously thrumming my fingers against my thighs, my heart pounding. I couldn't stay here any longer, not with the threat that now hung over me.

When the sun finally set, I threw on an oversized hoodie and pulled the hood up over my head. I took my bag and entered the corridor with my head bowed to blend in with the shadows. My senses alerted me to any sign of danger as I moved quickly, my footsteps light and silent. I wasn't taking any chances—Josh and his friends could be anywhere, and I knew they wouldn't hesitate to do whatever it took to get to me.

The harsh truth was that if they tried to take me away by force, no one would step in to help me.

I was an outcast, a lonely soul, and no one cared for me. Their apathy was evident, as they wouldn't glance in my direction.

Covertly, I sneaked out of the premises without anyone noticing my absence. My feet led me down a path to the woods, but a conversation in the distance stopped my progress. I crept closer, pressing myself against a tree, and cautiously peered around it to determine who was the source of the disturbance.

"Where is he, and why is he taking so long?" An irritable voice complained, releasing a cloud of smoke into the air.

A second voice, which I recognized as coming from Josh, my tormentor, responded, "The fuck do I know?"

The sound of approaching footsteps and raised voices caused me to draw back. However, I paused for a moment when I overheard them discussing me.

"So, where is she? Did you find the bitch?" Josh demanded impatiently.

"We've looked everywhere in this house and still can't find it. There are no signs of the bitch anywhere, bro." someone responded.

"Damn it! Where the fuck did that slut go?" Josh cursed, his hands flailing upward.

"What are we going to do now, bro? That slut might be hiding anywhere," another person asked.

Josh audibly respired. "She's just around here somewhere. Let's split up and look for her. We'll meet at the cabin before sundown."

After Josh gave the order, everyone went in separate directions.

I ran as soon as I realized they were out of sight. My legs pounded against the ground as I ran as though my life depended on it, which, in reality, it did. If their plan worked, I would be a hollow shell of the person I used to be, without hope or joy.

My legs burned as I stormed into the woods, driven by fear and desperation. The night was alive with the sounds of creatures—wolves howled, owls hooted, and indistinguishable noises echoed through the trees.

Every hair on my body stood on end, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. But as scared as I was of the woods, I was even more terrified of being caught. That fear was all the motivation I needed to keep moving and running without a glance backward.

Hours passed, and I found myself far beyond the borders of the pack's territory, panting for breath and unsure of where to go next. I had heard that the unmarked territory was full of dangers I didn't even know about, like rogue wolves that killed for no reason. I recognized how scary they could be because they were the ones who killed my mother years ago.

So, I moved carefully and tried not to be heard or seen as I made my way through the new area. The rogues were volatile, unwilling to follow anyone's lead and always causing trouble. Their unruliness had gotten them kicked out of their pack, left to fend for themselves in a world that saw them as dangerous outcasts.

And now I was one of them. A rogue by circumstance. A threat to anyone who would be crossing my path.

Despite being innocuous, I knew anyone who saw me wouldn't hesitate to kill me on sight. As a result, I kept moving—walking and sprinting—until the morning light replaced the darkness.

My heart pounded as I continued running. It was then that I froze as a voice cut through the silence.

"Someone is over here."

Panic set in as I frantically searched for a place to hide, but there was nowhere to go—I was standing alone in the middle of an open field.

'Shit! What am I going to do?' I nibbled my teeth as I stood like a rock in my spot.

"Stay still," a commanding male voice boomed behind me.

When I saw the enormous brown wolf walking toward me with authority and power in every step, my eyes grew wide with fear. Gripping my bag straps tightly, I followed its movements with wary eyes.

"Who are you?" I gulped as I hugged my bag to my chest. Extending my hand, I stepped back and warned him, "Don't come near me."

"I said don't move," he warned as his foot padded toward me deliberately.

As the wolf circled me, I couldn't tear my gaze away from its ocean-blue eyes. I was completely mesmerized. As our eyes met, I was under a spell, and the world around me faded. Something was echoing in my mind, some primal understanding I couldn't grasp.

I felt a surge of heat, and a shiver ran up my spine as the wolf stared at me intently. The wolf tilted its head inquisitively, and I couldn't help but find the simple gesture adorable. Despite my fear, I couldn't shake the strange sense of connection between us, as if, for a moment, we were the only two creatures in the world.

The wolf lunged at me, sending me tumbling to the ground. But when I looked up, I saw a man—a naked man—straddling me. My face burned with heat as my gaze flickered across his sculpted features, unable to look away from his chiselled jawline and full lips.

His deep blue eyes gazed down at me, frowning with confusion. I couldn't help but notice how his black hair fell messily around his face or how his long lashes brushed his cheeks.

It was as if time had frozen, and nothing else mattered at that moment but him. His prominent cheekbones, chiselled jawline, and full, lush lips caused my throat to dry.

Dear Moon Goddess! Help me! He was flawless in every way.

Without thinking, I reached up to touch his hair, running my fingers through the soft strands. He closed his eyes and let out a low groan, and as he opened them again, they were rimmed with gold.

The man's lips parted, revealing his sharp canines as he emitted a low growl. With a deep intensity, he spoke a single word, only four letters long, that made me tumble into discombobulation.

"MINE."

***

AVA

With eyes wide open, I blinked in bafflement. Did I just hear him say 'Mine'—that I was his possession?

"What the hell are you talking about?" I hissed. My mind finally cleared as his words registered in my brain.

"Mine..." he groused, his nose flaring as he whiffed my hair.

"Get off me, you brute beast! I told you that I'm not yours!" I insisted as I wiggled my way out of him, trying to push him away.

His expression twisted into a furious scowl, and before I could react, he pinned my hands above my head. I struggled against his hold, but it was like fighting a brick wall. He leaned in close, his breath hot on my skin as he spoke through gritted teeth.

"Mine! You're my mate!" he growled.

My heart stuttered at the word, and suddenly everything made sense. I recognized how the man's eyes crinkled at the corners, the sound of his voice, and the scent that clung to him like a second skin.

He was my mate, and I was his.

'Oh, Goddess! I found my mate!'

The base of my spine tingled with warmth, and I felt a chill travel up my body. In my mind, I kept hearing the word "mate" repeated over and over again. It was barely audible, but I could make out enough to know that my wolf was emerging from its den.

As if sensing my realization, a jolt of electricity shot through my body, leaving me gasping for breath. The mate bond drew me towards him, sucking me in as I again became lost in his eyes. As I stared into his piercing eyes, I forgot about everything else around us. But something dark and dangerous lurking beneath the surface of this stranger's beauty and power sent a chill down my spine.

The weight of his naked body on top of mine made me squirm uncomfortably. My heart raced as I realized I had never been in such an intimate situation. The fact that he was my mate didn't make it any less awkward. I bit my lip nervously and tried to think of something to say to break the tension.

"Er, uu, them..." I muttered, feeling a blush creeping up my neck.

He must have sensed my unease because he quickly got off me and pulled on a pair of shorts. I quickly turned away because I didn't want to see more of his naked body. But as he turned around, I couldn't help but catch a glimpse of his muscular backside. I immediately turned my head, my cheeks flaming with embarrassment.

'He has a nice ass, though,' I thought, my mind wandering to places it shouldn't be.

He turned to face me, and his eyes narrowed. I averted my gaze away from him and nipped my inside cheek.

'Goddess! What am I thinking?' I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, but the image of his toned body burned into my mind.

I had never felt this way before, but I couldn't deny the attraction I felt toward him. As he walked away, his back muscles rippled with each step, I couldn't help but imagine all the sinful things I wanted him to do to me.

"Let's go," he said, interrupting my thoughts.

I scrambled to my feet, feeling a little dizzy as I tried to shake off the lustful thoughts clouding my mind. He didn't even offer to help me up, striding away from me as if nothing had happened. I sat there momentarily, staring at his retreating figure in disbelief.

How can he be so insensitive and rude after what just happened?

"Oh, who said I was going with you? I don't know where you're taking me, so I'm not going with you." I protested, planting my feet firmly on the ground, determined not to let this stranger take me anywhere, even if he claimed to be my mate.

His gaze turned steely, and I could see the anger simmering below the surface.

"You are going with me, Mate. Don't make me repeat myself," he growled through gritted teeth, the veins in his arms bulging as he tried to control his temper.

"I said I'm not going anywhere with you," I reiterated, my voice rising in defiance as I glared at him.

He stood there for a moment, his jaw clenched tightly, before turning to exchange a few words with the other man standing nearby. I watched as they spoke in hushed tones, wondering what they could discuss about me.

As he tried to control his wolf, all of a sudden, his eyes started to flash from blue to gold. I took a step back, wary of what might happen next.

After a few seconds, his eyes changed to their usual blue colour, and he walked purposefully over to me. I attempted to retreat, but he moved too quickly and threw me over his shoulder like a potato sack.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" I shouted, pounding my fists against his broad back. "Get me down, you monster! I'm not coming with you!" But he didn't seem to budge, and I soon gave up, wincing at the pain in my hands.

'Oww! Why does his skin have to be made of metal?' I cried mentally as I rotated my wrist, feeling the pressure in my wrist.

"What made you silent? Aw, sweetheart, did the cat get your tongue?" he taunted, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"I'm not your sweetheart, so don't call me that!" I snapped, my tone sharp and defensive.

He slapped my buttocks and rested his arms on their undersides. "I'm sorry, but I don't take orders from rogues," he retorted, his voice laced with venom.

Turning to face him, I argued back, "I'm lost! And I'm not a rogue!" I wiggled my body to escape his hold, but he held me tightly. "Get me down, will you?!"

"Lost?" he repeated skeptically. "So, wandering around in our pack's borders doesn't make you a rogue?" The man gruffly chuckled.

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes! I just happened to stumble into your pack's territory since I lost my way in the woods.

"I damn well know what that fucking means. You don't have to tell it to me as though it came from a fucking dictionary, swot," my claimed mate cut me off as he rolled his eyes.

My cheeks blushed at his statement. I was so taken aback by it that it was the first time I found myself lost for words. Sighing exasperatedly, I struggled to move out of his grip. He noticed my eagerness to flee when he grasped me tightly.

Huffing out loud, I pleaded, "Will you put me down? I have a pair of legs and feet. And I'm perfectly capable of walking on my own."

"And have you running away from me? Nope," he replied curtly, his hold on me unrelenting.

'Jerkass!' I thought to myself.

"Fine! If that's the case, where are you taking me then?" I asked, my voice laced with resignation.

"Back to the pack house," he answered, and my body stiffened with apprehension.

"No!" My body tensed as soon as I heard it. Josh and his group of friends might still be there! I couldn't afford to be back there!

Alarmed by it, I tried to wiggle from his grasp as I pleaded, "Please don't take me back there. I'm begging you."

"Relax, sweetheart. I'm going to take you back to the wolf pack up north," he assured me.

I felt a glimmer of hope as I realized he wasn't taking me back to my pack. However, as the realization of where he was taking me to set in, my heart began to race with fear.

The North Pack.

It was a legendary pack known for its immense power and feared alpha, who was said to be merciless and ruthless. The North Pack's Alpha had a reputation for executing trespassers without a second thought, and the stories of his many victims had spread far and wide. I couldn't bear the thought of becoming one of them.

Despite his fearsome reputation, I had never seen or heard what the alpha looked like. He was considered reclusive and kept his appearance hidden from outsiders whenever he left the pack. The unknown only added to my growing sense of dread.

"Please allow me to leave. I didn't intend to intrude, nor am I looking to cause any trouble. Please, I beg you! Don't bring me to your alpha, please. I don't want to die! He'll kill me!" I begged, my voice trembling with fear.

As soon as I mentioned the alpha, the man stiffened momentarily before eventually relaxing.

My heart was pounding so hard in my chest that I was sure he could hear it. I was dangling over his broad shoulder like a rag doll, my legs and arms flailing helplessly. I had never felt so helpless in my life.

"Please," I begged, my voice shaking. "I'm not ready to die."

"Be quiet!" he barked, his voice laced with venom.

Tears stung my eyes as I tried to plead with him. "Please-"

"I said to fucking be quiet!" he growled, his grip tightening around me.

I fell silent, too scared to even breathe. I didn't want to anger him any further. My mind raced with various scenarios, but none were worth pondering. I was at the mercy of a stranger taking me to meet the most feared alpha in the world.

I couldn't help but feel like fate had betrayed me as we walked. Meeting your mate was supposed to be the most magical moment of your life, filled with love and joy. But instead, I was being carried away like a criminal to meet my fate.

"What will the Alpha of the North Pack do to me? Will he kill me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Fear gripped me so tightly that I could scarcely breathe.

"You can't let him kill me. You're my mate," I pleaded, desperate for reassurance.

But he still didn't answer.

He didn't answer me. Instead, we walked in silence, with only the sound of our footsteps echoing through the trees.

"Hey, stranger! Can you please answer me?" I shouted, my fear and frustration boiling over.

And yet, there was still no response.

I pouted, feeling like a child throwing a tantrum. I knew it was useless, but I couldn't help it. Eventually, we emerged from the woods and began walking up a flight of steps. My heart was in my throat as I realized we were getting closer to my fate.

The world spun around me as the brute marched me into a village. A few faces looked in my direction, their expressions a mix of curiosity and fear. I struggled to keep my bearings, feeling nauseous and lightheaded from the rough handling. He treaded toward an old hut, dragged me up a flight of stairs and into a room, dropping me unceremoniously on the floor.

I took a moment to steady myself, focusing on the cold, hard ground beneath me. Gradually, my vision cleared, and I looked up, my eyes settling on the man who had taken me. I glared at him, my mind racing with fear and confusion. I had expected to face the alpha, not to be manhandled by some stranger.

"Hey, mongrel! Why did you bring me here?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady despite the quivering in my stomach.

"Because you're my mate," he said, his voice low and hoarse. "You'll stay here from now on."

I shook my head in disbelief. Contesting with him, I answered, "What? No! I'm not going to stay here! I need to leave!"

Quickly, I bolstered through the door, but he slammed it and pushed me up against it before I could get out. I gasped as his body pressed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. His hot breath tickled my neck as he leaned closer, taking in my scent.

"If I were you, I'd accept it sooner," he whispered, his lips brushing my earlobe. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through my body, leaving me breathless and wanting more. I struggled to resist, but I couldn't deny the primal desire that was building within me.

"I won't let you keep me here," I retorted, my fists clenching in anger.

"Oh, sweetheart. You don't know me well yet," he said, his eyes piercing into mine as he stepped away. "I can, and I will if I want to."

He pushed me aside and slipped out the door, locking it from the outside. I tried the doorknob, but it was no use. I banged my fists against the door, shouting for him to let me out.

"Let me out of here! Now!" I banged my fists against the door. "You can't keep me here!" I yelled, hoping that someone, anyone, would hear me.

As my frustration grew, I sank to the floor, resting my back against the door. I covered my face with my hands and took a deep breath to calm myself down.

He brought me here for no apparent reason. What was his problem with me, anyway? And why was he treating me like this?

Shouldn't he have been more loving and understanding if he was really my mate? I had always imagined that finding my mate would be the most beautiful moment of my life, but this was far from it. Instead, I was trapped in this strange place, locked in a room by a man who claimed to be my destined mate. It felt like the universe was playing a cruel joke on me.

I couldn't believe it.

All my life, I had been waiting for the moment I would finally meet my mate. I had always imagined it to be the most romantic and magical moment of my life, but this was far from it. When he declared me his mate, I thought he would ask me to go with him and shower him with his love and warmth. But instead, the man brought me back to the North Pack—his pack, which was against my will.

He then locked me in a room like I was more of a prisoner than his mate!

Did he even care about what I wanted?

Did he care about how scared and confused I was feeling?

I only wanted to return to my own pack and forget this had happened. But I couldn't deny that he had claimed me as his mate. Was that enough for me to stay with him and accept my fate? The uncertainty and confusion consumed me, leaving me with more questions than answers.

After all, he is my fated mate. That should mean something.

It had to mean something, right?

***