Chapter 3 The Mating Ball

Hunter and his father didn't have the best of relationships. They weren't that different, they both loved power and were very corrupt and horrible rulers, but surprisingly they never agreed on how to run the pack.

Nicholas was more of a dictator and believed in being the strongest of all packs. He wanted this pack to be one that gave him glory and fame. At the end of it, he was a partial ruler, he controlled the pack with fear. Everyone feared if they went against him, he would lock them up or burn them with his endless supply of wolfsbane.

No one, not even the Betas, Lucius and Finley dared to stand up against the Alpha's cruel rule and now someone even worse was expected to assume position soon. This pack was doomed. The Silver Moon pack would not survive. Whereas Hunter hated this pack and never wanted to become Alpha, much to his father's displeasure.

"This girl is not your mate, Hunter," the Alpha spoke irritably, banging his fist against the table in annoyance, his nose flaring with anger. His outburst made me flinch and I excused myself back to the kitchen.

After taking care of the dishes and cleaning up the whole house, I retired to the basement-my room. I lay down on my mat, my muscles ached so badly. I felt worn out and weak to my core. My eyelids were heavy, sleep was fast approaching but I hadn't had my bath yet.

I contemplated going to the stream to bathe or just sleeping, choosing the latter. I pulled myself up with a lot of effort, standing to my feet. I picked my towel and bar of non-fragrant soap from the small cabinet beside my mat.

Grabbing extra clothes, I slipped out of the basement and towards the stream, my body swaying with the cold breeze that blew through the air. Winter was coming, if the little frosts falling from the skies told me anything. I increased my pace, ducking when I saw anyone passing. I didn't need any of the guards watching me while I bathed.

Only the thought had my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

I walked further into the forest, depositing my extra clothes and towel behind a tree. I stripped down, my teeth chattering when the cold hit my skin. I rushed to the stream, sighing when the warm water hit my tired limbs.

I lathered my soap, using my wash sponge to scrub my aching body. Hastily I dipped my hair into the stream, a blissful sigh leaving my lips once the now cool water hit my hot throbbing skull. I both loved and hated the cold.

I loved it because I absolutely adored the little snowflakes that danced in the air, creating beautiful glaciers. The snow was so gorgeous and its beauty ethereal, but I hated how easily I caught a cold during the winter.

Quickly I washed out my hair and dried myself off.

Slipping into my hand-knitted sweater, faded jeans and combat boots, I padded along the forest to the stone path towards the pack grounds. I quickened my steps once the snow began falling quickly.

Arriving at my room, I plopped down on my mat, pulled my hair into a side braid and kicked off my shoes. I buried myself under my tarp and tried to fall asleep despite the amount of pain I was feeling. It would all be over soon, I tried to tell myself over and over again with each painful ache of my muscles. My eyes finally draped closed and I succumbed to the darkness.

I was awoken by the chilling feeling of someone in my room. I was in complete darkness, but even at that I could feel someone's presence with me.

I shut my eyes tight, my heart thumped furiously in my chest and my breathing became laboured as fear crept into me. A cold shiver ran up my spine when I felt a slow breath against my ear. "I swear I will make you mine, Audrey," a familiar voice whispered into my ear, making me squeeze my eyes even tighter. It was Hunter. I felt his cold fingers against my cheek, slowly caressing my skin.

Sugars

I willed myself not to scream or cry. If I kept still, maybe he'd go away. I could feel him hovering over me. A few minutes turned into hours and he just remained there, watching me as I slept-or at least he thought I was sleeping.

"My beautiful mate," he said, leaning down to inhale my scent, making me almost gag.

Oh goddess

I finally felt him rise, but he remained in my room. It was easy to tell he was still here, the room was very little and his tall form made the space feel even more suffocating. "When I become Alpha I will have you by my side."

I heard his soft footsteps fade away and the creaking sound of my room door closing resonated through the room.

I stayed still, scared he was still in my room. After a few minutes of silence, I let out a heavy breath, tears rolling down my cheeks. I sighed, sitting up almost hitting my head.

I wiped at my tears, sniffling slightly. Just two more days, after the mating ball I would be free and would leave everything behind and start fresh somewhere else.

~

I was always used to waking up very early to start my chores, but this, this was way too early. I didn't get much sleep after Hunter's visit to my room.

I woke to the screams of Luna demanding me to be downstairs in my uniform in the next 5 minutes. I didn't have enough time to bathe, so I pulled my stringy curls into a quick bun to prevent it from getting in the way, but it came loose, falling at the nape of my neck. I didn't have much time to focus on it, so I hastily changed into my uniform.

I uncomfortably pulled down at the hems, hating the way it rose and exposed my legs. The first time I got it was five years ago and now it was way too short for my liking. I grimaced when I looked at my reflection in the window once again. I didn't need unnecessary attention on me, especially not the one I knew I would get from Hunter. Deciding to just suck it up, I wrapped my white hand-knitted sweater around my waist, hoping it would do its job and cover the back of my exposed thighs.

I padded down the stairs, careful not to move too much to avoid my dress flying up. I knew if I asked, I wouldn't be allowed another uniform, so I had to make do with this. I joined the rest of the omegas-five in total-to load the packaged essentials into the carriages.

We were to be transported in a separate carriage and taken to the venue before the rest of the pack members arrived. I walked back into the kitchen to grab the last packet of food. I checked the cabinets, the pantry, but I didn't find it. I crouched down to check the lower cabinets, but it still wasn't there.

Spotting it on the counter, I picked it up and opened it, the smell wafting up my nostrils making my stomach growl. I shut my eyes tight, reigning in the temptation to take a bite. I still felt my head throbbing and my lack of sleep last night wasn't helping matters.

Today was going to be a busy day and my punishment still extended to the ball. I didn't know how I would survive. I still felt dizzy and my limbs ached, but I had to go through this to come out free at the end of the day.

If I made the mistake of slipping up or not doing my job well, I knew the Alpha would make it his personal obligation to hunt me down and make my life a living hell.