Chapter 1 One

Kira

In the omega camp, everyone's worst nightmare was to become the subject of gossip among older females. Our mamas were brutal and their words stung more than a poisonous bee.

“Mind your business, don't gather attention to yourself or speak out of turn,” my mom would always say.

Unfortunately, on the night of my eighteenth birthday, things took a wrong turn for me when an ugly rumor started making its rounds within the pack.

Stuck in the most godforsaken place on earth, with the constant buzzing of mosquitoes and bugs in the leaking tent shared with my mum, I longed for a different life.

My life felt boring and useless. I washed and fed the gamma's dogs at the vet's clinic, where the high-protein food made of real chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, and blueberries for the dogs were a hundred times more nutritious than my measly meals. Sometimes I longed to eat their food but feared punishment.

Despite the warning voice ringing in my head, I couldn't refuse when my friends suggested sneaking into the main pack to attend Alpha D'angelo's coronation party.

My best friend Amari tossed me an orange spaghetti-strapped mini dress, and as it fell heavily on my head, I wondered where she got it from.

Most likely the garbage bin.

"This dress was made for you. I want you to flaunt your curves to the world, Kira."

Amari wasn't wrong about my curves; slim but blessed with curves bigger than a mountain road. My mom said my beauty was compensation from the moon goddess for making me an omega.

Thanks to my omega blood, we were separated from the rest of the pack. So Amari's plan to make me go out in public like a whore was asking for trouble.

As if reading my thoughts, she popped her banana bubblegum.

"Live a little, Kira. This is our chance to sneak into the pack and have some fun. Your boyfriend is coming with us."

I groaned, "I've been avoiding Zion for hours now. He wants us to make love now that I'm eighteen, but I'm not ready. As for the party, my mum will kill me for stepping foot into the main pack. The folks there are ruthless."

"Oh please," Amari dismissed my claim. "Our moms spew lies to scare us. You deserve at least a night of fun!"

"Stop trying to bribe me, Amari." I tugged on my sleeve, "Who else is going?"

"Everyone plans to sneak out. We're meeting under the oak tree at ten pm after our mums start snoring like a herd of wild animals."

Sighing, I reluctantly nodded because she would never give up until I agreed. Our friendship began as young, helpless two-year-olds, bonding over our dislike for soggy potatoes, a main meal among omegas.

Tired of humiliation and with their masculinity in tatters, her dad, mine, and a handful of omega men abandoned their families. Now, Amari and I were practically sisters, doing everything together.

Later that night, I lay beside my mom on my thin mattress, waiting for her to sleep. Her soft snores was a cue to leave. I pushed back my sheets, slipped out of bed, and crept across the tent. Moonlight streamed in through the leaking roof. Soon, the rains would arrive and soak us to the skin.

I tiptoed towards the small opening in the back of the tent that led to a balcony overlooking the camp.

About ten omegas my age gathered under the oak tree. Zion's burning eyes held mine, shining with raw lust

as he pulled me closer, ogling at my outfit.

He licked his lips like a cat lapping milk and I looked away. Zion was a tall and lanky eighteen-year-old, strong-willed and stubborn, so his recent pressure to sleep with me bothered me.

His palms cupped my buttcheeks and I took a deep breath to steady my racing nerves.

"Tonight, we're going to make sweet love," he grinned, revealing his buck tooth that stood out from the rest of his teeth. It had a slight discoloration, like a tiny coffee stain on a white shirt.

"I'd hoped the moon goddess would pair us before we consummate our bond."

"I can't wait, Kira. Feel my cock, it's throbbing for you. If we don't do it tonight, I might die."

Swallowing my fear, I looked away. Zion was good to me. He gave me food, and affection, and also protected me during heat when other omegas tried to pounce on me. I liked him and had no plans to reject him if the moon goddess paired us.

But now, his demands for our lovemaking were choking me. I couldn't lose my virginity until I was sure he was my mate.

"I know, but..."

"But nothing!" His fingers gripped my hips tightly, making me wince.

"We need to take things slow, Zion. Please."

He became irritated and turned away without another word.

Thank the goddess.

Eager for adventure, a boy led us into the night. My fear crept in and I clung to Amari.

"I said I wanted excitement, not outright destruction."

"Hush," she laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement."This is fun."

We tiptoed past the border gates. Surprisingly, no guards stopped us because they were busy controlling traffic.

Inside the Blood Moon pack was a work of seamless art; graystone houses with perfect architecture, multi-story buildings, gated estates, plazas, good roads with adequate lights and clear markings, and every recreational space imaginable.

The entire pack and even neighboring pack members were heading to Alpha D'Angelo's pack house for his coronation.

The Alpha's estate was impressive. My mouth gaped open at the sight and Amari leaned closer to me, mirroring the same expression.

A very tall, striking gate was left open and several flashy cars drove past the asphalt driveway. We rushed in, running past the walkway lined with beautiful trees, flowers, and shrubs.

The mansion's floor-to-ceiling was made of glass and lit with chandeliers hanging in the corners. A huge circular staircase led up to the second floor, where I assumed the Alpha's private quarters.

The party was loud, filled with laughter and fireworks lighting up the night sky and the aroma of well-seasoned barbecue made my stomach rumble.

"Long live Alpha D'Angelo! Long live the Alpha!" The partygoers shouted, raising their drinks in unison as if they were in a military salute.

"More like long live the imbecile," Zion muttered.

As much as I hated getting judgmental, the Alpha's recently buried dad whose soul I prayed was rotting in hell, never cared about our welfare.

For centuries, we were banished from the rest of the pack. They got to enjoy all the luxury while we worked on their farmlands and fed on scraps like beggars.

We walked past a fountain jet carved into a fierce wolf head with water flowing from its gaping mouth and then past the red carpet.

Despite my discomfort, I felt myself relax and smile. Males and females were dressed to perfection and walked around, enjoying the live band and fine wines.

"We should be able to slip into the kitchen unnoticed," Amari said. "All I want is lots of gooood food!"

She dragged my hand and others followed. We rushed into the kitchen whose countertop was loaded with bowls of chips, fruit salads, assorted cookies, sodas, and an abundance of meat. Zion handed me a champagne flute while I was hoarding some roasted turkey laps.

Muttering thanks, I gulped down the liquid and chewed my meat hurriedly. The bubbles tickled and danced on the roof of my throat, causing me to laugh.

"Careful there. You're going to get drunk," Zion warned with a playful tone but didn't attempt to stop me.

I doused a whole bottle of champagne. That was probably why I couldn't make out what the hell anyone was saying, nor did I realize that Zion had taken me to the terrace.

"I'm going to make you feel so good, Kira," he whispered against my neck, while my vision blurred at the breathtaking view of the landscape.

"No… "

"Yes, baby. When I'm done with you, you'll be gushing like that fountain downstairs. I'll be gentle, I promise."

Zion's tongue traced my collarbone, and then he licked along my jawline. The shock of what he was about to do hit me full force when he kissed down to the edge of my lips.

"Z… Zion… please don't."

My heart thumped wildly as the world spun around me. I clutched onto his shoulder and helplessly watched him lift my dress and strip off my panties. He took my hand in his, guiding it down toward his pants… and then, without warning, pushed me aside and fled.

I looked up, disoriented when footsteps approached me. A breathtakingly handsome man with the body of a Greek god approached me, with his eyes cold with disapproval.

Shit! I was naked.

"What the hell are you doing?" His voice rippled like a murmur. My body trembled when suddenly, a sweet blend of musk, chocolate, coconuts, and strawberries filled the air, and my wolf stirred with excitement.

The male turned sharply, and I almost fell in shock. His face mirrored mine and my gaze widened in realization.

I recognized Alpha D'Angelo from the posters I've seen and my wolf stirred to life, almost jumping out with excitement.

Was the powerful Alpha my mate?