Claimed By My Cruel Alpha

Welcome to Lahpiaro

Five Years ago

kirian's P.O.V.

I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the school gates. The last exam of junior year was over. My heart felt lighter than it had in years.

"Free at last," I whispered to myself, a small smile tugging at my lips.

But this wasn't just about school ending. For me, it meant so much more. Let me tell you why.

I'm kirian Westwood, and I'm a werewolf. Yeah, you heard that right. I live in a town called Lahpiaro with my mom, dad, and little sister. Our town's name comes from two old words - 'Lah' for moon and 'Piaro' for river. It fits because we're in the middle of a forest, next to a small river. And us werewolves? We're crazy about the moon.

Most people here are werewolves, part of the Crimson Crescent pack. There are only a few humans, maybe 2%, and they're all linked to our pack somehow. It's like a small country, or a whole different world.

Now, you might think, "Wow, living in a werewolf town must be cool!" But trust me, it's not all fun and games.

See, werewolves are like wolves. We're loyal and we take care of our own. But we can also be mean and power-hungry. Our pack has strict rules, and if you break them? You're either kicked out or... well, let's not talk about the other option.

It's tough, but most people manage. The real problem? That's Sebastian Wolfe, the alpha's son and the next in line to lead the pack. He's been in my class since middle school, and he's made my life a living nightmare.

I still remember the day it all started. We were in seventh grade, and suddenly, I was Sebastian 's new target. He and his gang - Aiden, Emily, Lyla, Winter, Jeremy, and Hose - began picking on me.

At first, it was just words. Then they started throwing stuff at me - paper, water, even coffee. They made me run errands for them. I couldn't say anything because, well, Sebastian was going to be our future alpha.

But high school? That's when things got really bad.

I can still feel that first punch. I was two minutes late bringing Sebastian 's lunch, and bam! His fist connected with my face. Everyone was shocked, even his friends. But no one said anything. He was the future alpha, after all.

The attacks got worse over time. I kept quiet, thinking I could handle it. I didn't want to lose my family, my home, my life.

Then, six months ago, everything changed.

I was in the bathroom when Sebastian and some of his friends cornered me. Before I knew what was happening, I was on the ground, curled up in a ball as they kicked and punched me.

My vision blurred. I tasted blood. It hurt. It hurt so much.

Then... darkness.

I woke up three days later in the hospital. Three broken ribs, five fractures, and a broken leg. And that was with our werewolf healing!

That's when I finally told my parents. We cried together in that white hospital room for what felt like hours.

As I lay in bed recovering, I made a decision. I couldn't stay in this pack anymore. But I couldn't just leave either. Running away would mean being hunted down. So, I came up with a plan.

I asked my parents if I could transfer to a high school in Lunardel, where my uncle Max lived. It wasn't easy, but they agreed. Then came the hard part - getting the alpha's permission.

Luckily, our current alpha, Gregory Wolfe, is a good guy. I told him about my dream of studying architecture, and how there was a great university near Lunardel. He agreed to let me go.

It was the best day of my life.

Now, here I was, one step closer to freedom. Just one more month of combat training, and then I'd be gone.

"It's okay," I whispered to myself. "Just one more month and it'll all be over."

But there was still one thing bothering me. Tomorrow was my sixteenth birthday - the day werewolves can find their mates. I was excited, sure, but also scared. What if my mate was from this pack? I'd be stuck here forever.

My wolf, Vlad, was jumping with excitement inside me.

"I know, buddy," I said softly. "I can't wait to meet our mate either. But please, Lunar Goddess, let them be from another pack."

As I walked home, lost in thought, I didn't notice Sebastian and his gang coming towards me until it was too late.

"Well, well, well," Sebastian sneered. "If it isn't little kirian. Enjoying your last day of freedom?"

I froze, my heart pounding. "W-what do you mean?"

Sebastian 's grin widened. "Oh, you didn't know? Starting tomorrow, you'll be spending your summer training with us. Alpha's orders."

My stomach dropped. This couldn't be happening. "But... but I have plans. I'm supposed to-"

"Supposed to what?" Sebastian cut me off. "Run away to another school? Did you really think we wouldn't find out?"

I felt the blood drain from my face. How did they know?

Aiden stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You should see your face right now, kirian. Priceless."

I wanted to run, but my feet felt glued to the ground. Sebastian circled me slowly, like a predator stalking its prey.

"Let me make this clear," he growled. "You're not going anywhere. You belong to this pack - to me. And I'm going to make sure you never forget it."

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "Hey! What's going on here?"

I turned to see my best friend, Lily, jogging towards us. Sebastian and his gang stepped back, their faces instantly transforming into innocent masks.

"Nothing," Sebastian said smoothly. "Just having a friendly chat with kirian here. Right, kirian?"

I nodded stiffly, not trusting my voice.

Lily looked skeptical but didn't push it. "Okay... Well, kirian, your mom called. She wants you home for dinner."

"Thanks, Lily," I managed to say. "I'll head there now."

As I walked away with Lily, I could feel Sebastian 's eyes burning into my back. My mind was racing. How did they find out about my transfer? What was I going to do now?

"kirian? Are you okay?" Lily's concerned voice broke through my thoughts.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired from exams, you know?"

She didn't look convinced, but she let it go. As we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that my carefully laid plans were crumbling around me.

When I got home, my parents were waiting for me in the living room. One look at their faces told me something was wrong.

"kirian, honey," my mom started, her voice shaking slightly. "We need to talk."

I sat down, my heart pounding. "What's going on?"

My dad took a deep breath. "The alpha called us today. He... he's changed his mind about your transfer."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. "What? But why? He agreed! He can't just-"

"He can," my dad said quietly. "He's the alpha."

I felt like I couldn't breathe. "So what now? I'm just stuck here? With Sebastian and his gang making my life hell?"

My parents exchanged a look. "We're going to figure this out, kirian," my mom said, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "We won't let them hurt you anymore."

But I could see the fear in their eyes. We all knew there was little they could do against the alpha's decision.

That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow was my birthday, the day I might find my mate. But instead of excitement, all I felt was dread.

As the clock struck midnight, I whispered a desperate prayer to the Lunar Goddess. "Please, if you're listening, help me. I don't know what to do anymore."

Little did I know, the Goddess had heard my plea. And she was about to answer in a way none of us could have ever imagined.

The next morning, I woke up feeling... different. At first, I couldn't put my finger on it. But as I got ready for the day, I noticed little things. My reflexes seemed quicker. My senses sharper.

"Probably just birthday jitters," I muttered to myself.

But deep down, I knew it was more than that. Something had changed.

As I walked downstairs, I overheard my parents talking in hushed voices.

"...can't be right," my mom was saying. "It's impossible."

"I know," my dad replied. "But the signs are all there. We can't ignore this."

I cleared my throat as I entered the kitchen. They both jumped, looking at me with wide eyes.

"Happy birthday, sweetie," my mom said, her voice a little too high.

"Thanks," I replied slowly. "Is everything okay?"

They exchanged another one of those looks that parents do when they're hiding something.

"kirian," my dad started, "have you noticed anything... different about yourself this morning?"

I hesitated. Should I tell them? "I... yeah, actually. I feel stronger, somehow. And my senses seem sharper. Is that normal for turning sixteen?"

The color drained from both their faces.

"Oh, Lunar Goddess," my mom whispered. "It's true."

"What's true?" I demanded, fear creeping into my voice. "What's going on?"

My dad took a deep breath. "kirian, there's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to say it. We think... we think you might be an Alpha."

I stared at them, waiting for the punchline. When it didn't come, I laughed nervously. "That's not possible. I'm just... me. Regular old kirian. Besides, Sebastian is the next Alpha. Everyone knows that."

"Normally, yes," my dad said. "But sometimes, very rarely, the Lunar Goddess chooses a new Alpha. Someone outside the usual bloodline. It's called a True Alpha."

My head was spinning. "But... but why me? I'm nothing special."

My mom came over and hugged me tightly. "Oh, honey. You are special. You're kind, and brave, and strong in ways that have nothing to do with physical strength. If the Goddess has chosen you, she must have her reasons."

As the reality of what they were saying sank in, a new fear gripped me. "What's going to happen now? When people find out..."

I didn't need to finish the sentence. We all knew what it meant. Sebastian and his father wouldn't take this news well. At all.

Just then, there was a loud knock at the door. We all froze.

"Open up!" a gruff voice called. "By order of Alpha Gregory Wolfe!"

My parents looked at me, panic in their eyes. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders.

"It's okay," I said, surprising myself with how calm I sounded. "Let them in."

As my dad went to open the door, I felt a strange sense of peace wash over me. Whatever was coming, I would face it. Because for the first time in my life, I felt like I had the strength to stand up for myself.

The door opened, and in walked Alpha Gregory, followed by Sebastian and several pack enforcers. Their eyes immediately locked onto me.

"So it's true," Alpha Gregory said, his voice a mix of awe and... was that fear?

Sebastian pushed forward, his face twisted with rage. "This is impossible! He can't be an Alpha! I'm the next in line!"

I expected to feel afraid, but instead, I felt a surge of confidence. I stepped forward, meeting Sebastian 's gaze.

"I didn't ask for this," I said calmly. "But if the Lunar Goddess chose me, there must be a reason."

Sebastian lunged at me, but before he could reach me, an invisible force seemed to push him back. He stumbled, shock written all over his face.

Alpha Gregory's eyes widened. "The Goddess's protection," he murmured. Then, to everyone's surprise, he knelt before me. "My Alpha," he said.

One by one, the others in the room followed suit, even Sebastian , though he did so with gritted teeth.

As I stood there, surrounded by kneeling werewolves, I realized my life had changed forever. The boy who had been bullied and beaten was gone. In his place stood a new kirian - an Alpha chosen by the Lunar Goddess herself.

I didn't know what challenges lay ahead, but I knew one thing for certain: Lahpiaro was about to change. And I would make sure it changed for the better.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its warm light through the windows, I felt a smile spread across my face. For the first time in years, I wasn't afraid of what the future held.

I was ready to face it head-on.

The Unfateful Day

Kirian's P.O.V.

I woke up to Vlad, my wolf, howling like a maniac inside my head. My eyes felt heavy, like someone had placed the whole universe on them.

"Happy birthday to us!" Vlad yipped excitedly.

I groaned. "It's too early for this, Vlad."

"But we're sixteen now! We might find our mate today!"

I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. As I got ready, my mind raced with worries about what the day might bring.

Downstairs, my parents were waiting with huge grins on their faces.

"HAPPY SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY!" they screamed as I entered the kitchen.

I winced, covering my ears. "Geez, guys. Are you trying to wake up the whole town?"

Dad laughed. "Of course! Everyone should know MY SON IS GOING TO FIND HIS MATE TODAY!"

"Our son," Mom corrected, elbowing him playfully.

I felt my face heat up. "Come on, it's not like it's guaranteed to happen today. You guys didn't meet until you were eighteen, remember?"

Mom's eyes sparkled. "But you never know, sweetie. Even the Alpha and Luna are excited for you!"

Great. Just great. The whole pack was probably on high alert now.

"What's for breakfast?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.

"Your favorites!" Mom beamed. "Pancakes and Bischoff cheesecake."

My mouth watered at the smell. I piled my plate high and dug in, trying to focus on the food instead of the butterflies in my stomach.

After breakfast, I decided to visit Mrs. Stephwell's bookstore. As soon as I walked in, she enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Happy Birthday, my lover boy!" she squealed.

"Thanks," I wheezed. "But I'd like to live to see seventeen, if you don't mind."

She laughed, releasing me. "Oh, stop it. You'll have to get used to much more... intense embraces now." She winked suggestively.

I groaned. "Not you too, Mrs. Stephwell. Can we talk about literally anything else?"

She grinned and handed me a wrapped gift. Inside was a hardcover set of Six of Crows.

"Oh my god!" I gasped. "This is amazing! Thank you so much!"

We chatted for a while before I headed home to get ready for combat training. I threw on a grey t-shirt and black shorts, not bothering to dress up. It's not like anyone at school cared what I looked like anyway.

As I approached the school grounds, a scent hit me like a tidal wave. Cedarwood, mint, and a hint of cocoa. My heart started racing.

"Mate! Mate! Mate!" Vlad howled inside my head.

I froze. This couldn't be happening. Not here. Not now.

But the pull was too strong to resist. I followed the scent, my feet moving on their own. Students whispered and stared as I passed, but I kept my eyes on the ground.

Suddenly, I collided with what felt like a brick wall. I stumbled, instinctively reaching out to steady myself. My hands landed on a firm chest, and sparks shot through my body at the contact.

Slowly, I looked up... and my world shattered.

Sebastian Wolfe.

My mate was Sebastian Wolfe.

The boy who had tormented me for years. The future Alpha. The person I hated most in this world.

"No," I whispered, tears filling my eyes. "No, no, no."

Sebastian 's eyes were wide with shock and... something else. Something that looked dangerously close to hope.

I couldn't handle it. I turned and ran, pushing past curious onlookers and racing into the woods. Branches whipped at my face as I ran, but I didn't care. I just needed to get away.

Finally, out of breath, I collapsed against a tree. Sobs wracked my body as the reality of the situation sank in.

"This can't be happening," I gasped between tears. "I can't... I won't accept this."

Vlad whined pitifully in my head. "But he's our mate. We need him."

"No!" I shouted, startling a nearby bird. "He's hurt us too many times. I don't care what fate says. I won't be with him."

As I sat there, trying to catch my breath, I heard footsteps approaching. My heart raced. Had Sebastian followed me?

"Kirian?" a familiar voice called out. "Are you okay?"

I looked up to see Lily, my best friend, pushing through the underbrush. Relief washed over me.

"Lily," I choked out. "I... I found my mate."

Her eyes widened. "That's amazing! Wait... why do you look so upset? Who is it?"

I took a shaky breath. "It's Sebastian ."

Lily's jaw dropped. "Sebastian ? As in Sebastian Wolfe? The guy who's been bullying you for years?"

I nodded miserably.

She sat down next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Oh, Kirian. I'm so sorry. What are you going to do?"

I wiped my eyes, a grim determination settling over me. "I'm going to reject him. I don't care what anyone says. I won't be mated to someone who's caused me so much pain."

Lily bit her lip. "But Kirian, rejecting your mate... that's serious. It could hurt both of you."

"I don't care," I said firmly. "I'd rather be alone than be with him."

As we sat there in the woods, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had just changed forever. But one thing was certain: I wouldn't let fate dictate my happiness. I would forge my own path, no matter what.

Little did I know, this decision would set in motion a chain of events that would shake our pack to its very core.

The Stranger in the Woods

kirian's P.O.V.

I ran until my lungs burned and my legs gave out. Collapsing against a tree, I let the tears flow freely.

"Why?" I choked out between sobs. "Why him? Why Sebastian ?"

The forest around me was silent, save for my ragged breathing and occasional sniffles. As the light began to fade, reality started to sink in.

My mate, the person I was supposed to spend my life with, was the same guy who had made my life hell for years.

"Some chosen one," I muttered bitterly. "Thanks a lot, Lunar Goddess."

Vlad, my wolf, whimpered softly in my mind. For once, he seemed at a loss for words.

As darkness settled in, a chill ran through me. I tried to stand, but my legs were shaky. Grabbing onto the tree trunk, I pulled myself up, feeling weak and drained.

Suddenly, a twig snapped nearby. My head jerked up, nostrils flaring as I caught an unfamiliar scent. Not werewolf, but... something else.

I crouched low, ready to attack. A figure stumbled through the bushes, and I pounced, pinning them against a tree.

In the dim light, I could make out a boy about my age. His hair was a startling white with hints of pale green, like grass peeking through snow. His skin was peachy, and his wide, frightened eyes were a stormy gray.

"Who are you?" I growled. "What are you doing here?"

The boy trembled beneath my grip. "P-please don't kill me," he stammered. "I don't want to die."

I tightened my hold. "That's not an answer. What are you? You're not a werewolf."

He swallowed hard. "I'm Jess. I'm... I'm a wizard. I was running from the Whisperer. He... he wiped out my entire town. Please, I mean no harm."

I released him, but kept my eyes locked on his. Wizards were real, sure, but they usually kept to themselves. What was one doing in werewolf territory?

Jess slid down the tree trunk, his eyes filling with tears. "My family, my friends... they're all gone."

Something in his voice, the raw pain, struck a chord in me. I felt my anger fade, replaced by a twinge of sympathy.

"I'm sorry," I said softly. "That's... that's awful."

Jess looked up at me, a fierce determination suddenly blazing in his eyes. "But I have to live. For them. I have to keep running."

He started to get up, but I grabbed his arm. "Wait. You know you're on werewolf territory, right?"

He nodded, tensing. "I'm just passing through. I won't stay long, I promise."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. What was I doing? But I couldn't just leave him to fend for himself. "Look, if you're trying to hide, head that way." I pointed deeper into the forest. "There's a place called Dark Wood. No one goes there, but there's a river running through it that marks the border of our territory. You might be able to cross over and hide there."

Jess's eyes widened in surprise. "You're... helping me? Why?"

I shrugged, suddenly feeling awkward. "I don't know. Just... seemed like the right thing to do."

He studied me for a moment, his gaze intense. "You've been hurt today," he said softly. "Not physically, but... a wound that can't be seen. One that might never fully heal."

I stiffened. How could he know?

Jess stepped closer, placing a hand on my chest. His eyes began to glow an eerie green, and I felt a warm tingling sensation spread through my body.

"I can't heal that scar or change your fate," he murmured. "But this should help with the pain until you're ready to face it."

The glow faded, and Jess stepped back. "Now we're even. Thank you for your help."

Before I could respond, he turned and disappeared into the darkness.

I stood there for a moment, stunned. What just happened? The ache in my chest, the overwhelming despair I'd felt earlier... it was still there, but dulled. Like a storm had passed, leaving only a light drizzle in its wake.

Shaking my head, I started the long trek back to town. By the time I reached my house, it was late. I braced myself as I opened the front door.

"kirian!" Mom cried, rushing to hug me. "Where have you been? We were so worried!"

Dad and my little sister, Hailey, crowded around us.

"Did you find your mate?" Dad asked eagerly.

"Who is it?" Hailey chimed in. "Is it that hot girl from down the street?"

I felt my stomach twist. How could I tell them the truth? That my mate was Sebastian , the guy who'd made my life miserable for years?

"I... I didn't find my mate," I lied, avoiding their eyes.

Mom's face fell. "Oh, honey. I'm so sorry."

"Then where were you all this time?" Dad pressed.

I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. "Can we... not do this right now? I just want to go to bed."

Pushing past them, I headed for my room, ignoring their concerned looks. I locked the door behind me and collapsed onto my bed.

"Don't worry, son," Dad called through the door. "You'll find your mate someday. It's not the end of the world."

I buried my face in my pillow. If only they knew.

As I drifted off to sleep, Jess's words echoed in my mind. A wound that might never fully heal. But maybe, just maybe, I could learn to live with it.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of frantic knocking on my door.

"kirian! Wake up!" Hailey's voice called urgently. "Something's happened!"

I groaned, rolling out of bed. "What's going on?"

Hailey burst in as soon as I unlocked the door. Her eyes were wide with excitement and fear. "There's a pack meeting. Alpha Gregory called everyone to the town square. It's about Sebastian !"

My heart dropped. "What about Sebastian ?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. But everyone's saying he's gone crazy. Come on, we have to go!"

Throwing on some clothes, I followed Hailey out. The streets were filled with people rushing towards the town square. The air buzzed with tension and whispered rumors.

As we reached the square, I saw Alpha Gregory standing on a raised platform. His face was grim, and beside him stood Sebastian 's parents. Sebastian 's mother was crying softly.

"What's happening?" I whispered to Lily, who had appeared beside me.

She shook her head. "No one knows for sure. But I heard Sebastian went berserk last night. Tore up half the forest looking for someone."

My blood ran cold. Looking for someone. Looking for me?

Alpha Gregory raised his hands for silence. "My fellow pack members," he began, his voice heavy. "I'm afraid I have disturbing news. Last night, my son Sebastian experienced... a change."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"He claims to have found his mate," Gregory continued. "But something went wrong. The mate bond wasn't completed, and it's driven him to a feral state."

I felt the blood drain from my face. This was my fault. Because I ran away, because I rejected the bond...

"We've had to restrain Sebastian for his own safety and the safety of others," Gregory said. "But we need to find his mate. It's the only way to stabilize him."

His eyes scanned the crowd, and for a heart-stopping moment, I thought he was looking right at me.

"If anyone has any information about who Sebastian 's mate might be, please come forward. The future of our pack may depend on it."

The crowd erupted into nervous chatter. I stood frozen, panic rising in my chest.

Lily grabbed my arm. "kirian," she whispered. "You have to tell them."

I shook my head frantically. "I can't. You don't understand. If they know it's me..."

"If you don't, Sebastian could die," she hissed. "And you along with him. Rejecting a mate bond can kill both wolves."

I felt like I was drowning. How had everything gone so wrong so quickly?

Just then, a commotion broke out at the edge of the square. People were shouting and pointing at something in the sky.

I looked up and felt my jaw drop. A massive bird, easily the size of a car, was circling overhead. Its feathers shimmered with an otherworldly light.

"What is that?" someone cried.

As if in answer, the bird let out a piercing shriek. The sound reverberated through my bones, and suddenly, images flashed through my mind.

A dark forest. A river gleaming in moonlight. And a figure with snow-white hair, running for his life.

Jess.

The bird - no, the phoenix, I realized - swooped low over the crowd. As it passed, a single feather drifted down, landing at my feet.

Without thinking, I picked it up. The moment my fingers touched it, I felt a surge of energy course through me. And I knew, with absolute certainty, what I had to do.

"I'm sorry," I whispered to Lily. Then, clutching the feather tightly, I turned and ran.

Behind me, I could hear shouts of confusion. But I didn't look back. I ran straight for the Dark Wood, where I knew Jess would be waiting.

Whatever was coming, whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew one thing for certain: nothing would ever be the same again.

As I disappeared into the trees, leaving behind everything I'd ever known, a single thought echoed in my mind:

The adventure was just beginning.Here's a rewritten version of the chapter from Sebastian 's perspective: