Claimed By My Ruthless Mate

I sat alone in the shadows, my thoughts filled with anguish and desolation. I hated myself. I didn't know why I was even born. I kept asking myself that for several years.

I stared at my skin filled with glaring bloody claw marks, they were stinging as hell. I stared my reflection, I was a mess.

With shaking hands, I took the old cloth and carefully wiped the dry blood from my forehead.

The cloth was rough and scratchy, and it hurt to touch the cut. I felt the sting of the wound, the pain radiating through my head.

Damn! These pack members were so cruel.

They indeed clawed me deep. Even though I was the daughter of ALPHA, they still considered me inferior to Omega.

Because my alpha family resented me more than any of them. The enjoyed seeing the wounds in my body.

I gritted my teeth, trying to stay calm, but it was difficult. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I continue to wipe away the blood, revealing a deep gash on my forehead.

I could feel the warmth of the blood on my skin, and it made me feel faint. I took a deep breath, trying to stay focused and steady

The sound of the pounding on the door startled me and I quickly hid the little gift box on the table, and limped to get the creaking old door before whoever was out there would break it.

"You're called." I heard someone say, then the footsteps began to retreat.

I stared around the room I was in. I was one of the room in the servant quarters. The door was old, the roof was leaking and I could barely sleep at night because of the extreme cold that flowed through the windows. I always slept on the bare ground after having some clothes laid beneath it.

Dragging myself to the dining hall despite being a mess, I got scared on seeing the other maids already there, their heads bowed, it made me frown.

My eyes flew to my parents who sat on the dining table, Violetta whispering something before their eyes flew to me. Their usually expression of disgust and loathe appeared.

A self- mocking smile made its way to my lips as I watched them.

There they were.

The happy family.

Dad was alpha of the night pack, mom was Luna. Violetta, the perfect princess, and I Penelope, the perfect slave.

"Come here!" My stepmother, snapped from the table, her gold earrings dangled, while Violetta flicked her hair with cruel smirk, Dad's expression was neither different, it was the usual cold look.

"Mom"

"May the moon of goddess curse your filthy mouth for calling me that! I'm never your Mom, you disgust me!" She yelled, my heart squeezed painfully.

My eyes stung and I looked down, bitting my lips to stop myself from tearing up.

Dad spoked up, leaning on his chair. "So you got into a fight with some pack members when you have lots of chores to do in the mansion?"

I started at the giggling Violetta, once again it was her! The wicked witch, always takes an opportunity to discredit me in front of my parents! I tried to explain but my stepmother never gave me that chance, she told me in a viper like voice: Get out but bear it in mind, you're going to starve for three weeks! I accepted unjustified punishment in silence, and the torture never ended if I still couldn't get my wolf.

I shuffled my weak steps ready to leave the living room that was killing me, but my stepsister, Violetta suddenly grabbed me.

I expected another slap on my face from her, but she suddenly looked at me with a silly grin on her face. "You piece of shit, you'll get everything you deserve soon enough."

Her threat ware daily so I didn't take them seriously. I was thankfully that Violetta didn't continue to give me painful kick because I had more important things on my mind tonight, and the thought of my lover, Logan immediately stopped the wailing of my agonized inside, the worst thing that had ever happened to me, and Logan was my hope. I already imagined that I would forget all the unpleasantness when his tongue rested on my wounds.

My heart raced the excitement as I stared at the gift box in my hands. I bit my lips shyly on the thought of Logan's bright smiles on receiving this gift.

Today was his birthday. Taking my muffler, I snuck out the room heading to the front door to sneak out only to pause on hearing voices here. I snuck out my head a little to peek.

"Oh baby, I missed you." I heard Violetta say followed next by a yelp when a figure at the door carried her up, her giggles filled the mansion.

My eyes were about to dart away from them when I noticed this figure was absolutely familiar. My eyes widened in horror on seeing who it was..

I felt my heart break into a million pieces, a deep ache spreading through my chest. I watched as Logan, turn to my sister, his lips meeting hers in a kiss.

The world seemed to slow down, each moment in frozen in place, unable to move, unable to breathe.

I wanted to scream, to cry at the scenes unfolding before me. But I could only stand there, my heart shattered into a million pieces.

Still, I couldn't believe this was happening, I took a Step in order to make the scenes before Mr disappear and yet it wouldn't.

My heart turned cold.

So.. This was what Violetta was implying so this is Logan been been a catch?

I marched towards them with furious steps.

They both turned to look at me. I expected them to instantly stop, for Logan's face to in shame and guilt but instead he deepened the kiss, Violetta following suilt.

Fury took over my sense, and before I could comprehend what i was doing, with all my might I pushed Violetta immediately I got closer then, and pulled Logan drawing him my side. She shrieked, staggered and dug in her heels to steady herself.

I huffed out air, glaring at her with unadulterated hatred. At first she looked stunned before her expression morphed into one of anger and she marched toward me

Before I could yell out the anguish in my hearts, Violetta struck me hard with all her might, causing a yelp to escape me and my lips to cut. I instantly tasted metallic.

Hot tears dropped from my eyes as my neck twisted to a side.

"Useless Bitch! How dare you in your cursed life try to touch your filthy hands on me and how dare you touch my mate!. You filthy disgusting bitch" Violetta yelled, her face red with furry and was about to pounce on me before Logan held her back.

"Mate?" I turned to Logan incredulously.

How could this happened? My stepsister,who made my life a living hell was my lover's mate?

No! The moon Goddess wouldn't be so cruel! Logan, is... Is this true? I've always considered you as my mate."

My eyes stung more. I had my emptied my savings to get him a gift. Someone I had considered my knight in shining armor. My lips quivered, the usual sweet smile on his face, gone.

"Yes it's true..." All the blood in my entire system seems to drain. Get something right, Penelope.... I never Love you. You were just a play thing to me. I've always found you annoying, pathetic and stupid. And when I found out that Violetta was my mate, I was even more convinced." Logan grated out.

I felt the floor collapse before my eyes, why? What have I done wrong to deserve this?

"Fuck off! I don't want you to remind me of my foul past on my birthday! Logan slammed into me angrily and I fell to the floor once again.

"Oops.." Violetta giggled, kissing Logan on his lips, while I stood to watch like the idiot I was, my tears flowing.

"What's going here? I heard footsteps descend from upstairs, my parent's coming into view, their eyes dark with confusion.

I open my mouth to lay compliant before Violetta does, but instead Dad snapped

"Keep shut! We overheard everything...

Logan chose Violetta and you need to let go. Let Violetta get what she wants.

I choked, sniffing. "Dad... how can you be unfair. Why always side with Violetta?"

Dad frowned, his irritation evident."

Violetta is more worthy to be called my daughter, unlike you who is useless wolf, a weak, pathetic child, who is nothing but a shame!" He thundered,my heart kept breaking. "There's no need for you to keep being with Logan since Alpha Giovanni is requesting for a Bride between my daughters. Violetta as usual was his perfect choice but since she found her mate, you must be her replacement!"

My world came crashing down around me as my father spoke the words that would change my life forever. I felt the blood drain from my face, the horror gripping me like a vice.

I could hear the words, but they seemed to echo in my mind, as if from a great distance.

Who didn't know who Giovanni was? Everyone knew him to be ruthlessn bloodthirsty,and ugly murderer.

I couldn't believe Dad would be so cruel .

"Never!" I blurted out. Dad's expression darkened.

He roared. "Well for your information, you'd be taking to dungeon and tortured till you agree.

My legs buckled and I slowly slid to the ground. My mouth tasted bitter.

What could be more like hell than this place? I looked at Logan and Violetta disgusting faces as the bile continued to rise in my stomach, I knew that I had to get out of there, I couldn't stand breathing under the same ceiling with these disgusting people for a moment longer

I stared into my father's eyes and gritted my teeth as hard as I could. "Fine! I will marry alpha Giovanni!"

My wedding day arrived three days after the incident. despite how much and how long I had spent on praying to the moon goddess to make this unreal, to make my marriage to the said ruthless man not to hold, everything has gone in vain.

I stood and then sat in front of the mirror, my wedding dress, a plain white dress, hanging from my frame like a shroud.

I felt the hot tears pricking at my eyes, the pain of betrayal of everyone around me, threatening to consume me, I tried to keep my focus on my reflection, but I couldn't help but notice the two figures in the corner of the room.

My ex-boyfriend, Logan and my sister, Violetta whispered and laughed, their bodies close to each other, their eyes full of mischief, occasionally stealing kisses from each other and touching each other in places others weren't supposed to see. My heart was breaking, the pain too much to bear. I felt like my world was ending, right in front of my eyes.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt like I was looking at a stranger. I couldn't recognize the woman staring back at me.

She was a broken shell of who I had once been, her eyes haunted and empty.

I tried to imagine a future with this man, this ruthless stranger who was about to be my husband.

But all I could see was future of unhappiness of misery, of pain. I wanted to run, to escape, but I was trapped, bound by family obligation. I felt like I was suffocating, the air being squeezed from my lungs.

"Don't discourage yourself, PEN!" a voice jumped out and I quickly recognized her as my wolf! After not getting my wolf for my 18th birthday, I thought I would never be able to have my wolf, but just today! she showed up.

That's right, I almost forgot it was my 20th birthday! I wanted to know why my wolf showed up when I was 20, but the room was suddenly kicked open with force.

"You foolish girl! The guest are waiting, hurry out now. Do you need to begged?!"

He yelled again, pointing outside the door.

I gulped.

I wanted to move but my legs felt heavy and wouldn't cooperate with me. I wanted to open my mouth to beg dad, my Alpha who was meant to be my protector and guardian to stop this doom in the guise of doom but lips trembled but said nothing.

"Now put a smile on your face!" Dad sneered.

As I walked down the hall, my father's hand clasped tightly around mine, I felt like I was in a dream. I smiled at the cameras, flashing light all around us, but I it was a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

I

could feel the tension in my father's hand, and I knew that smile wa just fake as mine. We were both putting on a show for the world, Pretending to be happy family on the outside, but on the inside, we were a mess.

I tried push the thought from my mind as we approached the door to the hall, but they wouldn't leave me.

I felt the cold dread creeping up my spine as the doors opened, revealing the hall, filled with people I barely knew. I force my feet to keep moving, knowing that if I stopped, I might never be able to move again.

I smiled and waved at crowns, but inside, I was screaming. This was not the life I wanted, not the wedding | had dreamed of. But I had to keep going, one step at a time, one fake smile at a time.

I walked down the long red carpet, my heels sinking into the plush fabric with each step. The

carpet led me to the altar, where ny groom, stood, looking like a dark prince in his black suit.

His face was a mask of indifference, his expression cold and unreadable. But I couldn't help but think he was the most handsome man I had ever seen.

His dark eyes and chiseled features made my breath catch in my throat. I stopped in front of him, my eyes latched on him. I couldn't believe he was so handsome... and tall, contradicting what had been said about his ugliness. Kaia purred, I was internally happy.

My eyes flew to Logan and Violetta, her expression was dark and green. I sent her a wink, my lips curled.

Logan couldn't dare to compare with Giovanni. My husband was the definition of preternatural beauty.

But as I got closer to him, my senses got more excited, and I knew what it was!

"Mate!" Kaia screamed in my head. Correct, my future husband is my MATE! My eyes suddenly widened, and my heart couldn't contain its wild beat, the Moon Goddess hadn't given up on me! My mate will surely take me away from this hell.

But my excitement was not conveyed to the handsome man standing opposite me, I saw the same shock in his eyes, but soon his eyes turned cold as if he was doubting me and Kaia.

"No! The bad won't be on us forever." Kaia whimpered trying to convince us. While Kaia and I were trying to confirm the powerful man's attitude, the Elder announced that the ceremony had begun.

I had to go up and take his hand, and I sensed his reluctance, but he eventually held my hand. My skin hummed on having physical contact with him.

We took each others' hands, let one of the elders draw our blood and mixed it in a goblet with a colorless wine, asking us to drink.

We took the drink, after turns and then proceeded to say our oaths in the presence of the elders, without breaking each other's gaze.

"From today onward, Penelope of Nightfall's Pack ceases to be part of our member and till death, would remain part of the Dark Moon pack and their Luna." The elder said, raising his hand, before dropping it.

I couldn't describe the amount of joy that blossomed in my heart at the thought of leaving this pack that had made my life a living hell.

"Ahhem!!" The elder cleared his throat, pulling me out of my reverie. We turned to him. "You both haven't kissed?"

A blush crept to my cheeks.

Giovanni's expression turned ugly, making my heart go still.

"It's not necessary. I have no time for that, I'm a busy man and I need to return immediately." His tone was venomous, it felt so suffocating.

me?

Kaia quickly comforted me. "You worry too much, Penelope.

Perhaps he's shy. I believe there would be passionate sex when you get back to his pack, I can smell it."

I blushed again, looking away.

The ceremony was over and it was time for us, the couple, to march out. Before I could take a step, I heard someone scream.

"Wait!"

Everyone turned to the direction, to see Violetta holding the hem of her gown and marching toward me, her expression furious.

Giovanni instinctively moved to shield me, his muscular frame blocking my view. My heart skipped.

"Alpha Giovanni." Violetta says.

"I have something to tell you." His go on, escaped as a rumble, Violetta sighed. "Penelope is a wolfless waste and doesn't merit to marry an Alpha. I mean take a look at her. Timid and pathetic!

How would she rule over your pack as a Luna? How would she stand beside you?"

All the blood in my body turned cold. My teeth began to chatter in cold horror and I swallowed the lump in my throat. My father paled.

Violetta wanted to destroy me but she never realized that she would soon be destroying our father's pack!

How could our father want a stupid daughter but not me? I wanted to tell the truth, but Kaia stopped me. I respected Kaia's advice.

Giovanni stiffened. And then turned. I quickly took a step back on seeing his claws protrude, many gasps escaping the guests' mouth.

"What's this, Angus? You played me

HOW DARE YOU MARRY A WOLFLESS DAUGHTER TO ME?!!!" His face turned extremely dark, each of his words, like a sharp dagger, cut through my heart. My eyes stung.

The next thing I could hear was my dad screaming in agony and Giovanni's claws dug into dad's neck, drawing blood, applying more pressure, I could see my father turning white.

Everyone screamed and I

hesitated to tell the truth but Kaia still stopped me. " Pen, it is not the right time yet because we still can't shift. our confession will only

bring more ridicule."

I fell silent, Kaia was telling the truth, and the scene was becoming more and more chaotic, I should be happy that my family who tormented me finally got their punishment. But when they were literally suffering in front of me, I realised I couldn't bare it.

l immediately ran in front of Alpha Giovanni and shouted. "Enough!

You can reject me! If you don't think I'm worthy of being your mate!"

I saw everyone's expressions turn shocked, they must not have been able to imagine that an omega, who had no wolf in their eyes, was the mate of the mighty Alpha Giovanni!

The joyful banquet scene turned into a dull guillotine in a second, everyone waited with breathlessness for Alpha Giovanni's answer, especially my father, whose face turned whiter and whiter the longer the silence.

I turned to stare at the petite figure who had dared to scream at me, and then order me. And for the first time in my life, my body had reacted on its own. To a weak wolfless female.

I was both shocked and furious.

Her eyes were red, her legs were shaking, betraying the fear despite the strong facade she was putting on.

My eyes narrowed and I bared my fangs at her to snap, instead my wolf wouldn't cooperate.

It snarled, and growled. Daring me to attack their mate. I was pissed.

Taking my eyes away from her, I directed it to the useless man who had tricked me. I hated liars, and tricksters.

"Listen carefully." His heart hitched and I crouched down again to point my claw at him.

"I'm taking your land as compensation, failure to do so marks your death, Angus! This would be a lesson for everyone else." I rose and then turned back to the petite figure.

Penelope.

How strange, her name tasted so smooth and sweet to call. Her eyes were shut. Her chest heaving. An urge to embrace her engulfed me but instead, I clenched my fists. I could tell she was waiting for my rejection.

Silly girl. Who said I would reject her?

"FINE. I will accept you as a mate.

Now, dear Luna, leave with me." Immediately I saw her soul return to her body again.

"Follow me!" I began marching out of the Hall.

I heard her exhale a sigh, before I heard the clicks of her heels follow.

My wolf purred in satisfaction, I groaned in annoyance.

Walking to one of the SUVs parked outside the hall, I didn't bother to open or help Penelope into the car. I slid in, watching her struggle with her gown before she entered.

The cars' engines all came alive, and we began to drive away from the pack.

The car was silent except the sounds of our breaths and I didn't bother to initiate any small talk.

We drove for two hours, before the cars slid to a stop at the boundary of my pack, Black Blood Pack. My pack guards were surrounded around it, surveying for any harmful weapon. Seeing it was all clear, they waved us to move. I was a cautious creature. I have no reason to trust anyone. It was a safety precaution to make sure there was nothing implanted on/ in the cars while parked at the Nightfalls' pack.

The car stopped at the garage and I slid out, this time waiting for my bride. She looked tense, timid and fragile. I gave her a hard stare which made her shrink the more. I rolled my eyes, waving for her to walk closer.

And she did.

The two large front doors swung open revealing my mother, and my sister.

l expected a cold expression on their faces but to my shock, their faces were beaming with smiles that seemed to blind me.

They ignored my existence, brushing past me to go over to Penelope, who looked uncomfortable and skeptical on how to act around strangers, who were royalties.

"Oh my! Dear child, you are so beautiful! Bless my soul, moon goddess. I can't believe I would have such a pretty daughter in-law." My mother gushed, my lips twitched.

I slid my hands into my pockets, watching the women chatter. It was annoying.

"Excellent. I'm Iris, and this is my mother, Catherine. Please call me sister." My sister said, clasping her hands, and rocking her body.

My brows rose.

"Call me mother too, dear. Come, you must be exhausted. We made many delicacies and I hope you like it but first of all, please allow us to have you change." My mom began to pull Penelope who held a nervous smile, she glanced my way and then looked away on seeing my darkened expression.

Just before mom could cross the door, she turned to stare at me.

"And? What are you doing there, instead of following? Hmph!" She harrumphed, tugging Penelope along with Iris, shutting back the door on me.

...

Having my shower and changing into a shirt and a pant, l entered the dining hall and immediately spotted my mother, and sister chatting animatedly with Penelope.

I watched them, a knot forming in my stomach, as I wondered what they were talking about.

I noticed the tension leaving Penelopee's face, the forced smiles vanishing as she laughed and chatted with my mother, I couldn't help but feel slightly jealous.

And why would I be?

Fuck it!

My eyes moved to scrutinize

Penelope, who had changed into a dress. I was shocked at how prepared my family had been for her.

She wore a pretty house outfit, something simple and

comfortable, but it made her look beautiful in a natural way.

I stood there, my feet frozen in place, my heart beating in my chest. I tried to appear casual, like I wasn't bothered by the scene in front of me. But inside, I was a storm of emotions.

I cleared my throat, taking my chair farther away from them, and then began to take up my cutleries to dig in. The chattering ceased, and they all turned to stare at me.

I corked a brow and mom glared at me. "Come sit here."

My jaw tightened. "I'm fine here mother." I said in a low annoyed tone and could tell Mom had caught on to it. Perhaps she didn't want to create a scene before her new daughter in-law, so she let go before beginning to serve Penelope her meal.

I grudgingly scooped my broth, eating in silence and occasionally stealing glances at Penelope whose expression had brightened and she was

beginning to make little talks with my mom.

Right after lunch, I locked myself in the study room immersing myself in different paper works.

But no matter how much I tried to concentrate, Penelope's images kept flashing into my head, disorienting me.

I threw the glass in my hand to the wall, breaking it into pieces and roared. This was a sign of weakness.

It was my dread.

My phobia.

To ever have a weakness.

'Go to her' my stupid wolf,

Braxton kept whining and I wish I could go into my mind and knock him unconscious.

What was the essence of a mate?

I hated her scent... hated the way my eyes occasionally darted to her. I hated the way she looks, it tugs my heart.

An alpha like me wasn't meant to have any emotion of guilt, but each time I stare at her, that feeling of being an asshole keeps coming back.

I gulped down the entire glass of alcohol at a go, without dropping the bottle for once and sighed, staring at nothing but space.

Shutting my laptop, I gave it a hateful look as though it was responsible for not letting me work. Then I slowly stood, my eyes turned hazy, I shook my head to steady my focus.

I dragged myself to the direction of my bed to slump only for the familiar scent of Penelope to hit my nostrils, chilling my insides. I froze.

My hands froze on the door's knob on seeing Penelope making the bed, and getting ready to doze off.

My eyes darted to her fair long legs, my breaths turned shallow. I shook my head but my gaze were latched there.

Anger quickly took over whatsoever emotions that were threatening to take place. Seeing it was me who had entered, she turned startled, then gasped. I glared with loathe.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped, my wolf snarled for me to shut up and I growled for it to back down only for Penelope to turn pale, moving into the bed, as though she was about to flee.

Two furious steps, I pulled her up, she winced as my hands tightened on her. "I. Fucking asked You! What are you doing here in my room? Are you here to seduce me huh?" Her full soft pink lips opened, my mouth turned dry as I stared at them.

Fuck me! They were so kissable. I had no idea what was wrong with me. Whether it was the alcohol driving me nuts or simply because I was exhausted and haven't had a woman in a long time.

She whimpered when I shook her. "Don't you even think you can ever try to seduce me! If you think you're now my partner, and you can do something crazy, then you're fucking wrong!" She winced again but I didn't care.

I wanted this female out of my fucking system. "Of course, Penelope... you would always receive Luna's treatment but don't ever forget! You mean absolutely nothing to me!"

Her tears began to flow and to my horror, my heart which relishes in seeing people break in pain, suddenly begins to break on seeing her cry.

Fuck! Fuck!!

I pushed her away and took a step back, pointing at her in fury, trying to soothe and assure myself, I was still ruthless and a cold bastard and wouldn't change anytime soon.

"I've seen how free you're beginning to act around my family, trying to convince them that I can keep you! What a joke. I don't deal with weak, pathetic, silly people nor would I have wolfless as you are! Never!!!. If you think I'm going to touch you, keep dreaming..."

My wolf growled again.

Fuck me again! This girl's scent was driving me crazy. My fangs were beginning to itch and my body was shaking in rage.

Fuck fuck! A million fuck! Was this what I was about to face?

Having dirty fantasties of how to fuck her rough and wild, burying my cock deep into her pussy, whenever I was yelling at her?

Or how to sink my aching fangs into her olive skin, licking her pulse, and watch her shiver.

Nuzzling my nose into her hair, dragging my teeth from her chest to her breasts and then find the color of her areolas and then sucking on it. Squeeze it hard and then sink my fangs there, drawing blood. Branding her there, while still fucking her. I groaned.

My cock hardened and I sucked in air.

"If I had known you were wolfless, I shouldn't have married you!" | blurted out instead and saw the anguish passing through her features.

Tintended to say I wouldn't have married her if I had known she was so seductive, even without doing a thing.

"Bear this in mind, Penelope.

Although you'd be bearing the title of my Luna, I would never touch you..."

'Liar!' My wolf growled.

... You would just be a Luna in name and would never have the authority to order any pack members or me to do a thing!" | used my Alpha dominance and saw her whimper in pain before nodding slowly, her gaze on the ground like a broken doll.

I wanted to break this girl, destroy her for implanting foreign emotions in me. I wanted her to hurt like the way I was hurting!

But to her I was an asshole and I don't care about rectifying my reputation.

She better stay away from me, it would be the best for her.

She had no idea what a beast like me could do to a petite beautiful figure like her.

My heart squeezed on seeing her cry. I growled in frustration and then turned to walk out of the door in anger, slamming the door so hard, that it reverberated across the mansion.