Contract Marraige with the cursed Alpha

I ran like one being chased by an unseen force, not knowing when it'd catch up with me and fulfill its vile plans. I ran as if my life depended on it, because my life did depend on it. I wasn't a sports person; I didn't engage in running activities. The best kind of running I'd ever done was whenever I was sent on an urgent errand by Mama Lia.

My breath hitched as I suddenly remembered the only woman I had known all my life as my guardian and parent. Why did she have to die now? I wasn't ready to be alone, especially in a world where my kind is hated and a mention of us tastes like poison in the mouths of the inhabitants of this world, a world I barely knew nothing of, a world I've been shielded from all my life-and though it was quite challenging for me, I knew it was for my own safety. But what good was my safety with Mama Lia gone? My vision became blurry as tears welled up to the brim and fell. I tried to shake my head to stop these depressing thoughts from tormenting my mind, so these tears would stop streaming down. Now's not the time to be weak and give in to emotions, no matter how strong they are.

These stubborn tears-why aren't they stopping? Choking on them, I coughed and hit my chest hard as if that would alleviate the pain lodged there.

My steps were slowing, and my bones were growing weak. I can't afford to be weak; I'm in the enemies' territory. I must not be caught here, dead or alive. I stumbled as more tears clouded my vision, causing me not to notice the small boulder on the path. I grunted as I felt a sharp pain on my big toe. Stupid me, I let my emotions get the best of me, and now I am injured. I stopped to check the extent of the injury and looked around to see if I could find anything to mop up the blood with. I couldn't find anything.

Risking a glance around the thick forest, the only noise I heard was the gentle singing and neighborly call of birds; it felt kind of soothing. I picked up some leaves and cleaned up the blood, then using my good foot, I quickly cleared traces of blood that had spilled on the ground. Mama Lia had once told me that werewolves had a heightened sense of smell; they could smell blood from miles away. I was tired, but I didn't want to be seen or captured by these awful creatures that seem to harbor such hatred for my kind. I became more scared.

I continued my journey, running, but not as fast as before because of my injured toe. I was careful not to hit it again.

I heard a growl; my hair stood on end, and fear clogged my senses. Oh no, what will I do? They must have sensed the blood; I looked at my leg to see more blood running out. Turning, I saw that I'd left a small trail behind. Fear settled heavily in my stomach, and in conjunction with the incessant swarming, my nerves were in irregular knots. Apprehension slithered through my spine, working its way into my chest and squeezing tight.

I hurriedly turned back to clean up those bloodstains when I heard another low, blood-chilling growl. If my hairs were standing on end before, now they were spiked stiff.

Even though the weather was humid, my body managed to produce sweat that started from my scalp and flowed down my back. Another one found its way to my face. I sprinted, forgetting to favor my bleeding big toe; the agony was buried beneath layers of other intense feelings that were making my head hazy. I dashed forward, weaving over soft branches and razor-sharp leaves that slashed my skin if I got too close.

I couldn't concentrate on skin cuts now; I needed to get away from these beasts before they ruthlessly devoured me. My gown got hooked to a needle-like plant, but I didn't care. Even when I heard a small ripping sound, I didn't turn to see.

My throat was parched, but fear wouldn't let me stop to find any streams nearby. I kept on going, my bones pleading to be spared from this rigorous running activity, but I paid them no mind; they needed to carry me far away. I won't stop until I am far from those monsters. I couldn't hear growls any more, but I wouldn't risk it. I kept to my fast pace; my breathing was labored, and my heart beat erratically against my chest.

My body ached all over, and my legs were slowing on their own. I knew they had no more strength; no matter how hard I pushed them, they couldn't go fast anymore. Another growl. I whipped my head around. I didn't see anything or anyone, but my instincts told me they were close. Maybe they'd been following me all this while, taunting me, making me believe they had stopped pursuing me. I'm praying to whatever god out there to save me and help me escape these canine-toothed, blood-hungry beasts.

I willed my sore legs to continue, and as I was about to take the next step, I pierced my injured toe on a stick with spikes that were in the way. I closed my mouth to prevent myself from screaming, and pain blinded me for a second. Blood was gushing now; there was no way to stop it. Still, I had to move on, but my movements were now slowed to a walk.

I had taken two steps when it came out of the bush. I guess it's been hiding there all along. The big, gray creature growled, baring its pointed, sharp canines. I quickly picked up the spiky stick as it wasn't far from me, holding it like both a weapon and my savior. I took backward steps, slowly and consciously. I was terrified, but I couldn't let them know.

"Never let them perceive your fear, for if they ever do, that's the end." Mama Lia's words rang in my ears; they sounded so real that I was tempted to glance around to see if a miracle had happened and the woman had resurrected.

But I couldn't take the risk of looking away even for a second, another piece of Mama Lia's advice. "Never turn away from a wolf, especially an enemy; you never know when they'll jump on you".

I saw the werewolf's eyes; it was mocking me; it was already sure it had me where it wanted me.

"Was this a male or female wolf?" I couldn't tell.

Another step back, and I heard two more angry growls. I couldn't control the fear anymore; I couldn't hold back the tears. I was dead, and I knew it.

"These werewolves would never let me go. I was going to be ripped to pieces, not the way I'd envisioned my death if and when it ever happened," I thought to myself.

"Please let me go." "I haven't committed any crime; I am just passing through, please."

My voice broke, and more tears welled and spilled; my weapon had slipped out of my trembling hands. I watched them one by one change back into their human forms. They were very naked, and I quickly looked away when someone appeared from the bushes and threw clothes at them. The fully dressed guy got hold of me in a rough manner, and I closed my eyes, wincing in great pain. My skin was bruised and scratched, but my captor didn't care. Was he a human or a werewolf like them? I had my answer when he sniffed me.

"Stinky human"

His eyes flashed, and he showed me his pointy canines, probably to scare me more, and it worked because my legs began to shake.

"Let's kill her."

"Yes. Let's do to her what her kind have done to us a long time ago."

"I understand your need for vengeance, and I would like nothing more than for that vengeance to be carried out, but unfortunately, we have to remember the Alpha's instructions." One of them exclaimed

"The Alpha's instructions?" I was suddenly curious. I wished I could ask them, but I wouldn't dare. Pulling a guess of my own, I assumed the Alpha's instructions were to let any humans that were caught go. Hope wanted to sprout, but I killed it instantly.

Werewolves couldn't be trusted except for Mama Lia; she was the only nice werewolf I'd ever known.

One of the werewolves didn't seem pleased by this idea, as he looked at me with so much derision.

"I lost my mother because of them."

He spat, clearly referring to me and my kind.

My captor growled, and the angry one withdrew and mellowed, but I could still sense the boiling rage, even others too. I gulped. I don't know what this Alpha's instructions said, but I'm grateful for them.

"Let's take her to the Alpha; he knows best."

My captor concluded and dragged me along. Paying no mind to my pain or bleeding wounds and cuts. Every walk was like a struggle; I couldn't get my feet to move well.

Move fast. Don't make me change my mind and disobey the Alpha. You better move fast or I'll let my men have a go at you." He yanked my shoulders and warned me. I winced aloud.

Tears came again; my eyes hurt from crying too much, but my emotions were all over the place; I couldn't help it. My throat was desperately dry, my chest burned, and my head ached badly, plus the injuries I had sustained from running. I wanted to beg them to let me rest a little or to allow me a drink of water from a stream I could hear flowing nearby, but instead I swallowed my spittle and forced my body to move with their pace. In no time, the forest was behind us, and a wide open space appeared before us.

People of all ages were milling about; as we stepped our feet on to the ground, they took notice and began looking at us, more like at me.

Their gazes were on me; anger, indifference, and hatred were all speared in my direction. I quickly closed my eyes and focused on the big building we were marching into. They were marching, and I was just being pulled along. Discussions were hushed as we went in; some people even stood and took a few steps towards us. One of them was a tall, muscly guy with an expression that instilled more fear in me. His face was unsmiling and stoic. When he saw me, his expression grew worse; immediate hatred blanketed his face.

"Another disgusting human."

But I wasn't really hearing him; my head spun, and before I could stop myself, I emptied my bowels at his feet. I heard a sudden raging growl, and a blurry figure came from behind and hit me hard across the cheek. When I fell, it was into the cold, dark realm of unconsciousness.

I coughed and sputtered as I felt water being poured on me. My eyes burned, my throat accepted some of the liquid that entered my mouth, ad I greedily swallowed. I was thirsty, and at the moment, I didn't really care if it was toilet water. I couldn't feel my legs; the upper frame of my body ached, and someone gave me a slight kick with a hard boot.

"The human is awake."

Why are they making me sound like I'm in the midst of some immortal creatures? Like they were some unhuman beings? They were half humans too? Their beastly power as wolves didn't eradicate that fact. Though, at the moment, their behavior was inhumane.

"How could they treat me with such cruelty?" It was true that my people had done very bad things to them in the past, but that doesn't mean they have to treat me as such.

I miss Mama Lia. Though I was made to live a boring life of seclusion, it was better than this. With her, I was safe and secure.

"Always be strong; I will not be around forever, Hazel. You need to learn not to cower before your enemies, even when you're scared". Mama Lia's voice again, as clear as the sky is blue, whispered in my eyes. I closed my eyes tighter to prevent the tears. I tried to think of happy times with her; I desperately needed to conjure memories that would make these tears of self-pity vanish. I needed to heed Mama Lia's words. I wasn't sure what my being here would result in, but I needed to be brave. Even if my life gets taken, I need to accept it with a brave face. Someone kicked me again, a little harder this time.

"Hey sleazy being. We know you're awake."

Someone commented.

"Or maybe I should hit her again."

This voice belonged to a female, and she sounded annoyed. So, it was she who had slapped me.

With great effort, I opened my eyes and forced my aching bones to rise. That small activity was strenuous for my bones, and even my head cried in resistance. Every part of me craved rest, but I knew I couldn't have that; they wouldn't even let me. I looked at my sore, dirty legs; the injured big toe had swollen.

"Kneel"

The authority of the steely voice brought me to immediate obedience, my big toes mistakenly scratching the floor. It was a slight contact with the smooth floor, but it was enough to cause pain to shoot from the toe to every other part of my body. What did I do to deserve this humiliation? If they hated me that much, they'd just let me go, and they'd never see me in their world again. But I strongly doubted these people would let me go; they wanted vengeance, and they were determined to get it. I sighed in utter hopelessness; my shoulders sagged in great despair, wondering what my fate would bring.

"What is your name?"

"Hazel"

My voice was shaky; the self-learned lectures on bravery and strength were washed away by the cold menace in this guy's voice. There was this shudder of fear that ran through me when he spoke. He had this unchallenged authority, like one who was used to commanding while the others obeyed. It made one want to surrender to his every whim and order, and something in me told me that was exactly the case.

"Who are your parents?"

I couldn't tell them who my parents really are; that was the fastest way for me to die. They'd behead me in a second, or worse, burn me at the stake like I was some vile witch who'd committed an unforgivable offense. Even Mama Lia had warned me to never reveal my true identity to anyone and to never trust anyone with my secret.

"I don't know them."

Well, that was partly true. I'd been young when they were killed, but I could still remember them a little. It wasn't much of a lie, which was what I wanted. These people were smart, and if I went overboard with the lie, they'd know.

"What do you mean by that?"

The man with the big, angry voice asked

I shivered slightly and licked my dry lips. I really needed water. I was so thirsty that I couldn't take it anymore. If they'd kill me for asking for water, well, it can't be helped, can it?

"May I have some water, please?"

"How dare you? The audacity"

One of the men from the forest snapped. I raised my head properly to know which of them had spoken; it was the brown-haired one who had been raving about having me killed in the forest. Someone pushed my head from behind, and I bowed back down.

"She's got some nerves requesting a drink."

Another one was put in.

"Quiet, everyone. Someone get her a drink.

"Alpha..."

"So he was the Alpha?" The man with big muscles and an authoritative voice that rattled my bones and ran my blood cold was the Alpha, and what's more, he had honored my request. I wanted to do a small victory dance, but instead I smiled covertly. Water was brought and roughly placed in my hands; I gulped it down in a matter of seconds. The cold liquid was like balm for my very dry throat. I still wanted more, but I couldn't push my luck; this quantity would have to hold me. I dropped the empty cup on the floor.

"Thank you."

I greeted him with my head bowed.

"Answer my question."

I cleared my throat. I had to be very careful and also try to remember anything I said here in case I was asked in the future, that is, if I was lucky to be alive till then.

"They died"

"How?"

"I don't really know the details, but I was told that when I was very young, they had gone camping and never came back."

"How did you come to be in the forest alone?"

"The only relative I had, my mother's sister, took me in and decided she wanted to be away from people. We lived in seclusion for many years."

It both relieved and scared me the way the lie smoothly rolled out of my tongue, like it was a real event that had truly taken place. I even added some sniffles that made my voice so emotional, and it wasn't that difficult to do because I was thinking of Mama Lia.

"Where's this aunt of yours?"

His voice was still icy and made me shiver.

"She's dead"

I continued in my dramatic tone, making it shakier than before. Mama Lia's face came to ic tone, making it shakier than before. Mama Lia's face came to mind, and a tear dropped. I was no longer acting or pretending; the tears were real. I really missed her. If she were alive, she'd have protected me as she had always done since I lost my parents. My parents, whom I am beginning to hate anyway, wonder why they would do something so foolish and wicked like attack packs and kill innocent werewolves. See what their crazy decision had put me into.

"Cause of death?"

"She was killed by a werewolf," I voiced out.

"Served the human right"

Someone commented with disdain.

"You deserve the same punishment too."

Another said.

I didn't say anything; my head was still bowed, and though my legs were hurting so bad, I didn't dare complain. My heart was beating fast. Now, what happens? What will their verdict be? I waited with bated breath to hear what the Alpha decided. No matter what the others say, I wasn't really concerned. The Alpha had the final say. I wanted to look at his face; maybe I could fathom what he was thinking, gauge his expression, and possibly understand his pattern of thoughts through them. But doing that was signing my death warrant. I don't know the rules guiding the werewolf world, but I remembered Mama Lia telling me that commoners aren't allowed to look at the Alpha unless he gives permission.

"Looking at an Alpha when he hasn't given permission is like embarking on a suicide mission; one who flouts this rule should be prepared to face dear consequences," she had told me.

So despite my curiosity to read his thoughts concerning my fate, I kept my head bowed. I might be sentenced to death, but it shouldn't be because of my stupidity.

"Raise your face."

This caused a little uproar. I could hear voices objecting. I slowly raised my face but still didn't look at him directly. I was careful not to offend him. He told me to raise my head and not look at him.

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen"

"Beta Olgan, take her to one of the female cells. Let her remain there until I know what to do with her." He commanded with his deep voice.

"But, my Alpha, no human has ever been put in the cell before. You usually order them to be executed or you work them to death."

The female voice I recognized as being the one who had admitted to hitting me and wanting to do it again spoke.

Even from the faces of everyone in the room, I could tell they weren't happy with my verdict. Some glared at me like I was the cause, like I had poisoned the mind of their Alpha. As she spoke, many spoke in agreement.

These people really wanted me dead. I risked a glance at the Alpha's face and was surprised to see he was a very handsome man despite his roguish appearance and stony expression.

"Enough everyone; I have made my decision, and it shall be so."

Murmurs of disagreement could be heard, but no one dared speak out loud until the brown-haired werewolf that was eager for my blood protested.

"This is unfair, Alpha. We've always sought vengeance; why should it be different now? Have you forgotten how much we lost? Our loved ones?"

"Ragel, you will mind your tone with me. As much as I understand your anger, it's not enough to disrespect your Alpha, and in public too."

"Then do what's right."

I saw his friends trying to nudge him to be quiet, but he was already too incensed to care. His skin shrank, and his canines protruded out. His chest was almost beating out I couldn't stand looking at him. His face reddened, and he let out a loud groan. I shrank backward, frightened.

"Ragel!"

My heart leaped at the booming voice of the Alpha.

"Arthur!"

The guy called right back. Everywhere became as still as a graveyard. My skin prickled in fear over what would be the Alpha's next line of action.