Fated To Defy

Lyra's POV

I trudged through the narrow corridor with my legs trembling as I walked tiredly and in pain. My worn-out shoes made of thin leather sort of offered little comfort as I made my way to the washing room but still, the cold stone floor beneath my feet seeped into my bones and chilled me to the core. I clutched my sides, trying to hold back the agony that threatened to consume me. My faded gray dress, even though torn from the severe floggings I had just received, offered protection against the pain that wrecked my body.

I pushed the creaky door open, stumbling towards the basin on the floor. I winced in pain as the bruises I incurred tinged my body. With my hazel eyes fixed on the reflection staring back at me, I burst into tears. Life was totally unbearable. My once bright eyes now seemed dull and lifeless, sunken into dark circles that seemed to swallow my face whole. My brown hair, usually neatly braided by my late mother, hung in tangled locks around my pale face.

Tears continued dropping uncontrollably as I recalled the events that led me here– the head of Maids' chamber, the punishments, the beating. I had fallen asleep, exhausted from the previous day's chores, and missed preparing the Alpha's cloak. It was indeed a mistake that came with a steep price.

I was the weakest of all wolfless Omega wolves in Ember Pack, and my parents' treason, according to different seasoned stories I had been told, added to my shame.

Even with the Alpha reported dead after he came back from hunting in the woods, the head of maids still wouldn't let the mistake I made slide. I could swear that the kind of hatred she had for me was on a different kind of level. It just couldn't be matched with that which I constantly receive from the pack members and even my cousin, Kaida.

The late Alpha's judgment and regime was a bad one. He was constantly biased thus, he passed improper judgments and led the pack members wrongly. People who tried to stand up against him constantly saw their dead bodies with their two eyes.

Yes, he was that ruthless and I wasn't exempted from his bad ruling and wickedness. I was forced to become a slave for him, his household, and the rest of the pack members when I was only but ten years old. I was restricted from associating with other pack members with higher ranks and ultimately limited to only the corners of the pack.

I was treated constantly and avoided like a plague. And as if that wasn't enough, I was maltreated severely. I was a bit relieved when I learned his passing on even though I knew too well that it was incompassionate of me to feel so but then my relief was short-lived when I learned that his son would become the Alpha almost immediately after his demise.

I settled down and began washing my face, my fingers brushed against the tender bruises on my cheeks. I winced sharply, the pain shooting through my skull like a sharp arrow. I sure didn't see that coming. My ribs ached as I constantly breath. I struggled to remove the dress but the fragile fabric stuck to my battered skin but then I managed to successfully have it removed. As the cool water brushed off my skin, I felt a little bit relieved but I knew it would be only for a short while.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I thought about my life. The constant struggle, the endless chores, the fear of being eliminated one day as a traitor's daughter.

If only I had my parents with me...

If only they were alive whether locked up or not...

I put up my hands in my face, feeling like I was drowning in hopelessness with no lifeline in sight.

I finished washing, slowly got dressed in the same worn-out dress, and made my way to the head of the maid's chamber to get the next duty assignment for the day. Upon arrival at her chambers, I noticed everyone was busy and dedicated to one or two things. I was confused.

I walked in, drawing her attention.

"Lyra, you are late!" she yelled. "Where have you been?!"

I bit my lower lip, thinking of a reply to give. I couldn't tell her I had gone to wash up else she would make a big deal out of it even though I did nothing wrong. "Umm... I was..."

"Shut up, please!" she interrupted

I jolted at the sound of her voice, my heart suddenly thumping in my chest. My eyes scanned the room, finding Kaida, my cousin in a corner surrounded by a group of maids. They were fussing over her, styling her hair, and applying makeup. Curiosity got the better of me and I wondered what the ocassion was.

I felt a pang of hurt and confusion. I had just been treated like an outcast once again. Was I really so insignificant that no one bothered to tell me about the occasion?

"Lyra, you must clean after us once we are done with... preparations," Aelar's voice pulled me out of my trance as she nodded toward Kaida. "And remember, you are not allowed to be anywhere close to the ground where the event is happening. Do you understand?"

I nodded, feeling resentment. Why was I always relegated to the shadows? Why couldn't I be part of the celebration, whatever it was?

After a few minutes, they rounded off their preparations, exiting the chambers. Kaida clearly saw me but couldn't even recognize my presence. Growing up, she was the best friend I never had but then things changed immediately it was announced that my parents were threats to the betterment of the pack and the lives of the pack members. It was as if she was waiting for the right moment to show me that I was never her friend or sister.

The chants and howls from the pack members that echoed outside suddenly drew my attention and I left the chore I was doing to take a glance at the occasion from the window. Everyone was dressed in their best fit, looking unbothered and healthy even though they were dying to be set free from the shams and influence of the late Alpha and his administration.

Just as I was about to go back to my duty, I noticed the increased volume of chants immediately a significant figure walked in majestically.

It was him...

Colin Dregmor, the first son of the late ruthless Alpha.

It was his take-up ceremony and hopefully, he wouldn't take up his father's footsteps.

He was dressed in a tailored doublet and a crisp white shirt. As I gazed at him, I felt... a shift. A subtle realignment of my focus. My heart rate slowed and my breathing deepened. I didn't understand what was happening and I couldn't explain why but my attention was riveted on him.

Just as I was about to return to my chore once again, I fell on the floor and darkness enveloped me...

Lyra's POV

Months have passed since Colin Dregmor became the alpha of the Ember pack. His administration has been nothing different from his father's administration. He was even more ruthless than his father ever was. He had constantly passed on wrong judgments, had every caliber of women he wanted with or without the consent of these women, and had surprisingly moved toward me but that was one thing I was sure of that I would never agree to.

I tossed around in my bed, patiently waiting for Aelar to send the usual maid to update me about my lunch for the day. Somehow they had managed to reduce my meal size and even made it mandatory that I eat once a day as a punishment for passing out and drawing the Alpha's attention on the take-up ceremony day.

They claimed I intentionally shifted the Alpha's attention to myself thus, I would face the consequences. For a wolfless omega who was all alone, I resulted in shedding tears more than a crocodile could ever do while I pled that they tamper justice with mercy but all that was clearly futile when they actually started implementing the punishment.

I waited patiently to be informed but no one was forthcoming so instead, I got out of my shabby chamber and made my way to the kitchen. As soon as I got into the kitchen, I sighted a plate of rice and soup kept on the table, uncovered. My face grew into a frown and shortly tears began to roll down my eyes uncontrollably.

Will I ever be free from them? What have I done to deserve the treatment they give me? These were questions I asked myself but there was no response. I stuffed my food into my mouth and tears pricked down my face as I ate.

After a while, I was done. I was about to head back to my room when a maid from the Alpha's chambers appeared before me.

"Lyra..." she called, shooting daggers at me.

What have I done again?

"What do you want?" I managed to choke out confidently even though I knew anxiety was about to envelope me.

"I don't know what you did but be rest assured that it won't last for long," she spat

I was confused. I gazed at her for a while, trying to comprehend what she had just said and what actually led to it. "What do you want from me?" I queried, deciding to give up as I couldn't think of my offense.

"Alpha Colin demands your presence in his chambers," she said, turning to leave but then I held her hand, stopping her from leaving.

She turned abruptly, raising her hand and letting it fall forcefully on my cheek. Slap!

"Don't you dare touch me again!" she thundered

I winced in tears, feeling the sting of the slap. I grabbed my cheek tightly as I felt the hotness from the slap. My mouth was agape as I struggled to speak but no words left my mouth. She rolled her eyes at me and left without any more words. I stood there in tears, trying to wrap my head around what just happened and why Alpha Colin would want to see me. I thought he had given up after he tried getting me to his bed even before he became an alpha. After a fruitless thought, I found my way to his chambers before it was too late.

On reaching there, I pushed the heavy wooden door open and stepped into the Alpha chambers as my heart raced with trepidation. Alpha Colin's friends were all seated around a huge table, looking like they owned the place while filling the room with their conversation and laughter. They turned to stare at me and I felt like a total outsider that I was.

Then, the Alpha, Colin, looked up from his seat at the head of the table and caught my eye as a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Ah, Lyra, come in," he said, his voice giving away false warmth. "Join us,"

I hesitated, feeling out of place among these calibers of powerful men, but Colin's gaze held a commanding intensity that made me obey immediately. I approached the table, my eyes fixed on the floor as I took a seat on the empty chair beside him.

Alpha Colin leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded me. "I apologize for not checking on you after...ah... you made such a dramatic notice the other day," he said with amusement. "I heard you made quite the noise when you fell,"

I felt a flush rise to my cheek as the men around the table chuckled. Their laughter sent shivers down my spine and I suddenly felt like disappearing. Alpha Colin's eyes gleamed with amusement but I could tell there was something else lurking beneath the surfaces. Something that made me feel uneasy.

Then, he reached out and started stroking my face, continuously making shivers run down my spine again. His touch was like a brand, marking me as his, and I didn't like it one bit. I tried to shift away but he just kept smiling, his eyes boring into mine like he could see right through me.

I knew right then and there that I was in trouble. Alpha Colin was not a man to be trifled with. He was ruthless, selfish, and used to getting what he wanted, no matter who had to step on to get it. And right now, his sights were set on me.

"S-stop..." I whimpered, trying to pull away from his grasp

"Why would I stop?" his eyes glistened as he sneered. "I want you, Lyra, and you have no choice but to accept it,"

Suddenly, I felt angry and humiliated, knowing too well that it was time to leave there. I stood up abruptly, my eyes racing heavily in my chest as I looked him straight in the eyes, prepared to give him a piece of my mind. "I will never be yours," I spat heavily as my voice shook with emotions

Colin's smile faltered, his ego clearly bruised by my rejection. He sneered, trying to save face in front of his friends. "You are just playing hard to get," he bit his lower lip and it sort of distracted me for a second. "I fell in love with you the moment I saw you, Lyra. You are mine and you will soon realize it,"

I let out a bitter sound of laughter. "You don't even know me," I said icily even though I was dying of fear. I hoped that however, I spoke to him would not come back to haunt me later. "I dare you to try. You just want to own me and use me however you want. Well, I'm not interested. I, Lyra Woodsy, reject your love interest in me. Alpha Colin Dregmor, I would never be anything more than a slave to you and the Ember Pack,"

Alpha Colin's face darkened, making his eyes flash with anger but I didn't care. I turned to my heels immediately and exited his chambers.

While I walked in urgently back to my room, I collided with Kaida in the dimly lit narrow corridor.

"Watch it, you fool!" she hissed at me

Just as I was about to respond to her harsh acknowledgment, she put her index finger in the air, shutting me up.

"Are you coming from the Alpha's chambers?" she queried in shock. "Why?! Who let you in?!"

My eyes suddenly grew misty, prompting me to pour out my mind to her. "Kaida..." I started off. "What happened to us? We used to be family and even friends.. What did I do to you that made your attitude towards me change? Tell me, I promise to make things right immediately,"

While I awaited her verbal response, she proceeded to respond in a more pronounced way. She lifted her hand and let it land on my face. "Don't you ever acknowledge me as either your family or friend again," she said angrily as she turned to leave but then she halted in her tracks, turning her attention to me. "Stay away from Alpha Colin. This is your first and last warning,"

I stood there in tears, wondering what part of me was wrong the members of the Ember pack and even my cousin, Kaida.

Maybe this was it...

My fate...

Lyra's POV

"Alpha Colin asked that I give you this," the alpha's messenger said, handing over a bouquet to me.

This was the fourth time Alpha Colin had sent over some flowers to me. What amazed me was his dedication in constantly keeping up with the streak even when he knew too well that I had never for once acknowledged it nor shown my appreciation. In fact, I threw them in the garbage even before they got to my door.

The Alpha's concubines and other female pack members who were interested in him, turned against me in the worst way as they learned his interest in me. Not to forget Kaida, she formed an alliance with Aelar, and resulted in bullying and maltreating me severely.

I grabbed the flowers from him, inhaling the fresh fragrance of it as I blushed seriously.

I wouldn't lie, I was getting swayed.

It was a white rose, a type of rose very hard to behold especially in Ember Pack. He must have gone far and beyond to possess it just to prove his feelings for me.

"Send my greetings to him," I said softly as I giggled at the gesture. The Alpha's messenger smiled from ear to ear. It came as a shock to him as he hadn't expected me to accept the flowers this time around.

As he was about to respond, I perceived a familiar scent– a strong, intoxicating aroma that sent shivers down my spine. I quickly dismissed him and he left without a word.

Strangely, my senses heightened, my heart rate slowed, and my breathing deepened.

Just then I noticed it was Alpha Colin, and his scent was different now. It was more potent and more alluring. I felt an unexplainable pull coupled with a sense of belonging and I knew instantly that he was my fated mate.

Maybe this was it...

Maybe I just needed a reason to reciprocate his feelings for me...

Maybe it was about time I stopped lying to myself that I had never fantasized about being Alpha Colin's mate...

Just maybe...

Without thinking, I rushed towards him as he approached, my heart dancing in joy. I engulfed him in a tight hug, cherishing his presence. He was taken aback but then he quickly reciprocated the hug, wrapping his hands around me like a vice.

"I knew you would finally accept me," he whispered, his voice low and husky

I pulled away, staring deeply into his eyes. "Alpha..."

He softly shushed me. "You don't have to say anything, Lyra," he continued. "I know you have double minds about me, clearly because of the life I live but then I want you to know that I would treat you differently and specially,"

I smiled at him, taking in every word he just said to me. "I love how patient you are with your love," I blurted out. I had to. I just couldn't believe I almost lost a chance with my fated mate just because of my stupid principles and the life he continuously lived. Thankfully, he didn't take the harsh words I said to him the other day to heart.

To be honest, it was never right to say never.

And if he would treat me especially like he said, whatever way he treat others wouldn't be much of a problem, right?

I almost died of excitement as my mind wandered off to the moon goddess whom I thought had forgotten me totally forgotten me. I mean, she let my parents become traitors, watched them die, allowed me to become a slave at ten, denied me the opportunity to meet my wolf, and ultimately let the only family I had become my enemy. What more of a case could that be if not a forgotten one?

"It is the full moon today and I want to spend it with you," Alpha Colin said, pulling me out of my trance.

I hesitated a bit, unsure of what to say even though my body tingled as said the words I had unknowingly craved to hear from him. Regardless of how my hormones were responding to the situation at hand, I still managed to think logically.

What would become of me if I let him have his way and he ended up hurting me?

What if he would never see me in a lighter way but only as a daughter of traitors?

What if his feelings for me are all lies and he is just leading me on just to bed me?

What if...

"Lyra, you worry too much..." he interrupted my thoughts. Was he listening? Damn, I forgot he had the ability of mind reading and syncing and an Alpha. "There is no motive behind what I feel for you. My feelings for you are genuine and I hate that you doubt them,"

I nodded my head in agreement, feeling a little bit out of place as he took a few more steps closer to me. So close that you could literally hear the drums of my heart, loud and clear.

Alpha Colin tried to lean in and kiss me but I turned my face away, conflicted within myself with reasons unknown. Why didn't I let the kiss happen? Why did I pull away?

Colin's expression tightened but before I knew what was happening, it softened. It was almost like I didn't see his eyes darken. "I promise, Lyra, I will do anything to make you happy," he said urgently, his breathing pace increasing.

"You will seize being a slave to the Ember pack and anyone who would refer to you as such afterward would face my wrath. I will love you unconditionally and to crown it all, I will make you my Luna– the Luna of Ember Pack and everyone shall acknowledge you as their Luna," he spoke with authority, boring his eyes into mine and for a moment, I saw the truth of his just spoken words flash through his eyes.

"I love you, Alpha Colin," I blurted out, my lips and whole being suddenly craving his touch. A dirty smile tugged at the corner of his lips immediately but then I was far too gone to react. All I wanted at that moment was to feel his lips on mine.

I stood on my toes and planted a short kiss on his lips, pulling away but then he grabbed my waist and pulled me even more closer to him. "I want to be with you, Lyra. I want to feel your body beneath mine... I want to taste your body,"

I shivered at his words, feeling an intense passion wash over me. And then, without more words, he filled my mouth with his tongue as his hands roamed my body in a manner that showed his dominance.

He kissed me passionately, guarding me in my chambers as he shut the door behind me with his leg. And there we shared a bond I never knew would mark a pivotal moment in my life. It was the best passionate moment yet and I was sure going to look out for more.

As the wolves howled under the full moon, I looked forward to being marked by Alpha Colin while entangled in bed with him but instead, he pulled away and got ready to leave.

"What is wrong?" I asked shakily, my mind already grabbing the truth and staring at me. "I had expected you to mark me... or wasn't the sex good?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Lyra, you are new to this and you barely know which is good and which is not," he hissed

"This doesn't answer the question, Colin. Why didn't you mark me? You were supposed to," I said softly, my eyes growing misty

He yanked me into his hands' arms and planted a soft kiss on my forehead. "There is always a next time, Lyra," he responded

I sighed heavily, not sure if I should take him for his word or continuously ask why he had chosen to act otherwise. If he was going to make me his Luna, he wouldn't hesitate to mark me and now that he had missed the opportunity of doing it soon enough, what would become of me?

"Please, don't break my heart, Alpha," I begged. But then ruffled my tangled brown hair and made his way out without uttering a word.