Howl of the rejected

Zyra huddled in the corner of her small den, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to drown out the sounds of her pack mates running and playing outside. She knew that it was only a matter of time before they would find her, and she would once again become their target.

The young she-wolf had always been different from the others in her pack. Her parents' sacrifice left her alone and isolated. Despite her efforts to make friends, she was constantly ignored or even outright bullied by the others around her. With her mating ceremony only weeks away, Zyra had come of age to get a mate. There was always a special day in their pack when mateless wolves found their mates. Other wolves would get their mate next week, assuming they eventually got one. Zyra knew that things were only going to get worse.

She had caught the eye of the pack's alpha son, a handsome and popular wolf named Cade. But despite his interest in her, it was clear that he didn't truly care for her. It was all about power and status, and Zyra was nothing more than a pawn in their games.

As she huddled there, trying to calm her nerves and steady her breathing, she heard a sudden commotion outside her den. Her heart leaped into her throat as she recognized the voices of Cade and his friends.

"Come on, Zyra, don't be shy!" Cade called out, his tone mocking as he and his friends approached her den entrance. "We just want to have some fun!"

Zyra tensed, her muscles coiling as she prepared to defend herself. But she never got the chance. In one swift move, Cade and his friends broke through the entrance of her den, shoving her roughly to the ground.

"Look at her, all pathetic and alone," Cade sneered. His lip curled in disgust as he stood over her. "No wonder her parents died trying to save someone else."

The other wolves snickered and jeered, their eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. Zyra quivered with rage and humiliation, her eyes burning with unshed tears as she struggled to get back to her feet.

But it was no use. Cade was too strong, too powerful. He towered over her, his fists clenched as he prepared to strike.

Cade grabbed her by her collar, gritting his teeth and looking into her eyes with rage.

"Please," Zyra whimpered, tears streaming down her face as she gazed up at him. "Just leave me alone."

But Cade didn't listen. With one swift blow, he struck her in the face, sending her tumbling to the ground once again. Zyra cried out in pain, her vision blurring as she struggled to breathe.

"Pathetic," Cade spat, his features twisted in a sneer as he turned away. "Let's go, boys. We've had our fun for the night."

Zyra watched as they disappeared into the darkness, leaving her alone and battered. She curled up into a ball, her body shaking with sobs as she tried to slow her breathing.

Why did they hate her so much? What had she done to deserve this kind of treatment? The questions circled through her mind as she trembled in fear and pain.

She could feel the cut on her lips and gingerly rubbed her thumb over the wound. When she withdrew her thumb, she saw blood stains, causing her to recoil. She pressed her lips together, trying not to burst into tears again.

"How wicked of you to hit a lady," she thought, her words filled with bitterness as she sucked in her lower lip and spat out the blood.

Eventually, the physical pain began to fade, leaving Zyra with nothing but the ache of her broken heart. She wiped away her tears and forced herself to stand, taking deep breaths to steady herself.

As she emerged from her den, she saw the other wolves gathered around, watching her with cold eyes. None of them offered her a hand, and none of them spoke a word to her. She was an outcast, unwanted and unloved.

And it was something she must get used to.

Zyra knew that she couldn't keep living like this. She needed to find a way to survive, to fight back against the pack that had rejected her.

"It is not like I chose to join the pack," she thought bitterly, her determination fueling her thoughts. "I was ordained to, and instead of welcoming me, they rejected me."

And maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to make them pay for the pain they had caused her.

With those thoughts in mind, Zyra turned and walked away, her head held high despite the bruises and cuts that marred her face.

She was a fighter, and she would not be broken by the likes of Cade and his pack mates.

She made her way away from her den, yes, even though it was technically her den, it felt more like a prison where she was tormented.

Zyra's POV:

Ignoring the stares of the others, I walked into the building. I was half-human, just like every one of them, yet they treated me like I was not one of them. I stepped through the door and scanned the large living room, observing the other pack members engrossed in various activities. This mansion, built by Alpha Grayson, Cade's father, was meant for the pack members. Soon, Cade would take over, becoming the new owner of the mansion and in charge.

"Pstt! It's this bitch. When is Alpha Grayson going to do away with this bitch?" I heard someone whisper behind me, but I brushed it off.

"I wonder why too. It's not like she even has a wolf or knows how to shape-shift. You can't expect me to accept that she's a werewolf," another clicked his tongue, his words dripping with disdain.

I clenched my teeth, ignoring their cruel remarks, and made my way up to my room. However, before I could reach it, I was approached by Elara, one of the pack's betas, and Gaia, Alpha Grayson's daughter. Elara was notorious for her rudeness, and Gaia was known to be even fiercer than Cade.

"Poor little Zyra," Elara mocked, her voice laced with venom. "When will you realize you don't belong here?"

Gaia's eyes flashed with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Honestly, Zyra, you should just give up and leave. You're nothing but a burden to the pack."

I gritted my teeth, determined not to let their words get to me. Ignoring them, I continued walking toward my room. They trailed behind me, hurling insults and taunts, but I refused to show any weakness.

Finally reaching the sanctuary of my room, I closed the door behind me, shutting out their venomous voices. Alone in the silence, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

It was clear that my path within the pack would be filled with resistance and animosity. But I would not allow their hatred to consume me. I vowed to rise above their cruelty and prove my worth.

Fueled by determination, I started planning in my mind. I needed to find allies, wolves within the pack who shared my discontent and were ready for change. Together, we would create a new, united front against the oppressive hierarchy.

With each passing day, my resolve grew stronger. I would train harder, learning the skills necessary to protect myself and stand my ground. And when the time came, I would confront Cade, Elara, Gaia, and all those who had tormented me.

There was a fire burning within me, a fire that refused to be extinguished. They may have tried to break me, but I would not be broken. I would rise from the ashes, stronger, and reclaim my rightful place in the pack.

With renewed determination, I let go of the pain of the past and embraced the challenges that lay ahead. The journey toward vengeance and redemption had begun, and I was ready to face it head-on.

Bound by resilience and an unyielding spirit, I would carve my own destiny and forge a path where I could finally find acceptance and true belonging in the world of wolves.

Zyra's POV

I watched as they approached me with malice in their eyes, feeling a sense of dread wash over me. I tried to back away, but they closed in, encircling me in slow motion. These two were always a pain in my ass.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear.

Gaia, Alpha Grayson's daughter, sneered at me and replied, "We just want to have a little fun with you, Omega. You know how much we love playing with our toys." Her mocking tone sent a shiver down my spine.

To be referred to as a toy once again – it was all too familiar. Cade had treated me the same way, playing with me as if I were just an object, and now his sister wanted to do the same.

Elara laughed heartily at Gaia's statement and began to circle me, adding to the humiliation. "What a pathetic thing you are," Elara taunted.

"You should be dead by now."

"Your parents are just as dumb as you are. It runs in the family," Gaia laughed, finding amusement in belittling me.

"There are more than a thousand ways to die. You should pick one instead of wasting oxygen, you filthy thing," Elara spat, gripping my hair from behind.

Refusing to be completely powerless, I mustered my courage and grabbed her wrist, pulling her hands away from my hair. "I won't be your toy," I stated firmly, surprising Gaia, whose eyes widened.

"I am a part of this pack, and you have no right to treat me like an outsider," I added, desperately clinging to my dignity. But instead of understanding, they burst into laughter. Elara stepped closer, her intense gaze fixed on mine. I looked away, clenching my fists with determination.

"Do you want to be reminded where you belong?" she sneered, forcefully grabbing my hair and forcing me to meet her gaze.

"You are nothing but a weakling. You will do as we say," she snarled, her words laced with malice. "Or else, we will make your life a living hell."

Gaia laughed from behind, "Her life is already a living hell."

"That's true, but we can always add more to it," Elara added with a menacing smile, kicking my aching stomach as I attempted to walk away.

"And where do you think you're going? You have no respect at all," Gaia taunted, blocking my path and trapping me with her glowing yellow eyes.

I took a step back, my gaze falling on her elongated claws and refracted fangs. "Do you have to be this way?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"What did I say about your life being a living hell?" she threatened. Fear sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to back down, holding my head high.

"I refuse! I refuse to be bullied by you," I replied, defiance coloring my voice. Gaia's grip on my neck tightened in response.

"Maybe I should just kill you," she threatened, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

"No, please don't," I managed to say, and suddenly, a voice cut through the tension from behind.

"Gaia!" Cade's commanding voice echoed, causing her grip to slightly loosen, her attention shifting to her brother standing behind me.

"That's enough!" he interjected, to which Gaia scoffed.

"Why? I'm tired of seeing her face. It would be best if she died since she's as useless as her father's condom," Gaia sneered, her smirk sending a chill down my spine.

"Let her go. It's enough for today," Cade firmly instructed, and Gaia glared at me one last time before releasing her grip. I fell to my knees, gasping for air while clutching my sore neck, struggling to breathe.

"Pathetic," Elara spat, delivering a final kick to my stomach before striding away. I turned to see Gaia walking off with Elara and her brother. Cade glanced at me briefly before looking away.

"Argh!" I groaned in pain, pulling myself up from the ground, and dragging my weary feet toward my room. It was the smallest room in the mansion, but as long as I had a bed to lie on, I was grateful.

I stumbled my way to the bed and fell onto it, feeling a slight pain around my neck. Rolling to the other side, I tried to ignore the discomfort, hoping it would fade with time. I closed my eyes, seeking solace in sleep. Night had fallen, and it was time for rest.

Cade's POV

My sister's hatred for Zyra seemed stronger than even my own. While I disliked her, I couldn't bear the thought of her being harmed, especially by my sister's hands. In our pack, we had a rule – we didn't kill the innocent. Only those who committed crimes against the pack faced consequences. Although Zyra's mere existence seemed like a crime to some, we weren't allowed to take her life.

Despite my dislike for Zyra, I couldn't ignore the undeniable attraction I felt towards her. Deep down, I knew she had feelings for me too, despite her hatred.

Leaving my room, I made my way to her room. As I walked, pack members respectfully bowed their heads. In a week, I would be celebrating my 21st birthday, and my father had entrusted me with the responsibility of leading the pack. I was eager to prove myself and find my mate as well.

"Alpha Cade," Aria called out behind me. Aria, one of our pack members, was a beta wolf who would do anything to have me as her own.

I turned around and saw her with a smile on her face. "Aria, what is it?" I asked, curious about her intentions.

"I wanted to know if you're busy. It seems like you're not, so would you mind coming to my room? I'm really bored," she pouted, attempting to flirt.

"Are you trying to flirt with your Alpha?" I teased, a low laugh escaping my lips. Aria pursed her lips.

"Who wouldn't?" she quipped, confident in her attraction towards me.

"Well, I'm busy for now," I replied dismissively, turning to leave.

"Oh, I'll be waiting for you whenever you're free," she called out, but I ignored her, continuing on my way.

Zyra's POV

I was peacefully asleep until I felt a hand gently brush against my cheeks. My eyes slowly fluttered open, only to meet Alpha Cade sitting beside me on my bed.

"Alpha..." I whimpered, my heart pounding in my chest. I was immediately on edge, fearing another round of cruel treatment.

"Haven't you had enough fun for tonight?" I asked, my voice quivering. It seemed as though he always wanted to take advantage of me.

"No, I want something else," he replied, his hand slowly sliding down to my collarbone and beneath my shirt. I swallowed hard, my gaze fixed on his hands invading my personal space. I folded my lips inward, shaking my head in protest.

"No, please. I don't want this," I cried softly, hoping he would listen, but, as expected, my pleas fell on deaf ears.

In an instant, Alpha Cade forcefully tugged away the duvet I had used to cover my body and positioned himself over me. Tears streamed down my face, and I shook my head in disbelief.

I had once longed for a moment of love with Alpha Cade, but I now realized that I could never yearn for someone who abused me.

"You've always wanted this, haven't you, beauty?" he sneered, unbuttoning his shirt. The tears continued to flow as my sense of helplessness grew.

"You're lying," he growled, gripping my neck tightly, cutting off my ability to speak.

Fear pulsed through me as his hold tightened, restricting my breath. I struggled, desperate to break free from his grasp, but it felt futile. In that moment, I felt a surge of anger and defiance.

Zyra POV

Cade's hand roamed over my body slowly, from my chest to my hips. He ran his hands back up and my boobs in his hands.

I swallowed heavily and turned away to look at the window as I let the tears flow down my eyes slowly. "Do you have to do this?" I ask him and heard him scoff

"Are you questioning me?" he laughs and pinned me down to the bed. I was forced to turn back at him.

"You will see me f*ck you Zyra. You don't deserve to be this beautiful when you are useless" he replied as he slid his down his hands down to my waist. I folded my lips in as I whimpered lowly and felt his fingers around my womanhood.

"You are still a virgin right?" he asks and I nod my head hoping he wouldn't go any further but he chuckles instead.

"Sweet" he replied and slowly sent his two fingers inside of me.

"Ah!" I yelped out in pain.

"Yes, feel it" he snickers and lowered his face to my neck and began trailing kisses around my neck while he kept sending his fingers back and forth inside me.

I am not enjoying a bit of what he is doing, instead, I am feeling pain down there.

For goodness sake, it is the first time someone would be doing something like this to me. Isn't he supposed to be starting with a finger at least?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden increase in pace. Cade fingers kept diving in and out of me in a fast motion.

His hands went over my mouth to stop me from crying out loud. His fingers began to encircle my tits.

He pulled away and ripped off my shirt before I could say anything. A smile appeared on his face and it disgusts me. Why should a monster and a coward smile.

"I will be your first tonight" he smirks and grabs my chin to kiss me.

Everything about Cade is rough; he rained kisses on me roughly and squeezed my right boobs in his hands.

I could only cry and let him do what he wants. I can't wait for his birthday to come so he would be with his mate and never come to me again. I hate that I belong to this pack.

Cade pulled me and flipped me to the other side so my ass could be before him. My trousers were forcefully pulled out and immediately, he spanked my ass.

"Why would it be you to have such beauty?" he growled as if I made myself this way.

His hands kept roaming around then he pulls me by my hair, "I would just have a little f*ck time with you" he snarls and immediately a knock was heard on the door.

Cade stopped immediately and turned to the door, my heart hasn't stopped pounding like it wants to jump out of my chest.

"Alpha Cade, Your father wants to see you" I hear someone say. Cade groaned aloud then turned to look at me.

"Another time, p*ssy!" he clicked his tongue as he reluctantly got over me and left my room. I pulled the duvet immediately over my body and let the tears flow freely down my face.

"Mom, Dad, did I ever do anything wrong?"

"I never asked you to bring me into such a wicked world" I cried out and slowly drifted to sleep, again.

A WEEK LATER

Alpha Cade POV

The day has arrived. It's my birthday and today I would be taking over the pack. My father had said he would be handing power over to me today and he's a man of his word. I will be the next Alpha of Nightshades pack.

The celebration has started, I can hear the loud music playing loudly downstairs but first things first; the handover.

All the pack members are outside in the forest and my parent is too. I walk out of my room and met Kevin and Alex waiting for me outside my room. These two are the closest to me in the pack, Kevin is a delta and also my sister's mate, Alex on the other hand is a beta wolf and he hasn't gotten a mate yet.

Today, we believe many mateless wolves would find their mates, even if not many, few would. "Yo! Ever looking handsome Alpha" Kevin said immediately

"Man, you look ravishing. Happy birthday Cade" Alex said as he pulled me to a hug. Kevin did the same too and we made our way together to the forest.

In less than 5 minutes, I found my way there and stood next to my dad before all the pack members.

The sun was setting over the forest, casting a warm orange glow across the clearing where the pack had gathered. Alpha Grayson, my father stood tall with piercing blue eyes, he stood just before everyone with his mate, my mother beside him.

"My dear pack," Alpha Grayson began, his voice deep and commanding. "As many of you know, I have led our pack for so many years. But now, it is time for me to pass the torch to the next generation."

The pack murmured amongst themselves, some nodding in agreement while others looked on with anticipation.

"I am proud to say that my son Cade has proven himself worthy of becoming the next Alpha of our pack," Alpha Grayson continued, his gaze shifting to me.

Zyra POV

Proven what?

This is the most hilarious joke I've heard. Cade is really cunning. He had been deceiving his father all along. How would his father be seeing the fake side of him?

I scoff and rolled my eyes. Cade stepped forward, his chest swelling with pride. He had trained his entire life for this moment, and he is ready to take on the responsibility of leading this pack.

I am only hating him the more, I just want to find a mate but I know it won't be possible, not when I am loved by no one in this pack.

"I thank my father for his guidance and leadership over the years," Cade said, his voice steady and strong.

"I promise to uphold the traditions and values of our pack, and to lead with wisdom and strength."

The pack erupted into cheers and howls of approval, their tails wagging in excitement.

Many shape shifted into their werewolf forms and some stood next to their wolves.

Alpha Grayson stepped forward and nuzzled his son, a pride smile on his face.

"Congratulations my son," Alpha Grayson said.

"The pack is now yours to lead."