I AM THE SHE-ALPHA

CHAPTER 001

Raven's POV:

"Just for one day," she begged, eyes wide with panic. "Be me. Take my place. If he sees me first... like this.... He'll reject me."

"No, never. I can't!"

My voice cracked as I stared at Kaelith, my twin, who stood before me, her composure rather too calm and collected despite the heretics she uttered.

"It's one thing to betray your mate, but this is a whole different thing, Kaelith. Do you understand the weight of what you're asking of me? It's punishable by death!"

Kaelith rolled her eyes, crossing her arms around her chest as her icy blue orb so similar to mine glared back at me. "Beta Gilbert isn't going to find out."

I gasp inaudibly. She spoke so coolly as if Beta Gilbert-the most perceptive wolf in the kingdom other than the Alpha-was some ordinary fool.

"He's your mate, for crying out loud. He'll know your scent and uncover me the moment I step into his bed. Do you want me killed?" I screamed, hoping my voice could get through her thick stubborn skull.

Her glare intensified as she stepped closer to me, her chest meeting mine. "Do you want to get me killed also?"

"Y-you won't-"

"You don't know that." She interrupted me, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes, and for a moment, I saw a reflection of her weakness. Her lips quivered as her perfectly crafted composure began to wear off, breaking down piece by piece. "You fail to understand, Raven. He's going to find out about... about what I've done. When he does, he'll kill me for sure."

I wanted nothing more than to close my ears and ignore her manipulative talks, but I couldn't. She was right. Beta Gilbert, the most powerful beta in the lands, wasn't someone to mess with, and one thing he won't forgive is deception when he discovers Kaelith wasn't the pure, untouched mate he believed her to be.

Yet, why should I pay the price for her countless mistakes? She should bear the weight of her sins.

"Do you want your sister to get rejected by her mate once he sees I'm impure?" She held my hands tight, her teary eyes locked into mine. " Is that what you want?"

"Kaelith...I-"

I didn't know what to do or say; I was being put in a tight spot. We would definitely be caught. I thought about the plan she'd outlined-disguised as being her, giving me the chance to slip into Gilbert's bed without any suspicion. Masking my scent with lavender and rosemary oil and pretending to be the perfect, innocent mate he believed she was.

But it was too risky. It was all too risky.

I looked into her eyes, wide and brimming with unshed tears and pure fear. She had always been the confident twin, the stronger one, but seeing her this terrified sent an ache through my chest.

"He'll never notice the difference, I promise you." She said, her voice softening as she turned back to the door to our room, confirming we were truly alone. "Please, Raven. You have to save me, my beautiful sister."

I sighed. I just needed to be extremely cautious in order not to be caught. That way, there would be no consequences. "Don't make me regret this, Kaelith. You owe me big time."

"YES!" Kaelith screamed in excitement as she jumped, giving a small celebratory dance with the shake of her hips before rushing and hugging me. "You're the best sister in the world. What could I have possibly done without you?"

I shrugged, trying to ease the tension in my chest. "Probably die."

This response earned a small blow to my shoulders as she sat me on the bed. "My plan is perfect. Just follow everything I say." She went on to outline the exact event of how the night was to play out.

I shook my head, my hands sweaty as I cleaned them against my jeans. "Now I know you've lost your mind for sure."

Kaelith flicked her hands dismissively, her smile unwavering. "Just do it, and I am a hundred percent sure it'll work. This is why the moon goddess made us identical twins."

I rolled my eyes. "Never for such deceit."

"Oh, shut it, sis. Even most she-wolves would kill to give up their virginity to Beta." She wiggled her brows. "And Alpha Theodore, would also come for the party. I know how much of a crush you have on him. Maybe, once you help me, I'll get you in touch with him."

"Shut up," I blushed, the very thought of the Alpha making my body boil. "So, when do we start?"

A knock on the door startled us both, and we both turned to see Lady Roselyn entering the room. She stared between us before her eyes locked on mine. "Is everything alright? You look pale."

Kaelith immediately swooped in, flashing a bright smile. "Everything's cool, Roselyn. Poor thing's just feeling a little feverish. That's why she won't be attending the grand breakfast."

Lady Roselyn arched an eyebrow but said nothing, nodding briskly before retreating from the room.

I turned in shock to Kaelith, my mouth agape in disbelief. "Are you f*ucking mad? Don't you know how pissed Father would be when he notices I didn't come for breakfast?"

"Don't be a wimp, sis. If you sit beside Gilbert this morning and then sneak into his bed at night, he'll know something's off. Okay, gotta go," Before I could say anything, she began gathering her things and left.

Just like that.

I sighed, walking over to the window as the cool breeze blew against my curly hair but it did nothing to calm my racing heart.

I just hope I won't regret this.

I groaned in annoyance, lowering my head to the front of our house at the sound of a car's engine.

"Shit."

There he was.

Alpha Theodore.

His pitch-black hair graced his head as it was styled into a simple ponytail, framing his sculpted look and sharp nose. His towering height and charming smile made my legs grow weak. Till now, I still haven't gotten over my childish crush on him.

I watched him shake my father's hand firmly with Beta Gilbert standing beside them. They conversed for a while, their lips moving. What they said, I simply don't know. I was too captivated by Alpha Theodore's handsomeness to care.

And that's when my gaze settled on Kaelith, who shyly walked over to Beta Gilbert and kissed him. Reality hit me square in the face.

'This isn't going to work; we will get caught.' I thought, groaning ever so lightly. Kaelith has had too many boyfriends that I lost count of. How Gilbert hasn't known till now baffled me.

As my gaze lingered on Alpha Theodore, it was as if he could sense my presence because he lifted his head and his gaze snagged mine by the windows.

My heart dropped as I immediately fell hard to the ground, my back against the wall.

He saw me.

He freaking saw me.

I breathe hard, my heart thumping against my chest.

Evening fell quickly; the golden hues of the setting sun gave way to shadows creeping through the mansion. My stomach growled, sharp and demanding, snapping me out of my spiral of thoughts about Alpha Theodore. I had to eat and decided to sneak out of my room to the kitchen to find food. It was easy, jumping over the creaky floorboards, trying to keep silent, and the kitchen wasn't that far.

I rounded the corner and into the kitchen. I must say, I was truly in heaven. The scent of roasted meat and baked goodies enveloped me. I wasted no time and launched over the food.

The moment the savory flavors hit my tongue, I sighed in relief as the tension of the day melted away with every bite.

This is life.

I reached for another piece of roasted meat when the sound of breathing behind me made me freeze.

"And why is the little princess sneaking around her own house all day, hmm?"

Slowly and in shock, I turned, the slab of meat falling to the ground as my eyes met his. Alpha Theodore.

"Uh-umm, I was hungry, and I don't feel like eating with my family, A-alpha.." I looked to my feet as they berated me, afraid of staring into his beautiful eyes for too long.

"Hmmm," I heard him sniffing. "Do you smell that?"

I raised my head slightly and sniffed the air. That's when it hit me. The most amazing scent ever.

Where the hell did this wonderful smell come from?

I didn't care about the Alpha's presence anymore and sniffed around, looking for the source of such an amazing scent.

The maids must have outdone themselves in preparing such delicacy, but one part of me told me it wasn't food. No, it was far greater.

I followed the scent, and my head went upwards, towards...him. My nose stopped before huge pectoral muscles and I sniffled even harder, looking up slowly to his glowing eyes.

The scent of honey, pine, and a hint of wet forest. It was coming from him?

"MATE."

CHAPTER 002

Raven's POV:

"MATE."

Alpha Theodore's growl said it all, his words hanging in the air.

I couldn't believe it. Ever since my 18th birthday weeks ago, I hadn't found my mate, whereas Kaelith did almost instantly. I had thought I wasn't worthy to have one. I had thought I was too weak; the weaker twin who would never be considered to have a mate. But I guess the goddess has something planned for me.

For the first time in forever, I didn't know how to act or even what to do with my body. So, I did what I was most familiar with under such intense situations; I stared down at my feet as they berated me. Of course, I did feel elated, but this wasn't the right time. Not now. Not when I was neck-deep in Kaelith's schemes.

I peeked up at him to see his reaction and noticed his gaze didn't soften. If anything, it hardened even more. I was unsure if he was furious, utterly surprised, or maybe both.

My heart pounded hard in my chest, so loud it drowned out every thought in my head.

"Raven Silvera, you're mine," he said, his deep voice low and commanding. "Do you understand? Mine."

A cold shiver ran down my spine at his words. His possessiveness sank deep into my bones. I nodded weakly, unable to form a single coherent word.

"Good." He seemed to enjoy my answer as he stepped closer, his unique scent intoxicating me. "I'll come tomorrow to claim my prize. Prepare yourself, little wolf."

He turned and left, leaving me trembling and my knees weak.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Night came fast; too fast as Kaelith was nowhere to be found, leaving me to execute the plan all by myself.

"Sh*t." I cursed, nervously biting down on my lips, my feet clicking lightly on the tiled floor of Beta Gilbert's chamber. The room smelt faintly of cedarwood and books, a reflection of his stoic personality. "This is fucking insane. Pick up, sis."

The phone call went to voicemail.

"Oh, Goddess. I'm so dead." I gripped my now-straightened hair, staring at the mirror by the bed. I look so much like Kaelith now and smell just like her. We've done this switch numerous times than I could count, but this was the deepest we've ever gone.

The vibration of my phone dragged me away from my lingering thoughts, and I stared at the name of the caller.

Kaelith.

"What the f*ck. What the actual f*ck." I screamed into the phone as I brought the phone closer to my ears, beginning to pace even faster.

"What!!!! Hehe, hey sis." Kaelith dragged on from the other end of the call.

What?

"You're drunk?" I couldn't believe it. This was the height of it all.

"Did you forget about your plans? I'm in your mate's freaking bedroom, and he will soon be here. Aren't you supposed to guide me, or something? Please, tell me you've drugged him already."

She giggled through the phone, her carefreeness of the situation only making my stomach twist with dread.

"Of course not, Raven! I haven't forgotten," she slurred her voice a mix of laughter. "No need to drug him. You're doing great! Just... relax, okay. Gilbert is going to fall for it. You're going to be fine."

"Fine?" I hissed, clenching the phone tighter as my fingers turned white. "Kaelith, you said you would spike his drink so he could be too drunk to notice or do anything, but you've done none of that. I'm about to commit treason, and all for you. The least you could do is be here to walk me through. And now you're off getting drunk with one of your boyfriends?"

Kaelith let out another laugh, clearly not taking this seriously. "Oh please, relax. It's not like Gilbert will notice. You've got it, Sis. You look just like me, smell just like me. You are a star. So, enjoy and bye!!!"

The line went dead.

"What the actual fuc-"

My scream was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. I immediately ran over to the bed, covering myself with the blanket as I pretended to sleep, though my eyes remained wide open.

I heard the door open. The bed dipped as Gilbert climbed on the bed. My breathing grew erratic.

Beta Gilbert scooped closer to me, cupping me with his body as he held my chin, tilting my head so our eyes could meet. He was all smiles as he planted a kiss on my lips.

"You're the biggest blessing of my life, Raven!"

I almost gasp in shock.

Raven?

How did he find out I wasn't Kaelith so quickly? Maybe the potions and perfumes weren't enough to conceal my scent.

I'm dead.

So dead.

I'll be imprisoned and executed.

My breath turned labored as if I was breathing through a single constricted pipe. My body trembled with fear, making it hard to speak.

"Ra...Raven, err... Raven is my sister." I spluttered, hoping to the moon goddess I could escape this quickly. "She-I'm..."

"Kaelith. Ah! I keep getting confused. Sorry, my darling." He kissed me yet again, sputtering kisses down my neck and my shoulder blades.

Where exactly was the confusion between me and Kaelith? We're two different individuals with the same face.

His hands trailed down my body as he whispered. "You remember our agreement for tonight, right baby? You and me, becoming one." The lust in his voice was simply too great, as his smoldering eyes were a subtle pointer to what he meant.

"I-I'm not ready-"

"Shh..." he placed his fingers on my lips, shushing my excuse. "Just lay there and enjoy, for tonight, we shall be bound as one, my sexy, beautiful mate." As he spoke, he pulled my nightgown, his eyes rummaging through my body. "You're so beautiful." His hands found a way and undid my lingerie and bra, leaving me stark naked before him.

'This is wrong; this is so wrong,' I chanted in my head as I closed my eyes, hoping I could disappear.

"Open your eyes for me, baby."

Hesitantly, I opened them back up, but it wasn't Beta Gilbert who was on top of me, but Alpha Theodore.

"Alpha..."

"Yes." He moaned, kissing every inch of my body. "You know exactly what I want to be. Call me your Alpha. Call me your daddy."

He was here. My mate. My Theodore.

I trailed my gaze to the ceiling in complete ecstasy as he took me.

After he was done, he collapsed beside me, falling asleep immediately.

**********^*******^*******

I jumped awake as the sound of my alarm blasted into the room and I shut it off immediately.

"Morning already?" I yawned, reaching for my bottle of water, which I usually keep beside my bedside, but my hands fell on space.

My gaze snapped towards the position of the small table normally there, but it...wasn't there.

That's when I noticed the different layout of the room. The plain white room, the smell of cedarwood and books.

Shit.

I turned sharply to my side to see Beta Gilbert lying there, and all the memories of last night came flooding back in.

I gasped, the recollection of my memories shocking me. I must have hallucinated to think Beta Gilbert was Alpha Theodore.

No, no. I slept with him.

I slept with Kaelith's mate.

Panic settled in as I slowly crept from the bed, took my phone and clothes, and headed into the bathroom as silently as possible.

I sat on the toilet seat, swiping through my phone, but there was no message from Kaelith. My hands shook as I dropped the phone, immediately putting my clothes back on, but when I pulled my hair back to zip my dress, I noticed a faint bruise at the back of my neck.

I frowned, getting closer to the mirror and my eyes widened in horror.

It couldn't be. My hands slapped against my mouth to stifle the scream that escaped my lungs.

There, right above my shoulder blade, was a large bite mark.

Beta Gilbert marked me!

CHAPTER 003

Raven's POV:

My hands trembled as I turned on the faucet, splashing my face with water and hoping this was all a dream, but yet, the mark remained.

It seemed like the hundredth time I'd been calling, desperate for Kaelith to pick up, but the endless ringing only seemed to elevate my panic and despair.

"Pick up, please. Pick up, damn it!" I muttered under my breath, pacing the confines of the large bathroom that seemed too small now as claustrophobia closed in. I noticed my reflection in the mirror as it mocked me-disheveled hair, tear-streaked face, and that unmistakable mark on my neck that seemed to burn with every passing second.

The phone call went to voicemail again.

"Kaelith! I swear to the Moon Goddess, if you don't call me back right now, I'll make sure to end you in the most-" I cut myself off, knowing empty threats wouldn't summon her here. I tried again, my shaking fingers fumbling with the screen.

No answer.

The tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as reality hit me like a stone brick. I was marked-claimed by Beta Gilbert, a man who wasn't my mate, worse yet, was my twin sister's.

I knew this plan would fail from the start. This wasn't just a betrayal; it was treason.

I was scared, but what truly terrified me was the thought of Alpha Theodore. What would he do when he finds out I've been marked by another?

A wave of nausea hit me, and I rested my back against the door; that was when my phone rang. I picked up immediately, my voice filled with panic.

"Kaelith, what in the goddess's name? I've been calling more than a million times, and you didn't pick up. Where were you-"

"Oh, shut it, Raven. You panic too much." Kaelith replied coolly. "Since you're talking to me now, it means Gilbert hasn't found out. I called to get your lazy ass out of the bed and leave his chamber."

I shook my head, grabbing my hair tightly. "There's a problem, Kaelith. A huge problem. Gilbert marked me!"

My breath hitched as there was a long pause, a silence that didn't seem to be a concerted effort to seek.

"How did this happen?"

"I don't know. One minute I was pretending to sleep, and the next, he was kissing me. My memory is vague but I woke up this morning to find myself marked and taken by him. I don't know what to do now, Kaelith." My voice cracked as the unshed tears finally broke free. "We're in big trouble, Sis. We have to tell our father. We have to stop this nonsense now."

"Are you insane? Tell father what? Father would destroy us if he ever found out about this. Look here, just breathe, Raven. The best thing to do is play along until..."

"Until what?" I snapped, cutting her off as I began to dress up. I had to leave before he wakes up. "Until he realizes he slept and marked a wrong mate?"

"That's why I said you should chill out. I'm thinking here."

"Chill out? How on earth do you expect me to 'chill out'? What we have done is unthinkable; need I remind you for the hundredth time?" I sniffled, composing myself as I prepared to leave the Beta's chambers. "I'm coming home. You should find a way to fix this shit you've put me into, or else I'll tell Father everything. Right from the start." I threatened.

"You dare not-"

"Try me, Kaelith, and you'll see how serious I really am." I ended the call, breathing deeply.

I successfully sneaked out of the Beta's chamber and walked around the busy streets of the Fangborn pack, trying to dull time as Karlie fixed all her mistakes. Later that evening, a chauffeur picked me up and took me directly to the pack house. Today was the day Alpha Theodore said he would come for me, and as ceremonial rites, the Delta family was invited to dine with the Alpha. Likely, an invitation had already been sent if the chauffeur was taking me directly to the pack house.

I only hope Kaelith has changed into me, so no one would notice our switch.

The chauffeur parked by the driveway of the pack house, and a pack member led me through the grand mansion. As I arrived, two pack warriors stood before the large door. They didn't say anything, their gaze on me the entire time until I reached them.

"I'm here to see my parents-" I didn't finish my words as a silver cuff was placed over my wrist. A hissing sound apparent as it burned my skin.

"W-what's going on?" I questioned, staring in confusion, but they only yanked me away.

"What the hell is wrong with you guys? Don't you know I am the Delta's daughter? Let go of me!" I barked at the grim-faced security guards, but they remained stoic and silent.

There in the dining room, where I was supposed to be formally introduced to my true mate and Alpha, stood all the important figures in the pack, lined up as they watched the warriors drag me.

"FATHER?" I shouted when I noticed him standing by mother and Kaelith. Beside him was none other than him, Alpha Theodore, and several ministers.

I struggled to let the warriors free me but their grip was too tight. "Mother! Father! Help me. These guys have gone crazy." But none made a move to help me, they only watched with disappointment and disapproval.

"You disappointed us, Raven," Father said, his voice filled with suppressed anger and many more I couldn't decipher. "You not only betrayed the sacred law of the pack but betrayed your own twin sister. I am ashamed to call you my daughter."

What are they talking about? My gaze shifted to Kaelith and she looked more like herself instead of me as we'd agreed; straight hair, paler skin, and her eyes gleaming with fear, that's when it hit me.

Kaelith had betrayed me.

I shook my head, tears beginning to fall. "Momma, papa, believe me. I had nothing to do with all these. It's all Kaelith's who orchestrated-"

"Shut up, Raven," mother shouted, holding father's hand. "You've implicated your sister too much. Don't blame her for your crimes. You ceased being my daughter after committing such treason."

No, no.

"No, please-"

"You slept with my mate, Raven. How could you? I thought you were my sister?" Kaelith whimpered, falling into her mother's arms as she wept. "M-mother, I can feel the burn. My mate marked another. It hurts."

"You!" Kaelith pointed at me, her teary eyes filled with accusation. "You've always been jealous of me, right? So you took my mate from me, pretending to be me. How despicable could you be? HOW DARE YOU," she screamed as a few pack ministers consoled her.

I was too much shock as I stood there like a statue, watching her act her way out.

"Whose idea was this?" A deep voice I recognized all too well growled.

My attention snapped towards Alpha Theodore as he glared at me with pure hatred.

"You slept with a man who wasn't your mate last night, am I correct?"

"This is a trap. Kaelith convinced me to help-"

"YES OR NO!" Alpha Theodore roared, shutting me up instantly.

I nodded solemnly, my gaze to the ground, unable to meet his hatred-filled eyes. I glanced at Kaelith, hoping she would accept her mistake, but she was all quiet, adding layers to my guilt by crying.

I had to defend myself; I possibly couldn't be used as a dump now, not when a nightmare was unfolding before my eyes. "It's all Kaelith's idea. She feels she isn't pure to-"

"SHUT UP," Kaelith screamed. "Why on earth would I ask you to pretend to be me just so you can lay my mate? Make it make sense, Raven."

Now that she said it, even I wouldn't believe me.

Tears fell from my eyes as I knelt to the ground, pleading. "Alpha, mother, father, ministers. I swear I would never have done-"

Theodore raised his hands to stop me, his eyes filled with rage and disgust. "I would never accept a sl*t like you as a mate. You're not worthy of becoming my Luna. Disgusting," he spat. I shook my head, knowing what was coming next, but he said it anyway.

"I, Alpha Theodore Dreadclaw, Alpha of the Fangborn pack, hereby reject you, Raven Silvera, as my mate and Luna."

At that moment, I felt everything within me shatter. My heart squeezed as pain enveloped my chest, the mate mark from Gilbert burning.

"M-mother. Father...Help..." I screamed as the pain intensified, but through my blurry vision, I could only see their disappointment.

Alpha Theodore's voice tore through the cloud of pain that enveloped me. "Take her to the dungeon, for the laws must be obeyed. Raven Silvera shall be executed by full moon."