My Alpha's Betrayal: Burning in the Flames of His Vengeance

***

There was no love nor emotions in the eyes of the man before me... only the flames of hatred burning brightly, consuming them.

"Tell me... what are we?" I asked softly. The pain in my body was suffocating and no matter how strong I tried to remain, I couldn't keep the pain from my voice.

"Nothing more than Heaven and Hell." His voice was equally cold, destroying the last of my resolve.

"Then kill me," I whispered hoarsely, trying to ignore the pain of betrayal that was tearing me up from within.

A ruthless smirk graced his handsome face, his fingers curling under my chin and making the sparks from his touch rush through me; pleasurable yet equally painful.

He was so close... yet so far away...

"That would be far too easy... but I assure you, when I'm done with you, you'll wish you were never born."

"You don't mean that..."

"Watch me." He turned away, pushing me to the ground roughly, "Burn her."

My heart sank, my head hanging as the pain of his rejection tore through me. Even when I was doused in gasoline, I didn't move, trying not to gag on the strong pungent smell that now cloaked me entirely, keeping my eyes clamped shut.

Didn't he realise I was already burning in agony from the pain he had inflicted within me?

My eyes stung as I forced them open, watching him retreat, hoping... praying... that he'd turn back and change his mind. That perhaps deep inside of him, that man that I loved, still existed.

He once said that I was his kryptonite...

Was it all lies?

He paused, my heart leapt with a glimmer of hope, but then I saw it, the blazing match in his hand as his eyes met mine...

***

Present Day

YILEYNA

Charlene giggles excitedly as we sneak out off before one of the guards notice us. If Theon caught us, he would not be impressed, and I can imagine the lecture I would receive for not telling him we were leaving.

"Quick!" Charlene chuckled as we checked for guards in the hall. Seeing that the coast was clear, we quickly rush out the doors, slipping outside, and Charlene does a happy dance as if we had just managed some kind of jail break, making my lips tug up.

My amusement at my future Queen dims a little when I notice the attention I was drawing, swallowing down the emotion threatening to choke me, I ignore their disgusted glares and follow her, Charlene loops her arm through mine, tugging me along talking animatedly about something but my thoughts were elsewhere. Charlene, distracted by a stall, rushes over, peaking at the merchants' handmade crafts and my eyes follow her when I spot Rhys.

My eyes locked with the seven-year-old Gamma's son. I had saved his life that night, but I couldn't save my own parents. Little Rhys also spotting me and stopped in his tracks, that night was so painfully vivid in my head, despite it being two months since the massacre. Two months since I lost my parents. My father was the Beta of the pack, a title that was to be mine, although I know the Alpha also blames me for their loss.

Now I'm the disgraced Beta's daughter, my future now unknown because of their loss. A grievance I caused our Alpha and pack. It's as if they didn't realize I also grieve their loss. They were parents, no one feels their absence like I do. And now everywhere I look, I am given the constant reminder of how I failed them, failed the pack. Yet little Rhys, his haunted gaze meeting mine, forced me back to that dreadful night.

This memory would forever haunt me because they would still be here if it weren't for me. My feet falter, my heart thundering as I met his gaze as memories of that night assault my mind, plunging me back into the depths of a nightmare I've been replaying in my head since ever since...

Everything faded away and once again I was reliving that night...

Blood and carnage, I could still smell the smoke from the flames that billowed into the night sky. The coppery scent of blood that stained the ground, hear the screams of our people, but none of that haunted me more than the pain of losing them.

"The Beta's down!" someone shouted, making me freeze, my entire world come to a stop for a painful moment, those words sinking in.

I spun around, my heart in my throat. The blood was pumping through my body loudly, and an icy chill enveloped me.

Goddess no....

Dad!

Someone blocked my path, and I slammed straight into a hard, muscular chest. I jerked away, trying to get past them, but a sturdy pair of hands grabbed my waist.

"Yileyna!"

"Let me go! Dad's out there! Mom, too!"

"YILEYNA!" His deep growl made me freeze. "Listen to me."

I stared up into the amber eyes of my crush, Theon. His hands cupped my face, a frown creasing his brow. But this time, it wasn't his beauty or touch that hit me, but the words that left those plump lips.

"It's too late. They're dead." I stared up at him, not missing the worry that was laced in his tone as he tried to make me understand the words he spoke. The words that sent my world crashing down around me. Knowing that no matter what my life would never be the same again...

"Yileyna!" I shake my head, brought back to the present by Charlene, drawing my attention from the boy. No longer locked under my gaze, he drops his head and rushed off, continuing on wherever he was going.

Two months had passed since the night of the massacre, but the horrors of that attack still haunted the dreams of many. We lost thirty-four people that night, and another seven later on due to fatal injuries.

What hurt the most was I knew Dad left the safety of the walls for me, to protect me and to make sure I was safe, and with his death, I lost Mom, too. True mates who have marked one another will die together. I never should have been down there... but me being me... I did and it cost them.

A lot has changed since then. People now looked at me with contempt and hatred. I knew they blamed me for the loss of their Beta couple, but I blamed myself, too. It was my fault.

"Goddess, if it wasn't for her, they'd still be here."

"The cheek that she's showing her face here..."

The two women who walked past us muttered to one another. I smiled sadly, not bothering to look back at them.

The familiar painful hold on my chest returned, and I swallowed hard, trying to focus on the destination we were heading towards.

Charlene turned, glaring at the back of the two women.

"Ignore them." She said, wrapping her arm around mine.

"I do, my beautiful queen." I smiled at her; among everyone, she was the one who didn't change towards me.

Sure, the Alpha and Luna were ok with me, but I didn't see them too often and I wasn't blind to the hint of hostility from the Alpha... I still remember when he asked what I was doing out there, how my carelessness had cost us all...

"Come on, we better hurry before Theon realises that we are no longer in the baths." She giggled.

Theon, he was also someone who treated me indifferently, the same as ever. The most emotion I saw on him was when he told me their fate...

"You know, he's going to get angry. Again." I smirked, brushing away the thoughts that flooded my mind.

"Oh well, you are one of the strongest people I know. In the last two months, you have taken that to an entirely new level. He'll know I'm safe." She stated confidently.

She was exaggerating. I was skilled, but I was by far one of the strongest.

Charlene... what would I do without her?

But it didn't take long for someone to turn on me... Would I lose her too?

Since my parent's death, I had focused on working harder, and pushing myself to my limits. I was seventeen, but I still hadn't gotten my wolf. Werewolves usually shifted at any age from thirteen. The latest recorded shift was at nineteen. But the average age was fourteen to sixteen for most wolves. Charlene had shifted at fifteen, and I was now seventeen, nearly eighteen, with no sign of a shift happening.

Everyone was talking about it. I was the daughter of the Beta couple. I should have shifted by now.

In the kingdom of Astalion, there were ten packs, with the centre and the largest territory belonging to King Andres, father of Charlene and the Alpha of the Silver Storm Pack.

I knew the expectation of shifting and proving my worth to take the Beta position had only grown since my parents had passed away, but there was nothing I could do to force it to happen. I just had to bide my time and wait for the shift.

We walked through the bustling streets and past the lines of trees heading towards the coast. The sun was already low in the sky, and we would only have an hour at most.

"Finally! Some space to breathe." Charlene whispered as we headed down the rocky path.

I didn't blame her. Things had been rather tense as of late, and I knew there was something troubling her. If she wanted to share, she knew I was there for her when she was ready to tell me.

We reached our destination, and she smiled, slipping off her shoes and taking her dress off. It was safe down this side. Well, as long as we were gone by nightfall, that's when the waters became a threat.

The coast this close to Westerfell was, for the most part, not too bad, but the sea was the kingdom of a dark species, and it was common knowledge not to linger anywhere close to the waters at night.

I unzipped my boots, unbuttoned my leather pants, and stripped them off, leaving the white shirt that I had tucked into my pants on. It only partially covered my derriere, which was clad in tiny underwear.

I was five feet seven, compared to Charlene's five-foot-ten. For werewolves, I was slightly on the shorter side, and unlike Charlene, who had a slender toned body, I had slightly curvier hips and an ass that had a little more fat than the average she-wolf. With double D breasts that made me appear more like an Omega, so I was a little more conscious of stripping bare, even though we were alone.

Charlene was only in her lingerie and was already splashing around in the water. I walked into the water, allowing the soothing tides to wash over me.

I loved the sea, the feel of the waves rippling against me, the calmness of the fresh air and the smell of the clean salty water. It was more relaxing than anything else.

"Yileyna!"

My eyes flew open just as Charlene grabbed my ankle, dragging me into the water and making me gasp as I stumbled, tumbling backwards into the water. I gasped again as I broke the surface, brushing back my wet hair and giving her a mocking glare.

"Charl! Oh, you asked for it!"

We splashed each other, shrieking and giggling when we shoved the other under the water. I think for a while I was able to forget all my troubles. When the red glow of the sunbathed us in its warm colours, I looked at Charlene.

"I think we better head back now. Theon probably found out we are missing by now." I suggested reluctantly, not wanting to leave the warmth of the water.

"Not that I'd mind him showing up. He's so stiff and indifferent, I wonder if seeing us almost naked would even bother him?" She mused, swimming away. She liked him, just as I did. Despite being best friends we were both crushing over the same guy. Her bodyguard, Theon.

"I doubt it. Nothing bothers him. Charlene!"

"Five minutes! One swim and I'll be back!" She called out, swimming away.

I sighed, staring out at the glittering water and taking a deep breath. I ducked under the water, looking at the fish that were swimming around. I held my breath for several moments, enjoying the beauty beneath the surface, before my body begged for oxygen and I broke the surface, taking in a deep gulp of air as I brushed my hair off my face.

"Get out."

My heart skipped a beat, and I turned, staring up at the man that stood at the edge of the water; his coppery brown hair brushed back, his amber eyes burning with a fury that was barely contained, and his chiselled jaw set taut as he clenched his teeth. His bulging arms were crossed over his broad chest, and the tattoos that peeked out from the collar and sleeves of his clothes only added to how hot he looked right now. The sun making his hair look like it was on fire, emphasising every angle and curve of his face.

"Excuse me?" I raised an eyebrow, very aware that if I got out now, my shirt would stick to me and reveal my lilac lacy lingerie.

"You left without telling me." His voice is low and dangerous but it didn't stop me from poking him further.

"Obviously, or you wouldn't have allowed us to leave. I'm surprised it took you this long to come here."

"Get out now."

"You're not my guard. Charlene's gone for a swim. Go find her instead." I suggested, sinking lower into the water, leaving only my eyes above the water.

"You know the waters are dangerous once night falls Yileyna, we need to head back." His deep, sexy voice only made my core clench. "Do not make me get you out."

That wouldn't be a bad idea...

I sighed and swam to the edge in defeat. Getting out of the water, I glared at the taller man, wishing I was wearing my boots. At least I would have had a few extra inches on me. Standing at six feet five, he towered over me.

"I never knew you were so scared of sirens," I smirked tauntingly.

"I'm not. I just don't think you'll be of much use with a few missing limbs." He remarked, his gaze dipping down to my soaking body.

I kept my eyes on him, trying to gauge his reaction. His eyes seemed to burn through the flimsy fabrics that covered me, and I felt very bare. My white shirt was now see-through, clinging to my curves, and the lace of my bra was clearly visible, my nipples stiff from the water that had cooled considerably. That, or because of the man that stood before me.

Not one movement... not one hint of desire... His gaze ended at my thighs, and then I got the tiniest reaction. His tongue slid over his bottom lip, his eyes glimmering with a hue of gold before he turned his back on me smoothly.

"Get dressed and get Charlene. The Alpha wants to see the both of us." He snarled at me.

Now? What did the Alpha want to see us for? These days he barely spared me a glance.

Chapter 2 The Alpha King

YILEYNA

Surprisingly, Theon said nothing to Charlene when she returned, not even casting her a glance as we made our way back towards the castle. We split up, with Theon escorting Charlene to her room whilst I headed to my own quarters, the Beta quarters. A place that was so empty since Mom and Dad were gone.

I quickly showered before pulling on a navy fitted top, black pants and boots, before I pulled my wet hair back into a ponytail.

I exited my room and almost knocked into Theon, who was leaning against the wall.

"Goddess!" I gasped, jumping back, my heart thumping. "You scared me."

"For someone so audacious, I didn't know anything could scare you." He replied emotionlessly.

"What's life if you don't live it at full throttle?" I replied, making sure the door was locked before we both fell in step.

"Let me guess, not living, simply existing?" He raised his eyebrow.

"Are you mocking me?"

"I'm glad you figured it out." He whispered huskily, leaning down.

My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, making me feel giddy. His sexy masculine scent invaded my senses, the thrum of his steady heartbeat making my own pound louder.

"Jerk." I retorted, pushing him away.

Theon had only been in this pack for two years. We didn't know where he had come from, or who he was. The only thing he remembered when he regained consciousness was his name: Theon.

It had actually been Charlene, and me, who had found him a few weeks after her shift. We had been out, sneaking away as usual, when we saw a Naga; a half-human, half-serpent-like being. Unlike the ones who lived on land, the sea Naga were as dangerous as the sirens, and this one had been no different.

Seeing the bloody body in the Naga's hold, Charlene had frozen in horror, and although my instincts told me to run, I couldn't leave someone to die and so I swum out. With nothing but my sword, I had injured the Naga just enough to free Theon from his hold. Despite him having elemental powers, I had managed to pull Theon to safety, and we had then called for help.

But Theon didn't know that. Charlene had asked if she could say she saved him when she saw how handsome the young man was. As much as I would have loved to taunt him, this was even better. Now I often reminded him he had been saved by a princess.

We weren't sure about Theon's age, but he looked to be in his early twenties.

It had taken time for everyone to trust him, but slowly he became one of us and was initiated into the pack. He never regained his memory, but he was hard-working, strong and an excellent warrior, so he had risen through the ranks. He was now an Epsilon rank warrior, which meant there were only four ranks above him and that included the Alpha rank.

Being the princess' bodyguard was an honourable job. It meant that the Alpha trusted him and knew he was capable of protecting her.

We walked down the hall. I turned towards the Alpha King's office only for Theon to take a left.

"The office is this way."

"I know, but did I say he was in his office?" He replied as if this was obvious.

"Right..."

Alpha Andres, no matter how many times you go before him, he was still intimidating and powerful. He was the biggest man I had seen at around six feet seven or eight inches. He just looked far too large around everyone else. There were a handful of men around Theon's size, but they were rare too. The king was a beast and a king in all aspects.

Theon walked out of the double doors that led to the back grounds, and I grabbed the door before it swung shut in my face.

"Ever heard of manners? That's no way to treat a lady." I remarked.

"Never knew you were one." His emotionless reply came as he glanced at me over his shoulder. His gaze flicked to my body for a moment before a small smirk crossed his face. "Yeah, definitely not a woman."

I'll get you back for that...

I glared at his back, my gaze falling to his ass. I couldn't deny he was sexy, yet he was equally irritating. Although both Charlene and I found him incredibly handsome, he didn't give us any attention. Although lately, I felt he teased me a little more... or maybe that was me being wishful. I also didn't know what to think of that, Charlene also liked him, and she was the Alpha's daughter... she deserved him more than I did...

I followed him out just as the king slammed two men to the ground, making the ground shake at the impact.

His torso was shirtless, a man made from pure bulging muscles. His tanned skin was littered with scars and tattoos of runes. Symbols and images depicting war and victory mapped his entire torso, and his straggly chocolate-brown hair fell below his huge, muscular shoulders. He was the opposite of his daughter, who had gone after her mother.

"Just on time. Who's next?" He asked with a grin as he turned to us, his gold tooth glinting under the lights of the courtyard.

"I wouldn't mind sparring with you, Alpha, but I fear I may not make it out alive." I replied with a small smile.

It felt good to know he was still talking to me, even if it was just the adrenaline of beating us to a pulp that put him in a good mood.

"I hear you have been training a lot more... let's see."

That was a command.

One I couldn't disobey.

"Don't die," Theon remarked mockingly, crossing his arms, and placing one hand under his chin as if he was about to enjoy the show.

I stepped out and looked up at my Alpha, amusement clear in his eyes. He knew I wouldn't even last a few minutes... The two men who had been thrown to the ground got up as the king jerked his head in dismissal.

"I'm not sure if you are reckless or brave." The king stated, grabbing a towel, and wiping his face, which was coated with a layer of sweat.

"A little of both?" I suggested when he turned back to me.

A predatorial grin crossed his face, and he raised his fist, lunging at me without warning. My eyes flew open, and I ducked to the left, just as his fist hit the ground, creating a crack. He turned and threw another punch, using all his brute strength. Of course, I wouldn't last in a battle of strength.

Was it disrespectful to defend or attack the king?

I kept dodging when the king growled.

"Do not run! Attack! I'm sure Will showed you something!" The sudden anger and irritation in his voice at the loss of his closest confidant was raw and clear, sending a stab of pain through me.

Of course, he had... I would never let my father's name be tarnished...

I knew he blamed me, too.

I could see it in his eyes, even if he never voiced it... Don't you get it Alpha, I'm hurting too... I'm breaking inside yet you are all so caught up in your own loss you forget that they were my parents. Mine.

A flash of anger and sadness overcame me, but I didn't let it show. The urge to release this pent-up irritation and anguish was rising within me. If the king had strength, then I had speed.

This time when he lunged at me, fist raised, I didn't duck, blocking it with my arms and gritting my teeth as I felt something break. I twisted, grabbing the king's thick forearms, and with all the force I could muster, I kicked him straight in the stomach. I hope he realised I could have kneed him where the sun didn't shine, but I don't think it would have been very respectful.

He staggered slightly, and I glanced at Theon, a flash of surprise crossing his usually arrogant, emotionless face.

"Hmph... Talent, but no strength." The king grunted, turning away, a clear signal we were done.

My arms screamed in agony, but they would heal. I looked down, noticing my right one was at a slight angle, but I would not snap it into place in front of the king.

I didn't reply, bowing my head in submission. I knew what he meant... the fact that I hadn't shifted or come into full strength...

He picked up a bottle of water, downing it in a few gulps, leaning against the pillar as he looked at both Theon and me. I could feel Theon's gaze burning into me, but I refused to look at him.

"Do you know why we are constantly attacked?" He asked.

"Everyone wants a slice of the power that the Alpha king holds, and possibly the legend that the one who conquers Astalion ultimately has within their hold the power to rule the thirteen kingdoms and the seven seas." Theon replied.

That old folk's tale? I know people believed it, but I didn't think Theon was one for old wives' tales.

The king nodded with a smirk.

"Well, that's a total load of bullshit, but every myth and legend comes from somewhere." His smirk vanished, and he looked up at the sky. "I trust you both. Theon, we may have only had you here for two years, but you have proven yourself as a loyal warrior, and an honoured member of this pack. I have placed my greatest treasure in your care, and I know you will protect her with everything. You will honour the oath you took when you joined us."

I glanced at Theon, who was simply watching the king indifferently. Both men were regal and powerful. I felt like an unnecessary extra here. Why did he want to speak to me?

"She saved my life. That isn't a debt that I'll ever forget." He replied.

The king nodded.

"Yileyna, you are the... daughter of my closest friend and confidant, and you are also Charlene's best friend. I know you mean the world to her and despite everything, you do protect her. There is something I need to share with you both..." His gaze scanned the area, making sure we were alone.

Why did it feel like whatever he wanted to tell us was very important?

"The myth you speak of Theon, the so-called treasure given to the middle kingdom; the heart of Kaeladia, of our world... It's not a tome or a magical crystal, it's something entirely different... and the reason no one has ever found it. It's said to be revealed every few centuries..."

I frowned as I began to piece the puzzle together. He mentioned Charlene... Was she somehow connected?

"You mean..." Theon murmured, but I could tell from his tone that understanding had dawned on him.

"Yes. My daughter is the heart, the treasure that every kingdom seeks."

Theon's eyes flashed a brilliant gold, but it was only for a split second as he frowned.

"That makes sense... A treasure to reveal itself every fifth century... because it's reborn." Theon mused, realisation flooding his face.

The king nodded.

"Yes, in an Alpha female. However, the thing is, Charlene has shown no signs of unlocking this power. Trouble is rising from all sides. We cannot delay."

Well, I knew how that felt, having something expected of you and yet... unable to do anything about it.

"What if she isn't the one to have this ability? You said yourself, once every few centuries, maybe it's not Charlene." I reasoned, trying not to clutch my broken arm.

"She is the heart of Kaeladia. Before her birth a prophecy was revealed. My daughter is the one holding the heart of our world, the powers that everyone on the planet seeks and I want you, Theon, to train her, to push her to her limits until she unlocks those powers by luck or by force."

His cold grey eyes met Theon's amber ones. An agreement was made without even a word spoken.

The king dismissed us soon after, and as we walked down the hallway in silence, I didn't know what to make of it. Something big was worrying the king for him to actually think of pushing Charlene to her limits. I knew he chose Theon because everyone knew he followed rules without thinking of the consequences.

"Do you think you can do that to her?" I asked, knowing exactly what pushing her to her limits meant.

I was doing the same to myself. Sometimes I wasn't even able to move after training and even fell unconscious at times.

"Why not?"

"She saved your life, and you want to break her?"

His smouldering eyes met mine, and he turned, making my heart thunder under the intensity.

"If it's for her benefit, then yes, I'll break her willingly." A small smirk crossed his lips as he tilted his head. "What's wrong, Little Storm, jealous?"

"Oh please, jealous of what? Being beaten to a pulp by you?" I growled, when suddenly he grabbed my arm and snapped it back into place, making me whimper at the jarring pain that shot through my arm and neck, making my eyes water.

"No." He leaned closer, the heat of his body invading my personal space, his chest grazing against mine. I felt his warm breath on my ear as he whispered the words that sent a rush of pleasure through me. "To be broken by me."

YILEYNA

Last night's events were fresh on my mind, along with Alpha Andres's and Theon's parting words. I hadn't even been able to thank him for helping fix my arm. Something that I could have done myself, but it's a lot easier when you're not the one snapping your bones back into place. I hadn't shifted yet, so I didn't heal as fast as those who had.

I had woken up with Theon's words playing on my mind and an ache between my legs that begged for only one man's touch. As much as I was sure I could find a man to satiate the hunger, I didn't want just anyone.

I had changed and come out to one of the smaller, less frequently used training fields. No one really came this far out often, and since the pack had in a way shunned me, I felt more comfortable training out here alone.

The rain had fallen heavily throughout the night, and it was still ongoing. The ground beneath my feet was muddy and my boots were completely covered in it. Squelching with every move I made as I punched the tree repeatedly, venting my frustration.

I was wearing a tank top with a leather jacket and pants; my hair was open, and I was completely drenched despite the overhead branches that partially shielded me from the rain. I didn't mind it. There wasn't a soul in sight, so I was relieved. I guess the regulars were all training in the indoor courts and halls.

I punched the tree again, the Alpha's words ringing in my head.

'Talent, but no strength.'

The tone of his voice made it obvious I was just a failure...

I punched the tree harder, staring at the blood that streaked the trunk. Despite the bandages I had wrapped around my hands, I had still bruised them. The once-white wrap was covered with dirt, water, and blood.

Useless.

A failure...

I was a shame to the De'Lacor name... I was meant to be my father's legacy... Someone who he'd be proud to call his daughter, the future Beta, but without my wolf, I don't think that title was going to be mine.

It had been two months, and I knew the rest of the ranked wolves wanted the king to pick a new Beta... No doubt the Gamma and Delta wolves had their eyes on that position. A position that was rightfully the De'Lacor's.

I felt an all-too-familiar stinging in my eyes as I continued to hit the tree. My grunts, and whimpers of pain and effort faded into the sound of the downpour. Weather that truly fitted my mood.

I kept going, no longer focusing on anything but the pain in my entire body. I knew I was going to end up in bed for an entire day after this.

I stumbled, my feet skidding in the mud. I fell forward, bracing my hands on the tree as my knees hit the ground.

"Now I think that's the best position for you to be in." A haughty voice from behind came.

Irritation flashed through me as I got to my feet, turning to look at the two young men who stood there. Nikolai and Kyson. Warriors that were of the same rank as Theon, but unlike him, both were trash in my eyes.

It had been Nikolai who had spoken. With his dark hair and blue eyes, one might think he was handsome, but his personality was far from it.

"I don't think anyone was asking you what the best position for me to be in is," I replied, acting unbothered as I unwrapped the bandage on my right hand. The number of splinters in my hands were far more than I thought.

"Curvaceous, beautiful and wolfless, I think we have ourselves an Omega... and what are they good for, Kyson?" Nikolai remarked, a smirk on his face.

Anger flared inside of me at the insult; I was no Omega!

"Fucking." Kyson added arrogantly, his brown eyes glimmering with lust.

"Exactly," Nikolai replied, his voice laced with amusement.

"Say that again and I'll show you what you will or won't be capable of when I'm done with you." I hissed, clenching my fists.

"Ah... I see you have quite the tongue on you. Maybe we could put it to better use." Kyson stepped forward; his shoulder-length blond hair was pulled back in a pony, displaying the scar that ran across his jaw.

If he carried on as he was, I wouldn't mind adding another one to his face.

I scoffed as I stared at them in disgust. There was no one around for miles and in the exhausted state I was in, I didn't want to be alone with these two...

"How about we do just that? Just looking at her makes me want to bury myself in the little whore."

"Touch me, Nikolai, and I swear by the goddess I will have you castrated."

"I think you forget you have no rank anymore; don't you know what they are saying in court? Theon might take the Beta title... and once he does, you become an Omega by default. But play for the right team and we might just make that experience very pleasurable for you..."

His words shook me, but I refused to admit that. Was it true? Theon may become Beta?

Nikolai advanced towards me, making my heart thunder. His eyes were predatory, like the animal he was. Unmarked women were just targets for men like them, and one without a wolf was the perfect plaything.

"I am Yileyna De'Lacor, and until the king himself strips me of my rank, I am still the Beta candidate," I warned, my voice sounding breathless and shaky even to me.

"And a beautiful name it is for the flower you are. The king can strip your title, but allow me to strip you of a little more." Nikolai remarked, his eyes darkening with hunger as his gaze fell to my front and I realised my shirt was sticking to me, almost completely see-through thanks to the rain. In a flash, he grabbed my arm, spun me around, and tugged my jacket off roughly.

I heard Kyson's sadistic chuckle and felt their eyes on me. Nikolai's hand reached around, grabbing my left breast.

"Don't touch me!" I hissed, ripping his hand from my body, twisting back towards them, and yanking free from his hold, only for him to grab my hand and squeeze it painfully. I winced as I felt something break, making me gasp in pain.

I needed to get away from here. Now.

He slammed me against the tree, the jagged edges of the splinters I had created in the trunk cutting into my back. I could feel them embedded in me, making my eyes water in pain.

I raised my hands, using both to push him back, but he was a wall of muscle and one that would not budge no matter how hard I tried. I was as weak as a pup, and he was a full-fledged werewolf.

My gaze flickered to Kyson, who stood there watching, a smirk on his face. As much as I wanted to plead for him to help me, I knew he was waiting his turn... The very thought made me sick...

"Let go of me, Nikolai," I growled coldly.

He sneered in response and instead stepped right up to me. Reaching down, he forced my legs apart. I shoved him hard, but he didn't budge.

"You will pay for this, Nikolai!" I hissed.

"Will I?"

Probably not... he was the respected son of one of the highest-ranked families. No, he wouldn't pay because I didn't have my father to protect me anymore.

Right now, I was the one who was a no one, even if no one said it, I knew.

He hustled me back, pinning my arms to my side as he forced himself between my legs, and I felt my stomach churn as I felt his hard shaft pressing against me.

Immense rage flared inside of me, like a brewing storm, as I struggled in his hold. Did he really find pleasure in this?

If there was a time to shift, now would be it. I was using all my willpower and strength to fight him, but I had worn myself down. I felt helpless... useless. Even though I tried so hard, and trained so hard, I was still weaker than them.

"Calm down, beautiful. Let's put this body to good use." He rasped huskily, making me glare at him in disgust.

"Let me go!" I hissed, trying to kick him, but he had my legs clamped between his, restricting me completely.

He bent down, one hand squeezing my neck as he forcefully pinned my head back against the tree trunk, his eyes falling to my lips as he licked his hungrily.

A move that could look appealing on one person's face but was sickening to see on Nikolai's.

Using all my might, I tried again and pushed him, making him momentarily loosen his grip.

I needed to escape!

Taking the chance, I darted to the side, ready to make a run for it, when a hand twisted in my hair and yanked me back.

"Now she wants to do this the fucking hard way." Nikolai spat.

Something hit the back of my head and I heard Kyson murmur something as I fell to my knees. He tossed whatever he had hit me with on the ground.

"She's done." Nikolai's voice came before I was pushed back into the mud.

My vision was slightly hazy as my top was ripped off, leaving me exposed in my bra. Nikolai climbed on top of me, pinning my thighs under his knee as he unbuckled his pants.

"The Alpha will not forgive you!" I shouted.

He scoffed.

"He won't care... you aren't even Beta's Williams's own blood... I think you were right Kyson, she was probably born from an Omega whore."

His words hit me hard, my heart thumping in fear.

What were they saying? What did he mean?

"I'll show you exactly what someone like you deserves..." He reached down, ready to unbutton my pants, but I forced myself up.

I'll ask questions later. I needed to get away from here!

No matter how terrified and helpless I felt, I would not let this happen. My body screamed in response. I brought my knee up and kicked Nikolai in the leg, making him fall back onto the muddy ground.

I lurched to my feet and barrelled into Kyson. He staggered, and I turned away. I needed to run far and fast before they raped me.

"Grab her!" Nikolai growled at Kyson.

I ran blindly; the mud slowing me down, my feet squelching as they sank into the ground. Both men were gaining on me, but luckily, being heavier, they were finding it harder to keep up, sinking deeper into the muddy ground.

"Don't do something you will regret, you bitch!" Nikolai growled just as I stumbled, falling face-first into the mud.

"I would say the same to you too, Levin."

My head snapped up as a pair of hands grabbed my elbows, lifting me from the ground. Wet strands of coppery brown hair fell over his forehead, rainwater trickling down his perfect features, and I found myself staring into a pair of seductive yet dangerous amber eyes.

"Theon..."