THE REJECTED OMEGA: Claimed By The Hellhound King

Rian's POV

I thought being mated to the Alpha would save me.

That maybe just maybe the bond would mean something.

That he would see me. Not as an Omega. Not as a burden. But as his mate. His forever.

But what was I thinking?

It shattered me.

The Alpha rejected me in front of the entire pack like I was nothing. My wolf whimpered and went deathly quiet inside me, my heart breaking even softer, even deeper.

Then I was saved.

Not by a savior, a prince, or an alpha.

I was claimed by the dangerous Lycan King.

_______ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧________

"You filthy bitch," one of the warriors spat, his words sharp and venomous as I accidentally stepped on his foot. He shoved me hard, sending me crashing to the ground. I winced, but stayed silent

Being the lowest ranked wolf is a nightmare and a curse.

No home.

No family.

My parents had abandoned me the moment I shifted and they realized what I was-an Omega.

Parents were supposed to love you. Protect you.

Mine? They left me like I was broken, useless.

I wiped my tears quickly before heading into the kitchen where I worked, trying to disappear.

"Run over here!" Lylah called as soon as she saw me, waving her hand frantically. As soon as I got there she checked my body thoroughly checking any signs of wound or abuse.

" did they push you again ?" She asked and I nodded she sighed and hugged me.

She and Madam Sera were the only ones who didn't treat me like I was something to be scraped off their shoes.

"Have you eaten?" Madam Sera asked, her voice low and kind.

I shook my head, slowly

She pressed a plate of rice into my hands, her eyes full of worry. "Hide and eat fast," she whispered. "If they catch you, they'll punish you again...with silver."

I mumbled a thank you and slipped into the storage room, eating quickly while listening to the distant hum of excitement outside.

Tonight was the Mate Gathering.

Tonight, the Moon Goddess would reveal true mates under the full moon.

swallowed the last bite, nerves crawling under my skin. We had spent the entire day preparing scrubbing floors, stringing lights through the trees, setting tables with fresh linens and wildflowers picked from the woods. Every corner of the courtyard shimmered under the soft glow of lanterns, ready for the Moon Goddess's blessing.

Now, the night had arrived.

The courtyard was flooded with wolves, fur gleaming under the silver light. I stood at the edge, forgotten and unwanted, my heart pounding against my ribs.

One by one, wolves shifted back to their human forms, excitement flashing in their eyes as they searched the crowd. Their scents filled the air hope, lust, nerves.

I stayed in my human skin, too scared to move, too scared to hope!

Then.....

I smelled it.

That pull. That perfect scent. My wolf stirred weakly inside me, her ears perking.

My eyes locked onto his.

The Alpha.

Jake.

My mate.

My breath caught in my chest. The world seemed to fall away until it was just the two of us.

He shifted back, bones cracking, muscles rippling, until he stood tall and human again. His eyes so cold, so unreadable landed right on me.

For one desperate second, I let myself believe.

Maybe he would come to me.

Maybe he would claim me.

Maybe someone would finally want me.

He moved toward me, every step echoing loudly in my ears. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't look away.

He stopped right in front of me, close enough that I could smell his scent woodsy, familiar.

"You," he said, voice low and sharp, filled with disbelief.

I swallowed hard, forcing the words out past the lump in my throat. "I feel the bond," I whispered. "Don't you?"

There was a long, awful silence.

Then he laughed a cold, humorless sound that made my stomach twist.

"You?" he said again, louder this time so everyone around could hear. "You're my mate?"

People started murmuring, turning to look. Some snickered.

"I'd rather tear my own heart out," he said, his voice cruel and clear, "than be mated to a pathetic Omega."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Someone actually laughed.

I felt my knees wobble, but I forced myself to stand tall. My hands were trembling.

"I... I don't understand," I said, my voice breaking despite myself. "The bond..."

"I reject you," Jake said, cutting me off. "I reject this bond. I reject you RIAN VIRELLI."

It hit like a blade straight to the chest.

My wolf let out a soft, broken whine inside me. She folded into herself, disappearing somewhere deep where I couldn't reach her anymore.

Pain exploded through me.

Real, physical pain.

I collapsed onto my knees, the stone courtyard unforgiving beneath me.

I pressed my hand to my chest, gasping, trying to hold myself together as the bond tore apart inside me like shredded fabric.

It felt like dying.

It felt worse than dying.

I could feel every pair of eyes on me.

I could hear them whispering.

"Figures. She's just an Omega."

"Pathetic."

"Why would an Alpha want her?"

No one came to help me.

No one even looked sorry.

I tried to get up, but my legs wouldn't work. Everything inside me was shattered, bleeding.

"Get her out of here," Jake said with disgust, turning his back on me like I was less than nothing.

Madam Sera and Lylah rushed over finally, helping me to my feet. I barely noticed. Everything was blurry. Everything hurt.

I didn't even hear what they said. I just kept staring at the spot where he had stood, where everything had fallen apart.

The mate bond the fragile, sacred thing I had prayed for my whole life was....gone.

Just like that.

And I was alone. Again.

Maybe the Moon Goddess had forgotten me after all.

Rian's POV

After crying my eyes out in Madam Sera's room, she cooked for me and brought me food. Lylah didn't leave my side we cried together.

"I'm so sorry you were treated this way. Nobody deserves this," she whispered, hugging me tightly.

"I'll be fine. Thank you for everything," I murmured, and she nodded, gently patting my hair. I fell asleep afterward.

The past few days have been unbearable. The torture has only worsened.

The Alpha appointed his childhood sweetheart as Luna, driving the pain deeper into my heart and turning me into a joke to everyone else.

I was on my way to the kitchen for work, as usual, when two pack warriors grabbed me and dragged me away.

"Let me go! I didn't do anything!" I screamed, struggling as their claws sank into my skin. One of them struck me with a silver belt, the searing pain weakening me instantly. I winced, helpless, as they dragged me toward the pack court.

On the way there, we passed other pack members none of them offered help. They just laughed and mocked me. My eyes met my parents', but they looked away. Tears streamed down my face.

"What did I do to deserve this?" I asked myself.

When we reached the pack court, a crowd had already gathered. Even Madam Sera and Lylah were there, both crying bitterly.

I didn't know what I had done wrong... or if I was about to be killed.

The Alpha stood at the front with his Beta Luca, who is my brother,the pack elders, and a tall man with dark hair and a face as cold as ice. He looked unreal, like something out of a story.

"This is Beta Toran of the Imperium Lunaris," Luca announced to the crowd, who bowed in respect.

"We have come to the decision to gift Rian Virelli to the King Darius as a sex slave, in order to strengthen our alliance," the Alpha declared.

I froze.

A sex slave? To a cursed king? A monster?

This was a death sentence.

My eyes found Luca's. For a fleeting second, his expression softened before going cold again.

"The King's Beta will finally take this filth out of our pack," Alpha Jake sneered.

The crowd cheered everyone except Madam Sera and Lylah, who sobbed silently.

The Alpha turned and left while the warriors dragged me from the court. I didn't cry. I had already accepted my fate.

"Be safe, Rian!" Lylah shouted behind me.

I looked back one last time at the people who tortured me, the family who abandoned me, the Alpha who rejected me, and the only two souls who ever showed me kindness.

( IMPERIUM LUNARIS PACK)

Once I arrived, I was handed over to the head maid, Selena, who looked at me with pure disgust. Without a word, she ordered two maids Mira and Lena to tend to me.

They led me to the maids' quarters, bathed me, dressed me in the standard maid uniform, and gave me a brief tour of the palace.

"You're starting work tomorrow. Madam Selena said you'll assist in the kitchen and serve as the King's maid," Mira explained gently.

Lena scoffed beside her. "She's not a maid. She's here to satisfy the King as a sex slave. One touch and you're dead. You're not the first girl they've sent back in a coffin."

I stared down at my fingers, trembling.

"Lena, stop being a bitch," Mira snapped.

Lena hissed and walked away.

"Don't mind her," Mira said softly. "Just remember don't touch the King. Whether you're with him intimately or not, don't ever touch him. And whatever you do, don't break the rules. No one's ever survived a night with him."

I nodded slowly, my entire body already shaking.

"Don't be scared. I'm really sorry you have to go through this... I have to get back to work. You can rest for now," she said, patting my shoulder before leaving the room.

I sat down and curled up in a corner.

I couldn't sleep. Everything felt like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

The following day, we woke up at four in the morning. Mira gently shook me awake, whispering that it was time to start the day. My body ached, and my eyes felt heavy, but I forced myself up. There was no room for weakness here.

After quickly washing up and getting dressed in my plain maid uniform, Mira led me to the main hall, where I was introduced to the rest of the palace maids. They stood in a neat row, some curious, some indifferent, and a few with open hostility in their eyes. I recognized Lena among them, rolling her eyes when our gazes met.

"This is Rian," Selena announced sharply. "She'll be assisting in the kitchen and serving the King personally when needed."

Some of the maids murmured quietly to one another, exchanging knowing looks. I kept my head down and said nothing.

The day's work began with the kitchen. I helped Mira and two others prepare breakfast for the royal guards, warriors, and court staff. The kitchen was hot and fast-paced, filled with the clatter of pans, sizzling meats, and the scent of herbs and spices. Mira stayed by my side, showing me how to slice ingredients and plate meals the way the King preferred.

Despite my exhaustion, I worked silently and efficiently, trying my best not to draw attention.

After breakfast, we cleaned the massive dining hall, polished silverware, dusted corridors, and refilled supplies throughout the palace. The work was endless, and by the time dusk approached, my feet were sore, and my arms felt like they would fall off.

Just as I thought I might get a moment to breathe, Selena entered the maids' quarters. Her face was expressionless, but her words sent a chill down my spine.

"The King has called for you."

The room fell silent. Every maid turned to look at me.

"For Rian?" Mira asked hesitantly.

Selena nodded. "She is to report to the King's chambers. Now."

My heart stopped. My hands trembled.

Mira reached for me and squeezed my hand softly. "Just remember what I told you. Don't touch him. Obey everything. And whatever happens-....."

I nodded stiffly, my legs moving on their own as I followed Selena through the winding halls.

Tonight, I was going to face the monster everyone feared.

We got to his chamber and Selena left.. the guards open the door and I walked in I couldn't breathe I didn't want to. I walked in further and saw him seating on his bed

He looked breathtaking,the hottest man I had ever laid eyes on. Broad-shouldered, bare-chested, and draped in shadow and fire, like a god carved from smoke. His tousled black hair fell over his forehead, and every inch of him radiated danger and raw masculinity.

This is the monster they warned me about?

I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I just stood there, frozen, as something inside me stirred something primal, ancient, and uncontrollable.

Then, in a blur of motion, he turned to face me.

Our eyes locked.

His once-stormy gaze bled into crimson, glowing with an otherworldly fire. A low, guttural growl rumbled from his chest as he rose to his feet, towering and powerful.

"Mate," he growled, voice deep and feral

Darius POV

"Mate," Ash growled, his voice low and primal the moment our eyes locked eyes locked.

A jolt cracked through the air. She flinched, her body reacting before her mind could catch up.

My muscles tensed as if a storm brewed inside me. Centuries had passed since I last felt that word stir something inside me since the Moon Goddess had taken and given nothing in return. Yet now, standing before me, trembling in a hot maid's dress, and smelling of fear, she was there.

An Omega.

She stood frozen by the doorframe, the torchlight flickering over the sheen of sweat on her skin. Her hands clutched her sides, breath shaky, eyes wide-not in awe, but in panic. Her wolf cowered, invisible but present, its fear clinging to her like mist.

I stepped forward. The wooden floor groaned beneath my feet.

She backed away instinctively, her back pressing against the cold, hard wall.

My power unraveled thread by thread, invisible and cold. Not a single finger lifted, yet the air thickened, pressing her backward until her knees hit the bed's edge. She whimpered a sound too soft, too full of instinct. I didn't stop it.

She lay there, trembling, her eyes never leaving mine. She didn't scream, didn't beg just looked at me with those wide, vulnerable eyes. I had meant to stay away, but her scent wrapped around me like a drug the moment she entered.

I had learned to resist the temptation, to hold myself back. But I couldn't stop. Not anymore.

Her eyes were glassy, vacant, but she was different. I used my power to remove her clothes, leaving her bare, and I followed suit, undressing quickly. My body ached with the need to touch her, to claim her. I placed the tip of my cock at her entrance, but then she arched her back, her hips lifting toward me, wanting more.

"Don't," I groaned, barely able to hold back. But I couldn't stop.

I pushed in, and she gasped, her breath echoing in the silent room. Her legs clenched around me, a soft moan escaping her lips. She's too tight, too warm, I thought, my body trembling from the intense heat between us. The drag of her heat and the way her body reacted to mine with restraint unlocking nothing mattered anymore.

I forgot about the rule and gripped her thighs skin to skin.

Her body reacted, pulling me deeper. She didn't scream. There were no flames. Nothing. She didn't burn.

Her skin beneath mine was alive alive in a way I hadn't felt in centuries. The beast inside me snarled, wounded and desperate, clawing its way up my spine.

It moved slowly at first, then harder, her moans desperate and high-pitched. I shouldn't have touched her again, but I did.

My hand found her breast, squeezing it gently. She gasped, bracing herself against me. Still no pain. Still alive.

She clung to me, her eyes locked on mine, lips parted in shock, in pleasure. I drove deeper, harder. Each thrust made her cry out, made me groan in pleasure.

I couldn't hold back any longer. My hand wrapped around her throat lightly, just enough to feel her pulse beneath my fingertips. I didn't pull away. Instead, she reached for me, her hands gripping me. The restraint was unbearable, but I couldn't stop myself.

We both came together, a sharp, dizzying release that left us both breathless.

I held her against me for a moment, her body still trembling in my arms, her eyes dazed. The heat between us lingered, but my mind quickly snapped back to the reality of the curse. I couldn't let myself forget

"Go," I ordered, my voice rough, hoarse.

She blinked, as if the words didn't quite make sense. "Go?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling as much as her body.

"Leave," I growled, my voice cold and detached. The power I had once controlled so easily slipped from my grasp, and I had no choice but to push her away.

A sharp pang of betrayal coursed through me as she turned, her fragile figure retreating toward the door. She hesitated only once before leaving, disappearing into the corridor without a word, without a glance back.

I stood there, frozen, the sound of her retreating footsteps echoing in my ears, a cruel reminder of what I had just done.

The moment she left, I felt something sharp and painful gnawing at me, the taste of regret bitter on my tongue. But the curse had kept me from touching her. It had kept me from even considering the possibility of binding her to me.

___________________________________

Elsewhere in the castle, whispers began to spread. The maids who had heard her screams so different from those of the other women who had entered the King's chambers couldn't believe their eyes when they saw her alive. How had she survived? How had she endured the King's rut and walked away without burning?

They gathered in hushed groups, sharing their theories and exchanging nervous glances.

"She's the one. The new maid," one whispered, voice trembling with curiosity. "How did she survive him?"

"I don't know," another said, eyes wide with fear. "But she's different. I saw it when she came out. There was no ash, no smoke. She wasn't burnt. She looked..." The maid trailed off, as if trying to find the right words. "Alive. Alive in a way none of the others ever were."

"But the King..." A third maid hesitated. "How did he let her survive? The curse, it's supposed to kill anyone he touches."

The speculation continued until one of them, bolder than the others, turned to look at the King's betrothed, who had entered the room unnoticed.

"What do you think, Lady Nora?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Is this the end of the King's curse?"

Lady Nora, the betrothed, stood still, a dark glimmer in her eyes. She had heard the rumors, the whispers, and now, standing there with the other maids, she realized something far more dangerous.

And if this Omega was the key to that survival, she was a threat to Lady Nora . She could no longer hold the King's affections if he could touch and claim someone like her.

A cold smile twisted at the corners of Lady Nora's lips as she realized the gravity of the situation. She couldn't afford to let this Omega live. If she wanted to keep the King's heart and his throne, she needed to find out how this Omega had survived. And if she couldn't learn her secret...

She would make sure the Omega never had the chance to steal her position.