The Alpha's choice;Sarah's saga

Peter was making his way down the pack house's hallway as he prepared to meet the Alphas of the nearby packs. The visiting alphas had brought their eldest daughters, hoping one of them would be Alpha Peter's mate, so the pack home was starting to smell strongly of testosterone.

He winced at the mere thought. Peter had no intention of mating with Luna just because that was the custom. His father had married a formidable female fighter, and the two of them produced three children. Since love has no place in a pack like theirs, they need not love one another. The women had attitudes that could equal the warriors' brutality, and they were stunning in every way. The Lycan Pack was infamous for its fearsome Alpha, who takes no chances, the blood it spilt, and the fear it instilled in others.

~peter~

From behind the door, I could hear their voices. The Lock Heart Pack's leader, who rarely stepped out of hiding and whose paranoia only deepened with each passing year, was one of the voices.

I put my palm on the doorknob and inhaled deeply before entering the room of misfits. All of them would pray to me for assistance with whatever issues they were now experiencing before telling their packs that it was entirely their fault. I didn't want praise, and I didn't want weak leaders who couldn't look after their packs.

As I walked in, they were all on their feet. Pius, my Beta, was already seated next to me.

I gave a quick nod before making my way around the table and settling comfortably.

Good afternoon, gentlemen. I introduced myself and waited for the meeting to start and hopefully terminate quickly.

"Alpha, there has been a rogue sighting near the pack's boundaries, and we start to suspect that they have plans," the pack leader said. Said Alpha Sparta. He then turned his gaze to the table after finishing. My pride grew, and a grin slowly appeared on my face.

In addition to sightings, some of the packs have also been attacked, according to Alpha Jack.

We've had some unauthorised visitors, I know. They made a coordinated turn of their heads toward me.

What do you recommend?

Before addressing Alpha Sparta's stare, I took my glass of water and swirled it around. He desperately wanted to turn his eyes away when I watched him swallow. But now that he has made a request, he must comply with my criteria.

I just said, "Kill them."

They all had calm expressions when they glanced at me, but if you could see beyond people's masks, you could see the horror they were hiding.

I blinked in response to his glare, narrowed my eyes, and leaned forward. "Alpha, killing rogues comes with more problems than it solves," I said.

"Then eliminate the ensuing issues,"

Has the length of such meetings increased, or have the attendees aged? As we walked down the stairs, I questioned Pius.

He remarked, looking ahead, "I guess it's you who have grown more enraged. Pius smirked as he turned his head.

He continued, "Alpha," with a faux head bow.

We headed outside to the practice grounds while I shook my head. We transformed into our wolves and began combat.

Make it painful

Invariably do

My wolf, Edon, answered.

Lupus, Pius's wolf, charged towards us, and Edon froze in place. Edon lowered himself and rushed forward, biting into his stomach when he was only a few inches away and aiming his canines at our neck.

Lupus whimpered as she slumped on the ground, and blood spurted out.

He turned around and glared at me.

Peter, what the fuck?

"Don't be disrespectful to your Alpha, Pius,"

As he attempted to rise straight, he moaned. Because I bit him, the wound would take longer, and the blood was still gushing.

Grab Sarah

I mentally connected with one of the fighters.

"Yes," Alpha

My companion was scowling at me and placing his hand against the cut as I gazed down at him. I waited for the girl to arrive while biting down and tensing my jaw. My senses were overwhelmed with her aroma not long after she walked up behind us.

Sarah bowed her head in greeting and said, "Alpha."

I commanded, "Take the Beta to the infirmary and tend to his wounds."

I'm not an Alpha, Alpha.

It's a command. I said as I moved in her direction. I was so tall that Sarah bent her head, and her eyes were fixed on the ground. Her large, brown eyes peered up through her lashes as she raised her head. I resisted the want to smile innocently but couldn't help the urge.

~Sarah ~

"Did the Alpha harm you in this way?" As I treated his wound, I questioned the Beta.

The answer is "Yes, but he's done worse." His voice chilled my body and turned my blood ice cold. His eyes were frigid, and an impenetrable mask hid his emotions well. But he didn't care to hide his dislike for me.

Pius, the Beta, was equally badass as the Alpha. No matter how helpful I was to the pack or how much I did for them, I would always be nothing more than an enslaved person to them.

Before covering Piuss' wounds with gaz to prevent infection, I cleansed and sterilised them. Despite not being a nurse or employee of the hospital, I spent a lot of time here while cleaning the facilities. I learned a few things from watching them work and attending to the injured several times.

The majority of the staff members were healers by profession. When I was younger, I was informed that everyone had a duty or a calling in life, and I suppose mine was to be the punching bag and dirty worker for the group.

Before crying, I shook my head to get the pitying ideas out.

Before telling him everything was finished, I patched up his wound.

Pius was taller than me when he stood, as most men were.

I'm 1.60, and among werewolves, that didn't go you very far.

Pius regarded me with disdain, observing first my diminutive size before focusing on my eyes.

He abruptly shoved past me and stomped out without saying "thank you" or even smiling.

This pack has been my home for as long as I can remember. I never knew who my parents were since I always lived with my aunt Hilda as I grew up.

Because of my height, I was never treated like the other pack members and was never permitted to practice, eat with them, or interact socially. I was the outcast; I was the one they requested whenever there was cleaning or maintenance to be done.

I've always accepted this as the way things are. The only thing I have to look forward to now that I'm seventeen is becoming eighteen and getting my wolf. Hopefully, I will locate my soul mate.

I suppose that's what all female wolves desire. Locating their soul mate, other half, or the person who will always adore them. No matter who you are, they will still adore you for who you are.

Since I still lacked my wolf, I could not mind-link the pack. Therefore, an omega would always rush to my assistance.

Maria came rushing towards me while yelling, "Sarah!"

She walked up to me with a pout on her face as I grumbled and turned around.

She paused momentarily, looked around, and then turned back to Min. "The Alpha of Shadowlands is Coming, and Peter needs you to clean," she said. Maria stomped off while grinning as she said, "-Everything."

I exhaled and used the back of my palm to wipe my forehead.

Another three months. I continued to tell myself.

I would get my wolf in three months, and at least then I would have a friend-someone who treated me with respect rather than like scum.

Except for the Alpha's study, I had thoroughly cleaned the whole packhouse.

Normally, while he was out, I would go in there, but he would be with the Beta, making plans for the winter jule.

I went to the storage room to rinse it out after picking up the bucket of filthy water. I walked up the three flights of stairs to his study after grabbing a couple of fresh rags and a dustpan.

It was a spiral staircase, and whenever someone tried to pass, I almost fell.

I rang his doorbell three times without getting a response. I was aware that he was present. The alpha didn't want to acknowledge me when there were other people there, so perhaps there was someone else in there with him.

After turning the knob, I entered. A she-wolf was present, standing close to the Alpha with her boobs almost touching his face. The Alpha and Beta were both present. I choked back a growing scoff and cleared my throat.

He looked up at me while glaring at the papers on his desk. I began cleaning after receiving a stern nod from him.

I finished my rigorous cleaning after another two hours. I took a strained breath and rubbed my hand across my forehead.

A washroom.

My only thought was to take a shower and get some rest.

I walked over to the door with my head bowed and shoulders slumped.

Usually, if I demonstrated my submission, the conversation would end there. But today, I wasn't as fortunate.

My hand, reaching for the knob, slowly retracted as I said, "Sarah," and I turned to face the alpha.

"Yes, Alpha?" you say. I spoke while maintaining a fixed gaze on the ground.

He turned to face the others and said, "Stay; I need to have a word In private." It was difficult to ignore the she-wolf's scorn and contempt in her gaze.

Nevertheless, they fled the room as directed by their Alpha.

I was alone in the presence of the Alpha when I heard the door behind me click shut, and the sound made my body tremble. Anxiety began to creep up my spine, but I was determined not to let it show.

CHAPTER 2.

~Peter~

Her big brown eyes looked tiredly at me. But in the depths, there was something else, somethingshe was trying to hide. The emotion wasn't lost on me, it was what I saw in the eyes of everyonewho crossed me, everyone who believed themselves to be stronger than reality would have thembe.

Fear.

I stood from my desk and walked around it, I walked slowly, taking in her appearance.

Her body was small, smaller than the average she-wolf. She was lean with a nice curve down herhips and a full chest. She hadn't gained her wolf yet which meant she would change more aftershe turned eighteen. She would be breathtakingly beautiful. More so than she already was.

'Keep your head in the game'

I groaned internally and slapped away all thoughts that were making the bulge in my pants throbin pain.

I was standing in front of her, staring down at her fragile being. She had mastered the artof hiding her emotions, or at least so she thought.

We didn't speak, not a word left her lips. I felt the grin tug on my lips.

But the fear in her eyes made everything much less enjoyable.

'This is not the plan, what are you doing?'

I'm not so sure

I needed to do something, I needed to stop this infatuation I had for her. But it was hard, shewas so much fun to play with.

I raised my head and took a step back, scanning her up and down. The thing was, however, therewas more to her than she showed. There was more to Sarah than this fragile, scared little girl.

Normally I just had to look at a she-wolf and her dress would come of, whatever I asked for, theyobliged, therefore, I had never pissed any of them off. Other males had, but I had it too easy.Behind every wolf, there was a raging fire, one you couldn't get away from, one that drove youand competed with you and I believed that Sarah's fire was hungrier than she would let on.

I internally smirked and raised my head further, narrowing my eyes on her own.

"Strip," I said and placed my hands in my pockets.

Her gaze lifted and her eyes narrowed at mine.

There she is. I thought to myself.

"Excuse me?"

"Did you not hear what I said?"

She gulped and her hands formed into fists as her lips were pressed in a firm line.

I took another step closer to her. Towering over her and I saw how she crawled back.

"I want you to take off your clothes," every word cooked carefully.

" And if I refuse?" she asked me. Her voice shook and her hands started to tremble.

My consciousness was nagging at me. I knew I was being a dick, I knew she would hate mebut then again, I'm not the one to care.

"If you refuse," Be smart.

"you have to attend the Winter Jule," I said. Her eyes widened. Sarah wasn't a girl who otherswished to see. The less she was in the eyes of others, the better for her, especially the she-wolves. Truth was that they were jealous. Everyone could see how beautiful she was, both maleand female. The males wanted her, craved her and her innocence was noticeable by anyone.

"I will not," she said and crossed her arms over her chest.

I leaned my head down, letting my lips grace her ear, a small gasp left her lips and I could seethe hairs on the back of her head raising.

"You don't have a choice," I whispered. Sarah's body shivered beneath me and I couldn't helpthe smile that formed on my lips.

The truth that had been suppressed since I turned eighteen was getting harder to hide. Her beautyheld me captive, always had. I always knew when she had entered?a room because the chatterwould cease and my body would stiffen. Everyone's breathing would get heavier and eyes wouldbe glued to her person.

It wasn't until she had left the room that people could relax. The female wolves hated herbecause of the attention she was getting from the others, and also the

way she looked. The way her hips swayed as she walked. The way her eyes could make themeanest Alpha fall to his knees and worship her.

She was malnourished, yes, and some of her bones were showing which pissed me off. I had toldthe Omegas on multiple occasions to get her to eat but it seems as though the message hadn't beenreceived. It wasn't only in her physical appearance, though, that her beauty lay, it was how shecarried herself.

.

I looked up and saw the questions in her eyes. I had zoned out. I bit together and formed myhands into fists as I pressed my nails into my palms, relishing in the pain and feeling all theemotions being suppressed.

I raised my chin and drew to my fullest height.

I watched as Sarah gulped and shrunk back, her mind objecting to her body's disloyalty.

I stepped around her and exited the office. I needed a run, I needed my wolf to break free andthen I needed a plan.

~Sarah~

My mind was racing. Feelings, emotions, questions, and confusion.

I was standing in the office, ten minutes after he had left. I couldn't get my limbs to work. Iscreamed for my legs to?run but they were glued to the floor.

What had just happened? The Alpha had zoned out, he had been so close to me and my bodyreacted by getting warm and fuzzy. He had never been nice, he hadn't been mean but not niceeither. There was a line he never crossed. He always remained...neutral.

I remembered when we were both kids when I first arrived. Peter was my first friend. He wasnice, playful, and cheerful. We would go out and play in the woods together.

One day, just like that, he wouldn't acknowledge me. I would try and talk to him but he would actas though I wasn't there. Eventually, I gave up.

I was out in the woods one summer day and sat on a rock, taking in the silence and absence ofpeople. Thinking about the family I didn't have.

That day, he came up to me, and for the first time in a year, he talked to me. He told me how hisfather had ordered him not to be my friend.

I remember him sitting down on the rock, beside me. We held each other's gaze and his handgripped my cheek.

That is a secret I will always hold on to. Good or bad, I couldn't decide. Peter

was my first kiss, my first friend, and the first person to turn on me.

The first tear rolled down and I angrily wiped it away. I couldn't cry, because once I started, Icouldn't stop.

I was finally able to move my legs and with my shaking arms, I gripped the bucket and thewhip and I left the office.

I placed them all back in the scrub before walking to my room.

As I walked down the hallway, someone shouldered into me and I flew down to the ground.

I heard the giggles of several girls and looked up.

The front girl, the one I referred to as the ring-leader of the group was Bella. The others I didn'tknow the names of because and I quote ' I wasn't allowed to'.

I rolled my eyes as I remembered the moment and pressed my hands down to get up.

Before I could stand, Bella kicked me down again, her foot landing on the side of my face.

I groaned and placed my hand on where her foot had met my cheek.

There was a crack but nothing seemed to have broken. The pain throbbed through myentire face and up to my head.

"Stay down, you filthy mutt,"

"Can you call her a mutt? She doesn't wolf," one of the girls countered with a confusedexpression on her face.?

Not the brightest of the bunch, I see.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Bella.

"Shut up, Jackie. She will have a wolf soon so the name applies. Or maybe she won't," Bellacontinued and turned her head to me.

"Maybe she's wolf-less. Wouldn't be a surprise, you're already so pathetic," she said with awicked grin on her face. Her voice sounded cheery and sweet, she took joy in the torment.

Wolf-less?

I didn't know one could be wolf-less.

I hoped to the goddess that I wasn't or I had nothing to look forward to. I would have nothing tolive for.

The girls walked away, throwing their heads back as they laughed.

Once the pain had subsided a little, I got up and this time no one pushed me down. My eyeswere closed and my head was spinning. I grabbed the wall to steady myself and when I felt likemy balance was regained, I opened my eyes.

I gasped and lowered my hand, keeping it at my side as I bowed my head.

"Beta," I said without looking up.

He was big, not as big as the Alpha but enough to be intimidating. He also had that aura thatdemanded respect.

He didn't say anything. I saw his feet move closer and then two of his fingers pressing undermy chin. He lifted my head and turned it to the side.

"Who did this?" His voice was gruff and dangerously dark.

This hadn't been the first time someone got physical, but it was the first time I hadn't gottenaway afterward.

I had never been caught In pain.

"I fell," I said. The lie was surprisingly believable.

My bottom lip was trembling from the pain. My head was pounding and the light from the lampswas making it worse.

"Lie to me again and I won't ask nicely a third time. Who did this?" My eyes shot to his. Fearwas starting to creep in.

"I-"

I couldn't tell him, I knew it would only get worse. They would get no punishment andI would be in for more pain.

I couldn't risk it.

"I fell. Nobody did this, it was my own fault." I said again, more steady this time and willed myhands to stop shaking.

He clenched his jaw and his grip got tighter. The Beta scanned my eyes and when he saw thathe wouldn't get anything else out of me, he roughly removed his hand. I winced from the painand once again my hand shot out and gripped the wall beside us.

I gulped and hoped that he would leave so that I could walk to my room.

"Adam, take Sarah to her room." I looked behind me and saw the Betas brother. He was the sameheight but had a bigger build.

Asmirk grew on his face and when I looked back, I saw something dark in the depths of theBetas eyes.

"Sure thing," Adam said and placed his hand on the small of my back. I jumped from the suddentouch and looked pleadingly at the Beta.

"Thank you, Adam, but I can handle walking on my own," I said in the hopes that they wouldleave.

"It's no problem," he said and urged me forward.

I let go of the wall and immediately I fell into the side of the big man beside me.

I guess a little help would be useful.

The pain from the kick- with the fact that I hadn't eaten- made me nearly pass out with everystep we took.

When we had walked a few steps, I looked back.

My eyes were heavy but I saw his figure. The Alpha was standing there with the Beta,whispering something in his ear. Peters eyes locked with mine and his body looked stiff.

I turned my head and focused on walking, and hopefully not falling.

"Thank you," I said weakly when Adam opened the door for me.

"Here, let me help you," Adam walked me over to the bed and I sat down.

I waited for him to leave before laying down. But he didn't, he stood there and looked aroundthe room.

I followed and saw what he must be seeing, which wasn't much. I had nothing. Most rooms hadpictures on the walls, books, and normal things that people have. Mine wasn't personalized. I hada small table in the corner, a dresser, and a bed. That was it. It was all I needed.

I had to go to the bathroom and stood up. When my legs wouldn't hold me up, I fell forward.Two strong arms came underneath me before I hit the floor.

"What happened to you?" He asked me with a smirk on his face.

"I fell."

"Damn," he helped me up with no further questions. At least he bought it. I thought tomyself in relief.

I turned to move but his grip tightened.

"Adam," he didn't react, it was as though he didn't hear me.

I looked at his eyes and they were dark, not with rage but something else. Something I hadseen in many others.

"Adam?" I called again.

I tried wrangling free from his grip but he was twice my size and then some.

He leaned his head down, his hand coming up to cup my face.

"You're beautiful." His voice was low and breathy.

"Um," my heart was pounding, I was uncomfortable. His face was so close and his hand waskeeping mine still.

"Ad-" before I could finish, his lips came crashing down on mine. I shirked and tried shakingmy head free but to no use. My voice was muffled by his lips.

CHAPTER 3.

His tongue was grazing against my lips, demanding them to open but I squeezed them shut ashard as I could.?

His other hand started roaming down my back and my eyes widened.

I closed my eyes, begging for him to stop. I got one hand free and started pounding on hischest but it was like hitting a mountain wall.

I heard a noise and the next thing I knew Adam was dragged away and I was harshly pusheddown on the bed.

I gasped for a breath and covered my mouth with my hand.

I looked up through tear-stained eyes and saw the door closing.

I was alone. They had left. Whoever they were that pulled him away, I was thankful.

But still, he kissed me. I couldn't wrap my mind around everything that had happened. Theheadache had grown worse.

I laid down and looked up at the ceiling. Eventually, my eyes got to heavy to keep open, andso they fluttered close and I drifted away.

*Loud bangs on the door*

I groaned and rolled around but quickly sat up when I accidentally placed my hand on mycheek.

I winced from the pain and groaned as someone kept banging on the door.

"GET UP!" It was Charity, her squeaky voice and need to be heard was the last thing I wantedright now.

I got up and dragged myself to the door.

"What?" I snapped as I opened the door.

"You look like crap." I rolled my eyes and placed my hand on my hip.

"Thank you for that observation." I was bored, tired and starving. I wasn't in the mood to takeher crap and Charity was an Omega, meaning she couldn't do much. She could be a bitch, butthat was about it.

"What do you want?" I groaned out.

"The Alpha wants to see you," my body stiffened, my hands began to sweat and my heartpounded in my chest.

"Why?" I asked weakly.

"Hell do I know. Why he wants to see your lousy face is beyond me, but he does, so get." Shesaid.

Charity, like every other unmated she-wolf, was in love with the Alpha and hoped to be the nextLuna. But she also knew her rank and that the others would push her around like a glove if it evercame out.

I slammed the door shut and leaned my back against it. I tried taking a few deep and steadybreaths to calm down.

What could he want to talk about?

The hit? Adam? No, he didn't know about Adam and he didn't know I got hit either.

It was probably something harmless, something that couldn't get me in trouble.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, I walked to his study.

I knocked three times and the door opened up.

The Beta stood there, holding the door open as I stepped in. I quickly scanned the room andsaw that it was only him and the Alpha.

My nerves were still on edge and they would continue to be until I found out the reason for thismeeting.

"You wanted to see me," I said, my eyes meeting his desk.

"Look at me." His tone was rough, making me jerk.

The Beta walked around me and went to stand beside the Alpha.

"The alpha of the Shadowland Pack is arriving with his wife and their son. They are attending theWinter Jule, you must be there."

His face was void of any emotion, more so than usual.

"Yes, Charity told me that he was visiting," The Alphas brow went up and I gulped, waitingfor what he had to say.?

"You do know who he is, do you not?"

I looked between him and the Beta, confusion written over my face.

"An Alpha?"

"The Shadowland Pack, Sarah, The Royals,"

My eyes widened, every poor of my body started breaking out in a sweat and my heart began tohammer once again.

The Alpha of the Shadowland Pack? He wasn't only an alpha.

"The king?" I asked, my voice shaking.

Astiff nod was the only answer I got.

"With all due respect, Alpha, why?" He puffed out his chest and raised his head.

"Because I said so. This Saturday, the Joule will be held, they arrive early on Saturday andleave Sunday.

They're here for the weekend but you are not to make your presence known until the joule,understood?" His voice grew darker for each sentence.

He left no room for negotiation.

"Yes, Alpha," I said with a head bow.

"Adress will be delivered to your room on the eve of the joule. Wear it."

Why was I getting a dress? I had lived in rags and torn fabrics ever since I could remember.

"You may leave," my mind was lost in thought but as I turned to leave, the door opened up againand Bella stepped in.

She was wearing a tight, short dress that showed her long legs. She had a seductive smileon her face and strutted up to the alpha.

Bella placed her hand on the Alpha's shoulder and squeezed it.

"So tense, how about I help you relieve some of that stress," she leaned her head down andnipped his earlobe. The Alphas eyes never left mine.

He grabbed her hand forcefully and removed it. Bella gasped in shock and looked at himwide-eyed.

"Since when did we stop knocking before entering?" His voice was low growl.

"I-I'm sorry, I heard she was in here and assumed it was nothing important."

I scoffed before I could stop it and all eyes turned to me.

"Something on your mind, slave?"

I cast down my eyes and turned around, heading for the door.

They didn't know about anything that had happened earlier. Relief washed over me as I walkedto the kitchen. It was almost dinner and I helped out the chef.

'Slave'

That one word had more power than I would like to admit.

But it was true, that was me. Aslave.

"Sarah, grab the potatoes and then make a salad," Cathy, the chef said as I walked in.

"I'm on it,"

I was peeling the potatoes and cut them into little cubes. My mind drifted off, suddenly aware ofeverything that had happened. I was kicked, I had been beaten, and Adam forced himself on me.And then, like a cherry on top, Bella's words replayed in my head.

'Wolf-less'

I couldn't be. Having a wolf and a mate was all I had to look forward to. It was what got me upin the morning.

In three months I would know. I would know if I had a wolf, I would possibly find my mateand I would be able to get out of this pack. I would leave, go somewhere new and start over.Perhaps I would find my family.

My only memory of my family was my mother's blurry face, leaning over me as she cries.

I remember my aunt telling me she gave me a pendant, a gold heart with a picture of her onit. But she couldn't find it when I arrived.

I always thought that one day they would come. On every birthday that passed, I would beg thegoddess to reunite me with them. But with every birthday that passed, the wish became more andmore useless. Eventually, I began thinking that they would come to find me when I had a wolf, orthat maybe they were waiting for me to find them.

"Hey, daydreamer, the water is boiling." I looked up and saw Cathy watching me. She, likeeveryone else, didn't take my presence lightly. If they could, I believe they would lock me upin a room and never have to see me. But there was something else about her. Something in hereyes told me differently, she looked upset.

She was never mean or rude, she was just very short and direct. She didn't want any more talkingthan necessary. Cathy was in her late forties, she was much like a mother to many here, makingsure everyone behaved and was respectful. She was warm and loving, to most anyways.

"Sorry," I placed the potatoes in the boiling water and started on the salad.

I had been helping Cathy in the kitchen for the past hour, normally I would simply do saladsand mashes but today there was more on the to-do list.

The tables were filling up and the warriors were heading in from their practice.

The smell of sweat was nauseating but the steaks that Cathy was grilling covered it up pretty well.

The warriors of this pack were some of the best. They practiced seven days a week and lovedevery moment of it. The Alpha would join in on practice every now and then when he had time.

Apparently, today he had the time. I watched as he stepped inside followed by some of theothers.