The Alpha's Sacred Wolf

I couldn't believe I was finally twenty-one. I stood in front of the mirror, getting prepared for the party my best friend; Kristen had forced me to attend.

Little did I know that this night would change my life forever.

Little did I know that by the end of tonight, everything I knew would be turned upside down.

I should have seen it coming though.

My dad had raised me all by himself since I was just an infant when my mother had passed away during childbirth. I never got the chance to meet her, but my dad had told me stories about her.

Bizarre stories.

He would tell me how special my mom had been, and how different she was from every human. He even went as far as saying she had magic within her, that gave her the ability to transform into a wolf.

A werewolf.

All his life, he studied the supernatural, so I guessed it must have gotten to his head.

I had believed as a kid, so intrigued by the wonders of the story my dad would tell me, but as I grew older; I thought them to be bullshit, and because of this, my dad and I were a bit distant. I loved him very much though, but from afar, so he wouldn't suffocate me with his supernatural ideals and beliefs.

The day before my birthday, I received a call from him. He had said we should meet up so we could talk. I agreed, and when I got there, he spewed the usual supernatural crap, but this time, it was different. He had a grave expression on his face when he spoke and there was a seriousness to his tone that sent chills down my spine.

"You have a destiny to fulfill, one that would manifest on your twenty-first birthday. Be ready."

He had said to me.

Maybe if I had believed him then, I would have been a little prepared for what was to come.

---

It was past eleven and the party was already in full swing. My best friend; Kristen had already called a few minutes to let me know she was on her way to pick me up.

I didn't like my birthdays. I was plunged deep into the actuality and constantly reminded of how meaningless my life was. We all lived in a stagnant simulation where nothing ever changed and life never got easier – and I grew sick of it every day.

Reluctantly, I got prepared, wearing an oxblood backless mini dress that clung to my body like a second skin, its low neckline exposing my full cleavage. I stopped to gaze at myself in the mirror, thinking about whether to wear my deep brown wavy hair down or tie it into a ponytail. Eventually, I chose to let it down.

I applied mascara on my lashes and smeared a deep shade of red lipstick on my lips that brought out my amber eyes, all the while my thoughts drifting back to what my dad said. As much as I tried not to think about it, it kept nibbling at the back of my mind.

I got a sudden text from Kristen, saying she was outside the building.

When I got downstairs, I spotted Kristen's Honda parked across the building. My gaze immediately fell on the Range Rover I had seen earlier on my way to campus this morning. It never left since then and it made me wonder what such a luxurious vehicle like that was doing in a place like this.

When I arrived at Kristen's car, I slipped into the passenger's seat and fastened my seatbelt.

"Looking sexy," she grinned as she sized me up, "You'll drive the guys wild."

"Likewise." I chimed as I peered at her. She wore a black dress with daring cutouts along her midriff, revealing the underside of her breast. Kristen and I had been friends since high school. Even though her overly lively personality was quite the opposite of mine, we were perfect for each other. She wasn't just a friend to me but a sister, and I loved her very much- though I would never tell her that.

When we got to the club, we were greeted by deafening music even before we got into the building. Stepping inside, the place was hot like there was a pressure cooker underneath and the familiar stench of sweat I could never get used to hit me, my face crinkling in disgust. Kristen, on the other hand, looked thrilled to be here, so I tried to act happy- I didn't want to ruin the fun for her.

When we got to the bar, I called the attention of the bartender and ordered a margarita, while Kristen opted for a Dirty Martini.

"Don't overdo it," I warned her, well aware of how badly she handled alcohol.

"Just one glass," she grinned as I rolled my eyes. We both knew one glass was never enough for her.

"Ladies," a voice chimed in from behind me, and I turned to see who it was. My whole face lit up when I saw it was Nigel. He pulled me into a warm hug and wished me a happy birthday.

Nigel was one of the few sensible people I knew and a close friend too. He was boyishly handsome and had the body of your regular football player.

"Look who decided to show up" Kristen drawled as she batted her lashes at him. She folded her hands across her chest, making her breasts pop out in a way that caught even my attention. Nigel's gaze briefly darted to her chest and I honestly couldn't blame him.

"Kristen," he smirked, stretching out his hand to her, "Let's dance," it was obvious he liked her.

She placed her hand in his. "I'll be back" Kristen waved at me before leaving with Nigel. I honestly wouldn't mind if she didn't come back; that way I wouldn't have to babysit a drunk Kristen.

I was about to take a sip of my Margarita when an unsettling feeling washed over me. The sensation was so intense and burned through my neck, causing the hairs to stand on end.

Someone was watching me.

I scanned the crowd, searching until my gaze stopped on a distant figure. He was exceptionally tall, leaning against the wall in a shadowy corner. I couldn't see his face properly but I didn't need- I knew he was the one watching.

At that moment, everything went still as we stared at each other like we were the only ones in the room. Even in the darkness, I could make out his fierce icy blue eyes as they pierced mine. He had a powerful aura about him that demanded attention and I could feel it even from the distance. I didn't know who this stalker was but my body was drawn to him like a magnet.

A gasp escaped my lips when I felt someone grip my shoulder. I turned around to see the last person I wanted to see.

"Gina! Good to see you" Luke chimed as he gave me a once-over.

"What do you want?" I glared at him.

"Not even a hi?" He raised his hand in mock surrender, a smug smirk on his face I so desperately wanted to slap. I ignored him and looked behind me, The stalker wasn't there anymore and I found myself feeling upset about a literal stranger.

There was something seriously wrong with me.

"Come on... let me buy you a drink at least" his eyes scanned my whole body, making my skin crawl.

"I already have one" I pulled my Margarita close to me, watching him carefully. You could never tell with these guys, they couldn't be trusted. The one second you're distracted, they're pouring contents into your drink.

"Two wouldn't hurt" he persisted and I could already feel my patience wearing thin.

"Can you like fuck off?" I asked in the nicest way possible. I didn't like Luke for justifiable reasons, though, there was a time when I was all over him.

But after he tried to take advantage of me when I planned to take things slow-an experience I would rather not disclose any information about-I understood the kind of person he was and did my best to steer out of his way. But he just never fucking left me alone.

"Kristen told me you'd be glad if I showed up..." he said, which was a lie because Kristen hated him as much as I did. "...I couldn't miss your birthday for anything."

"You're ruining it at this point." I shot him a dirty look but he didn't budge.

He placed his hand on his chest, feigning heartbreak. "You're hurting my feelings, Gina."

"I honestly don't give a shit"

I caught a glimpse of the concerned look the bartender gave me and I felt bad for him... I guess he was used to seeing girls treated this way.

I rose from my seat and walked away, with Luke trailing behind me like a stray puppy. I didn't even walk away long enough when he locked his grip on my arm forcefully, yanking me back with so much force that I got dizzy.

"What the fuck is your problem!" my voice surged with anger the moment I steadied myself.

"Acting like a bitch only makes you sexier," he grinned like this was amusing to him- which I'm sure was. I felt repulsed when his gaze moved down to my cleavage and lingered there. This was what men like him do; they take advantage of your weakness and use their manly strength to intimidate you, and I'd had enough of it. I wasn't going to let him get that satisfaction.

"I will call security" I seethed through gritted teeth.

"I dare you" his tone was threatening, the smug smirk never leaving his face.

The moment his hands moved to my chest area, I felt a part of me snap as I released the pent-up rage building inside me.

My fight or flight hormone responded at that point, and I felt a burst of energy course through my whole body. I pushed him and watched in disbelief as he flew back and crashed hard into the wall. I stared at his limp form lying against the wall, then at my trembling hands like they were a foreign thing, my heart racing as shock took control of my whole body.

What just happened?

I heard gasps around me as people stared at me with shocked expressions on their faces. I was too stunned to move like my feet were glued to the ground, my body trembling as panic swept through me.

Jesus! What just happened?

I felt someone hold my hand. "We need to get you outta here," Nigel said as he pulled me along with him.

"You're going to be fine" Kristen's voice was soothing as she held my other hand.

I couldn't think of anything else but the sickening crunch I heard when Luke's body connected with the wall and the haunting sight of his lifeless form.

As Nigel drove, Kristen stayed with me in the backseat. My gaze darted out of the car window, the cool wind whipping through my hair. My mind was in turmoil as what happened with Luke haunted my thoughts. Whatever happened there wasn't ordinary and I was starting to believe what my dad told me.

Finally, we arrived at my apartment building and Kristen walked me to the entrance.

"Are you okay? I can spend the night if you want." she offered.

Her concern warmed my heart. "I'm okay. Don't worry about me."

She held my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and gazed at me apologetically. "Part of this is my fault, I shouldn't have forced you to come to the party." her voice tinged with guilt.

"It's not your fault," I said.

"And your chances with Luke are ruined."

I couldn't help but grin,"He kinda deserved it."

Waving them goodnight, I waited till they drove off, then as if in reflex, my gaze was drawn to the Range Rover... whoever owned it didn't want to leave.

Two huge men stood by the entrance, their gaze fixed on me as I walked past them. Climbing up the stairs, I could still feel their eyes watching me closely. I kept looking behind me, relieved there wasn't a sign of them till I got to my apartment door. Out of nowhere, one of the men materialized in the corridor, and my heart began to race faster.

How did he get here so fast?

My instincts screamed that these men meant trouble. This was probably how girls get trafficked, and I wasn't going to let myself be a victim... I had to think and act fast.

Pretending I was at the wrong apartment, I walked in the opposite direction, hiding my suspicion. With a quick pace, I dashed through the stairs, my mind spinning.

Were they robbers? Or was I just being paranoid? I certainly didn't want to find out.

I reached outside of the building and bolted down the streets, searching for any form of help. Remembering I hadn't seen the second man, as if on cue, he emerged suddenly from the dark alleyway of the building, startling me. His sudden appearance sent chills down my spine, and before I could react, he grabbed my arm, dragging me along with him.

"I-I don't have any money" my voice quivered with apprehension.

"I don't need your money" his voice was gruff.

I scanned around me, trying to get anyone's attention, but the streets were nearly empty and we were concealed in the shadows. I struggled against his grip and tried crying out, but his large hand clamped my mouth shut, stifling my cries. He dragged me towards the Range Rover and shoved me forcefully into the backseat, my head slamming against the door with a painful thud. He got into the backseat beside me, while the other settled in the driver's seat. The engine roared to life, and panic seized when I realized what was happening.

I was being kidnapped.

"Who are you people?" I asked, fear evident in my voice.

Silence.

"Where are you taking me?"

Still no answer.

I needed to get out of here. I realized my phone was still in my purse, but the man beside me watched me closely. The thought of fighting my way out dropped in my mind, but the sheer size of this man was frightening. No doubt, he could easily end my life with those enormous hands of his.

I was helpless. My thoughts raced. Who were these men and what did they want from me? Was I being trafficked? Were they serial killers planning to kill their next victim? I didn't believe in God but I said a silent prayer to him, hoping a miracle would somehow happen.

The car suddenly jolted to a stop, almost sending my body flying. I peered through the car's window and saw we were parked in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by towering trees. Blood drained from my body... the woods were never a good sign.

The man beside me lifted his nose in the air and sniffed like a damn dog. "They're here," he said.

"No Shit." The man in the driver's seat hit the wheels aggressively, making me jump.

Before I could tell what was going on, the men exited the car, leaving me alone in it. I could hear faint thuds and guttural noises coming from outside, causing my fear to intensify. Whatever was happening out there certainly didn't sound good, and I wasn't ready to find out. But at that moment, my survival instincts kicked in... this was my chance.

With trembling fingers, I reached for the handle and pulled. The door opened immediately, the night air rushing in. The darkness outside was eerie, but that wasn't going to stop me. Determination welled inside me as I looked ahead, ready to run. I wasn't going to let myself become another missing person on the news. My life was at stake and I was ready to fight for it. Adrenaline surged through my veins, and without looking back, I ran.

I sped through the dense bushes and overgrown trees, leaves rustling beneath my feet as I trampled on them. I didn't know where I was headed to, but I was determined to get far away from my captors, and hopefully, find help at the other side of the woods.

Time passed but the woods didn't seem to end as I sped through. My heart pounded hard against my chest, my breaths came in ragged gasps and every muscle in my body burned, but I couldn't stop. Suddenly, I heard loud thuds coming from behind me, and my blood turned to ice... something was chasing me. I raced faster, my ears ringing as I pushed further.

The woods became a blur as I ran, but whatever was chasing me still followed behind me relentlessly, its reverberating steps growing louder. The grunts and the thuds coming from my pursuer made me come to the realization that whatever it was wasn't human and that made everything so much worse. I made the mistake of looking back and felt my gut wrench deep in my stomach when I caught sight of the monster chasing me.

My feet immediately connected with something, making me lose my footing. I fell hard to the ground, grazing my knee and hands on the coarse ground. I tried to get back on my feet but sharp pain radiated through my limbs, leaving me helpless. The monster, however, was on top of me in an instant, its vicious snarl revealing bloody razor-sharp canines. What I thought was a monster was an enormous wolf, with icy blue eyes that glowered at me. I could hardly contain the terror in me when the wolf moved its large head closer to my face.

"Go away!" I screamed, my voice quivering as tears streamed down my eyes. At that point, I knew death was inescapable as it stared down at me with its blue eyes.

Knowing I was about to be wolf dinner, I shut my eyes, bracing for death and hoping it would be quick and painless, but it never came. When I dared open my eyes, it met the wolf's now curious gaze. It cocked its head as if trying to figure me out, and its nose twitched as it sniffed me. I remained still as it did, hoping the wolf had a change of heart about eating me. I felt my heart pound faster when it dipped its head lower, and then it nuzzled its wet snout into my cleavage, sniffing provocatively. "Hey! Back off!" I shoved the wolf away impulsively, as it flared its nostrils in return.

Perplexed, I couldn't understand why I was still alive, and why this wolf wasn't licking on my bones yet. My attention was immediately drawn to the two wolves who had silently appeared behind me and I felt dread wash over me.

There were more of them.

The wolf on top of me growled back at them, as if in a defensive manner while they just simply stared. The distinct sound of bones snapping suddenly filled the air and I watched in disbelief as the two wolves transformed into naked humans; a man and a woman.

"Jesus," I muttered, my eyes widened as I gaped at the man and woman who now walked towards me.

"You're coming with us" the woman's voice was soothing, while the man walked towards the blue-eyed wolf and patted it gently.

"Come on, let's get going," he said. The wolf released a low grunt and the unmistakable sound of bones snapping followed. It transformed into a man just like the others. I stared in absolute shock, my mind refusing to decipher what I had just witnessed.

I was losing my fucking mind.

The woman crouched down in front of me, extending her hands. "Let me help you up," she whispered.

A wave of dizziness washed over me, the weight of the night's events finally taking a toll on me. Witnessing the wolves turn into humans had been my last straw, as darkness closed in on my vision.

I woke up to the sound of people bickering around me, their words barely audible. Blinking, I forced my eyes open, wincing as sunlight shone directly in my eyes.

"She's awake." A man said.

I surveyed my surroundings, regarding the room I was in. It was huge and adorned with mahogany furniture and velvet-painted walls. I lay on a king-sized bed, draped in white sheets.

"Where am I?" my voice croaked as I managed to sit up in bed. I noticed I wasn't wearing the same dress I had on, meaning one of them undressed me. The thought of these strangers touching my body sent shivers down my spine.

My gaze fell on the man and woman standing in the room with me, and suddenly, everything came back to me. They were the wolves. I was alert as I glared at them, my heart beating hard against my chest.

"You're at the Solstice Clan's estate, you'll be safe here." the man responded. He was tall and attractive, about 6''3 with long chestnut brown hair neatly tied into a ponytail. His deep brown eyes were warm as he gazed at me.

"What are you people? What do you want from me?" a sense of unease washed over me. I felt like I already knew the answer to that question, but I needed to be sure.

"I suppose you need an explanation." the woman spoke this time. She had a smoky voice that was soothing and had a seductive aura around her. She was an exotic thing, with straight golden hair that flowed down to her waist and striking green eyes.

"We're werewolves," her voice held pride as she said so. "And we're keeping you here for your safety."

I wouldn't have believed the werewolf part if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Dad had been right all along and I felt bad for doubting him, but you couldn't blame me. It's a lot to process when you're told your mother was a literal werewolf.

"Safe from what?"

"A lot of bad people are after you," Mr. ponytail said, "We want to protect you."

"How am I sure you're not the bad guys?" I was skeptical about the whole thing. Even though they have been nice to me so far, I couldn't just believe everything they said.

"You don't have to trust us immediately." the woman said. "But we're not going to harm you. You're important to us." she assured me, the gentle look on her eyes surprisingly made me feel less tense.

"Why am I important?"

"You're the descendant of the Sacred Wolf lineage, chosen by the moon goddess to carry on that legacy." the woman explained.

First werewolves, now a moon goddess. This was all becoming exhausting.

"I don't understand; I'm just human."

Amusement danced in her striking eyes, "I can assure you, you're certainly much more than that."

My mind drifted back to the incident with Luke.

"What does it mean to be the Sacred Wolf? What role do I play in all this?" my skepticism faded away, now replaced with curiosity.

"You have incredible abilities that would be useful to us werewolves." the man answered. The whole thing was absurd, but I didn't deny it anymore, though, I still needed clarity on a lot of things.

"This is a lot to take in." I couldn't begin to imagine the responsibility that would come with it.

"We understand, you don't have to drink it all at once." the man said in a comforting tone, but I was far from comforted. I didn't like the idea of taking up such a demanding task, and I feared my normal difficult life I had already started getting used to was about to turn to something much worse.

"Why me? I didn't want any of this." the reluctance in my voice was clear.

"I know darling," the woman sounded sympathetic, "But the moon goddess chose you, we can't change anything."

Fuck the moon goddess.

"And what if I choose not to go along with it?" Surely, I had to have a choice in this. It was all too complicated for me and I didn't want to be a part of it.

"Then, you die." A chilling voice said, causing me to gasp.

Turning to the direction of the voice, my gaze met the intense eyes of a man. He leaned on the wall, arms crossed as he watched me.

How didn't I notice him before?

This man was striking in every way. He was tall, with a well-muscled body that exuded an air of power and authority. He had a defined jawline and a slightly crooked nose that gave him an aristocratic look. He had shiny black hair that complimented his flawless bronze skin and piercing icy blue eyes. I was drawn to this man in a way I couldn't explain. A sense of familiarity suddenly washed over me as I held his gaze. Those eyes. I have seen those eyes before.

"You'll scare her away, Devyn." the woman chuckled and I took note of his name... Devyn suited him perfectly.

"She's not going anywhere." his tone was brusque, his gaze still fixated on me.

Realization hit me when I remembered where I had seen his eyes and sensed his ambiance. He was the stalker and also the wolf that pounced on me.

"You've been the one following me." I stated, certain of it. When he didn't respond, I pressed on. "Why were you following me?" I began to lose my patience when he chose to ignore me again. His handsome face was devoid of any emotion as he watched me, his gaze never wavering. You couldn't even tell how he felt or what he was thinking but I already gathered that he was an arrogant prick.

Ponytail spoke up, breaking the silence- I really needed to know their names.

"You should get some rest, there's a lot to do," he said to me, then motioned to the woman, "Let's go."

She nodded in response and waved at me before they both left me in the room alone with this man. I didn't know them well enough or trust them, but at least they had the decency to explain the situation to me. This one on the other hand just watched me like we were having a staring contest.

"Look, no disrespect to your goddess, but I'm not doing this... I'm not even a werewolf." I said

"You don't get to decide" he finally spoke and I felt anger bubbling in me.

"It's my life. I'm not going to let wolf people decide." I snapped at him, then continued, "Look, I appreciate the hospitality and all but I really don't want to be here."

"There are people who want you dead and others who would use your powers for unimaginable things," he said blankly like that was a normal thing to say, but I got his point clear- leaving here meant putting my life in jeopardy.

I guess I didn't really have a choice then. I heaved a sigh, still trying to accept my supposed fate. "Is my safety guaranteed? What if I get kidnapped again?" The thought of those men who kidnapped me earlier made my body shiver. A part of me felt relieved that I was here instead. At least, these people treated me like a person and not an animal.

"I won't let anyone hurt you." There was a glint of determination in his eyes as he said this... Or maybe I imagined it.

He tramped around the room until he was at my bedside, directly beside me. I inched back a bit as he stared down at me, his eyes scrutinizing me like a predator observing its prey. My breath hitched in my throat as I drank in his close appearance. He was devilishly handsome, every bit of him and he looked so much hotter up-close. Before I could think, he took my right arm in his large hand and brought it to his face, staring at him. The immediate skin contact made my body surge with an electric feeling, making me gasp audibly.

What was that sudden sensation?

I watched his face to see if he had felt the same thing, but his face remained expressionless.

"I don't want you bruising yourself like this." he dropped my arm, the tingling sensation from his touch still there.

I remembered I got the bruise when I fell in the woods.

"You'll learn to control your abilities, Wilona will train you."

I assumed Wilona was the blonde woman and didn't really see a problem with her training me. She seemed really nice and that way, I could understand my abilities- whatever they were.

"How long will I be here? I have school and people that'll be wondering where I am." I thought of Kristen and my dad, imagining how worried they would be.

"School will be the last thing you'll worry about."

I didn't enjoy school anyway.

I looked around me, searching for my cell phone and my purse. "My cellphone... I need to tell my friend I'm okay"

"You won't be needing that here," he said flatly, and that made me suddenly mad.

"Am I a prisoner here?" I snapped, through gritted teeth. "If you don't want to put your loved ones and yourself in danger, then you won't be needing it." His face was stern, making it hard for me to tell if he was bluffing or not, but I wasn't going to take any chances with their safety. Whatever mess I was getting into, I didn't want them to be part of it.

"They will be informed that you're okay." He reassured me.

Thoughts of running away from here crossed my mind, and as if reading my mind, he said, "Don't even think about escaping. My men will catch you before you even get past the gate," he narrowed his eyes at me, "Or I'll drag you back here myself."

I didn't doubt it.

"This will be your room. If you need anything, let me know." I hated to admit it but the room was comfortable and luxurious, nothing compared to the rooms I had lived in all my life.

"My things," I said, remembering I didn't have anything of mine here. " my things are still at the apartment"

"You'll get new ones."

Wow.

"Liam will be your bodyguard, you're not allowed to go anywhere without him." I didn't like how arrogantly he spoke, it pissed me off.

"I don't need a bodyguard." He ignored me.

"And be on your best behavior while you're here."

Who does this guy think he is?

He walked towards the door, about to leave, when he turned to my direction. "Make yourself at home." He said, then left the room.