The Alpha's collateral

Amber's POV:

As I sat in the dimly lit living room, the weight of my stepfather's words hung heavy in the air. "You're getting married," he declared, his voice devoid of any warmth. The news hit me like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless and stunned.

"But why?" I managed to choke out, my voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and anger. "How could you do this to me?"

My stepfather John, clutched my hair tightly and I hissed in pain, his gaze cold and calculating. "It's for the good of the family, you ungrateful bastard child" he spat with contempt, his tone laced with a twisted sense of obligation.

"You're nothing more than collateral, a means to secure our future at least you're useful in some way mutt"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Sold off like a pawn in a twisted game of power and alliances. All because my step-sister Emily was supposed to marry the not only cursed and ruthless alpha, but he was a manwhore and known for his notorious womanizing who even owns a harem and I was nothing more than a convenient substitute for them.

I retreated to my cramped basement room, and waves of uncertainty crashed over me. The space was minimal, furnished only with a tattered mattress, a weathered oak bedside table, and a wardrobe holding my clothes.

"What a great way to start my birthday" I inwardly rolled my eyes expecting nothing enthralling on this not-so-special day because I believe I might have wronged the moon goddess in my past life and she's punishing me with an ill fate in this one.

Today was supposed to be an incredibly thrilling day for me. But truth be told, I couldn't muster up much excitement because I knew deep down that my potential mate might reject me due to my lack of a wolf and to make matters worse, I was sold off by the people whom I call family in a blink of an eye.

I am twenty-five already. Majorly, people find their potential mates at the age of eighteen but here I am, growing older and lonelier. With every passing year, my hopes of finding my soulmate wither like a dandelion on a chilly breeze.

How did I end up in this nightmare? I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, my heartache etched on my face. With long, flowing locks and piercing eyes, I possessed a beauty I couldn't fully comprehend. And yet, I couldn't help but wonder about my true origins. Who was my real father? What secrets lay hidden in my past?

John never misses an opportunity to unleash his anger on me, treating me like his personal punching bag, a target for all his frustrations.

I am really scared of him. He is an absolute monster in disguise and he made sure he unveiled himself to me, showing me how deranged he is, raw and unapologetic. He made sure I knew monsters did not exist just in folk ware and fairytales but rather they existed amongst us, just in better clothing and smiling faces.

An abomination is what I am to them, he said I was born out of wedlock. Not like it was my fault or anything but my mother said my dad had forced himself on her and if that's the case, it explains the amount of disgust they have for me and the anger is justified. I looked nothing like my mother at all.

My heart is devoid and sad because I do not know who even my father was or if he is still alive or not. I don't even know if he was a wolf or human given the fact that I am still wolfless. I am super fast and strong, possessing the senses sharper than an average human. But I could not blame them at all for hating me, I also loathed my so-called "father" because no matter what he ruined our lives all at the end of the day or so I was made to believe. I longed to know my roots. I have so many questions. All my life John has been the father figure in my life. Heck, I thought he was my father at a point but the more I grew up the more obvious his resentment was. I learned he wasn't my father when I was seven because he constantly told me how he hated my guts and how they didn't just let me die.

I guess I'm the replica of my father, from my ocean blue eyes and silver hair that glows now and then which remains a mystery to me, down to my round full pink lips that attract punishment to me. I think this explains the pelt-up loathe John has for me because every time he looks into my eyes, he becomes agitated. it was as if he was staring at the spitting image of my father. And whenever I asked my mom she always snapped at me and her eyes filled with tears.

I wake up each day to the echoes of silence, surrounded by the cold walls of neglect. My step-family, barely notice me. Loneliness wraps around me like a suffocating cloak, reminding me of my insignificance. It's as if I'm invisible, forgotten in the shadows of their affection for each other. At times it felt like my mother wasn't truly mine. I feel a disconnection from her. I have so many unanswered questions. The more I age, her eyes told a different story. She never looked at me how a mother looks at her child. There was no warmth in it. It always felt like I was a burden she couldn't get rid of. After all, the eyes never lie.

The ache in my heart grows with every passing day, yearning for a connection, for love. But amidst the disappontment, a flicker of hope still managed to emerge. Maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for me to find my light, to rise above the despair and discover my worth but I'm not so sure about that either.

Because even the little "hope" I had was snatched away from me just a few minutes ago just like how my dreams, passions, and better still, my identity were all snatched from me. It was too much for me to bear on my little shoulders.

As for my mother, she always avoids my gaze and I really wish it is because the guilt is eating her from the inside watching how John slowly ruins me way beyond repair, taking a piece of me with him each day. When I first complained to her and asked why John physically abuse me, she only shrugged it off, not because she didn't have an answer but rather because the 'love' she has for him has blinded her eyes completely, she'd only say "Don't be a brat, he was kind enough to take you, another's man child in and for that, you should be grateful" how could I comprehend that when I was just a child, not knowing my right from left.

She always convinced me that it was his way of "discipline". But at that time, I knew something was off. If that was just mere 'discipline', why didn't he discipline Emily the same way since she commits all sorts of atrocities? The abuse only grew worse gradually, it started from simple bad-mouthing to starvation, to little shoving, and beatings to everything overall.

I felt a sudden intrusion as I sat on the edge of my bed making me snap out instantly from my daydream. Emily, my step-sister, barged in with a smirk that could rival the Cheshire cat's.

"What's got you so gloomy, princess? Her taunt cut through the air, injecting venom into the peaceful atmosphere. "You deserve this, I pray feeds you to his beast" " I hope he ends your life for good, you don't deserve to live. You're unlovable"

She then pulled a fist full of my hair and twisted it, making pain erupt all over my scalp. She shoved me and slapped my face hard while laughing like a maniac and I just stared at her not having the strength to entertain her.

"Bitch who the fuck are you looking it" she spat on me and snorted. "Ugly bitch". Before I could retort, Emily let out a piercing scream. Shocked, I turned to see her clutching her arm as if in pain. John came rushing in furiously. "What happened?!" he demanded, his eyes flickering between Emily and I.

She pointed at me, her accusation sharp as a dagger. "She shoved me! Look at my arm!"

I let out a pained groan as John exerted all his force, landing a brutal kick to my stomach. "You bastard child, how dare you" | gasped in defiance. Another blow followed, each strike sending waves of agony pulsating through me.

"I need to show you where you belong" and without wasting any much time he unbuckled his belt and lashed down on me.

"You better start counting," he said using all of his might to strike me not caring where he hit.

"O one" I cried out in pain. I had no choice but to count and swallow the pain because If there's one thing I learned over the years, it's that me pleading with him to spare me fuels his anger the more.

"T-wo" lash after lash followed as he brutally assaulted my back.

"..... T- t- twenty-seven" My throat was all dry and patchy and before I could catch my breath. He stroked me in the face "You better start counting again, starting from one, bitch!!!".

After what felt like an eternity, I lay sprawled on the cold floor with my body sore from the beating I had received, I proceeded into the little bathroom and squatted under the shower allowing the water to cascade from my spine down to the floor as I drifted into anticipation of what was to become of my life when I'm taken away by the Alpha.

Why does he need John's daughter when he has females at his disposal, willing to throw themselves at him.

I shuddered as my gaze scanned through the litters of scars my skin was decorated with and finally settled on a slash that ran across my chest, the most prominent and painful one, tears pooled in my eyes as the memories of how I attained it came crashing on me. I will never forgive John for the damage he has caused me ever, the sunken skin is a testimony of how he had brutalized me with a knife coated in wolfsbane. It was the absolute worst night of my life, I traced it gently knowing this would be my story to tell someday.

I closed my eyes not wanting to revisit the bitter memory and snapped out of my self-hate, the disdain I felt for John increasing as I gritted my teeth in sheer anger. I promise one day I will make him fall on his feet before me and beg for my forgiveness and when he is desperate for life, I will snatch it away for him.

I exited the bathroom and got dressed deciding it would be best to stay off their radar for the time being, but when I laid on the bed the events of earlier came crashing down on me.

I hadn't realized I had been crying since I was in the shower. What would happen if I ended it all? What would happen if I had run away?

I mean, if I did, would John be forced to sell off Emily to the Alpha king? What is the worst that could happen?

All I know is that, what is life without risks? Even if the outcome is going to end in bloodshed at least I would die trying.

What if I don't run and am forced to live with that monster for eternity? That is if he doesn't even kill me? What if life with John would be far much better than with him?

But then again, what if I am never to be found? What if I could find a life worth living for?

With a surge of courage and a rush of adrenaline in my veins, I lift my cracked window off its hinges and jumped, sprinting my way toward the woods. I had never taken a risk like this In my life and now I am crossing my thuddering heart in hopes that this favors me. Hoping I could escape.....

"Maybe life was worth living after all...."

Zephyr's POV:

As the sun rises over my kingdom, casting an ethereal glow, I emerge from the depths of my grand castle. The air is thick with an aura of power and authority, for I am the ruler of this realm.

With each step, my presence commands attention. I navigate through the corridors, my regal cloak billowing behind me, as whispers of fear and respect follow in my path. I have built a reputation as a formidable leader, someone whose very name strikes awe into the hearts of those who dare to oppose me.

In my daily routine, I attend to the affairs of the kingdom, making decisions that shape the lives of my subjects. Some may perceive me as cold-hearted, but they fail to understand the weight of responsibility that rests upon my shoulders. Every choice I make is for the greater good, even if it may seem harsh or wicked to those who cannot comprehend the bigger picture.

Behind closed doors, I indulge myself in the complex workings of governance, studying reports, and strategizing for the prosperity of my kingdom. It is a lonely path, as the burdens of leadership often isolate me from forming deep connections with others. But I am driven by a vision, a vision of a successful and secure empire under my rule.

After a long day of work, I retired to the darkness of my cold room ironically, a reflection of my soul. Well, I am cursed by the moon goodness in every life I am reincarnated in. Today is the day I would go and claim what is mine.

We had an arrangement with John that he would hand his child over to me as a means of collateral but when I learned of that bastard's child was whom John was raising, I felt intrigued.

He thought he was double-crossing me by replacing his daughter with his stepdaughter thinking I would neither take notice nor find out. I laughed at his foolishness for thinking he could get away with it and undermining me.

The intense feeling of anger and resentment I feel towards her is like a rush of fiery emotions coursing through my veins, as if it was injected right into me. And what adds to that intensity is the knowledge that that bastard's very own blood runs through her veins.

It's like a constant reminder of the connection between them, fueling those hateful emotions even more. I've got this burning need deep within me, I've been notified by the Grand witch, who seems to have some mystical insights, that I need to breed an heir. Now, this isn't just any ordinary heir, mind you. It's got to be someone with a rare and precious gift – pure lycan blood. And let me tell you, finding someone like that is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

I have gone through heaven and earth trying to find the perfect vessel but disappointingly, I am met with none. I decided to settle for less by securing John's daughter even if she didn't grant me the heir I needed, I could add her to my collection for fun. But fate had other plans, all I had been searching for was right in front of me.

I knew he had a stepdaughter but neither have I ever bothered about nor has anyone known much about her. My legacy, my whole lineage, depends on this. I've got these powers, these superficial abilities that have been passed down through generations. But without an heir, all of that would just fade away, like a distant memory. So, when I heard about that bastard's child, I knew I had to have her.

I couldn't give two fucks about her, the moment I shoot my seeds down her womb and she breeds me an heir, I would mark her and then banish her. I will ruin her just like how her father had ruined me.

I mind-linked the beta of the pack and the only person I have a deep connection with, to come over so we could advance with the plan. He was a brother from another mother to me, all we have in this cursed world is each other. As it is, I don't have enough time on me. My fucktard wolf, Luca is like a shadow that follows me everywhere, whispering in my ear and stirring up this insatiable thirst for blood. It's like a constant battle.

Luca is a primal, wild side of me that I struggle to control. Whenever the moon rises high in the night sky, that's when the curse really kicks in. My senses become heightened, my instincts sharpened, and this overwhelming urge to hunt and unleash my inner beast takes over. It's like this dark force that I can't escape, no matter how hard I try. And with this curse comes a price. The darkness that surrounds my wolf is a constant reminder of the bloodshed and chaos that can follow. It's like a storm brewing within me, threatening to consume everything in its path. It's a heavy burden to bear, but it's also a part of what makes me who I am. The resentment we have for each other is on another level, and I have learned to dominate him, to show him who "really" is in charge.

I took a sip of my wine and on cue, Xander burst through the doors. "What's up mate, you called for me" I hummed while tapping on the table that was situated at the center of my room.

"I perceived the smell of a visitor, someone not in this pack. A rogue perhaps?" I raised my brows quizzically at Xander.

" yeah! We were just interrogating him but he's strong-headed ".

"Well, I don't have time for a cat and mouse game" I growled and marched towards where his scent was emanating from.

He must be a fool to think he could sneak around my territory and go unnoticed. I allowed him to breach the security because it fueled my thirst for a sinister pursuit. I mean, because of my super-sensitive senses, I can catch the scent of any living being from miles away, even beyond the borders of my territory.

"Who sent you and what is your aim" I said straight to the point, not having time for a child's talk.

"I-i" I held him by the throat and tore his head off his body, not having the tolerance to deal with him and his agitating stammers.

"Advance with the plan Get me that girl now!!!" I tapped Xander on his shoulder and headed straight back to my room to wash off this spineless wolf's blood. In as much as I am thrilled to draw blood in any slightest circumstance, I am one heck of a neat freak.

I waited in anticipation for that little girl to come forth. I can't help but wonder if she realizes she is not just a random person, but rather someone who is powerful and a vital pawn in my scheme.

Does she know she is the supposed mother of my heir, does she know the relationship I have with her stepfather, most importantly, does she know she is "My Collateral"?

.............

After a torturous hour's drive, I finally arrived at John's house. I stepped out of the car and made my way to the porch, I was already running low on patience I forcibly made my way inside without waiting for approval and just needed to get this over with.

"Alpha, what a pleasant surprise" John looked bewildered not expecting me to come for her this early. But I couldn't help but notice the smirk on his face since he orchestrated the whole thing.

"I'm not here for pleasantries I demand you to bring me the girl". Settling down I nodded to my guard to trail him.

I hear shuffling and commotions and I was starting to get pissed, I am not a very patient man. I decided it was best to see what the chaos was all about.

"She's gone" John freaked out and began spewing out curses, unable to believe his eyes."That cunning little bitch".

I focused my attention on the sound vibrations around me, honing in on the rhythmic thumping of a racing heart and the rapid gasps for breath coming from the depths of the woods. Instantly, I recognized that it was her. The audacity she had to attempt an escape from my grasp! I vowed to make her face the consequences of her actions."

"She's just a short distance away, towards the western woods at about a 4 o'clock angle. Hurry up and go get her!" I commanded, urging them to act swiftly.

"You will pay for this" I turned to John and that was not an empty threat because my words held double meaning to it. Not only did he lie to me and think he would go unscathed, without me finding out, his little step daughter dare disrespect me. I can't wait for her to come back so I would unleash my beast on her for thinking she could escape my grasp.

After a short while, they arrived and I turned to see the most beautiful girl I'd ever laid eyes on. I am now eager to claim her and add her to my collection of women, all that I threatened to do to her all flew out the window.

"Mate" Luca exclaimed with hatred. To say I was shocked would be an understatement but it did not matter and never will it. When I'm done with her, I'd take my heir and ruin her.

She stood there, a vision of ethereal beauty, with silver hair cascading down her shoulders like strands of moonlight. Every movement she made seemed to be choreographed by angels, her petite frame adorned with curves that whispered promises of softness and temptation.

But it was her face that truly enchanted me – those lips, a tempting shade of plum, parted slightly as if inviting secrets to escape. At that moment, she was not just beautiful, she was a masterpiece, a creation of divine artistry that left me breathless with wonder and longing. She was the exact opposite of the women I bring to bed but I was immediately drawn to her.

She looked up at me with puffy eyes anxiously and she was shivering like she was scared. Good! She should fear me, that is what I wanted, and before I could utter a word I heard a smacking sound, and a little whimper left her mouth.

"You ungrateful bitch" John attempted to strike her again and I felt furious as everything went red. As he grabbed her wrist roughly, I felt a rush of anger rising within me. My fists clenched, and my voice hardened as I stepped forward, confronting him.

"Let her go," I said, my tone low and dangerous. "She's not yours to handle like that." John's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with hostility. I could see the fear in her eyes, and it only fueled my resolve.

"I won't ask again," I warned, my voice carrying the weight of my rage. "Let her go, or there will be consequences."

Then, with a muttered curse, John released her, backing away with a glare. I moved to her side, offering her my support and protection, knowing that I would always stand up for her against anyone who dared to harm her who is not me. Who dared to harm what belonged to me. Only I can harm her.

I didn't even realize when I pounced on him and choked him by his neck. "Dare you to lay your filthy hands on her, I will ruin you, no one touches what is mine".

I tossed him to the corner and pivoted my gaze back to her. She let out a sniffle "Please", her voice was so soft, and at that moment I saw the vulnerability.

I couldn't give two fucks about anything when I wanted something, and all I wanted now was to crush this little bastard's windpipe for his audacity. But when she looked at me with a plea in her eyes, I succumbed and released him.

"Go get whatever important thing you have we are leaving. before she turned I added some piece advice, "I wouldn't try escaping again if I were you" My voice was thick with threat and she knew better not to cross me.

I fisted my hands knowing I'd definitely be back to finish this bastard off, I'm not tagged "malicious" for no reason after all. Not only did he touch what belonged to me, he also tried lying to me taking me for a fool. For she is mine! She is my collateral and most especially she is my mate!

I stepped into the house and instantly my eyes locked on him, the Alpha King. I hadn't expected him to be so young and beautiful, yet there he stood, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. His strikingly hot features, chiseled jawline, and piercing, cold calculating dark eyes held a depth I couldn't fathom, they were raven black it was as if I was consumed in an abyss.

Towering at about 6'3, he exuded power and authority effortlessly, his mysterious aura drawing me in despite my attempts to resist. He walked around me in circles, like a predator waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce on his prey. His dark piercing orbs seemed to hold a world of depths and i was scared of how dark and far his soul was. Like he was an empty vessel and when my gaze finally settled on his luscious full lips, he licked them sensually.

Gulping, I averted my gaze to a scar that ran from his left eye stopping at his chin, showing how rugged and dangerous he is. I shifted my eyes towards John and his eyes held a murderous glare, I knew that look so well and I needed not to be told twice to go packing. I should thank my lucky stars the circumstances were different if not I would be skinned alive today for my foolishness.

I never imagined in my life that the alpha king would step in on my behalf or shield me from John's anger, but perhaps I was reading too much into it. Maybe he simply didn't want a broken doll and wanted me to be perfect and scarless for him. Well, newsflash honey I'm everything on the list above.

I sprinted towards my room to grab a few of my belongings, shoving them into my worn-out duffel bag, not like I had anything of much importance that I possessed except for the few books that I read to find an escape from reality whenever Emily tortured me.

I went on to pack my few worn out clothes and basic necessities, when a sense of worry crept over me knowing my life was going to change forever. I knew what awaited me was a journey into the heart of darkness, to the Lair of the ruthless Alpha king.

His reputation preceded him, and whispers of his iron-fisted rule and cruelty echoed through the land. Yet, I had no choice but to follow him, bound by the chains of obligation. not like I had a choice either, and for some unknown reason, my mind is at ease going with the unknown man than facing the consequences of what John might do to me. They say the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know but right now, reverse is the case for me.

..........................

We embarked on the journey, the tension in the air was detectable. Every moment spent in the confines of the car felt like an eternity, the weight of his presence suffocating me.

The smell of leather and his sandalwood and oudy cologne filled my lungs. The mouthwatering scent emanating from him affected me so much that I had no choice but to clench my legs hard for me to stop myself from squirming on the seat.

The forests blurred past, the ominous trees seeming to whisper warnings of the fate that awaited me and suddenly, goosebumps appeared on my body when he placed his palm on my thighs.

His palm was so warm in contrast to his demeanor. I was fidgeting and was starting to panic, I'd never sat in this close proximity with anyone ever, in my twenty five years of life.

I felt thirsty and as the miles stretched on, panic began to claw its way into my chest. The walls of the car felt like they were closing in on me more harshly, suffocating me with a dangerous embrace.

My head was hazy. and all I knew was, feeling desperate to stay far away from this monster and hide where no one could reach me, my mind went into overdrive and I couldn't think straight knowing I was so close to a dangerous murderer who could snap my neck for any slightest inconvenience. I knew I just had to escape him. Call me foolish or delusional but that happens when you are in desperation for something. "Desperation" on its own is a destructive element that pushes us to act on impulse.

Maybe the outside world wouldn't be as scary as everyone portrays it to be. All my life I had planned on how I would escape from home but I was too much of a sacredly cat, knowing I had no place to run to. But, this is the push I needed to try and I know for a fact that John loathes me but I didn't think he despised me to the extent of selling me off to someone like a piece of furniture and that too, to an unhinged, deranged Alpha king who is cursed with little to no explanation. I have never felt more violated in my life as I imagined myself to be an additional collection to the harem of the Alpha King.

I shuddered and hugged myself even tighter as I saw the flickering of lighting painting the sky like a canvas, mirroring the emotions that I felt in the depths of my soul.

He tightened his touch on me. My silver hair glistened under the moonlight and I couldn't help but wonder if I was also cursed, maybe that would explain my ill fate and how it never gets any better. Or better still, that might explain why I am bound by fate to the Alpha. Two cursed souls, finding a means to prevail in this wicked world.

It was about to rain and I kept plotting where, how, and when would be the perfect time to escape from these shackles of life weighing me down, for I do not know if I would be able to continue holding on to life so dearly when life itself does not want me.

My heart pounded even faster in my chest as we were fast approaching the Alpha's house, a place shrouded in darkness and mystery. The path leading to it was overgrown with twisted vines and gnarled trees, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent a chill down my spine.

That did it for me, and without a second thought, I flung myself out of the car, my heart pounding in my chest as I hit the ground running. Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I ran into the forest, every instinct screaming at me to flee, to escape the clutches of the Alpha king. No longer caring about the consequences. Fuck them all.

I dashed into the woods, desperation encouraging my every step. The rain began to fall, each droplet a chilling reminder of the danger I was in. But my pounding heart drowned out the sound of the rain, it kept urging me to move, to escape the impending danger.

I threw away my shoes not caring about the branches that pierced my feet. I looked over my shoulder and there he was, with a smirk on his face. His dark eyes gleamed under the moonlight. But what baffled me is that he was surprisingly calm. With his hands shoved in his pockets, he took slow strides, and the more I ran, the closer he got.

I let out a piercing scream when he caught up to me. With the speed and strength of a predator, his grip was like iron, fueled by a rage that seemed to consume him whole.

I could feel his fury seeping out from every pore in his body, a hurricane ready to unleash its full force. His voice, cold and commanding, cut through the night air like a blade, his dark orbs turned even darker just like a raging storm and I could visibly see the storm of emotions like a beautiful yet chaotic dance of different feelings colliding and intertwining.

"I won't leave you," he said, his words sending shivers down my spine. "Not until you understand the consequences of crossing me.

"Let me go you monster" "Let me go please, I beg you". I kept hitting his broad chest in hysteria. As I cried and begged him to let me go, my fists pounded urgently against him, but he stayed still, unmoved.

The rain poured down, mingling with my tears, as I pleaded, "Please, don't do this. Just let me go. I can't take it anymore."

With a strength I couldn't comprehend he possessed, he shoved me into the car, his hands trembling with the effort to contain the beast within him.

As we drove, the tension in the air was suffocating, my body shaking from a combination of fear and cold. His knuckles whitened as he clenched my thighs, making me wince in pain and a bruise was starting to appear.

He was lost in his head and was oblivious to his surroundings. His eyes were a turbulent storm of conflicting emotions.

I could see the struggle within him, the battle between man and beast, reason and instinct.

we continued our journey but the weight of his reprimand hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the power he wielded over me.

And then when I thought this night couldn't get any worse, we reached our final destination, that is where his control slipped.

With a violent shove, he pushed me out of the car and dragged me with him, I didn't have the time to brace myself, making me stumble on my feet in the process. But that didn't stop him from dragging me like a rag doll. He was livid.

When we finally reached his lair or so I would prefer to call it, I knew what awaited me. He shoved and pushed me into the cold stone walls of a room that I believe was like a mini prison, it was a cell that loomed before me, it looked more like a cage, a silent testament to the price of my disobedience. And he threw me into the darkness.

He slammed the door shut behind me, I was left alone in the oppressive silence, the darkness swallowing me fully. The only thing I could hear was the pitter-patter of heavy rain and the thunder rumbling loudly. It felt like Mother Nature herself, was visualizing our intense emotions, with me being the rain and him being the thunder.

"Please" I don't know what made me say it or to whom it was directed. I just hoped someone or something could save me. I just hoped the universe would hear me. I cried and couldn't help but wonder if there would ever be a way to escape my fate or if it would just be easier for me to accept it with open arms, for me to accept that I am cursed and unlovable, even by the moon goddess herself.

..... But little do I know, that the true horrors awaited me in the depths of the Alpha's lair.