The Ruined Alpha Mate

CARMINE

I am a sheep.

They usually refer to me as that, and I rarely leave the house because I am constantly teased by them. I was twelve years old when I realized I couldn't do what they could. They bullied me, telling me that I should have been left on the farm with the other tamed animals.

They are the ravenous beasts, and I am the victim.

They almost murdered me because of what they were doing, there was no mistake about that. And how I wished I'd died so I wouldn't have to see them again.

"Carmine," my brother said through the door

of my room. I switched my gaze to him and moved my head.

"What?"

"Do you want to meet him now that they've arrived?"

I inhaled deeply and averted my gaze once more.

I already know he'll turn me down. When he first discovered that I am wolfless, it occurred to me that my partner might reject me. Even if he doesn't say anything, I'm sure he will. Who will accept me in this state? It also makes no difference what they do.

"Reject the heck out of me; I'm not interested in him anyway."

"Carmine, don't talk like that."

"Get out."

Without even looking at him, I placed my order. My hand was trembling, not because of what was happening right now, but because I was frightened they would notice what I was about to do. I took a deep breath and stared at the phone on the table.

I really hope nothing happens while Aly is still present. Please do not create any noise. I'm doomed and dead once I receive a message from Melissa.

"Don't talk to me without looking at me, and don't you ever talk to me while facing your back; I'm still older than you."

I blinked; I couldn't feel him, couldn't sense my brother's presence, couldn't smell him, couldn't scent what kind of wolf he was. I'm weak, and I have difficulties smelling, therefore, trouble has always been near me since I was a child.

I am certainly unique. Something was amiss with me from the start, with my blonde straight hair, ash eyes, and porcelain skin.

I am well aware that I am not one of them.

"Then leave if you don't want me like this," I exclaimed, my arm tightening in Aly's grip.

I winced as I examined his palm; I was also taken aback because he was already standing beside me, and I had not sensed his approach. He moved so quickly that the paper next to me moved due to the wind and his sudden movement.

"Aly! Let me go!" I yelled, but I couldn't get my brother's hand off of my arm. My eyes are already watering.

He is already hurting me.

"If you don't want any trouble, just follow us," he said, his deadly eyes fixed on me. "And you better mend yourself, it's embarrassing for the Granger family." I took a long breath.

He let go of me, but I could still feel the pressure of his fingers on my arm, which was now red. I despise him, and I despise being submissive to my brother. I have nothing against him because he is stronger than me, bigger and wiser than me.

When he was finally able to leave, I stood up, glanced in the mirror, and put on the black sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers without hesitation so that I could depart fast. I also didn't put anything on my face and let my hair down.

I don't mind if I appear unkempt. Melissa had already called when I looked at the phone.

Before answering the phone, I shut the door and made sure that no one else attempting to come in here.

"Melissa, hi!" I was nervous.

"Carmine, the car is ready. Marco is with me too, is everything fine now?"

"Y -yes," I stuttered. "But I have a problem, Granger's family is here."

"What?! So how can you escape? You know Blake is strong, I know he feels what will happen."

I bit my lip, I haven't seen him yet, I don't know much about Blake yet. I took a deep breath and was forced to calm down.

"I'll just go with the flow, I know he'll reject me. After that, just wait for me outside the house. And careful, Aly is watching over me."

"Ugh! Your pathetic dumb brother."

"He's not dumb, Melissa. He's actually smarter and more creative than you," I barely laughed but I heard the annoyance in her voice.

"Whatever, don't carry too much. Just bring yourself safe before you join us. The bunker and group is ready."

"Fancy," I was about to speak but I heard a knock from the door.

"Carmine, darling. Please get down now, the food is ready. And they are already looking for you."

"Is that your mom?"

"Shit, I gotta hang this up now, please wait for me. And hide from Aly."

"We will. Good luck, Carmine."

I immediately turned off the call, I hid my cellphone in the pocket of my sweatshirt. I opened the door and gave the woman in front of me a forced smile.

"Hi, Anna." I said and waved.

"Carmine, I've told you a lot of times, call me mom."

She's not even my mom, she looked at me from head to toe.

"Hi, m -mom."

"And can't you wear anything else, darling? Dress? Skirt? Anything that would fit your body?"

"Nah, I'm good and comfortable with this."

"But you can't just show up to him like that."

Why does she even care.

"No, this is what I like."

"If that's what you want, come. Your dad and the family is already waiting."

As we began to walk, she grasped my hand and I bit my lower lip; as I approached them, I could feel my heart racing.

My eyes grew mischievous, and I began seeking for the greatest way to flee or run if our plan succeeded.

"Is that her?" I grew cold, hearing a woman's voice for the first time.

My head shook as I looked around the dining room at a woman and a guy who appeared to be in their fifties, sitting next to a young girl which looks like an eight years old. They all had dark hair and a commanding presence... notably the man in front of an empty seat.

"I'd want to introduce you to Carmine Red, my youngest child and my only daughter," dad said, his voice was demanding.

"Beautiful, very beautiful. She's an extraordinary."

I looked away from Mrs. Granger's compliments and stared at a man with jet black hair and electric blue eyes.

When I realized he was already staring at me, I swallowed. He's peering right into my soul, to be precise. Only now do I feel this way; I sense his heavy and frightening presence, and I'm clutching my chest to feel a peculiar weight.

"Carmine, are you all right?" Anna inquired, still holding my hand.

I ignored her because I was hypnotized by the man, who was still staring into my eyes, not moving or speaking.

"They're most likely looking and watching into each other's futures."

Is that what I should be seeing?

Fuck, I am really wolfless.

"No, he's probably thinking about rejecting me," I responded, a sneer on my face.

No one said anything, no one laughed, and no one moved.

I looked at my father, who was now glaring at me angrily, and Aly, who appeared to be about to preach to me. They just cannot do so since we have visitors.

I inhaled deeply and spoke once more.

"Isn't that true? He'll just reject me, so what's the point of discussing this if it won't work?"

"Manners, Carmine."

"Oh, I'm sorry; where have my manners gone? I just stated the truth. The show is over; you may all leave now."

"Carmine!" I wasn't even surprised when dad shouted my name out loud.

Because of my dissatisfaction and wrath, my lips parted, but they also touched as my jaw moved instinctively. Mrs. Granger appeared to be looking worried at my father.

"It's all right, Carlo; we understand how your child feels."

"No, this kind of behavior is not tolerated here; I apologize, Mrs. and Mr. Granger."

I sighed and returned my gaze to Blake. He has now averted his eyes away from me, but his hand is now closed and he appears to be angry.

What makes him so enraged, huh?

"Darling," Anna touched me again but I violently walked away from her. She was surprised at what I did, they all gasped.

"Come on, Blake. Just say the line. 'I, Blake Granger, rejecting you as my mate.' Isn't it that simple? Why are you taking so long?" I approached him and tugged his collar.

Aly stood up and removed my hand away from the man.

"Pull yourself together."

"Then stop this bullshit as well. If you don't want me to make a scene, then don't force me into this, mate thingy-- whatever."

"Did you learn this behavior from Melissa? I've known that kid is a horrible influence on you since the beginning."

"No, dad. And don't bring up my friend's name in here."

I would have faced Blake again, but I was shock, literally speechless, my eyes opened when I saw that he was now in front of me, and it was only now that I realized how tall this man.

My knees softened since I was already suffering from a headache. An Alpha, bloody hell. This is something Melissa has already informed me of. That you would feel weak when you are close or when your Alpha partner is angry.

Not only because to their power, but also due to their pungent and deadly odor.

"Do not take any steps back."

Hearing his harsh and deep voice startled me, and I felt my hair rise on my body as a result of what he said. I did exactly the opposite of what he suggested.

I took a step back, almost three steps away from him, and then turned to stare at them, trembling.

"If he doesn't reject me, then I will."

"Sit down, Carmine; I'm sure you won't like what I'm about to do to you," Dad threatened, but I was unfazed.

"I don't like what's going on right now."

When I took another step back, I noticed the couple already standing up, as if they were terrified of what I would do next. I'll just flee and will not bite them. Don't they realize I'm unable to shift?

"Another stride and you'll be dead."

"I'm not afraid." I told him, I can see the menace in his eyes immediately, but it doesn't bother me.

"Try me." Such an asshole.

I proceeded to move away until the soft seat behind me made me stop.

I took my phone inside the pocket of my sweater so they were all surprised, I pressed it against my ear and spoke.

"Melissa, now."

"Carmine what are you planning to do?!"

"Don't do this to us!"

"Sorry," I weakly said.

I capitalized on their inquiries. I turned quickly and forcefully, and because the door was open, I fled the home immediately. I can feel his presence behind me since he's my mate.

He took off running and began after me. Melissa, get a grip. Please bring the car for me.

"Carmine!" they yelled, but I continued running. When I heard a huge roar from behind me, I took quick and large steps, feeling deaf and afraid to continue racing.

I was taken aback when I turned around. A gigantic black wolf pursued me, with four long and large fangs, long claws and large feet, and black fur that moved with his running and the wind.

His blue eyes were lovely, yet delicate and lifeless.

He's transformed into a wolf! How is he doing that so fast?!

When I spotted the black sedan waiting at the gate, I accelerated my speed even faster.

"Melissa, open the door!" I yelled angrily.

Soon after, it opened, and I noticed her sitting there, her only emotion being dread, scared and nervous and worried as she awaited my entrance.

"Holy crap! Is that your fucking mate ?! And is that your brother ?!"

"Brother?!"

I looked back again and I was so scared to see the two of them chasing me.

"How can't they catch me?!"

"Carmine, hold my hand! Marco will start the car."

"What, no!"

I stretched my right hand and Melissa touched it, but the car was moving, making it impossible for me to run and causing agony in my legs.

I heard a tremendous roar again, and it was my brother, Aly, a brown wolf with dark eyes.

I could even look Blake in the eyes while sprinting and watching the automobile go.

My lower lip was bitten.

I can't see anything ...

I don't see myself with him in the future.

"Carmine!"

"Damn it!"

Blake's wolf let out a howl as he grabbed me from behind, widening my eyes and urging me to speed up my pace. My tears were streaming down my face as I felt the aching and pain in my back.

My sweater was ripped to shreds, including my freaking brassiere and I could feel the cold on my naked back, including the wound. My blood was also dripping. I cried even harder when Melissa eventually pulled me over and the wound on my back hit the vehicle seat.

"You're gushing blood!"

"Blake ... B- Blake scratched me."

"Damn, this is bad."

I looked at her.

"What do you mean? I just got away; they can't catch me now."

"This is a symbol, Carmine; he gave you a wound so he could feel you even though you were far away."

"What are you talking about? I just successfully escaped from my mate; there's no way he can locate me now."

She looked at me with trepidation.

"No, you can't get away from him as long as you have his mark."

I have ...

I have Blake's mark.

CARMINE

(Four years later ...)

It was pitch black outside, and I was cold as I sat at the top of the tree. All I could see was the dark jungle. Marco is also sitting in the opposite tree, putting his head on the branch and shutting his eyes.

I snipped a tiny branch from beside me, grabbed it, and hurled it at him. It hit his head, and he awoke, but he didn't appear to be wounded by what I did. I smirked and motioned for him to pay attention to me.

"Sorry, it appears that you just need something to wake you up."

"You're such a rogue, woman. Damn, so reckless."

"Wake up, sleepyhead; you can't sleep till the assignment is completed."

"I simply want to take a nap," he added and yawned.

I raised my hand and pointed to the bright and round moon, shaking my head.

"You can't because they're about to emerge."

"Is the trap ready for ten minutes before they come looking for food?"

"They've already prepared the sheep."

"Wonderful; perhaps that will aid in aiming the ideal shot."

I didn't say anything, just lifted my right foot while keeping my left down, leaned my seat on the tree trunk, and took a deep breath. Even though I am wearing heavy and long clothing, the cold enters my skin. I'm dressed in a black leather jacket with a black shirt inside, leather leggings that are fit to my thighs, black boots with no high heels, and my hair is pulled back into a high pony tail. This black clothing will let us blend into the dusky background.

"Melissa should join us here, this is gonna be fun."

"She can't, she's sick, she can't do this."

I had my gloves on and was about to take out the rifle from the bag when I was startled by the noise. That I was aware of the movement of trees and plants, as well as the sound of a creature's strong and hefty footsteps.

"It's them..." Marco said under his breathing. I just stared at him and looked about, not saying anything.

"Oh crap, they've arrived earlier than we expected."

I heard several footsteps again, and I was clinging to the tree trunk. I prepared my foot to hear the noise from behind me, and I quietly turned around to see a gray wolf.

It has a dirty gray tone to it, as well as a wound on one side of its foot and what appears to have a clutter of mud on its fur. I signaled him with my two fingers to prepare for the creature's arrival.

I believe I heard it breathe underneath ... this wolf, I'm sure that it can smell the sheep. Come on, you've got this. You must see the sheep and act in order for us to complete the objective.

"What is he," I whispered faintly.

"An omega, it's easy to kill this one."

"Are you sure?"

He seemed brave enough in his words, and I could see he was prepared. He shifted his weight and grasped his rifle fixedly. Trying to imitate my position but changed his mind right away.

I snorted and considered the possibility; since the tree branch was so large and thick that I had no trouble moving, I squatted down and swiftly primed the gun, aiming it at the wolf approaching the sheep.

Marco was staring at me, his eyes widening as he realized my location.

"Carmine! Don't!" The man tried to warn me, but I disregarded him.

I bit the inside of my lower lip, as though anticipating the wolf's cry. He raised his head before running, and I smiled as I observed him return to his position with a sheep that was now making a ruckus.

"Don't you dare shoot him, Carmine. I'll be the first to do it, won't I?!"

"Marco --" He cut me off.

"No, you can't shoot! We need to count, the sound of the gun will make noise, they will all be alert --"

I didn't let him finish what he was going to say. I took a deep breath, my grip on the gun tightened, and without hesitation, I shot it into the wolf's stomach.

"Damn it!" He shouted. He knelt down like me and he shot the wolf into its stomach like what I did.

Dead.

I locked my gaze on the bloodied and laying beast. I was just watching the wolf who is slowly reverting to human form; he is naked and has no any covering on his body. He was unconscious and laying on his back, his stomach bleeding.

Indeed, an omega. His body was little and skinny, as if he were a lady, despite the fact that he was a male. I took a long breath and relaxed my hold on the rifle. My hand began to tremble suddenly.

I swiftly grabbed my chest to feel its rapid and powerful movement. I looked around to see if a new wolf had appeared, but didn't appear to be any. I sighed and rested my head to the three, I could smell the disgusting blood.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine, I just feel shocked at what I did."

He shook his head, he prepared his gun again before adjusting his position.

"I told you, you can't shoot the first arrival. You don't have much control yet."

I took a deep breath and stared at my hand. Fortunately, papa is not here, I do not want him to be disappointed with what I did. I nibbled my lip, I felt like I was suddenly blamed for what I did.

"Do you have your phone?" I nodded at him. "Good, after this, call them. They will take care of the body."

I've been doing this for almost four years, it's just normal not to lose the nervousness I'm feeling, but I feel like there's something weird right now, I feel like there's something coming unexpected. I swallowed hard.

"Marco," I called to him.

"What is it?"

"After this, please tell papa that I'm sorry for breaking the rule."

I bit my lower lip again and averted my look as his brow furrowed slightly. He was going to say something when we heard another noise. The environment is more noisy.

When I spotted three wolves, I turned to the side and parted my lips. They are triplets, with brown hair and dark eyes. They'll walk while smelling the bottom, same like before.

I opened my mouth to welcome the cold air, as they came to a halt, apparently alarmed to discover a man lying prostrate. They approached it, sniffed it, and examined it for signs of life. They took a seat when they noticed a person lying down was no longer breathing.

They took a stand and formed in circle. They constantly gazing around as if they believe they are being watched.

"Beta," Marco said quietly. "Be careful, those three are from one of the powerful packs; just shoot one of them."

I gave him a strong look and nodded, sweat trickling down the side of my face. I clenched my grasp on the rifle once more.

That was directed at the wolf on the right side of the position My eyes widened as it quickly spun away from the others, but the bullet hit the bottom. My lips were open, and I was terrified.

Because of its loud sound, they simultaneously made a boisterous howl, as if giving a warning and calling some comrades.

"Shit, what have I done ..." I whispered nervously.

"Relax, the leaves of this tree are thick, they won't see us right away."

"Marco, that's impossible. Their eyes were clear and bright at night."

He looked at me and he smirked.

"I hope you don't forget that I shift too, Carmine."

I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever."

"Come on, shoot again."

I tilted my head.

I knelt down once more, attempting to close my eyes but failing. I aimed the gun at the wolf, who had moved to the left side, and fired swiftly, but my eyes opened as the wolf abruptly left but raised his head.

The wolf howled, suddenly alert in the midst, as if injured by what I did. When I saw him look up and bend slightly as if he was about to run, I held my breath.

"Marco --"

"Shh ..."

He stopped me from speaking.

No, I'm not up to that. They will undoubtedly begin once they notice us. Marco can run quickly because he can shift, but I... I know I'm going to die. There should be three of us in this situation. Melissa is not here.

But I'm not sure how I'll feel now that we're just the two of us. I took a deep breath and tried to relax by listening to the noises they produced.

"Carmine, don't make any noise."

He cautioned me.

I slid my revolver inside my bag and searched for my phone, my hands shaking.

"What are you doing?"

I didn't answer him, we need help. We need back up. We can't do this, especially since our opponents are beta right now. I kept looking for the phone until I touched it, I opened it and immediately searched for a number.

"Carmine, don't!"

When he shouted, I was caught off guard and accidentally let go of my phone. My eyes widened as it made a noise, attracting the attention of the three wolves on the now cracked phone, which was already below.

"Don't be alarmed ..."

Their yells grew louder as I got closer. They were strong, enormous, and there were three of them, so I startled as I felt them scratching the trunk of the tree where I was positioned.

This tree is trembling because of what they're doing. While I was clinging to the limb, a bag fell and the bullets scattered below. There's still a lot, shit. We can't lose those.

"Marco, help."

"Bullshit!"

He did nothing but fire a gun, but he did not hit anyone there. I was even more nervous to feel as if this tree was about to be destroyed.

"Joshua, we need back up, now!" I saw him holding his phone as it was pressed to his ear.

I took a deep breath.

I took the gun and pointed it at a wolf, hit one of his legs, he roared loudly, I saw the birds suddenly strip from the other trees..

"I'll come back, don't make any noise, don't move, and don't shoot. Do you understand? Once they feel that there is no noise or presence they will leave. Stay still, Carmine. I will be back."

I just nodded and bit my bottom lip because I couldn't think of anything else to say. I strengthened my grip on the branches, but I sensed that they were becoming stronger over time. This is going to be so bad.

The moon had become more round and brighter, loud howls made my whole body tremble, the tree's trembling ceased, and I peered down to see that the wolves had vanished.

However, I heard loud and fast footsteps on my side. When I saw a gray wolf staring at me, my lips parted.

It was only then that I noticed he had already started jogging and was about to leap. When it abruptly jumped, I moved in my seat, and he gutted half the branch where I was kneeling. I pointed the gun at his head, fired it, and the creature's blood splashed all over my face.

He fell, but the branch where I was standing was breaking at the same moment, and I was clinging to the top as my seat shifted.

A second wail may be heard next to me.

I just can't fall down. They'll be able to catch me if I fall here. Or worse, they might even eat me.

"Come on, Marco. Come back, I need back up."

My two hands were trembling, and because my seat had been destroyed, the bag containing my gun had also fallen. All I can do now is grab the branch and keep myself from falling. I could not fight, I should not run, there's a lot of them at the moment.

However, I quickly feel like I've lost my hearing. My feet were numb, and it felt as if my hand was suddenly aching, and I could smell a familiar stench that gave me a terrible chest agony.

I was completely unaware of my tightness and unexpected release from the branch. I could feel the chilly wind and my body dropping, but it was as if I didn't realize I was falling because of how I felt.

Not until my entire body, particularly my back, touched the cold filthy earth. I was hard pinched, the back of my head slapped the ground, and my butt and back ached at the same time.

I was clutching my head and feeling a hot, sticky substance.

Blood.

My lips parted, and I could hear a creature's footsteps behind me, but I couldn't move.

That wolf got so close to me that its fur was almost adhering to my right cheek. I keep wishing he wouldn't hurt me, wouldn't bite me, wouldn't torture me in the most gruesome way possible.

My heart can sense it. When I first saw him, when our eyes first connected, this is how my heart felt too back then.

I could see what it looked like even though my eyes were dimming; its soft and its furs were black, its bright electric cerulean eyes seemed extremely familiar to me.

He locked his gaze on mine.

And to this day, I still could not see our future in his eyes.

Alpha, Blake Granger.

CARMINE

My whole body was in excruciating pain, particularly in my hips and head. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was blackness. I took a big breath and tried to move but couldn't since l was feeling a hard thing snaked around of my hands.

I tried to move my hand again, but my lips parted when I realized it was chained. I moved my feet, which was not chained or tied, but it wouldn't help me if I didn't have the energy.

"Help! Somebody help me!" I tried to shout, but it felt like no one could hear me. I shifted my feet again and realized I was sitting on a rough floor; I wasn't sweating, and what I was feeling now was a mixture of anxiousness and cold, so my entire body was shivering. I feel like I am only wearing a thin shirt. Who changed my clothes?

"Marco! Melissa, are you there ?!"

This is how it feels... certainly not the bunker. Maybe I wasn't there, but I recall the fragrance of our house and the type of walls and floors we had. But everything was strange; even the smell was unfamiliar to me.

Did they manage to catch me? Are they punishing me? If that's the case, I hope my friends are here, even if I've been punished. Melissa and Marco should be by my side right now. I chewed the inside of my bottom lip and forced myself to relax.

"Papa! Papa, help me!" I hoped he would answer, and I hoped someone would heed my call, but my shoulder sank in frustration a few minutes later. No one can hear me.

I forced a hard swallow and moved my hand, but all I felt was anguish and ache, and since I kept moving, my clothing rose till they only touched half of my thigh.

I was about to cry, no matter how brave I pretended to be. I knew I was a coward when I was alone, and I knew I was afraid when I was alone.

"Can somebody assist me? Guys, please..." My voice is faint. I simply bowed till my eyes welled up with tears.

Now I just feel the bandage over my head and on my left foot; I recall what happened, but I feel like I just woke up from a long sleep. I was about to shout again when the clang of a steel door startled me.

Damn it! I now realized that it wasn't dark outside; I was just blindfolded and couldn't see anything.

"Who is that?!" I exclaimed, hoping to startle whoever entered, but he didn't appear alarmed.

I heard him close the door again, and he walked closer to me. I turned to see who was approaching, but there was nothing visible. What type of blindfold did he put on me?

Why am I even using the word 'he'?

I can just feel it, the person's smell, it just feel like a 'he'.

"Don't get any closer!" I yelled again, moving my feet in an attempt to reach the person in front of me. I kicked him but couldn't hit him.

I was certain he was staring at me when he abruptly knelt in front of me, and I gasped as I felt his finger brushed against my cold skin. I blinked as he pulled the blindfold from my eyes.

"Ah ..." I growled as I felt pain in my eyes because of the little light coming from the door.

I frowned my face, I applied the gaze to the darker place until my eyes moved and saw a man who was now kneeling in front of me. My focus went straight to his blue eyes.

No way.

"How you've been, Carmine."

I blinked twice. His voice grew deeper and hoarser than it had ever been! I surveyed his entire body; his biceps are perfectly positioned, I can see the veins in his forearms, and he has a massive addams apple that adds to his appeal.

His brows are thick and ink, his eyes are deep and puffy, and his lips are naturally red, as if he is always biting, or should I say, someone is always biting.

I couldn't speak, and all I could do was stare at him.

"What did you do to me? Where am I, and why am I here?" My voice trembled as I asked,

I examined my attire, which consisted of a white large t -shirt that did not fit my size and exposed my right shoulder. I've just discovered bruises and minor blisters on my feet.

He didn't respond to my query; all I noticed was how he looked at me. What now? Is he peering into my eyes because he sees our future for the first time again? Maybe he knows I'll never accept him as my partner in the future.

"You're now a rouge, huh." He said seriously with no reaction on his face.

My jaw trembled, I averted my gaze, hoping he sees how much I despise him on my face, hoping he sees that I will never return to our government. Because I was never, ever a part of being their wolf.

"Did you realize they had the ability to murder you?"

"Did you realize that if the rouges finds out you're holding me, they'll kill you as well?"

I looked at what he was wearing because he didn't say anything. He's still dressed in a black cloth with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a necktie, as if he just arrived home from work.

I shook my head, trying to remember where I put my clothes and possessions. Or trying to remember when I left it.

"Where are the bags? Where are my clothes? Did you touch everything?" I asked, trying to sound brave, but he didn't seem afraid at all.

Of course! He's an Alpha, one of the strongest Alphas in all the packs, he's not afraid of a woman like me. I can't even move, I can't even break this fucking chain like they can do.

"I hid it."

"Where?!"

"In a place where you can't find it."

"Bullshit! Just give those to me! You'd better let me go, if you don't want to mess up your world and your family. Just as simple as that."

He didn't say anything else, which irritated me; he's just staring at me, as if he's trying to figure out what sort of attitude I have by memorizing every inch of my face.

I haven't seen him in four years; his physique has grown, his presence has grown heavier and more forceful, and the way he looks at me has changed.

"Do you think I will just let you go this easily after seeking for you for four fucking years?"

Was what I heard incorrect? What exactly did he say? He spent four years seeking for me? I offered him a mischievous grin. Did I believe he was interested in me? I assumed he'd be able to see where I was even if I was far away? Alpha, isn't it? So, why is he speaking in this manner?

"Who told you to look for me? Don't you remember that I ran away because I don't belong to you and I don't want you."

"You can't say no to me."

"Well, Mr. Granger, I just did. Four years ago," I said sarcastically, making a weak and mild vow.

I can sense his irritation and see the stiffness in his jaw already. I'll admit that when I hit him a punch or kick. I won't feel much better. He's still a wolf, an alpha, and no matter how much I hate him, he can just bite me easily, rip me apart, and scratch my body until only blood is the only visible.

"You'll never get away from me."

"I can."

"Try it."

I swallowed, knowing that I was too weak to even kick him because I knew you couldn't do anything. I couldn't take my hand off the chain, even if it could be removed, and I knew he was keeping the key somewhere.

"Once papa finds out that you are holding me, surely not only you will die, but also my whole family."

I promised as if I was cursing him, his eyebrow moved slightly and almost joined, I could see the questioning in his eyes. His mouth opened.

"What have you gone through."

What have I gone through?

I recently ran away from our government and became a rogue and a rebel. I chose to remain silent to escape ridicule, and I chose to remain silent to avoid hearing my father and brother preach. I am tired of them, my own family, my bullies, and my own brain saying that I do not belong.

I went away to escape chest discomfort, and I can't believe it's been almost four years since I met papa and their group. They accepted me wholeheartedly, like if I were a member of their family.

"You have no ally here, Carmine; you have nothing against me; you are now imprisoned; your hands are tied; you have no strength to flee; no one will assist you."

I bit my lower lip, my breathing quickened, my chest and my shoulders also went up and down. His presence was so strong that it seemed to give me weakness.

I averted my eyes.

"How many hours am I unconscious?"

"Two days."

What the hell. Two days? That's why I feel like this, that's why I feel so thirsty and hungry, my body also hurts a lot.

"What do you plan to do to me?"

He stopped, Blake's head tilted.

"Anything," I was nervous about what he said. My eyes widened as he suddenly looked at my chest, his gaze dropped until I could see he was focused on my thighs, his addams apple rippled.

"Fuck off." I cursed. He raised an eyebrow and looked at me, he took a deep breath and suddenly stood up. Wait! "Where are you going? You can't just leave me here!"

"You'll stay here, until you become a good girl." I shook at him.

"I've never been a good girl."

"Then you'll stay here forever."

"Damn you!" He suddenly smirked at me. "Let me go, now! Remove this chain, if you do not make me run away, I will make sure the karma will return to you."

"Do you think they can handle me? Do you think your so called allies and papa can beat me?"

"Don't underestimate him!"

Papa was like a father to us for four years, and we all called him papa. He is our boss; he emerges from the bunker on occasion, but only when the moon is full, and he simply observes us.

They say papa will only shift into wolf form when he becomes too upset or if someone spoils our group and bunker, but I've never seen him shift or become wolf form.

I adore him, even more than my biological father.

He knelt in front of me once more, brought his right hand to my chin, and elevated my face so that our eyes were aligned. As I observed him, I simply kept my mouth shut.

"You have no ally, they cannot find you, and no one will help you. So don't even hope that you can run away from me."

"How can you be so sure of that?"

"I've made a way so they won't know where you are. And they cannot enter this place, because their face and your face are glued to the wall in all the town."

I knew we were wanted, that the authorities were looking for us, and that we had never stepped foot in any of the towns here for at least four years.

We live at the very top of the mountain, where there are normal residences, but we are always stationed in the bunker in case of an emergency. There are rouges who will guard the the border of our residence.

"Now tell me, do you believe they can still save you? And you know the moon goddess is usually there when that happens," he said, pointing aloft.

I couldn't say anything. He was staring at my eyes before, but now he's staring at my lips. What makes him stare at my lips? He averted his look from my lips as I deflected my stare.

"You're now twenty, and I'm ready to claim you."

"Shut up, you have no right to do that."

"And you have no right to reject me. Fuck, you're the very first woman I've ever met to be able to reject a male mate."

"I'm built different."

"No, you're not. You're just driven by emotions: sadness, rage, and, eventually, retribution."

I'm unable to speak, and I'm unsure whether what he stated is accurate. But I only had one thing I wanted to say to him. Without my wolf, I can fight. Without shifting, I learnt to fight.

But, because he was ahead of me in this position, I couldn't present it to him. And doing that stuff still hurts my body. My brow moved slightly and blinked.

"Maybe, but I hope you won't regret for imprisoning me, Alpha Blake."

"I won't. I really won't, Carmine. Even if you can't shift, even if you are wolfless. I am still accepting you as my mate."

He looked at me again, and now I'm looking up at him, and he looks at me as if I'm of lower social standing than him. I will never, vow or kneel for him. I don't care if he's an alpha.

"Please let me go, you don't need to chain my hand."

I'm unable to communicate. He rose up and moved away from me, as if he still wanted to say something, but he didn't. He stopped walking after my mouth opened and he spoke.

"No. Not until you become a good girl to me."