To Hate A Wolf Lord ( Wolf Lord Saga #1)

AVALINE

"Congratulations on your pregnancy, Olivia." My best friend's eyes widened at the praise, her hand rubbing over her belly slowly as she smiled.

Jealousy coursed through me as I watched her. I was still happy for her though.

She was in love.

Although I had never met her so called fiancee before, she always spoke about him with that dreamy smile women wore when they thought they'd found the one.

My husband, Adam, stood beside me, his arm loosely draped around my waist as we watched Olivia laugh with the other guests. The whole garden was decorated in soft pinks and whites, balloons tied to chairs and ribbons.

Everything seemed perfect.

Just then my phone buzzed.

"Excuse me," I murmured, stepping outside to take the call.

The phone call was my Aunt, checking in from our home territory, reminding me to rest and keep my wolf calm as the full moon approached. I laughed softly, promising I would before I hung up. I turned to leave when I heard them whispering.

"...she really doesn't know?"

The voice came from behind the hedge near the patio. Two female wolves, both from our pack. Their chuckles rang out loudly as they spoke, unaware I was there.

"I heard Olivia's pup isn't her fiancé's at all," one said with a quiet laugh. "It's Adam's."

My heart froze.

"Are you serious?"

"Poor Avaline. Imagine being mated to a wolf who breeds your best friend and you have no clue. She's still playing the best friend role." They laughed.

For a moment, I couldn't breathe. The scent of roasted meat, flowers, and wine turned sour in my nose. My vision blurred as tears filled my eyes.

No. That couldn't be true. Adam would never-

I took a step back, my claws pricking at my fingertips. My wolf paced restlessly beneath my skin, growling low.

Their words hit harder than I expected. I froze where I stood, the noise of the party fading into a dull echo. My fingers trembled as I adjusted my purse strap, pretending not to hear as I walked away.

No. That couldn't be true. Olivia would never... and Adam-

My throat tightened. I forced a shaky breath and pushed past the door, my heels clicking against the tiled floor as I searched for him.

It didn't take long to find them. I followed the faint trace of his scent through the house. Walking through the hallway, I stopped in front of the slightly opened door. My heart froze as her scent hit me too. They were together.

"...you should have told me earlier, Olivia. I deserve to know about my child."

My heart stopped.

"I was scared," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling. "She's your fated mate, Adam. I was afraid that you won't abandon her for me."

I walked closer, my eyes landing on them as Adam rested her head against his chest.

" Don't say such nonsense. You and our pup are the most important thing to me. After all, she is just a new moon Omega. I've long wanted to end this stupid bond between us." Adam said, his hand gently patting Olivia's head.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Olivia froze, her eyes going wide as if she'd just seen a ghost.

"Ava..." she whispered, voice trembling, but I didn't look at her.

My gaze was locked on Adam.

"What did I just hear?" My voice shook, anger and disbelief twisting inside me. "Tell me it's not true. Tell me you two aren't-" My throat cracked before I could finish. "How could you do this to me?"

"Ava, please, let me explain," Olivia murmured quickly, glancing at Adam like she needed him to save her. "Adam and I-" She stopped, letting out a soft, shaky sigh, her lashes fluttering as if the weight of guilt was too much for her.

It was her favorite performance. Sweet, helpless Olivia who was as fragile as glass, pretending she couldn't hurt a soul. But I knew better. I'd seen how she played him, how she used that innocent face to twist things her way.

I should have noticed it sooner. Or maybe I just turned a blind eye. I was the one who stood by him when no one else would, the one who believed in him.

He said he wasn't ready for children. That we needed time. That the pack's affairs came first.

Yet here she stood, carrying his child.

"Stop, Avaline," Adam said, his tone sharp. He turned toward Olivia, eyes softening. "Olivia is pregnant. She might be human, but I love her. There's nothing left to say. Move on."

My heart stopped. "Move on? Adam, I'm your wife. Your fated mate."

His eyes hardened. "And I reject you."

The words hit like a blade to the chest.

"I, Adam Rhineheart of the Duskpaw pack, reject you, Avaline Ross as my fated mate. Olivia carries my child now. Our bond is broken."

My breath hitched. "You said you didn't want a baby yet," I whispered, trembling. "You said it was too much responsibility... that you wanted to focus on your duties as Beta."

He scoffed. "Do you know how many times I've been mocked for being mated to a traitor's daughter? You embarrass me, Avaline. How can I let you carry my child?"

My throat tightened.

" Do you think I will just let this slide? Forming a wolf bond with a human is forbidden by the laws of the Wolf Lord. I swear you will regret this! Both of you!" I yelled before turning around to leave.

Tears blurred my vision as I made my way to the door.

"Adam, stop her." Olivia whispered. "If she says anything, you will be in trouble."

Her voice echoed in my ears but I didn't care. My hand reached out for the doorknob when suddenly I felt a sharp pain course through me. I gasped as I as I looked down, seeing the glint of silver buried deep in my abdomen.

Suddenly, the world went still.

Breath left my lungs as I stared at the dagger's hilt protruding from my stomach, its cold metal catching the faint light of the arena torches. Silver. My wolf hissed as I touched the blade, smoke curling faintly from the wound. My knees gave out and I dropped to the floor with a strangled cry.

Behind me, I heard Adam's slow, deliberate footsteps.

"You should have just walked away, Avaline. But you never knew when to stop, did you?" Adam asked coldly.

I tried to speak but my throat burned. Every breath felt hard to take.

I was dying.

"You... stabbed me," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Adam, you-"

He crouched beside me, his eyes empty of the warmth they once had. "Don't look at me like that. You brought this on yourself."

I blinked through the pain, trying to focus on his face. The man I had once loved, the man who once promised me forever was gone. What stood before me now was a stranger in his skin.

"Adam, please..." My words came out barely a breath. "Don't do this. I beg you-"

He smirked, straightening as he wiped his hand on his trousers. "Silver burns slow, doesn't it? Maybe in your next life, you will finally know your place."

My vision blurred. The room tilted, spinning into darkness. Blood pooled beneath me, warm and sticky, seeping through the fabric of my dress. My wolf howled weakly, fading.

He turned his back on me, his voice fading as he walked away. "Consider it mercy, Avaline. I could've made it worse."

Mercy.

The word echoed in my mind as I lay there, trembling, the life draining from me. All I could think was how blind I had been. I had even planned their baby shower.

How stupid.

As the darkness finally pulled me under, one thought clawed its way to the surface.

If I survived this, I would never love again.

Not him.

Not anyone.

(Three years later)

The children's smiles widened as I read the last chapter of the children's book. I took a deep breath, finishing off with a smile as I closed the book.

"And that would be all children," I said, watching as their faces filled with disappointment as if I had taken their last candy from them.

" Teacher Ava, can you read us one last book?" Andrew, one of the children in my class asked, his eyes cute as if he was trying hard to persuade me.

My eyes darted to the clock on the wall and I chuckled.

" I can't, Andrew." I said shuffling his dark brown hair. "Maybe tomorrow. Teacher Ava has to go somewhere important."

The classroom filled up with a chorus of tiny groans and pouts. Their tiny hands clutched the edges of their desks while their eyes stare at me sulkingly as if their little rebellion could keep me there forever. I laughed softly, shaking my head.

"Go on now," I said, ushering them toward the door. "Your parents are waiting."

One by one, they grabbed their bags and ran out, their laughter echoing down the hall. After the last child waved goodbye, I gathered the storybooks and placed them neatly on the shelf. My smile faded as silence settled in.

This was the only place where I wasn't spat on. Where my parents' brand as traitors didn't haunt me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table.

Gideon

My stomach tightened.

The name alone was enough to send a chill through me. I didn't want to answer but the sharp sting in my wrist made the choice for me. The pain shot up my arm, searing hot. I glanced down. The metal bracelet around my wrist glowed faintly, its edges biting into my skin.

A gift from the club, they had said.

A symbol of belonging for all the new girls.

But I knew better. It was a leash.

I pressed my trembling fingers against the band, trying to ease the burn, but it only grew worse the longer I hesitated. Gritting my teeth, I answered the call.

"Avaline," Gideon's deep voice drawled, smooth but cold. "You're late."

"I-class just ended," I said quickly. "I'll be there soon."

"You'd better be," he replied, and the line went dead.

The bracelet's heat eased but the ache still lingered.

I grabbed my coat and hurried out, the hot sun hitting me as I rushed through the city. By the time I reached the club, it was already night. Neon lights bounced off the dance floor, the music echoing loudly.

Gideon stood at the entrance, his arms folded, a cigarette between his lips. The smoke curled lazily around him as his gaze locked on me.

"About time," he said, flicking the ash aside. "You've got a private request tonight."

My throat tightened. "From who?"

A slow, knowing smirk curved his mouth. "You'll see soon enough."

My heart sank. I already had a bad feeling about it.

" Come on," Gideon pushed me in. "Don't waste time and do your makeup. This client is very special."

The word special made my stomach churn. Was their any powerful client that wasn't special?

I grabbed my dress from the locker and changed. Standing in front of the mirror, I started doing my makeup when Reina walked in. Her sexy outfit reflected in the mirror, leaving nothing to the imagination.

" Look who is here," she sneered as she walked up to me. "Teacher Ava who thinks she can pay her way out of the club by reading books rather than doing her job."

The other girls joined in laughing.

My hand clenched around my brush as I watched her mock me. However, I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't show my wolf out neither could I let anyone see my tattoo. I'd been hiding my wolf and my past for years. Everyone believed I was weak. A new moon Omega with no backbone.

" What are you looking at?" Reina asked, her crescent moon tattoo glimmering on her arm. "Better watch your back, Avaline. One of these days, I'm going to beat you up." she said pushing my head to the side before she worked away.

My wolf growled low, within me. Threatening to force her way out. I closed my eyes, trying to keep my cool.

Not now.

My hand rubbed over my arm where my tattoo was. I had done a good job of putting a fake tattoo to cover my real one.

"Avaline!" Gideon yelled from outside the dressing room making me jerk.

I grabbed my bag and put all my things inside before slidding it into the locker. Reina, the club's former princess barely left any space for me. It was useless to complain. Gideon never shouted or punished Reina.

" Already done!" I yelled.

I walked out of the dressing room, my hands sweaty as I stood before Gideon. His eyes lingered on me hungrily as he took in my outfit. He had wanted me for years. However thanks to my quick wit, I managed to avoid him long enough to almost finish paying my debt.

"Ravaging as always," he said breathless. "Too bad a high paying client wants you. Tonight, you can't escape even if you wanted to."

My jaw clenched.

He grinned, stepping closer, his breath reeking of smoke and whiskey. "Room thirteen. Don't keep him waiting."

Room thirteen. The number alone made my pulse quicken. That room was only reserved by powerful people.

I forced a nod and turned away heading up the stairs. I was prepared. The injection I had hidden earlier was still on me. I had used it to make many of my clients sleep in the past, I could do it again.

My heels clicked softly against the marble, each sound too loud in the silence that followed. As I neared the door marked 13, a strange shiver ran down my spine. My wolf stirred uneasily inside me, pressing against the walls I'd built to keep her hidden.

Something was wrong.

I reached for the door handle and pushed it open.

The scent hit me hard as I entered. It was him.

Wolf Lord Orion Draemount.

"Close the door," his command echoed making me swallow.

I obeyed.

"Come in," his voice echoed roughly in the room.

I walked in, the soft sound of my footsteps echoing as I pushed past the curtain. The moment I saw him, I froze. Something about his presence made me feel exposed.

He was older, maybe ten years older, but it didn't show at all with the way he carried himself. His shirt clung to his chest, muscles shifting beneath the fabric as he leaned back on the couch, his arms stretched casually along the top. His dark hair was slicked back, his eyes calm but sharp, as if nothing in the world could unsettle him.

Then the past rushed in. The screams, the blood, the night my parents were killed. My breath caught. Was he the one who paid for me? The thought made my stomach twist.

I couldn't do this. I couldn't stay here.

"What would you like for me to do, sir? Pole dance or lap dance?" I asked, keeping my voice natural as I clenched the syringe

"Master," he corrected.

"What?"

"Master. Gideon just sold you to me." he said making my breath hitch.

This couldn't be.

Sold.

The words slammed into me like a punch as I heard it. Suddenly, everything made sense. Gideon's words earlier and his sly smile.

He had sold me off to my enemy without batting an eyelash.

"I'm sorry. There has to be a misunderstanding. I'm not for sale." I whispered before turning around to leave.

"Stop."

His command made my feet freeze in place. My wolf growled at his presence, my eyes barely flashing red before it became normal again. I turned to look at him.

Orion rose from his seat, "Sit," he said quietly.

Despite his calm voice, I knew it wasn't a request.

My pulse roared in my ears. "You can't just....buy people."

His lips curved into a smile, "I didn't buy a person. I bought your contract."

I stared at him. "What contract?"

He reached for the folder resting on the table beside him, sliding it toward me. The gold-embossed seal gleamed under the dim light. It was the same one I had signed when I got here. I had been naive, stupid to believe I could seek shelter from just anyone. Gideon's signature glimmered under the blue lights.

"Gideon signed over your service rights to me," he said, his voice calm, but his gaze pinned me in place. "Legally binding. You're under exclusive employment for the next eight months. I know you're a teacher at Lunara Academy."

My stomach twisted. "How did you-"

"I always know everything about what I own," he interrupted softly, pulling the metal bracelet off my hand.

My eyes flickered to the floor as it hit it with a loud thud. Was this some prank?

My lips parted open but I stopped myself. Now was the best time to get close to him, to get my revenge and also make Adams pay for what he did to me. I could kill two birds with one stone.

" Don't worry. I have no interest in your body." he spat. " What I need is for you to help tutor him. Once he wins, I'll set you free along with $50,000. You will no longer be an Omega" Orion said, his eyes searching mine.

No longer an Omega.. As the Wolf Lord, he could do that.

I didn't ask anymore information. I just reached down and signed the other contract.

"Fine." I said, staring at him. "Don't forget your promise."

Orion smiled, his hand flickering over the paper that held my signature. "I won't."

*****************************************

(A Few Days Later)

I stood in front of the Wolf Lord's mansion, the building towering over me as my hand gripped my suitcase. Everything I owned packed inside, which wasn't much. Moonlight spilled across my face as I took a steady breath and stepped forward. Before I could even knock, the double doors swung open on their own as if they'd been expecting me.

"Greetings, Teacher Avaline." The servants said making me swallow.

"I'll take you to your room." An elderly woman stepped up, her hands reaching for my suitcase when I stopped.

"It's okay, I can carry it." I said, feeling a wave of shame as my hand tightened around the handle.

The elderly woman said nothing and just led me upstairs. My eyes flickered around the mansion as she led me up to a room.

" The Wolf Lord is waiting for you." she whispered and then she was gone.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Orion stood by the window, his back turned to me. This time, he wasn't in a suit. He wore a black t-shirt that stretched across his chest and dark jeans that made him look dangerously male. Casual, yet every line of him still screamed power and sexy.

When he turned, his eyes caught mine and held them. "You're finally here."

I swallowed, my throat tight. "Well, let's just say that I got lost."

"Sit." He gestured toward the chair in front of him.

I sat, perching at the edge, my fingers curling around the fabric. It was soft. Softer than I had ever imagined. Everything in this place was beyond my wildest dreams.

"There are rules, Avaline," he said finally. "Three of them. Break any, and our deal ends immediately. I'll send you back to Gideon."

I nodded once, pretending to be calm.

"The first," he began, "you must not tell anyone about our contract. Not the servants, not your friends, no one. What happens between us stays between us."

He paused, watching my reaction but I gave none.

"The second," he continued, lowering his voice, "you must tutor my son for over six hours per day. His welfare and everything that has to do with his studies is now in your hands. I want to see improvements or our deal is off."

My breath caught. Improvements.

'Asshole' my wolf whispered.

I forced a nod again.

"And the third..." His eyes darkened, the air between us thickening with something unspoken. "You do not enter my private quarters. Ever. No matter what you hear, no matter who asks you to. That part of the mansion is forbidden to you."

A shiver ran down my spine. There was a slight warning tone in his voice.

I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Understood."

"Good." His voice softened slightly, though his expression didn't. "You'll start tomorrow. My son, Leo, can be... difficult. Don't take it personally. Just do your job."

"I've handled worse," I said before I could stop myself.

A small flicker of amusement on his lips as he stared at me.

"You'll be given access to the east wing. Stay within it unless summoned. Meals are served at seven, one, and eight. If you're late, you'll eat alone. But I would not suggest that since you must eat with Leo."

So that was it. No warmth, no pretense of hospitality. Just rules. They weren't too bad.

"Do you understand everything I've said?"

"Yes."

"Then what do you want?" Orion leaned back.

Revenge.

I smiled sweetly, "Nothing. You've given me everything I ever wanted. My freedom and a place to stay."

My wolf growled at my act.

"Then you may leave."

I stood, smoothed my skirt, and turned toward the door. As I stepped out, the door closed behind me with a soft click, leaving me alone in the endless corridor. My pulse finally steadied, and I exhaled shakily.

Three rules.

No secrets.

No failure.

No trespassing.

Simple enough.

But something about the third rule bothered me. Why was he so adamant about me not going into his bedroom? What was he hiding?

I didn't know yet but I intended to find out.