| Body |
This is the seventh time I've called my husband, Caleb, and as usual, he hasn't answered. No exceptions, although it's our two-year anniversary.
I didn’t have a wolf. That’s why I had to call my husband on the phone like a human. Then I could only try shooting him a text: Hi Caleb. I know you’re busy. Just wanted to confirm when you’d be home tonight? I made your favorite steaks ^^
“Why don’t you just mindlink him? Oh right, I forgot. You don’t have a wolf.” My omega maid giggled and rolled her eyes. It’s Alice.
I ignored her. She was just making fun of me again.
“Steaks?” she asked, rolling her eyes at the thawing meat on the counter. “Why do you even bother? Alpha Caleb hates your cooking. This is just a waste of food.”
“That’s not true,” I told her, lifting my chin. “Caleb loves steak.” I know he did comment on my cooking sometimes, but being the Alpha was super stressful! I couldn’t blame him for being a bit grumpy when he came home after a long day.
Alice looked me up and down, her fox-like eyes full of disdain and mockery. She hated me, and she didn’t even try to hide it anymore.
“Stop wasting your time on stupid phone calls,” she said, dumping a basket of clothes at my feet. “Make yourself useful. You're Luna and you have nothing to give to this pack. No wolf. No kids. The least you could do is help with the laundry.” She brushed past me then, deliberately bumping into my shoulder.
No wolf. No kids.
The words stung. I bit my lip. She was right, I was wolfless. But I didn’t want to be! I wanted more than anything to be a good Luna for Caleb, for our pack.
“Fold that laundry. I have other things to take care of.” She walked out of the kitchen in a huff.
I quickly checked my phone again. Still no response. I decided to proceed with dinner anyway. He’d be home soon enough, I told myself. And then we’d have a nice dinner together. But when I got to the counter, I noticed that my gemstone ring was gone. I had taken it off to wash the vegetables and placed it on the windowsill.
I turned around in a panic. Did she…did she take it? Omega Alice? She’d already stolen my sapphire necklace. Of course, she wouldn’t admit it. I had asked her about it when I saw her wearing it.
“This?” she’d asked, fingering the necklace around her neck. “Alpha Caleb gave it to me as a gift. I didn’t steal anything.” She looked so innocent at that time. Maybe I was confused? Maybe Caleb had given it to her? So I had asked Caleb.
“It’s just a necklace,” he snapped. “You can’t wear it anyway. You don’t even have a decent dress to go with it.” He had been really tired that day. I tried to explain that maybe it was a misunderstanding? I loved the necklace and just wanted it back.
“This is ridiculous. I don’t have time for this drama. Stop the nonsense, Eden.” Then he had shoved past me and left without another word. So I let it go. He was right, it was just a necklace. But now my ring was missing too.
I laid the vegetables out in the roasting pan and then went back to the table. Still no response from Caleb, so I started sorting his laundry. But as I picked up his dress jacket, I felt something inside the pocket. I reached in and saw a beautiful invitation. It was addressed to Alpha Caleb and myself.
It was an invitation to a banquet! To honor the return of the Lycan King!
The Lycan King? He had returned? He’d been gone for almost 100 years! This was a serious event! I scanned the invitation for more details. My eyes flew open in shock when I read the date. 7pm. November 1st. That was tonight!
But how could that be? Caleb hadn’t mentioned anything about a banquet, which was odd, since this was the first formal invitation he’d received since taking over the pack. How could he forget to tell me?
I glanced at the clock. It was ten past six! I had to get ready fast! Maybe that’s why he wasn’t answering his phone – he was busy preparing for the big event. I’m sure he meant to tell me. It probably just slipped his mind. Caleb can be sort of forgetful sometimes.
I ran upstairs to get dressed. He couldn’t attend the banquet without me! That was against our rules: Alphas must attend all events with their Lunas. If an Alpha went to an event without a Luna, it could be seen as a sign of internal pack issues. That was the last thing I wanted for Caleb! I had to get ready fast and meet him there! I pulled on a blue silk dress and piled my brown, curly hair on top of my head. I quickly put on some pink lipstick and mascara.
I hummed happily as I got ready. The Lycan King was back! This was going to be a very exciting night! Caleb and I could celebrate our anniversary tomorrow. This was his first official event as the new Alpha of our pack. And I would be right there with him, on his arm, as his loving Luna.
I arrived at the venue. There was a gorgeous outdoor area set up decorated with string lights that shone under the moon’s soft glow. Beside this area was a massive tent, heavily guarded by two strong warriors. The banquet was inside the tent. People were already gathered, and I recognized several Lunas and Alphas from other packs in the area. The air buzzed with excitement, as people discussed, in hushed reverence, the return of Zane, the Lycan King.
I scanned the crowd, looking for Caleb but I couldn’t find him. Strange, I thought to myself. Maybe he’s just not here yet.
To my left, there was a throng of people. I looked more closely. There was a tall and regal-looking figure standing in the center, with his back turned. He was dressed in elegant fur robes and two warriors stood on either side of him. I could feel his strong aura, even though I was quite far from him. I knew immediately that it was him, the guest of honor, the revered Lycan King.
My breath caught in my throat. He was rumored to be one of the strongest, the most intelligent, most handsome Kings of all time. I stood, fixed in my spot, admiring him from a distance. And he was just about to turn around so I could see his face when something caught my eye.
Someone’s necklace flashed in the light. I turned and saw Caleb. My Caleb! There he was. He was smartly dressed in one of my favorite suits, navy with a matching silk navy tie. I lifted my hand to wave to him, but I stopped it in mid-air.
There was another woman on his arm. She was elegantly dressed, in a long, flowing gown. Her necklace flashed in the light again. She was beautiful. And she was laughing happily with Caleb. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they looked like a couple. But…why would he?
And then I saw who it was——
Scarlett.
My half-sister.
And Caleb’s first love.
Chapter 2: Betrayal
Eden’s POV
Scarlett?
But how could that be? She’d been gone for two years now. I squinted to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. They weren’t. It was her, all right.
Anxiety washed over me. Questions swarmed in my head. What was going on? When had she come back? And why was she with Caleb? I stood, stunned, able to move. A knot grew in my stomach. It twisted and turned inside me. I had a very bad feeling about this.
I shook my head. No. I was just overreacting. There had to be a logical explanation. All I had to do was talk to them. They would explain everything. My half-sister would never…
But before I could ask them any questions, they sauntered over to the banquet entrance. They breezed through the security check and disappeared into the banquet tent. I weaved my way through the crowd to the entrance of the tent. Two warriors stopped me.
“Name?” they asked, blocking my entrance. It was standard protocol, for security. I peeked around the large guards and saw Caleb and Scarlett taking a seat at the banquet inside.
“Luna Eden,” I said hurriedly to the guards. Caleb tucked a strand of Scarlett’s hair behind her ear. She blushed and giggled. My stomach turned. ‘There’s a logical explanation,’ I reassured myself.
“LUNA Eden?” one of the guards asked, raising his eyebrows. “From which pack?”
“Sequoia Pack,” I told him. What was the hold up? I had to get inside.
“I don’t think so,” he responded, laughing.
“What do you mean?” I asked him. “I’m Luna Eden, mate of Alpha Caleb of the Sequoia Pack.” I didn’t understand why they were laughing, but their laughter was causing other people to look my way. I shrunk back, embarrassed by the scene.
“The Alpha and Luna from Sequoia have already entered the banquet.” His voice was loud, drawing even more attention from everyone around. I shook my head in disbelief.
“No, that’s not right,” I stammered. What was he saying? I shook my head in disbelief. People were starting to whisper. Inside, Caleb and Scarlett were sipping on champagne. She rubbed a drop of champagne from his chin with her thumb.
“Nice try,” the guard smirked. “Men, escort this imposter out of here.” He gave the command and two strong warriors came forward.
“Wait,” I muttered, confused and overwhelmed. “But I am Luna. There’s been some sort of mistake,” I said.
“Luna? You don’t even have a wolf!” the guard said, mocking me. People around me giggled and pointed. “You expect us to believe you’re a Luna?”
The warriors grabbed me by my arms and started dragging me away. There was no point in arguing. My cheeks flushed from embarrassment. Outside the venu, they shoved me and I fell to my knees, disoriented and confused.
“And don’t even think about coming back,” a warrior said, shaking his finger.
What had just happened? I’d been tossed out of the event! I stood up, brushed off my knees, and walked back to my packhouse, my head hung low in shame.
Back in my bedroom, I waited for Caleb to come home. The image of him and Scarlett swirled through my mind, haunting me. There had to be an explanation, I thought, looking out the window for Caleb. When it was well past midnight and took a deep breath and phoned him.
This time, he picked up.
“Caleb, I need to talk to you,” I said softly. “I was thrown out of the banquet. I….” but his sharp words cut me off.
“I’m at the hospital. I won’t be coming home tonight.”
Click. He hung up.
The hospital? Was he hurt? Had there been some sort of accident at the banquet? I had to be with him. That was the only thought that raced through my mind as I ran through the night in a frenzy.
I arrived at the hospital out of breath. Where was he? I walked quickly down the corridor, peeking into rooms, my heart pounding in my ribcage.
Half way down, I heard his voice. I stopped at the doorway. But before I went in, I heard another voice. A woman’s giggle.
I knew that voice. But it couldn’t be. Frightened at what I might see, I peeked around the corner of the door. Sure enough, Scarlett was on the hospital bed. Caleb was perched on the bed beside her, affectionately dabbing her forehead with a damp washcloth. I snapped my head back and stood against the wall. They hadn’t seen me.
I listened. Even though I lacked a wolf, I still had really sharp hearing. Their words filtered through the doorway, and my heart shattered into a million pieces.
“I had to marry her,” Caleb said. “I was preparing to take over the pack, but you know the rules. A werewolf Alpha must be married to take over the pack. For the pack’s stability. The pack needs both a Luna and an Alpha to manage the pack jointly. What was I supposed to do?”
“You could have waited for me, my love,” Scarlett replied.
My love? Tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t want to hear this, but I couldn’t stop listening.
“Scarlett, you disappeared!” Caleb’s voice was so soft and tender. “Without any warning. You just vanished. I NEVER would have married Eden if you hadn’t left. You must know that.”
I tried to blink back the tears, but they spilled out. I began to shake. NEVER would have married me? And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did.
“Well, Eden is useless.” Scarlett’s tone was mocking. “She doesn’t even have a wolf? How is she supposed to carry an heir for you?”
Her words were like daggers to my heart. I’ve always been so ashamed of not having a wolf. Hearing her mock me for it, my own half-sister, it stung worse than a thousand bee stings.
However, her next words made my stomach sink.
Chapter 3: Rejection
Eden’s POV
“You can end the marriage now. I’m back,” Scarlett said. “And unlike her, I have my wolf. A strong one. I’ll give you children, Caleb. Lots of little wolf pups. True heirs. Unless you want her to have your children.”
“As if I would ever let Eden have MY children!” Caleb scoffed. “She’s the daughter of a traitor! I can’t let a traitor’s daughter give birth to my bloodline!”
Scarlett giggled at his cruel words, and I was shocked. He was my husband! How could he be so cruel? He smeared my mom's name, calling her a traitor!
I had to stop them! I didn’t want to hear any more of this. But just as I was about to rush out, I heard their continued conversation.
“So, dear, why did you suddenly leave me?” Caleb coaxed. His voice was so gentle. He never talked to me that way. “It's okay, darling. You can tell me.”
“I was poisoned by wolfsbane. It was awful, pure torture. I wasn’t even conscious! My parents sent me to the Solace Pack since they’re the strongest pack in werewolf medical treatment. I suffered for so long.” I could hear her sobbing all the way through the door. “It was months before I regained consciousness, and when I did, well, I heard that you had married Eden.”
“Who did this to you?” Caleb asked, anger in his voice.
“My maid told me it was Eden. She was jealous of our love and wanted to be Luna, so she poisoned me.”
What? I gasped in shock. I did no such thing. I would NEVER poison someone, let alone my own half-sister.
“I didn't poison you!” I couldn't help but rush in and retorted.
They were both shocked to see me. They exchanged glances as if to say 'how much did she hear?' So, I made it clear.
“I heard everything,” I said, lifting my chin. I thought they would be embarrassed by this, but they looked at me with indignation. I realized then - they were planning to be together and they didn’t even care if I knew about their affair.
“Don't act innocent anymore, Eden,” Scarlett said, reaching for Caleb's hand. “If it weren't for you poisoning me two years ago, I wouldn't have collapsed at the banquet today. Wolfsbane messed up my body, and you stole my love! Today, I'm gonna uncover your scheme and make sure you can't fool Caleb anymore!”
“No! You're the one fool Caleb! I—” I struggled to defend myself, but when I saw Caleb tightly holding Scarlett's shoulders, looking at me with indifference, it felt like my heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand. Tears welled up unexpectedly.
“Your mom was a traitor, and you've got her blood, you're born to trick!” Scarlett seemed pleased with my tears, her smug expression and sharp accusations stabbing at me.
Anger rose in me. How dare she say those things. Before I knew what I was doing, I lunged at Scarlett and slapped her hard across the face.
Scarlett gasped, covering her cheek. Her body swayed slightly, as if she might fall. Caleb quickly caught her waist. So romantic. But it pained me so much. Tears flooded out like a broken dam.
Suddenly, Caleb grabbed me by my throat. His hands were strong and I gasped for air. He forced me to my knees.
“Apologize,” he said. It was the Alpha's command, and I couldn't defy it.
“I-I'm sorry.” I reluctantly stuttered, unsure of which hurt more, my heart or my neck.
As he released me, I persisted in clearing my mother's and my name, “My mother isn't a traitor, and I haven't lied to you, Caleb. I didn't poison anyone!”
“Your hitting me in front of Caleb is the best proof. You've been faking it all along,” Scarlett interrupted, snuggling closer to Caleb, coaxing him, “How can such a morally flawed she-wolf become your Luna, Caleb.”
“No! Caleb, we've been together for two years, as your Luna—”
“Not anymore,” Caleb said coldly.
What? A bad feeling spread in my heart.
Caleb looked at me disdainfully. His voice carried obvious anger and dissatisfaction, “Scarlett's right. If it weren't for your family, I'd never marry a wolfless girl like you. Such a malicious she-wolf doesn't deserve to be the Luna of my Pack!”
There's no greater pain than being misunderstood by the one you love. I froze, my mind went blank, feeling ice-cold all over. No, please don't say that, don't.
But Caleb had already made up his mind. He towered over me and said:
“I, Caleb, Alpha of the Sequoia Pack, reject you Eden, as my Luna.”
“No! Caleb, please, don’t do this,” I begged him on my knees. He looked down at me, with disgust in his eyes.
“A werewolf without a wolf is a shame to the pack. I’m declaring you exiled!” Caleb added to my punishment, using his usual cold tone towards me.
My heart shattered completely. Tears blurred my vision, and I could hardly see anything.
“Please, no,” I begged.
“Warriors!” he roared impatiently.
In an instant, several burly barged in, ignoring my struggles and cries as they dragged me out of the pack hospital. Just as Scarlett and Caleb were about to vanish from my sight, I saw they kissed.
“No!—” I desperately grabbed onto the warriors’ sleeves as they dragged me towards the pack border, trying to escape the impending fate. But they callously tossed me beyond the pack's boundaries.
“Shut up,” one of the warriors snapped at me, their fierce gaze making me flinch.
“You’re expelled, Eden, by the Alpha’s command. Never step foot inside our pack's boundary again, or we'll eliminate you on sight,” the leader of the warriors declared coldly, his words dripping with threat.
I watched them march away, wiping the dirt off my face. Then I stood up, on shaky legs. It was nighttime and the forest was dark. I no longer had the pack’s protection. I was a helpless rogue, vulnerable to anything and anyone.
I cautiously stepped into the forest, wary of every shadow and sound. This was rogue territory, a realm where darkness and violence reigned supreme. As a fragile soul without the protection of a pack, every moment here felt perilous.
The moon cast its silvery glow through the tangled branches above, illuminating my path as I leaned against a sturdy tree. A chill wind swept through the air, sending shivers down my spine and prickling my skin with fear. This, undoubtedly, was the darkest day of my existence — abandoned by my husband, betrayed by my half-sister, and cast out by my pack.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I dared not let them fall. To display vulnerability in this unforgiving forest of crisis was to invite danger. Mom... How different would my life be if you were still with me? Would I still have the strength to clear your name from shame?
“Just survive the night,” I told myself.
A branch snapped and I held my breath. I know many rogues roamed this forest, and they wouldn’t hesitate to kidnap me…or worse.
Suddenly, a howl broke through my thoughts. It ripped through the air.
It was the most terrifying, wildest, loudest howl I had ever heard in my life.
It was a wolf’s howl. Scared, I quickly looked around.
That’s when I saw it. Two eyes, shining in the night. Wolf eyes.
And they were locked on me.
Chapter 4: The Black Wolf
Eden’s POV
The wolf approached me slowly. As I saw him clearly, my whole body trembled. He was bigger than any wolf I’d ever seen: stronger, with muscles that bulged under his thick, black, shiny fur that blended in with the darkness of the night.
Everything inside me screamed ‘run’! I tried to, but the wolf followed. He was agile and swift, and his shiny fur gave him an air of regality as it fluttered in the wind.
With lightning speed, he lunged at me. I didn't dare look back again, but I could sense his presence; he was right behind me, gaining ground. I dodged under branches, my heart pounding.
But then suddenly, thud—
The wolf pinned me to the ground with only its right paw. My cheek pressed against the earth, and I panted heavily. Was this the end? Despair washed over me.
He rolled me over and pressed my arms over my head. He stared at me with an intense gaze. I could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage.
“Open your eyes,” he commanded, his voice majestic.
Trembling, I obeyed, and I was instantly mesmerized by his rugged beauty. I'd never seen such a handsome wolf before. His powerful frame, his sleek fur, his dangerous yet captivating eyes...it all felt oddly familiar.
As his gaze roamed my face, fear prickled down my neck. No! I couldn't be fooled by this illusion. I was in danger.
I tried to move, but he was too strong. He held me firmly to the ground. Suddenly, he leaned down close to me. My breath hitched in my throat. His nose twitched around my cheek, sniffing my scent.
But I don’t have a wolf, so I don't have a scent.
I was sure he would soon realize that I was wolfless and devour me without hesitation. Tears spilled from my eyes, streaming down my face. I closed them shut and memories flashing through my mind.
Would Caleb mourn my death? Scarlett would be happy about it, no doubt. So would Alice and all the other omega maids...Did anyone in this world truly love me? My mother had…But now I couldn’t clear her name.
I felt wetness on my cheek and I realized the black wolf was licking me. Perhaps this was his habit: to taste his prey before devouring it.
Death was approaching. It was real; I could feel it, and I was full of regret. My life has been so short and pathetic. I hadn’t done anything for myself or my mother. If only I could have another chance... Moon Goddess, help me, please give me another chance... Let me clear my mother's name…live a braver life…
“I finally found you, Cookie,” the black wolf suddenly growled softly.
What? Was it speaking to me? Trembling, I opened my eyes.
“Relax,” he said, resting his head on my collarbone. And despite the danger I was in, there was something about his scent that seemed strangely soothing, somehow comforting.
His growls calmed down as he seemed to settle in, comfortably, with his head nestled into my neck.
‘Is this my chance?’ I wondered. ‘Is he…is he sleeping?’
But as soon as I made the slightest move, he lifted his head.
“Don’t move,” he said. “I am injured, yes. But even so, you’d never get away. I’d catch you in a heartbeat.”
It was then that I smelled the blood. I looked down and saw a gaping wound on one of his hind legs. It looked horrific. Well, at least it did to me. But it probably wasn’t that bad. He was a wolf, after all, so the wound was likely already healing. I nodded and he nuzzled his head back into my neck. He made soft sounds, contented sounds, as he fell into a deep sleep. How odd, I thought to myself, that he would just fall asleep like this, on me.
I waited for what felt like an eternity before I tried to move again. It was my chance to escape. Despite my confusion at his enigmatic words, I knew I had to get out of there. I didn’t have a wolf, but even so, my survival instincts kicked in. He was sleeping so if I could just carefully, slowly, work my way out from under him, maybe I had a chance.
I began the laborious process of sliding out from under him. A couple of times, he stirred and I froze, sure that I had woken the sleeping black wolf. But each time, he smacked his lips and resumed his soft snoring. Eventually, I managed to free myself without waking him. I stood over him for a moment, watching him sleep, this mysterious but dangerous wolf. I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him, because of his leg.
I stood over him, watching him sleep.
Was I truly free? It felt surreal. In the darkness, I was overwhelmed by a sense of abandonment and sadness. Then, a sudden gust of wind swept through and cleared the branches, allowing the moonlight to filter through.
I gazed at the distant moon, captivated by its mystery and beauty. Moon Goddess, are you trying to teach me? —— I had endured betrayal, abandonment, and had even faced my own death in a single day, but I was still standing. I embraced the gentle breeze and the mesmerizing moonlight.
Life's tougher than we think. My mom always said that.
She’d defended our pack's borders against countless rogues, earning admiration as the most powerful Gamma. But when she didn't return from battle, Scarlett's mother accused her of betraying the pack. And everyone believed it! It was absolutely insane! I knew how fiercely loyal my mom was to our pack.
As the wind settled down and darkness returned, everything felt different. This time, I was going to clear my mother’s name, no matter what.
It was time for me to go.
But just as I was about to leave, the black wolf stirred. I looked at his wound, his fur matted with blood. I felt a twinge of sympathy for the strange wolf. I bent down and stroked his head, softly.
“Heal quickly, strange wolf,” I whispered.
But then I heard something, and every hair on my body stood on end. I froze on the spot, too scared to even glance behind me. Even though I didn't have a wolf, I knew in my gut that something was closing in on me.
I glanced at the sleeping black wolf. Could it be his companion? There was no time to ponder, though. I swallowed my fear and bolted forward.
“Oops! Exposed!” A sinister laugh echoed from afar.
Chapter 5: Caught
Eden’s POV
In the dark forest, danger never ceased. It attracted the very worst of the worst, cruel rogues with no morals. I needed to get out of this forest, to find somewhere safe. But even as careful as I was, the rogues lurked everywhere. I soon came face to face with two rogues.
“See?” one of them said, clucking his tongue. “Told you she was pretty.” They both lifted their noses into the air.
“I'm the Luna of the Sequoia Pack,” I said, trying to steady my trembling legs and intimidate them. “If you lay a finger on me, the Sequoia Pack will come down hard on you.”
“You? Hahaha...” the other burst into laughter. “You don't even have a wolf.”
They knew I didn't have a wolf!
Of course they did. I was foolish to believe otherwise. Any werewolf could feel it.
“What kind of Alpha would want a Luna without a wolf? Pathetic,” one chimed in, joining the laughter. “If the Alpha of the Sequoia Pack found out you were damaging his reputation, he'd waste no time eliminating you.”
Eliminating me?
His words hit me like a ton of bricks. He was right. Caleb wouldn't lift a finger to help me. In fact, he probably wanted me dead more than anyone else. He banished me from the pack afterall. That was pretty much a death sentence. Sadness washed over me once again.
“Now, get her!” the other commanded, moving towards me.
They lunged at me but I kicked back. The other one tried to grab me, but I punched him in the face. I had just escaped a dangerous wolf! There was no way I was letting these rogues take me.
I fought as hard as I could, but they were stronger than me. Eventually, one grabbed me from behind. He placed a knife at my throat.
“Got you! Naughty girl.”
With the knife at my throat, I had no choice. I stopped struggling as they tied my hands.
“What…what are you going to do with me?” I feared the answer. Rape? Murder? Rape then murder? I shuddered. They smelled disgusting, like sweat and rotten meat.
“Easy, we’re going to sell you.” I turned my head from his rank breath. “At the auction house.”
Sell me? Well, that couldn’t be worse than death, could it?
How wrong I was.
***
The auction house was in an old warehouse. They brought me in and lined me up with the other omegas.
“Where are we?” I whispered to an omega beside me.
“Flooders. It’s a well known auction site. They specialize in…in providing ‘playthings’ and ‘breeders’ for powerful Alphas. If you know what I mean.”
I didn’t, not exactly. But I caught the gist of it. A suffocating feeling washed over me; I was unable to control my own destiny. My nose tingled with the onset of tears.
Just then, a man entered the room. He looked us over, one at a time.
“This one here,” he said, pointing at me. “She’s pretty. But she doesn’t have a wolf. You won’t get much for her.”
The two men that had brought me in were clearly disappointed.
“What if we clean her up a bit? Make her more presentable?”
He eyed me again and grabbed me by the chin. “Sure. Ansaldo might take her.” Then he walked away.
“Ansaldo,” I hissed at the girl beside me. “Who’s that?”
“Alpha Ansaldo? He buys beautiful women. He comes here often. Rumor has it, he’s really depraved. Cruel. Sick and twisted. Treating girls as toys.”
Being wolfless, I'd faced judgment since I was young. However, since I was from an Alpha family, most pack members didn't openly show their disdain, except for Alice. For the most part, they just ignored me. Looking back, that was probably the best treatment I could hope for.
“Look, I’m going to be straight with you,” the girl said. “You don’t have a wolf. No one will buy you for breeding. Alpha Ansaldo’s really your only option. He’s really rich so the traders all try to find beautiful girls for him. You’re pretty, that’s your fate.”
At this moment, fear filled my heart.
“Shut up,” a voice snapped at us. Two women stepped forward. “I am Missy and this is Kate. We’re bringing you to the bathing rooms now. Follow us. No talking.”
The girl beside me cautioned me with her eyes. Her look said, ‘Listen to them.’ We were led into a massive bathroom.
“Wash yourself. You’re filthy,” the one name Missy snapped at me. She forced my head under the scalding hot water. “We’re going to clean you up. Then we’re going to teach you how to be submissive. Got it?”
The water stung my skin. I pushed back against her. I couldn’t shake off those words about Alpha Ansaldo. They were too frightening. No way! I wasn’t going to let them ‘clean me up’ to sell me to that sick, twisted Alpha Ansaldo.
“NO,” I mustered up the courage to protest.
I said firmly. The girl I had been talking to sighed deeply and shook her head. But before I could wonder why, Missy punched me hard in the face.
“NO?” Missy punched me hard in the face. “You think you’re better than us, you wolfless girl! You’ll do as I say. I’ll show you who’s in charge.”
Kate kicked me in the stomach. I keeled over, clutching at my stomach, while blood gushed from my nose.
But then, just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, a man burst into the bathroom.
“Everyone stop immediately,” he barked. “The Lycan King has closed off this area. His warriors have taken over. We’ve been instructed to take all the omega girls to the square.”
The Lycan King, I thought to myself. I could see the fear on the man’s face. The Lycan King was the ONLY person who had any real power over rogues. His power stems from his lineage and the fear he instills is unconscious. The rogues were free, but they fear him, so although he doesn’t directly manage them, in the same way an Alpha manages pack members, rogues will do whatever he tells them to do.
This is an unwritten werewolf rule but since the Lycan King had been missing for 100 years, no one had ever seen the rule in action.
Until now.
“The Lycan King?” Missy asked, her eyes wide with fear and awe. “But he’s a legend.”
“He disappeared,” Kate added. “Does this mean he’s back?”
“Yes,” the man confirmed. “I had heard a rumor that he attended an Alpha’s banquet a few days ago. I thought it was a rumor. Apparently, I was wrong. He’s back.”
“Does this mean…” Kate asked, nervously. “Is he going to take over our warehouse?”
“No,” the man said. “He wants us to bring all the girls to the square. Apparently the Lycan King is looking for an omega.”
Chapter 6: Legends Are True
Eden’s POV
My cell door swung open. “Put this on,” Kate hissed at me. “It’s time for auction, you filthy troublemaker.”
I’ve been locked up in this cell for a few days now. Kate threw me in here. She said since I don’t have a wolf, and I’m not even an omega, the Lycan King wouldn’t want me. So they didn’t take me to the square.
They’ve given me barely any food and water, but at least my bruises have healed, more or less.
I fingered the beautiful silk gown. I put on the dress and she came back. She brushed my hair and put make-up on me.
“Now smile nicely,” she instructed me. I shot her a satirical smile. “NICER!” she yelled. “They want to see pretty girls. And pretty girls SMILE.” I flashed her a fake smile. My ribs were still sore from the beating. I didn’t want that to happen again. At least if someone bought me, I could get out of this cell.
I was then led to a large stage. The audience was full of men, mostly Alphas I assumed. I was instructed to stand in line and wait my turn. I watched as the omegas and other assorted rogues were auctioned off.
Then it was my turn. I walked onto the stage and instantly locked eyes with a man sitting at a table in the center. He leered at me and licked his lips. I cringed in disgust.
Alpha Ansaldo, I assumed. There was something in his eyes, something cruel and twisted. I shuddered.
“Next up, we have a gorgeous little rogue, willing to do, well, anything you want. Bidding starts at $1 million.”
I crossed my arms and lifted my chin. I gazed out, with a stubborn look on my face.
“Smile!” Kate whispered from the side of the stage. I ignored her. If they were going to sell me, then fine. But I wasn’t going to play their game.
Apparently, though, my stubbornness was attractive to these sick men. All at once, the crowd exploded into low murmurs. I had caught the eyes of a number of Alphas.
“One million,” the man in the suit said, raising his glass.
“Alpha Ansaldo has bid one million,” the auctioneer said. So I was right, it was him.
“Two million,” someone in the back offered.
“Three!”
“Four!”
I didn’t change my expression but I let my eyes glance around the room.
“Ten million.” Everyone stopped and turned to the man who had made the offer. He was handsome, in a black leather jacket and a fedora. He smiled at me, and his smile seemed genuine. He didn’t look like the other men; they were all sleazeballs. This man seemed sophisticated. He sat beside another man, equally as handsome, maybe even more so. He also wore a black leather jacket.
After his announcement of ten million, most of the other bidders bowed out. But not Alpha Ansaldo.
“Eleven,” he said, sipping his drink. His eyes locked onto me.
“Twenty,” the sophisticated man said, smirking.
This angered Ansaldo. His face flushed. He slammed his hand down on the table. All eyes turned to him.
“Thirty,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Five hundred.” The crowd went silent. Five hundred million? I looked in shock at the man.
Alpha Ansaldo stood up then, unable to control his rage. He unleashed his Alpha aura without restraint. Everyone balked. Unleashing an Alpha aura like, unrestrained, meant only one thing to werewolves. Ansaldo had just declared war.
Everyone was in shock, including myself. But the man who had been bidding was unphased. He simply leaned into the man beside him and whispered something. The man beside him nodded and stood up.
It was then that I realized - the other man had only been bidding on this man’s behalf. He was clearly the beta. THIS man was the real Alpha.
He stood. “Five hundred million,” he repeated calmly.
Ansaldo ignored this. “NO! If I can’t buy her, then I’ll just take her,” he seethed. The man at the table said nothing. So Ansaldo, full of fury, marched up to the stage. I could see the evil in his eyes as he spoke.
“You will look so beautiful in my collection.” He traced my cheek with his finger. “Pretty little thing.” He walked around me, looking at me like I was some sort of piece of artwork. “I can’t wait to taste you,” he hissed in my ear. “And for you to choke on my massive cock.” I recoiled in disgust, biting back tears of humiliation.
He reached out and put his hand between my legs. But then, with lightning speed, the beta rushed towards Ansaldo. I had never seen anyone move that fast! It seemed impossible. He took Ansaldo’s head into his hands and was just about to smash it into the sharp corner of the auction stage, when a voice stopped him.
“Hold on.” The voice was cold and steady and it rang out through the room, reverberating off the walls. The voice went straight to my heart, causing it to beat unsteadily. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an irresistible power. The beta stopped instantly, Ansaldo’s head was less than a centimeter away from the corner of the table.
Everyone was silent. My heart pounded quickly.
Ansaldo’s lips quivered. His face turned white and he gasped for air as his eyes widened in shock.
“Lycans!” His whole body shook. “You are…you are Lycans.” The terror on his face was clear.
“Lycans?” The auction house broke out into exclamations. “Is it true? Are they Lycans?” Everyone whispered, wide-eyed at the thought. Anxiety and confusion rippled through the room.
But then, the man at the table calmly took off his coat. Everyone watched as he hung it on the back of his chair, revealing a crisp white shirt and navy suit vest. He strode to the stage, letting loose a powerful Lycan aura. His air of nobility was palpable. His aura emanated from him and spread out through the room, passing over everyone, one at a time, and as it did, each person felt like they had been hit by an invisible force. Then his aura settled over them, like a heavy blanket. They were powerless under the suffocating pressure of the Lycan’s aura.
I watched him, transfixed, as his aura hit me. It was like a lightning bolt straight to my heart. My heart raced and I began to breathe quickly. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, even though I knew that making eye contact and staring at him like this could put me in serious danger.
The room was full of fear and curiosity. Who was this mysterious man? But no one could speak; they were all under his spell. Or intimidated.
“Your Majesty,” his beta said, waiting for further instruction.
“Go on,” the man said to Ansaldo.
The beta released Ansaldo. He immediately collapsed to the ground. "Yo...your Majesty..." he uttered in disbelief, his lips trembling. "You…you're the Lycan King!"
What? Was that true? This mysterious man was the Lycan King?!
My eyes widened, my mind went blank, and I couldn't hear any other sounds. Fear instinctively made me move backwards...why was he here? What did he want? Was he going to destroy us all?
But then, his dangerous yet captivating eyes locked onto my movement, narrowing slightly.
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