Chapter two

Nora's suggestion ignited a fire within me, and I hastily gathered a few essentials from my room. I didn't want to be burdened with too much, in case I needed to move quickly. I considered the possibility of ending up at another pack, perhaps as a maid, and the thought fueled my determination.

I slipped out of the house, careful to avoid detection by the neighbors. As I made my way into the woods, the thrill of freedom beckoned. I picked up my pace, running with abandon, when suddenly, a haunting voice echoed from behind me.

"And where do you think you're going, young lady?"

My body jolted, and I froze, my heart sinking. My aunt's voice was unmistakable, and I knew I was in trouble.

My initial instinct was to keep running, to try and outrun her. But before I could take another step, Aria's voice cut through the air from in front of me.

"Don't even think about it."

I was trapped, caught between the two women who had made my life a living hell. My aunt's chuckle sent shivers down my spine.

"I had a hunch that something like this would happen," she gloated, her words dripping with malice.

I stood there, paralyzed, knowing I was done for. My attempt at escape had been foiled, and I would have to face the consequences.

I struggled and kicked as my aunt and Aria dragged me back to the house, their grip on my arms like a vice. My feet scraped against the ground, but they didn't relent.

"Let me go!" I pleaded, but they just laughed.

"You're not going anywhere, Ember," my aunt sneered. "You're going to do your duty and marry Omega Zed."

As we reached the house, they pulled me inside and tossed me into the bridal room. I stumbled, catching myself on the bed.

"Get her ready," my aunt ordered Aria, who nodded and began rummaging through a nearby chest.

Aria pulled out a corset, stockings, and a delicate white gown. "Time to make you presentable," she said, her eyes gleaming with malice.

I backed away, but my aunt blocked the door. "Don't even think about trying to escape again," she warned.

Aria approached me, a cruel smile on her face. "Arms up," she commanded.

I hesitated, but my aunt's glare made me comply. Aria began lacing the corset tight, the boning digging into my skin.

"Ow!" I protested.

"Stop being dramatic," Aria snapped.

My aunt handed Aria a makeup brush. "Make her look decent," she instructed.

Aria began applying makeup, her strokes rough and painful. I winced, but they didn't care.

As they worked on my hair and makeup, I felt like a prisoner, being prepared for a fate I didn't want. My mind raced, searching for an escape, but my body was trapped, subjected to their cruelty.

Finally, they finished, stepping back to admire their handiwork. I gazed at my reflection, a stranger staring back. The makeup and gown transformed me into a bride, but my eyes still screamed rebellion.

My aunt's voice cut through my thoughts. "A smile is needed on your face, Ember. Surely the Omega leader wouldn't want a lady looking like a sadist walking around the fire with him."

I felt numb, my emotions drained. My only hope was that my future husband and mate would treat me differently than my aunt and uncle did.

My aunt's hand rose, as if to slap me, but she hesitated, her gaze falling on my made-up face. "You're lucky you've already touched up your pathetic face," she sneered, turning to leave. "It's time for you to go out there and try not to sabotage this for us. Or you'll really wish you hadn't been caught when you tried to run."

A few minutes later, I was walking down the aisle, my uncle's grip on my left hand like a vice. I felt like a prisoner, being led to my doom. The festivities and celebrations were a blur, my mind consumed by thoughts of escape and desperation.

As the officiant asked the inevitable question, "Do you, Miss Ember Vaughn, accept Mr. Zed Stone as your fated mate, despite the fact that he isn't your fated mate?" I felt a surge of desperation.

My gaze drifted to my uncle, whose smile seemed to hide a sinister intent. His eyes locked onto mine, and I sensed a warning, a threat lingering beneath the surface.

My response faltered, and before I could muster a reply, a commanding voice thundered through the room.

"Object!"

The sudden interruption sent shockwaves through the assembly. Heads swiveled, and I followed their gaze to the VIP section. A towering figure emerged, his presence radiating authority.

Alpha Landon Black-Thorn strode towards us, his piercing eyes pinning me in place. "I object," he repeated, his voice dripping with conviction.

The room plunged into chaos, whispers and gasps spreading like wildfire. I stood transfixed, my heart racing, as Alpha Landon Black-Thorn approached.

His gaze roamed over me, and a captivating smile spread across his face. "It's an honor to interrupt this... proceeding," he said, his voice low and smooth.

As he drew closer, his eyes locked onto mine, and I felt an inexplicable jolt. "You're my mate," he mouthed, his lips curving into a devastating smile.

The room around me melted away, leaving only the two of us. I felt like I was drowning in his gaze, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

Me, Ember Vaughn, the outcast, the weakling? Chosen by this magnificent Alpha? It was almost too incredible to believe. Yet, as I looked into Alpha Landon Black-Thorn's eyes, I sensed a spark of hope, a glimmer of a new fate unfolding before me.

Omega Zed's face contorted in dismay as Alpha Landon Black-Thorn closed in, his presence commanding attention. "What?" Omega Zed muttered, stepping aside as if relinquishing his claim.

Alpha Landon's gaze never wavered from mine. "What's your name, princess?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

I stared, still confused, but managed to stammer, "Ember."

A broad smile spread across his face. "Ahh, how exquisite," he purred, his fingers grazing my cheek.

I felt a flutter in my stomach as he announced, "I'm afraid the wedding won't hold. Fate has other plans, and I won't forsake my mate."

The room erupted into chaos, but my attention remained fixed on Alpha Landon. My eyes instinctively sought out my family, and I saw my aunt's face twisted in rage.

Panic set in. I hoped Alpha Landon would take me away tonight – if he didn't, I feared for my life. Yesterday's beating still lingered, a painful reminder of my family's cruelty. I had barely survived; another night under their roof might be fatal.

As Alpha Landon's eyes locked onto mine, I sensed a glimmer of safety, a promise of protection. I instinctively leaned towards him, my heart racing with anticipation. Would he be my salvation, or would my family's wrath tear us apart?