Chapter Three

Liora tried with all her might to pull her arm away from Thaddeus’ grip but the stupid thing would not obey. Her feet walked on autopilot as he carted her back into the camp.

Back to being everyone’s little bitch. 

Or more specifically, the Alpha’s chew toy. She had no idea the Alpha was so troubled. What’s worse is that Gamma Thaddeus threatened that she would be given to him. 

If only she had run a little faster.

As they walked through the omega camp everyone looked at her with disdain and condemnation. It took a few moments for her to realize that the Gamma was taking her to the detention cells. There’s no way she would be able to escape now.

“So you’re just going to send me to my death with no remorse?” She quipped.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” He huffed in reply, gesturing to the guards to open one of the cells. There was someone huddled in the corner. She quickly realized it was Callie. Callie’s head whipped up at the jangling of the keys and her heart sank when she saw Liora.

Thaddeus threw Liora unceremoniously into the small space and slammed the grills shut. He walked away without a word, leaving the two omegas suffocating in a thick silence.

“Liora, I’m so sorry,” Callie's voice was small and quiet, “I really tried my best.”

“It’s okay Cal,” Liora sighed, “We wouldn't be a legendary pack if it was so easy for a lowly omega to escape.” She scanned her friend from head to toe, “Did they beat you?”

Callie shook her head, “No, thank the Goddess. Though, I know eventually they’ll try to punish me. What about you?”

Liora pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them, ignoring the ache in her side. The dark green dress they put on her pooled around her feet, “Gamma Thaddeus said he’s going to give me to the Alpha.”

“What? You’ve been chosen!-”

“Trust me when I say it’s not an honor. The Alpha has darkness on his soul that they are trying to contain. I’m basically a sacrifice.”

Callie’s jaw dropped, “But I saw him tonight. His eyes were red, not black. If he had darkness they would be black, right?”

Liora shook her head, “I don’t fully understand it Cal, I’ve never even seen him before. The Gamma says he tried to kill one of his maids so it must be pretty bad.”

They fell silent again and Liora rested her chin on her knees. To think that she was running away to freedom. She ran right into the fate she was trying to avoid. There was little she could do now, trapped in a cold musty cell. 

The only thing she could count on now was for the Alpha to be so displeased with her actions that he sent her away and chose someone else.

If only she were that lucky.

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Ronin’s mood grew darker and darker with every hour that drew closer to his elaborate birthday celebration, and the moment he would be presented with the chosen omega. He stood at his bedroom window, staring at the last flicker of sunset before it was swallowed up by dark ominous shadows.

What would he even do with the omega when he got her? What would his twisted wolf do?

‘Tie her up and fuck her, of course.’ His wolf rumbled within him. The rum glass in his hand shattered.

“Wow. You are really wound up huh?”

Ronin turned around to face Caius, shaking the cool liquid from his hand, “I can’t believe you’re making such a big show out of this. Can’t this be done discreetly?”

“Hell no.” Caius walked into the room, bringing Ronin’s tuxedo in tow, “None of the other Packs would miss this special occasion. You should get dressed and go down to meet your guests.”

Ronin grabbed the tux from his hands, “Aren’t you scared that I’ll black out and massacre the lot of them in a fit of rage?”

Caius grinned, “Not in the least. Thaddeus promised me that tonight will be a great one to remember- and you know how he’s always spot on.”

“Don’t remind me,” Ronin shrugged his way into the suit, leaving the bow tie hanging around his neck. He ran a hand through his hair, “Thad seems to be enjoying all of this way too much. I’m concerned he has something up his sleeve that has everything to do with the chosen omega.”

Caius clapped him on the back in encouragement, “Don’t worry. I’m sure the outcome will be pleasing to you, Alpha.”

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Liora sat in front of the mirror, looking at herself in awe and horror. The maids tended to her the entire afternoon in preparation for the party. They had grabbed her from the cell and pushed her underneath a scalding shower, scrubbing her until she was pink from head to toe. They combed and curled her hair and rubbed her skin with fragrant lavender oil.

Her dress was a deep blood-red color, an unholy V-cut stopping just above her navel. The bejeweled straps were tied delicately around her neck, reminding Liora of an expensive slave collar. Her back was bare and exposed, and the flowing layers of the dress had a high slit on both sides.

She looked like a pampered seductress. 

She felt like a seasoned pig for the fire.

Alpha Ashenthorn’s birthday this year was a huge event. Everyone who was anyone in werewolf society would be present. She would be carried out before them all like a well-decorated cake for all eyes to feast on. 

Liora blinked back the tears from her lavender eyes. She could be strong, she could bear this until she could plan another escape. She was an omega, but she couldn’t break in front of them. She wouldn’t.

That’s the mantra she repeated in her head as the guards escorted her to the lavish mansion in the center of the camp. She watched as Gamma Thaddeus stood at the top of the steps, looking down at her in approval of her attire. 

“The Alpha will be pleased,” He hummed, taking her hand, “You’re just in time to be presented.”

This was happening now? Liora’s heart came to her throat as Thaddeus led her through the hallways, following the chorus of voices singing happy birthday. Finally, they stopped at a wide doorway.

“Stay here. Enter only when I call you.” Thaddeus whispered before going in.

Liora stood there, fists clenching at her sides as a rich earthy scent filled her nostrils. Her mouth went dry, her eyes glazed over as she struggled to focus on what Thaddeus was saying,

She could only describe the aroma as that euphoric smell that rose from the ground after a refreshing bout of rain. She itched to go closer to the source, but her designation kept her obediently standing where she was told.

“Alpha Ashenthorn,” Thaddeus began and the grand ballroom fell silent. Everyone from alphas to omegas turned to regard the wolf that was their helm. Ronin was seated on a high chair, his palms dropped casually over the golden wolves carved on the armrests. Caius stood on the right, and Nikolai on his left. He struggled to listen to Thaddeus as a sweet smell of peonies invaded his nose.

“You’ve done so much for us, you’ve made us a strong and prosperous society, better than this world has ever seen. We wish you nothing but the heights of greatness in the years to come.”

The room exploded in applause, several heads nodding in agreement. Thaddeus held up his hand and they were quiet again.

“What to give a wolf who has everything?” He chuckled, “I hope that you will accept this gift of mine.”

Thaddeus stretched his hand out towards the door. A few seconds later, Liora walked in and took it.

Ronin held his breath as the origin of the smell walked into the room. She was a glorious female, adorned in a dress that was the exact shade of his eyes. Rich chocolate curls cascaded down her shoulders, teasing her hips. Those hips, wide- and perfect for breeding. Ronin felt his fangs extend out of his mouth.

Thaddeus fought to hide his smirk as he whispered into Liora’s ear “Look up, show him your eyes, omega.”

Liora slowly lifted her eyes to look at her Alpha. Hers. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she gazed at his features. He rose from his seat and her heart tripped. She forgot how to breathe. 

It was fantastical, beautifully horrific, even- how well Thaddeus’ plan had worked.

With glowing eyes, the Alpha and the Omega charged at each other.