PROLOGUE

        "Scrub harder, you lazy bitch!"

     I diligently scrubbed the floor, disregarding the pain radiating from my back and knees. Despite the discomfort, I pushed myself to exert as much effort as possible. My buttocks still smarted from the beating I had received the previous day.

    Impatiently, Adelaide’s voice pierced the air, snapping at me, "Are you deaf? Or do you want me to do it for you?"

    "Hnnn," I managed to produce a sound as I stooped down, experiencing a surge of pain in my buttocks, causing me to wince involuntarily. 'This just has to stop,' that was always mantra.

    Since my birth, I have endured a tumultuous and unfortunate life. Tragically, my mother passed away during childbirth. This left my father, Huxleigh, the beta of the FieryMoon Pack, to remarry a woman named Adelaide. However, Adelaide proved to be cruel, displaying favoritism towards her own children, Veronica and Valene, while subjecting me to neglect and mistreatment. 

      I was relegated to the role of a mere servant, and what hurt the most was the indifference displayed by my father. It was as if I did not exist. Additionally, I have been unable to speak since infancy due to an untreated infection. This disability, which left me mute, was a result of my father and stepmother's nonchalant attitude. Although my father claimed he had no money at the time, it was clear that Adelaide was the one holding him back.

     I continued scrubbing the floor, maintaining a fervent hope that I would finish on time to also wash the windows and cars and water the garden. Failure to complete my chores would mean going without food, and I was already starving.

     Suddenly, Adelaide stormed out of the kitchen and confronted me, her anger palpable. "Elletra! What happened to the food in the kitchen?" Her voice echoed through the room as her hand swiftly connected with my face, delivering a harsh slap which I was already anticipating as soon as I saw her. "You fool!" she berated me. "How dare you burn that food? Do you realize that was meant for Beta Huxleigh? What do you expect him to eat when he returns?"

Tears welled in my eyes as I struggled to express myself. Adelaide herself had assigned Veronica to tend to the food on the stove, while instructing me to scrub the area. That was precisely why I had left the kitchen. But where was Veronica? I needed not search far for the answer. Unequivocally, she was in the garden, engaging in her usual I*******m livestream, oblivious to the fact that she had abandoned her cooking duties.

      Fortunately, I had learned sign language with the guidance of a kind doctor, who had also offered to fund my throat surgery when I was six years old. However, my father refused to allow the surgery, claiming the money was needed to celebrate Veronica and Valene's birthday party. With time, each member of my family became acquainted with my sign language, yet they often pretended not to understand me, particularly when I attempted to defend myself. I had endured both emotional and physical abuse, yet I never lost hope. One thought kept me going: the belief that my future mate would accept me for who I am and lead me far away from this brutal family.

     Adelaide continued to glare at me, awaiting a response. Producing a vague sound, I used my hands to communicate that Veronica, not I, had been responsible for burning the food.

     "How dare you say such a thing," She exclaimed, her voice filled with anger, as her hand connected with my face once again in a forceful slap. "Does my daughter Veronica appear to be your servant? Why would you expect her to cook for you when you are available? Can you not inspect the food while also cleaning the floor?"

Veronica had always been indulged and privileged, living a life of luxury as a social butterfly. Despite being only a year older than her and her twin brother Valene, I found myself subject to her every demand. Cleaning her room, washing her clothes, and even helping her edit the videos for her I*******m page.

     "Are you incapable of responding? Must you remain silent? Do you think my daughter should be responsible for your duties?" She forcefully pushed me, delivering a harsh kick to my stomach. The impact sent me sprawling onto the cold, unforgiving floor, sending waves of pain throughout my weakened body.

    "Now, listen to me attentively. You need to understand your place in this mansion. You are a mere maid, responsible for attending to every task within these walls, is that clear? If you ever dare to burden my daughter or my son with your menial responsibilities, I will not hesitate to take severe measures. Look at the food you burned, that will be your sustenance for the next seven days. Enjoy it while it lasts."

      I had grown accustomed to consuming burnt meals, often as a consequence of Veronica's errors. Struggling to rise to my feet, I watched as Adelaide stormed off, leaving me to clean up the kitchen as well. Tears streamed down my bloodshot eyes, overwhelmed by the relentless suffering I endured daily. I held an ardent wish I had never been born, never experienced the consistent unhappiness that had defined the past eighteen years of my existence.

      Hopelessly, I fantasized about a savior, my mate, someone who could rescue me from this torment and grant me the happiness I so desperately craved. Although I recognized the absurdity of such thoughts, there was a glimmer of belief within me that only my mate held the power to transform my life and provide a reprieve from the harsh reality I live in.

     "Do you need a help? I can lend a hand if you wish," I heard a familiar confident, masculine voice, and as I looked up, I saw Valene, Veronica's twin brother, gazing at me with an air of seduction. 

     Yes, Valene was undeniably attractive with his red hair, alluring lips, and well-built physique, but he was my half-brother for heaven's sake! Why must he always do this? I was older than him and I had never harbored any attraction towards him. He was just too dumb to be my type. Unfortunately, there was no one I could confide in regarding Valene's inappropriate behavior. Who would believe me? My father? I can't even remember the last time I spoke with him.

    I averted my gaze, returning to my knees to resume scrubbing the floor. "Cariño, I could assist you with the kitchen tasks and provide you with fresh food," he offered, causing me to look up at him with a glimmer of intrigue in my eyes. He chuckled at my reaction.

    "However, in order for that to happen, you will have to do my biddings and I am sure you know what that means. Tonight, you will come to my room. I have already gotten three condoms and you will leave early tomorrow morning, ensuring that no one discovers our secret," he continued, licking his lips and winking at me. Disgust filled my senses, and I twitched my nose in response. Shaking my head, I focused my attention once again on the task at hand.

     "Come on, I don't appreciate it when women play hard to get. I promise, it will be an enjoyable experience. I apologize for my previous actions," he persisted in pestering me. If only I could find my voice at that moment. I clenched my fists, closing my eyes in an attempt to suppress my anger. But just as I opened my eyes, I heard Veronica's footsteps approaching us, and her voice was filled with excitement.

      "Valene, Valene! Where are you Valene? Oh my goodness! You won't believe what just happened," she exclaimed, rushing over to us, laughter bubbling over as if she had won a grand prize.

     Valene ran his hand through his vibrant red hair and displayed a smile, though its genuineness escaped my discernment. "Yes, what is it, little sister?"

     "Alpha Axford just appeared on my live video!" she squealed with joy, leaping onto her brother. "You have no idea how ecstatic I am, Valene. He even sent me kisses emojis... I asked him if he plans to attend the upcoming mating convention, and he said he will, 'for my sake', can you believe that? Could it be that we're destined mates?"

     "Oh, sister, I am truly thrilled for you," Valene responded in a somewhat emotionless tone and walked out of the there.

    Then, Veronica turned towards me, her radiant smile still intact. "Hey, dirty maid, the mating convention is scheduled for next week. We must create numerous videos so I can share them with Alpha Axford. I have a strong feeling that he is my true mate. There was a undeniable spark, and I believe he felt it too. That's why he joined my live video. What do you say? Next week will alter my life forever and I can't wait,"

     I nodded and feigned happiness on her behalf. This was the reaction she wanted. Giggling, she strolled out of the kitchen.

     MATING CONVENTION echoed persistently in my mind as I resumed scrubbing. This annual event was where individuals, predominantly teenagers like ourselves, often found their fated mates.

      This is my opportunity! Last year, fear of being ridiculed prevented me from attending, but this year, nothing will hold me back. Even if I have to go against Adelaide for the first time, I will.