I was still in complete shock when we made our way onto the stage. While climbing the final stair, the alpha and his entourage left the hall. The second they were out of sight, a few girls in the front let out frustrated screams.
Some girls' faces crumpled, and they couldn't hold back their tears. They looked like raccoons with smudged masks running down their cheeks.Angry voices began to rise from different corners of the room. "This is not fair! How could they not see my potential?" one girl's voice cut through the air.The ten of us selected gathered near the edge of the stage. The rest of the girls were excited, and one of them leaned in closer. "Isn't it a miracle that only line six got picked? We should have our special name.”“How about the famous line six?" Another girl suggested, and the rest approved with their eyes lighting up with a thrill.MC Charles stepped back onto the stage, trying to calm the crying girls. "Ladies, ladies, please. Your emotions are running high right now, and rightfully so. But every single one of you showed incredible bravery by attending this project. Don't forget that. There are no losers."They booed at him, and the more he spoke, the angrier they got. "You have special gifts. You're not going home empty-handed."Nobody listened to him. I felt guilty. Here I was, feeling like a fraud. I knew I was a ticking time bomb of exposure, and somehow, I wished I didn't make it to the next round.The girls were free to leave with a tangible parting gift for their efforts. But this next round could unravel all my lies. The thought of trading places with one of them flashed through my mind, but eyes were everywhere on us – the organizers, the audience – and I couldn't slip away or exchange discreetly."Come with me," one of the soldiers announced, and we were led to the backyard where a helicopter was waiting. It was almost nine-thirty, and the night had fully set in.This was real, and I pinched myself to be sure I wasn't dreaming. The helicopter blades were whirring, and the pilot did some last-minute checks.Natalia placed her arm on my shoulder and drew me closer. I shot her a tight smile "Did you bring extra clothes? I didn't because I thought the pageant was just a one-day thing."She shook her head. "Nope, didn't pack a box. They've got everything we need."As the helicopter doors opened wide and the pilot welcomed us, we rushed in. Natalia and I found a spot at the back, where we could get a clear view of everything."You're so chaotic," I laughed, and she flung her head back, letting out a loud laughter."We need to be together all the time."It was nice having a friend. At the sanctuary, we were all sad and hopeless, wearing moody faces and not in the mood to interact. This felt good and different.The helicopter started to lift off, and the city lights below shrank, replaced by the darkness of the night sky. "I've got to be honest, Natalia," I whispered. "I have no business in this beauty contest. I'm just five foot four, I don't take care of my skin, don't even get me started on the catwalks and makeup. I've got two left feet, and I hate speaking in public."Natalia shot me an amused look. "Why are you paranoid? You think I've got what it takes for this?""Of course," I rolled my eyes. "You're perfect.""Yeah right," she smirked. "That's exactly what the fifteen-day training is for. They're going to teach us everything we need to know. And even if we don't win, we get to pamper our skin, eat good food, and have some fun."The pilot's voice crackled through the intercom, announcing that we were landing on the island. We landed gently on a helipad and disembarked.Ruin Island was the opposite of its name. It was breathtaking. A large mansion stood majestically and its surroundings were lit with halogen lamps, reflecting light on the huge pool.We made our way to the mansion, where a middle-aged woman with her hair in a super tight bun stood to welcome us. I felt pity for her hair edges and wondered if she didn't have a headache."Welcome, contestants. I am Ms. Muffinbutton."Natalia raised a brow, and I pinched my lips short to conceal my laughter. Ms. Muffinbutton proceeded with a warning."Do not think you're here to relax,” she warned and the girls grew quiet. The woman reminded me of the matrons at the sisterhood sanctuary who never smiled."In the next round, you'll be staying in a hall upstairs. There are five bunks and ten-bed spaces.""Why can't we have our private rooms?" one of the girls whined. The matron ignored her and made way for us to head inside The entrance was majestic and huge, with a living room downstairs having crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, reflecting light off the polished marble floors.We walked through the halls with carvings and artwork and then went to the hall upstairs where they had arranged for us. Narrow beds were lined and neatly arranged. Natalia pulled me towards the third bunk on the left, where we claimed our spots, and I shook my head, amused at how she never wanted to let go of me.The bedding on the bunk was clean and had two silk pillows each. Each bunk had a night lamp and a mini-fridge tucked neatly into the corner. We were given storage bins as well. The bathrooms were five in total, clean and well-maintained, with a steady supply of hot water.A bell rang for dinner, and we all went downstairs. The chef, a nutritionist, introduced himself."Tonight, feel free to indulge in any cravings and eat all the junk food you want. But be prepared because starting tomorrow, your diet will strictly consist of healthy food."The girls murmured among themselves, and Natalia, sitting next to me, rolled her eyes so dramatically at the announcement that I had to stifle a laugh. "Watch out. They'll start serving us grass tomorrow as if we're a bunch of goats," she whispered with mock horror in her voice.Because of the warning, I opted for a burger and milkshake combo, enjoying my guilty pleasure. We chatted among ourselves, getting to know each other. A girl with multicolored hair and the most beautiful hazel eyes I'd ever seen approached me."I see we share something in common," she said with a smile. "The color suits you. Don't change it.""Oh, it's natural," I replied, and her mouth fell open in surprise. "You don't know how lucky you are," she said, clearly intrigued by the burgundy color of my hair.Upstairs in our room, Mrs. Muffinbutton with a serious tone, announced that there was a strict curfew."Anyone leaving their room after lights out is in deep trouble."She walked away, and I wondered about the reason behind such stringent rules. After brushing my teeth, I lay on my bed with a smile playing on my lips. I woke up minutes before midnight, feeling restless. Everyone else was asleep, and I itched to go outside. Despite the rules about not going out after curfew, I wanted to see the garden at night.This place was just as restrictive as the sanctuary, and I hated feeling trapped. Carefully, I got out of bed, trying not to wake anyone, and tiptoed downstairs. I headed straight for the garden, which looked amazing under the moonlight. I picked a rose petal, took a deep sniff, and smiled. Then I lay on the grass, letting the cool night air surround me.I started dozing off, and something I hadn't felt in years washed over me – happiness.If only it could last forever.My eyes flew open when I heard a low growl. I sniffed the air and knew that a wolf was nearby. I wasn't terrified, but my aunt warned me against revealing my Omega status by shifting.From the darkness emerged two red eyes. My thoughts scattered, and I was more than a little nervous. I gasped, realizing with a shiver of panic that the wolf wasn't normal; it seemed like a maniac. It shoved its way forward, setting my nerves on edge. Its mad, staring eyes warned me that I was in danger.Fear gripped me, knowing that I couldn't outrun the wolf in my human form. Still, I tried covering several feet and crying out. "Stop running," my instinct urged me loudly. "Turn around and face the wolf."It was very close to me when my head turned with a snap of the neck, and my legs gave up.When I fell, the wolf leaped over me, almost suffocating me with its black fur. Then an unexpected urge to pet the wolf surfaced.I began stroking its fur, and, to my surprise, it became calm, with its growling fading.Puzzled, I continued, but I sensed trouble. If the wolf shifted back to a human, it would expose my secrets of sneaking outside. I kept on petting, wondering who was behind the wolf.Almost immediately, it fell asleep in my arms. I watched it, staring at its nose. Even while asleep, it looked restless. I carefully slid away, not wanting to startle it awake. When I was free, I turned and ran back towards the mansion, pushing my legs as fast as they could go.Iris“Why did I get so turned on in that cell when you flogged and degraded me?” I asked Adonis, curious about his answer. I rolled over to my back and he chuckled as he ran his fingers gently along my jawline, making goosebumps erupt under his touch. “Because you’re not as innocent as you think. You don't like vanilla sex.”“What's that?“It's when you have sex that involves more of a mutual give and take of pleasure. You don't like that.”“That's not true,” I countered. “I like sex with passion. But I like a little pain.”He looked at me with a broad grin and I flushed with embarrassment. “Don't make this difficult.”“Tell me what you like?” He said, his voice husky as he nuzzled my nose and peppered kisses around my chin.”"I have no idea,” I said truthfully. “You're the more experienced one.”“Power imbalance, that's what it is. You want me to dominate you. You delight in the sexual abandonment that comes with forfeiting control of your body and actions.”I bit my lip and my body
IrisThe sorrow and pain in my heart was overwhelming; I couldn't stop sobbing. Adonis carried me over to his bedroom. Once there, he gently laid me down on the bed and sat down beside me.His hand brushed through my hair as he whispered soothing words in my ear and rubbed my shoulder. I continued to sob and felt utterly powerless to do anything but cryMy aunt used me as a pawn in a sickening game, and there was no getting rid of the feelings of betrayal and resentment. And then there was Natalia. Their betrayal ripped open wounds inside of me . The secrets and lies I had uncovered were like a heavy weight crushing my heart."Please, Iris, take your pills," Adonis begged me. But I shook my head, my eyes welling up with tears. "Take those damn pills away,” I yelled at him. “You don't understand what I went through. All the suffering and pain of being an Omega in an alpha household. I was constantly humiliated by my dad and stepmom who made my life a living hell!” My voice cracked a
IrisMemories burst forth like fireworks in my mind, sharp and explosive. Each recollection came with a stabbing headache, like a dagger twisting in my brain. I winced and squeezed my eyes shut against the pain. But even the agony couldn't dim my joy. I was remembering things! Fragments of my past, long buried, were resurfacing. Faces, names, moments – all flooding back like a dam breaking.Adonis looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time. His mouth fell open in a gape. The way he grew still and serious made me chuckle. “You remember?” Was all he could say and I nodded. “I remember.”He went on his knees and grabbed my hand tightly, his breath hitching slightly. “Oh goddess…You really remember…” “It doesn't take a lot of effort on my part to remember how you locked me up and spanked my ass cheeks”He leaned back on his haunches and grinned widely, showing all his teeth. “Well, if it turns you on, I'm at your service all day. Just say the word.”I wanted to laugh, but
AdonisI stood beside Natalia in the Lycan court to finalize our divorce.We had signed the papers a week ago, and today was the final step. Natalia's parents and Fred were present as well.The elderly judge looked over the papers and then gazed at us with a warm smile. "Adonis and Natalia, you have both agreed to this divorce, is that correct?""Yes, your honor," we replied in unison.His smile grew and he looked thoroughly amused. “ I must say, I've never seen a couple as amiable as you two. Happy divorce, I guess. Your marriage is hereby dissolved. May you both find happiness on your separate paths."“Congratulations to us,” Natalia said to me with a wink. Her parents and Fred applauded, and the judge was so dumbstruck which added more humor to the scene.I was about to walk away with Natalia when she grabbed my arm to stop me.“Oh yes, there's one thing I forgot to mention," she said. “Don’t give up on Iris.”My response was a pinky promise. I stepped out of the court and Fred drew
IrisNatalia burst into my room, bouncing from foot to foot. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Okay, girl, let's get you ready for your big night!"Her energy was infectious and I felt a lightness in her chest.She began pulling out dress after dress from a bag and lay them on the bed. They all looked expensive."I think these are a bit too much for a garden date, don't you?" I ventured, eyeing the designer gowns. Natali ignored me, too busy sorting through the dresses and matching shoes and jewelry to each one."Ooh, this silver clutch would go perfectly with this dress!” she exclaimed, holding up a tiny bag that seemed to be made of pure moonbeams. "You're really getting into this, aren't you?" “Mm-hmm.”She continued to coordinate outfits with an intensity that rivaled a military operation, completely absorbed in her mission to make me look "absolutely stunning""Natalia, are you always this invested in your friends' dates?" "Maybe a little.But I just want to see you happy, Iri
AdonisMy smiling was unrestrained and I felt all tension leaving my body and the temporary breathlessness after I pulled away from Iris' lips. It was like my life had snapped back to normal, and all the pain I felt this past month disappeared.Happiness was indeed a powerful emotion. One that was difficult to find when you've spent your whole life being miserable. My eyes were fixated on hers and they were shining brightly. She smiled back at me, and my heart skipped a beat. Her smile lit up her whole face and it made my heart fucking soar."I think I need to learn how to kiss properly. You seem like a pro,” said Iris, grinning.With great difficulty I tore my gaze from hers and grinned, unable to speak properly. "You're doing just fine. I don't mind sloppy kisses, I love you regardless. I love you much more than you can ever imagine.”Her face blushed pink and the grin slipped from my face."Did I say something uncomfortable? I'm sorry, I-”"No! No. Don't apologize.”"Then why did