Chapter Two

I transformed into a tiny brown wolf and raced to Aunt Helena's pack. She was my late mom's older sister and the only person on earth who truly loved me.

My heart raced, praying the border guards wouldn't spot me. Once past the border, I swiftly shifted into my tiny wolf form and dashed towards the Valley Pelt pack, a two-hour run from there.

I ran through forests until I reached my aunt's cozy one-story cottage, surrounded by a large veranda and a flower garden.

Shifting back, I shivered, raising my unsteady hand to knock on the door while scanning for any signs of trouble.

Aunt Helena lived with her husband, Bruno, my dad's good friend. When I called out to her, tears welled up behind my eyelids as her voice rang from inside.

She looked surprised and wide-eyed. "What are you doing here, Iris?" she asked, grabbing my hand inside.

I fell onto the sofa while taking deep breaths to catch my breath. "Long story. I needed to escape from it all."

She hesitated before speaking. “But you can't stay here, honey."

I sagged against the wall and whimpered. "Will you also reject me?"

"What nonsense," she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug. "My husband could report us. He's at the factory, but he'll be back before midnight.”

Feeling fear tighten my throat and my head pounding, I realized there was nowhere else for me to turn. Aunt Helena gently cupped my chin, reassuring me.

"Don't worry. I'll help you. We'll carefully weigh our options. You can stay in the storehouse next to the main building; my husband never goes there. Tomorrow, we'll figure something out.”

After a filling meal of spaghetti, meatballs, and vegetable salad, Aunt Helena's hand found mine. Suddenly, her face lit up with a slow smile, as if struck by inspiration.

"I think I've got a brilliant idea!" She exclaimed, rushing to the table and grabbing a flier for an upcoming beauty contest in the Lycan pack.

"Their Alpha seeks a mate. The poor thing lost his wife five years ago. You should join the contest. Participants will be awarded consolation prizes.

"The Lycan pack are my dad's biggest enemies,” I reminded her and she broke into a sly smile.

"How does this bother you? You can also take part in the contest without revealing your Syndicate pack identity.”

"What if they find out?" I asked, unsure about this.

"They won't, if you don't spill. it's your chance to break free, Iris. Think about it.”

I spent the night in the storehouse, and my aunt arrived at the crack of dawn, carrying a bag.

"What are you doing here this early?" I rubbed my sleepy eyes as she held up a red dress from a paper bag.

"You should head to the Lycan pack before my husband sees you. This dress cost me my jewelry box. Make sure not to ruin it."

My mind raced with possibilities. Although I was desperate for freedom, I didn't want to get into more trouble.

The dress was a striking red one-shoulder design with a draped effect across the body, and the hem fell just above the ankles. She also bought me a pair of open-toe heels with ankle straps.

"Are you sure about this, Aunt?”

"It doesn't hurt to try,” she said while cupping my chin. “I've been craving to get you out of that bloody sanctuary, and I think it's better to bend the truth slightly than risk your life under your dad's rule. Keep your Omega identity a secret, never transform into a wolf, and, in case anyone asks, you're eighteen, not twenty-one. Age is a sensitive issue in our society."

My aunt continued rambling, her eyes sparkling with excitement, but I knew this could backfire horribly. I stared at the red dress and sighed.

"Thanks for everything. I'll never forget."

After I took a quick bath in the garden, Aunt Helena drove me to the train station. I began my journey and arrived at the Lycan pack at ten am.

I was so focused on my imperfections that I lacked the confidence to pass through the gates. The place was huge, with a massive gate flanked by bronze wolf heads.

There was free entry and exit, with security guards stationed throughout the area. Inside, there was a long driveway leading to an estate with several mansions.

Beautiful girls chatted away with excitement. Feeling out of place, I proceeded to the registration desk and waited in line.

The attendant smiled broadly and held a tablet. When he asked for my full name, age, and pack, I broke into a cold sweat and lied.

I received a tag and joined the elegantly dressed contestants who were chatting away.

A voice blared from the speakers. "All contestants and guests are reminded that this contest is not open to Syndicate members. you're advised to leave immediately if there are any among us."

My breath caught in my throat. I was unaware of the specifics of the Syndicate vs. Lycan feud, but this was a sufficient warning. I gasped when I heard that the syndicate alpha killed the Lycan Alpha's wife.

My mind reeled with fear. What the hell have I gotten myself into?

A girl who wore a white ball gown embellished with precious stones asked if I was okay. Her long, wavy auburn bangs and nose sprinkled with freckles made her look adorable.

“Y-yes," I stuttered and she gave me a killer smile.

"I'm Natalia. What's your name?"

I told her mine and she surprised me by linking her hand with mine. "So, do you know what the alpha looks like?" She said, lowering her tone.

"You don’t?"

We exchanged glances, and she burst out laughing. "I'm from the Wild Fangs pack, and some members of the Lycan pack have no idea what he looks like. Isn't that strange, given that he's their alpha?”

Without waiting for my response, she pulled me ahead, and we passed some girls who were practicing their walking routines on stage.

"You think we stand a chance?" I asked Natalia and she shrugged in response.

We spent most of the day together. I didn't mind that she talked for the most part. It felt good to be back to normalcy for a change.

When lunchtime arrived, there were plenty of options available. We then touched up our hair and makeup. Live bands provided entertainment while we waited for the main event. Onstage, I noticed a massive projector and a devastatingly handsome male's picture appeared on it.

“That's alpha Adonis," a girl cried out. Natalia and I, as well as the majority of the other contestants, surrounded it. Several of the girls whispered to one another and squealed with delight.

The alpha was strikingly attractive, with jet black hair styled in a side part, warm light tan skin, and mesmerizing green eyes.

"Damn, he looks so good," Natalia half-moaned. She then turned to face me. "We have to do everything possible to win. Either I or you win. Deal."

I responded with a smile. "Deal."

When Natalia wasn't watching, I pictured what would happen if I was discovered. What if the Lycan king sees through me? What if I get caught?

Alphas were known for their ruthlessness, especially when their pack was in danger. Perhaps there was a reason behind my dad's action. He hated the Lycans so much and didn't fail to show it.

Although I wasn't qualified, there was something strangely comforting about the idea of this contest. I was going to keep this a secret and make every effort to win something.

I absentmindedly stared at the projector. The green depths of the alpha's eyes told a story. Natalia distracted me and dragged me off and we joined the excited girls who were chatting away.

I decided to put my worries aside for the time being. After all, what's the worst that could happen?

After making some last-minute adjustments, the MC confidently walked onto the stage and smiled. "Good evening, beautiful ladies. I'm Charles, your host for the evening. Let's review the rules before we get started with today's event. Just ten of our gorgeous competitors will advance to the next round."

Did I even stand a chance in this sea of beautiful girls? The Alpha should be offended that a twenty-one-year-old was pretending to be eighteen.

Natalia turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "We're going to qualify for the next round. You'll see."

"Maybe you will.”

She gave me a sidelong glance. "Don't you dare sell yourself short, my friend. You're stunning. Honestly, if I were into girls, I'd ask you out in a heartbeat."

I broke into a grin. My happiness was complete when Charles revealed that the consolation prize was in gold.

This was a dream come true. I'd leave my family and the Syndicate pack forever to get a fresh start. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that Natalia had to grab my hand before I realized the girls were grouping.

“We must queue up for the presentation. Come on."

"Let's rush to the first line to make sure we get noticed," I said but she disagreed.

"The alpha may ignore the first lines and pay closer attention to the fifth and sixth lines. Trust me on this one.”

She dragged me to the sixth line without giving me a chance to respond. Suddenly, the music stopped, and the MC announced.

"Please be quiet. Our special guests are here. Show the utmost respect, no fangirling, please."

There was a sudden dead silence in the room as a group entered through the doors at the far end. Paving the way were men in black suits and shades. Armed soldiers in uniform trailed behind them.

And there was Alpha Adonis, behind the soldiers. He was real, here in the flesh, and even more breathtaking than his photo.