Chapter 002

Shattered.

I, my whole life, was shattered.  

I could see the little ball of happiness I had managed to build around me the past few months, smash to the ground, shattering into pieces.

It was only five seconds - the longest five seconds of my life. 

One look into Hayden’s eyes proved that I really was a fool. I had no idea who this man standing before me was.

Nina’s hysterical laugh snapped me out of my daze and I staggered back, clutching my chest.

Within those five seconds I was too frozen and too shocked I had not noticed the pain that came with the rejection.

But once I could think, I noticed it. Oh I more than noticed it, I felt it all through every single nerve in me.

I felt it draining the life out of me, crushing me, tearing me apart bit by bit, until it almost brought me to my knees - literally.

“Hayden…” I gasped out but he was still staring at me with disdain.

Nina? Nina was still laughing like some live comedy.  

“You really are so pathetic, Hailey.” I could hear over the sound of blood pulsing through my ears.

“You really thought that somehow, the Alpha’s son could have genuine interest in you? You thought it would be that easy?”

She walked in between me and Hayden and faced me, “You are dirt and dirt you shall remain. Serves you right for even believing that MY brother would want to have anything to do with a low life like you.”

I looked around and saw people staring - at us. Most of them had pity on their faces and some were just amused.

My skin burned in humiliation and pain - it was all too overwhelming, the tornado of emotions whirling within me.

Nina was right. This - whatever I was feeling right now, I deserved it for being so delusional.

How could I be so stupid?

How could I forget my place, my status, my identity and allow myself to be carried away by fantasy and silly fairy tales?

“You know,” I said looking Hayden square in the eyes, “If you had just rejected me the day we found out you were my mate - you would have spared us both.” 

Hayden - the bastard just shrugged, “Where is the fun in that?”

That is all I was.

Fun.

Major reality check.

“I am glad you have not had the chance to get ‘in between my legs’. Go find someone else to have fun with bastard!” I sat, turned and practically ran towards the kitchen.

And once I got inside the kitchen where no one else could see me - I released the pain and cried…allowing the tears to flow freely.

My head snapped up when I heard footsteps and I groaned when I saw my co-worker, Claire.

There was sadness and pity in her eyes. 

I did not want pity…not from her, definitely not from anyone.

I did not deserve anybody's sympathy. I brought this on myself. 

Claire rushed to the counter and brought out a towel then handed it to me. I took it thankfully and proceeded to wipe my coffee drained hair, and my tears soaked face.

“I am so sorry about this, Hailey. For what it is worth, we all know that Nina and Hayden are jerks.”

I coughed out a laugh, grateful that she was trying to cheer me up.

“Thank you, Claire. But this one is on me.”

“You are stronger than you think. You should go home.”

“What? No…”

“Go home. A rejection is not just something you get over in a few minutes. The pain will be there until the next day.”

Of course i knew that. But I was not going to let that stop me from working before I could protest though Claire waved her hand looking at me sternly.

“Go on. I will cover for you and we’ll still split the tips.”

That was not what I was worried about though. I was supposed to pay the allowance to my stepmother from hell today.

But come on, I deserved this break.

So after cleaning up, I picked up my bag and went straight home avoiding the weird gazes along the home.

I knew how fast news could travel around here, so I was not really taken aback by the gazes I was getting until I went home.

When I opened the door, the first thing - or rather person, that I saw was my step mother.

She was wearing a scowl when I entered and tapping her foot on the ground.

Uh-oh. Obvious sign of frustration.

“Hayden rejected you?!” .

Yeah. News definitely travels fast.

“Yes.” I murmured trying to walk past her, but she grabbed my arm holding me back.

“How could you be such an idiot? This was your one chance to have a better life, attain a better status. This was OUR one chance to get a better life and you ruined it.”

I could not believe her words.

I ruined it? Me? “Is that all you care about? Status? A better life? Have you fuckimg thought to ask me how I feel or what happened? No. because I am nothing but a one way ticket for you and your useless son.”

My outburst shocked me more than it shocked her. Without waiting for her retort back or maybe a slap, I twisted my arm out of her tight hold and ran up to my room , eyes hot with tears.

But I was not going to cry. Not anymore.  

This was my reality. If I was deceived then it was my fault and a result of my silly dreams.

I was never getting out of this. An Omega, that is who I am and who I will continue to be.

I did not realise that I was just standing by the door staring into bl;ank space until a knock interrupted my thoughts and I opened it to see my step mother with a much deeper scowl.

‘This shall be the last time you will speak to me in that manner, or I will throw you to the hounds,” She hissed her eyes narrowing, “And I know that you did not bring the allowance.”

I hung my head because she was right. 

“But not to worry, I already have a way to sort that out,” I stared at her suspiciously. “Alpha Sky shall be coming to the pack tomorrow for some sort of peace of treaty and there will be a banquet in his name. I already entered your name as one of the helpers and took your pay.”

My eyes widened, “You did what?”

“Oh do not act so shocked. It is for the allowance and the extra should be to make up for the delay and the inconvenience it caused me. You should be thanking me.”

I bit my lip, really not knowing what to tell her. Instead of saying whatever was on my mind I just thanked her and closed the door.

I knew Alpha Sky. One of the strongest and richest Alpha in the country.

What sort of peace treaty was he signing with our Alpha?

That was none of my business.

I would go to the banquet. At least it would get my stepmother off my back and my mind off Hayden. 

*******

The banquet was…well more than anything i could have ever imagined, and more than anything i have seen. Which is saying a lot because I had worked at several banquets hosted by the Alpha.

What was the big fuss all about?

I heard the Luna instructing some of the workers on how she wanted everything to be perfect and set for Alpha Sky’s arrival.

Alpha Sky.

Sure he is the most feared, the most powerful…who cared?

I rolled my eyes carrying a set of dishes to the kitchen.

“Look who we have here,” Nina’s voice halted me in my footsteps and I groaned. What was she doing inside the kitchen? Was she not supposed to be getting ready, preparing how to seduce any rich man she set her eyes on?

I ignored her and set the dishes down on the counter making me leave.

“Hailey, wait…” 

There was something in her voice that made me stop and turn to actually look at her for the first time - and I was taken aback by what I saw.

Her eyes were red and swollen like she had been crying and there was a box of tissue nearby.

I really should not care. Whatever was happening to her was none of my business, really. I had enough problems of my own to take care of.

Yet I took a few steps closer and asked, “What is wrong, Nina?”

She laughed bitterly and blew her nose, “Everything. Every single thing is wrong, Hailey. I do not know what to do.”

I tilted my head waiting for her to elaborate, instead she looked at me with a soft pained gaze, stretched out and held my hand.

“You are a very strong lady Hailey. Take it from me. I know I come off as some strong untouchable lady… but trust me I am only a girl and I am weaker than you can imagine,” I felt a slight pinch where her hand was holding mine but I just waved it off as her fancy nails accidentally scratched mine.

“Are you okay, Nina.”

“Yes I will be fine. I believe that I want to tell you how deeply sorry I am, for every pain that I had put you through. I am sorry - yes my words aren't enough, but I wish there was a way I can make it up to you.”

I opened my mouth to talk, but my vision was suddenly blurred and my head heavy.

I shook my head, maybe it was still the impact of the rejection.

“It is fine, Nina.” I said, giving her a tight smile. 

I dropped my arm from her hold, staggering back as the blurry vision grew worse - and the heaviness in my head turned to intense headache and dizziness.

“Hailey? Are you okay?”

I was not okay! 

My chest was starting to close up making it hard to breathe.

My hands flew to my chest, clutching it as sudden pain swept through my entire body bringing me to my knees.

My insides felt like they were burning - like I was dying and- this was worse than the rejection pain.

“Oh, I see the poison is working already.” I heard Nina say with a soft chuckle. 

Poison? What was she talking about?

I tried to look at her but My vision was too blurred out to even see a thing - was that a smile on her face?

“Goodluck getting out of this one alive, bitch! You can never, ever take my place.”

With that she left.

My eyes widened and I tried, really tried to call after her or even shout for help, but I couldn't. Not even when I opened my mouth - not a single sound came out.

My chest was too tight, my throat too closed up to utter a sound.

Oh my God, I am going to die.

I am going to die.

This was how my story ended? Why? 

What have I ever done wrong?

Dear goddess…. I closed my eyes, I have no idea why this has become my fate but I dare not ask you questions. I accepted this fate and if this is how it will end - then I embrace it. Stain i am and stain i die as.

Nausea kicked in, and I hurled throwing up.

But if i mistakenly survive this - i swear that i will not ever be weak. I will rise above this confinement and I shall strike down all those who hurt me. One by one.

I felt the strength leaving my whole body and I closed my eyes, submitting myself to the darkness. 

Suddenly, the door burst open so loudly that I would have jumped if I could.

I had no idea who came in but footsteps grew loud and rapid.  

And then it hit me.  

A delicious beautiful scent. It hit me so hard that it cleared the haze and the pain I was feeling.

What was this?

“Jay! Get help right now.”

That voice. So deep, so beautiful.

Strong arms lifted me up. 

Somewhere at the back of my mind, I felt my wolf stir. 

And before the darkness took over, I heard a word that sent shivers down my spine, “Hello Mate.”