Jane POV From my hiding place, I could see that it was already night when I opened my eyes, yet the battle was still raging on. The sounds of tearing flesh and the scent of blood filled the air.It had been a full day, and the fight showed no signs of ending. On the second day, when I peered through a small hole to view the battlefield, I noticed that two-thirds of the 5,000 rogues had been wiped out.The heaviness in my chest eased slightly at this sight. However, my relief was short-lived as another wave of rogues appeared. They now outnumbered the remaining members of Damon’s side.Panic surged through me when I noticed a man among them who bore a striking resemblance to Damon. The only way I could tell them apart was the long, ugly sword scar on the face of the man with the rogues.“Haha, Damon, we meet again. Surprised to see me?” The man who resembled Damon laughed in a chilling manner.It was clear from the first glance that he harbored intense hatred for Damon. Fear and vigil
Jane's POVI crept out of the attic and tiptoed down the creaky stairs, carefully avoiding the spots that I knew would make noise. I held my breath as I passed my aunt and uncle's bedroom, praying they wouldn't hear me sneak by. Once I was outside, I let out a sigh of relief. "We made it, Frey," I whispered to my wolf. She yipped excitedly in my mind."It feels good to be free." I stretched my body, my bones cracking from hours of sitting in the tiny attic since I was grounded at breakfast."Hey, hurry up before it gets crowded." Frey yipped just as another loud horn cut through the late morning sky. I was much closer than the first.I hurried through the woods, following the sound of the warrior's horns announcing their return. My heart pounded with anticipation. I loved watching them train - it was the only way I could learn, being an omega. I was too weak and fragile to ever become a warrior m by myself. So I never missed a chance to watch them train and pick up what tricks and sk
Jane's POV "What are we going to do?" I whimpered. The room was bare except for a simple bed and wardrobe. No windows or other means of escape exist. Defeated, I curled up on the bed and sobbed. In one cruel stroke, my aunt had ruined my only chance at love and belonging. I cried until I had no more tears left.As the sky outside darkened, the mating ceremony began. My wolf sensed our mate getting further away with each moment that passed. She howled and clawed inside me, desperate to get out and find them."I know, Frey," I whispered sadly. "But we'll find another way, I promise.""You're right, we can't give up!" I would get out of this room if it killed me. I will find my mate!Jumping up, I tore through the room like a whirlwind, overturning everything. The bed, wardrobe, loose floorboards - nothing yielded an escape route. I scratched and banged on the walls and door until my hands bled, screaming for help. But no one came. Collapsing in exhaustion, a glint caught my eye - the
Jane's POVMy breath caught. A breeder? Did that mean...no, surely not. But curiosity burned within me. What business could this notorious Alpha have with my uncle?Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself creeping through the dark halls towards the Alpha's private study. Strange, considering I normally went out of my way to avoid my uncle and his temper. But something compelled me forwards until I stood outside the heavy oak doors. Pressed against the wall, I strained to hear the muffled voices inside."...agreed on the terms, I trust?" A deep voice rumbled. It was icy cold yet seemed to vibrate through me, awakening something primal inside. Frey whined eagerly."Yes, yes." That was my uncle David. He sounded...nervous? An unusual tone for our commanding Alpha. "The girl will be yours for the season. But I expect something in return."Girl? Price? My mind raced, not liking where this was headed. Their voices dropped too low to make out any more words. I had to get closer. Hea
Jane's POV I stuffed my meager belongings into a small bag with wooden hands. I had nothing of value except the blue dress I had scrimped and saved for years to buy. The beautiful fabric now seemed like a cruel joke. Too soon, heavy boots sounded downstairs as the Alpha's guards arrived. David called for me to come down. Lifting my chin, I descended the stairs slowly, refusing to show how deeply this hurt. I would not give them the satisfaction.The guards barely glanced at me as they turned to leave. I started to follow numbly."Wait." The sharp command made me freeze. Turning, I saw May glaring at me, hands balled into fists. For a wild moment, I thought she was going to attack me. Instead she growled out, "This is no less than you deserve, you little homewrecker. Trying to seduce my mate..." Venom dripped from her words.I opened my mouth to defend myself out of habit, but then paused. What does it matter now? She would believe what she wanted. So I simply met May's hateful gaze
His head dipped, lips barely grazing the rapid flutter of my pulse. I couldn't suppress a shiver at the featherlight caress. He smiled against my skin, clearly sensing the effect he had on me.Distantly, I knew I should push him away, cling to some scrap of dignity. But I found myself immobilized, breathing quick and shallow as his hands slid possessively down my sides, rucking up the thin fabric of my nightgown. He would take what he wanted either way. I was powerless to stop him.I was hyper-aware of his firm grip on my waist, his dizzying scent surrounding me. The rest of the world fell away."You're trembling," Damon whispered against my hair. "Are you afraid?""No." My voice was barely breathing.His fingers trailed down my neck in a blazing path. I melted against him, my skin burning everywhere he touched. The rejection, the contract, nothing existed but his icy eyes consuming me.When our lips met, it was like striking a match. Fire roared through my veins as I tasted him, retu
*Jane* "Ugh, never mind! I shouldn't even be bothered about him." I groaned, lightly hitting my head in an attempt to clear my thoughts.The memories of what transpired before alpha Damien departed still haunted my mind. The closeness between us made my heart momentarily keep beating.Feeling uneasy, I murmured to my wolf companion. "Frey, do you think I'm okay? I feel like my heart's about to leap out of my chest. It's ridiculous.""He's your mate, what else would you expect?" Frey bawl, sounding irritated.Upon hearing her response, I rolled my eyes, fully aware that she considered my question foolish.Despite knowing the answer, I couldn't resist asking, "Are you absolutely certain he's my mate?”Frey affirmed Damien's status as my mate, a truth that resonated deep within me. Yet, despite this inner knowing, I still harbored doubts and felt the need to confirm it. The idea of the notoriously cruel alpha, Damien, whom I had only recently encountered, being my mate seemed almost un
I struggled to maintain composure as I exhaled deeply. "What do you mean?" Since she didn't respond, I had no choice but to repeat my question.This time, she offered a response."I meant that you should go back to your room. You must be aware that this isn't where you belong. Your room is at the other side," she retorted, her tone tinged with irritation.Though I heard her words clearly, they didn't address what I truly wanted to understand: the reason behind her impolite demeanor towards me.She didn't tell me what audacity she has a maid to be disrespectful to a guest that has only been here for some days.In an effort to avoid confrontation, I promptly stood up. "I'll be on my way shortly. You can have the space back," I said, attempting to maintain politeness.She tightened her lips, scrutinizing me in silence.With a slight raise of my eyebrows, I inquired, "Is there something on your mind?”I could see she wasn't planning to leave, so I'd to ask her. "I cannot leave," she mutt