Chapter 2. Agony and Betrayal.

It was Merlin, her fiance and the strongest warrior in her pack. With her status as an outcast, one would think that she wouldn't have someone by her side, but not Merlin. He was not like the others. He treated her well when others treated her like shit. He was the only good thing that happened to her.

Maya's heart fluttered at the mere mention of his name, if only he knew what he meant to her, but now things were about to change and it wasn't like it was changing for the best. 

After hearing her parents' intentions, Maya plans to confess her feelings to Merlin tonight, it was the question of now or never and she chose now, better to get things over with than to continue with such treatment which made her skin crawl as she trembled while recalling those very dark moments of her life. She was done staying and enduring her parents' maltreatment already, and it wouldn't be a bad idea if they settled down and started a family. The thought of it brought Maya a smile.

What was he going to say? Would it work? 

So many thoughts ran through her head at the moment and all she could do was giggle like the child she was, her stomach swarming with butterflies. Everything had to be perfect for this perfect moment, and now, not even her family could get in the way of her happiness. 

As a warrior, Merlin was in charge of protecting and ensuring the pack borders were protected. Hence, it wasn't surprising he was late to the party. Someone else must have taken over his shift for him to be here. Excited, Maya lifted her hand to wake him over, but her expression died. Merlin grabbed her sister Arya by the hand and headed to god knows where.

Call it a hunch, but Maya sensed something was wrong and followed them.

The more she trailed them the more terrible thoughts crossed her mind, she didn't like the eerie feelings she had but she knew better to brush it all aside at a time like this, at the very least, she had to put everything in place as well as make the final decision that could change her life forever. 

Maya has faced many difficulties, but nothing prepared her for the shock of walking into that room and catching her sister and fiance making out quite intensely if he could add. Her stomach churned, and it was good that she had no food yet because it would have been all over the floor. Her ears rang, and it felt like she might faint anytime soon.

Merlin was the first person to see her, and he looked so shocked that he jumped and broke away from the kiss. 

“Maya,” he breathed, “what are you doing here?”

“What am I doing to you? Really? What am I doing here?! I just caught you and my sister making out, and you dare ask me such a question?!”

He swallowed, “Listen, I can explain –”

“There is nothing to explain,” Ayra said, stepping forward.

“Ayra,” Maya looked at her sister with a pained look,” how could you do this to me? I trusted you!”

“ Merlin is my mate!”

“What?” the blood drained from allsons face.

“You heard me right, sister; Merlin is my mate.”

Maya’s mouth fell open, and she shook her head in denial. “No, no, no, that's not true.” She looked towards Merlin, but he wouldn't look at her, confirming her fears. “No, please, don't…” The tears fell now. This had to be a nightmare.

“Moreover,” continued, “even if he wants, what makes you think you deserve Merlin.”

“W-what?”

Ayra sneered, “Even before the mate bond began, Merlin has always had feelings for me. The only reason he courted you was to get close to you. I guess it was fate, after all. Moreover, you should look in the mirror; what werewolf in his right mind would want you with that terrible look!”

For a moment, Maya felt like an explosion had gone in her head, and it took her time to digest all of this. But one thing stuck in her: Merlin had been using her all this while. 

“You were never in love,” Maya muttered, her voice hollow, distraught.

The girl could not deny it, but neither could she accept it, although she wasn't the best of sister, she couldn't deny her feelings at this moment, technically, this wasn't cheating as well. 

“Wake up, sister,” Ayra said, “ no man in his right mind would be in love with a monster like you.”

And Maya snapped.

Maya transformed into her black wolf form in a twinkle of an eye, determined to tear them apart. She wanted them to feel the pain and anger coursing through her right now.

But before Maya could move, a voice thundered, “Shift!”

It was the alpha, her father.

Maya felt the authority wash over her, and she had no choice but to obey the alpha's command. In a twinkle of an eye, she was on the floor, naked and humiliated.

“What do you think you're doing?!” It was Luna screaming this time. “Were you just about to attack your sister?!” she raged.

As if on cue, Ayra started crying and ran into her mother's arms, and she embraced her. The sight of it all increased the pain in her heart. 

“Dress up. We need to talk.” That was the only command Alpha gave to her, and she left.

The tears threatened to fall, but Maya pushed them back. She would not show her weakness in front of them.

Moments later, Maya stood in her parents' room. Ayra and Merlin—who would not meet her eyes—were there for the conversation that was bound to occur.

The alpha said, “I don't have time for long talks, Maya; I have guests to return to at the party. Now listen to me; your sister and merkin are mates, and you would respect and bless their bond.”

“I would —”

“you would not talk while I speak!” the alpha barked, instantly silencing them.

“Secondly, you would participate in the wolf king’s bride selection.”

Bam!

Maya's ears rang. 

“No.” she croaked.

“No?” The alpha couldn't believe her response.

This dog wagging its tail between its legs suddenly had a boldness he did not expect. 

As he stared at her, he began to wonder what happened to the shy, useless, and timid trump card that he had known and thought to himself that perhaps he had been quite lenient on her. 

His eyes filled with rage could hardly compose a smile as he scoffed severally, this was bound to piss him off one way or another and this was certainly way past his limit. 

Watching the girl speak her mind while he held back his anger, not wanting to hurt her pretty little face was taking a toll on him, and she failed to realize that. 

“That would be over my dead body!” Maya spa and run out.

Unknown to her that the man, who she c

ould hardly call her father, was going to have his way, with or without her permission.