Chapter 2

Mira’s POV

 The commanding voice halted us, and we obediently lowered our heads, overwhelmed by the immense power emanating from him. The omegas whimpered in submission, as if they were in their wolf forms, ready to roll over for a belly rub.

“I demand an explanation,” the authoritative voice echoed once more. Startled, we snapped out of our trance. I watched as the men fumbled for words, unsure of how to respond. My gaze met his eyes, and my inner wolf stirred, recognizing him as my mate.

I silently thanked the stars for bringing us together, even if it was under less-than-ideal circumstances. At least he would free me from these people.

 “Alpha, we’re dealing with a pack emergency at the moment. It’s nothing significant, sir,” they replied, their grip on me tightening like a vise. The Alpha growled fiercely, stepping closer to us. Fearing his wrath, they swiftly released me and backed away.

No wolf could disobey a direct order from an alpha, especially a true Alpha, unless they were rogue. Rogues were banished or lone wolves who had lost their sanity and remained in their beast form with blood-red eyes. Known for their brutality and ruthlessness, they spared no one in their path, not even alphas.

I rushed into his embrace, relief washing over me as I sought solace in his arms. He held me tightly, exuding the scent of fresh grass and musk. Tilting my head up, he gently held my chin and locked his ocean-blue eyes with mine.

The intensity made me blush and feel shy. Lost in his world for those fleeting moments, I was unprepared for what would come next.

“Have mercy on us, Alpha, and please stay away from that girl. She isn’t what you think she is,” one of them shouted, pointing an accusing finger at me. “She’s a witch.”

 “Silence!” the Alpha roared in his deep, commanding voice, filling the air with authority. He turned to me and asked, “How are you? Are you ready to leave?” My mate scoffed, gripping my hand as we prepared to depart.

“She’s mute and a stealer wolf!” one man interjected, halting our progress. I tugged at my mate’s hand, urging him to ignore them and continue walking.

But to my surprise, he yanked his hand away from mine. I knew trouble was brewing. I wanted him to disregard their words and pretend not to hear them, but that was wishful thinking.

“What do you mean?” he spoke in a low, eerie voice that sent shivers down my spine. The man with the loudest opinion stepped forward, while the others’ gazes lingered on me with evident lust. They dared to move closer, as if they intended to touch me. However, my mate snarled menacingly, interposing himself between me and the man, effectively thwarting his advances.

“Touch her again if you don’t value your arms because I’ll rip them off the next time you lay a hand on her,” he shouted at the man. Then, turning towards me, he demanded an explanation. “Explain yourself.”

“Alpha, she is mute and unable to speak. What’s worse, she’s a stealer wolf, a seductress who lures men with her intoxicating scent. You’re a highly esteemed Alpha who deserves someone better than her,” the man explained hastily, shouting and pointing accusing fingers at me.

“Who knows what she’s trying to do? Perhaps she aims to seduce you like she does with several unmated males in this pack. Didn’t you notice the way she hugged you?” another voice chimed in from the crowd.

“Stealer wolves are notorious for their adulterous ways. She’s only trying to seduce you. Please stay away from her,” added Eden, one of the pack warriors. Disbelief washed over me as I realized the pack’s conspiracy against me.

 This very man had cornered me just last week during my visit to the farmers’ market, proposing himself as a lover. I promptly declined, remaining faithful to my destined mate. I couldn’t fathom how he stooped so low as to smear my name in front of my mate. Hot tears streamed down my face. To what extent was he willing to go to get what he wanted? Just because I rejected his advances.

“Aren’t you going to explain what’s happening and defend yourself?” the Alpha bellowed, looking at me expectantly. But all I could do was shake my head and plead silently, tears cascading down my cheeks.

“So, everything they say is true?” he asked, turning his gaze upon me. “You’re not only mute, but also a slut?” My mate’s words pierced through me like a knife. Desperate to speak out and expose their lies, I opened my mouth, hoping that words would flow forth to silence them. Falling to my knees, I begged him, sobbing with frustration.

“It’s all true, Alpha. She has been mute since birth,” they chorused with furrowed brows.

“No way, I can’t accept you,” he declared, looking away dismissively. “Stay away from me, or I might just kill you.” With a forceful push, he sent me sprawling to the ground. Refusing to let him go, I clung tightly to his leg. This wasn’t how I imagined today would turn out. Day after day, I had endured both physical and mental abuse.

Today turned out to be nothing like I had imagined. My family and even the other members of the pack have subjected me to daily physical and mental abuse. But through it all, I held onto the hope of meeting my mate on my 18th birthday, a dream that kept me going when I wanted to give up.

“She’s cursed, Alpha, right from the day she was born. Let her go, Alpha,” they all chanted. I vehemently shook my head, refusing to move away from his side. “I reject...” He was about to complete his sentence when I let out a piercing scream.

“Nooooo...!” I had no idea where the strength and voice came from. All eyes turned towards me in shock and disbelief. “She can speak? Isn’t that Mira?” Those were the last words I heard before I collapsed into his embrace.