The Captive Of The Alpha

Diva stood by the window, with her arms tightly crossed over her chest. The room's walls, although impressive and beautiful still felt more like a jail than a refuge to her. She had lost count of the time she’d spent in the mansion since reaching Derek’s home. She was no longer able to distinguish between day and night. In alone, time came together to become a single thing.

She gazed down at the lovely courtyard while her fingers gripped the edge of the crimson velvet curtain. Beyond the gates lay a world not her own, inhabited by people who, even before they knew her name, most likely hated her without cause.

She was startled by a sound coming from the door. She looked around, expecting to see Derek, but nobody entered. The only sound coming from behind the door was the voice of a guard.

A noise from the door surprised her. She turned, anticipating to see Derek —but no one came in. Only a guard's voice heard from behind the door.

“You are not allowed to leave the mission without permission from Alpha Derek”

She did not reply. Rather, she walked up to the mirror and examined her reflection. Her lengthy hair was knotted, her complexion fair, her eyes lifeless. She didn’t resemble anyone’s friend—particularly not Derek’s. Not the dreaded, unreachable Alpha of the Blackfang Pack. Not the man who had remained silent to her since pulling her here as if she was an object.

Her hands formed tight fists.

"Just let me be"

She took her coat from the chair, put it on quickly, and pulled the door open. Two guards promptly stood at attention in front of her.

"Where are you going to?" one of the guards asked with a scowl.

“Please leave my way,” she stated plainly. “I want to take a walk down the street, I need to catch some fresh air outside the mansion.” "I have been confined in this room like a felon."

They paused, looking at each other.

It’s Alpha Derek’s instruction. You’re not to leave the mansion alone.”

Diva huffed, stepping back. “Fine. Then accompany me.”

They blinked.

"I won't go too far from the mansion grounds,” she added. “I’m not running away, if that is your fear.”

Still unsure, they slowly nodded. One of them moved to walk ahead, the other following close behind her as she descended the stairs and crossed through the mansion’s wide marble foyer.

The cold breeze hit her the moment she stepped outside. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting it wash over her. The world outside was quieter, less suffocating. Even if she was being watched, it felt better than the four walls upstairs.

The guards kept a good distance, lingering near the front entrance as she wandered past the driveway and down a cobbled path leading to the training ground. That was when she heard them—voices. Female, sharp, laced with laughter that didn’t sound friendly.

She turned and saw them—three female, all dressed in sleek workout gear. One of them, tall with piercing green eyes and a smug tilt to her mouth, eyed her like a predator spotting weakness.

“Well, look who finally decided to show her face,” the woman said, stepping forward.

Diva paused. She didn’t know them, but the hostility was clear.

“I’m just walking,” she said carefully.

“Oh, we know who you are.” One of the femals said as she folded her arms. “Derek’s mate. The weak little omega from the Moonmist Pack. How tragic.”

The others snickered behind her.

Diva kept her chin up. “I don’t want trouble.”

“You don’t belong here,” the female aid. “And you definitely don’t deserve to be with someone like Derek.”

“I didn’t ask for this,” Diva replied, voice steady despite the burn rising in her chest.

“That’s obvious,” the woman sneered. “Do you even have a rank? A skill? A brain? Derek’s mates are supposed to be warriors. Leaders. Not pathetic girls who can’t even stand up for themselves.”

Diva’s throat tightened, but she stood her ground. “Who are you?”

The woman smirked. “Elsie. I’ve trained with Derek since I was fourteen. I fought by his side during the Ashen War. I’ve earned my place here. You? You’re nothing.”

The words landed like slaps. But Diva refused to flinch.

“You don’t have to like me,” she said. “But you don’t get to decide my worth.”

Elsie laughed, a cruel sound. “Oh, honey. You think worth is something people like you can claim? You were dumped here like baggage. If Derek hadn’t been cursed with you, no one would even know your name.”

From the corner of her eye, Diva saw the guards still standing near the mansion entrance. Watching. Not moving.

She tried to step back, but Elsie moved faster. One long step forward, closing the space between them.

“You don’t scare me,” Diva whispered.

Elsie’s smile dropped. “Then maybe this will.”

And before Diva could react, Elsie’s hand came up fast—striking her hard across the face.

The slap echoed.

Diva’s head jerked to the side. The sting burned deep into her skin, but worse was the shame flooding her chest.

Tears pricked her eyes—but she refused to let them fall.