XIMENA POV—
“A mate was meant to be your soulmate chosen by the goddess to be your life’s partner, the one person whose soul fits with yours, you get merged together to form one, the one person whom the goddess deems fit to entrust your entire life with.” These were the words of mother.
“To us wolves, a mate is believed to be the turning point of your life, the one person who has the power to elevate your life, the one who brightens up your sad and miserable life, the one person who completes your soul.”
The more I remembered her words, the more unbearable the pain gnawing my heart was.
With shame, I made my way to the house where the whole family was waiting for me.
They stared at me expectantly, their faces filled with joy, I could see the bright glow on the face of my mother, father was glancing at me with pride.
My brothers weren’t left out, they couldn’t wait for me to share the good news, and I felt torn between telling the truth and lying to keep them safe.
The lump in my throat bobbed and it felt like my throat was about to be slit, the same way my heart had just been slit.
I trembled with agony, my aura dimming the excitement in the air. Happiness seemed so far away.
I’m a 23 year old omega, the daughter of the lowest ranking omegas in the park, everyone in the pack who were my age and younger had found their mates at the age of 18 and 19 but I was different.
I had found my wolf at the age of 19 and year after year, my whole family had been disappointed as they waited for me to find my mate.
I come from a family of five with two brothers who were working their ass off not only to meet up with the standards of life but to make something out of themselves because they also had mates to cater for and a family to start in the future.
Goddess knew if there was a person I could lie against, I’d have done it instantly without thinking. I had dashed out of the house while sniffing and everyone knew that was a sign of getting your mate.
Now I was beginning to regret why the goddess had given me my mate now… I was regretting leaving the house, I was regretting all the nights I had spent crying and pleading for a mate.
I was disappointed but it wasn’t close to the pain of rejection that was throbbing in my heart.
The more I thought about it, the more it hurt. “Tell us honey— Who is your mate?” Mom’s excited voice rang out. I doubt she was this excited when my brothers found their mate.
“Don’t be shy— Who is he?” Dad added, a grin on his face, they were standing, their faces filled with joy while anticipating.
“Is he an omega? Is he a guard? Is he a dignitary?”
“We aren’t discriminating, whatever rank he’s in, we are willing to accept him—” Hearing this from my brother almost made tears run down my cheeks.
My eyes were teary now. I felt like breaking into numerous pieces before them but oddly, I wasn’t.
“—” I opened my mouth to talk but all that could escape was a light sob. I didn’t have the heart to break theirs, or disappoint them.
I knew Dad’s shoulders would slump back and mother’s glow would disappear while my brothers would try to cheer me up and encourage me even though deep down they’d be sad for me.
“Tell us honey— Don’t make us wait for too long, we’ve waited so long for this and finally the great day has come—” Mom muttered and dad laughed heartily.
I could see my brother’s mate staring at me with anticipation too. Aarav and Kushim, my brothers, were beginning to notice my dark countenance now and their faces changed.
“What’s wrong? Were you hurt? Who is he? What did he do to you?” They asked, ready to kill for my sake and it only broke my heart even more.
I felt myself plunging deeper into sadness. “No— I—” I was gathering words.
“You can tell us anything— We won’t judge, we will accept him as long as he loves you— It doesn’t matter if he’s a low omega like us too—” Mom grabbed my hands now, staring at me gently and it was the last straw.
The tears trickled down, the tears I had been trying so hard to hold just trickled down my cheeks. Everything is hard. I can’t break their hearts, I’d rather die than take away the glow in mom’s eyes.
“You don’t need to be ashamed— You’re fortunate to have a mate, it’s better than having nothing and being the isolated one of the pack” Aarav pointed out and it felt like a knife had been thrown on my chest.
His words stung, the fate waiting for me was worse than death. I’d be stigmatised, deserted by the pack, I’d be a force that is being driven by the wind, I’d be a feral wolf with my family stopping me from being in the mountains.
“It—” I was about to speak when our neighbour interrupted.
“Did you hear the news? Is it true, you’ve found your mate?” Our neighbour nosy demanded, popping her head through the door, her attention shifted from what she wanted to discuss to me the moment she set her eyes on me.
“Is the news about the fight?” Dad asked, everyone’s attention shifted to her and I sighed heavily. The goddess knew I was extremely grateful for this distraction but I knew it wouldn’t last for long.
“The Alpha just rejected his mate, she’s some silly omega he slapped in the market—“ She announced, laughing softly and they all gasped.
“Wow, at last he found his mate— Ximena here too found hers today—“ Mother’s voice was filled with delight.
“He’s an Alpha, being with an Omega only ruins his image, poor girl, thinking she could be fortunate to be with him. I heard he is going to get a chosen mate from the gamma family if I’m not mistaken.” She announced and I began panting heavily.
Gasps rang out in the air but I began breathing heavily, the air was closing in on me, there wasn’t enough breath, I felt like I was being sucked into a vacuum.
Not my nemesis— The gamma’s daughters have always been my number one bullies in the park— They instigated the whole girls against me and were the first to call me CURSED—
I felt myself get drawn into complete darkness, I couldn’t feel anything, except pain and agony. I felt numb, empty and exhausted but I felt something else.
I felt myself running, running very fast, away from the pain, away from everything, people, my family— The pack.
It felt like I was under the influence of anaesthesia, it felt unreal yet so real, I was running for my dear life, heading to a very familiar but dark place.
“No! Stop! Please! Come back!” I heard a voice mindlink to me, I could hear growls behind me, pleading too but there was no stopping now.
“Ximena, darling please stop running, let’s talk—“
“What’s wrong—“
“Please don’t— Don’t do it!” I heard the distant voices of my brother but it only made me run even faster.
XimenaI ran nonstop for hours, Xena my wolf wasn’t weary as she ran and it was a big shock to me because I had never ran for up to an hour without being weak.After crossing the borders of the Shadow pack, I was filled with fear. Lots of vile things lurked in the shadows and where I was heading to was unknown to me but Xena knew the way by heart. She was heading to grandmother. “Grandmother— I—“ I whispered as I shifted in front of a house where my beautiful and young grandmother stood.She looked like an angel and it was no secret that she never aged because of the strange powers she had.The Shadow pack was a pack known for its ruthlessness, insane and deadly wolves. Most rogues come from the shadow pack and not everyone can enter the pack without turning feral.“Ximena.” Her angelic voice made me feel warmth like no other and I nodded, tears of joy streaming down my face as I walked towards her, naked.The house had an eerie feeling around it, it was bright, yet dark. She smiled
ALVARO A YEAR LATER“Alpha— The Luna is in labour!” Dhruv announced and I jumped to my feet, filled with so much worry as I darted to her room.“No, Alpha you can’t go in—”“I must go in! I need to see HER!” I barked, filled with worry the moment I heard her loud cries. He’d be crazy to think I wouldn’t go in there.I was fretting badly and her agonised sounds made my heart ache.Dhruv held my hand tightly, refusing to let me inside and when I managed to push Dhruv away, the guards at the entrance stopped me from entering.“Dhruv, I need to be there! She’s in there, suffering.” I muttered, feeling very scared and Dhruv sighed heavily, holding me tightly.“Get a grip of yourself, Alpha. It’s wrong for you to be in there, I’m sure the Luna would be fine, please get yourself together.” Dhruv pleaded and the midwife dashed out.“The Luna has refused to push until she sees the Alpha!” The midwife announced, sweating profusely as she glanced around for
Ximena Six years later.Walking out of the pack house, I smiled softly as I made my way to the house. I was now one of the most respected female warriors and I owed it to grandmother.She had groomed me so well, it felt like I had killed my old self just to bring out this new person. The good in me had saved the Alpha eventually because I couldn’t stand seeing Xena in pain. He should forever be grateful for that.Although I still regretted not killing him.I wouldn’t be a monster like him and cause pain to Xena. Walking down the isolated path, I scented a different blood.It was fresh, vibrant and completely different from the dark ones that lurked around in the pack and I stopped.I turned around slowly, trying to figure out who was following me but I saw nothing and I turned around again. I took a few steps and concluded that something or someone was following me.“Who are you— Show yourself before I kill you!” I barked harshly and to my shock, a little boy walked ou
XimenaThe slap could’ve made the old me stagger in shock but I stood my ground, my teeth gritted with my hands fisted as I stared at Eloise with fury.“How dare you stare at the Alpha like that? Have some respect! He’s a fucking Alpha and you’re nothing but a guard, you should never look at him!” Eloise scolded and I scoffed with anger.She was the Alpha’s only sister and she behaved like she was the owner of the world. Everything about her reeked of pride and it was fucking disgusting to be around her. Her aura made my skin crawl with disdain.“Why did you come back? I’m sure you heard the Alpha was around that was why you rushed back.” She accused me and I scoffed, too bothered to even think of the Alpha who had already left.“I have nothing to say to you.” I replied as I turned around to leave but she held me back, making my anger triple.“Where are you running to? Are you going to run after him? Is this how desperate you are? You know nobody in this pack is going to be with you b
Alvaro“Alpha, are you sure about this? Do you think we should accept help from them? That pack is very dangerous— They have a bipolar Alpha—“ Dhruv’s voice was filled with concern and I sighed heavily.“There’s nothing I can do! My pack is in danger— My pack members have lived in fear for the past three years, they can’t live their lives in fear— I need to do something. I don’t care if they have a feral Alpha, as long as he can help!” I replied sternly, feeling angered that he was trying to dissuade me from choosing the most effective but dangerous way to save the pack.“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have crossed the line.” He whispered, bowing slightly and I nodded. He walked out and I slumped on the chair, using my hands to crease the worries out of my forehead.Going to the Shadow pack had been a very dangerous decision but just like I did what I had to do for my pack six years ago by rejecting my mate and getting mated to a woman of powerful background, I was going to give all it takes
Ximena I got up from bed the next day with a raging headache, I was still pissed from what had happened last night and the air that hovered around me was that of great anger.“Ximena, father did what he could, you wouldn't return home that’s why—“ Xena tried to explain as I made my way to the bathroom.“Really? That was the best way he could convince me? By lying and making me crazy with worry?” I retorted with anger.“You’ve ignored their words for six years, Ximena. They were desperate, they love us so much to lie just to get us back—“ She tried to explain but no explanation was justifiable for what had happened.“No. That was too extreme and I meant every word I said to them. I’m never returning back to the pack and I mean it.” I replied vehemently and I heard Xena whimper sadly.Not even her sad cries would make me go back, my mind is made up already. “Why? It’s been six years and not once have you felt anything after the rejection. The bond has been severed and even if you see
Ximena“I need to leave, grandmother. I’m very grateful for all you've done for me— I promise to be back immediately when I finish.” I vowed and she smiled, pulling me for a hug.“I’ll miss you so much, child. I know you have to go, it’s your destiny and not even a few years of hiding can stop it.” She replied and I furrowed my brows, wondering why she was speaking in parables now.“What do you mean?”“When the time is ripe, you will know. Take good care of yourself, I’m fine, you don’t need to worry about me, I have lots of people here with me. Focus on helping the pack.” She replied and I nodded, hugging her tightly while the guard announced his arrival with the honking of the car.“I love you so much, Grandmother. Thank you so much for making me the warrior I am.” I whispered softly, my heart melting into one big puddle of sadness as I let go of her reluctantly.Sluggishly, I made my way to the car but I couldn’t stop turning around to stare at her while she waved at me with a big
Ximena“Father—“ I broke into tears as I knelt beside him, unable to hold back the tears that were already flooding my cheeks.“I’m so sorry father— I— I’m back—“ I whispered, wishing he’d wake up and someone could tell me what was happening. I stared at mother for an answer but she was too emotional to speak and I turned to my brothers.“He was attacked when he followed you that night— The rogues attacked him.” Kushim whispered softly and my tears intensified.It was all my fault. I was being a big fool and now Dad’s life is in danger— I’m a bad daughter, I don’t deserve them.“Argh!” I yelled as hot tears gushed out of my eyes, the more, Xena was whimpering with agony but we both knew this was all my fault.“Dad, please— it’s all my fault, I was a fool— I should never have— Why didn’t anyone tell me!” I yelled painfully.“He warned us not to tell you— He didn’t want to bother you.” This only brought more sadness to me. He was the best father in the world, even in death, he was willi
XimenaI was facing alpha Alvaro in his office with a frown. I looked terrible because my hair was scattered, my eyes were red and I had dark spots underneath.I couldn’t sleep throughout the night because I couldn’t stop thinking about the Rogue king. “Ximena…”“I need answers, I want to know why Alpha Gonzalo and the Rogue king are after me. I need to know.” I replied, staring at him intently and he exhaled.“I’m equally confused. I don’t know what to think…”“I need a reason…” My voice softened. “The Rogue king has been terrorizing packs long before I was born but never for once has there been rumors of him trying to capture any wolf so he could mark her. What is it? Why am I suddenly wanted by multiple powerful men?” I was in utter confusion and he walked towards me, placing his hands on me.“I’m equally confused, Ximena. Nobody knows what the rogue king is thinking, he’s not telling his followers enough information and all we can do is try to catch him but that is proving to be
XimenaI was returning from the Shadow pack, driving through the empty road when I sniffed a different scent in the air.I had paid grandmother a visit and although I'd have loved to spend a full day with her, I couldn’t. Everything felt different, I knew it was outside of the packs but the air here was always clean, pure and nice but today it seemed polluted in a way.I couldn’t explain but there was a lot, countless things had changed. It bothered me more than it was supposed to.Maybe I was being overly cautious. “Xena… I don’t feel safe…” I whispered softly as I stepped on the pedals, increasing my speed.“Let’s try our best to reach the pack. Seems like something dark is lurking around but don’t stop!” She replied and I nodded, driving crazily.I was so close to the border when I saw a figure crossing the road. I slammed my legs on the brakes, my car screeching to a halt.The sudden halt made me jerk out of my seat but with the seatbelt holding me down, it was only my hair that
Ximena I couldn’t stop thinking about Alvaro, everything in the house reminded me of him. I decided to take the day off because I felt like a fool.Remembering the words I had said to him, my cheeks heated up, I was about to die of embarrassment on my bed.“Why the fuck would you say such words to him, Ximena.” I questioned myself.“Because you’re in love.” Xena replied and I rolled my eyes.“Oh please, not everything is love. Can you remember the sex I had with Mark, why didn’t you call it love?” I demanded.“Because it wasn’t love, it was because of your heat and it wasn’t good enough but Alvaro… Alvaro, girl you’re about to have the fucking best time of your life.” She exaggerated and I just shook my head slowly.“Ximena, stop trying to complicate things. This isn’t love, it’s more like attraction because we are always in compromising situations. I can assure you it’s anything but love.” I replied and Xena giggled.“It’s more than just attraction. You know it deep down but you pre
Alvaro I couldn’t stop staring at Ximena as she read a book to Juan who was slowly drifting to sleep. He looked happy, his eyes were glowing and for the first time in his life, he felt something so close to maternal love. I was so pleased. This was what a family was like and it fueled my resolve to make Juan experience family. I would stop at nothing until I made Ximena my wife and I knew it’d take nothing to him to start acknowledging her as his mother. I wanted to give him a mother so desperately, he deserved a big family. “Good night son.” I whispered softly as I placed a small kiss on his head while Ximena closed the book. She placed it on his small table and rose slowly, her face was flushed and I could tell that she was emotional. It was evident that this was her first time reading a book to a kid but she was so perfect at it. Motherhood was a lot but for her, it seemed like she was born to be a mother, to have kids and love them unconditionally. There was a lot of tensi
XimenaI saw her eyes flash with anger, her muscles tensed and she fisted her hand, her nails digging into her palms as she glared daggers at me.Her gaze was fixated on me, hostility visible and despite that she was quiet, her anger had spoken volumes already.“How dare you!” She snarled after a prolonged silence and Alpha Alvaro let go of me slowly.“What do you want, Emiliano?” He demanded as he stepped forward, his huge body shielding me away from her deadly glare.“Is this how you want to pay back Marie? Her son is lying on a sick bed, battling for his life and you’re here in the arms of your lowlife mate! What am I saying! All these are adding up! My sister was poisoned and now her son is facing the same thing. I think we all know who the culprit is here but you’ve been blinded already! Ever since she came into this pack, she began misleading you!” Emiliano yelled and I felt Alvaro’s muscle tense for a moment.“Emiliano, watch your words!” He announced lowly, a warning tone in h
XimenaArriving at the hospital, I was torn between going to search for Juan and leaving. I stayed at the reception and watched as everyone went by their business.I wished I could see Dhruv or any doctor who I could speak with before entering inside. I was trembling with worry and Emiliano’s words echoed in my ears.“Oh please, stop pretending. They’ve visited that restaurant numerous times but the very first time they go with you, Juan gets attacked. Do you want to tell me you have nothing to do with this?”“Are you really going to listen to Emiliano Of all people?” Xena demanded and I exhaled.“I’m trying not to but there’s nothing I can do. Since I came to the pack Juan had always been fine… Someone knew we were at the restaurant together and I’m sure the person is behind this. Someone is trying to make me take the blame for all these. And now I don’t know what the Alpha might be thinking…”“Alpha Alvaro isn’t like that. He won’t accuse you of something you know nothing about. If
Ximena I avoided eye contact with everyone immediately I entered the house, Alpha Alvaro had ended up walking with me to the house and everyone stared at me.I could feel their inquisitive gaze prickle my skin as I headed towards my room. “Goodnight mom.” I mumbled and they all burst into laughter.“All secrets will be revealed eventually, it’s just a matter of time.” I heard Aarav mumble, I almost scowled at him but decided to go to bed.“Let's give it time, how about a month or three weeks.” Kushim added as they both burst into laughter.I paused for a moment but continued walking.I locked the door immediately I entered the room and threw myself on the bed, exhaling deeply as I tried to calm my racing heart.My palms covered my face as my cheeks burned, I needed no one to tell me I was blushing.“What the heck is wrong with me? Family dinners now, what’s next?” I asked myself even though I knew the answer.I hit my cheeks softly, I tried to get alpha Alvaro out of my head but it w
Alvaro“Are you still worried about the rogue king?” Dhruv asked and I nodded. We were both in my office, trying to settle the ledger but I kept getting distracted.I couldn’t stop thinking about Ximena. She was in danger, she needed protection. “She’s in danger. I don’t know why but I can’t shake off the feeling, why do you think the Rogue king wants her? What about Gonzalo? Why does he want her? Everything is just too suspicious.” I replied as I stood up and walked towards the window.I searched for her among the guards and a smile appeared on my face when my gaze rested on her. She stood out in the crowd and my smile broadened.“Maybe because she’s beautiful… This is the only reason I can think of. She’s beautiful and she’s a skilled warrior, they want her to fight for them. I’m sure Alpha Gonzalo has tried to poach her.” I clenched my fists in anger.That bastard, he was too greedy and it infuriated me.“I don’t think it’s because she’s beautiful… She’s beautiful but there must be
Ximena The rogues attacked again and we were ready for them, the guards were all deployed and it didn’t take long before we overpowered them.From where I fought, I seemed to be getting only the most powerful rogues and much to my shock, they weren’t attacking to kill me, they were weakening my defenses.They kept attacking repeatedly, trying to make me weary and it got me worried. If they weren’t trying to kill me then they were torturing me before killing me.I found myself getting surrounded and as I tried to fight back, It felt like I was getting pulled away from the rest of the pack.Something was wrong, I could feel it and Xena was worried too. This wasn’t normal. No rogue would spare a wolf, except they had ulterior motives.I was slowly getting cut out of the pack and I began to holler, alerting the others and it was only a matter of time before everyone came to my rescue.They slayed the rogues and while the rest retreated, they were able to capture one who was filled with f