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 POV—“Ximena, would you please pass the clothes?” Mother asked, waiting for me to pass the pile of laundry.“It’s sunny and the best time to do the laundry.” Mother muttered as I passed the pile of clothes to her. Mother was a housekeeper and with a smile, I put the clothes in the basket, holding it as we both headed outside.The moment I took a whiff of the air, the basket fell out of my hand. “Ximena—“ Mom was shocked as she turned to me and I began panting heavily, my heart was racing and it felt like I was having a panic attack only that this was better.It was indescribable, serene and beautiful. My heart was skipping countless beats and I felt my legs taking a few steps away from mom.“Ximena— Are you okay?” Mom demanded but I could barely hear her now because something else was drumming in my ears.My heartbeat was drumming loudly in my ears and before I could say jack, I felt my wolf stir up with delight, she was purring loudly and wagging her tail with delight.I had
Alvaro“Check the daughters of the nobles and see who has a lot of connection and power. I want someone powerful, then announce to the pack that I have found my Luna.” I ordered my Beta immediately he entered my office and he froze, his eyes widening with shock.I had been sitting in one position for more than fifteen minutes, the scene at the market still playing in my head because I was still in shock.I’d have the same reaction too if I hadn’t experienced the mind wrecking moment in the market.“What! Chosen mate? Alvaro— You swore you’d never take a chosen mate while your mate was still alive— You swore you’d wait for an eternity to find your mate—” Each word sent daggers through my heart, the last time I felt such pain was a year ago .“Alpha, what’s wrong?” Dhruv, my Beta and best friend asked, he could see the huge gloom in my eyes.“Are you okay Alpha? Is there a problem— Did you receive any threat again?” He asked and I shook my head without a word.“I’m fine—” I said, soundi
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 throa
Alvaro“Check the daughters of the nobles and see who has a lot of connection and power. I want someone powerful, then announce to the pack that I have found my Luna.” I ordered my Beta immediately he entered my office and he froze, his eyes widening with shock.I had been sitting in one position for more than fifteen minutes, the scene at the market still playing in my head because I was still in shock.I’d have the same reaction too if I hadn’t experienced the mind wrecking moment in the market.“What! Chosen mate? Alvaro— You swore you’d never take a chosen mate while your mate was still alive— You swore you’d wait for an eternity to find your mate—” Each word sent daggers through my heart, the last time I felt such pain was a year ago .“Alpha, what’s wrong?” Dhruv, my Beta and best friend asked, he could see the huge gloom in my eyes.“Are you okay Alpha? Is there a problem— Did you receive any threat again?” He asked and I shook my head without a word.“I’m fine—” I said, soundi
XIMENA POV—“Ximena, would you please pass the clothes?” Mother asked, waiting for me to pass the pile of laundry.“It’s sunny and the best time to do the laundry.” Mother muttered as I passed the pile of clothes to her. Mother was a housekeeper and with a smile, I put the clothes in the basket, holding it as we both headed outside.The moment I took a whiff of the air, the basket fell out of my hand. “Ximena—“ Mom was shocked as she turned to me and I began panting heavily, my heart was racing and it felt like I was having a panic attack only that this was better.It was indescribable, serene and beautiful. My heart was skipping countless beats and I felt my legs taking a few steps away from mom.“Ximena— Are you okay?” Mom demanded but I could barely hear her now because something else was drumming in my ears.My heartbeat was drumming loudly in my ears and before I could say jack, I felt my wolf stir up with delight, she was purring loudly and wagging her tail with delight.I had