(Ariel's POV)
Time: 2200, six days until the new round of genetic testing.
"Ugh…" I groaned as something scratched against my skin. Frustrated, I rubbed my face and turned to the other side, but then I felt the scratching again, this time on my neck. "Ah!" I screamed, sitting up suddenly, confused and frowning. "What the hell?" I yelled as I rubbed against the tickling sensation.
"Ariel." I flinched at the sound of Ron's voice and looked around, realizing I was in the town's hospital. Ron was frowning, his expression tense. "Did you hit your head? Did you forget what happened?"
I sighed, rolling my eyes as I accepted the water bottle Ron handed me. "I thought I was going to die."
"You were." Ron scoffed, his tone mocking. "You've been unconscious all night. You have only woken up just now. I thought you were dead, so, I decided to check whether you would wake up or not."
I shook my head, frowning as I muttered, "Thanks…" Hesitating, I rubbed the cool surface of the water bottle with my hand.
"You don't need to thank me. I'm practically saving your life every day." Ron rolled his eyes, pulling a chair up next to my bed, checking my temperature and examining my wounds.
"I'm fine now…" I insisted, trying to sit up.
"Sure, you are. But you'll just end up provoking the wolves again and get punished once more, which will worsen your injuries. Right?" Ron retorted sarcastically, as he forced me to swallow a pill.
He sighed and lowered his head. "When are you going to stop being so reckless, always walking the edge with the wolves? Do you know how much time you were out this time? You were close to dying! If it wasn't for me, you'd have seen the Grim Reaper at this moment."
I chuckled, taking a sip of water as I tried to change the topic. "Who brought me here?"
Ron sighed. "Who else? I was on my way home when I heard someone say a human was being punished in the punishment execution ground. I figured it'd be you. I had to wait until the crowd cleared before I could pull you out."
"Looks like I owe you my life again," I smiled.
Ron frowned and shook my head. "You owe me hundreds of lives by now, Ariel. Can't you be more like your sister—obedient and sweet?"
I clenched my teeth. "Don't mention that bloody traitor to me!"
Ron's face softened as he stroked my hair. "What happened this time?"
I pulled back, avoiding his gaze. "Nothing… Alice reported me for hiding banned books."
Ron's eyes widened as he stood up straight and began pacing. "Are you out of your mind? You broke one of the wolves' four ironclad laws!"
I gritted my teeth. "I wouldn't have been found out if it wasn't for Alice! She is a traitorous bitch!"
Ron frowned and shook his head. "Stop testing the werewolves' iron laws, Ariel. You would've been dead by now if it weren't for the upcoming genetic testing." I nodded, looking down again. "Don't forget the werewolves' four laws."
I clenched my teeth. How could I ever forget the four laws that enslaved humanity? Fifty years ago, when the wolves conquered our city, we were forced to memorize these laws. They were the first lesson we learned after learning to read.
Humans are not allowed to roam freely; they may only leave their designated areas from 9 AM and must return by 8 PM. Violators will be beaten and denied food.
Humans cannot read banned books. Any violation will result in public punishment.
Humans are prohibited from possessing weapons that can harm wolves. Violators and their entire community will face judgment.
Humans must undergo genetic testing to determine if they are compatible mates for wolves. Only wolves have the right to decide whether to mate with humans; humans have no say in the matter.
I clenched the bedsheet tightly in my fist. I would never submit to those wolves! They're nothing but heartless beasts!
"Ariel?"
I shook my head and turned to Ron. "Do you really accept all this—the werewolves' rule, even you, Ron?"
Ron was silent for a moment, his eyes drifting away as he reached for more medication.
Ron was half-wolf, half-human. His mother was human. When his father fell in love with her and forcibly made her his mate, she was already with another human. That's how Ron came to be. Eventually, his father didn't care about his mother and even him. It was as if they've never existed. His mother was so traumatized by everything that she committed suicide when Ron was only five years old. How could Ron not hate his heartless father, and these laws?
Back to Ron. Everyone in the pack knew him. He was despised by both humans and wolves. That's one of the reasons we became friends—I was hated by humans too, for being a freak who always spoke out against werewolves. And, werewolves never liked my guts from the beginning.
Ron! He was the biggest victim of all! How could he accept the werewolves' rule now? Even if no one else understood me, he should. I frowned, shaking my head. He should be able to understand me, and my actions.
"Does it matter whether I accept it or not?" Ron sighed, packing up some medicine.
I clenched my fist, frustrated by his resignation. I had to protect my friend. I don't know why everyone had submitted to them without even trying?
"I've been working on something new. Want to hear about it?" I asked, remembering my latest invention, trying to divert Ron's attention from this unhappy event.
Ron looked at me, silent for a moment, before finally asking, "Is it illegal?"
I shrugged. "I made a new weapon. It looks like a gun, but it shoots a sedative. For wolves, it's deadly—they'll die on the spot…"
"Ariel." Ron shouted, immediately rushing to close the door to the medical room. Once he ensured no one could hear us, he whispered, "Can't you stop breaking the rules? You almost died this time. Haven't you learned your lesson?"
"I'm still alive, right?" I smiled as Ron flicked my forehead.
"Next time, I won't care if you die." He poked at the wound on my neck, his tone half-joking, half-serious, and face, red with anger.
I knew he'd never abandon me. Ron was more of a brother to me than Alice ever was. He loved me and treated me like his little sister.
I smiled as I got out of bed. "Don't worry. I'll behave."
I wouldn't let them find out about my plan. I'm already under surveillance. I couldn't afford to act recklessly now. Otherwise, I might never have the chance to complete my goal—to overthrow the werewolves' rule. I had to stay under the radar, and be obedient. I can't let them catch something on me.
Ron sighed. "I can tell you're planning something."
"I just promise you, I won't be doing anything."
"Alright, alright. You should go. Just make sure not to get into any more trouble. If you behave and don't get into trouble again, you'll be fully healed by the time of the genetic testing."
I liked my scars—they kept other werewolves at bay. Even though I was twenty years old, no wolf had picked up my scent yet, which is why I'm still on the list of potential mates for the Wolf King.
All unmated females—human and wolf alike—under 25 years old had to submit their blood samples.
I sighed as I walked out. I was already late. I needed to get to work at the weapons manufacturing company. I couldn't be late otherwise, even this opportunity will be taken away from me.
I was the only unmated human to work at a company full of werewolves. I never thought I'd get such a chance, but I got it, thanks to someone.
During a weapons design class, I showed off my talent, catching the attention of Mark, the mate of a wolf beta who was there scouting for talent. He's also a human.
Compared to women, men who become mates to female wolves lead a much better life.
But Mark never became arrogant. He held a high-ranking position and broke through all the werewolves' opposition to choose me as a designer.
I'd always be grateful to him. It's made my life better—at least I don't go hungry anymore. With money, I can buy more of what I need, like bribing the librarian. That's how I got my hands on banned books.
When I arrived at the company, the other wolves taunted me over my recent punishment, mocking me for not accepting reality. However, Mark stepped in, stopping the harassment before it got worse.
He led me to the target range, where I put on my headphones and started testing my designs. Everything went smoothly. Mark praised my work.
I thanked Mark for looking out for me over the past year. Despite becoming a wolf's mate, he still respects humans, not like my sister, Alice. She betrayed me the moment she got mated to Jack. I would rather not remember her, but Alice's thoughts repeatedly roamed my mind. I sighed in frustration as I looked at the clock. It was time for me to leave.
As I collected my today's paycheck and prepared to leave, Mark stopped me.
"Ariel!" I turned to look at him when he gave me a smile, and hesitated. "Do you want to get mated tomorrow…?"
I flinched, my mouth widening, and I couldn't hide the displeasure on my face. "I'm not interested in that, Mark." I was ready to leave when Mark held my hands.
"It's not like that. It was foolish of me to ask the question when I already knew the answer." Mark said, glancing down before he again looked up at me with a smile on his face. "I have gotten my hand on a new potion." I raised my eyebrows, not understanding what he meant when he explained further. "One that can mask anyone's scent completely. Even if it was the Alpha King himself, he couldn't find his mate."
My eyes sparkled with excitement as I turned toward him wide-eyed. It meant, even if I was mated to a werewolf, I wouldn't be found by him. The corners of my lips crooked up before I try to hide my excitement again.
"Y—You're willing to help me?" I questioned in disbelief before I added again, "So, what's the catch?"
As Mike's lips curled upward, a shiver ran down my spine. HIS CONDITION WAS OUTRAGEOUS!
(Ariel's POV)Time: Year 2200, five days until the next round of genetic testing.I glared at him with the corner of my eyes as I fumed with anger, and a gush of disgust ran down my body.Mark smiled and pulled up my chin, "What do you think about my proposal?"I gritted my teeth and tried to shake him away but his grip only tightened. "You're the perfect candidate to be my surrogate."I looked away, scoffing. "Let me go; otherwise I'll report you for cheating."Mark laughed aloud when I flinched, and he approached me closer. "Do you think anyone would believe you? You're the slave, and I'm the owner."I bit my lips while clenching my fist as I glanced down. It hurt me, but this was true. There was no one who would believe me over him. He was the rightful owner, mated to the Beta."Don't you feel ashamed to cheat on your mate?" I gritted when he pulled me closer."She's barren, and fret not, you'll be nothing more than a surrogate to me to bear my child. You're the perfect candidate f
(Ariel's POV)My face turned pale as I turned to look at the door. My palms were slick with sweat, and my thoughts raced. I glanced at the clock on the wall; it wasn't even 8:00 p.m. yet.Ron, standing beside me, shifted nervously, his eyes flickering between me, the strange man and the door, a bit panicked."Go hide now," I looked around and pointed towards a dark corner of the room, telling the stranger to hide. When he hid in the corner, I threw a large blanket over him, concealing him. Then I turned to look at Ron, nodding at him.Ron swallowed hard and went toward the door. As he rushed to open, my breath caught in my throat as a thousand worst-case scenarios played through my mind.The door swung open.The Alpha's guards stepped in immediately, looking around the room."Good day, Misters. What do you require?" Ron stepped back, allowing them in. Ron lingered his eyes around the room, trying to check if he was hidden perfectly when I nodded at him, reassuring him.My heart throbb
(Ariel's POV)Time: The day of genetic testing.It was the day of the genetic test. It had, of course, come faster than I wanted it to and this filled my heart with a mix of dread and anticipation.Alice stood there, showing off the mark on her neck, proudly showing it off. "Ariel, I hope you get chosen."I looked away in anger and disdain when Alice laughed and reminded me, "You'll be dead otherwise.""If a human doesn't get picked, their fate will be miserable, you do know that." Alice replied as she turned to look at me. "As your sister, I hope that you can get mated, Ariel," she scoffed, causing my lips to twitch in anger.I stood there wondering why she wanted the mark so badly. It was true that the mated females were treated slightly better than the animated humans, but to me, they were still being used. Used by the werewolves for breeding, they were nothing more important to the werewolves. Only used as a breeding tool. And, I never wish to be used as a tool for breeding."Not
(Ariel's POV)My heart raced as I reached into the pouch of my dress. My hand fumbled around instinctively and found the gun.My new invention!My fingers trembled as I gripped the cold metal. At the same time I was heartbroken. Ron's betrayal hit me like a dagger to the heart. I had trusted him, believed in him, and now that trust shattered, hitting me with a hard blow.My finger hovered over the trigger, but before I could pull it, I felt an overwhelming force wash over me. It felt like an invisible pressure, pressing down on me."Stop," A voice echoed in my ears. My heart began to pound, and my pulse seemed to increase at the same time, my mouth became dry and my bones stiff, I couldn't move an inch!"Stop this!" The voice continued to echo in my head as I forced my eyes open.There he was standing tall and hovering over me. His presence, so powerful and dominating, sent a wave of cold crashing over me. "Stop this farce, Ariel," he commanded, his voice thick with authority.I froze
(Ariel's POV)"Strip," Elijah commanded with a grin on his face. I glanced away from him when I suddenly felt the pheromones swallowing me. It was different this time. It was gentle and addicting, like a drug, making me lose my mind.I gulped."Strip, Ariel." He repeated when I slowly took off my bra and dropped my panties. Elijah grinned and grabbed my hips, carrying me to the bed.He sat down on the bed and placed him on his lap. "Have you ever ridden a horse?"My cheeks turned hot, and I couldn't understand what was with his sudden question. Frowning, I nodded, slightly annoyed and confused. "So this is somewhat similar. Roll your hips against me." I blushed when he pulled me toward me. I took a deep breath and tried it, rocking my hips, I felt his cock shift deep inside.A strange feeling, tingled inside my body and I could feel my slits turning hot and warm as Elijah continued to guide me. I didn't know why, but I couldn't stop. I couldn't help but follow his commands."That's it
(Ariel's POV)In The Punishment Execution Ground.The rope dug into my wrists. No room to twist, no space to breathe, and the weight of the chains were suffocating. My back pressed against the splintered wood of the cross, and this time… I was not alone but with all the humans living in the pack.All tied in ropes beside me."Rebels!" A werewolf yelled at us.My heart throbbed in fear as I watched them. I was the only one who broke the iron laws. The only rebel, but the other humans had been dragged into my mess. They were being punished for my actions. Alice was beside me, silent, trembling, her face pale as she fired me a sharp evil look."It's all because of this darned bitch," I could hear the humans curse me while they were trembling and staggering in fear."Ariel," a voice growled from behind me, low and mocking. The Alpha King. Elijah. His boots crunched across the dirt as he stepped closer, his face expressionless.I clenched my teeth, staring straight into his eyes. "You want
(Elijah's POV)I watched her, lying there unconscious, and for a moment, I allowed myself to take her in. Her petite body, so delicate, looked like it could break under the slightest pressure, and yet she had been strong enough to stand against me.That alone pissed me off. I wanted to hate everything about her, to despise the way her dark hair framed her face and fell in waves around her shoulders, but I couldn't. It drove me insane. My heart throbbed to look at the direction of her.Her rejection, the way she resisted me, infuriated me more than anything. But as much as I hated her audacity, I couldn't deny how stunning she was. Those blue eyes—when they weren't glaring at me—were like shards of ice, cutting and beautiful. But when she glared, even though I hated her resistance, I was unable to resist them — the fire in her eyes.It was as if every part of her was designed to push me to the edge, to make me want her more. I had never felt like this. This was the first time I felt. F
(Ariel's POV)I woke up rubbing my eyes with the back of my hands, sleepily. My whole body ached. I stretched my body as I tried to sit up. I had probably slept in a bad position.I squint my eyes momentarily stunned."Where am I?" I muttered as I looked around and all the shameful memories entered my mind. It was the room Elijah took me in yesterday, the same room that we—I clenched my fist as I shook away my thoughts when I flinched. Suddenly, I felt something cold and tight around my neck. My fingers ran across it— a necklace?Why was a necklace put around my neck? I didn't understand why but there was something suspicious about it.Why put a necklace around my neck in my sleep? I wondered as I pulled at the necklace trying to pull it off, but it wouldn't budge."What the hell? Why isn't it coming off" I wondered as I pulled at it again."I wouldn't do that if I were you," Elijah's voice came from across the room, cold, but with a hint of amusement.I froze, visibly startled.My f