(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 only am I mated to a werewolf, it's Jack, whom I've mated to. He's one of the strongest warriors in the pack, and with power."
I frowned, "Shut up, Alice, I don't wish to listen to you." I snapped, interrupting her not having the patience for her whining.
Alice huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "Why should I shut up? At least I have a mate, Ariel. I would rather not live in a rathole, and this is my way out. You can pretend like you're better than the rest of us, but we all know you're just scared."
I turned to face her, anger bubbling under my skin. "Scared? Of what, Alice? Of being owned by some werewolf who sees me as nothing more than a breeding tool? Yeah, sure, that's what I want—giving up my freedom for a ‘better life,' as you call it." I declared sarcastically, causing Alice to frown disapprovingly.
"You just don't get it, do you?" Alice shot back, her voice rising. "It's not about freedom. The werewolf is the ruling power; there is no freedom, only survival."
"Some of us want more than just scraping by in this rat-infested hellhole. I will be chosen, and if mating with a werewolf is the price, so be it. At least I'll be alive and live better."
"Alive but at what cost?" I snapped. "You think once you're mated, everything will be sunshine and rainbows? They don't care about you, Alice. You'll just be a tool for them, nothing more."
Alice narrowed her eyes. "And why do you care, Ariel? It's not like you're doing anything to change your situation. You act all high and mighty, break the iron laws like you're above it all, but what have you done? Nothing. You'll just end up alone and miserable."
I felt my jaw tighten, trying to keep my voice steady. "At least I didn't lose my freedom for a few crumbs of comfort."
Alice rolled her eyes. "You always think you're so noble." She scoffed and continued. "I do know that you're just as desperate as the rest of us. But the only difference is, I'm not ashamed to admit it."
"You know why I hate werewolves Alice…".
"Ariel," She immediately interrupted me, "I'll tell you this, once I'm done with the mating ceremony with Jack, I won't have to worry about you anymore. I'll be living in a big, beautiful house, and you can stay in your shack."
I shook my head, my voice lowering. "I just hope for your sake that you don't get abandoned when you're no longer useful."
Alice's face twisted with anger. "Don't pretend to care, Ariel. You never did. You're just bitter because you know I'm chosen, and you'll be stuck here, waiting for someone to throw you a bone."
Before I could reply, I heard the guards approaching, signaling the start of the selection process. Alice straightened up, smoothing out her clothes with a smug smile.
"I would love to watch your terrible fate unfold," Alice said, her voice dripping with arrogance.
But I was already walking out on her. I had bigger things to focus on. After all, this was the day I was going to escape this pack. I was finally going to leave this place with Vincent's help. I could only get excited about this thought though I was still nervous and anxious.
"With the werewolf rule there is no freedom for everyone." Alice called out to me, disrupting my thoughts as I walked away.
"Ron" I called out to him as I spotted Ron and walked towards him in the crowd. "Ron," I said as I touched his shoulder. He turned back to look at me visibly startled.
"Oh Ariel…" He said, turning to look at me.
"I'm sorry I startled you," After a long pause I sighed. "I'll be leaving today, Ron." I said to him quietly, trying to keep my voice calm.
His lips widened while he nodded, but something was off about him—he seemed more anxious than usual. His hands were fidgeting, and his eyes darted nervously as we talked.
I didn't think too much of it. My mind was set on one thing: Vincent and our plan. The signal was simple—I just had to wait for the gunshot, and Vincent would take me away from here.
"Alright then," Ron nodded and beamed an awkward smile. "Just make sure you're careful," He said, his eyes darting around.
"Are you searching for someone?" I asked following his gaze.
"Oh no… not at all," Ron smiled as he patted my shoulder. "Just be careful Ariel" He nodded, lowering his gaze.
He seemed to be not his usual self. He was awkward, and felt as if he was — He was hiding something. I took a deep breath and pushed my thoughts away. Maybe I was overthinking. It could be just him getting nervous since he knew I was about to leave. I smiled and patted his shoulder.
"It's time," I said, nodding at him and swallowing hard before walking off to join the queue of unmated females.
I walked to the back of the line to avoid running into many human girls and also in a bid to stall for time. Among the many girls who were going to undergo genetic testing today. Just as expected, I could hear the whispers and giggles from a small group nearby. Their attention was on me.
"Look who decided to show up," one of them sneered, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Her name was Kara, the self-appointed leader of their little clique. Alice was right beside her.
"Maybe she's hoping for a pity mate," Kara said with a laugh, her eyes glinting with malice. "But honestly, who'd want her? The werewolves don't need someone like her."
I shrugged, not paying attention to them.
The line moved slowly, each step bringing me closer to my fears. As I stood there, I spotted Mark. His face twisted into that evil smirk of his, the one that made my skin crawl.
I clenched my teeth. Mark was here to mess up the genetic testing and also, with the mind to imprison me. I wished I could punch him, but I just raised my hand and gave him the middle finger.
Suddenly, the crowd around me began to stir, whispers and uneasy murmurs spreading like wildfire. I barely had time to process what was happening when a guard stepped forward, his voice booming across the courtyard.
"There's a rebel among us!" he announced, eyes scanning the line. My heart clenched. Something was wrong, I couldn't lay my hands around, but I had that feeling in my heart.
Suddenly, I saw Ron being led out by two guards, his head down, shoulders slumped. My stomach dropped as he walked toward me, his eyes avoiding mine.
When he finally stopped in front of me, he pointed towards someone.
My face turned cold. Following his finger he was definitely pointing at me!
"Ariel," he said, his voice barely audible without even looking at me. "She's the one."
I froze, unable to comprehend what was happening.
"Ron? Ron? What happened?" My lips parted as I asked in surprise while backing away in disbelief.
Ron was the one who helped me hide, the one who knew everything? This couldn't be real. My heart cracked, pain slicing through me sharper than any of Alice's betrayals ever could. If anyone else had betrayed me it wouldn't have hurt like this, Ron!
"Why?" I whispered, my voice trembling, barely able to hold back my disbelief. "Why would you betray me?"
He didn't even flinch. His gaze was cold, detached. "I never agreed with your plan, Ariel. You were the one who always planned everything."
His words hit me harder than I thought possible. I felt hollow inside, like everything I had built—my hopes, my trust—was crumbling away.
"Do you mean this Ron? Did you have this thought all along? Tell me Ron!" My expression turned cold, and my eyes widened in surprise.
Before Ron could even respond, I saw Mark step forward, his wicked grin plastered across his face. Panic surged through me, but just as he was about to grab me…
A powerful presence swept over the crowd, and Mark was kicked aside like a rag doll. The force of it sent him flying, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud.
My jaw dropped in surprise, and before I could even register what was happening, I was pulled into a hard, unyielding chest. Strong arms wrapped around me, holding me tight, protectively.
The scent hit me first, and I stiffened as the voice rumbled in my ear, low and possessive.
"Mate."
My mind spun. Mate? What the hell was he talking about?
I could feel the heat radiating off him, the sheer power he emanated, but all I could think was that my worst fear had finally happened.
"No. This can't be happening. Are you fucking kidding me?"
(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
(Ariel's POV)I quickly walked through hallways towards the infirmary with a frown on my face. I had to speak to Ron! I wanted to know the truth. My heart told me that it was all a lie — Ron was lying.All what he said that day he should say it to my face if he meant them. I wanted to know if he actually meant what he said."It might actually be a bluff," I whispered to myself as I stopped outside the door of the infirmary. I took a deep breath as I pushed the door open cautiously.I peeked inside slowly to see Ron standing beside a table with his back to the door. I walked in and closed the door causing Ron to turn to look at me, holding some books in his hands."Ron!" I called out as we maintained eye contact for a brief moment.Ron's lips parted, "Get out," Ron snapped before I could even step forward again.I blinked, confused. "What?" I was shocked at his sudden outburst. "Ron, is this how you really feel about me?" I asked as I stepped forward, hoping I'd misheard."I said get o
(Ariel's POV)I leaned back, startled as I tried to hold his gaze, to look at him firmly without showing any fear, but I couldn't stop the slight shiver that ran through me. My voice felt small as I spoke. "I won't do that again." I swallowed hard.He didn't respond immediately, just studied me closely. He closely observed me slowly. Clearly enjoying the effect he had on me after a few moments that seemed to be like hours he gave a slight nod and went back to his chair.I watched his back as he walked back, as I let out a breath of relief. His expression was calm like nothing had just happened but to me, I felt the pressure was being lifted from my shoulders.Elijah sat down, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving me meanwhile I returned to my meal. I slowly tried to eat again, but it felt different now — my appetite had become sour. Still, I forced the food down, glancing up at him every now and then. I was glad that I still had something to eat.His aura from earlier had
(Ariel's POV)I hurried quickly to the location of the address Alice sent. As soon as I saw the address, I put a forced smile.That was the address of our old home, the place where we grew up. The place where we once shared everything before it all fell apart.Memories flooded my mind as I approached the familiar house, it was almost the same as it was before with only just a few renovations.The house stood there tall and standing, bringing back countless memories."Alice!" I called as I burst through the front door of the house. I stepped in and looked around, nothing much had changed, I found my way down the hallway, looking for Alice."Alice," I called out again as I stood in the hallway.Her voice, small and broken, came from the living room. "I'm here."When I saw her, I was shocked. Alice sat curled up on the couch, her face covered in bruises and dark purple marks across her beautiful pale skin.Her hair was a mess, tangled, as if she hadn't taken care of herself in days. Alic