Chapter 5 Ron's Betrayal.

(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?"