Chapter 2

Chapter 2 — Aria's POV

Mate.

Why did I say it out loud? Me, Aria Ravenshadow, the pack omega, claiming the Alpha as my mate? Maybe I've gone insane.

Jaxon's gray eyes lock onto mine, and it feels like I'm sinking. He looks even better close up – Nyx, my wolf, is acting crazy. She's howling and clawing, desperate to be closer to him.

But then his face changed. The shock fell away, replaced by a cold and hard expression. My heart had soared a moment before and now sank to my feet.

“What did you just say?” Jaxon's voice was low and menacing.

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. The pack was silent around us, all holding their breath.

Jaxon moved a step closer toward me, and I instinctively moved a step backward. My mind was filled with memories of the constant disparaging remarks Jaxon made when I failed in tasks, debilitating chores he handed out to me, and how he looked through me as if I did not exist.

“I. I.” I stuttered, my voice little more than a whisper.

“Speak up, omega,” growled Jaxon, looming over me. His scent-pine, leather, and pure alpha-overwhelmed my senses.

“I said, mate,” I managed to squeak.

A cruel laugh bubbled up from Jaxon's chest. “Your mate? Me?” He turned to address the pack, his voice full of disdain. “Do you hear that? Our little omega thinks she's worthy of being an Alpha's mate.”

The pack's response was instant. There was open laughter, furious whispers between those standing near each other. I saw a few sympathetic looks, but quickly masked.

Beta Marcus took one step forward, a nasty grin spreading across his face. “Sounds like the runt's is delusional, Alpha. Perhaps we've been too easy on her.”

Jaxon's eyes flashed at Marcus' words. He turned back to me, and I flinched at the anger I saw there.

“You dare to claim me as your mate?” he snarled. “After everything, after all your failures and weakness, you think you're worthy of standing by my side?”

Each word hit like a blow. I wanted to run, to hide, but my legs did not seem to listen to me. Nyx was confused and whined, not understanding why our partner was pushing us away so strongly.

“I. I'm sorry,” I whispered, the sting of my tears welling up in my eyes. “I didn't mean to… I just felt.”

“Enough!” Jaxon boomed, and I jumped a mile high. “I've had enough of your lame excuses. You want to claim me as your mate? Fine. Then renounce it. Right now, in front of everyone.”

I stared at him in horror. Renounce the mate bond? But it was real, I had felt it! How could I deny something so powerful, so right?

But as I looked into Jaxon's cold, furious eyes, I realized I had no choice. He would never accept me. And the small glimmer of hope I felt when I first caught his scent fizzled away to nothing.

“I.” My voice broke, and I had to start again. “I withdraw my claim. Alpha Jaxon is not my mate.”

The words tasted like ash in my mouth. Nyx let out a pained howl, and a deep part of me splintered and shattered.

For a second, I thought I saw the spark of something in Jaxon's eyes-pain? Regret? But it was gone in a flash, and I must have imagined it.

“Good,” he snarled, his voice hard as steel. “Now let me make this crystal clear to all.” He raised his voice so that the entire pack could hear him. “I, Jaxon Blackthorn, Alpha of the Shadowmoon Pack, reject Aria Ravenshadow as my mate. No real Alpha could ever be mated to such weakness.”

The world swam around me, agony lancing through my chest. I gasped, falling to my knees as I felt the bond shatter. Goddess, it hurt so damn much.

Through tears, I saw Beta Marcus approach Jaxon and lean in close to say something in his ear. The darkness in his expression deepened even further.

“It would appear,” Jaxon said, his voice cold, “the omega needs reminding of her place. Perhaps you all have been too lenient in my absence.”

Soft murmurs of agreement fell around the circle. I held myself tightly, fighting to hold back cries begging to spill from my heart.

“Starting tomorrow, Aria will be adding some responsibilities to her list. She is in charge of cleaning my quarters, added onto her usual duties. And to make sure she knows the gravity of what she has done. And if she fails to complete her responsibility, she will be punished and given less food.” Jaxon said.

Shocked gasps and cruel laughs run around the room. I couldn't fathom what was being said. Less food? I was already struggling to keep strong with the little I got!

“Do you get it, omega?” Jaxon's voice cut through my terror.

I silently nodded, too scared to utter a word.

“I said, do you understand?” He snarled, moving a threatening step closer to me.

“Y-yes, Alpha,” I stammered. “I understand.”

“Good,” Jaxon replied, turning from me dismissively. “Now get out of my sight.”

I jumped up, almost falling over, I was hurrying away from him so fast. Tears obstructed my view as I ran down the halls, ignoring mean remarks and laughter chasing after me.

I ran to my small room and slammed the door shut. Only then did I really cry, sliding to the floor as my body shook with sobs.

How could I have been so foolish? To think that someone like Jaxon could ever want me? I was nothing, less than nothing. Just a weak, useless omega who would never belong anywhere.

Nyx whined, trying to nuzzle me to offer me comfort, but I pushed her away. Her instincts had gotten us into this disaster. If only I had kept my mouth shut, if only that surging feeling hadn't.

When my sobs reduced to little gasps, a chilling realization washed over me. I couldn't stay here. Not after this. The pack had been cruel before, but now? Now it would be insufferable.

I pulled my old backpack from underneath my bed with trembling hands. Inside, all I had was a few pieces of clothes, a refilled water bottle that was worn out, and some snacks I had put aside. It was not much, but it would have to do.

I discard my soaked, clothes and I put on my thickest sweater, my only good pair of boots

I was leaving the Shadowmoon Pack.

It was actually a pretty frightening concept. I had never been alone; what if I couldn't make it? What if some rogues find me?

But the more I thought about having to face Jaxon and the rest of the pack tomorrow, having to deal day in and day out for the rest of my life with their cruelty and disgust. I knew I didn't have another choice.

I carried my bag, took one last look at the room that had been my prison for so long. Then I walked silently into the hallway.

The pack house was quiet now; everyone had gone to their rooms. I held my breath as I tiptoed past Jaxon's quarters, praying to the Moon Goddess he didn't hear me.

Finally, I reached the back door. I hesitated a moment. Was I really doing this?

Nyx nudged my consciousness, her presence warm and reassuring. For once, we were in total agreement. It was time to go.

I opened the door and stepped silently outside into refreshing night air. Before me stood the forest, dark, full of secrets. I inhaled deeply, enjoying the smells of pine trees and soil.

“Goodbye, Shadowmoon Pack,” I whispered.