chapter 1

Luciana's Pov.

“Happy birthday to you!!!”. Grandma Roseline screeched as I stepped into my room. She sent for me earlier,but was bewildered when I saw her holding a cake that literally looked like a cupcake. She outstretched her hands toward me with a dashing smile on her family,the only family I'm proud of having by my side.

“Thank you grandma”.

“You're twenty today!”. She replied,as she placed the cake carefully on her desk,her eyes boring into mine. I was reluctant to take the cake from her and she knows the reason. I turned eighteen two years ago and yet there was no trace of my mate,I couldn't even shift neither do I have a wolf.At first I prayed silently to the moon goddess for a mate,that would take me out of this dark crescent dark,even if he wouldn't do that at least I won't be wrapped in Alpha Xavier fingers.

“I'm proud of the woman you're”. Grandma said as she held my hands,her gaze fixed on me. Her words were genuine,I doubt if the thoughts of me not having a wolf disturbs her.

“Thanks grandma. I appreciate all you do for me”. I replied with a sad smile on my face, trying hard not to let the threatening tears fall from my eyes.

“You shouldn't worry about having a wolf Ciana, you've been of great significance to the pack and I would say this over and over again that I'm proud of you!”. She confessed, squeezing my hands gently.

“I'm thrilled to hear that grandma. I wish to shift soon and find a mate…..”

“What if you don't?. I mean you're a weak omega who was picked in a bloody street years ago!. What if you're meant not to shift or mate? Huh?”.

Her question is just like a dagger that pierced through my chest, leaving wounds which would never be healed.

“Grandma……”. I called, choking in my own tears my voice barely above a whisper.According to the stories I was told, Sinclair Vilkas the grandson of Grandma Roseline picked me up in a street where a massacre had happened. I was just eight when that happened with no memory of my own.Getting to the pack I was named Luciana Vikas bearing the same surname with the alpha.

Sinclair Vilkas is my best friend and someone I could count on. He makes sure I'm okay in the pack, always there for me when I need him the most. I have always wanted to be with him, forever to be by his side and help him fulfill his goals as the future alpha of the dark crescent pack.I'm scared if it's ever going to happen when I'm not shifted yet.

“Ciana”. Grandma calls softly, bringing me back from my reverie,her voice soothing yet deceptive.

“Yes grandma”. I replied, swallowing the growing lumps in my throat. I tried to retract my hands from hers,which was interlocked but she squeezed it tightly,not giving me a chance to do so.

“Your face is etched with sadness and it makes my heart bleed.I have a birthday party that will start in minutes. I want you to be well dressed and presentable. Who knows that would make you feel better!”. She said, wiping the tears off my face, while I averted my gaze from her,my chest rising and falling.

“I will be out soon. I will be in my best dress”. Even when I don't have any presentable dress to put on. I have lived all my life as an omega, bearing the alpha's name doesn't change a thing,I have always been bullied by the pack Omegas, despite doing the same work I was belittled.

“Don’t embarrass me,be of good behavior”. Grandma smirks coldly before letting go of my hands, exhaling the breath I never knew she was holding in.

“I will grandma…..do as you say”. I clamped my eyes shut with my head hung low.

“I will leave now ... .be out in minutes”. She patted my shoulder frantically and exited the room. I sighed in relief as I sat on the bed,with its bedspread at the edge. I looked at the birthday cake which grandma had left behind,she would have left with it,I don't need it in anyways!.

“I had to act fast,I wouldn't want to be sent for”. I muttered as I dashed into the washroom to have a soothing shower,grandma had told me to be presentable for the birthday party without wanting to know if I actually have a good dress to put on,thanks to omega uniforms I would literally choose my favorite from it!. After having a soothing shower,I packed my waist length hair in a bun before putting on a sleeveless red sequined gown with it's length above the knee.

I put in a flat black cover shoe,which was given to me as a gift by Sinclair on my eighteenth birthday. That was the last gift I received from him,he must have been disappointed that I didn't shift after my eighteenth birthday.

I exhaled deeply before smiling brashly at the poor cake on the desk.I'm certain it won't be there before I come back,other Omegas whom I'm sharing the room with would literally devour it.

With a satisfying look on my face I stepped out of the room and headed straight to the living room where I knew the birthday party would take place, that's if it hadn't started.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on me the moment the living room door swung open,it was decorated with balloons,with men and women screaming dominance and power eating and cheering themselves. I hung my head low with my legs fixed on my spot,I couldn't step an inch any further with my heart beating inhumanely,I really need to leave this environment,I wish I could.

“Happy birthday Luciana, thanks for being you”. A voice said deep and calm,making me look up sharply,it was Sinclair with Celia by his side, Celia, alpha Damascus daughter. My heart sank into the pit of my stomach,I held the hem of my gown more tightly. They look good together but I won't admit that,I want Sinclair all to myself,to be my alpha and my mate. I have loved him all these years, wishing to be his…..but he has an Alpha's daughter by his side,with an alpha blood in her veins,he might end up choosing her over me.

Celia is the second daughter of alpha Damascus of the stone moon pack, she's known to be resilient and fierce, she's a vampire hunter and a warrior. She's also the alpha's favorite because of how strong she is!.

“Thank…. you…Sinclair…”. I replied,my voice shaking. It still feels like a nightmare,a nightmare I would like to wake up from,a nightmare I would never wish to have again until I'm gone…. but it's not…. it's reality.

“Listen everyone!”. Sinclair said, calling everyone's attention,with his hand still locked with Celia's. An envelope of silence traveled through the room with everyone's eyes fixed on him and Celia.

He clears his throat and continues “Today is one of Omega's birthday. A special Omega to my father. That's why you all are here….”. He paused and looked at me,I'm sure he must have seen how clouded my eyes were,with tears.

“You all are invited to celebrate with her”. Everyone clapped after he was done with his speech,some were giving me a scrutinizing gaze, while some were eyeing me suspiciously.

“Why would the alpha celebrate an Omega's birthday?”. One of them asked curiously, giving me a disgusted look.

“Because she's the alpha's favorite omega!”. Grandma replied, smiling triumphantly. I wondered what would make her smile that much.

The alpha's favorite omega?. But I was treated like trash, especially in the absence of Sinclair!.

I smiled sadly, before nodding my head in agreement to what Grandma had said,I had to accept it even when it's not true.

“Come on darling. Go around and greet the guests”. Grandma says softly, before shoving me gently to her front. Pain erupts through me as i unintentionally looked at Sinclair,Celia kissed his lips gently,with her hands caressing his face.I sniffed before going to greet the guests just as I was instructed.With one knee on the floor,I shook hands with the few that wanted to,others avoided me like a contagious disease.

Without waiting for grandma's instructions,I left for my room with my heart weighing down my chest,I felt betrayed,used and humiliated,each step filled with exhaustion and sadness.I slumped on the bed with hot tears streaming down my cheeks,I wished I could end this….end everyone and be free from pains!.

I clamped my eyes shut and curled my petite body on the bed,my heart bleeds so much,tears kept on ticking down my cheeks,I felt my world shattered.

A knock came through the door, making me fly my eyes open.

“Who's there?”.

“Sinclair”.