Chapter 6 Confronting Destiny

(Migumi's POV)

I hid myself behind the stranger as the pack of werewolves chasing after me emerged from the shadows. Their eyes were glowing red and filled with malice as they slowly surrounded us in a perfect circle. But to my surprise, they didn't attack. Instead, they halted at the edge of the clearing, growling low in their throats, even Alpha Cyrus who soon followed didn't dare to come near.

It's almost as if there's an invisible circle that hinders them from attacking us completely.

Confusion knotted my brow as I pressed myself closer to the stranger. Why aren't they attacking? There's only two of us against twenty of them. They are highly trained warriors, they could easily rip us if they wanted to.

I glanced up at the stranger, searching for an answer.

There wasn't the slightest hint of fear on his face. He's just standing tall and strong in front like a hard wall ready to shield me. His eyes were fixed to the snarling werewolves around us. How can he stay calm in this kind of situation?

"I said, I am taking my mate."

My lips parted at his response to Alpha Cyrus.

The series of gasps from the werewolves surrounding us tickled my ears. I looked at the stranger's face with wide eyes. I thought I was just hearing things when I heard him said that earlier.

A—Are we actually...

"You must be mistaken, Prince," Alpha Cyrus insisted, his voice steady but strained.

Prince? I felt my breath caught in my throat as the realization hit me. This man was no ordinary stranger. He was a werewolf prince!!!

And that explains their noticeable fear and respect for him. The reason why they won't attack even if they can. How am I just realizing that now?

"I have known her for three years, Prince Aiden. She has been with me ever since I found her wandering alone in that dark forest. I understand that her beauty has captivated you, just as it did me. But you must understand, I cannot let her go. She belongs with me, and I must take back what is mine," he declared firmly, locking eyes with the werewolf prince.

His followers had already bowed their heads in respect, but he remained stubborn. I know that behind his composed exterior is a monster waiting to be unleashed.

I can't let myself be imprisoned in his pack again.

He would go as far as crippling my legs to ensure that I wouldn't be able to escape his pack.

I cling my hands into the werewolf prince's arm.

It seems like I have forgotten about the weight of his royal status and all I can think about is how he is the one who can save me from this place.

To my surprise, the prince held my hand that was holding his arm. I blushingly looked at him. This isn't really the right time to feel butterflies in my stomach right now but can you blame me? Our connection seems to be incredibly deep.

Now, I’m starting to think whether he’s actually my true mate or not.

"Take back what's yours?" Prince Aiden retorted coldly. Alpha Cyrus's gaze went down to our intertwined hands.. I looked away when our eyes met. "I was late and it took time to meet my mate, but it doesn't mean that she belongs to you.”

The cruel Alpha chucked insultingly. It was obvious that he’s starting to lose his temper.

“Let’s turn this small matter into something serious, Prince. All I need is for you to lend her to me and this will be finished.”

I squeezed his arm frightenedly.

He’s not actually going to give me to him, right?

“SHE IS MY FIANCE!!!” he roared, sending shivers down my spine. His eyes turned red upon reaching his breaking point, while Prince Aiden remained steadfast, unaffected by his anger. Alpha Cyrus squeezed his eyes shut as if to control himself. “Being a werewolf prince doesn't grant you carte blanche to do as you please. You have no right to take Migumi away from me!”

With an anxious heart, I watched how Alpha Cyrus desperately tries to persuade Prince Aiden to return me to him.

I don't understand why he’s so obsessed with me. I don't believe that he wants me back because he wants to marry me. He already said himself that I’m just a mere accessory he could replace for as much as he pleases.

Then, why is he so determined to have me back when he can just find another toy to play with? Does he really want to torment me until there's nothing left of me?

“I will never return to you,” I spat, my words dripping with defiance. Alpha Cyrus’s face darkened, his facade of control slipping as his fists clenched at his sides. But I refused to yield on my fear from him any longer. “I will never come back to a pack led by a tyrant like you!”

I don't know where I got the courage to speak to him like that. All I know is that I feel safe especially now that my supposed mate is beside me.

With each passing moment, I found myself drawing strength from his unwavering presence. So, this is what it feels like to have a mate?

“A tyrant? Your allegations are baseless, Migumi,” he firmly denied. I scoffed in disbelief. He really thinks I would still stay silent from all the cruelty he has inflicted upon me?

I’m far done being his plaything.

Without second thoughts, I revealed all the bruises on my arms. Some of them are still raw. Some were still raw, others had faded into scars, but all of them were undeniable proof of his abuse.

“How will you explain this then? These bruises didn't magically appear on my skin,” I challenged.

I saw how his face darkened at my brave attempt to reveal the truth. I saw his face darken at my bold revelation. Droplets of sweat formed on his forehead, a sign that maintaining his composure and lies was becoming difficult.

At that moment, I felt like I’m finally winning against him. It was the first time that it took him a long time to answer my question.

Am I finally cornering him?

“A lie!” One of his followers stepped forward. “The girl is lying…” he claimed.

Before I could even respond, another follower stepped forward to testify on his behalf. “I have been serving Alpha Cyrus for years and he never once raises a hand against an Omega, let alone a female one. Is this how you repay the Alpha’s kindness after he saved you? Slander him?” he slurred.

His Beta, Marcus, shook his head. “Alpha Cyrus has always treated anyone with respect no matter their rank. Do you realize the consequences of damaging the reputation of a respected Alpha, Omega?” he warned.

I looked at them with mounting frustration. I clenched my fists as soon as I saw Alpha Cyrus’s smirking face. They were never going to betray him.

“You're all protecting him,” I said, my voice breaking slightly.

It looks like the truth would stay hidden beneath the lies of his loyal followers who would do anything to protect him.

I am never winning against him.

Beta Marcus was about to say something again when the cruel Alpha raised his hand to dismiss him. “I understand your frustrations, Migumi, but your accusations hold no weight here,” he said quietly. “Let us not disturb Prince Aiden further and just come with me.”

I felt a surge of helplessness as they attacked me with their words of denial. It seemed like the evidence on my skin wasn't enough to prove his cruelty against me. Their unwavering loyalty to Alpha Cyrus will forever cast doubt on my claims.

“Maybe, you have gotten into an accident and decided to point your finger at our Alpha to hold him responsible,” a female werewolf accused.

“That's absolutely ridiculous!” I snapped, irritation lacing my words. “And even if that is true then why didn't your Alpha bring me to the pack healer to aid my wounds? I thought he fancies me?”

The sarcasm in my tone wiped off the smirk on his face.

“Stop slanderi—”

Beta Marcus wasn't able to finish what he was saying when Prince Aiden stepped forward. They immediately lowered their heads to show respect.

“I have heard enough,” he coldly said. He pinned his eyes to Alpha Cyrus. “Of course, your followers wouldn't dare to testify against you, Alpha. So, don't expect me to fall for their testimonies. I’ll make sure that your actions won't go unpunished. I will report everything to the Werewolf court.”

I gazed at the werewolf prince’s hand that is currently holding mine, its warmth offering a sense of security to me.

Alpha Cyrus smirked. “You must be confused, Prince Aiden,” he said monotonously. “And our Migumi seemed to have forgotten her place. It looks like I might have to remind her. And I know just the way to do it.”

I felt my heart pounded to the weight of his words.

“Tara would be saddened once she finds out you left,” he said meaningfully.

My eyes widened in horror.

N—No…

Leave Tara out of this!

I hastingly covered my wounds, letting go of Prince Aiden’s hand. He looked at me puzzled. I didn't bother looking back at him in spite of his eyes longing for an explanation.

Maybe, we aren't really destined to be together as mates.

Without looking back, I took a step forward, leaving the puzzled werewolf prince behind. Tears glistened in my eyes as I saw the carving smirk of triumph in Alpha Cyrus’s lips.

He won again.

“Migumi…” Prince Aiden’s voice trembled in pain.

I felt my heart clenched as I felt the mixed sadness and confusion beneath his voice.

I’m only starting to realize how delusional I am for thinking that I could escape the ruthless Alpha Cyrus and live as a mate for the royal werewolf prince. Even if he adores me as much as I do to him, society will never accept an Omega as his mate. The disparity of my status and that of a prince will forever be a hindrance to be his mate.

With a heavy heart, I turned to face Prince Aiden with teary eyes. I gave him a miserable smile.

“I, Migumi, reject Prince Aiden as my mate.”