All the characters, places, ideas or events mentioned in this book are purely fiction and does not relate to any living or dead. All the story settings and other elements are purely my imagination and fictional. If you see any resemblance they are unintentional.
The story contains dark and mature themes such as violence and sex, so if you are uncomfortable with such topic please refrain from reading.
Stealing of my work/any idea will serve you severe punishment as plagiarism is a severe crime.
All rights reserved
San 2045
2021
***
Part 1
The border was visible. I could see the ancient oak tree. Wiping the sweat off my hairline, I looked over my shoulder. Loud thunderous claws slapped against the ground, crunching the leaves beneath as they chased me. A groan escaped my lips. The pack won't go further than the border, and I knew that the tree would be my shelter if only I could get to it in time.
Just as one of the wolves was closing in, I made a hard turn, jumping over a fallen tree.
My attackers were faster and stronger, being alphas and betas, but I was agile and experienced. Being on the smaller side had some advantage. I knew how to dodge, take sharp turns and hop over obstacles faster than Alphas and Betas.
Just then, a scarier wolf almost took a bite off my leg, claws sinking deep, which made me fall on my face.
"Ahh!" A sharp pain took over my right leg.
My step faltered for a second while I glanced down at my calf. Blood poured out of a deep gash created by lacerated nails. The burn made my eyes water. I could sense the wolves closing in with no intention of slowing down.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. Adrenaline coursed through my body which I used to get on my feet, and sprinted.
I barely made it.
Almost running against the gigantic trunk, I turned around and stopped dead in my tracks. If the wolves crossed the border, then I will be dead within seconds. There was no way I could power through the pain in my leg and the fire burning in my lungs any longer.
I almost cried from a weird mix of joy, relief and exhaustion when I saw the menacing wolves stop abruptly, so much so that they pile onto each other in a mess of limbs and confused barks.
I fell to the floor and clutched my leg with both my hands, leaning on the sheltering tree, desperately trying to catch my breath. The pile of Alphas and Betas slowly disentangled themselves, allowing the leader to walk through.
"If I catch you lurking on our territory again, I'll rip your head off, is that clear?" His voice boomed around, so deep and intense it made the ground underneath me vibrate.
With a jolt, I woke up and looked around only to realise that I was in my room. My chest heaved, breaths coming out in a gasp as I tried to swallow. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself few seconds to breathe, basking in the morning sun. Few strands of hair clung to my sweaty forehead.
It was that damned dream again.
I don't even remember why I can't stop having the same dream. Who are those people? And why do they keep chasing me?
People in this world are classified into three classes—Alphas, Betas and Omegas. The Alphas are on top of the chain and are considered a superior breed in every aspect. Betas are second in command. Then comes my weak race—Omegas. We are only seen and not heard, treated like breeding machines and sex slaves to Alphas. Only high-class elite Omegas are given respect. Alphas and Omegas have a higher chance of producing a Pure Alpha (someone who inherits all the dominant genes from Alpha); they mate with omegas. Mostly Betas and Alphas get married.
No one cares for a pathetic weak omega like me. It's not my fault I'm an omega; I mean, what's so wrong about it?
A sigh left my lips the more I thought about it.
Nothing good ever comes out of thinking about it. Pulling the sheets away from my body, I stood on my feet. My morning bed has to be made before I step out. Or else my mother will starve me for the entire day.
Once my room was spotless, I closed the door behind me and descended the stairs.
"What about this one?" My father's voice echoed in my ears as I stood on the edge of the stairs. I held my breath, trying not to get caught.
My sister is twenty one, and she's going to need to get married, following the tradition.
"No, he's nearly thirty, Frank" My mother chastised. "That's a bit too old for my daughter. Cara needs an attractive, rich and a Pack Alpha. This guy doesn't fit any of it. He looks rough."
"Well, he's an alpha, dear. We're all a bit rough," My father's tired sigh could be heard.
They have been going at it for a few months now, trying to find a suitable Alpha for my sister.
"Oh, come on! You wouldn't hurt a fly," My mother snorted. "You're not as tough as you want people to believe. Cara is a bit sensitive. I don't want some tough alpha to scare her away. She needs someone a bit gentler."
"And what about our Rose? She needs a mate to settle down as well."
My cheeks flushed at the mention of finding a mate to settle down. How do I tell them that I already found the one? The one who treats me right and distracts me from all the sorrows and pains in my life. Before I could show myself out, my mother's sharp voice pierced my ears.
"You had to ruin my mood! I don't care about her," My mother huffed. "Besides, who will do our work if she is married off to someone? Think Alpha!"
Tears pooled in my eyes. How can she be so cruel? I almost thought of sharing my news with them.
"Mary, that's enough! She's our daughter too. We should think about her after all; she's only a year younger than Cara."
I roughly wiped the tears dribbling down my cheeks, sniffing softly. Blinking back the tears, I purposely made a sound with my feet and coughed before stepping out. Two pairs of eyes watched me as I silently made my way to the kitchen. A lump was lodged in my throat, so I didn't even bother to greet them.
"Good morning, Rose" My father's gruff voice made me halt.
I looked over my shoulder and nodded at him.
My mother twisted her lips. "Look at her attitude! She doesn't even bother to greet us anymore."
"Mary, can you please not start? It's early in the morning. She just woke up."
"Whatever" My mother rolled her eyes before diverting her attention to the stacks of file laid out on the table.
They continued talking as I slipped past them
into the kitchen. Hunched over the counter, I washed my face with cold water and sucked a sharp breath. I won't cry again. Keeping that in mind, I turned to carry on with my daily routine—making breakfast for everyone.
***
As soon as I was sure that my parents left for their evening tea with the neighbours, I sneaked out. My sister was not home yet. Cara was currently studying Economics at the most prestigious university in our town. Her classes went up too late, seven in the evening. I had no idea how that worked because my parents thought high school education was all I need.
"Rose!" Someone yelled my name from afar.
Turning around, my lips curved in a wide smile as I spotted him. My Alpha—Zain. He waved around, his eyes radiant and glistening against the street lights. The reason we didn't meet at my home was my parents didn't like Zain at all. In high school, we were friends, but they detested his family.
It became challenging for us to meet after finding that out, but Zain found a way. We have been meeting at the same spot for the last four years, sitting on the same bench till it was late for both of us.
"Hi", I shyly smiled, sitting on the empty bench and making space for him.
His eyes travelled to my face, gaze narrowing before he exhaled. "Did you cry again?"
My mouth dropped open, and my hands immediately flew towards my face. How did he find out? I made sure to wash my eyes as well.
"Your eyes" He licked his lips. "They tell the truth even if you don't."
I averted my gaze instead of focusing on my old sneakers resting on the grill. Sometimes I hated when he did that. Then again, Zain knew me too well, and it's impossible to hide anything from him.
He tilted my head in his direction, his thumb lightly tracing my cheek. "One day. I'll take you away from all of this"
Hope bloomed in my chest. The only reason we were not telling anyone was my age. At twenty-one, I would find out if Zain was indeed my Alpha or not. Sometimes people get lucky and end up with their boyfriends. Other times they have to go on with their mate.
Zain was waiting for the same thing. We decided that even if we were not each other's mate, we would stay together. That's why he was working double shifts to take me away from my family.
"And I'm counting on that."
The rain pounded against the glass windows of the train carriage in heavy, persistent droplets. I found myself gazing out of the window on a bitterly cold morning. The foggy hills and cattle enclosed by the fences passed me. As soon as we slid in the train, I took my position and curled up in the corner seat of the carriage. I sipped the steaming cup of tea clutched in my hand and watched the tendrils of steam rise, fogging my glasses.A sigh slipped out of my lips. This is a daily occurrence for me. Maybe I should talk to my father about the lasik operation Zain told me about. He wanted me to get rid of my glasses. Not that I had any problems with them, but he liked me without them.Our luggage - with all of the one-day belongings packed tightly inside - rattled as the train slowed down to allow more passenger
I closed my eyes walking indoors, but once hit with the warm atmosphere and my mother nudging me; I opened one eye at a time. A gasp escaped my lips at what I found.The room was exactly like that of in movies, everything I loved and more. The interior was elegant and very modest at the same time but it was impossible to notice everything at once, but I tried. The floor was covered in the softest furs I concluded could ever exist. My toes purposely wiggled their way in, not used to such a luxury. The walls were armoured with the exquisite colour of blue with loopy and angular gold threads. My hand almost reached out to touch the nearest wall when I heard my fathers greeting."Welcome to my village."At the gravelly and rough voice, I whipped my head in the direction of the sound. Goosebumps prickled at my skin
/His POV/The white noise of the forest suddenly made me aware of the surrounding. My Alpha ears stood at attention, a slight twitch in my nose. I flicked my tongue out to wet the tip when my eyes fell on the butterfly.A carefree giggle escaped my lips. At the age of five, I was fascinated with everything colourful, just like other pups. My paws smacked onto the ground as they tried to catch a butterfly fluttering around me. I wanted to grab it and hand it over to my father. That might cheer him up and make him laugh like me.From the corner of my eyes, I noticed someone approach me slowly. It was a giant wolf. My eyes shifted around, searching for ways to escape. Alphas don't run away from a fight, my father said, but long wolves scared me easily. They could easily tea
"Enjoy the ride, Rose," The deep voice mumbled against my ear, and it caused shivers to run through me. Long fingers reached up to tuck a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. The touch had felt amazing and something I had never experienced.The Alphas fingers carded through my hair, and his eyes tried to find mine. Goosebumps rose over my skin, and my nerves were overwhelmed with sensation."That's it," The Alpha cooed while his hand started to explore my bare body. It felt so amazing as his hands joined in, sliding over my bare chest. My entire being was buzzing from the depths of his touch. I followed one of Aiden's arms up to his shoulder, and the skin there felt just as smooth as it appeared.&nb
I rushed to my parents as fast as my feet could carry, feeling guilt envelop me at their embarrassed faces. My sister, Cara, was also avoiding meeting my eyes, focused on the Alpha beside me. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I settled on my father's side."Again, we are so sorry on behalf of Rose" My mother sincerely bowed her head towards the Alpha Aiden. When she met my eyes, her teeth gritted together.Mary had a short temper. Something everyone in the house was aware of, and they walked on eggshells around her.My father nudged me, his eyes wide. I nodded my head, turning around towards the Alpha. His attention was focused over my shoulder instead of me. "Yes, I'm truly very sorry about...it."
/His POV/At the mere age of eight, I crept down the hallway, avoiding the creaks in the flooring. Growing up in the packhouse, I knew every nook and corner like the back of my hand. The door was creaked open so I leaned against the nearest wall beside the room, eavesdropping on the conversation for a few minutes at first.There was only the sound of my father and an unfamiliar man's voice conversing in a hushed voice which didn't really surprise me. After all, it's supposed to be a business meeting. My father asked me to stay in my room until they were done with the meeting.I tried my best to be discrete, peeking around the corner, my eyes searching out for my father's familiar face. That other man
With a heavy sigh, I eased myself out of bed and cracked the stiff joints in my neck and back with a roll of my shoulders. I glanced out the window of my bedroom, frowning at the fresh blanket of snow dusting over the trees.It was the first snow of the season, and it was earlier than usual—a shiver through my spine.From the corner of my eyes, I glanced at the pills on the table. My head was pounding, I couldn't feel my fingers, and everything hurt, but I knew this was exactly what the pills did.Nausea bubbled in my throat the more I recalled how my mother forcefully shoved them in my hand. I wouldn't say I liked the new pills that sat dry and heavy on my tongue.But I had to tak
"Rose", I heard my father's voice sounding so far away. Raising my head, I raised my brow, taking into his features. He appeared older and wiser than actual age, the lines on his face more prominent, his face looked dull against the walls, lips twisted. "We have already informed the pack council of Cara mating ceremony to Alpha Aiden. Make sure everything is running smoothly."Right. The pack council. I swallowed the lump in my throat. That felt like a final nail to the coffin. Pack Council is the body of people, mostly elder Alphas, who look after the adjoining packs. Before any huge event or ceremony, they must be informed for their blessings considered to be a gift.I was so tired. These kinds of arrangements have been going on for a while. My mother included me in every small decision regarding the marriage
As the winter bled into spring, the sky grew more explicit and the clouds turned bright, unlike the gloomy days we had so far. I was nostalgic seeing the snow gone, but spring was a time of rebirth, a new beginning that I eagerly welcomed.Striding down the aisle, I twisted my head, staring at the faces that gazed at me and smiled. There were Alphas, betas, and omegas everywhere, and every single one of them sported an expression of joy and pride. Never in my life did I expect that this day would come, but it's happening.In the very front row, I spotted my father, my chest tightening painfully. My stepmother passed away a year ago, finally succumbing to her illness. Cara, along with her husband, had visited her in the last few days, but she humiliated both of them, not wanting to see their faces. I received the same treatment in the past, but still, it sadde
/Aiden's POV/Everything hurts. That's the first thought that dawned on me as I slowly drifted into consciousness. My hands twitched helplessly, and even though I could flutter my eyelids, they felt too heavy to open my eyes.My chest felt strange, uncomfortable sensations filling it up and throbbing in my ears, alongside horrid sounds that made it impossible to concentrate.I tried to open my eyes, just a little, and it's bright, blindingly so. It had been peaceful and dark seconds away, then an intense pressure in my chest made me hit the ground.I realised I was on a bed, covered by a thick duvet, sunlight spilling through the open windows at the opposite side of the room, so bright that it
/Rose POV/As soon as the dull thud echoed around the woods, it sent a searing pain through my skull. I was unable to move, taking a few more seconds to process that Aiden was on the floor, unconscious.With my sight going fuzzy around the edges and limbs twitching and shaking uncontrollably, I tried to work my muscles. Once that was under control, I put my body weight onto the palms, which burned and felt numb at the same time.Standing up, my chest lurched, and soon after, my stomach jumped violently. A fit of loud coughs escaped my lips, throat constricting, instinctively curling in."A-Aiden..." The sting was sitting deep inside as I finally scrambled forward, heart hammering
/Aiden's POV/My world stopped at that moment, mouth dropping open in shock, breath knocked out of my throat. I could feel the heat of my skin, feet automatically staggering back in the process. The people in front, the trees surrounding us, everything went blurry, a rush of memories surging through me, and suddenly I remembered.That strange encounter in the forest, his mark on my body and a promise to find me soon, those dreams with blurred faces and deep voices. It all made sense now."I-Its you..." My throat was burning, words jagged and breathy, tears were in my eyes. "Ronald," I uttered the name with so much venom that it made him chuckle. At the familiar sound, my hackles rose, goosebumps pricking.
/Aiden's POV/I had no idea what was it that woke me up. Suddenly, I was sitting up in bed, the sheets sliding off my chest along with my mate's arm and every last bit of fatigue that had been clinging to my body. It's still dark, no light shining in from outside and no ray of sun pouring inside.Instead, the window was still wide open, puddles of water covering the ground right in front of it.I slipped from beneath the duvet and got to my feet, mind-wiped blank and steps steady but languid as I made my way towards the window. When I looked ahead, far away in the distance, a hint of light on the horizon stared back at me, a line in the darkened sky.For a moment, I soaked the silence around me, the chilly a
/Aiden POV/I didn't know where I went wrong in my life. No. I was aware but did not want to acknowledge it for the sake of my mind. However, the problem is that I cannot change anything now. Staring into Slyvies desperate eyes only made me realise how much of a fool I have been.Rose was right all along. I sent her away in hopes that my guilt towards Sylvie would ease. When in reality, she's a pawn from Reece side, thrust into my life for my failure. Even though she had no choice but to surrender to fate, I couldn't help the resentment gnawing in my chest.I would never be able to trust her on anything again. As harsh as it may sound, I did not want to be fooled by her again.
A frown settled on her face, the hold of her hand loosening around my wrist. "Why? Do you not like chicken curry?"I let out a chuckle at her child-like pout, running my thumb across the plump of her cheek. "No, it's not that, baby. I love anything you make except for that pasta.”A squeal escaped her lips and she slapped lightly at my arm as if recalling the incident. Even though I almost died, it’s fun to tease her that the first dish she made gave me an allergy. The omega gets truly flustered every single time.“Don’t remind me of that ever again.”“Alright.” I fondly rolled my eyes.“Tell me why don’t you want
/Aiden's POV/Damon insisted on calling his mate to inform her that we were leaving for the clinic. I asked him to tell Rose about my location, not wanting to worry her. Along with my beta, we both stepped inside the room, finding Slyvie on the bed.The doctor bowed as soon as he saw, greeting politely. I waved at him, my eyes flickering towards the frail body of the omega. My heart clenched at sight, guilt swarming in my belly as I recalled the way I behaved with her in our past meetings. I should have given her another chance to explain instead of letting it go."H-How is she now?" I croaked, turning to the doctor, my hands falling by my side.
/Aiden's POV/To distract myself after the near depressing talk with my father, I decided to visit the training ground. I silently leaned against a tall pole while observing the guards shoot with a bow. Their targets were dead birds carcasses strapped up in a low hanging stand, and the goal was to hit either three or four within a few minutes.Crossing my arms together, I watched as one of the guards shot an arrow—with the wrong technique, of course, it missed and flew feet away from striking any bird. I could sense the tension in the air that vibrated in waves from the guard from being observed. With the war looming over us, we had no choice but train.I felt sick to my stomach as I watched him completely mess up the whole process.&nb