"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.
I wasn't sure when I had lost my clothes entirely but couldn't protest when Aiden seemed intent on touching every inch of my exposed chest. A moan slipped out my lips, and my hips pressed up into the contact, begging for more. My senses were overloaded, and I loved every second of it.
Aiden mumbled something, and his lips began a journey down my long slender neck. He moaned into it, and the sound felt terrific, making my toes curl. His mouth hovered right above my hardened nipple. The Alpha blew a cold breath causing a shiver to rack down my spine. He bought his hand towards my chest before massaging my breast, his thumb inching towards my pink nipple.
Aiden pinched and rolled the bard nipple in between his fingers, tweaking on it. I arched my back, a low moan slipping past my lips.
"Please..." I slurred, my eyes rolling back. What was I begging for? I had no idea, but I wanted to feel more of it. As if he read my thoughts, the Alpha leaned in and took my nub in his mouth.
My hands immediately tangled in his thick hair, abdomen clenching at the sensation spreading all over my body. Pleasure thrummed in my veins as he slurped and sucked the nipple in his mouth.
"Rose?"
The voice startled me from my dream, and my eyes snapped to the source that stood in front of me. I blearily blinked my eyes, adjusting to the sudden brightness in the room. The woman in front of me had a white blonde sphere of curls framing her face. Her wig contrasted so dramatically that my attention was captured, and I stared for a little too long.
"Where am I?" I looked at the unfamiliar room, my breathing still erratic from the dream.
"This is a guest room. After you went into heat, Alpha Aiden carried you here."
My eyes widened at that. I almost forgot about that embarrassing incident. How did I go into heat so suddenly? It wasn't supposed to happen until next month.
"And uh...who are you?"
"Oh, I am the pack doctor here."
"A pack doctor?"
The woman shyly nodded. "You can call me Emma."
"How are you feeling now?"
"Surprisingly, not in heat."
"That's because I gave you a suppressant shot."
I sat up, sober. My voice raised to a high pitch, near-hysterical level. "A what?"
Where were my parents? Did they abandon me in such a strange place? I had no idea how to go back to my village.
"You need to relax."
"I am relaxed!" I yelled. "What did you give me?"
"A suppressants shot. It immediately calms the omegas in sudden heat and postpones it. There's nothing to worry about."
"I, um–" I stuttered and tried to divert my eyes, but there was nothing to look at, no excuses to ramble off. "Thanks"
"Your next heat will be a lot strong. So I advise you to have an Alpha to help you through it."
My cheeks flushed at that. Even though Zain and I have been together for a while, we didn't go past kissing. Both of us decided to wait till I turn twenty-one.
"Umm...sure."
"I'll take your leave then." The pack doctor smiled.
"Thanks again."
***
I walked out of my room, straight to the lawn, which was no more than a few feet of green between the steps and the sidewalk. There were messy flowers planted along the edges, which confused me even more. Where were my parents?
There was a swell of noise as I hurriedly rushed inside and took a sharp turn. I decided to follow the sound. Climbing the steps towards the door, I hesitated, unsure of exploring the packhouse that wasn't mine.
Then again, I had no option. It was essential to find my parents.
Taking a step forward, I felt a strong presence following me. The hair on the back of my neck stood up in attention.
"What are you looking for?" A deep voice startled me from behind, hot breath humid right up against my ear with the words. Spinning around, I came face to face with a tall Alpha who didn't seem to take his eyes off me.
Unlike before, he was dressed in a grey tank, exposing his muscular arms and hair falling over his face. Sweat glistened over his chest, the mark evident all over his tank.
Aiden raised his brow at my silence. Why did he have to find me of all people? My cheeks reddened as I thought back to that dream. It wasn't very comfortable to recall. Not only that, but I went into heat right in front of him, on his couch, where he picked me up. The flush crawled down to my neck the more I thought about it.
"Uh?" I just stared up at him, taking in the shoulder-length curls and glossy eyes, his curved lips. The way he stared at me caused my insides to clench.
The Alpha Aiden gritted his teeth. "What are you doing here?"
"Umm...my parents..." I croaked in a barely audible voice, hands folded together. For some reason, I couldn't speak out my mind in front of him. As if a spell had been cast over me.
"Will you speak up?!"
I jumped at his tone; my eyes clenched tight. He had a very short temper. Clearing my throat, I repeated my earlier sentenced, which didn't appease him. Did he enjoy intimidating me?
Aiden pinched the bridge of his nose. "They are waiting for you. Come on"
"O-Okay"
The Alpha muttered something under his breath as he walked in front of me. I kept staring at his muscular back, my mouth watering as he flexed with each step he took. My hand almost reached out to touch him, but I held out. It must be because of the heat.
Suddenly he came to a halt, looked over his shoulder. "Earlier when you went into heat...did you do it purposely?"
My lips parted at that. How could I have predicted it? What was he trying to say? It all happened so suddenly. Why would he ask me that? Anger simmered in my stomach; teeth gritted together. Only because I'm an omega, he asked me that. He's no different than all the Alphas I've had the misfortune to encounter in my life. I opened my mouth to answer him when he shook his head.
"Forget I asked"
***
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
"I thought you might be here."I jolted and turned to face my sister. My eyes were bloodshot red, bags under them and my face swollen. Ever since Zain broke up with me, I couldn't sleep, my free time spent on thinking about him. He made it clear that nothing left between us, erasing all the messages and blocking my sister's number."Sorry I didn't hear you coming."Cara made a sound. "No, seemed like you were preoccupied." The smile fell from her face, inching closer to me, narrowing her eyes. "How long have you been here? We were looking for you."I decided to get out of the gloomy room and bask in the sunlight. The reason why I stood in the balcony, leaning against the railing with my
/His POV/My father, the Pack Alpha, was sitting in his study, busy reading something. His glasses sat on his nose, brows furrowed together. From a distance, I could still pick out the silver of his hair, dull and thin. I knocked on the door even though he might have anticipated my arrival. He lifted his head, closing the file and motioning me to step in."Hi, dad.""Aiden" He smiled brightly. "I heard that you had finalised your Luna."I laughed, plopping on the empty chair in front of him. "Word gets around that fast, huh?""I'm sorry I caught the end of your conversation." He sheepishly pointed out.
The packhouse appeared larger than the last time I had been here. A soft exhale left my lips as I thought about how it'll be my home soon.My parents were already seated in the lawn along with others waiting for my sister. They asked me to help her out with the dress and the long veil."Rose?" Cara tightened her grip on the bag."I'm ready to leave."She was going to run away and hide for a while with her mate. They have planned everything. I had no idea about any of it, only that they were leaving the village and going far away till everyone calmed down."Good luck, Cara."Her eyes pooled with tears. She rushed
A sob racked through my body in the strange-looking room. I was all alone again—no one by my side. In few hours, the official ceremony will be over, and I will be Luna of the pack. But the Alpha hated me. What was the use of having such power anyway? A fresh set of tears flowed down my cheeks the more I thought about it.Everyone was busy arranging the site we would worship the moon goddess. Wolves are believed to be children of the moon. That's why we worship the goddess that created us on every significant occasion. Apart from the moon, the wolves also worship the elements—water, fire, air and earth. We believe that these elements, along with the moon, sustain us.A knock echoed in my room. Lifting my head, I stared at the Pack Alpha s
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