Chapter 2

Some guests had already started arriving before I was done cleaning the hall, all because I had to start over since Sofia messed up the whole place.

 Among them were Alphas and Lunas with their Betas from a neighboring pack, but the shame cut deeper when I recognized some of Stan’s friends showing up.

 They chattered and jeered behind my back, throwing insults at me as I wrapped up my cleaning, ignoring their stinging words

 “This filthy thing actually turned me down when I asked her to be my girlfriend—just because she was the Beta’s daughter,” One of them named, Daren, sneered.

 “How the tables have turned! Now she’s a slave, cleaning our chairs and bowing her head in shame!”

 “I bet she’s ready to spread her legs for any man who’d save her from this miserable life! Pity no one wants a disgusting girl like her anymore.”

 Their voices were loud enough, making sure I heard every word as they pointed fingers at me and laughed mockingly.

 I was finally done.

 Exhaling in relief, I hurried to leave, grabbing my bucket and cleaning supplies, but one of them grabbed my hand just as I reached the door.

 “What?!” I snapped, eyes wide and brimming with anger as I looked at the fool that held me.

 It was Daren, Stan’s best friend, the same one who used to pester me to be his chosen mate. He had promised to reject whoever turns out to be his fated mate just for me—stupid enough to think that would work on me.

 “What’s with that scowl?” he chuckled, his gaze lingering over me. “From the Beta’s daughter to this?”

 I hissed and tried to leave, but he tightened his grip.

 “I could help you out of this miserable life. It’ll be hell for you when Stan becomes Alpha. Ready to accept my offer now? Just know, it’d only be as a side chick, not a girlfriend.” He smirked.

 “I don’t need your help. Get lost!” I shot back, and he laughed.

 “Are you ashamed? I know you’re dying to leave here. I’m offering you a way out, Stinking bitch!”

 “I’d rather die than accept anything from you! The restroom’s over there; use it, because you are the one who stink with bad breath. Maybe that’s why you have no girlfriends yet! Help yourself!” I spat, and everyone in the hall turned to him, his face twisting in shame as he released my hand immediately.

 I walked away, satisfied, even though I knew Stan would punish me for this. But at least I’d managed to humiliate Daren.

 As I returned to my endless chores, hunger gnawed at me and my bones ached in exhaustion.

 They make me do everything here, relevant or not, just to deny me a moment’s rest or freedom.

 When the ceremony finally began, I was ordered back to my room as usual. They didn't want any of the guests to see me as I was like a taint to their name. The Alpha would constantly remind me of his shame and irritation in having me in his pack.

 It’s been a year, and I still can’t get used to the emotional torture, the abandonment, the constant reminder from everyone that I’m a potential murderer and traitor.

 They’re convinced I’ll follow in my parents’ footsteps one day no matter how good and obedient I tried to be

 Lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling as the painfup heaviness of my heart returned, haunted by memories of my parents’ doomed faces.

 Their hopeless, terrified eyes as they were betrayed by the pack they’d fought and bled for. My parents were loyal, ready to fight on the front lines against our enemies.

 My father bore scars from battle, even taking an arrow for the Alpha more than once. But I guess none of that mattered in the end.

 They weren’t even given a chance to prove their innocence, killed in disgrace and left hanging in the gallows for days as a warning to others.

 Whenever I think about it, my heart feels crushed. Someday, I’ll prove their innocence and expose the person who ruined my life. I really want to uncover the truth but whoever pulled that evil stunt on my parents did it so perfectly that I can't find any clue.

 My stomach growled, and I clutched it, grunting as I looked at the clock. It was past one; my meal should’ve come at noon.

 Were they really going to starve me today while there were feasts prepared downstairs? I’d been tortured by the aroma from the kitchen, but it was forbidden for me to go near.

 They thought I’d use any opportunity to harm Alpha or Luna or their son by poisoning, so I wasn’t allowed near the kitchen. I could clean everywhere else, just not there.

 I had only eaten once yesterday, and now it’d been up to 24 hours without food, despite all the tasks I was forced to do.

 Just as I felt myself drifting into sleep, a loud knock jerked me awake, filling me with hope.

 My food was finally here.

 Or so I thought.

 “Who is it?” I called, getting up quickly and heading to the door.

 Opening it, I found one of the omegas glaring up at me, empty-handed. My eyes darted around, searching for my food, but there was nothing.

 “What do you want?” I asked, ignoring her disdainful gaze as anger flared. It hurt so much to see even an omega looking down on me.

 “If I ever need help with treason, maybe I’ll come to you. Your parents must’ve taught you well before their pathetic end,” she sneered, her lips twisting.

 “If you have nothing to say, get lost before you regret it,” I snapped, gritting my teeth as my stomach clenched in hunger, praying someone else would bring my food.

 My whole body felt weak; I didn’t have the energy for her insults.

 “I can’t understand why you’re still alive. You’re a risk to everyone in this castle.” She shook her head, and I scoffed, remembering how she used to bow in respect and regard whenever I passed.

 “I can’t understand why I didn’t order your head on a platter two years ago, you foolish omega! When this is over, you’d better run, Lara, because I’ll make you pay for this.” I said in a threatening tone but she wasn't moved.

 She laughed, shaking her head in pity.

 “What’s keeping you hopeful? You probably won’t last two days when the new Alpha comes. Stan isn’t like his father, who respected what your parents did for the pack. Stan will make you regret every second of your life,” she sneered. I tried to ignore her words, but they sent shivers down my spine.

 She was right, though. My only option might be to escape if my mate doesn’t show up today.

 I know the punishment would be severe if I got caught, but I have to try. I can’t survive under Stan’s rule.

 “What are you here for? Trash talk? Go back to your omegas’ hut!” I hissed, about to leave when she said something that stunned me.

 “Stan wants you in his room. He said to come quickly,” she sneered.

 I froze, hoping it was a prank.

 “Sorry for delaying, just to make sure he punishes you for being late!” She cackled, flipping her hair as she walked away.

 Why would he want me in his room? Isn’t he at the banquet? I don’t get it.

 I kept wondering, and the only thing I could think of was that his friends had reported me. But he’d never asked me to his room, always calling me a curse and claiming I’d bring him bad luck.

 He claimed I stank and would pollute his space.

 “Why the change now? Or is Lara lying?” I thought, but I can’t risk it. If she isn’t lying and I don’t show up, things will be worse.

 I hurried up the stairs, my heart pounding as I reached the hallway leading to his room, fear growing with each step.

 “What does he want with me?” I took a breath, wiping my face and bracing myself. He’d never ordered me to his room.

 Why now?

 The question gnawed at me as I reached his door, only to find he wasn’t there. The guard said he’d gone to the banquet hall.

 That made it worse; he had dropped a message to the guard to tell me to meet him in the hall instead.

 I scurried to the upper floor where the hall was, dreading each step. Music and chatter spilled out from the hall, my heartbeat racing as I wondered what awaited me. I heard there were many important guests there, including the Lycan King.

 Was he setting me up?

 Only one way to find out—I had to enter.

 But as soon as my hand touched the doorknob, A rich, sweet scent flooded my senses, filling me with an intense, unexpected warmth.

 It was the smell of sandalwood and strawberries, soft yet powerful washing over me like a spell.

 I paused, transfixed as the realization struck.

 “My mate! He’s in there! We’ve finally found him!” My wolf, Lena, squealed with joy, her excitement surging through me.

 A spark of hope lit up inside me. “Maybe I was lucky Stan called me here,” I thought as I pushed the door open, my heart racing.

 But the moment I stepped into the hall, my breath caught. There on the stage, stood my mate—Alpha Stan—kissing his girlfriend, fully immersed and seemed not to notice my presence.