Maxine.
My life was never easy. My mother died giving birth to me. My father wanted a son.
However, that didn't stop him from giving me a proper upbringing. He hoped I would grow up to inherit his strengths. That wasn't the case.
And now, after failing to transform and having no Alpha, he has accepted me, he has finally given up on me.
Despite how much I begged, he turned a blind eye to me.
"Well, well, well." My new owner, Alpha Liam, entered the room. He had his Omegas toss me into a dungeon. No, a dungeon was tidier than this place. I was basically treated like trash.
"Are you enjoying your new home?"
My lips were glued tight as I was overtaken with fear.
"When I ask you a question, I expect an answer!" His thunderous voice startled me.
"Y-yes, sir."
"Good," He snapped his fingers. "That's enough training for now, you can move to a better room." Apparently, he's giving me the carrot and stick treatment.
Alpha Liam - People revered him as a powerful dictator who was in love with the thrill of a hunt. Battles where most would consider the option to retreat, he merely viewed them as an opportunity.
Why would father leave me with a man like him? The Omega's led me to my new room. It wasn't a luxury, but it was a thousand times better than the last one.
The last time I went through such an embarrassing and dreadful moment was during my childhood.
My father tortured me when I was just twelve years old. All because I was late for my training session. Since then, I have never been late again.
But this pain, it cut deeper, it was a pain accompanied by abandonment. It carved a larger wound in my already scarred heart.
"Give it dinner." Alpha Liam ordered his omegas before shutting the door, leaving me to my own misery.
I huddled against the cold walls, tears mingling with the darkness that enveloped me.
He didn't even refer to me as a person. "It", he called me.
I cried, and cried, and cried until I was dried out of tears. I was so tired I didn't realize when I dozed off, not caring to touch the morsel of food that was shoved into the room.
I was treated worse than a prisoner.
When I opened my eyes the next morning, a small glimmer of hope flickered in my chest. Maybe everything that had happened so far was just a nightmare, and I would wake up to find myself back in my old life. But as reality set in, I realized that this was my new normal. The surrounding silence was deafening, amplifying the emptiness that hung heavy in the air. Time seemed to lose all meaning, disappearing into the abyss of my solitary confinement. All I could feel was despair washing over me like a tidal wave.
I found myself existing in a state of suspended animation, unable to move or think beyond the confines of the cold and sticky ground beneath me. It was as if my world had shrunk down to nothingness, leaving me alone with my thoughts and fears. Despite the overwhelming sense of hopelessness, I knew deep down that I had to keep going. This wasn't the end - it was just a new beginning, and it was up to me to make something out of it.
As I lay there on the ground, contemplating what lay ahead, I felt a newfound sense of strength rising within me. No matter what obstacles came my way, no matter how dark things might seem at times, I knew that I had what it took to overcome them. With each passing moment, I felt more determined than ever before to rise above this challenge and emerge stronger on the other side.
So even though despair threatened to consume me whole, I held onto hope with all my might. For as long as there was even a glimmer of light left in this darkness, there was still a chance for me to find my way out and into a brighter future.
I existed in a state of suspended animation, my world was reduced to the confines of the cold, sticky ground beneath me.
I ate cold and stale bread, the bed was hard and rough, and it caused my back to ache.
With the passing of every moment, I was constantly reminded of my vulnerability in this desolate place.
The icy tendrils of loneliness wrapped around me, suffocating any semblance of hope or comfort.
Every heartbeat echoed with the resonance of solitude, a relentless reminder of my isolation. The shadows danced mockingly, casting eerie shapes against the cold walls, taunting me with their silent laughter.
I longed for reprieve, for a glimmer of light to pierce through the suffocating darkness and illuminate the path to salvation.
But salvation remained elusive, a distant dream shrouded in the impenetrable veil of despair.
The darkness pressed in on all sides, its oppressive weight-bearing down on me like a suffocating embrace.
"When will it end?"
I yearned for the warmth of human connection, for the comforting embrace of companionship, to banish the shadows that lurked in the recesses of my mind.
"Please, he should just kill me."
I wanted to die. At least all the pain will end.
Every second I spent in the room felt like an eternity.
Suddenly, the large, old door made a loud squeak, and a strong light flooded the space. I had to cover my eyes from the brightness. When I adjusted to the surroundings, I saw Liam.
My breath caught in my throat as his towering figure moved closer.
He was so tall that I had to look up. His presence felt overwhelming, filled with emotions I recognized as hate and sickness. Clutching my dress, I fought the urge to cry.
"I want to make one thing clear to you," he approached me.
"You mean nothing to me, Absolutely nothing!" Each word pierced me, echoing in my head, confusing me.
"I have many rules for my pack. Everyone must follow them, including you. If you follow these rules, your stay here will be bearable. Who knows, I might even move you to a better room." he spoke, his voice deep but smooth. It was cold, but I could listen to it all day.I didn't say anything. I couldn't trust my voice. Instead, I listened, obeying him like a submissive wolf. "First, speak only when spoken to. Second, don't leave your chambers without my permission. Third, only come to my office when called, and never enter my chambers. Fourth, don't leave the castle without my permission. Lastly, you're not allowed to die unless I say so... That's a warning."His intense hatred made me stare in disbelief. Without hesitation, he turned away, heading to the door. "W-Why?" I asked, feeling hurt and broken. "Why, Liam? My father gave me away to you as a mate, as your Luna."He stopped, turned back, and in an instant, he was upon me, but not in the way I wanted. His strong grip tightened a
As I examined her body, I couldn't deny the truth—she possessed a beauty that would make the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, green with envy.Her breasts were perfect, well beyond the D-cup, and showed no signs of sagging. Her curves were like those of an hourglass, perfectly proportioned and tantalizingly alluring. Each curve and contour of her body seemed sculpted by a divine hand, radiating an otherworldly allure that was impossible to ignore. Despite my efforts to remain aloof and detached, I couldn't help but feel drawn to her beauty. It was a magnetic pull that defied reason and logic, tempting me to indulge in desires that I had long suppressed.As I gazed upon her, a myriad of conflicting emotions washed over me—desire, longing, and a hint of vulnerability. It was a dangerous combination, one that threatened to unravel the carefully constructed walls around my heart.Yet, even as I acknowledged her physical allure, I knew that beneath the surface lay a woman of substan
Liam. After I devoured my new plaything, I proceeded with my duties as the alpha. I trained my pack in the gruesome way possible. I wouldn't have become this powerful if my pack were weak. My strength as an Alpha is tied to their strength. "Come at me together!" I demanded as I was surrounded by dozens of my betas. "The first person to land a hit on me will have a wish of theirs granted!" I knew just how to motivate them. My tactics in war are an all-out attack, no mercy. I smirked when 5 of them charged at me at once. I would have been disappointed if they took turns. "Weak." I dodged their claws and swatted them away like flies. More surrounded me, but the result was the same. After going at it for nearly an hour, the omegas were all lying on the floor. Seeing that they were all exhausted, I decided to end the training session then. Exiting the training grounds, I stationed Kris in the hallway outside my office, flanked by Varis, my trusted head officer, and a stylish comp
Liam’s PovI felt insulted. How dare the elders give me a warning? Rage boiled within me. Nobody talks to me with disrespect and goes free. I wanted to vent my anger, and I remembered the cause of this problem—my latest girl, Maxine. Without a second thought, I stormed towards her small chambers, more like a cell.The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing Maxine huddled in a corner. The room was cold and dark, just like my mood.Maxine looked up, her eyes widening in fear as she saw my fury. She tried to brace herself for what was coming. From the look in my eyes, she knew it was trouble."Get up!" My voice was a harsh command, echoing off the stone walls. Maxine scrambled to her feet, her body trembling. She was scared of getting any physical punishment. I guess her body wasn't strong enough to handle that. But I didn't care."This is your fault!" I spat, stepping closer. "Because of you, the elders dare to threaten me! I could kill you and anyone who dares to challenge me."Tear
Liam PovAs Maxine finished cleaning, I couldn't just let her go. She looked sexy and hot in that pink bodycon dress, hugging her curves perfectly. Hell no, I wasn't going to let her go.Among all my mates I have had, she stood the best and was the most gorgeous. I wish I was just normal. The last time I took her, it felt like heaven. She dripped all through. I just couldn't get enough of her and since then the thoughts have consumed my mind."Maxine," I called, my voice stern. "You're not done yet. Go in and clean up the bathroom, and come back right here. But make sure there are no pieces of clothing on you while coming out."Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. I knew she wasn't expecting to hear this. I didn't allow any women in my bathroom, but women made an exception this time. I wanted her, and I couldn't wait any longer."Yes, Master," she replied, her voice trembling. She hurried towards the bathroom, and I watched her every move, the sway of her hips making my desire grow
Maxine PovAs I left Liam’s room, I felt shattered. My body ached, and my heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. Tears streamed down my face as I walked through the low-light hallways, each step felt heavier than the last.I felt like nothing if my dad could ever do this to me, how much a soulless Alpha like Liam. I wasn't expecting less from him. This feels like less of a treatment. I have heard a lot of horrible things about him. Some of his women ended up dead.I finally reached my small chambers, more like a cell than a room. I closed the iron door behind me though there were guards around in case I wanted to escape, so I sank to the floor, unable to hold back my sobs any longer. The humiliation, the pain, and the sense of utter helplessness overwhelmed me. I buried my face in my hands, my body shaking with the force of my cries.“I hate you, Dad, you are so evil and heartless. To put me into such pain and trauma. I will never forgive you.” I mumbled, from a place
Liam’s povAs I lay in bed, my thoughts drifted back to Maxine. Her beauty was captivating, unlike anything I had ever seen before. The way her eyes sparkled, even through her fear, and the way her body moved. I could go on and on, thinking about her. She had a hold on me that I couldn't quite nod off.I was lost in these thoughts when my phone rang, snapping me back to reality. It was Kris. We were supposed to discuss the elders' visit. I had almost forgotten in my distraction."Hello?" I answered, trying to clear my mind."Alpha, Liam, where are you?" Kris's voice was impatient. "I'm already in the garden waiting for you.""I'm on my way," I replied, hanging up quickly. I couldn't let my distractions get in the way of my responsibilities. Any slight mistake might put my pack at risk.I stood up, still thinking about the meeting with the elders. It wasn't that I didn't know what to say or do, but I was genuinely concerned about my pack. Exposing them to constant attack and fear wasn’
Liam’s PovWith a restored decision, I headed back inside. There was much to do, and I couldn’t afford any more distractions. The safety of my pack depended on it.Maxine PovIt has been two days since I last saw Alpha Liam. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to be going naked in front of him or getting insults or better still have him take advantage of me. These past few days have been a period of sober reflection and a little peace. I was also grateful that Elena was constantly visiting. I just couldn't have survived without her support.Elena was a beacon of light in my dark world. She was always there, bringing me good food, unlike the terrible stuff the guards usually gave. We had formed a bond, one I had never experienced before. She was the sister and good friend I never had. Her presence brought a small but significant joy into my life.We would sing, chat, and laugh together. Elena always told me to find joy in the chaos. And surprisingly, it had been working out for me. Des
MAXINEI got a job working at the pack hospital again. This time, I signed up to be a real medical practitioner. I was going to become a midwife. There were a few familiar faces at the hospital and lots of new ones.Still, I was grateful to Ronan for giving them this opportunity again.That evening, I walked back into my apartment. The dead herbs were still in a box on the floor in the kitchen. I wondered if I would go back. I used to pick herbs and sell them to women who wanted to get pregnant.It felt like eons ago. Times were simpler. Back then, I saved lives not help take them. That was a time when I didn’t have blood on my hands.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. I wanted my simple life again. It was simple but everything made sense. I didn't have to try to untangle myself from this mess that was my reality.A knock on the door brought me back. Zel was back from work. She worked as a bartender a little while from our apartment. Zel had gotten the job. After the manag
MAXINEI nodded, not trusting myself to speak without crying. Ella was right. I needed to let myself grieve. The love I once had for Ronan still occupied my heart.Lindsey reached out and held my hand. "We’re here for you, Maxine."I squeezed her hand, grateful for their support. They were right. I didn’t have to go through this alone. I had them.Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.***Going back to my old life felt like stepping into a strange place. There was the feeling of losing something. My apartment felt like a place from a faraway memory. Zel was gone and I was feeling so sad.I was back from saying goodbye. I unlocked the door and stepped inside. The space was just as I’d left it. There was still dust over everything. At least, I had something to do with my time.I took a deep breath. I hadn't lost everything. I was still okay.I began to clean up slowly. Lindsey stopped by to help me out and together, we covered a lot. As I was cleaning, I heard a knock on the door.“Are you
MAXINEI wanted to believe her that everything would be okay but deep down, I felt guilt and grief. This was my fault. I pulled back from her and wiped my eyes. I gave her a shaky smile. “It doesn’t feel like it.”She cupped my cheek. “Everything isn't always as it seems, my dear. But, I can tell you one thing I know for sure.” She said.“What's that?”“It's not your fault. I'm sure you don't know where to go from here, what to do, or where you belong. You want to come with me, you want to continue your life back at the place where you and Zel liked and you want to go back to how things were in this pack.” Cinder explained.“But, I see you staying here. This is where your strength lies, where hope lives, where you have friends and support.” She lowered her eyes and winked. “It's where you have a future.”“And, we'll always be here for you to fall back on, regardless of what happens. We're your home away from home.” The Luna Queen said, putting her hand on my shoulder. “I'm very proud.
MAXINEI didn't feel anything. No pain from a stab whatsoever. I looked between us and that's when Ronan smiled. His lips were close to my ear and he whispered, “I would never hurt you on purpose, love.”I didn't know when I screamed.Ronan collapsed into my arms, taking the both of us down to the ground with him. I tried my best to hold his head up on my lap. My eyes traveled down to the blood pouring down the stab wound in his belly.“Ronan,” I called, tears filling my eyes and rolling down my cheeks. He had stabbed himself.My hand shook as it hovered over the wound. I didn't know what to do. The dagger was in his chest.Ronan had chosen death. Death over a life without me.“Maxine…” he called, his voice unnaturally calm for someone who was dying. He reached up to touch me and I guided his hand to my cheek.“I'm here, I'm here,” I cried. “I'm sorry,” I whispered the last part. My hands shook as I held him. I never wanted this. I didn’t want him to die.Ronan gasped. He looked up
MAXINEI held my breath as Ronan kept his eyes on mine. When he was close enough, he stopped. Neither of us said a word. The battle continued around us but I couldn't get myself to make the first move.He didn't either. I wondered if it was hard for him to see me. I wondered if he thought he could fight me. I also wondered if he thought that he could kill me.I spoke up first. “Ronan,” I called. My voice was sounding more longing than I wanted.I missed him, to be honest. I missed sitting down in the quiet and reading books. Strangely, I missed making his cinnamon coffee.Ronan didn't say anything. Instead, he took a step closer. “You don’t have to do this,” he said.There was no hurt, no anger in his voice, just nothing but kindness. I wished he would yell. I wished he would curse me and call me evil for everything I've done.“Come with me.” He said, softly. I heard it regardless of the noise. “We can fix this, Maxine. We'll leave everything behind together.”It sounded so good. But,
MAXINEHe caught me off guard. It meant that he still cared about me. I didn't focus on that though. “I won’t, I promise,” I replied.We stood there in silence for a while, neither of us knowing what to say. I could feel it though. I could feel it. The unspoken feelings and questions we didn't have the time to ask.Or we didn't dare to ask, I guess.After everything that had happened, I still wasn’t sure where we stood. I said I was okay with him hating me but, I didn't know anymore. The lines between us were confusing now. I didn't know how to fix that.But now wasn’t the time to focus on that. We had a mission and that was a priority. Every other thing could come after. We would cross that bridge later.For some reason, Liam stepped closer and I held my breath. “Regardless of what has happened between us, out there?” He said, “No matter what happens, we’ll get through this together. Do you understand?”I nodded. “Together,” I repeated.Before I could say anything else, Zel appeared
MAXINECinder gave me and Zel a brief of the plans that night when she showed us a bedroom. She and the Luna Queen were sharing the one right next to us. They told us to come to them if we faced any issues.Sleep didn't come easy because my mind was entirely on Ronan. I didn't know how I was going to face him again after betraying his trust. But, I knew I couldn't sit out of this fight.The sun had not even risen when I was woken up by the sound of Liam's voice. He was given instructions and I heard more footsteps around the house than the number of people I had seen the previous day.It meant that Liam was already up and gathering the troops. I could hear him giving commands like it hadn't been two months since he was last in power. He was a natural-born leader. He carried this air of authority around him.He was giving orders, explaining ranks and positions for this fight. Every single detail was important to winning.Zel was still asleep, of course. She wasn't a wolf so she wouldn'
MAXINEI chuckled bitterly. “What about now?” I asked. “Will you take me back now that I have a wolf? Isn't that what you've always wanted?”His eyes widened slightly but he kept himself composed. “That would be unfair to you. It would be wrong. If you want to come back to me, I will take you but the choice is yours now. You have a choice and I see now that I was wrong. I’m so sorry, Maxine. I hope you can forgive me.”Tears welled up in my eyes. I hadn't thought about this but I let the anger roll away from me. He was still family. He was my father. “I forgive you. You're my father, whether you abandon me or not.” I said.“Thank you, Maxine.” He said. He reached for me hesitantly. I would have settled for a handshake but he wrapped his hands around me. For the first time in what I knew was forever, my father hugged me.I didn't know what to feel about that.LIAMAfter Maxine spoke to her father, they returned to the living room. However, she moved toward the far end of the room, away
LIAMDespite everything that was unfolding in front of me, my thoughts were stuck on one thing.Maxine had a wolf.I couldn't wrap my head around it. After everything that had happened to her, it didn’t make sense. I glanced at her. The strange white-haired girl was sitting between us.Maxine was staring out of the window. The white-haired girl squeezed her hand. Maxine turned to look at her and offered her a small smile. That was when she caught me staring. She looked away, taking her eyes back to the window.It left me confused. Was she pissed at me? I was the one who had the right to be mad at her. She had chosen him over me. Well, the distance between us was necessary.I didn't know what I would say or do if I were sitting next to her. Kris took a sharp turn, causing Maxine to grab the handle of the car door. I opened my mouth to say something but I stopped myself. There would be time for questions later.“You alright back there?” Varis asked.“We’re fine,” I said. I didn't know i