CHAPTER ONE

ZARA

The echoes of taunts and boos followed me through the hall, each word cutting deeper than the last. The sting was ever-present, but it was only within the confines of my cabin that I allowed myself to shed tears.

"You are weak. You should not grace ceremonies like this with your presence. You desecrate the sanctity of our traditions!" One man's voice pierced through the air as I walked past him. Another voice, filled with spite, questioned my place in the Hedge pack.

While my father held court with the Alpha, I found myself among other pack members on the eve of the moon goddess ceremony, subjected to their relentless mockery and disdain. A girl without a wolf, perceived as lacking the physical strength necessary for the challenges that awaited.

Head bowed, I walked through the jeers, a constant companion that refused to fade. "Walk past now. You make me tremble with disgust. You should be cast away! You have no wolf, and you do not belong to the Hedge pack!" declared a woman, her words cutting deep, followed by laughter from another, the source of amusement escaping me as I trotted out of the hall.

My father, the Beta of the Hedge pack, was a man of respect who had dedicated his youth to ensuring the safety of our pack. Despite his esteemed position, it provided no shield against the relentless mockery I faced.

Retreating to the cabin I occupied, I sought solace by the comforting warmth of the fireplace. The night had fallen, and the moon bathed everything in its gentle glow. While the pack reveled in the celebration, my heart remained heavy with solitude. My mother, attending to the luna of the Hedge pack, left me isolated, devoid of even a friend to turn to.

A sudden call shattered the quietude. "Lady Zara Moonlight, the Alpha prince wants to see you!" I rose from the fireplace, trepidation coursing through my veins, as I approached the unsmiling guard at the door.

"Good evening, sir," I greeted with fear evident in my voice, feeling the tremble in my legs.

"The Alpha's son demands your presence. He wants you to come now to the pack house," the guard relayed before briskly turning away. Hastily grabbing a shawl, I wrapped it around myself, hurrying towards the beckoning pack house.

Amidst the continuing revelry, I weaved through the half-drunk men and women, their attention fleeting as I brushed past them. Upon reaching the pack house, I was ushered into the room of the Alpha's son – Ryder Blackmane. The realization of our mating bond had surprised and shamed me earlier, rendering me hesitant to make it public.

"Mate!" he called the moment I entered. Bowing my head, I acknowledged the undeniable connection. "How are you not enjoying the ceremony like everyone else?" he asked, rising on unsteady legs and approaching me.

With the guard's departure, I observed Ryder's drunken state – his unfocused eyes and the stench of alcohol on his breath – causing a sense of apprehension to settle in.

My heart thumped wildly as he covered the space between us.

"Look up at me.....I know you are my mate. You know too... Perhaps, you are too ashamed of yourself to ...." He stepped back and laughed.

He reeked of alcohol and I scrunch my nose at the repugnant stench that assailed my nostrils.

"I am sorry..I did not know the right occasion to make it known." I apologized lamely.

"Take off your shawl." He commanded abruptly. I looked at him incredulously and began to protest.

"Ryder , I'm sorry, I can not take off the shawl.."

"I said take off the shawl!" He commanded more ferociously and I staggered backwards, scared. His hand shot out and grabbed me roughly.

"You know, I can do everything I want with anyone who is a subject in this pack. I am going to be the Alpha soon and no one will argue with me over anything. Not even you!" He pulled me closer and growled in my ears.

"You should thank me for stooping so low to pay you any attention at all. You do not merit the attention of a prince! The one heir of Hegde pack."

He started to peel off my blouse with one hand while his other hand held me firmly, to keep me from moving away.

I was instantly aware of my nudity as he ripped off one side of my blouse.

"I know you are my mate, Ryder, but please don't hurt me.. it is not the mating ceremony yet and your actions will desecrate it." I pleaded as I wriggled helplessly in his arms that were strongly wound around me.

"Don't tell me what to do. You know nothing!" He growled. I felt the tears well up in my eyes as he pushed me against the cushions. I scrambled up to my feet and ran to the door, he caught me by the hair and forced me to walk back while he grinned wickedly.

"Please, don't do this, I beg you!" I cried. The tears were now flowing freely and I hoped he would have compassion and let me go, but he did not. He reached for the hems of my skirt, wrapped it around his hand and ripped it off my waist in one swift movement.

I tried to cover my body with my hands as his eyes roved greedily over me.

He licked his lips, "You are my mate and I have absolute right to your body. You can not keep yourself away from me." He said,

I stopped crying and braced myself for the pains that I knew he was undoubtedly going to cause me.

He looked like he enjoyed every bit of the pain he caused me as he pushed me even more roughly to the cushions. I watched in anguish as he took off his trousers and parted my legs roughly.

The pain shot through me as his manhood entered me, causing a searing pain.