Chapter 2

Arabella's POV

With a heavy heart and aching body, I pushed myself up from the ground, wiping away my tears. The pain radiated through every limb, a constant reminder of the battle I had fought and lost. But I couldn't let it consume me. I couldn't let the cruel Alpha's words break my spirit.

Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I took a deep breath and began to make my way to the pack house. Each step was a struggle, my injured body protesting with every movement, but the defiant part of me refused to give in to the pain.

As I walked, I couldn't help but replay the events that had led me to this moment. The mistakes I had made, the choices that had brought me to face this relentless adversary.

Regret washed over me like a tidal wave, threatening to drown my hopes of redemption. But I knew I couldn't dwell on the past. I had to focus on what lay ahead.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I arrived at the pack house after getting dirty and pitiful looks from those I met on the way. The familiar scent of home surrounded me, providing a small sense of comfort amidst the chaos that had consumed my life. I made my way to my room, stumbling with each step, and collapsed onto the bed.

"Ahhh," I winced as pain shot through my body, the injuries demanding attention. With shaky hands, I began to peel off my blood-soaked clothes, revealing bruises and cuts that painted a vivid picture of the battle I had fought.

Each garment clung to my wounds, causing fresh waves of pain, but I pushed through, determined to rid myself of the reminders of my defeat.

I reached for a fresh set of clothes, a pair of black trousers and a white top, the proper attire for a waitress this Alpha turned me into. I looked at the mirror and shrugged, the Alpha's only daughter, reduced to a mere waitress with a tiny wage, reduced to nothingness. What a pity!

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my posture and wiped away the lingering traces of tears from my face. I couldn't afford to let my despair show in front of everyone.

Leaving my room, I made my way downstairs to the bustling pack house. The sounds of conversation and laughter filled the air, momentarily distracting me from my inner turmoil.

As I entered the main hall, I was greeted by familiar faces, some filled with sympathy and others with curiosity.

With a forced smile, I approached the bar counter, ready to take on my duties as a waitress. The pack members deserved the best of me, regardless of the pain I carried within. I would not let them down.

The head bartender, a burly wolf with a grizzled beard, nodded at me as he poured drinks for the patrons. "Arabella, good to see you. We could use the extra help tonight. The gathering has brought in quite a crowd."

I nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for the distraction that the busy night would provide. The more I focused on my tasks, the less room there would be for the tormenting thoughts that threatened to consume me.

As the evening progressed, I moved with purpose, taking orders and serving drinks with practiced efficiency. I navigated through the sea of pack members, weaving my way through the crowded room. Each interaction brought a temporary reprieve from the weight of my own troubles.

Occasionally, I caught snippets of conversation about the cruel Alpha's latest power plays and the whispers of discontent among the pack. Although it made me want to fight back like I reassure myself earlier, a part of me wanted to die and let go.

While working, a part of me I kept a keen eye out for potential allies, those who shared my disdain for the cruel Alpha and his reign of terror. There were whispers of resistance within the pack, a silent rebellion yearning to break free from his grip. I knew that aligning myself with these individuals would be key to overcoming the cruel Alpha's dominance but how? All movement were monitored by this man! Why, you may ask... but I have no answer, cause even I don't know the reason behind all he's putting me through. 

Isn't it better to kill the last survivor of the late family than to keep her alive? 

As the night wore on, fatigue began to weigh heavily on me. The pain from my injuries lingered, but I refused to let it slow me down. 

As the gathering reached its peak, I couldn't help but steal glances at the Alpha's throne, a stark reminder of the power he held over us all.

Although I felt the weight of my past mistakes, I knew that this gathering was only the beginning.

The path to reclaiming my pack and seeking justice for the ones I loved would be fraught with challenges. I just hoped I'd be ready to face them head-on.

As the night wore on and the gathering continued, I found a brief moment of respite from my duties. The demands of the gathering had eased momentarily, and I took the opportunity to excuse myself and retreat to the nearby bathroom. The throbbing ache in my body intensified, a reminder of the battle I had fought earlier.

Closing the door behind me, I leaned against the cool surface, closing my eyes for a moment to gather myself. The sounds of the festivities filtered through, muffled but still audible. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.

Just as I began to ease the tension in my muscles, the door to the bathroom swung open, startling me. Standing there was an Alpha from a neighboring pack, his eyes bloodshot and glassy, a telltale sign of intoxication.

"Ewww," I said in my subconscious as the scent of alcohol emanated from him, fillied the confined space. "Has he alcohol affected him so much that he can't see it's a lady's room?"

He stumbled forward, a leering smile spreading across his face as he looked at me. "Well, well, what do we have here? A pretty little wolf all by herself." His words slurred together, his speech barely coherent.

My heart sank, the weight of my weariness and vulnerability pressing upon me. I instinctively took a step back, my instincts screaming for caution.

This was not a situation I wanted to be in, especially given the poor state I was in.

Summoning whatever strength I had left, I forced a firm tone into my voice. "I think you've had enough to drink. It's best if you leave. This is the women's room..."

He chuckled, swaying on his feet. "Come on, darling, don't be like that. I know you want to have some fun. Just a little company, that's all." His words dripped with drunken confidence, his intentions unmistakable.

My hands clenched into fists, anger surging within me. How dare he try to take advantage of my vulnerability? The strength I had mustered to face the cruel Alpha now surged forth, a protective shield against this drunken intruder.

"No means no!" I asserted, my voice steady and unwavering. "I won't tolerate such behavior, especially from someone like you."

His expression turned menacing, his drunken haze momentarily clearing. "You think you can reject me? I am an Alpha, and you will do as I say!"

A flicker of fear darted through me, but I refused to let it consume me.

Without hesitation, I drew upon my old training, swiftly sidestepping the intoxicated Alpha and positioning myself closer to the door. I knew I had to act swiftly, utilizing the element of surprise.

Before he could react, I reached out, gripping his arm tightly, and swiftly twisted it, forcing him to his knees with a yelp of pain. His drunken state made him slow to react, giving me the upper hand.

In a surge of adrenaline, I seized the opportunity to defend myself and send a clear message. I delivered a swift strike, my clenched fist connecting with the side of his face. The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, his vision swimming with what seem to be stars.

Breathing heavily, I turned and bolted out of the bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew I had to get away, find a place where I could regroup and assess the situation. My mind raced, considering my options and the potential consequences of my actions.

As I hurried through the corridors of the pack house, fear coursed through my veins. I couldn't afford to let myself be caught or subdued by the consequences that awaited me. I needed to find safety.

The echoes of my footsteps reverberated in the empty hallways, each step bringing me closer to a decision that would shape my destiny. I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to see the drunken Alpha pursuing me, but for now, I seemed to have escaped his grasp or so I thought.

"Get her!" I heard the drunken Alpha order and I heard footsteps, running in my direction.

My heart raced even faster as I heard the command, realizing that I was still within their reach. Panic surged through me, but I knew I couldn't let fear paralyze me. I had to keep moving and find a way out.

With the adrenaline fueling my instincts, I navigated the corridors, desperately searching for a hidden passage or a secret escape route.

My mind raced, considering every nook and cranny, every possibility for sanctuary within the pack house but in this part of the pack house, I knew there wasn't a hiding spot here.

Without hesitation, I veered off the main corridor, ducking into a smaller hallway that led to a series of interconnected rooms. I needed to find a hiding place, somewhere I could catch my breath and potentially outsmart my pursuers.

The scent of aged books enveloped me as I cautiously made my way deeper into an unknown room, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. I could hear the footsteps of my pursuers growing fainter, their voices muffled by the heavy door I had just closed behind me.

But as I took a moment to catch my breath, a chilling realization washed over me. The room I had stumbled into wasn't just any library. It was the forbidden archives, a place whispered about only in hushed tones among the high ranking pack members.

It was a place only those with Alpha blood could enter and my father forbade me from coming close to the door.

A mixture of awe and dread washed over me as I beheld the rows upon rows of ancient tomes and weathered scrolls.

The thought of the knowledge contained within those pages sent shivers down my spine. If I could decipher the secrets hidden here, perhaps I could find a way to protect myself and expose the corruption that ran deep within the pack.

But my momentary relief was short-lived as the sound of footsteps resurfaced outside the library door. The pursuers had found me, and they were closing in fast. With no time to waste, I scanned the room for a hiding spot or a clue that could help me hide from them.

At that moment, the door to the library burst open, and a shadowy figure stepped through, his eyes glinting with malice. I recognized him as the Alpha who desperately wanted to make my life a living nightmare, Nick.

"Please don't let him find me, please," I prayed as I pressed myself against the shelf, trying to conceal my presence. Who knows what he would do to me if he found me here? A place I even forgot exsisted!

Nick's gaze swept across the dimly lit library, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air for what I think was my scent.

My heart thundered in my chest, threatening to betray my hiding place with its erratic rhythm.

Nick prowled through the aisles, his eyes narrowing as he scanned each row of books. I held my breath, my entire being willing myself to become one with the shadows, to disappear into the very essence of the library itself.

The sound of his heavy boots reverberated through the silence, growing louder with each step, drawing him closer to me.

Suddenly, as if the heavens supported me, someone knocked on the door, "Alpha, you need to come. There is an emergency!" The voice said and Nick dashed out.

Without wasting time, after making sure he left, I opened the door and walked out of the room.

Someone grabbed my hand, his grip stronger than anything I had felt before, his smell so intoxicating, I wanted to bury myself in his embrace.

"Stop there!" He growled, eyeing me from top to bottom. "Who are you? And what are you doing here, omega?” he asked, ready to take me away to the Alpha.