Chapter 11My body trembles as the large guard leads me down the dimly lit hallway, the cold air of the high-ranking pack's den envelopes me like a shroud. The walls are adorned with ancient tapestries that depict the pack's history. They seem to loom over me, casting long, taunting shadows on the floor. The chill of the night seeps through the stone, making my skin prickle with goosebumps.The footsteps of the guard echo off the walls, the only sound breaking this oppressive silence. I quicken my pace, trying to keep up with his long strides, my heart racing with every step. The hallway stretches out before us, lined with doors leading to the private chambers of the pack's elite. I know because this part of the hall is way too elegant to be given to any lesser. I wonder why I'm being brought here.The air is thick with the scent of wood smoke and damp earth, an underlying scent of this pack. I shiver, despite myself, feeling the weight of these Pack's history and power bearing down o
Xzen's POVShe's been avoiding me. I can tell by her every move. I look away from her for a moment, wanting to test my theory, but when I catch her staring the third time, she swerves around, showing her back to me. I stand by the pack temple, watching as Aura is led by a distracted Hanna outside the pack temple. While Hanna chats with whoever, the little omega avoids my gaze. I notice how the sunny weather today compliments the Omega's blond hair, causing it to appear beautiful and inviting. Those wild locs are literally begging for a release from the forceful black band around them. My eyes trail the last lacs of baby curls on her neck. Her flawless skin has gained a slight tan as the warm light casts a glow on her skin, making her look radiant and vibrant. Just like Amila.I feel a pang in my chest, a sense of longing that I instantly suppress.The fuck am thinking about her like that for? She's a potential threat to our pack, and I need to keep my focus. I tear my gaze away fro
Chapter 13In Xzen's POV it's a baby's first walk and the two of them witness it. I watch silently as the baby boy with raven black hair staggers over to Aura's outstretched, eager arms abandoning my brother's spread out hands. The pack children giggle while the adults watching, including Hanna, coo as the baby pulls curiously at Aura's hair. It shows I'm not the only one who wishes for those curls to be let down.A boy of about four years old, races off into the temple screaming, “Mummy! Dada! Jayjay is walking!” He must be the little pup's brother. I glance at Ace, he'd always been fancinated with any new stunt and adventure so much that he'd run off to tell Dad whenever anything happened. My jaw clenches and anger soils my emotions when Ace meets my gaze for a brief moment. Aura attempts to hand over the baby to him but the boy starts crying and clings to her lilac sundress. She giggles, her cheeks blushing with joy and Ace stares at her like like the stars are hanging on her fa
I am standing in front of a dark-brown wooden workbench. It's large enough to hold various jars of dried herbs and mortars and pestles. I carefully measure out a pinch of silverleaf and add it to the mixture in front of me, trying to follow the instructions of the head assistant healer, Giona.Giona's black brows curl in annoyance. "Not like that, Aura," She says, her voice firm but not unkind. "You're using too much silverleaf. It'll overpower the whole blend."I nod and try to adjust the mixture, but she shakes her head."No, no, no. Here, let me show you." Giona takes the mortar and pestle from my sweaty hands and begins to mix the herbs with quick, precise strokes. "You have to feel the balance of the ingredients, not just throw them together." She states.I watch, trying to learn, but Giona's criticism stings. I take the equipment from her and try again, I try imitating her hand movement but the mix pulls out of the blend once more, ruining her previous effort. Giona groans in fr
Chapter 15I slump onto the bench beside Hanna, sighing in frustration. "It's been a week, Hanna. A week since Xzen agreed to train me, and nothing's happened. No training, no meetings, no nothing." My hands fall helplessly on my thighs. Hanna's expression turns sympathetic. “Come on, Aura. He's probably busy. I mean, Alpha Elena publicly passed him the crown two nights ago. He's got a lot on his plate."I nod, knowing she is right. But it is hard not to feel disappointed. I have been looking forward to learning from Alpha Xzen, to finally making some progress.While we are still speaking, Ace walks into view, and Hanna's eyes sparkles with mischief. "Speaking of busy, look who's here," she teases, nudging me.My cheeks burn as I assure her, "I don't even like him that way, Hanna. We're just friends."Hanna laughs, the sound draws Ace's attention to us. He quickly dismisses the lady clinging to his arm and strides over to us, his warm brown eyes fixed on me, shining with a glint."Au
Chapter 16Xzen's POVI pace back and forth in the training arena, my impatience growing with each passing minute. If Aura had even bothered to open the books I sent her, she would have found the note I'd placed in there with clear instructions to meet me here by six pm. It isn't an unreasonable hour, and all healing classes should have ended by now. So, what is taking her so long?"What the fuck is taking her so long?" I mutter, regretting my decision to train the omega. She obviously isn't taking this seriously.Collins, my chosen Beta, clears his throat, "Uh, Alpha? You might want to calm down."I send him a glare, but he continues, "Look, your omega is finally here."My heart skips a beat at the term "my omega," and I can't explain why. But as I turn to see Aura running towards me, her petite frame exuding determination, my justified irritation falters. She looks like a teenager on their first run, about to collapse at any moment. And then, she does. Aura stumbles and falls, her l
A groan escapes my lips when I wake, my body screaming in protest. My back aches from being thrown repeatedly to the hard mat. I wince hating how my legs feel like lead weights, burning from the intense training session. But it isn't just my physical body that is on fire - my heart still races from the memory of Alpha Xzen's firm hold.A warm blush creeps up my face as I recall the way he wrapped his arms around me. His protective weight and warmth makes me feel safe and cherished. Yesterday I had failed the last step so many times, not because I couldn't grasp the technique, but because I was distracted by the hot touch of his strong body against mine.I bury my flushed cheeks in my palm as the memory of how my heart had skipped a beat when Alpha Xzen's face was inches from mine, his dark green eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made me feel like he could see into my very soul. I had been sold that I had forgotten to breathe.With a sigh, I throw off the covers and get out of
Chapter 18Xzen's POVI stand facing Aura in the training ground, the late afternoon sun dutifully casts long shadows across the empty training hall. It is six pm, and the other trainees have already retired for the day, leaving us alone."So, you were with Ace last night," I say, my tone neutral as I try to sound nonchalant despite the unease growing inside me.Aura nods, her eyes fixed on mine. "Yes, Alpha Xzen. We had a bonfire and celebrated." She smiles.I feel a surge of...disapproval, but quickly push it aside. I am just concerned about her safety, that's all. "Be careful around Ace," I warn her. "He's...reckless."Aura's gaze narrows slightly, her plump lips setting in a determined line. "I can take care of myself, Alpha Xzen."I raise an eyebrow, a small smile playing on my lips. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"Without hesitation, Aura drops into a fighting stance, her eyes holding a glint. Her feet is shoulder-width apart, her hands are up in a guard position. It is th
Aura's POVAt first we don't notice the sky darkening, too lost in the heated kiss to realize. But then raindrops begin to fall, gently at first, then it intensifies into a relentless downpour. “Hmm,” I moan against Alpha Xzen's lips a second before he pulls me up to wrap my legs around his waist. My fingers tangle in Alpha Xzen's hair while his hands roam my curves like a starved man. But our bliss is short-lived. A squeak leaves my lips when the rain suddenly becomes a torrent, forcing us to seek refuge. Alpha Xzen grasps my hand, “follow me!” He shouts under the rain, pulling me along with him. Laughter escapes my chest as we run like two pups in the rain. Xzen glances back at me, his eyes warm. I run after him, feeling my heart lighten as I'm led back to my shelter. Our footsteps splashing in puddles.Michel and Henry must be in their outside rooms on both sides of the small house, as they are nowhere to be found when we burst through the shelter's entrance.The door barely ge
As I walk up to meet Alpha Xzen, my heart pounds heavily in my chest. He stands a few feet away, two guards standing beside him but not too close. His eyes are fixed on me as I step closer, expecting him to say something– anything that'll give me some indication of why he's waiting for me. But instead, Alpha Xzen's eyes shine as he simply gently tugs me away from the rising murmur of the small groups of individuals standing and sitting in the green field. A kind shiver graces my spine at the warm contact. I inhale, noting how good he smells. Alpha Xzen's thumb rubs softly the back of my tensed hand and I instantly relax, feeling a calm heat course through my hand to my heart. I stumble slightly, caught off guard by his sudden quick movement, like he's scared I'll refuse to follow him. "W...where are you taking me?" I ask, trying to hide the uncertainty in my voice. No, it's not that I'm scared of Alpha Xzen, but because I'm not sure what to expect from him. He doesn't respond resp
Aura's POVThe grass is wet today. Wet drops quickly slip into my sandals as myself and Bay stroll down to class. Today's our exam. It's our final practical class, one that I and Bay have been studying hard for. Like every other day, Bay came to wait at my door so we can stroll to class together but I don't believe that's the only reason. Considering how interested in Henry she was when I got out, I'd say he's the main reason she keeps showing up. As we stroll, I silently listen to Bay rant on about how Michel is always ruining her fun with Henry and how unfair it is. “I mean, I'm no longer with that cheating count so why can't I mate with a mateless beauty?!” Bay unsurprisingly yells.Yes, she's is... a lot. She's loud, blunt, and very dramatic, but somehow it all just works. Most days she's like a breath of fresh air to my worrisome mind, stirring things up and keeping me in the present.I realize, as we walk, that I've never known anyone like Bay. Someone who's so unapologetical
It's been days since I last saw Alpha Xzen, and weeks since I moved out of the pack house. Through out this time a lot of things have been inconsistent. Although I hate to say it, I'm better off within the pack house where every thing is set in motion for me. Here at the shelter I can hardly coordinate myself. It's only now that I've tried living on my own, without the help of the pack that I realize just how much was being done for me back there. I never had to make my own meals, never had to wash the dishes, never had to worry for anything materialistic, Alpha Elena ensured I had it all even before I asked. It saddens me to remember I never once really thanked her before moving out. I'd been too blinded by hurt. Also I have noticed how most pack members tend to stare when I pass by. At first I'd quicken my pace and hurry off but ever since Bay made it her duty to walk me home, I've realized they all are simply curious about me. Most times whenever Bay waves at them they run up
Xzen's POVOne look at Aura and I'm suddenly transported back to that evening…when I saw her with Ace. My frustration rises as I remember how close they both were to each other. I felt a pang of jealousy then, and I feel it now.I've tried so hard to get her to open up to me but she chooses to share space with Ace. Someone who's barely in the pack these days. How could she spend time with him so easily, when every time I take a step towards her, she takes a hundred back? It doesn't make sense. Hell, I thought I knew her, thought I understood her fears and her boundaries. But now, I'm not so sure.Aura's expression is confused, her brow furrowed in concern. She takes a cautious step back, her eyes darting towards the door like she's reminding herself of the available escape. Her stance is frightened, her weight shifting on to a leg as if she's ready to flee at any moment.I also notice how her tiny hands are clenched into fists, her knuckles white with tension. She's trembling, ever
Xzen's POV"And where is he?!’’ I glare deadly at the guard, my demand shaking the room. The man, a tall, confident figure with chiseled features and a strong jaw line, bows submissively, but answers calmly, ‘'I do not know, Alpha.’'I take a step closer, my anger escalating. ‘'When last did he report to duty?!'’ I question, my chest heaving. I'm hit with a pang of irritation when I notice Collins sitting at a corner of the room, frowning.'’Relax, Alpha,'’ Collins says as he tries to intervene. '’It's just a training session. I'm sure someone else can stand in for Ace.'’I whirl around, directing my fury at him. '’You've been gone for a while, you have no idea just how lackadaisical he's been,'’ I snarl, my eyes flashing with anger.The guard seems to sense ann opportunity and speaks up, '’Alpha Xzen, I could fetch Ace if you desire.' He lifts his head a bit, his confident demeanor permanent. Just as trained.I frown, my eyes darkening. ‘'From this day forward, he ceases to be the Pa
Ace's POVI'm aware that whatever I'm about to say will possibly make no sense to Aura at this moment. My words might hold no value to her but I must at least try. I've tried getting her alone, in a quiet setting where my thoughts would be more organized but if I keep waiting for that time, I may never find it. That bright and radiant eyes or the petite omega now look dull. The sight causes an unpleasant feeling in my chest, and although I'd like to wipe it off with a joke, I know now's not the time. We are sitting on a bench in the open filled outside her healing class. I notice some trainees checking us out but I pay them no mind.As I prepare myself to speak, I notice how Aura's shoulders are slumped, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, as if trying to hold together the shattered pieces of her heart. I should have been there for her. I would have been there for her. I still wish to be there for her, if she'd let me.. I take a deep breath, my own heart racing with a mix of
My heart drums in rhythm with my feet pounding against the damp earth, mud coats my bare feet, slipping through my toes just like my breath coming in ragged gasps as the wolves close in around me. Panic claws at my heart when I spare a glance behind me. Their eyes glow like lanterns in the dark, the zeal to kill burning like wild fire in their orbs. I move faster, my soul freezing, blood curdling as my mother's scream pierces the air. I don't see him at first but as I get closer, the trees around me blur and I see my father standing in the direction I'm heading. Blood pours down his eyes and the open slit in his throat. My steps falter as hot tears break free. “P…Pa!” I scream. He gazes at me with accusing eyes. His voice is barely above a whisper, "You caused this." Those words sear into my mind like a branding iron, the guilt and horror boldly threatening to consume me.“NO! NO!” I scream in fright when sharp claws dig into my skin, scraping against my bone. Alpha Mich pays me
With a drop in my aching shoulders, I step out of the warm pack house, and the silence itself is deafening. No one speaks, not even a whisper. Everyone's eyes follow me, their faces etched with sadness and…guilt. Some gaze down, unable to meet my eyes, while others watch with muted emotions that mirror my own.I feel like I'm walking through a sea of regret, their unspoken words hanging in the air like a challenge. But what's there to be sad about? I'd been the one to make the wrong decision of running away. I'd caused the death of my unborn pup. I'd caused it all and now that I think of it I feel I've mistaken their pitiful stares for guilt. But they have every reason to pity the weak omega. The fool who lost her pup when she tried to find a better route in life. Two guards approach me, their expressions calm. They both offer to help me move my belongings. I nod at them, grateful for their assistance, as I'm still a bit tired. It's been over a week but my body is still recovering.