Chapter 3: Chiara

"Let's all welcome, Galway's Pack Alpha, Adrian!"

The host's voice boomed throughout the ballroom, and the guests turned their heads to us as we entered. My hand was in the crook of Adrian's elbow. He expertly maneuvered us through the crowd, greeting each of them as he walked toward the center. 

It didn't escape my attention that none of them even glanced at me. I was used to being ignored by everyone, although the reasons why they did so varied. Some hated me for my position. Despite being practically a property to Adrian, I had some perks. Nothing could grant me power, but I could at least live a comfortable life —well, as comfortable as I could— while being subjected to Adrian's sadistic side.

However, everyone also knew that I was off-limits. The Pack Alpha was a notoriously ruthless leader. When it came to his... interests, he was over-protective with them. Or perhaps it's better to say that he was possessive and obsessed. His violent tendencies were enough to deter anyone from being close to me.

Adrian let go of my hand, his eyes sliding to me with a slight glare. I sighed, then tilted my head to acknowledge his silent order and stepped aside. My hands were folded neatly before me, head bowed, and body straight.

His gaze lingered on me, and he likely saw how I drew my breath. I was already toeing the line of danger; his mood hadn't improved since I arrived late. I'd need to do some damage control later.

Thankfully, Adrian seemed to let it slide for now and accepted the mic from the host.

"Dear guests, members of the Galway Pack, and to our valued dignitaries from far cities... I welcome you to the annual Winter Gala of Calyx City!"

Roaring cheers and clapping hands filled the large room as if it were all rehearsed and timed. I let the sounds wash over me, distracting me from my morose thoughts.

"It is an honor for the Galway Pack to host this year's event. I hope everyone will enjoy the festivities, and may the fun lighten our hearts to help those in need. I won't keep this speech long, I know you're all itching to dance and party," Adrian said casually, earning several chuckles from his avid audience. "But I do implore everyone to give aid more than they could drink. The charity auction will begin shortly. Let's cheer to a more fulfilling year!" 

Laughter and shouts rang out as everyone raised their glasses. The music swelled, encouraging the people to finally sway with the rhythm. Just like that, Adrian had bent the crowd to his will. It didn't matter that he had a bloody reputation. His charm and charisma alone could fool anyone; if those weren't enough, he could just rule them in fear.

The scene before me brought me back to my earliest memory of the Pack Alpha. I was just like these people. Adrian's persona brought me in before I could understand what I was signing myself up for. For the second time tonight, I cursed my younger self for her decisions.

***

15 Years Ago

"Mr. and Mrs. Knightley, it's a pleasure to meet both of you."

The scary-looking Alpha stood before our house, his left hand relaxed on his side while his right was placed on a kid's shoulder. The kid appeared slightly older than me, with blonde hair and fair skin, just like the man beside him.

"The pleasure is all ours," Daddy sputtered. Unlike the man, his hands were clasped and shaking in front of him. Mommy was staring at the empty space beside him. "It's our greatest honor to host the Pack Alpha in our humble abode."

The man flicked his eyes on our house, a barely noticeable scrunch on his nose. "No need, Mr. Knightley. We're only here to check up on our pack members. It's our duty to ensure everyone is well taken care of..."

I tuned out the adult talk and instead focused on the boy. He looked bored, and his smile was tense. We briefly crossed eyes, and I immediately averted my gaze to the ground.

I was already planning on hiding back in my room again when a shadow fell on me. Gripping my wrist tighter, I saw the boy standing before me. He's way taller than I am, and he had an air of unrivaled authority despite his age.

He tilted his head, regarding me with a curious look. "You're cute."

I blinked upon hearing his words. "Cute?"

"You like me to repeat myself?" He asked, sounding offended before he shook his head and laughed. "You're greedy..." Then, smirking, he continued, "And cute."

It's the first time I've ever gotten a compliment... It was a compliment, right? At a loss for words, I furrowed my brows and muttered a soft "Thank you."

The boy gave off another boyish laugh, then grabbed my arm. He started dragging me towards the adults. Panic made me plant my feet on the ground to stop the boy.

"Where - where are we going?" I stuttered after him.

"To Father."

"Father? Your Father? But why?"

"I want you."

I squeaked and finally managed to pry my arm from his grip. The boy huffed and faced me, his arms folded on his chest. "What now?"

"I don't understand what's happening."

Sighing, he motioned with his hand, palm turned upward. "Name your price. Father can afford it. I always get what I want."

I frowned at him, but then my mind went back to those nights filled with screams and cries. Mommy and Daddy seldom fought now. It seemed they grew tired of each other. But they still complained about their debt... and me. He said his Father could afford it, didn't he? I didn't completely understand what he wanted, but if it would make Mommy and Daddy happy...

I remembered the feeling of fear and shame that constantly haunted me. This would be my first opportunity to protect Mommy and do something for them. I couldn't pass it up.

Gulping, I looked at the boy again and said, "Daddy says they need to pay a debt..."

"Done," the boy said quickly, not bothering to let me finish my request.

I puffed out my cheeks but pushed my irritation away. "They also say that... they don't want me anymore."

At this, the boy grinned so wide that it could've split his face in two.

"That's fine. No – it's perfect! That just means I can have you much easier."

He resumed dragging me as he shouted excitedly for his Father. His deep blue eyes twinkled with delight as he looked back at me. I thought they were the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen right then. I could easily imagine myself losing into his gaze, swimming in his cobalt pools. The only thing I could feel towards him was gratitude.

***

Now, the only thing I could feel towards him was seething hatred. The innocent wonder I once felt toward him had changed. I've seen his true colors now and his face without the mask.

Adrian Galway was a rotten Pack Alpha.

"Aren't you a gem, my love?" His voice dragged me out of my musings, and I quickly raised my head to look at him.

Adrian was back at my side. One of his arms was tightly wrapped around my waist while his other was tracing my lips.

"I hate that people are looking at you."

They weren't. Everyone was too afraid to be at the receiving end of his wrath to even glance at me. I didn't tell him that, though, and instead pushed my body against him.

Bile climbed up my throat, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from vomiting.

"I am only looking at you," I deflected and placed my hand on Adrian's bicep, massaging his tense muscles. "Shall we dance, Alpha?"

Adrian grinned and sauntered to the dance floor with me in tow. "Excellent proposal. I'd like to feel your curves under my - "

Whatever he was about to say next was interrupted by a shout. Adrian growled and whipped his head towards the commotion just as the doors to the ballroom opened. A ragged man, probably a wolf in patrol, headed straight at us.

Adrian's cobalt eyes flashed, indicating his control over his wolf was slipping. I was afraid someone might die tonight.

"Alpha - "

"There better be a good reason for you to interrupt the Gala, or you won't be leaving this place in one piece."

The man trembled, and I subconsciously plastered myself closer to Adrian to soothe his anger. It did little to nothing, but everything sent my omega senses into hyperdrive. The need for comfort and calm was overwhelming me.

Stuttering, the man tried to reply. "I - I mean, we - the patrol -"

"SPEAK!"

Dominance rolled through the air, forcing the man to obey Adrian's command.

"Our patrol group caught The Rogue Wolf."