Diana
I stumble out of the study blindly dragging myself along, my body swaying unsteadily; in too much pain to even notice which direction I am heading. My eyes are blurry with tears as I make my way down the hall.
Everything hurts…
All I want is to get as far away as I can- far, far away from this place of heartache and pain. I want to curl up in bed and cry my heart out, maybe then the stifling pressure in my chest would stop…but maybe it never will…
In my dazed and disoriented state, I don’t notice the door that creaks open just ahead. A hand reaches out from within and roughly drags me in, grip tight with bruising intensity. The door is then slammed shut.
Seeing who it is, I feel the blood drain from my face and a chill runs down my spine.
What I find is the disturbing gaze of Beta Mason staring down at me, on his lips is the same twisted, perverted smirk he always seems to wear around me. But this time, there’s an additional evil undertone to it which sharply reminds me of the encounter three years ago.
Worse yet, this time, we’re inside the Pack House…in his own study… my heart sinks even lower when I remember that all the rooms in the Pack House are soundproofed, meaning that there is no amount of screaming that would help me either.
“Why hello, Diana. Funny meeting you here”, he smirks.
His eyes run all over my body, taking in my well-fitting jeans and t-shirt. He lasciviously licks his lips, and I regret every single thought that ever made me pick out these clothes. I wrench my arm out of his grasp and wrap my arms defensively around my middle, taking a step back, trying to put some distance between us.
“I am curious though, what were you doing in the Alpha’s office hmmm?” he drags the last word, his voice making me nauseated.
I don’t answer and take another step back, cautiously keeping my eyes on him just in case he makes any sudden movements.
My silence doesn’t seem to bother him at all though as he cheerfully continues, “I saw you walking behind him just now, and you looked like a puppy following its master”, then he snickers, “You like him don’t you? Little Diana has a crush”, he sings.
“Too bad he’s way out of your league”, and he laughs in my face, his words making my heart clench painfully.
“But now you’re crying…” he muses, holding his chin as he studies me, his expression contemplative, “Could it be…” then he grins, “Could it be that you confessed your feelings for him and got rejected?”
No, but close enough…
I bite my lip and quickly school my expression. However, his sharp eyes still catch the minute change and they widen in amazement before he bursts out in loud derisive laughter, “Poor, poor wolfless Diana. Actually delusional enough to pine after the Alpha. How pathetic”, he jeers, laughing even louder.
I shut my eyes tight in hurt and embarrassment. His mockery digging deeper into my fresh wounds.
After laughing to his heart's content, he narrows his eyes on me and licks his lips, “But don’t worry, if the Alpha won’t take you. I will. I’ll satisfy those cravings you have. If it’s a man you’re lusting for, then it’s a man you’ll get. I can give you exactly what you want. Who knows, I might just be better at him at-“ and makes an obscene motion of humping his hips in the air.
I immediately pale.
“No”, vehemently shaking my head. My body trembles with panic as I take another step away from him, “I would like to go now Beta Mason. Please let me go”, my voice trembles as I beg, trembling from terror and desperation.
“I don’t think so”, he hums, stalking towards me. He runs his eyes up and down my body once more, “I’m going to enjoy this”, he muses darkly, and he starts to unbuckle his belt. A moment later, he pulls it free from his trousers and throws it away to the side, the buckle falling with a metallic clink.
“There’s no drunk warrior here to save you now Princess”, he smirks mockingly, “this time, no one is going to interrupt us. It’s just you and me now Diana. Just you…and me”, as he stalks closer.
I turn around and dash away.
“I do so like the chase”, he cackles and comes after me.
DianaTrigger Warning: This chapter contains scenes of SA, violence and blood. Read at your own discretion.Sharp pain explodes in my scalp as Beta Marcus grabs me by my hair and drags me down with him onto the floor.I struggle fiercely “Let me go, you bastard!” I scream and manage to kick out at him before clawing away.“Oof!” he exclaims exaggeratedly when my foot collides with his hard chest- with mounting despair, I realize that my feeble strength can’t hurt him at all, “Seems we have a fighter on our hands! How feisty! But I like it!” he chuckles.He grabs me by the ankle and drags me back towards him, my thrashing useless against his overwhelming strength.He flips me over onto my back and grabs my flailing arms in one hand before pinning them down above my head.I raise a knee to kick between his legs but he quickly situates himself between my two legs, cutting off my chance to do so.Screaming hysterically, I thrash my body, bucking my torso in a bid to throw him off- screami
DianaTrigger Warning: This chapter contains scenes of SA, violence and blood. Read at your own discretion.Despair, the likes of which I have never known wracks through my form and I literally tremble from the force of it.My mate’s rejection had hurt badly. It still does. But this…somehow this is worse.Though Alpha Magnus is my mate, he is still not more than a stranger to me. His rejection hurt me because of the bond between us. But this! This is my own brother! my own twin! Born of the same womb!Apollo’s betrayal increases the pain already in my heart, multiplying it by a thousand times. My naive heart, burdened by too much shock refuses to believe it, spiralling me into a deep dark well of denial. My eyes, tinged with a hint of madness and desperation continue to stare at the crack in the door. He will come back…He has to…I’m his sister, how could he truly abandon me?He just went to get help…Yes. Any second now, I would hear his voice shouting for people to come and I wou
DianaI barrel into my house, sweating and trembling from shock as I collapse to the floor. Barely a second later, Billy barges in.“Hey! Did you find your ma-“ It takes only a second for him to take in the tears streaming down my face as well as the blood around my mouth, torso and hands, and the original small smile on his face disappears, replaced by a grave expression.With long strides, he reaches my side and stretches out a hand to touch me but stops when I subconsciously flinch. He draws back his hand but frantically looks me over with his eyes.“This blood…” he starts, “It’s not yours”, he concludes a second later. It’s not a question. He can tell. Decades of being a warrior has taught him enough.“Whose?” he asks simply, face dead serious.I flinch again but still answer, “Beta Mason”, my stomach twisting as I force out the name.Billy suddenly stills before abruptly standing up. He then begins to pace the short length of my room.“What happened?” he grits out.“He- he tried
DianaBut after a few steps, I run back to him again and hug him. “Thank you Billy”, I whisper against his chest, “For everything…I love you”.Sighing, he wraps his arms around me too, crushing me in a bear hug against him, “I love you too pipsqueak and I’ll miss you”, he lets go, gently pushing me away.“There’s no time to waste. Now go!”I nod and dash into the trees behind the shack. Luckily, my house is at the furthest end of the Omega district and the southern border is directly behind it. I speed the entire way through the forest, ignoring the stitch in my side.I stop a yard away when I catch sight of the sentry posts.Taking a deep breath, I jam my hands into the pockets of my sweatpants before walking with forced casualness towards the border.Instantly, I feel eyes train on me, scanning my form with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat- the piercing gaze most likely coming from the hidden sentries. Maintaining a casual facial expression is hard but I try my best, an
DianaWith a start, I jerk up in a panic, my body vibrating with tension as my head whips around the room in alarm; my pupils blown wide as my eyes dart around, looking for the threat. I am completely disoriented and it takes me a full minute before I finally remember where I am, and another, for my racing heart to slow down.My body sags from the rush of adrenaline and I collapse limply back on the bed, staring up at the dirty ceiling in a daze.I’m safe…this is a human territory…I’m safe…they haven’t found me… and my mind whispers a dark ‘yet’.As I bring my breath back under control, I slowly turn on my side, curling up in a fetal position and hugging my knees to my chest. A hiss escapes my lips as the movement sends sharp zaps of pain coursing through my body, reminding me of the multiple aches and bruises on my person. Injuries that I had accrued; more piling on top of the existing ones day after day- injuries I had had no time to treat, much too busy running for my life.It had
DianaAt the door, hesitant to leave the safety of my room, I peek out first to make sure that there’s no one suspicious lurking. What if they’ve already found me? What if they’re outside, just waiting for me to come out so they can catch me? My anxiety spikes as numerous paranoid thoughts run through my mind. The larger part of my brain reminds me that this is a human territory but the fear is ever present. I grimace when my stomach growls loudly. If the old clock hanging on the wall is right, it's past noon already and the last thing I ate was a stale sandwich two days ago. I peek out one more time to make sure it’s safe before stepping out and locking the door behind me. Getting directions for the nearest diner from the very bored receptionist at the front desk, I walk out of the motel and stare contemplatively at the only road there. Going left would take me out of town. Yanking the hood more firmly over my head, I go right. Apart from what seems to be an abandoned car repa
DianaI don’t walk back out with the job.Apparently, they had just hired someone yesterday- I'm literally just a few hours late. I’m not discouraged though. I have a whole pamphlet full of restaurants, diners and cafes. I’m sure I’ll get something.I leaf through the pamphlet for the nearest one and realize it’s quite far. I would take a cab there but unfortunately, I’m broke as hell.Slipping my hand into my pocket, I take out the crumpled bills I have left and count them. The balance makes me wince. With the pitiful amount I have left, there’s barely enough for one more meal. And then after that, I’m screwed. Thankfully, I had paid for a day's stay at the motel so I at least have shelter for the next few days. But unless I get a job soon, I’m out in the streets.Well, walking it is then. Five restaurants, four cafes and one bar later, and my earlier optimism has been stumped to dust. I realise just how naive I had been.It is incredibly hard to find employment.To be honest, I d
Diana My eyes dart to the gas station store but the employee isn’t looking out here, I can see that he’s got headphones in and that his attention is focused on his phone. Even if I were to shout, the glass door and windows are all shut so the likelihood of him hearing me is slim.At this moment, I become painfully aware of just how secluded this place is. Not just the employee. No one would hear me.A chill spreads through my limbs and my hands glow clammy. I turn around and start to speed walk back the way I came, hoping and praying that they would just go back to what they were doing and leave me alone. But my luck has never been that good. Regret floods my veins at the foolishness of my actions this night.Stupid! Stupid! I should have waited till tomorrow…“Hey!” Out the corner of my eye, I notice that they start to walk even faster, closing the space between us. My heart sinks and I break out into a run but they react immediately. They fan out and flank me on both sides. One
Diana The Elders exchange fearful glances before Elder Gideon takes a trembling step forward, his thin frame seeming to shrink even further. He swallows hard, rubbing his palms together. "Alpha Dominicus, perhaps we started off on the wrong foot. Why don't we—" Dom's eyes shift to him, and his voice dies in his throat. "Why don't we what?" Dom's voice is soft, carrying an undercurrent of menace that sends chills down everyone's spine. Elder Gideon quickly shuffles back, his brief moment of courage evaporating. I take a bite of my chocolate chip cookie, watching with interest. Dominicus sighs. “I am a fair man,” he says slowly. “If you have any reasonable explanation for everything you’ve done, now’s the time to speak.” The room falls deathly silent. The Elders visibly shudder at the thought of speaking, and Diana can see the sweat beading on their foreheads. The threat in Dom’s voice hangs like a dark cloud. They don’t dare lie. Something tells them that if they do, they
Diana Three days later, we pull up in front of the massive and imposing Council Headquarters building. This time, it’s Arran, the redhead warrior, who’s driving. With the pack construction in full swing, Brodik has been left behind. An Amadeus wolf opens the door for Dominicus, and he steps out, then turns to help me out. I look around at the place. The wolves I see roaming here are all Amadeus wolves, and I take in the sight with a quiet satisfaction. I turn my gaze up at the large platinum insignia glinting on the building, my heart hammering in my chest. Last time I was here, I was under trial by the Council Elders. But today… today, it’s the Council Elders who will be tried by us. Oh, how the tables have turned. “Clyde,” Dominicus calls out, and a blonde-haired, blue-eyed warrior steps forward. “Alpha,” he says respectfully. “Report,” Dom orders. Clyde doesn’t hesitate. “The Elders are all inside. They’ve been under 24-hour surveillance since their arrival.” Dom no
Diana I pace the room, nearly threading the carpet bare. I watched as Diana’s car disappeared around the corner, the tires kicking up dust as the car sped away. Minutes later, all the Council- no, Amadeus wolves, were gone too. My heart pounds in my chest, the panic gnawing at me. I had caught a glimpse of her just before she left. She didn’t see me, did she? I quickly ducked behind the building when I noticed her eyes scanning the area. The last thing I needed was for her to catch sight of me, especially after everything that happened. I shudder just thinking about it. The last time I saw Diana, I had been watching through the cracked door of Beta Marcus’s office, my breath caught in my throat as I saw him pin her down. She was crying, begging me to help her. Fury was the first thing I felt. How dare he do that to her? To my sister? But then, just as quickly, fear overtook me. I wasn’t strong enough to fight him. What would happen if I did try to intervene? The consequences
Diana My eyes sting with unshed tears. My throat chokes up, and I press my lips together and shake my head, trying to keep my emotions in check. Brodik glances at the door again. The house is silent. Not even the sound of movement comes from within. “And please,” he adds softly, “help us tell the Alpha thank you. Thank you for letting us come home. We promise we won’t let him down.” Then, as one, the warriors bow again. Not to me this time. To him. To their Alpha. A big smile spreads across my face, and I shake my head. “Don’t mention it, Brodik,” I say softly. “I’ve never truly had a pack in the true sense either, so I think I understand how you feel.” I glance at all of them, my smile widening. “I’m really happy that you’re here.” Then, clearing my throat, I raise my voice slightly, adding teasingly, “And don’t mind the grumpy Alpha. I’m sure he’s happy you’re here too.” A deep, unmistakable snort comes from inside the house. I bite back a laugh as mirth fills
Diana The moment the cars pull into the clearing, my eyes lock onto the figure standing on the porch, arms folded across his chest, watching us. A grin splits my lips, and before the car even comes to a full stop, I’m throwing the door open and launching myself out. A squeal escapes me as I practically fly across the grass, up the steps, and straight into his arms. Dominicus chuckles, his deep, rumbling laughter sending warmth through my entire body. He opens his arms just in time to catch me as I leap, wrapping his arms tightly around me and lifting me off the ground. My legs automatically wrap around his waist, and I press myself against him as tight as I can, burying my face in his neck, inhaling his scent. Mate. Home. He pulls back slightly, just enough to capture my lips with his. The kiss is fierce, filled with weeks of longing and unsaid words. I meet him with equal intensity, pouring every emotion into the way our lips move together. When we finally pull away,
Diana As the car pulls away from the pack house, movement catches my eye- a figure hastily darts away and disappears behind a building. I nonchalantly look away, my expression remaining unchanged. The car continues along the winding road, and as we cross the border of the pack territory, I silently promise myself to never set foot in this place again. This is the last time. Silence fills the car as they drive. Soon, the Zervos territory fades from view, becoming nothing more than a distant memory behind them. Billy clears his throat, breaking the heavy quiet. Billy is the first to break the silence. He clears his throat, his voice unsteady. “Kid… my mate, my Myra… she wouldn’t do that.” His fingers twitch against his knee. “She was no dark witch. She was a light witch.” I turn to look at him, watching the way his brows pinch together, the way his jaw tightens with something like desperation. “I know I said she was mysterious,” he continues, “and that I didn’t know much about her
Diana Everyone's eyes judge him silently. He desecrated the most sacred gift the Goddess gave us—desecrated the the most sacred bond. I don't move. Don't flinch. Just stay steady and cold. "And by the way," I continue, my voice eerily calm, "that's disregarding the fact that you knew I was your mate six years before I found out." I take a small, deliberate breath. "You didn't acknowledge me. You knew exactly what kind of life I was living, and you just turned a blind eye. A single word from you, a single order, could have changed everything for me. But you didn't because I wasn't worth the trouble. Why was that again?" I tilt my head slightly. "Right—because I was 'a walking burden.'" The silence stretches between us, thick enough to cut. I don't wait for him to find his voice. "I got assaulted inside the pack house, just steps away from your office, and you didn't even know." He sways on his feet, looking like he is about to faint. "Did you even try to stop it when Marc
Diana Billy rises from his seat. "We should go. There's nothing more we can learn here." Disappointment and frustration course through me, and I have to bite back a string of curses. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I nod. "Okay. Let's get out of here." Billy's hand lands on my shoulder, warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, kid. We'll catch that bastard." His lips quirk up in a small smile. "They can't run forever." He's right. The Elders are already on their way back to the Council, where they'll be under house arrest until we arrive with Dominicus. There's nowhere for that person to hide. We leave the room without another word, Brodik holding the door open as we pass through. He and the other warrior fall into step behind us, our footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. None of us spare a backward glance at Magnus—he's not worth the effort. Outside, the scene is exactly as we left it. Both Amadeus and Zervos pack members stand in loose groups, tension thick in the air
Diana Magnus turns his glare to Billy again, his voice coming out heavy, “And how could it be a coincidence that a witch was living at the Zervos pack at the time? At the same time your mother was cursed to death- at the same time your wolf was also cursed?” I turn my head slowly, my eyes meeting Billy’s. His face has drained of color, his eyes wide with horror. He shakes his head in disbelief, and he sways slightly, as though the ground beneath him is no longer solid. He shakes again, even more vehemently now. “No… that...” “Diana…” Magnus says, “the reason you had such a horrible life. Why you lived life as an existence lower than an Omega, instead of having the high status of the Alpha you truly are, is all because of her. Everything that has happened to you wouldn’t have happened if you had your wolf. It’s all because of her. She destroyed your life.” he spits. I lower my head and look down at my hands in my lap- my face expressionless even as my thoughts race."Kid, I'm sure