Aurora's pov
The sting of Bennet's words was still fresh in my mind as I sat there in the silence of my room. Just as I was about to be crushed by the silence and heartbreak, my phone buzzed. The emptiness I had felt had engulfed me completely that I was confused on what to do. I stared at my phone, It was my best friend Mia. " Get dressed girl. We are heading out. Whether you like it or not Im taking you to the bar tonight. " She giggled into the phone I looked at the clock and hesitated." My stepmother would be upset if I left the chores." But I felt needed to take a break and put the whole rejection stuff behind me. I was too weak to give a damn about her anymore but I wasn't brave to do that. I ran a hand through my hair and muttered . "You know she'll be mad if I dont help to make dinner. " " Fuck her!" Mia angrily said. You have been enduring their nonsense, a lot girl .You need a break and a drink. I promise you'll feel better. Head straight to the bar." After another second of hesitation I nodded. "Alright.I'll be there in an hour ." When I finally reached the bar the lights and noise were too much to handle. The air was filled with the buzz of conversation and the clink of glasses but I couldn't hear it. The pain of rejection was still fresh. I pushed my way through the crowd in search of Mia who was sitting at a table close to the back. Her face lit up when she saw me. She pulled me into a tight hug . " There you are." She squeaked . I'll maje a guess. You were dumped for his new bitch ,right? The news is all over the pack probably leaked by the company's janitor." I took a seat across from her and nodded. “Worse” I muttered inhaling deeply. Mia I walked in on them. My *stepsister* and he was behind at his desk. There they were right in front of me having sex, like I don't exist. " Mia reached for my hand as her face changed to one of anger. "I'm sorry , girl but whoa that piece of shit is crazy. He has been telling you lies for months? ." She sighed. "But you were deeply in love to see it." I shook my head I blinked back tears. " Mia I thought that we were mates, destined by the moon goddess. I thought that he was the one. But I was merely a distraction for him. Now he's with her. I'm not sure how to get over this. How am I supposed to move on? To make it better?" Mia's voice grew softer as she squeezed my hand. "Aurora you don't make it better. You leave it behind. He's not worth your tears. You're beautiful and strong." But the words sounded meaningless. Strong? Did she know he had called me a pitiful omega? I took the drink Mia slid toward me and muttered ."I hate him. " With the alcohol burning a trail down my throat I drank it a in one gulp. Mia didn't stop me, rather she requested another round. After a few hours the bar was a haze of faces and lights. I could feel.the alcohol doing things to my head and body that I didn't expect. It was my first time having alcohol and I felt no guilt, the alcohol full the ache in my chest but not completely. Leaning back in my chair,I took another shot and nodded to the music playing. Everyone around me was laughing and dancing and the atmosphere seemed to be pulsing with energy. In this chaos the darkness inside of me felt a little less tight even though I know didn't belong here, it was better staying home alone and crying. In an attempt to drown out the noise I watched Mia and a guy from the corner of my eye while they were deep in conversation. He was not an everyday guy.Tall broad-shouldered with dark hair and a jawline sharp enough to cut glass . He was too handsome. He threw a cold almost predatory glance around the room. The air between us changed as his gaze came toward me and our eyes met. There was a buzz of electricity between us. I got up and walked toward him without feeling my body moving unnaturally under the influence of the drink I had The memories of Bennett ,the betrayal and the agony that tore at me were all things I needed to get away from. Still staring at him I walked to the bar and leaned against it. "Buy me a drink."I said in a low almost demanding voice . He cocked his eyebrows and his lips curled in a sexy smirk. " You're a bit too young my love to be in here." .The alcohol made me bold so I smiled. "You shouldn't be talking down to me because I'm a little too old too, show some respect ." He nodded at the bartender. "Nice two shots of whiskey." He shoved one of the drinks at me when they came. I gulped it up again His hand came out and grabbed mine before I could put the glass down. His fingers stung me with something raw and needy. He pulled me closer leaning in so his lips were near my ear. He pressed his hot breath against my skin and whispered." You want to forget everything tonight?" I nodded sheepishly. Without a word he stood up and steered me through a hallway and into.a small room. that smelled of old wood and light cologne then tightened his hold on my hand. Tension between us was much and thick and the heat between us was instant. My heart was pounding and my head was racing with desire and alcohol. His lips slammed into mine before I could react. His hands moved down my body drawing me in closer as I opened up to his demanding hungry kiss. Something deep within me that I hadnt felt in a very long time was ignited by his touch which was like fire. My head spun as his hands roamed and tugged at my clothes while I groaned against his lips. His hands were now on my hips effortlessly lifting me as he pressed my back against the chilly wall breaking the kiss. With a rough voice he asked ." Do you want this?" Desperate to let go and forget I nodded. Suddenly everything became hazy. Everything faded including the weight of my broken heart and the sting of Bennet's betrayal. I lost myself in the moments unadulterated pleasure and the heat of this strangers touch. There was no love. Not even tenderness as we made out. This was the kind of sex you had when you want to forget and too broken to care about anything else in the world. And that include the rejection I had.Aurora's pov When I opened my eyes the next morning , the sun light coming through the curtains hit my face. I tried to clear my head of the fog as I blinked confusedly.I was in pain as I tried to sit up. Something between my thighs throbbed with a pulsing discomfort and my legs felt heavy. It took me a moment to realize whyThe memories then rushed back. His hand. his mouth. The way his body pressed against mine lifting me and drawing me in, that a sense of unadulterated desperate need. Then I realized that I had lost my virginity to a stranger.A wave of shame swept through me seeping into every part of me as I drew the sheets over my body.What had I done?This is not how I wanted to lose my virginity. Not to some stranger who I barely remember now. I felt shame crept up my body like cold waterThen I caught sight of something. . I looked at the mess of sheets next to me and I realised that I was all alone. He wasn't here and his side of the bed was cold. I felt a surge o
Aurora's povOne month had passed since that evening. It has been a month since a stranger stole my innocence. I had been caught up in the whirlwind of Bennet's betrayal and rejection a month ago. I really made an effort to move on but it wasn't simple though. Cassandra my stepmother had been making my life miserable. Cooking, cleaning and other household duties made me feel like a maid in my own house. My stepsister Alicia wasnt any better either. She was the prim little princess who was the queen of the house and never had to do a thing. She was everything I wasn't and I detested her for it. What I detested most about her though was how incredibly *perfect* she was around my father. As I scrubbed the floor I heard her voice on the phone, her high-pitched giggle like nails on a chalkboard. She was preparing for tonights ball which my father had assured her she could go to with Bennett as her date. I felt sick to my stomach at the thought of him. I should have spent time with h
Aurora's pov.I found it difficult to breath. . My chest felt as if it were being squeezed by an unseen hands. The word—*pregnant*—it made me feel even more horrified. My hands were shaking uncontrollably and my heart was beating wildly that I could literally hear it. "How could you? Cassandra looked down at me with disdain."I— I don't know what you are saying."But before I could finish , Cassandra slapped me hard across the cheeks that sent me reeling back and hitting my back against the wall and pain raced through me. But they didnt give a damn. Cassandras mocking and cruel laughter echoed and Alicias smirk left a lasting impression on my mind. "You think anyone will give a damn about you now? Alicia asked in a disgusting voice. "A pregnant omega, how thoughtful of you . You are so worthless." "Just like your mother. " Cassandra added." You have brought disgrace to this family."The weight of their words made the world to spin and swirl around me and I could take it no mo
Aurora's pov The soft click of the door woke me up from my agitated sleep.I didn't even know that I had fallen asleep after he left A young maid came in with a courteous but hesitant expression .The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted chicken filled the air as she carried a tray full of food making my stomach rumble in protest. She put the tray on the bedside table and said in a quiet voice ."Good afternoon miss Alpha Callum gave me the order to take care of you. What do you need? I was unsure whether to accept her generosity or to ask her questions about my current state so I blinked at her. The chaos of everything that had happened made my body hurt but I tried not to show it. But my stomachs persistent growl betrayed me and I answered ."I'm fine." The maid smiled slightly sympathetically. "There is no problem but you should eat please. " After a moment of hesitation I nodded. "Right now I just need water." I muttered in a small voice.She poured a glass and handed i
Aurora's pov Alpha Callum's gaze which was fixed on me,it seems to be everywhere, it was evident in every square inch of the room which exuded strength and authority. The air felt heavy almost oppressive as if, it had been charged by his very presence and i couldn't bring myself to look at him or answer his question.I gripped my hands in my lap to steady it fromshaking as I sat rigidly on the bed across from him. I managed to look around the room and took in tge elaborate mahogany furnishings , shelves brimming with vintage books and pack artifacts and a sizable desk behind him.I never knew all this was in the room until now. His eyes peered at me like a predator waiting its victim, waiting for me to answer. " Youre trembling" He said in a low scathing voice that showed no concern. As if my uneasiness amused him a smirk formed on his lips. My throat felt as dry as sandpaper as I took a deep swallow."I'm not shaking." My voice wavered but I was telling the truth He lied,
Only the sound of my erratic breathing could be heard, filling the room in a thick silence. My knees were on the verge of giving out under the weight of his gaze as I stood in front of him "Protection and all the luxuries you could ever think of ."Alpha Callum said in an emotionless tone ." But one more thing." He said raising a finger up and I saw triumph in his eyes."This will be done under a contract. " He said abd took a seat watching me closely. Leaning back in his chair , he exuded a commanding presence that filled the entire room. His piercing perceptive gaze seemed to be trying to extract every thought from me as if thinking I was trying to outsmart him.The lump that was growing in my throat made it difficult for me to swallow. "A contract? I asked again trying to steady my trembling voice. "Yes." he said abruptly a small almost contemptuous smirk curling his lips. "A formal agreement will serve as our bond. There will be strict boundaries and rules. This mating is not m
The sun rose reluctantly ,bits tame rays filtering through the thick curtains of the guest room that had been set up for me. When I awoke, I heard maids moving quietly into the room , carrying cloths, jewelry and fragrances in their arms. They moved with practiced efficiency whispering to each other as if a louder sound would break the brittle peace I had forged during the restless night.At first I was confused, wondering what was happening until I realized I was getting mated to one of the arrogant Alpha that ever lived. My hands wr firmly clasped in my lap a I sat on the edge of the bed. The aroma of rose and lavender filled the air and the responsibility of the day weighed me down like a chain of iron. I just wished this was all a dream." My Lady ."one of the maids said in a soft but firm tone." We have to get you ready. To make sure you are dressed appropriately for the event , the Alpha has sent instructions."The word stung , it served as a reminder of how transactio
It was not the weight of the room and everything or the imposing mahogany desk that made the office feel oppressive.It was Aurora was here. As she waited for me to speak her hands were clasped tightly together and her delicate features revealed her shock and surprise.She just didn't know how much I hated all this .We arrived at this point per my fathers orders and I now had to deal with this sham of a marriage I stood up straight and gave her a chilly look. "Aurora let me be very clear about one thing."I said my voice even. "This marriage is not built on love."There was a brief moment of bewilderment on her face as her brows furrowed." I don't love you.This arrangement and all that exists is just a duty to the pack and to my fathers desires. Thats that."I went on using a harsher tone. Her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to reply but wasn't sure how and the shock in her eyes turned into a searing sting. I continued." You're my mate but don't think for a second that th
Bennet's comments weigh heavily on us both, causing Callum's face to go pale and his eyes to widen in disbelief. I feel as though I can't breathe because of the oppressive silence that envelops me like a vice."My father," Callum mumbles, hardly able to put the words into words. "What happened to your family is his fault?"Bennet doesn't avert her gaze. His voice is weighted with regret, grief, and remorse, and his face is bleak. "Yes."The earth sways. I feel as like I'm standing on the precipice of a collapsing cliff, one step from plunging into an abyss from which I will never be able to recover, and the ground beneath me is shaky.As I turn to face Callum, tears sting my eyes and my heart bursts out in ways I never knew were possible. I stutter, my voice scratchy and hardly audible above a whisper, "You knew." "Did you not?"Callum's face flashes with desperation as he rapidly shakes his head. "No, Aurora. I promise you that I didn't know everything. His hands extend toward me, bu
"I had no idea!" I take a step back, but Callum's eyes are suddenly wild and his hands are reaching for me once more. I must not allow him to touch me. Not right now. Not in this manner. "I never would have…I would have stopped him, Aurora, if I had known. You must think so. Please.I am so conflicted right now that I cannot even begin to describe it. I'd like to think he's real. Yes, I do. However, the truth is staring at me with all of its ugly weight, right in front of me. It was his father's fault. Additionally, Callum was supposed to be unique. The one who wasn't like them was supposed to be him.What if he is, though? What if he is actually just like the others? Better than the monster that robbed me of my family?I try to contain the sob that catches in my throat by putting my fingers to my lips. I won't let him witness my breakdown. Not right now. Not in this manner.I mumble, "I don't know what to believe anymore," in a voice so shattered that it hardly sounds like mine.The
Bennet steps forward slowly, his face serious, something in his eyes that I can't quite identify. A cautionary tale? An appeal? Or worse?"Callum, there's more about Aurora's family that you don't know." Even though his voice is soft, I can feel the weight of it making my stomach turn. "Whatever became of them."My breath catches in my throat and I stiffen. His delivery is more than a simple epiphany. Something sinister is going on. I may not be prepared to hear it.With a look of worry on his face, Callum looks at me before turning back to Bennet. "What are you discussing?"Bennet pauses. For a moment only. However, it's sufficient to validate my worst suspicions.He has some knowledge. Something he ought not to do.There's something about me.My voice is hardly audible above a whisper as I say, "Bennet." "What do you mean?"When he stares at me, his eyes are filled with guilt. Genuine, unadulterated guilt. My heartbeat quickens.Then he utters it."The deaths of Aurora's family were
I stand still, my heart thumping in my chest, the air around me heavy, almost oppressive. My thoughts and basic life are constantly under strain from Victor's words, which linger in the air. Deep within me, I sense a force that is new to me…power that is unbridled and raw…calling to me.Callum puts his hand in mine and wraps his fingers firmly around my wrist, bringing me back to the here and now. Though I can feel the tremble of worry coursing through him, his grip is strong. He draws me away, obscuring my eyes from Victor's piercing stare.Aurora, don't listen to him. He's telling lies. Although Callum's voice is urgent, I was surprised by how deeply it conveys desperation. It's difficult to cling to that right now, even though his comments are meant to reassure me and remind me of who I am and have always been. Because what Victor is saying seems too real.For a second, I want to believe Callum when I look at him. Even while I want to fully trust him, I can feel the change, the fla
As Victor observes me, his smile is icy, bordering on cruel. His eyes shine with contentment, and I can feel his words weighing heavily and suffocatingly on me. It feels like the earth has moved underfoot and I'm sinking into an unavoidable darkness. His cold, relentless presence hovers above me."You think you're just an ordinary wolf, Aurora?" His low voice is a warning, a taunt. "That is far from who you are."His words tighten with every breath, encircling me like a trap and causing every fiber in my body to clench, freezing me in place. I whisper, "You don't know what you're talking about," yet something inside of me recognizes. I have a strong want to believe him, yet I am unable to do so. I won't. This isn't possible.Victor takes a stride toward us, bringing us closer. My pulse quickens as I sense the heat of his presence. His calculating, black eyes never leave me. He knows he has me where he wants me, and his smirk widens as his lips twist higher."Haven't you always sensed
I'm under pressure from the rogue, but I don't have time to reflect. No more. Everything is blending into a single, chaotic jumble of snarls, blood, and desperation as the globe spins too quickly. Even if my hands shake around the dagger, I am no longer strong enough to defend myself. Not by themselves.A slight smirk tugs at Victor's lips as he stands across from me, his eyes never leaving mine. He knows, I see. He is aware of my thoughts and feelings. The decision I must make.The decision is pressing down on me like a thousand pounds, and I can feel my chest constricting and my breathing getting short. I turn to face Callum, who has always been there for me and is my guardian. The one who, even in the most dire circumstances, has never faltered. There is something raw in his golden eyes: love, rage, and terror. His voice is low and desperate, and he tightens his hold on my arm, drawing me back slightly.Callum's voice is hardly audible above the din of the battlefield, but he whisp
As it charges with its teeth bared and saliva streaming from its mouth, the rogue's eyes pierce mine. I automatically sidestep, my heart hammering against my ribs, but the beast is faster than I thought. The air is knocked out of my lungs as it crashes into me. Pain shooting through my chest, I fight to stay upright as the forest spins.The rogue is unrelenting as I swing my knife, aiming for its throat. Snarling, it dodges and pushes me back toward the trees. The impact's force causes my eyesight to blur, and for a split second, I worry that I won't survive this battle.My feet slip on the blood-slick floor as I scramble. Even if my breathing is labored, I don't give up and continue to move. It's no longer just about me. It's about defending my pack and those who have battled beside me. I cannot allow Victor to triumph.I lift my dagger, the blade gleaming in the moonlight, as the rogue lunges once more. I swing it as hard as I can with what little strength I have left. A deep gash i
The night devolves into mayhem. The air is filled with growls and snarls as bodies collide, claws tearing through fur, fangs digging into flesh. Blood is all over the woodland floor, and the smell is overpowering. A rogue lunges at me, its eyes blazing with bloodlust, before I can even react.Callum moves like a blur and slams a vicious blow into it before it can get to me. With a shriek of anguish, the rogue falls to the ground as his claws sever its side. He doesn't think twice. With one more deadly strike, he completes the job and turns to face me."Stay close," he growls, looking over the battlefield with his golden gaze. "I won’t let them touch you."I tighten my hold on my dagger and nod.Bennet, on the other hand, battles like a man under a spell. His movements are precise, his strikes are powerful, and each attack is planned for maximum damage. Tonight, he is different. He doesn't hesitate or let any residual feelings stop him. With every enemy he defeats, it seems as though h
As we run through the woodland, Callum's hand firmly holding mine, the tension in the air is palpable. Every stride Victor's army takes gets louder and closer until I can hear it echoing in my ears. The trees appear to close in, winding around us like a prison, and my heart thuds in my chest."We must continue to move," Callum exhorts in a stern yet quiet voice. Even though I can feel the weight of the looming conflict bearing down on us, his eyes spark with resolve.I nod, but my body is exhausted from the mental maelstrom roiling inside of me as much as the running, and my legs feel heavy. Though Bennet's revelation still taints my thoughts like a poison, I can't afford to be weak right now. Not when we are about to die.The rustle of leaves in front of me abruptly stops me in my tracks. As others start to appear out of the darkness, I know what's happening and my blood chills. Victor's outlaws. They are present. There were dozens of them, encircling us from all sides and obstructin