Valeria POVI sat by the window of the car, looking outside into the endless woods. The dinner ended with sour faces and two smiling faces. Mother and father were happy to have gotten rid of me, while the rest were not happy with their Alpha’s choice, but they couldn’t argue with him. Ruby was disappointed, throwing a fit of temper and storming out of the dining room. Father was, of course, embarrassed; she embarrassed his guests and him, and he had apologised to the young Alpha by bowing his head. His cheeks were a bright red, and it was a funny scene. This is not the first time she embarrassed him, but he never said a word, and this he couldn’t overlook.“Are you sure of this, Adrain?” a deep voice across me asked. I didn’t turn my head. I don’t know who this man is, but he seems to talk to the Alpha like he is his brother, and from his aura, he is probably the beta of the pack.“No,” he replied.“So, why did you choose her? She looks timid; our pack would not survive a week in her

Valeria POVI sat in front of the mirror, my eyes lifeless. It’s been two weeks, and the pack has been hectic. The omegas have been working extra hours getting everything ready. It’s obvious the mood in the pack changed; they were all bubbly, with girls chirping away about meeting handsome men from different packs and boys all talking about their haircuts to look their best for the night. Everyone was glad; it was too obvious to miss. Then what have I been doing for the past 2 weeks? Soil my pillow, punch the wall angrily, dress up, and try out dresses—dresses I have no say in. Jessica doesn’t like this dress; change it. Jessica doesn’t like the colour; change it. Jessica doesn’t like the design; change it.I wore so many dresses; she just wasn’t satisfied, and I had no say whatsoever. I kept silent and kept doing as she said. I always wondered how my first ball would look one day when my parents finally allowed me to go, but now I am suddenly not excited about the ball. Realising I m

Valeria POVI sat beside Adrain, who was drinking. It was human alcohol, so it won’t make him drunk, but he has drank a lot, staring at my mate in pure hate. Everything Ruby said is so true. Since my mate arrived, the ball has been a bit awkward. They all avoided going towards my mate pack, but I could see some of the pack members going towards other packs; I guess they found their mate. I looked at Adrian and sighed; he actually looked so angry, sucking in his teeth and folding his palm in a punch, but my mate, on the other hand, was sitting calmly, sipping his drink.I guess now I know why he holds that title. He is calm; you can’t tell what is going on in his head. My mate is like a gentle smoke—a smoke that can cause a raging fire if not quenched. But Adrain, on the other hand, is allowing his emotions to get to him. Something I have learned while growing up in the pack is that people can use your anger against you; they can get into your head while being angry. It’s good to know

Valeria POVI heard the doors open as I lay down on the floor, my back turned against the door. The guards walked to me, and they gently removed the chains from me. It has been three days since I went to see Adrain and Ruby, and I was taken back here to my cell. I have been staring at the wall ever since, expecting my death. The guards helped me up, and I was super confused. Were they not the ones who pulled me harshly a few days ago? Dragging me on the floor gave me more injuries, so what changed?“That is enough; leave,” I heard the familiar voice. I looked up, and Collin stood in front of me. He looked at me disgusted, and I looked at him right back.“We have an unexpected visitor. Go to your room, freshen up, and come down for dinner. Also, make sure to hide your bruises. Alpha’s order,” he said, turning around and leaving. I stood there for a minute, a visitor? Surely this visitor must be an important one for Adrain to want me to meet them; he did introduce me as his mate during