-SAMANTHAN-

“What do you mean by I’m not worthy?” Samantha Stomped, her narrowed eyes on her father, Alpha Harry.

“You’re nowhere near worthy, if I must say,” Harry let out, his chin up, chest puffed out, and a confident smile on his face.

“I’m your beta.” I’m supposed to rule after you. I’ve been training my whole life for this opportunity; you can’t just let Craig over here take all the credit,” Samantha yelled, her eyes sending daggers at her stepbrother Craig.

Craig barged in, throwing Samantha off her balance. “Don’t you get it, Step sister?” You’re as weak as ever; you don’t even have a wolf to fight alongside. Just give up; I’m better than you in everything, and there’s nothing that can nullify that fact.”

“Just because you’re a man doesn’t mean I am less capable. As for my wolf, even though I’m yet to get it, I’m still more powerful than you.”.

“Then prove it to us, Samantha,” Harry’s thick voice sent shivers down Samantha’s spine, binding her confidence with her fears.

“Assign me to any task. I will complete it victoriously and show you all that I’m worthy of becoming an Alpha.”

“Bring me the head of the Alpha of the Deadly Fang pack, Ryu. Then I shall reconsider and make you Alpha instead.”

“That’s more impossible than possible. Everyone we’ve sent to eliminate him all comes back injured or without a head, Samantha exclaimed.

“If you’re scared, you might as well just retain your position as Beta and live the peaceful life you so desire.”

“I’m not scared. I shall penetrate the enemy’s territory and bring back the head of Ryu.”

/SAMANTHA’S POV/

Here I am in the enemy’s territory. No friends, no family, and not a single person to accompany me. My heritage, my reputation, and my dignity are all at stake in an impossible task. How can a wolf-less Werewolf be able to behead a mighty Alpha?

“Get over here, Samantha. These floors need scrubbing fast. I wouldn’t want the Alpha killing innocent guards due to your weak bones, Timothy, the personal assistant to the Alpha of the Deadly Fang pack, commanded.

“Yes, sir,” I exclaimed, grabbing the broom and heading for the royal chamber.

Disguising as a maid in the enemy’s territory just to accomplish an impossible mission was the biggest risk I had ever taken. The sight of infiltrators being slaughtered daily by the mighty Alpha Ryu gave me nothing but goosebumps.

“Don’t you think Alpha Ryu is the best in the world?” a thin voice let out. The sight of Sasha, a fellow maid, came to sight.

“Alpha Ryu is just like the others, if you ask me. He’s cruel, ruthless, and definitely not the man any lady should be dealing with.”

“I think he’s handsome, charming, and has a physique every lady would be dying to be underneath.” Sasha responded, her eyes concentrating on the ceiling as she daydreamed.

“Clean that idea off your head. He’s a killer, a man with no pure intentions of saving his people. He kills for fun,” I argued.

“Maybe you’d do a better job if you were Alpha, but you’re just so weak you couldn’t climb the ranks to Scavenger, and you’re stuck here with me cleaning the royal chambers.” Sasha retorted, sending daggers at me.

How dare she talk so lowly to me? The future Alpha of the Moon Hound pack.

“Miss Samantha, are you going to clean the darn floors or you’re going to get killed by the Alpha?” Timothy let out.

“Yes, sir,” I growled, sweeping the floors like my life depends on it.

… After cleaning and scrubbing the various chambers, I was left with one last task: cleaning Alpha Ryu’s chambers. No one was allowed near his chambers, but due to an emergency protocol, I had gotten a request from Timothy to clean it up.

“And who are you?” a voice arched in my head, sending shivers down my spine. I wanted to raise my head and check it out, but I couldn’t. My body wasn’t responding, his aura holding me in place.

“I’m a mere maid; I have been tasked with cleaning up your room for the day.” I stammered, hoping my body would return to me.

“You’re quite lucky. Usually you’d be cut by my sword, but it seems your instincts are much stronger than your body. You survived by an inch, zero bruises, and zero cuts.” His voice resonated around the room, causing a repentance of his voice.

“Thank you, Alpha Ryu.”

“Funny, how you don’t call me Lord. Should I be pissed or should I just finish you off for trying to clean the floor?” He rose from his chair,

“Tamper justice with Mercy, dear Alpha,” I pleaded, fighting the urge to spit on him.

“Alpha Ryu, she’s the new…” Timothy’s voice suddenly came to a halt behind me. I couldn’t sense his presence any more, but the smell of blood penetrated my nose.

“I told you not to do it.” he remarked, pushing me towards the wall as he walked towards Timothy.

"I had to…" blood spluttered from his neck, his eyes rolling backwards as he spoke.

Alpha Ryu gazed at the body, lying before him, a tear rolling down his cheek. "Rest on."

The sight of a body without a neck sent waves of fear through me. Blood spilling continuously from the neck and a sharp sword by its side.

“Poor Timothy, he should have acted like a man and done what was supposed to be done. I’ll just add his head to my collection of personal assistants..”Ryu said, holding Timothy’s head in his arms.

I stared at Timothy’s head, which had slowly begun to disintegrate. I could tell the sword contained some quantity of wolf bane, which meant death or literal weakness.

“Alpha Ryu, that was your personal assistant. Your must-trust man, apart from your beta. How are you going to cope?”

“Let’s see. I’ll have to assign a new personal assistant to survive, but who is worthy of my trust?”.

“Definitely not me,” I blurted out unconsciously.

“I doubt that,” he gazed at me, raising my chin up with his index finger.

“What do you mean, Alpha Ryu?”

“What would you say about a promotion?”

/SAMANTHA-/

A promotion is known as the best blessing in werewolf nature, apart from getting a mate. To be promoted meant you had much more power, but it also meant you had more responsibilities to hold onto.

I couldn't take the position; it would make me stand out and might lead me into harm's way. For all I care, it might be a set-up to draw me forth from my shell; I definitely couldn't take such risks.

"I shall accept the promotion," I blurted out, staring at his evil grin.

"Excellent. You're now my personal assistant and also a member of the Deadly Fang werewolf community." He announced with a smile on his face.

With my head lowered, I knew I was vulnerable, but that was only just a way of winning his trust. "Shall I clean this place up, Alpha Ryu?"

"There's no essence in you cleaning this place up if you can't come back in. You can see dear Timothy lying cold on the ground. This is the fourth time he entered my chambers, and this is also the last time, if I must say. Your luck determines how long you'll stay as my personal assistant," he retired back to his chair, patting Timothy's head as he settled.

"What if I decided not to be your personal assistant?".

"Death is inevitable." A cold, icy look appeared on his face, making me stagger backwards till I couldn't move any more.

"I shall not fail you, Alpha Ryu," I appreciated about leaving his chambers.

"Remember, two steps forward and you're dead." His words echoed in my ears as I exited his chambers.

I knew I was wrong by accepting the promotion, but I had to take the risk. I had to find a way to behead him closely, a way he wouldn't be able to avoid—a painless death.

Sasha ran towards me, tugging my arm as we headed to the maiden cabinet. "Samantha, how did your meeting with Alpha Ryu go?"

"There was no such meeting between us. I just cleaned up the floors and left," my eyes on the doors as I lied.

"Is the Alpha cute? Did he take off his mask? Did you see how handsome he looked without his mask? Did you guys have sex?" Sasha questioned, her eyes glittering with anxiety.

"None of such. You've been having wild fantasies about the Alpha. He's nothing but a normal man.

"He has that strong aura, a ravishing grin that makes me leap and a smile that makes me wet underneath," Sasha explained, drooling as she drowned in her own fantasy.

"The Alpha is not worthy of such devastating love. He's a geezer, ruthless, with no emotion. He's barely mortal."

"That's why I love him. He's immortal; he'll be able to do some things that I've always wanted to do with a man." Sasha sighed.

"I thought you had a crush on Timothy; why the sudden change as of this morning?" I asked.

"Haven't I told you?" Sasha gazed at me, her eyebrows furrowed upwards.

"You barely tell me anything.".

"Maybe that's because you're unlovable and lack social skills." She teased.

How dare she? I'm lovable with enough social skills needed to rule a pack.

"So... get to it. What did you want to tell me?" I strutted, gazing into the depths of her eyes to intercept whatever lies she was about to exhale.

"Promise me you aren't going to tell anyone," she let out, searching the area to see if anyone was in sight.

"You know I don't talk to any of the maids except you, even though you're the most annoying."

"I and Sir Timothy are destined mates. We found out a week ago, and we have decided to run off tonight after the late wolves howl. Sir Timothy has this strong belief that we would end up losing our lives if we continue to live here. It's best to live a life than about it."

I could see the glimmer of hope in her eyes. The dream of having a future where she could live without any fears. Waking up in the arms of her lover and maybe some kids to pull her hair.

"That's nice; I'm so happy for you," I let out.

"I know you wouldn't tell on me. And I really appreciate your kind gesture towards me. Maybe you can come visit us sometimes."

"I would for sure," I assured her before she retired into the maiden's chamber.

I returned to my chambers, slamming the door behind me. I was barely halfway through the room when I felt something drop in the pit of my stomach, bitter with lots of resilience. Sweat is dripping from my forehead down. What was this feeling? Was this what guilt felt like?

Then it occurred to me that Ryu had already set the plan into the mist. Timothy was already dead; his skull probably ground along and fed to the young werelings (mystical creatures who just appeared in the pack's dungeon).

Had Ryu found out about their movement? Was that the reason why he killed Timothy? No, that couldn't be possible; it was too early to be sniffed out.

I headed out, grabbing my sword from beneath the rug. Its blue-colored layers still held much of a presence, its sharp edge chanting for blood.

With a sigh, I grabbed my cloak, putting it on the next minute. The window blind shook as I jumped out, my cloak flowing with the wind.

"And who are you?" His cold and icy voice reverberated in the air as I balanced on the ground.

My mask fell from my face, my identity almost revealed. I turned back immediately, relying on my senses in case of an attack.

"I said, Who are you?" He growled, his sinister aura filling the air. "Why are you coming from Samantha's chambers? What did you do to her?"

"Tell me why you killed Timothy," I said.

"Whatever happens to Timothy doesn't concern you. You should be more concerned about yourself. " His hand suddenly crawled up my waist, his claw by my nape.

"Reveal yourself or die? Your choice."

/SAMANTHA-/

I jerked myself off his grip, smashing his face with my elbow. He groaned as blood oozed out from his nose, his hands curled up on his face.

“You’re trained. Didn’t see that coming.” He chuckled, wiping the blood with his hands.

“Tell me the truth, Alpha.” I groaned, still backing him to hide my face.

“You must be the cursed mate he was always talking about after his mate bond. He found out about how he would lose his power and become a mere Omega like you or, worse still, a human. He couldn’t risk it, so he killed himself; he didn’t wait for my sword of trust to swing by.” He burst into laughter.

“You’re sick.” I said in disgust. “Nice meeting you, by the way.”

“And where do you think you’re going?” He walked up to me, his sinister aura pulling me down. My heart began to race as his claws trailed my shoulder, placing cuts on my flesh.

“We’ll meet again, Alpha Ryu, but by then your head will be in my arms.” I bent down immediately, grabbing my mask and rolling off to put it on.

“You’re not getting away.” Strokes appeared in his eyes, his claws emerging stronger and sharper than before. His presence felt heavy like a dumbbell, holding me in place.

I picked up some soil, hurling it at him. A little got into his eyes, stopping him from moving forward; I took the chance, taking to my heels.

…The entire palace guard scrambled around the corners searching for the intruder that had attacked the Alpha-me. They matched through every hallway, checking everyone for a cut mark on the shoulder. I should have known he was onto something.

“Miss Samantha!” Missy cried as she walked in. I heard you were attacked and beaten up.

I held up a gloomy face, the red soil I had patched on my face making it believable by looks. She sighed, bringing me towards her. “You’ll be alright.”

“Everyone out, the Alpha has declared a public validation announcement.” Kyle, Ryu’s gamma spat as he walked into the room.

He had this Incandescent aura just like Ryu, but his was much more concrete, filled with cruelty and bitterness. He had gone through the worst of things on the war grounds.

We walked out of the room, walking straight to the hall. The entire pack had assembled, everyone frightened by the urgent call.

“Deadly fangs!!!” Ryu yelled.

Everyone in the pack began to howl, drums began to beat, and the torches began to light up. My heart began to beat; I could feel the danger looking around growing stronger and stronger.

“Today I was attacked by one of our very own, and one of my maidens was wounded in the process. The attacker had tried to escape, but thanks to Kyle, we caught her before she could abscond with her blue cloak.” He snapped his fingers, and two scouts walked in with a lady in their hands.

I clenched my fist as they slowly took off her cloak, her identity being revealed. “Sasha?”

“She’s the mate of my personal assistant, who took his own life. She’s cursed; he couldn’t take it, and he also couldn’t reject her for fear of being cursed. He took his own life, but he made it clear who he wanted to take over for him.” Ryu signaled to Kyle, who walked up to her with his sword out of its case.

“No one attacks the Alpha and lives, not even a cursed omega.”

“You must be mistaken; I just wanted to try out the cloak I found in the bin. I’m not the one you’re looking for.” She cried.

Slash!

“Ahhhhh!” Some of the maidens screamed as she fell to the floor, her blood flowing out like a river.

“I would like to make an announcement.” Ryu’s fierce voice brought me back to reality. His gaze was directed towards me.

He began. "With the passing of my personal assistant, whose mate's bond with the perpetrator caused this, I would like to take this opportunity to appoint a new wolf.”

I observed the surroundings, and to my surprise, no one was wailing anymore. They were all filled with laughter and joy, acknowledging Sasha as a criminal.

Kyle, on the other hand, was standing firm with his sword dripping with blood. I could see the grin on his face as Ryu scouted the area for the next personal assistant.

“Miss Samantha over here shall now take charge as my personal assistant.”

I rose up, walking towards Ryu with clenched fists. I was going to kill him and bring his head back home as a gift to my father. He was going to get it—a taste of his own medicine.

“Miss Samantha, are you alright?” Ryu asked, taking my hand in his.

“I am fine. There’s nothing to worry about,” I assured.

“Anyone who disrespects Miss Samantha automatically disrespects me. That I shall not tolerate.”

Ryu grabs a gem from his pocket, placing it in the middle of my breasts. I was about to hit his hand away from myself when a wave of tingling sensation suddenly erupted in me, making me weak in the thighs. I had never felt like this before; maybe it was because I had never been touched by a man.

“Miss Samantha… Miss Samantha,” Ryu’s voice reached out to me, his hand trailing around my waistline.

“What happened to me?” I asked, slowly regaining consciousness.

“I have no idea, but it’s something that has never happened in years.”.

My vision returned, and Ryu’s charming face welcomed me. I could see the stars staring at me, my legs positioned in an awkward way.

“Is it crazier than a mission?” I blurted out unconsciously.

“I’m not sure about that, but it seems you’re in a huge mess.” Ryu’s words sent me flying off his arms.

I stared at the crowd, everyone staring at me like I was some criminal.

“Alpha Ryu, kindly withdraw her position. She isn’t like the rest of us; we don’t even know what she is.” Kyle growled, ready to attack at any moment.

“The Gem slid right through her calves. Is she really from this pack? No one has the ability to take in such a gem and talk less of absorbing the power. Who is she?” members of the pack began to drop their opinions of me.

“Enough. There’s nothing to be afraid of, Ryu let out, his hand still on my waistline.

“What’s the assurance that she’s not an intruder?”

“Yeah, what if she was sent to question your authority?” Maybe this was her plan all along.”

“Why don’t we just execute her? If the gem is inside her, a sword shouldn’t be able to cause any damage.”

“Execute her! Execute her!”