"I'm sorry," I said, and stepped away once again. "...but I can't tell you my name."

The other men had that look that says they dared me to be that audacious again. They murmured, eyes on me, and the man whom I had messed up stood some feet away from me, his face darkened. His looks could kill, and I feared this would be the end of my job here.

He took two steps closer, and I couldn't stay away, so I wouldn't quack the table behind me.

"If you don't tell me your name, I will make sure you lose this job," he said amid gritted teeth, his blue eyes dazzling and his hands now in his pockets. I glanced around, and I could see how people's attention was slowly being drawn towards us, and this would cost me a lot.

Heaven knew how scared I was that he would do the opposite if I did tell him my name, so I still shook my head continuously. "But I already apologised!"

"Your apology isn't gonna change my shirt!" he snarled, and I grimaced. Of course, it wasn't going to replace the shirt that could feed me for a year. I wasn't that rich to wear costly dresses, but I knew the qualities and brands, so the one he wore was damn costly, and even my twelve-month salary won't cover it up.

I kept twisting my fingers together, staring at the floor, when someone mentioned my name from the side, "Unity, someone is here for you!" My heart slipped at that moment, and I caught the fierce gaze of the man standing before me.

Slowly, his cold expression dissipated, replaced with a smirk across his lips. "Unity?!" he mentioned, and I bit my lower lip.

I couldn't keep standing there, but left to see who it was that came for me. Now that he knew my name, I wouldn't have high hopes because I would certainly lose this job, and that would be the beginning of my job hunting and joblessness.

When I came out of the hall, the lady who had come for me pointed towards a man standing at the security building miles away from the event hall. I rushed towards the man who was surely a gamma warrior and bowed to him, "Sir, you asked for me."

He nodded, "You are the sister of Aslan Oz, right?"

I rolled my eyes and then nodded.

"Good! I am one of the warriors who came for him. He's eighteen years old and has been chosen among the male werewolves that would be trained for the upcoming war, so he has been taken to the border. Also, your aunt, whom we met him with, collapsed and was taken to the pack's general hospital, so I volunteered to come tell you this since we couldn't reach you by phone call."

I froze, my mind spun. Did he just narrate all these just for me?

"What do you mean? My brother was taken to the border? But he's an omega and not delta or gamma....and had just gotten admission into college." I ranted, my face turning red.

The man nodded, "It doesn't matter his rank. Every delta, gamma, and omega is to train for the war."

He must be mistaken. Even for the deltas and gammas that had always gone to train, they must be up to twenty-one, but my brother was only eighteen.

I looked at him, at this moment, forgetting the scene that I had caused in the event hall. "Sir, I think there's a mistake here. Aslan is just eighteen and not up to twenty-one. Why would he be taken to train at the border?"

This man gave me a cold glare, let out an annoying hiss, and began leaving. I rushed to hold him, but he slammed the gate shut as he exited, and I barely dodged getting hit by the iron gate. I darted my eyes around, now recalling that I was still at work, but my heartbeat had spiked, and a scorching heat enveloped me.

My brother can't be a warrior. He was an omega and wasn't even up to eighteen. There were several omega males here with me that weren't taken, so why only my brother? That warrior was telling lies. They must have taken my brother because they didn't expect him to get admitted into college.

He had always refused to be a guard, and this was how they wanted to deal with him?

My limbs were all trembling. I felt so hot and at some point, thought I would pass out due to how fast my blood was running in my body.

I went back to the resort, but went straight to take my belongings. When I couldn't find the admin to tell him of my leave, I left without notifying anyone. I boarded a cab that drove me to the border, and when I asked to see my brother, they almost hit me, insisting that no one is allowed in, even if your family were with them.

'There is no training going on in there. I hate all this drama.' my wolf muttered in my head, and began whimpering again.

We were still trying to get over Tyrion's betrayal, and now this.

After so many attempts to go in and it didn't work out, I decided to go to the pack hospital to see my aunt. Maybe if she recovers quickly, she will help end the matter. She had been the one taking care of us after our parents passed on by accident when I was still eight years old. She had refused to marry despite the mocking from people that she was only useful to care for us, and I hadn't once joked with her, but wanted to be the best for her.

I reached the hospital and was directed to where she was admitted. I couldn't believe my eyes, but she looked so pale, like someone who had no blood running in her veins. I turned to the doctor who had brought me in and stretched my arm towards him, "Transfuse my blood to her. I have done it once."

But he shook his head, "It's not a matter of blood transfusion. This only tells that you aren't aware, but she had a brain tumor, which she has been managing. And now, she passed out due to shock, which only surgery can save her life at this point."

My world crumbled before me. I slumped to the ground, my lips dropped open, and water gathered in my eyes.

How long? A brain tumor?

"If you can act faster and make deposits, then we will begin the surgery. Or, she is bound to pass on this way."

My eyes grew large, and I glared at the doctor. How dare he mention that my aunt could die? I swallowed down the lump that rose to my throat, then slowly brought out my cell phone from my pocket.

I checked my account balance and asked the doctor if the amount could be done.

He shook his head, "It's not up to half the amount. If you can make it up to half, then we will consider."

Not now! My aunt had just emptied her account to get Aslan ready for college, and I was expecting to keep us surviving with my salary and savings. She had no money left, and not even my brother.

What should I do?

My brother was still at the border. If I don't get him out quickly, he will be marked as a warrior finally. My aunt was dying, and I was the only hope she had.

I watched as the doctor left the ICU, and the best I could do was breathe harshly. I glanced at the lifeless body of my aunt, my chest clenched, and the tears that gathered in my eyes finally spilled.

My wolf whined at me and then suggested, 'Take a loan for her surgery, and meet Tyrion to help get Aslan out. What do you think?'

I hadn't even thought of that, but would I be able to stand before the man who dumped me for the regent's daughter? What would he take me for if I came to him for help? He hadn't rejected me, but he could do that eventually since he was now married.

I could take the loan and pay it back gradually, but I don't need to lose my job for this to happen. What if I had been sacked?

Goddess please! I got on my knees, stared at the ceiling, and couldn't help but burst into tears.

I left the hospital looking so sluggish. The only option I had was the one my wolf had suggested, but I needed to confirm first that I hadn't lost my job.

In the past, there was nothing like student loans, and the poor would not even be educated. If there was one, I would have nothing to worry about but take a student loan that could serve the same purpose.

When I went back to the resort, the wedding had already ended, and the couple had left too. I felt relieved that I wouldn't see Tyrion again with that lady, but I was going to seek his help in the palace because I had no other option concerning my brother.

I paid little to no attention to my colleagues who were all blabbering about my sudden disappearance, but went straight to the admin's office. Luckily, the man was at work, so I told him my condition at that moment and asked if I could get a letter of approval from him to grant me a loan.

I knew that if I had been sacked, he wouldn't offer the letter, but I stood there, watching as he picked up his pen, and after writing down the words, signed and handed it over to me. "Sir," I was lost for words and bowed to him. He hadn't been this easygoing since I began working there, so I thought that if he was in a good mood for the first time to have granted my request without hesitation.

Later on, I left and went to the loan office where I applied for the loan. According to them, it would take seventy two hours or less for the loan to be approved, so I hoped it would take less time for the sake of my aunt's health.

As I left the loan office, I felt like a certain burden was lifted off my shoulders. I would pray ninety-nine times a day to the moon goddess for the surgery to go smoothly so my aunt would survive it.

I couldn't afford to board a cab home, but decided to trek so I would clear my mind. I would resume work the next day at noon after I went to the palace, but since it was getting dark, I had to return home.

The shortcut road that followed was quiet for a very long time. But soon, I heard the sound of a vehicle that drove past me at high speed. I squeezed my face, staggering forward like my world was about to end. Then I realized that the car had stopped before me, but no one came out of the car, and it didn't ride backwards.

I twisted my face, gripping the long handle of my handbag across my shoulder down to my waist, while staring at the car that didn't drive off. When I finally walked past it, a weird thought dawned on me. What if they wanted to abduct me? Having thought of that, I froze at that spot.

My heart began racing while I fumbled with the work outfit that I still wore. When I glanced back at the car, it had begun moving, and suddenly, it drove away again, and I found myself releasing a heavy breath that I had held all through. "Who could they be? Or, were they parked here for something else, and I was overthinking?" I rolled my eyes and then scratched the back of my neck

The remaining journey back home was like hell to me. Each step was like a thorn, and so many times, my chest tightened that I barely breathed.

I flung my work bag to the side and lay weakly on the bed, facing the ceiling and counting. There was no one to begin gisting me on how her day went, and my brother, who would always cause us headaches.

Being an orphan was already enough, so I hoped and prayed every minute to the moon goddess that my aunt and brother would return to me. In a day, I found out I had been dumped sluggishly by my mate, my brother had been taken to the border, and my aunt had been hospitalized.

What a heavy burden, but I would fight it through.

I had no appetite, so I just wanted to sleep if I could, but my cell phone buzzed, and it was Susan, the only friend I had in college. We were on holiday, and my brother would have joined me when school resumed, so we were preparing for him.

I picked up the call, still lying on the bed, "Susan, what's up?"

"Babes, did you hear about the resumption?"

I sat up. My only wish was...

"It was postponed to two weeks later. News came in that Chancellor lost his Luna, and the whole school would mourn by not resuming yet," she added, and I let out a heavy breath.

The only good news I had heard since today. Now that I had five weeks and not three weeks, the goddess would help me put things together before then. "Thanks for the updates. I wouldn't have known if you didn't reach out. Gotta club until then, right?"

She sighed, "Unless you're going to go with me. For now, I'm drowning in alcohol. You won't believe it, but he broke up with me because I refused an open relationship." She breathed out and continued. "I'm just tired of men and want to stay single forever."

I pressed my lips together. Susan doesn't know my mate and family, so sharing my dilemma with her wouldn't make sense. She was a delta, and her boyfriend was a beta, and I had known that the dude was cheating on her, but she never wanted to believe the signs there.

"Well, you know how busy I always get at work. If I have the chance, I will hang out with you." I said calmly, and she made a humming sound before hanging up.

I didn't have a smartphone, so she was the one who always gave me updates about school, and I had always been grateful.

The rest of the night wasn't peaceful, because each time I almost dozed off, I was haunted by either my brother or my aunt. It was as though I was committing a heavy crime by trying to rest, so when I woke up very early the next day, I started getting ready to go to the palace.

I didn't touch my cell phone until I was done preparing, only to realize that Tyrion had sent me a message to come visit the palace since we had a lot to discuss.

'Is he finally going to reject me?' I sighed and shook my head. 'Could he just help save my brother this one time?'

It didn't make sense, so I thought to meet him first and hear what he had to say. It would be better not to be an apology, because with the kinda situation I was in, being his luna wasn't my priority. All I needed was for him to help out my brother with his power as the alpha prince and future alpha king.

Once I was set, I boarded a cab to the palace so I wouldn't waste time. I was offered the guest room, and one wouldn't believe that, as his mate, it was my first time setting foot into the palace. Only my aunt knew of our matebond, and she had never fancied that our relationship was hidden.

I was so naive as not to realize his reasons for hiding me. I have never been worthy to be his luna, but his fuckmate.

In the guest room, I stayed for over an hour before he showed up, still dressed in his nightwear. His presence made my wolf whimper, and I gnashed my teeth, trying not to spoil my mood with anger.

"It's okay to be mad at me for dumping you, but it's not a big deal, because you must have known that you, an omega, couldn't be my luna," he started and rested his arms on his thighs. I nibbled my lip, trying to control the fast rate of my heart. "Actually, I am supposed to reject you, but since you could still be by my side, I thought not to do that."

My gaze narrowed. He wanted to reject me, but he wanted me to be by his side? As his what?

"I heard that your brother was taken to the border, and your aunt passed out because of the shock. If you agree to be my breeder, I will make sure they let your brother go, and your aunt's medical bills covered up."

The fucking audacity!

I wasn't worthy to be his luna, but a breeder? He must be insane to think I didn't value myself.

"Just a child, and this agreement would be secret too, then aside from your current problem, I will grant any other thing you ask for. If you wish, we could reject each other after the deal ends, but you will have no right in the child's life. It's going to be a contract that will be just between us, so what do you say?"

At that moment, my feelings flared, and I could smack him heavily if I hadn't composed myself. All the betrayals I felt vanished and were replaced with anger, one that could turn to a furnace. How dare this man think I had no reason to exist?

I should be his breeder, in a secret contract just like our secret relationship. Then I wouldn't be in my child's life and would let him take my pup away?

He wasn't okay. He truly wasn't, or he wouldn't have the guts to say all these.

What if I died bearing that child? Was there an assurance that I wouldn't lose my life through his hand or the regent's life after doing this?

I couldn't help but stand on my feet. This couldn't be the only way to save my brother.

If I saved my aunt's life, she would sort out things with the contacts she had from other packs, too.

Tyrion stood too, then closed the distance between us. "Don't tell me you don't regard your family? We are still mates and still want each other, aren't we?"

I looked down at him and cleared my throat. "And I am rejecting your offer because I regard them, so can we just end the bond so you can continue your life?"

He scoffed and made a long face, "I won't dare, so don't even think of it."

Staring at him alone stirred my temper, so I simply walked out of his sight and out of the palace compound. I glanced at the gate, which had been shut behind, and let out a fuming breath. 'How didn't I see the stupidity of my mate?' I wiped my forehead, not ready to think of what to do next.

A car parked before me, and the driver stepped out. He bowed to me, and I stepped backwards, my brows furrowed.

He showed me his identity card and stated, "Ms. Unity, you are summoned by the Alpha Supreme, the man you spilled drinks on yesterday at the wedding hall."

My shoulders dropped. A wave of dread washed over me.

If the man of yesterday was the alpha supreme, then does it mean I would be jailed?

No! No!!

I tried to escape from the man, but what I didn't anticipate was three more men from the car showing up and grabbing my arms, then dragging me into the car. I glanced at their contorted faces, my heart racing like I was in a marathon.

What would the alpha supreme do to me? That man had no record of forgiveness. I had always heard of how coldhearted he was and doesn't forgive people. Was it the reason he asked for my name? So he would find me again and deal with me himself.

Being sacked was better than being with such a devil. I had never wanted to see what he looked like, even though a lot of people wanted to. But now, I fell into his trap and messed him up yesterday, all because of Tyrion. And the dickhead dared to want me to breed a child for him when I wasn't worthy to be his luna.

The thought of Tyrion made me grit my teeth. He was all lucky for his rank, or I would just set him up for death. But if I did, it would be tracked, and I would be found, so leaving my family behind wouldn't be worth it.

When I couldn't stand the silence in the car, I quaked the man sitting beside me, but made sure to avoid his cold glare. "Is the alpha supreme going to kill me?" I whispered in question, but he looked away and snubbed me. "You know it was a mistake. I wouldn't dare take a risk that could cost me my job...."

"Can you shut the fuck up?" another man from behind me ordered, and I shuddered before sighing.

Silence stretched in the car until we reached the supreme palace. The alpha supreme was the one ruling the other seven alphas of the seven werewolf packs. He was feared a lot both by the pack members and the alphas, too, but with several histories of upholding justice for the poor when they were being intimidated.

Right now, I am poor and messed up, so there was no justice for me.

"Get down!" the man sitting beside me commanded, and the door was opened from outside. I climbed down from the car, and my mouth widened to the heavens I stood on. Did such a house exist? How much was lavished just to create the supreme palace? The man could be fucking rich to have this kinda mansion and about five cars parked at the garage too.

I was lost in the view of the compound when someone pulled my arm, and my breath hitched. I pouted, finally recalling why I had been brought here, and then pondering what could be the predicament awaiting me.

As we entered the building, he forced me to kneel, and my face lowered, then he announced, "His majesty, she is here!"

Dread washed through me. My limbs trembled. I didn't want to look scared, so I would be able to defend myself...but no matter how much I tried, my heart pounded so loud in my ears.

I heard no footsteps, but then the voice of a man, deep and horrifying, "Look up!!" A lump formed in my throat. I raised my face slowly and finally met his fierce eyes that burned like a furnace. "Unity Oz!" I nodded slowly as he mentioned my name, my fingers fumbling the fabric of my dress. "Were you sacked?" he asked again.

This time, I bowed to him, my forehead touching the floor. "Please don't let them sack me, alpha supreme. It wasn't intentional, I'm telling the truth. I was lost in thought and misbehaved. Please, that job is my only hope." I wailed, tears streaking down my cheeks. "My brother has been taken to the border. My aunt is hospitalised, and I'm the only one they have. If you punish me, I will be useless to them."

"What about your parents?" he asked, and I didn't see that question coming. If I had parents, would he punish them too? I shook my head, this time raising my face. "An orphan?" I nodded, and he scoffed. "Look at me!"

Oh goddess! I would do that? I pretended not to hear him until he repeated his order, this time louder and scarier. "I said you should look at me!!"

I swallowed the hot saliva that formed in my mouth and looked up to him. For the goddess's sake, I thought I was daydreaming at first, until I wiped my face and looked at him again. I didn't want to believe it, so I got to my feet and began looking around to see his photos.

It couldn't be what I was thinking, right? No way did I meet with Tyrion's father? Nope! That's not his father....his father already died, which was why he would be crowned soon as the successor.

"I am his uncle, the one you are thinking about now," he stated, as though he read my mind. "So, Unity Oz, I wonder why your mate dumped you for another woman without rejecting you. And did you just mention that your brother was taken to the border?"

I rolled my eyes and knelt again. I wouldn't let him cover up the reason I was here, so I said to him, "Alpha supreme, I'm very sorry. Please forgive me so I can go back to my family. I was lost in the pains of betrayal yesterday and misbehaved. I'm begging you."

He scoffed again and walked past me, while I turned around on my knees just to face him. When he settled on the sofa, he crossed his legs and responded, "I will forgive you if you're going to reject Tyrion. Besides, he already chose another woman. Or do you want to be a mistress?"

I shook my head repeatedly. Why would I be a mistress to someone who didn't ever regard me?

But, did he just say that he would forgive me if I reject Tyrion?

"Alpha!!"

"I would imprison you and have you whipped daily as your penalty for making me look like a mess in the presence of my people yesterday. So choose wisely!" He cut me short, and I licked my lips.

If I am jailed, how would I see my aunt again? I could be whipped until I'm dead, but then, why does he care if I want to reject his nephew or not? Maybe this was my time to be away from Tyrion. If he threatens me, I would remind him that it was his uncle who made me initiate the rejection.

Having thought that, I mindlinked Tyrion. As expected, he responded, maybe expecting me to agree to his demand. Instead, I initiated the rejection, 'I, Omega Unity Oz, reject you, Alpha Tyrion Bram of the Darkpelt Pack, as my mate and alpha. Henceforth, nothing binds us together.'

There was silence, and then a clearing of the throat, 'Unity, are you drunk?'

'Accept the rejection and stop being the weak one here.' I snapped at him, and my wolf growled at him, too.

He snorted, 'I won't dare accept it, because I'm not done with you,' and then he cut off the mindlink, and my eyes snapped wide.

I turned to the alpha supreme and explained, "He refused to accept the rejection."

"But you did initiate it, so you did your own part." His jaw clenched.

For minutes, this man stared at me as though he was pondering what to do with me, and then he ended the silence, "Your brother will be released. But...."

My heart skipped a beat. I hated it when someone used that last word in this kinda situation.

"You will be my secretary!"

Was he even okay?