I had no idea how long I sat crying in that dark janitor's closet, the cramped space smelled like a laundry room. Antiseptic and detergents.

My heart was broken. Too broken to even realize I was not supposed to be inhaling such air for a long time. I had no idea where I had been going, I just wanted to flee from there.

All of them looked so neat and rich while I stood there in my cheap thrift store-bought clothes and old sandals with an Omega wolf sticking out like a sore thumb. My pump was in the back of my jean pocket, ready to use if the occasion called for it. I just hoped I never have to use it in public. It was embarrassing.

I heard footsteps but then it stopped.

"I know you're in there. My wolf sniffed you out. Come out let's talk."

I jolted a bit in fear and shame. I couldn't face him, not after what I'd just done.

Only Omega wolves received rejection. Never an Alpha wolf. It was unheard of.

"Go away please. D-don't make this harder than it should be." I sniffled.

"I'm not going anywhere until you come out."

I kept mute, knowing it was impossible. There was no way an Alpha royalty line himself would lose sleep over me.

He could always get girls born with stronger wolves from prestigious families like Betas, Deltas, Gammas, even Alphas like himself.

A sob escaped me. The very thought of him with another girl hurt me more than I could think of and I barely knew him. Hell, I didn't even know his name.

Mate bonds were crazy.

I had always anticipated finding my mate and I was glad I did but I could not accept it, not when there was an important life at stake here.

I couldn't be that selfish.

I listened for any evidence of him being there but nothing. I peeped from the small space between the doors but saw no one. He was gone. I knew there was no way he would wait for me.

I stood and opened the closet, ready to leave for home. I could just lie to my stepdad that I had a bad episode today and was told to go home and rest.

I stepped out and breathed my relief when I saw the hallway was clear.

"Now that you're finally out, can we talk?"

I jolted in shock as my heart pounded furiously within my chest. I whirled to see him resting against the wall, he was unsmiling and his eyes were focused on me.

"You scared me." I said, not wanting to believe he actually waited.

"We should talk. Hell, I don't even know your name." He changed his pose, putting his hands in the pockets of his trousers.

I tried not to notice how handsome and tall he was. He seemed like the bad boy, mischief maker type and it was only more alluring.

"Maybe it's better you don't know my name, as I don't know yours." I replied, not looking at his face.

"Maybe it's better if you can look me directly in the eye and tell me what you want." He said, his tone thoroughly displeased and held a suppressed anger.

"I don't have to do that. I rejected the mate bond and that's it." I was still looking at the floor like I was searching for something.

"Yes, you have to. The mate bond deserves that respect in the least. If you want to reject me, do it looking me in my eyes." I had no idea how he moved so fast - probably courtesy of his Alpha abilities - but he stood before me. His fingers lifted my chin so my eyes could meet his gaze.

"Reject me by looking me in the eye." His eyes searched my face. There was this tenderness and affection that could only had been evoked by the mate bond dancing brightly in his eyes, making his grey orbs more appealing.

He was really a beautiful specimen and his stare right now was making me hot and flushed.

"You want this bond. You want it as much as I do. So why?" His tone had gone soft and sounded like lullaby to my ears. It had my skin prickling with heat that had nothing to do with the sun or atmosphere. The hallway was well ventilated.

This was that spark I was talking about. The one I'd felt yesterday.

I gulped. "Just let me go, please."

"No, I won't." He stepped closer, releasing my chin to wrap his arms round my waist, bringing me closer to him. "Don't deny us the joy of being together. The Moon Goddess has willed it to happen, you can't fight it."

I shook my head as I struggled to hold back tears.

"Please, don't fight it." His voice was pleading and desperate.

Our eyes locked together, a tear escaped. I wanted him so bad but my stepdad would kill me. He would do many bad things to me.

Not just to me but to my mate as well.

I didn't want that so I said the only thing that would make him go away. "I'm a weak, defenseless Omega."

"I know you're an Omega but I don't care." One of his arms left my waist to caress my face.

Aliya, my wolf, purred in my head. I wanted more of his touch too but I couldn't.

"W-what?" That was not the response I'd been expecting. "No, you can't cope with a weak Omega."

"You're an Omega but I can tell there's nothing weak or defenseless about you."

"How did you know what wolf I possess?" I had to ask.

"Because Alpha wolves always know. My wolf sniffed out your wolf the moment you stepped into my home." He told murmured.

"Oh... o-okay." I was enjoying his touch too much.

"Can I know your name now?" His voice had gone softer, his lips was in my hair.

"I...I..." Knowing my name might lead to something that has been forbidden from happening.

I moved away, missing his touch as soon as I did. "I'm sorry, but I can't."

I made to run away again but he pulled me back roughly, my back hit the wall.

He pinned me on both sides, my eyes widened in slight fear when I saw the frustration and anger.

"Reject this!" He growled before slamming his lips into mine.

"What are you doing?"

I jolted out of shock, pulling away from the kiss with Baron. Fear immediately seized me as my brain recognizes the voice even before I turn to see the face.

"What does it look like she's doing, Mister?" Baron's tone was challenging.

"She does not belong to you!" Ben threw a challenging glare right back.

Baron erupted in a mirthless, mocking chortle. "Yeah? Tell that to the Moon Goddess, fella."

"Baron please." I begged, knowing how much of in trouble I was in that moment.

"Come here this minute, Scarlett before I deal with you." Ben's angry tone reverberated.

Jolting in fear and apprehension, I took slow steps towards him. To my utmost surprise, Baron pulled me back to his side. "She's in school and as long as she's in Stone Shadow academy and pack, she's mine!"

"Scarlett!" Ben called in warning.

"Let go, Baron, please. I don't want any trouble." My chest was beginning to pound heavily, my breaths coming in short.

I could feel an episode coming on but I held it in. No need to disgrace myself before my...Baron.

"I'll have you on you're butting in family matter." Ben stepped forward to grab me from Baron who held on firmly.

"Please..." I could not breathe fine. "G-guys..."

"I don't care who you are. You have no right to hold my daughter and keep her away from me."

Baron's eyes flashed. "Try me, buddy."

Their arguments continued, their voices increasing by the second while I was struggling to hold myself from falling to the floor and collapsing.

I didn't bother talking as I would not want to worsen my case. When it showed sign of starting, it was best to keep mute and reserve strength.

I heard footsteps approaching. I could not tell how many they were but it was more than one person.

"What's going on here, Baron?"

It was the boys and Katherina, they were here.

"Are you okay?" A soft hand touched my arm.

I managed a smile. "Yes, thank you."

It was Katherina and she was staring at me with concerns in her eyes. She seemed doubtful over my response but didn't say anything.

"Tell this jerk to leave this school, Aaron or else I'll deal with him." His statement was directed to Aaron, his twin brother and Katherina's mate but he had his glare fixed on Ben, my stepfather.

I wish I had the strength to step in and beg them to stop, but I didn't.

I was trying to stand strong especially with Katherina watching me like a hawk. She was suspecting something was wrong with me. My condition was one I never left people see or know.

I found it embarrassing so I mostly kept it to myself.

"She's my responsibility and she's coming with me now!" Ben spat. "Come here this minute, Scarlett!" Her ordered me.

I made to go to him though reluctantly. Baron wound a protective arm around me, I wasn't sure he knew what was wrong with me at the moment. His Alpha wolf was more interested in bullying Ben into submission.

"She's not going anywhere."

"Let the girl go, Baron. Even though he's a jerk, he's her family." Zach stated, giving Ben a condescending once-over.

"She's an adult. More than eighteen, I'm sure she can speak for herself." Baron replied stubbornly.

Ben continued to argue with him, I couldn't really hear them anymore. The arguments were loud, chaotic echoes to my ears.

My heart pounded faster, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, my breath were coming in short, low wheezes.

"Something's wrong with her, guys." Katherina's voice disrupted their argument.

"Let her go, boy. I need to take her home." I heard Ben say to them, he was coming for me.

But Baron was already lifting me bridal style. I could barely make a sentence at this point.

I was trying to reach for the inhaler in my pocket.

"Wait, Baron. She's trying to reach out for something in her back pocket." This was from the voice I'd come to recognize as Luke's.

"It's her inhaler. Give me that girl." Ben cussed.

"One more step and I'll have your guts splattered on the walls of this hallway." Baron threatened. "Kathy, reach out and get whatever it is."

Her held me close to his chest as Katherina brought out my breathing pump.

"She's asthmatic?" One of the guys, I didn't know which said.

"Administer it, fast!" There was a note of urgency mixed with anger in Ben's tone.

It was Katherina who put it iny mouth and pumped hard. I took in three long, mouthfuls of air before I weakly pushed her hand away from my mouth, signalling I'd had enough.

"Let's take her to the clinic, quick." Still in Baron's arms, he hurried towards where I supposed was the clinic.

I was new but had no idea where it was located. I saw, heard and knew everything that was happening around me but I couldn't talk.

This was embarrassing for me.

Baron glanced at my face every now and then as he hurried with me in his arms. There was worry, concern and pity.

There. That was the look I hated the most.

Those who didn't bully me, pitied me. I sometimes think that was worse than the bullying itself.

I shut my eyes so I would not have to keeping meeting his gaze.

"Hey, are you okay?" He nudged me a bit.

I nodded my head but kept my eyes closed.

Soon I felt myself being lowered on a bed in a room that had air conditioning. With how hot I felt, the cold air was a welcome but I knew it was not for long before it affected me again.

"Reduce it." My eyes were still closed, my voice was low and held a little tremble at the edge.

"What?" He lowered his head so he could hear me better.

"The AC, reduce it." I repeated weakly.

But Like had beaten him to it and reduced the cold, crisp air. "Okay?"

I nodded. I searched the room, Ben was nowhere in sight. My heart pounded in fear. Who knew what fate awaited me at home.

When I reached the front of the house, I was too nervous and scared to go in.

I heaved a sigh and stood, watching the house.

"Standing out there won't make it any easier for you, Scarlett." His voice, menacing and a bit threatening, had me jolting in more fear.

I met his eyes observing me from one of the windows. I swallowed and slowly walked into the house.

It was already evening. Baron had not wanted me to leave, if he'd had his way, he would have wanted me to go home with him. I was in enough trouble as it already stands, I could not afford not coming home else Ben would have my head.

Scared but having no choice, I entered the house. He was already sitting on the sofa, watching me as I stepped into the house.

"Good evening." I greeted nervously, waiting for him to pounce on me and give me the beating of my life.

"I told you not to mingle with that guy and his family, Scarlett. You chose to disobey me." He was sipping a bottle of beer.

I immediately went on my knees to show how remorseful and submissive I was. Ben liked to be in power. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

My eyes pleaded for mercy while my body quaked a bit.

"You know when you go all submissive, I find it hard to go through with my punishment that you so deserve." I knew he was observing me.

"I-I'm s-sorry, please." I begged because it was theo nly thing I could.

"I have given it a lot of thought. You've already had a rough day given your condition. Punishing you will just worsen it and I don't want that for you. Come here." He beckoned.

"Hm?" I could not believe my ears. He was letting me off the hook?

"Don't make me change my mind."

I immediately walked over to him. He pointed to his laps. Not wanting to but knowing it wasn't a good idea plus he was letting me go this time, I slowly lowered myself on his lap.

His hands began to caress my body in a suggestive manner, I tried to stay still without flinching. It was almost impossible but I managed until I felt his fingers crawling beneath my shirt.

I jumped with a start.

"What is it?" He eyed me.

"I-I want to pee plus the doctor said I needed some rest." That had been Baron and Katherina singing it into my ear., not the doctor.

Heis eyes continued to roam my body. I hoped he would let me. "But you can rest on my body."

"The doctor said as soon as I got home, I should rest until my body has gotten back the energy it lost during the episode." I insisted with my lies.

"You can go." He waved me away. "But you return as soon as you've gotten your rest, you hear me?"

I nodded and fled his sight. When I got toy own room, tears filled my eyes and poured downy cheeks.

How long would I continue to live like this? I had no one to go to. No friends nor family. I wish I knew where my mother was. I'd have gone to her.

It's been years since I last set my sights on her. Maybe I should try running away but the thought of Ben finding me was enough to derail me from that trail of thought.

I heard shuffling of feet, immediately, I peeled off my clothes, changed, hurried into the bed and covered myself. My back was to the entrance of the room.

I felt him standing at the doorway.

"Are you sleeping, sweet pea?"

I closed my eyes, shut my lids tightly. I wanted him to think I was asleep so he would go away.

"Are you pretending to be sleeping? You can't be that fast asleep already." I could tell he was observing my expression.

I opened my eyes because it was the safer option for me compared to beating. "No, I'm not sleeping already. I just closed my eyes, I'm resting...just like the doctor said."

"I'll let you rest but there's something you'll do for me."

My heart skipped. "What's that?"

"You can move around with that Baron guy but one condition." His smile was fishy.

"W-what?" I didn't want to get too happy that he was letting me get close to my mate.

But to my surprise, he said nothing else. Then he stood. "Don't worry about it. Just do your thing with your mate."

I didn't like the way he'd uttered the word 'mate' as though it was something to be disgusted about, but at least, he was giving permission and acknowledging Baron was my mate.

"Okay." I nodded and waited for him to leave.

As soon as he did, I shook my body in pure excitement. There was no more holding back. Baron had seen me at my worst today and still stayed by me.

He knew I was an Omega wolf, still that didn't stop him. He had checked all the boxes right and I was so happy.

His siblings seemed welcoming, asides Aaron and the other cold, non-talking guy. They both seemed to have something against me.

Zach wasn't exactly friendly but he appeared to be watching me, trying to get to know me before he opened up himself. As for the last boy, Lucas, that one was so friendly and cute.

I remembered how he'd stood up for Katherina's mom and punched Ben. He has no time loosening up around me.

I had no idea how this pack would work out for me given my past experience in my old pack but the Moon Goddess seemed to be smiling on me, ready to change my luck and I was all too happy to accept it.

An Alpha mate! I still had a hard time believing it. Even my age mates from my old pack would also have a hard time believing it as well.

Scarlett, the sick werewolf who was cursed to be mateless.

Those were their exact mocking words. But the Moon Goddess had a different plan and I was glad the kind of plan she had.