VALENTINA

An anguished howl echoed, piercing the air in the room. The searing pain tore through the quiet atmosphere as I stared at the disgusting man in disdain-it was his howl of a broken bond.

He had let go of his son. Kneeling on the ground, his eyes shot up at me in anger and disbelief.

"Wha-at the fuck is wrong with you?" He emitted a guttural growl. His bloodshot eyes glared at me.

My fists clenched, my nails digging into my soft flesh. With a tight, throbbing heart, I felt the twist of the shattered bond within me.

The bond I swore to cherish for a lifetime, I broke today. The pain was intense, but it could not be compared to the anguish of betrayal.

I swallowed the burning ache in my soul. My lips twitched at his suffering. "Karma," I murmured. "I rejected you, Atlas Darwin This is where your manipulation ends."

Atlas stood up; since my wolf spirit dissipated, the weakness of rejection didn't linger long.

"But why would you do that? Who gave you the right to reject me?" His tone sharpened. His jet-black eyes dilated further, radiating extreme annoyance.

No wonder his pride was hurt. He clearly desired the result, but his male arrogance flared because I was the one initiating the rejection.

"What are you so annoyed about? I have just earned you your freedom, Atlas. Congratulations." I stated with a slight touch of a satisfying smirk on my face.

Although it could not satiate my traumatized soul, it still felt satisfying to crush his ego.

"I will leave," I muttered with a composed demeanour, looking deep into his eyes. "So, accept my rejection," I demanded.

Atlas raised a brow at me, sending me a look of taunt as if he had heard the most ridiculous jokes of his life.

A cold chuckle escaped his lips as he stepped toward me. "And where would you go?" he asked sarcastically.

"It's none of your business," I refused to answer his question. I was definitely not going to inform him of my plans. "I just want to leave."

After I left my father's shelter, I vowed never to use his name to gain anything. Meeting Atlas, I felt as though I had found a precious gem who would protect me, and I would never have to look back.

So, I never utter anything about my past, living in the delusion of being accepted and loved as I am.

Clearly, I was mistaken, and that cost me everything I cherished. Perhaps it was my karma.

"Valentina, calm down," Atlas said, seeming unexpectedly composed. Slowly, he started walking toward me. "Is it about adoption? If so, why don't you take some time to adjust?" He suggested softly, getting closer. "We will see the council and make the announcement once you're ready."

Raising his hand, he touched my cheek. I, however, did not allow him and yanked his hand away.

"Don't touch me!" I snarled at him, my patience and kindness melting away.

His eyes glowed furiously. "Stop throwing tantrums like a child," he commanded, his raised tone immediately causing the servants and his Beta to lower their heads in submission.

I didn't, though. I kept my eyes fixed on him. I have alpha blood that never learned to submit without my will.

By his expression, he didn't like my strong stance. He is a man who wants women at his feet. He believes only a son can inherit, and daughters should bear heirs for the alpha and follow their husbands.

It astonished me to think I willingly accepted his nonsensical thoughts in my life and let him control me.

"Val, love, calm down," He used his gentle facade once more. "I understand you're going through a rough patch, baby, but you're not alone in this. I'm here with you. We're in this together. I promise you, everything will be alright soon."

"Think carefully, this little one is going to solve all our problems, and we will have our happily ever after," he muttered softly, as though he were coaxing a little child.

"Really?" I arched a brow, as the corner of my lips rose slightly in taunt. "I wonder how you'll conclude our story-by eliminating my existence from this world, or perhaps declaring me crazy before the pack?"

Atlas froze; for a split second, I witnessed his surprised expression before he again suppressed it.

"Right now you're talking like a crazy woman, Valentina. No one's against you, you just need to calm down and think before you speak." He said there was a hint of warning in his words.

I couldn't help but smile. "No wonder," I whispered, realizing how right I was to feel that he planned to eliminate me soon.

"I am calm, Atlas. In fact, I've never been calmer in my life. I do not want you anymore," I stated word by word and walked toward the slightly ajar door.

I technically don't need him to accept the rejection. He already broke it by killing my wolf spirit; therefore, there would be no more pull of the mate bond. Therefore, I'd just leave this hell.

His expression became severe. He clenched his fists, appearing on the verge of losing his composure.

As I was so ready to leave the room, a figure unexpectedly appeared with a worried face, blocking my way.

It was Sienna.

"Guys, what's going on here?" She asked softly, glancing at me and Atlas.

Two years ago, when I met Sienna, she seemed sweet, gentle, and innocent. Since she was the adopted daughter of the Red Moon Pack, I considered Atlas and her relationship sacred, and I never minded their closeness.

Seeing her face, the flare of anger only ignited further within me. And, to make matters worse for the two of them, the little guy in Jayden's arms threw his hands in the air toward Sienna and cried out, "Mama."

Everyone froze, especially the two serpents, making me laugh out loud. Sorry, I couldn't hold it back anymore!!!

"Val, it's not what you're thinking; he's just close with Sienna." Atlas attempted a failed explanation, making my lips curve into a sardonic smirk.

"And here I thought he was a warrior's son, recently orphaned. How did he become close enough to Sienna to call her 'Mama'?" I inquired, throwing a knowing smirk at the selfish man.

"Valentina, I-I was close to that warrior's family, so he knew me well!" Sienna blurted out, and I burst into laughter.

My gaze curiously fixed on Atlas; his face had turned dark. "Once he is just an orphan, and next, he is the son of a warrior. Interesting. Why don't you two just sit together and do your homework before spitting out your lies?"

"Valentina, listen to me. You're not-" Atlas tried to convince me again, but I dismissed him with a wave of my hand.

"Oh please, the boy who's your exact copy, calling Sienna his mother-I might be a fool, but not enough to fail to see the clear truth," I said. I feel nothing but ridiculously annoyed.

"And must I tell you Atlas, I had witnessed you and your "sister's" deeds last night, so sacred and pure." I sneered as my taunting words fell, stiffening them both.

"I am done with your betrayals, Atlas, I just want to leave this fucking place and get rid of you and your fake empathy." My tone sharpened as I stated those words icily.

"Alright, fine, I accept that we had an affair and Arlen is our son," Sienna spoke as if she was frustrated with everything. "But look at him," she pointed at Atlas. "Even after you lose your wolf, your beauty, he is still willing to accept you as his Luna, and you're being nothing but a selfish brat."

Just as fake and poisonous as Sienna is, she suddenly acted magnanimously and tried to convince me. Well, nothing much, just another manipulative bitch.

"Besides, where would you go, leaving the pack? You're just a wolfless, weak, and disfigured omega, how would you survive out there? So it's better to go down on your knees and beg him to accept you and shelter you." She advised me arrogantly which only made me smirk in utter disgust.

I wonder how they would react once they hear my true identity.

The people I loved and trusted used me, hurt me in ways that I never expected, and now trying to announce how great they are. Well, what could be more expected from these traitors?

"Shelter?" I chuckled; the sarcasm rang on the walls. "How? By orchestrating my demise? Or, by launching a rogue attack on me and hurting me? or better, killing my wolf?" I snarled, the rage in my voice heating the atmosphere.

Their eyes widened in disbelief which made me chuckle coldly at their stupid faces. "Your game ends here," I murmured, feeling drained.

I just wanted to leave this place, I have had enough of their betrayals. I couldn't fight them staying here, I just wanted to return to my father and stay with him forever.

However-

"What are you but a scarred, wolfless omega, Valentina?" Atlas's words halted my steps, making my eyes snap in his direction.

In just a few seconds, his demeanour changed. His usually kind and gentle eyes had turned dark and evil. It didn't surprise me, though; I had already gotten a taste of his cruelty. He simply dropped the act, no longer faking it since his deeds were revealed.

"You think once you step out of the pack, you'll survive? What do you have? You only had your beauty, now it's gone. You're now worse than an omega." He sneered at me.

Tilting his head, he tsked. "You only have two options: either walk out and get ripped apart by the rogues and other creatures, or kiss my feet, and maybe I'll give you shelter in some corner of my territory. Accept my son, put on an act before the pack and the council, and live a good life."

His words resonate deeply within me, burning my heart with a fury that inflamed my veins. Anger overtook me and before anyone expected, I rushed to him, raised my hand, and landed a hard slap on his fucking sorry face.

"I'll see you very soon, Atlas Darwin. Just wait and watch." I gritted my teeth and then I turned and walked out-my head high, my heart in pieces, and my wounded soul howling in grief.

** The city, pack, and kingdom's names used here are the author's invention and have no connection with reality. **

--------

VALENTINA

"Drinks, ma'am?" The polite voice of the air hostess caught my attention.

"No, thanks." I shook my head at her, flashing a smile that hid beneath my black mask.

The air hostess politely approached the other passengers with a nod. I sighed and gazed out the small window of the aeroplane.

I am returning to my home, the place where I truly belong.

Except for the white clouds in the bright daylight, I could see nothing. It is basically pointless to look out. So, pulling down the cover, I carefully picked up the magazine I had taken from the airport.

The new Ohio actress has been in the news lately. She's trending on all news channels and in magazines. However, the second I turned the page, I discovered a different face-a man with devilish charm.

He is Andres Donovan, the Supreme regent of all wolves-he's the Lycan King.

This magazine recently published an interview with him that somehow overshadowed the trending actress.

My attention was drawn to his image. Even in the photograph, his golden eyes blazed with an intensity that was quite unsettling. He exuded an aura of both danger and refined elegance, his commanding presence possessing a captivating allure.

Women crave him, yet he is forbidden fruit. He remains unattached, with no pressing interest in taking a mate-not yet, at least.

"Hey, are you reading it?" An excited female voice brushed my ears, and I turned to the female passenger beside me.

Her eyes were fixated on the king with extreme interest. Feeling my gaze, she smiled sheepishly. "Actually, I wanted to buy a magazine, but unfortunately, they were all sold out."

Well, no wonder why.

"Not really, here, take it." I handed her the magazine, and her eyes sparkled. "Thanks! I'll return it to you after reading." She added with a grateful smile.

"It's fine; I won't need it anymore," I said, closing my eyes to avoid further conversation.

The girl's excitement was unbounded, and she thanked me again.

Although the Lycan King was undoubtedly charming, I no longer bothered him. Honestly, the betrayal shattered me within. Nothing excites me anymore.

I fell asleep after a while until the flight attendant woke me up. The plane had landed in Grimaker City.

I took my backpack, which did not have many things. I practically left Shadow Crust with the only belongings I owned with my money.

After completing the airport procedures, I stepped out of the airport. A soft, subtle breeze kissed my face, shivering me with discreetly controlled emotions.

I hailed a taxi and entered, "Ebbon Moon Clan." I informed the driver.

Once the car started, I reclined in the seat.

Atlas and Sienna awakened me by crashing my heart. I realised that I was just a blind fool for not valuing the people who truly loved me.

Two years have passed, and I am unsure whether my family and pack will accept me in this state. Yet, after losing everything, my family are the only people I want to return to.

"We've arrived, ma'am," the driver said, breaking my thoughts as I looked out the window.

The huge entrance to the pack graced my view. My heart tightened against my ribcage as I glanced at the most familiar place in my life.

My sweet home-Ebbon Moon Clan-where I truly belong.

Tears clouded my vision, yet I held them back. I never learned to be weak. Perhaps for love I had once restricted my true nature, and lost my way; within, I am still a warrior and my father's heiress.

But, what if they don't want me back?

The sudden thought shuddered me, yet I controlled myself with clenched fists. Paying the taxi fare, I stepped out of the car with a tight heart.

I looked around. The border guards were standing in their usual places and maybe, there were more than I had known.

I didn't suspect it, though, after all, the Ebbon Moon Clan is one of the most powerful packs in Grimmaker City. My father, Alpha Victor, is the current leader of the pack. He is a born leader, running the pack with strength and precision.

Indeed, I'm the Alpha's daughter and the young Alpha heiress of the pack. This was my true identity, which I had hidden from Atlas, and I am glad I did. He never deserved me.

I walked toward the pack's entrance and stopped by the guards. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" One of the guards asked in a steely voice.

Who am I?-The question stiffened me. For a second, I felt unfamiliar and useless. When I left this place two years ago, I vowed never to return and use my identity, yet here I am, unsettled and suspected.

"Remove your mask; you need to provide your identity," one of them said again.

"You're wolfless, yet you bear the scent of a wolf." One frowned, throwing me a sharp gaze. "Are you a lone omega? Where did you come from?"

His words twisted my heart with an unbearable ache as I was suddenly reminded of my circumstances. Yes, I am wolfless; I couldn't protect my precious companion. Those who once immediately bowed to me in submission now question me.

This only made me smile sadly. How fast and drastically life changes.

"Speak," he snapped. Their stance was threatening; "or we'll arrest you."

I felt defenseless before their questions. A wave of restlessness washed over me. There was no point in arguing; I needed to move my mask. However, given the way my face had been disfigured, I wonder if they will recognize me.

"Hey, remove your mask," one of the guards urged me as a few of them started surrounding me, their sharp gazes filled with doubt and alertness.

With a sigh, I raised my hand to remove my mask, when a heavy, pointed tone pierced the air, drawing our attention.

"What's going on here?" The cold voice fell as I watched the tall, good-looking man whose strong presence made my heart pound with both fear and excitement.

Bundles of memories reopened in my troubled and wounded heart. "Uncle Samuel," I couldn't help but whisper with a tearful gaze.

VALENTINA

Uncle Samuel visibly froze. His gray eyes darted to me as his lips quivered at the sudden realization. "Val?" he whispered in a daze.

A droplet of tears slipped down my cheek as my eyelashes shivered at the recognition. "Uncle..." I murmured again.

"I-is it you, Val?" He hurriedly stepped toward me as the guards moved aside, confusedly.

"Ye-es uncle," My voice shivered. "It's me, your Val." My uncle recognized me!

"You've finally returned." His cold gray gaze softened with his usual affection, which somewhat calmed my troubled heart. At least, I am still alive in my uncle's affections.

Perhaps I still have a chance.

Uncle Samuel embraced me warmly and tightly, offering much comfort. This acceptance matters to me greatly.

Uncle Sam isn't just the most promising beta of the Ebbon Moon Clan, he's also my father's best friend of twenty-five years. My father considers him more of a brother than a friend.

"You've changed a lot in two years, little berry," he said, and the endearment once again fluttered my heart, reopening my beautiful memories here with him.

"You have evolved. You grew taller." He chuckled softly. "You've grown your hair out, and you're even wearing a mask."

His remark, however, stiffened me. Once again, the unsettling feeling of fear grasped me. I know my bizarre changes would raise many questions, and I have to answer them, but not here. I need to see Papa first.

"Girls are meant to change with time," I said, feeling drained by emotion, and asked, "Where is Papa?"

-------

After a few minutes, I entered the pack's comfortable and opulent house. A warm sandalwood scent filled the air, quite unlike before. Previously, it had been a gentle fragrance with floral and fruity notes, indicative of a kind and loving home. Now, however, it was a strong, sweet scent that induced a headache.

Also, some decorations had changed, as if someone had tried to forcefully incorporate their tastes.

"Your father is in his office." Uncle Samuel's voice disrupted my thoughts and my gaze turned to him.

"I have informed him of your arrival. He is waiting for you," he said.

My heart twisted with a strange chill and I swallowed painfully. "H-he wants to see m-me?" My voice shook.

My uncle probably understood my hesitancy and patted my shoulder. "Indeed, he does. You have no idea how much your father misses you. Yes, both of you are indeed stubborn, but this time, be patient with him, Val. He is, after all, a broken man."

I slowly nodded. I don't need to be reminded this time; my deep, lifelong scars will never let me forget that leaving my father was the most horrible decision I ever made.

I just hope my father doesn't get scared seeing me and despises my broken self.

The door of Papa's office opened once we reached the eastern part of the pack house. Uncle Samuel pushed open the door and stepped aside for me to enter.

Inhaling shakily, I stepped inside, and there he was-Alpha Victor Rodriguez-my father. He was pacing the room with an impatient stance.

Once I entered, he paused, and his eyes shot up in my direction. Our gazes met, and we both froze for a moment.

"Papa-" That was all I could mutter before running to him and throwing myself into his arms. I didn't, for once, think if he would want me anymore; what I knew is, that I had finally returned to my safe place, to my father.

"Val, my daughter, my love." Papa's strong arms circled me, pulling me into a hug that was warm, affectionate, and most of all, secure.

His familiar woodsy scent calmed me and evoked emotions of my most beautiful moments, which eventually broke free as tears.

I have suppressed my emotions for a considerable time, striving to project an image of strength, but I could no longer contain my feelings upon receiving my father's acceptance.

My tears pour endlessly, flowing out all the sorrow and heartache I have endured for the past few days.

"I-I a-am so-orry p-papa." I whispered hoarsely. "I-I am so sor-ry."

"No, shush," he caressed my head. "It wasn't your fault alone; I messed it up as well. I am sorry, my child."

Papa and I both cried at our reunion.

After a while, Papa broke the hug and looked at me. His soft eyes suddenly turned intense as confusion crossed his expression.

"Why can't I sense your wolf?" he murmured, and soon his brows furrowed deeply as if he were noticing my changes. "Val, what's going on with you?"

My heart clenched tightly. Here comes the moment of truth.

"Papa, uncle-please don't get scared." Muttering quietly, I removed my mask, only to be met with loud gasps from them.

A whoosh of disappointment enveloped me and I fell into a deep despair. My head lowered in shame and remorse, feeling nothing but useless before them.

"Val, what-what happened to you?" Uncle gasped as Dad stared at me, puzzled.

A deep sigh escaped my lips before I looked up at them. "It's a long story." I explained what happened after I left home.

"That bloody bastard! I will rip his head off!" A menacing growl echoed within the walls of Papa's office as soon as I finished.

Papa's eyes blazed with fury; his expression changed from soft to murderous. His veins popped out in anger.

"How dare he hurt my daughter? I will destroy his life and drag him to the pit of hell." His eyes had turned red, "Samuel, we're going to the Shadow Crust pack! Now!" He announced and was ready to rush out.

However, I hastily jumped in front of him, stopping him. "Papa, no!" I grabbed his arms. "Calm down, Papa," I pleaded.

"How can you ask me to calm down?" His hoarse voice rumbled, "That bastard must pay for his deeds! He didn't know whom he messed with!"

He was about to storm off again, but I stopped him. "No, Dad, you can't act recklessly. One wrong move and the council will intervene, which won't be good for our pack. We can't prove it, Papa. They'll deny the claim because they planned everything precisely. We have no proof. No one will believe us, and it will backfire." I tried to reason with him.

"She's right, Victor, don't rush. Also, what matters most now is healing her wolf. We will aim for revenge, but slowly and with a proper plan." Uncle Sam supported my words.

Eventually, Papa was persuaded and calmed down. He sat down on the sofa in the office and nodded, "You're right; we need to act cautiously."

Although he seemed composed, his eyes betrayed him. No wonder; if Atlas accidentally appeared before him, he would definitely rip him apart.

I sat beside my father and held his hand. "I promise you, Papa, I'll get back to him and never disappoint you again," I said determinedly. His grip tightened on my hand.

"It's I who am to blame. Because of me, you suffered. Forgive me, my daughter," Papa apologized, holding my hand close to his eyes.

His words were full of regret and guilt, which shuddered my heart, and I hurriedly hugged him. "Don't worry, Papa. Now I am back, and I'll never leave your side again."

"I will not allow it either," Papa vowed.

Uncle Samuel mind-linked the pack's healer quickly. I was taken to a private chamber since my return was not yet announced.

In the well-equipped chamber, the healer ran several tests on me and after some time returned to us with a grave expression.

My breath caught in my throat as I watched him go through my reports with a darkened face. My grip tightened on Papa's hand as we both gazed at him.

Although, as a powerful alpha wolf, silver poison technically won't completely kill my wolf spirit, or at least that's what we thought all this time, the doctor's expression otherwise gave me a bad feeling.

At some point, my anxiety arose to extremes, and I couldn't help myself but ask, "What is it, Doctor? Do I still have a chance to reconnect with my wolf?"