Aella

The rain dripped from my body down the walkway, the concrete harsh against my knees, and my teeth chattered uncontrollably.

The door to the house screeched open, "Come in, mutt," a voice said from the porch. I heard the footsteps receding, not even bothering to make sure I heard her, probably one of the maids.

I dragged my numb body up from the position it's been in for the past six hours, because Andrea and her daughter got back before me.

My knees wobbled, shakily, and I dragged my sore body into the mansion, sliding in through the front door. Wasting more time would lead to even more punishments.

The air reeked of Jasmine and lily, a different fragrance from its usual murky smell. What's the occasion? I wondered.

They were probably celebrating something that I wasn't privy to or invited to, again. With a sigh, I turned towards the dimly lit corner of the house, the only place unbothered by the festivities, and where I could get some sort of rest.

Opening the thatched door that led to my room, with its hinges barely hanging on, it barely qualified as a door, but at least it was mine. I changed out of my wet clothes.

Covering my body with the thin material I used as a blanket, exhaustion hit as I lay on my bed, giving in to the darkness, its stony texture doing nothing to help my aching body; if anything, it made it worse.

"Ah!" I woke up with a shrill scream to someone dousing me with a bucket full of water. "Water clouded my vision,"

"Get your stupid self off that bed and go make breakfast, we have guests coming." Blinking the water away, I saw Andrea holding a bucket in her hands as she stood beside the bed, disgust swimming in her eyes.

"Yes, madam," I muttered, pulling my weak body up. I had once called her mother the first day I arrived here; she smiled at it with giddy teeth, but by the next day, I understood why I should never call her mother.

"Useless bitch, you will regret your miserable existence if my Lilith wakes up before you're done with her breakfast," she cursed and left.

I laughed self-mockingly. I don't think I can regret my miserable existence more than I already do.

Changing out of the wet clothes, I quickly rushed into the kitchen, plates stopped clattering as I stepped in. I saw Abuela looking at me with pity swimming in her gaze.

"Oh, child, how are you doing?" She dropped the plates and engulfed me in a bear hug. Tears sprang out of my eyes; only Abuela ever cared to ask how I was doing. She has been the mother I never had.

Sniffing, I pulled out of the hug, "I'm fine, Abuela." I shook my head as I said softly, not wanting to tell her my encounters, but I had a feeling she already knew.

"That witch again?" She asked.

I nodded softly, heading to the pantry to bring out things with which to cook; the last thing I wanted was to get Abuela in trouble.

Andrea hated her guts cause she's the only one who dared to call her out whenever she treated me badly; no one else cared. I can't imagine how much worse life here would have been without her.

We worked seamlessly and effortlessly, a practiced routine as we brought the meal to life, putting the final dish on fire. I wiped off the beads of sweat from my forehead as I left the food to simmer.

"Abuela!" I exclaimed, holding my startled heart as I turned only to see her standing right behind me. "Stop that, I don't want to end up dying before you," I said.

"Don't worry, child, you're stronger than you think, a little scare would do you more harm than good," she grinned.

"Now, before I forget, "Happy 18th birthday," she said, handing me a small box which she pulled from her pockets.

"Oh my moons, you didn't have to," I said, taking the box from her. I smiled. At least someone remembered my birthday.

Opening the box, I found a necklace with a red pendant with the word 'Z' engraved on it. Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes, "It's beautiful," I whispered.

"Abuela, I curled my arms around her body,"

"Don't cry, princess, your mum left this for you for your eighteenth birthday," she dragged my hair behind my ears.

"What is going on here?" Andrea barked as she walked in. We quickly separated, and I hid the necklace underneath my clothes before she could see it.

"Nothing, madam," I replied, clutching the necklace tightly, hoping she hadn't seen it, lest it become one of the numerous things she has taken away from me.

"Hope the food is ready? My daughter's fiancé would soon be here. I don't want any mistakes." She said, glaring at me,

I lowered my head, as she spoke, not daring to look her in the eyes, "fools, serve the dinner and make yourself scarce. Don't stain the Alpha with your presence." She turned and left.

I froze; the world around me blurred. Did she just say Alpha? It can't be. "Abuela, who is coming?" I asked.

"Alpha Crux," she hummed. "I heard he selected Lilith as his chosen Luna and is coming to propose today." She replied, bringing out plates for dishing food.

I froze, "It can't be," I whispered, my vision turned hazy as I gasped for breath. The entire room spun right before my eyes.

"No," I muttered, tears streaking down my face, as my knees crashed into the hard tiles, "mate," I whimpered.

They have succeeded in taking everything from me, and now even my mate has been cruelly taken away.

First my mother, now my mate.

Was it ever going to stop?

"It's not my fault, I was born this way, fat and wolfless.

Were they right?

Am I really unworthy of a mate?

"Zorya"

A voice called out, shaking me out of my trance.

I looked around to find myself in an empty desert, "abuela," I screamed.

"How did I end up here?"

"Come to us, Zorya."

I heard again, this time it sounded closer; it came from behind.

Heart pounding, I tried to turn. "Aella, Aella," I heard abuela's voice.

"Abuela!" I screamed back, trying to find the source of the voice.

A cold hand touched my shoulder, my blood ran cold, and it felt like I was being pulled into an endless abyss of darkness.

"Aella," the voice called again, this time stronger.

"Run Aella, Run"

Cold air touched my ears, just before the word faded.

A wicked laughter ran through the empty air, "I'm coming for you, Zorya."

I sprang up and ran out of the house, ignoring Abuela's worried shouts for me. I ran down the walkway through the familiar paths.

The pack members cursed as I passed, scrunching their faces in disgust, but I couldn't care less.

Goosebumps pricked my skin as I ran. It was the visions again, but like always, I never remember any part of it, except the chill that ran through my spine anytime it happened.

Getting to the familiar lakeside, I finally gave in, letting go, and I bawled my heart out.

"Whyyy?" The sound came out of me. Raw. Guttural. I almost couldn't recognise it.

"Why did you curse me?" I questioned the one above, "I don't deserve this", I whispered.

I felt better after letting loose, a strange calm washed over me, and I sat on my favourite spot watching the waves clash against each other.

Howls sounded in the distance; no doubt they must be celebrating Lilith's engagement, I scoffed. "I had better leave this pack"

A leaf crunched. I turned instantly to find a huge black wolf staring at me. Its red eyes shone brightly, brighter than the sun itself.

"You're beautiful," I whispered, looking at it. It was several times huger than Crux's wolf, my feet moved of their own volition to it, against my better judgement.

My mind screamed at my stupidity, what if it was a rogue, but I just couldn't stop, its eyes called out to me. I got to where it was, rooted to the spots, its eyes following my every movement.

I touched its forehead softly, it purred, leaning into my touch and scrubbing its soft fur against me, "Mate" I heard a loud growl in my head.

I froze, taking a step back from him. The pull was from the mate bond; I couldn't believe it. I've heard of second-chance mates, but it was a one-in-a-million chance encounter; that's how rare it was.

I didn't know if to laugh or cry; howls sounded once more; this time, it was more of a searching howl. They were looking for someone or something. I didn't care.

It stood up fully on its paws, its massive frame almost engulfed me, it looked at me one last time, before turning and running off into the distance, "No, wait", I called after it, "I'll be back." Its voice rang out in my head once more.

I heard only strong males could send their voice into the thoughts of their fated mates. Does he know that I don't have my wolf yet? Would he reject me when he finds out?

I sat by the riverside waiting for his return, but by the time the soft glow of the moon reflected against the water, I sank back into the harsh reality of my life.

Just like every other person, he wasn't coming. With a heavy heart, I returned to the mansion.

"When do you plan on telling Aella about our engagement?" I heard an oddly familiar voice, and cold sweat sprang through my body as I stood rooted to my spot, my hand frozen on the handle of the door to my father's office.

"Soon, after Lilith's engagement", my father's bass-like voice sounded through the door; it had been my favourite sound at one time.

Rage clouded my vision; they just didn't know when to stop. Banging the door open, I barged into his office, "How could you?" I seethed.

"AHH, Aella. Welcome, I was about to call for you, since you are here, I would like for you to meet your future husband, Antares." My father said stiffly, like he didn't just drop a bombshell.

I searched his eyes for a clue that he was kidding or that this was just an expensive prank, but he only faced Antares, and they went back to their discussion.

"You can't possibly expect me to get married to him", I said, looking at the person sitting by the side who was old enough to be, if not older than, my father.

"And why is that?" his eyes bore holes into mine, and he pushed his glasses down.

"He's old enough to birth me", I gritted out.

"That's not a problem, age is just a number. Antares here is not just my right-hand man but also my best friend; he will treat you well. Now, if there's nothing else, close the door behind you." He waved me off dismissively.

"I will not marry him", I said quietly.

"What?" He asked.

"I said," I began, my voice growing louder with each word, "I will. Not. Marry.Him."

He froze, stunned and taken aback. This was the first time I had ever said no to his face, but I had had enough of them pushing me around.

He chuckled softly, Excusee us, Antares, I need a word with my daughter." He said.

Antares stood, his eyes ran through my body, and an uneasy feeling crept through my spine, as his gaze bore holes into me.

The door creaked shut, and I faced father, my heart pounding in my chest, but I steadied my breathing, knowing he could hear it.

"What gives you the impression that your opinion matters?" He asked, his face blank.

"Father, I'm also your daughter"

"Don't refer to me as your father, you disgrace", he spat out, visibly irritated.

"You will marry Antares, pop out his pups and be a good mate in his bedroom till he dies. Is that clear?" He growled, his eyes going faintly yellow, a sign of his wolf.

I whimpered and ran out from the office, out of the house and back to exactly where I came from. I needed to find my mate.

It doesn't matter who he is; we need to leave this pack now. We will figure things out as we go.

The moon followed me as I ran to the river, kneeling by the water. I sobbed at my reflection, sinking my face into the river, drowning out the world.

As I rose from the water, the back dye washing off from my silver hair, I finally asked the question that had been bugging me.

How do I find my mate?

Aella

Still at the riverside, I decided to wait for my mate, he promised to come back. All I had to do was wait, right?

Cutting off some leaves and gathering branches from the trees, I decided to make a bed.

The bed took me roughly one hour to complete. I grinned at my work. Good thing the riverside was clear of bugs and the like.

I lay on the bed, watching the bright shining light of stars. I wondered if my mum was watching me from the bosom of the moon goddess.

My face felt hot, something was biting into my skin, opening my eyes, I winced as my eyes blinked open. The sun had already risen, and its orange rays were hot on my face.

Grimacing, I stood, my face fell as I realized a painful truth, my second chance mate had abandoned me, just like my mother and every other person in my life.

Bracing myself for Andrea and Lilith's scorn, I returned to my father's house, even though they made it painfully obvious that I was an unwanted person in the mansion, they haven't abandoned me.

I knocked two quiet raps on the door. The door croaked open. Abuela's eyes widened as she saw me.

"Oh, child. Where have you been? I was so worried." She hugged me as she spoke.

Warmth enveloped my heart, "I slept off by the river, Abuela," I said, not wanting her to worry.

She stepped aside, and I entered, "Aella," she called quietly.

I turned, "they're waiting for you," she said, her eyes filled with pity.

I nodded with a smile, "I'll be fine." I reassured her.

Walking into the living room with small steps, Lilith sat on her usual chair, scrolling on her phone, sneering as she saw me.

"Guess who decided to come back?" she mocked.

Andrea and Beta Andrew turned immediately, their attention drawn to me by her words.

"Good morning," I said quietly.

"And where are you coming from?" Beta Andrew said coldly.

"I told you she whores herself around; this should be enough confirmation, right?" Andrea chirped.

Beta Andrew's eyes darkened as he approached me. He raised his hands, and I shut my eyes, waiting for the impact. This wasn't the first time he took his anger out on me. He'd done it a year after I got here, and I ended up bedridden the first time.

The impact never came. Opening my eyes, I saw Antares, 'my supposed fiancé', stopping him.

"It's bad luck to hit a bride on her wedding day," he said.

"Bride? What wedding?" I uttered, confused.

"Since you've decided to whore yourself around to the pack, we decided to shift your wedding, before you'll bring shame to dad." Lilith snickered.

"What?" I shouted.

Antares looked at me calmly, without saying a word; something flickered in his eyes, too fast before I could see what it was.

"Your wedding is today." Beta Andrew said.

Tears streamed down my face at the absurdity of my father's words. "Papa," I cried out.

"How could you?" I whispered.

He closed his eyes. "I'm doing this for your own good; one day you'll understand." He said.

"No," I shouted out, "I won't marry a man old enough to be my father," I said, wiping off the tears from my face with the back of my hand.

"As you told me last night. You don't have a say in this," he said.

"What are you going to do? Drag me down the altar?" I bit back, I won't let them take away the only thing I had left.

"How dare you rebel against your parents?" Andrea charged at me, and Antares stepped in front of me, shielding me from her fury.

"No one hits my bride," he said again. I looked at him gratefully. No one had ever protected me from them, but I refused to marry my father's dog.

He reached out his hand towards me, and I took a step back. His hand stopped halfway. "Please," I was pleased looking into his eyes.

"I'm sorry, one day you'll understand." He removed his eyes, stepping back.

"Take her," he said.

Two rough hands grabbed me. I thrashed around. When did they come behind me?

"No, no, no, please. Father, no!" I screamed as they dragged me away. I dug my heels into the floor, but they pulled me; my human-like strength couldn't rival a wolf's.

They dragged me to a part of the house I had never seen. Chains rattled as we entered, the chains bit into my skin as they caged me tightly, sat me on a chair, and left.

I snarled at the makeup artist who entered, tears filled my eyes, but she ignored me, her nose wrinkled and scrunched in disgust as though the very air offended her.

I was primed and dragged out of the house by male omegas, my heart hammered in my chest with each step I was forced to take towards the pack grounds. They were really forcing me to do this.

Getting to the pack grounds, Crux sat at the head table in the open space. Other pack members surrounded him in a big circle; they were here and probably excited to doom me.

I locked eyes with Crux; his face lacked expression. He turned away, ignoring me. Lilith sat by his right hand.

Antares stood at the center of the crowd, waiting. I dug my heels into the ground, thrashing harder as they pulled me.

"I have a mate, I have a mate," I screamed as I sighted the pack elders. Crux shot me a warning look, but I ignored him. They stopped and looked at the elders for their verdict.

"Continue, she'll say anything to get out of this," Crux ordered.

They resumed pulling, towards Antares, who only watched, waiting for his bride.

Looking at their cruel faces, all looking expectant and eager to force the union, I closed my eyes in resignation, biting my tongue. I would rather die than accept this.

As my vision began to blur, the air around me thickened, and the scent of sweet honey dew mixed with musk clouded my senses.

Then I heard a deep, loud voice growl,

"How dare you touch my mate?"