Victoria

Every Tuesday felt like a small rebellion against my suffocating life. The Omega House stood at the edge of town, its weathered exterior hiding the warmth within. It wasn't much-peeling paint, creaky floorboards, and windows that whistled when the wind blew-but it was sanctuary for the lowest-ranking members of our pack hierarchy.

Today, as always, I took comfort in the simple rhythm of my chores. There was something soothing about sweeping the worn wooden floors, replacing the wilted flowers with fresh ones from the market, and scrubbing Uncle Alessio's kitchen until it gleamed. Here, nobody cared about my mixed blood or my failure to shift. Nobody watched me with contempt or pity. Here, I was just Victoria-not the half-breed daughter of a once-great Alpha.

"You missed a spot, piccola," Uncle Alessio's gravelly voice called from his favorite armchair. Despite his teasing, his eyes held nothing but kindness as he watched me work.

Uncle Alessio wasn't actually my uncle-he was an aging Beta wolf who had once served my father's pack before Enzo took over. Now he managed this shelter, caring for those who had nowhere else to go.

I smiled, wiping my forehead with the back of my hand. "You say that every week, Uncle. I'm starting to think you just enjoy watching me clean."

"An old wolf has to find his entertainment somewhere," he chuckled, then his smile faded as I turned to face him. "Victoria, those shadows under your eyes... you're not sleeping well?"

My hand instinctively went to my face, fingers gently touching the concealer I'd carefully applied this morning. Had it worn off? Could he see the bruise beneath?

"Just stayed up reading again," I lied, forcing a light tone. "I'll pay more attention to my beauty sleep next time."

The truth was far uglier. Enzo had been in a particularly foul mood last night. I'd accidentally dropped a glass in the kitchen, and his response had been swift and brutal-a kick to my ribs that had left me gasping on the floor. The bruises there were matched by the ones on my face where he'd backhanded me for "making too much noise."

Uncle Alessio didn't look convinced. His nostrils flared slightly-trying to catch the scent of my lie, no doubt. But I'd become skilled at masking my emotions, at least on the surface. What choice did I have?

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" he said softly. "If there's ever trouble at home..."

I turned away, busying myself with arranging flowers in a vase. "Everything's fine, Uncle. Really."

I busied myself washing dishes, scrubbing countertops, anything to avoid his searching gaze. I knew he cared. I knew he worried. But what good would telling him do? He couldn't protect me from Enzo. Nobody could. I was too afraid, too powerless, too... alone.

"I made your favorite cookies," Uncle Alessio said, changing the subject. "The lemon ones."

My heart squeezed. This was why I loved Tuesdays at the Omega House. These small kindnesses that reminded me what family should be.

"You spoil me," I said, genuinely smiling now.

As I worked in the kitchen, washing the last of the dishes, I mentally counted the money hidden in my backpack. Two thousand dollars-every cent I'd managed to save over the past three years. It wasn't much, but it would be enough for a one-way bus ticket far away from Northern Territory and enough to survive for a month or two until I found work.

This would be my last Tuesday with Uncle Alessio. The thought made my eyes sting with tears.

"Here," I said, placing a small package on the table beside him before I left. "Extra cookies for tomorrow. Just in case I'm... running late next week."

He looked at me strangely, as if sensing the finality in my voice. "Victoria-"

"I have to go," I cut him off, afraid I'd break down if he showed me any more kindness. "Emma's expecting me at the bakery."

He patted my back awkwardly. "You come back next Tuesday, hear? Those flowers won't arrange themselves."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. As I walked down the cracked sidewalk away from the Omega House, I allowed myself one backward glance. Goodbye, I thought. I'll miss you more than you'll ever know.

The afternoon sun beat down mercilessly as I made my way down the dusty road. I pulled at the long sleeves of my shirt, wishing I could wear something cooler but unwilling to expose the bruises that mottled my arms.

I'd gone barely half a mile when a sleek black SUV pulled alongside me, moving at a crawl to match my pace. The tinted window rolled down, and my heart nearly stopped.

Leo.

His dark eyes locked onto mine, his expression inscrutable. The memory of our night together flashed through my mind-his hands on my body, his mouth against mine, the way he'd made me feel both terrified and exhilarated. I'd spent the week trying to forget him, and here he was, materializing like a phantom from my most secret dreams.

"Get in," he commanded, his deep voice brooking no argument.

I froze, my feet suddenly rooted to the ground. "I-I'm walking to the bakery."

"It's ninety-five degrees out here," he said impatiently. "Get in the car, Victoria."

The way he said my name-like he owned it, owned me-sent shivers down my spine despite the heat.

"The bakery is just on Maple Street," I said, pointing ahead weakly. "Emma's Sweet Shop. I can walk."

"Victoria." His tone hardened, becoming something no wolf-even a half-breed like me-could ignore. "Get. In."

My body responded before my brain could process the command. I found myself sliding into the cool leather interior of the SUV, pressing myself against the door to maintain as much distance between us as possible.

The air conditioning blasted cold air against my flushed skin, but it did nothing to ease the heat that spread through me at his proximity. He smelled like cedar and spice and something wild that made my pulse quicken.

"Why are you wearing long sleeves in this heat?" he asked, his gaze traveling over me with disturbing intensity.

I tugged self-consciously at my sleeves. "I burn easily."

His eyes narrowed. "You're lying."

"I'm not-"

"I can smell it," he cut me off.

I looked away, staring out the window at the passing scenery. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Leo shifted closer, and I tensed. His hand reached out, and I flinched instinctively, expecting a blow. Instead, his fingers gently brushed my cheek, right where Enzo had hit me. Even through the concealer, he seemed to know exactly where the bruise was.

"Who did this to you?" His voice had dropped to a dangerous whisper.

"Nobody," I insisted. "I-I walked into a door."

He laughed, but there was no humor in it. "A door named Enzo, perhaps?"

My eyes widened in shock. How did he know my brother's name?

"You seem surprised," Leo said, leaning back against his seat. "Did you think I wouldn't investigate the beautiful half-breed who tried to pay me for sex?"

My cheeks flamed. "I didn't-that's not what-"

"Wasn't it?" His lips curved into a mocking smile. "You came to my club, threw money at me, and asked me to take you to bed. What would you call it?"

"A mistake," I said miserably. "I was desperate."

"Desperate enough to offer your virginity to a complete stranger?" His eyes darkened. "What were you running from, little wolf?"

The endearment made my breath catch. Nobody had ever called me that before-most people went out of their way to remind me I wasn't a proper wolf at all.

"It doesn't matter anymore," I said softly. "Nothing does."

Leo studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "You're planning to leave, aren't you? That's why you were so desperate to lose your virginity."

I stiffened. How could he possibly know that?

"Your backpack," he explained, nodding toward it. "Too heavy for a simple trip to the bakery. And there's something final in your scent today-like you're saying goodbye."

I clutched my backpack closer. "It's none of your business."

"On the contrary," he said, his voice silky and dangerous. "I'm making it my business."

The car pulled to a stop in front of Emma's Sweet Shop, and I practically lunged for the door handle. "Thank you for the ride," I said hurriedly. "I have to go now."

Before I could escape, Leo's hand shot out, closing around my wrist. His touch was gentle but inescapable. "This isn't over, Victoria. You and I have unfinished business."

My heart hammered against my ribs. "There is no 'you and I'-there was one night, a mistake."

"A mistake I intend to rectify," he said, his eyes burning into mine. "Soon."

He released me, and I scrambled out of the car, my legs feeling like jelly. Emma was behind the counter, kneading dough, but she looked up when I entered. Her jaw literally dropped as she watched Leo's SUV pull away from the curb.

"Holy moon goddess," she breathed, flour dusting her cheeks as she stared at me. "Victoria Howlthorne, was that who I think it was?"

Victoria

I tried to act casual as I set my backpack down. "I don't know what you mean."

"Bullshit," Emma said, wiping her hands on her apron and rushing around the counter. "That was an Alpha's car if I've ever seen one. One of the major five packs for sure. What the hell are you doing with him?"

I sighed, sinking into a chair at one of the small tables. "It's not what you think. He just... offered me a ride."

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Random Alphas don't offer rides to half-breed pack members for no reason, sweetie. Especially not Alphas with cars that cost more than this entire building."

"Can we talk about something else?" I pleaded. "How's Uncle Alessio doing? I just came from the Omega House."

Emma's expression softened. "He's hanging in there. His arthritis is getting worse, but you know him-too stubborn to complain." She studied my face. "You look tired, hon. Everything okay at home?"

I forced a smile. "Fine. Just the usual."

"Enzo being an ass again?" When I didn't answer, she sighed. "You know you can always stay with me if things get bad."

If only it were that simple. But Emma didn't know about Enzo's plans for me, about the debt he owed to some mysterious Alpha named Moretti. She didn't know I was supposed to be handed over like property, or that I'd nearly prostituted myself to escape that fate.

"So..." Emma leaned in conspiratorially. "Are you going to tell me which pack he's from? That guy who dropped you off? Had to be one of the five major Alphas in Northern Territory. Was it Blackwood? Martinez? Monroe?"

I shrugged uncomfortably. "I don't know. We didn't exactly discuss pack politics."

"Whoever he is, he's clearly powerful," Emma said, glancing out the window as if she might still catch a glimpse of his car. "The energy coming off him... I could feel it from behind the counter."

"It doesn't matter," I said firmly. "He's not part of my life. And after tonight, none of this will be."

Emma's eyes widened. "Victoria, what are you planning?"

I looked away, unable to meet her gaze. I couldn't tell her I was leaving-she'd try to stop me, or worse, she might tell Uncle Alessio. It was better this way. A clean break.

"Nothing," I lied. "Just thinking out loud."

As I stepped out of Emma's bakery, I was startled to find Leo's black SUV still parked out front. He hadn't left.

Worse, he tailed me at a painfully slow pace down the block until I finally gave in and slid into the passenger seat.

"Don't you have better things to do as an Alpha of a major pack?" I snapped, my patience thinning.

He chuckled, low and smooth, like velvet dragging across bare skin. "Watching over you is the most important thing on my schedule today." His hazel eyes glittered as he added, "Is our final destination Alpha Howlthorne's house?"

I felt the exhaustion hit me like a wave.

Of course he knew where I lived-he was an Alpha. He probably knew about Enzo and the deal with Moretti. But why was he so insistent on being near me?

I turned my head away, refusing to meet his gaze, and sure enough, the SUV stopped precisely in front of my house.

"Thanks," I said quietly, reaching for the door handle. Just before I stepped out, I added, "But we shouldn't see each other again. It's better for both of us."

I didn't expect him to laugh.

It wasn't the kind of laugh that softened tension-it was dark, amused, and just a little unhinged. The scar along his cheek twisted with the movement, making his handsome face look almost menacing. A flicker of fear curled in my stomach.

Before I could react, Leo grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me toward him.

His mouth crashed onto mine in a kiss that burned. His tongue invaded my mouth without permission, dominating, claiming. I gasped against him, breath stolen, mind reeling, body betraying me with a shameful shiver.

When he finally let me go, I was breathless, stunned.

He stared into my eyes, his own unreadable, but burning with something wild and dangerous.

"You're mine now, little wolf," he murmured, lips curling into a slow, knowing smile. "You just don't know it yet."

Once safely in my room-if any place under Enzo's roof could be called "safe"-I pulled out my old suitcase from beneath the bed. My fingers trembled with anticipation as I began packing my meager belongings. Each folded shirt, each pair of jeans represented another step toward freedom.

The two thousand dollars felt like a protective talisman in my pocket. Combined with the five thousand I'd earned helping at Emma's boutique, I finally had enough for a fresh start. Seven thousand dollars wasn't much, but it was enough to disappear until I turned twenty-one and could access my father's trust fund.

"Just three hours," I whispered to myself as I carefully rolled my few precious dresses to prevent wrinkles. " Enzo can't touch me anymore."

I pressed down hard on the overstuffed suitcase, trying to force the zipper closed. The latch was just about to catch when my bedroom door crashed open.

Enzo stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as they took in the scene-me, kneeling on a packed suitcase, desperation etched across my face. For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.

Then his face contorted with rage. "You ungrateful little bitch!"

He crossed the room in two strides, kicking the suitcase off the bed. My clothes exploded across the floor like shrapnel, scattering under the bed and dresser.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he roared, grabbing my arm and yanking me to my feet.

"Let go!" I struggled against his grip, but it was useless. Even as a failed Alpha, he was still stronger than my half-human body.

Enzo shoved me hard, sending me sprawling onto the floor. I hit the ground with a painful thud, my hip-still bruised from yesterday's beating-screaming in protest.

"Did you really think you could just run away?" He loomed over me, his shadow swallowing me whole. "After everything I've done for you?"

I pushed myself up on my elbows, laughing bitterly despite my fear. "Everything you've done for me? You mean beating me? Starving me? Treating me like a servant in my own father's house?"

His face darkened, and I saw his hand curl into a fist. I closed my eyes, bracing for the blow that would surely follow.

But nothing happened.

I opened one eye cautiously. Enzo stood frozen above me, his fist raised but trembling in midair. His breathing was ragged, his face flushed with rage-but he didn't strike.

"You're lucky," he spat, lowering his arm slowly. "You're worth more to me undamaged right now."

Relief washed through me, followed immediately by suspicion. Enzo never held back before. Why start now?

He crouched down beside me, grabbing my chin and forcing me to meet his gaze. "Tomorrow, you're going to the Shadow Pack territory. You're going to meet Alpha Moretti properly, and you're going to become his Luna."

Victoria

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. "L-Luna?" I stuttered, my mind reeling. "No... that can't be right. He just wants me as... as..."

I couldn't finish the sentence. The implications were too horrifying to voice aloud.

"As what, Victoria?" Enzo's lips curled into a cruel smile. "His whore? His plaything? Is that what you thought?"

When I didn't answer, he laughed, the sound scraping against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.

"Oh, this is rich. You thought he just wanted to fuck you?" He stood up, pacing the room. "Alpha Moretti doesn't need to make deals for that. Women throw themselves at him. No, little sister, he wants you as his Luna."

"No!" The word tore from my throat. "I won't do it! You can't make me!"

Being claimed as a Luna wasn't just about marriage-it meant surrendering everything I owned. My father's trust fund would become pack property, controlled by the Alpha.

"I'd rather die than become his Luna!" I scrambled to my feet, backing away until I hit the wall.

Enzo's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What did you do?"

"What?"

"What did you DO?" he repeated, stalking toward me. "Alpha Moretti has never shown interest in taking a Luna, especially not a half-breed nobody like you. Then suddenly he comes to me demanding YOU specifically."

He grabbed my shoulders, slamming me back against the wall. "Who did you fuck that night you snuck out? What did you do to catch his attention?"

My heart stopped. *Leo*. Could it be possible? The man from the club... was he actually Alpha Moretti? The thought was so absurd I almost laughed. But then memories flooded back-his commanding presence, the way other wolves deferred to him, how he'd just appeared in that SUV today...

"Answer me!" Enzo shook me hard, my head banging against the wall.

"N-nobody," I lied, my voice barely a whisper. "I don't know why he's interested in me."

Enzo studied my face for a long moment, his eyes cold and calculating. Then he released me with a disgusted shove.

"It doesn't matter. Alpha Moretti wants you, and you're going. Do you have any idea how much debt you'll be clearing by becoming his Luna? My gambling debts will be wiped clean, and the pack will gain a powerful alliance."

I slid down the wall until I was sitting on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest. "I won't do it. You can't force me."

"Can't I?" Enzo's voice was dangerously soft. He knelt down, reaching into my pocket before I could stop him, and pulled out the wad of cash I'd been saving.

"Hey! That's mine!" I lunged for it, but he easily held it out of my reach.

"Nothing in this house is yours," he sneered, counting the bills. "Two thousand... not bad. Consider this payment for all the money you've stolen from me over the years." He pocketed the money and moved to the dresser, pulling open the bottom drawer where I'd hidden the rest of my savings. "And what's this? Five thousand more? You've been busy, little thief."

Hot tears burned my eyes. "Please, Enzo. That's all I have."

"And now it's all I have." He stuffed the money into his pocket. "Maybe this will teach you that there's no escaping your fate."

I reached for the silver wolf pendant hanging around my neck-my mother's last gift to me. It was the only thing of value I had left, both sentimentally and financially.

Enzo's eyes followed the movement. "Don't worry, I'm not taking that worthless trinket. Not yet, anyway."

He walked to the door, pausing to survey the mess he'd made of my packed belongings. "Clean this up. You'll want to look your best tomorrow when I deliver you to Alpha Moretti. After all..." His lips curved into a cruel smile. "A Luna should be presentable for her Alpha."

The door slammed behind him, leaving me alone with my scattered clothes and shattered dreams. I clutched my pendant tighter, hot tears streaming down my face.

"Mom,Dad," I whispered, "I need you. I don't know what to do."

But my parents were long gone, and tomorrow I would be handed over to a man who had claimed me as his own-a man who might very well be the same one who had awakened both terror and desire in me that night at the club.

--

The next morning came too soon. I hadn't slept, my eyes red-rimmed and swollen from crying. Enzo didn't bother knocking-he simply burst into my room at dawn, two female Omega servants trailing behind him.

"Get up," he barked, yanking the covers off me. "It's your big day, little sister."

I clutched my nightgown around me, glaring at him with all the hatred I could muster. "I won't go."

Enzo's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Yes, you will. Even if I have to drag you there myself."

He nodded to the Omegas. "Make her presentable. I want her looking like an Alpha's mate, not the pathetic half-breed she is."

The women descended on me like well-trained soldiers, ignoring my protests. One steered me toward the bathroom while the other began laying out cosmetics and hair tools. Enzo watched from the doorway, arms crossed, making sure I didn't try to escape.

"I'll be downstairs," he said finally. "You have two hours. Don't disappoint me."

Once he was gone, the Omegas-Marta and Lucia, I learned-became gentler. They worked in silence at first, filling the tub with scented oils and hot water.

"Please," I whispered to Lucia as she helped me undress. "Help me get away."

Her eyes-kind but resigned-met mine briefly before dropping again. "I can't, Miss Victoria. The Alpha would kill my family."

The resignation in her voice mirrored the hopelessness settling in my chest. These women understood my plight but were as powerless as I was against the will of an Alpha.

They bathed me like I was a child, washing my hair with expensive shampoo that smelled of lavender and jasmine.

"You're lucky, you know," Marta said as she painted my nails a delicate pink. "Alpha Moretti is... well, he's powerful. Handsome too."

"And if I don't want him?" I asked bitterly.

Lucia exchanged a glance with Marta. "What we want doesn't matter in the world of Alphas, Miss Victoria. You'll learn that soon enough."

After the bath came the makeup-subtle but enhancing, making my eyes look bigger, my lips fuller. They styled my hair in loose waves cascading down my back, weaving tiny white flowers into the strands.

When they finally helped me into the dress Enzo had selected, I hardly recognized myself in the mirror. The gown was ivory satin that flowed like water around my body, clinging to curves I usually tried to hide. It was modest yet sensual, with delicate lace at the neckline and a slit that revealed just enough leg to be enticing.

"This was my mother's wedding dress," I whispered, recognizing it from old photographs. The realization made tears spring to my eyes again.

"Don't cry," Lucia admonished gently, dabbing beneath my eyes with a tissue. "You'll ruin your makeup."

"Does it matter?" I asked hollowly. "I'm just merchandise being delivered to the highest bidder."

Neither woman contradicted me.

Enzo's approving whistle when I descended the stairs made my skin crawl. "Well, well. Who knew my little half-breed sister could clean up so nicely?"

"Don't call me that," I said through clenched teeth.

He ignored me, circling like a predator assessing prey. "Perfect. Alpha Moretti will be pleased."

The drive to Shadow Pack territory passed in blur. I sat rigid in the back seat of Enzo's Mercedes, staring out the window as familiar streets gave way to the exclusive neighborhood where the most powerful wolf packs made their homes. My fingers kept touching the silver pendant at my throat.

"Remember," Enzo said as we approached massive iron gates emblazoned with a stylized wolf's head-the symbol of the Shadow Pack. "Be respectful. Submissive. Don't embarrass me."

"Would that even be possible?" I muttered. "You do such a good job of embarrassing yourself."

His hand shot out, gripping my wrist painfully. "One more word and I'll make you regret it, ceremony or no ceremony."

The gates swung open as our car approached, and we drove up a long, winding driveway lined with ancient oak trees. At the end stood a sprawling mansion that looked more like a fortress than a home-all stone and dark wood, imposing and intimidating.

Pack members were gathered on the lawn, all turned to watch our arrival. My stomach clenched with anxiety as I recognized faces among them.The massive man I now knew as Tiny, standing at attention near the front steps.

He was Leo's Beta, which could only mean one thing-Leo, or rather, Alpha Moretti himself, was inside this fortress right now, waiting for me.