LEAH

Hot tears trail down my face as I run, my breath coming in sharp rasps. My legs burn with every step, but I don't stop. I need to put as much distance as possible between me and all of them, Layla, Aiden, the Alpha, and even the entire entire pack.

I've always known the moon goddess hates me, but I didn't know it was this much. Because if it's not the curse of the moon goddess, why would I be the only werewolf without a wolf, and still lose the only thing that seemed to make me happy, my mate.

Images of Aiden’s tongue halfway down Layla’s throat play around in my head like tapes of a broken record. His hands gripping her, and the way he looked at her. It was as if he didn't have a mate, as if I wasn't his mate. Not that he ever made me feel wanted. He was always hiding from me, like I was a strain of stain no one wanted to be seen with.

And then, Layla’s voice, and her stupid face scowling at me as she said those words. “I'm pregnant.”

“He’s supposed to be my mate,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “Mine!”

But he never was. I was just a means to an end for him.

Tears pour down my face as silent screams rage inside me. My body curl in on itself as I cry, screaming into the emptiness of the woods. I don't care how pathetic I look or how weak I am, I just want it all to stop.

And eventually, as exhaustion claims me, it does.

I don't even know when my eyes slip shut, the sounds of the forest fading away.

***

The world is awfully still when I wake up. The moon is already high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the woods. Every part of my body aches and my face is sticky with dried tears. For a moment, I just lie there, staring up at the swaying branches as the memories slowly flood back to me again.

Should I just run away?

The thought hit me like a sudden gust of wind. I could just disappear and never look back. No more Layla, no more Aiden, and no more pack treating me like an unwanted burden. At this point, becoming a rogue isn't looking so bad, as long as I'm free.

But I can't. I’ll barely survive a day as a rogue. I don't have any supplies, no allies, and worst of all, no wolf. Alpha Terran wouldn't break a sweat before hunting me down.. And when he does, my punishment will be worse than anything I have ever been through. A shudder runs down my spine as I imagine the hell he'd put me through.

I clench my fists, swallowing the lump in my throat as I push myself up, my body trembling from the cold and hunger. I have to go back, even though I hate to even think about it.

Pain shoots through my knees as I begin walking back to the pack house, fury and hatred coursing through my veins. The goddess knows I don't ever want to see any of those two mistakes of creation ever again.

“I hope she trips and falls to her death,” I mutter under my breath, kicking at the brittle leaves that scatter across my path. Every step I take feel heavier, it's almost like I'm dragging them.

Just as the pack house comes into view, the low, rumbling growl of engines slice through my thoughts as a convoy of black SUVs speeds past me.

“What the fuck?” I gasp.

Immediately, I see a bunch of warriors running to the pack house, and my brows furrow in confusion. From afar, I see the cars pull to a stop at gates of the pack house. Goosebumps bloom over my skin like frost spreading across glass.

“I hope this is good,” I think. The Blueridge pack is a small one, and we barely get visitors from other packs. For a convoy like this to zoom in, it must be a very important visitor, maybe an envoy from another pack.

Just as the vehicles park, Beta Jarek rushes to the gates, waving his hands frantically. His voice is too far away for me to catch, but I can sense the tension as he barks orders at the guards to open the gates.

And just like that, it all comes to me.

“Oh shit, the Scarred Alpha is here.”

My blood turns to ice as I remember the stories I’ve heard about him. No one knows his true name. It is even rumored that his face is so scarred from wars that no one besides his beta has seen it ever since he became the Alpha of his pack. Some say he’s not a regular wolf, they say he's a lycan, the most powerful of all werewolves. They say he was once forced into exile by his own pack... but then he came back. And when he did, wiped out half of them.

My pulse thunders in my ears as I watch the gates groan open.

“Oh fuck I have to go,” I mutter as I scurry to the gates. Although I’m not in the mood to see either Layla or Aiden's ugly faces, I have to be there to prepare her for her meeting with her new mate, the Scarred Alpha.

A devilish smile appears on my lips as I try to imagine what her life with the most feared tyrant in the wolf world would be like. I guess karma really is real.

I dart forward, slipping between two distracted guards at the gates as their focus remains on the convoy. My heartbeat grows faster, tension rising in my bones as I try to slip through.

And just then, I see him.

His tall, huge frame is cloaked from head to toe. The way he moves sends a bone-deep chill crawling down my spine. Even without seeing his face, I can feel his powerful aura.

“Oh Layla’s going to be dead when this guy finds out she got pregnant for someone else just so she won't be forced to marry him,” I mutter.

I can't stop the cold smile creeping onto my lips as all kinds of scenarios of how the scarred Alpha will punish Layla and his father played in my head, mate-thieving bitch.

I barely make it past the doorway when a familiar voice shakes me from my thoughts.

“Leah!”

I flinch, my body stiffening as Alpha Terran’s voice echoes through the grand hall. My stomach churns as I see Layla’s aggressive face standing beside him with her arms crossed.

“Where the hell have you been?” he snaps. I open my mouth to answer, but Layla scoffs before I can say a word, her lips curling into a cruel smirk.

"Probably rolling around in the dirt like the piece of filth she is,” she sneers, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

Heat burns behind my eyes, but I swallow it down. “I'm sorry Alpha”, I mutter, my fingers digging into my palms. He clicks his tongue in irritation.

“We have some important guests joining us for dinner. Go to the kitchen and make yourself useful.”

My chest tightens, but I bow my head, forcing myself to nod.

Layla smirks as I turn to leave. “And try not to make a mess while you're at it. We wouldn't want you ruining anything important, again.”

My vision narrows, the world shrinking to a pinpoint of red as nod, her voice ringing in my ears. Before I take another step, the front doors swing open.

A man I had never seen before walks in. He's incredibly tall with a strong jawline and high cheekbones. He scans the room quietly. Without an introduction, I can tell he’s one of the Lycan Alpha’s men.

“Alpha Terran,” his deep voice echoes. “My Alpha requires your presence immediately. He will not be partaking in any festivities. He wishes to finalize the contract tonight so he can return with his mate by morning.”

“What?” Alpha Terran’s voice cracks, fear creeping behind his eyes. Knowing it's my cue to leave, I take my chance, turning swiftly before his frustration is redirected at me. As I hurry towards the kitchen, his voice, now shaking, rings out behind me.

“Beta Theron, your convoy wasn’t expected until tomorrow! We haven’t…”

His words fade as I disappear behind the kitchen doors, my heart pounding. From behind the walls, I hear our Beta’s voice joining the conversation. I exhale sharply, rubbing my temples.

“This is going to be a long night.”

LEAH

It isn't long before all the dignitaries are summoned to the great dining hall. The Lycan Alpha clearly has no tolerance for delay. The other maids and I rush in and out of the hall, placing dishes, and ensuring the drinks are perfectly arranged. Even though the Lycan Alpha said he wanted no festivities, it'd be suicidal for our pack not to prepare a feast.

Compared to the Bloodmoon Pack, our Blueridge Pack is nothing. Rumor has it their wolves are the strongest in all the lands, and to make it all worse, their Alpha isn't just a wolf. He's a Lycan.

By the time the table is fully set, Alpha Terran, Beta Jarek, and the other high-ranking members of our pack are already seated. The guests from the Bloodmoon pack sit across from them, their storm-grey eyes making them impossible to miss.

Everyone is present except for the supposed bride and groom, Layla, and the Lycan Alpha. From where I stand, I can see the anxiety written all over Alpha Terran’s face, his fingers drumming impatiently on the large table. I’ve seen him angry, resentful, even cruel. But fear? That’s new. This Lycan Alpha must be exactly who they say he is to have them all so shaken.

Across the table, the Lycan Alpha’s Beta, Theron, leans forward, his expression cold.

“Alpha Terran,” his deep voice cuts through the tense atmosphere. “Where is the bride? My Alpha will not step foot in this hall until she is present.”

Panic flashes in Alpha Terran’s eyes. He leans towards Beta Jarek who is sitting beside him and whispers something to his ears. Beta Jarek’s face hardens immediately. He pushes back his chair with a loud scrape, and walks towards me.

“Oh no!” I whisper. I know what is coming before he even opens his mouth. My stomach twists in disgust.

“Find the Alpha’s daughter and bring her here

Now!” He orders. “Tell her it’s time. Her groom is waiting.”

I bow silently and leave the hall. Every curse I could think of flares through my mind as I walked towards Layla’s room. All my life, I have done everything for her. And now, even after she has taken my own mate, I still have to be the one to fetch her for her new mate. Stupid, spoiled brat.

I pause outside her door, forcing my fingers to stop trembling as I raise them to knock.

“Layla!” I call.

No answer

“Lay…”

The door flies open violently, slamming into my face before I could call her the second time.

“Shut the fuck up! I'm going already!” Laula snaps, storming past me with Aiden trailing behind her like the spineless fool he is.

Yuck, he disgusts me.

His eyes dodge mine like a shadow as he follows her blindly. I trail behind them, quietly anticipating the drama about to unfold. Relief washes over Alpha Terran the moment Layla steps into the hall. Aiden of course silently disappears among the guards. Coward.

“Beta Theron”, Alpha Terran calls out. “Now that my daughter is here, I request that you summon your Alpha.”

Beta Theron gives a curt nod and stands to leave, but before he takes a step, Layla suddenly stands up, tapping a fork against the rim of her wine glass, the eerie clink ringing through the hall.

“Hey everyone,” she says with a false cheer. “I have an announcement.”

The room goes quiet as everyone turns to her, questions etched on their faces. Even Beta Theron freezes mid-step, anticipation rising in the air. Then, with a smirk on her face, she drops the bombshell.

“I’m pregnant.”

The room explodes. Gasps and murmurs spread across the hall like a wildfire. The Bloodmoon guests exchange glances, their expressions unreadable. Beta Theron’s jaw clenches, his face contorts in pure rage.

Alpha Terran shoots up from his seat. “What?!” He roars, “what nonsense are you spewing, Layla?”

“Oh yes father,” she replies with a mischievous smile. “I’m two weeks pregnant. Which means, I won’t be marrying that old, ugly-looking fucker you’re trying to sell me off to.”

“What insolence!” Beta Theron yells as he slams his fists on the table, his eyes blazing with fury.

“Alpha Terran! Obviously you haven't raised your daughter well enough! This is not just an insult to my Alpha, it is an insult to the Bloodmoon Pack!” You should cover your face in shame and seek for my Alpha’s mercy.” His voice drops into something colder. “Or you wish to see your entire pack wiped out?”

“Easy, Theron.” A new, deep voice comes in from behind me.

A man steps forward, massive and cloaked like the others from Bloodmoon. He walks past me, his hood low and voice calm.

“No need for threats?” he says as he strides closer to Alpha Terran. “Talk is the wind. We are the storm that follows.”

As if it's rehearsed, Beta Theron and the rest of the Bloodmoon entourage bow immediately. My breath catches. I can’t see his face yet his back is to me. But his aura… it’s strange. It's like a mix of cold and warm at the same time.

From where I am, I see the people at the table shaking with fear. Then it clicks, alarm bells ringing viciously in my head.

Oh shit! The Scarred Alpha.

A shiver runs down my spine as realization dawns on me.

“Did you just say… pregnant?” His voice vibrates as he speaks.

Layla stiffens. She exhales sharply, suddenly unable to speak.

“Answer him!” Beta Theron roars at her.

“Y-yes…” she stammers..

The room falls so silent one would hear a pin drop loud and clear.

“Alpha,” he turns to Alpha Terran. “I agreed to a peace treaty after you trespassed into my territory on the condition that your daughter would be my mate. And this… this is what you bring to me?” He roars, his voice cold as ice. The power in his voice coils around the room like smoke, choking everyone. Alpha Terran's voice sticks to his throat as he stares blankly at the lycan Alpha.

“And you”, he turns back to Layla, her eyes blinking rapidly. “You called me an old, ugly fucker,” he chuckles. “Tell me…,” he slowly raises his hands and takes off his hood. “...how about now?”

A loud gasp echoes through the hall. Some people cover their faces, while others keep their heads bowed in fear.

I hurry to the other side of the hall to get a glimpse of him. And dear Goddess…

He is beautiful.

LEAH

I have never seen a man so handsome. His face looks like they were perfectly carved by hundreds of sculptors. His nose is unbelievably straight. His lips are so well defined, they look both calm and sinful at the same time. His hair is raven black, and his skin is the smoothest I've ever seen.

The entire hall remains frozen in silence, everyone staring in awe at the piece of perfection standing before them. Layla’s mouth hangs open. She had expected an ugly monster, well… we all did. But instead, we get the shocker of our lives.

“Alpha Lucian,” Alpha Terran finally speaks, his voice a little louder than a whisper.

So that's his name, I mutter. Lucian.

“I'm terribly sorry.” Alpha Terran continues. “I didn't know anything about this. It's an…”

“Save it.” Alpha Lucian cuts him off sharply as he walks to the seat prepared for him at the edge of the dining table. “I don't like being made a fool of Alpha Terran,” he says, his voice calm. “If I’d known you were this useless, I would have never agreed to this deal. I should kill you for wasting my time.”

Without sparing Alpha Tarren a glance, he reaches for a goblet of wine on the table, his fingers lazily swirling the liquid inside. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he tosses the wine onto the floor, the red liquid splattering like spilled blood.

Alpha Terran’s hand curls into a fist at the insult but he does nothing. Alpha Lucian looks a lot younger than Alpha Terran. He's probably in his late thirties at most, and Alpha Terran was well over sixty. But Alpha Terran’s head remained bowed, it's the Scarred Alpha speaking, age means nothing. Countering him would be suicidal.

“But no need to worry,” Alpha Lucian continues, a mischievous smile curving his lips. “I won't kill you, your pack will still be of good use to me.”

He picks up an apple and stands, strolling like the hall is his yard.

“I came for a mate,” he says, taking a bite, “and I'm definitely not leaving without one.”

Layla’s face turns ghostly pale. “I’m sorry Alpha, I was just joking”, she cries, her voice shaking.

“Keep quiet!” Alpha Lucian roars. I swallow hard, my fingers failing to stay still.

“This whole shitshow happened because I let you choose for me,” he says, his eyes scanning the hall. “Now, I'll choose my mate myself.”

He strolls around, pausing to take a glance at every young woman seated or standing in the hall. Then all of a sudden, he stops in front of me.

“Raise your head,” he says calmly.

And I do, slowly.

When I look into his eyes again, my stomach flips. The rest of the world blurrec as I stare at him in silence.

“What's your name?”

“Leah,” I say softly, my voice shaky.

“Relax Leah. I'm not going to hurt you.” He holds my hand and steps forward. “I have made my choice. Leah will be my mate.”

Alpha Terran’s eyes go up in flames, “What? No you can't! She's just a maid. I'll find you a replacement..”

A low growl escapes Lucian’s chest as Alpha Terran tries to grab my hand.

“I don't think you understand”, he answers him menacingly. “It's either I take her, or there will be war. Do you hear me?”

“Yes,” Alpha Terran replies, his bravado calming.

Alpha Lucian turns back to me, staring deep into my eyes. “Or do you not want me?”

I stare blankly at him, not knowing what to say. Although I'd give anything to watch Alpha Terran getting insulted over and over again, I can't help but feel like I'm just a pawn in Alpha Lucian’s game. He didn’t get the mate he came for, so now he’s settling for me. A rebound.

“You don't want her, trust me”. Layla’s voice rings out before I can talk. “She’s too weak for you. Take me..”

“Say one more word about my mate and I'll rip your lungs out,” Alpha Lucian threatens, cutting her off as he holds my hand, and shoving me behind him. She drops to her knees immediately, begging to be forgiven.

My stomach flips as I hear him call me his mate. I don't know if I should be happy that I get to leave this life of torment or I should be sad that I'm going to be mated to a tyrant for the rest of my life.

“Now apologize” he growls at Layla.

“I'm… I'm sorry” she stammers, unable to look me in the eye.

“Good.” He retorts, a devilish smile on his lips as if all of this was a joke to him. He faces the crowd and holds my hand up.

“I, Alpha Lucian of the Bloodmoon pack, choose Leah as my mate, and that is final. You may return to your dinner now. My mate and I have a lot to know about each other”.

He turns to me again, his voice low and smooth. “Let’s go.”

“She's right”, I blurt, resisting his pull. “I'm too weak for you. I don't have a wolf, so I can't be your Luna. I…”

He leans close to me, cutting me off and whispering in my ears, sending a storm of butterflies through my stomach.

“Oh you must be mistaken. I didn't choose you for beauty or your body. I know you're weak and powerless. But I'm the Lycan Alpha. Whatever I say is mine… is mine.”

He leans back and looks into my eyes. “So whether you like it or not, you're mine now, little flower. Mine!”

He pulls me after him as he pushes the heavy doors open. My heart aches, my mind racing like lightning. I take another look at him again as he pulls me with him, his beautiful black hair cascading down his shoulder as he walks. I still can't wrap my finger around it, one thing keeps ringing in my mind.

I just got mated to the Scarred Alpha!