CHAPTER 2: WHO IS HE?

The cover of the night, and the merriment that had caused the borders to be left unguarded was the perfect opportunity for Raya to escape. She wasn't going to live under the indefinite torment of Victoria, and an even more awful treatment from the rest of the pack.

She was terrified of walking into the unknown, especially since she barely knew the world outside her pack. She had never ventured outside Ravenhill. But bracing herself, she took that daring step.

She looked at her mother's grave as tears ran down her left cheek.

"Goodbye, mother," she bade, then she walked into the dark forest.

She went quite deep into the forest, and could no longer hear the jubilation from her pack. It was now replaced with a frightening silence, mixed with the chirping of crickets and hooting of owls.

Gulping as she walked, even the snapping of a twig under her foot scared her. It got even worse when she heard the rustling sound of grass. Turning in the direction of the sound, squinting her eyes, she saw a pair of bloodshot eyes flashing because of the moonlight.

Gripped with fear, she froze. Growling mildly, the creature emerged - It was a Silverback rogue. Goo dripped from the side of its mouth as it inched toward Raya.

More rogues emerged from the dark, their eyes glowing at her with murderous intent. She was surrounded. Taking a few steps back, she found herself leaning against a tree. Her nails clawed into the back of the tree as her heart raced.

Standing face to face with death, for a fleeting moment, she wondered if escaping was the best call. But there was nothing she could do.

In this dire moment, she wished her wolf would awaken. At least, she would have a fighting chance.

A rogue snarled and sprang at Raya. She docked and fell to the ground, but was grazed close to her left shoulder by its razor-sharp claws. She crawled backward frightfully, her eyes darting around as the other rogues prepared to attack her.

Suddenly, she saw that they all cowered, their heads bent and ears folded in, whimpering. Someone emerged from the dark.

His eyes flashed gold. His long dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, sitting on his huge body frame. He only had on a furry winter coat, but was shirtless, revealing his well-built upper body, adorned with two gold necklaces.

He walked right through the middle of the rogues as they made way for him. Raya's vision began getting hazy as she got drowsy.

'Poison. I've been poisoned by its claws,' she said to herself.

But then, she wondered who this was that terrified the rogues, even though they outnumbered him as her eyes were fixed on him.

He walked calmly toward Raya, paying the rogues no attention whatsoever. It was as though his presence caused time to slow down - His aura was on a whole other level than what she had ever seen or felt.

Squatting, he looked right into Raya's eyes. She felt a calm she had never felt in the presence of anyone, making her forget she was at the verge of death.

"You poor thing. Out here all alone," the stranger said in a soft but calming deep tone.

Slowly, Raya lost consciousness, collapsing at his feet. But one question ran through her mind.

'Who are you?'

_________________

Gasping, Raya jerked up. She looked around and saw that the rogues were all on the floor. Her heart thumped as she gasped in fear.

Then she saw the same stranger sitting by a fire. The reflection of the fire in his eyes made the perfect blend.

'So it wasn't a dream.'

"No, it wasn't a dream," the stranger replied. Raya's eyes widened in shock, looking at him.

"How- How-" she blurted, unable to make the words.

"You're surprised I read your thoughts?" he asked. She looked at him, unable to speak. The cackling sound of the burning wood was audible in the awkward silence between the two.

"What were you doing out here all by yourself, away from Ravenhill, and away from your pack? Are you not aware of the dangers that lie without, especially at night?" he further asked.

Raya found it hard to answer. She wondered how he knew what pack she was a part of. But she also wondered what pack he was from. She had never seen him before. He was dressed differently as though it was winter, but it was summer, hence the weather was hot.

He got up and began walking away from the fire. Raya sat there, wondering why he was leaving all of a sudden without saying a word. She quickly got up and followed him. She thought he'd send her away, but he didn't.

Up ahead, she saw torches lit, and there was a company of carriages. As she got closer, she saw that they were royal carriages, and flags that bore the sigil of the royal house - House Gavanar.

'What are the King's delegates doing here?' she thought. She quickly remembered that the stranger could hear her thoughts, so she quieted her thoughts.

When they got to the temporal camp, the soldiers got up and bowed to the person I followed. Furrowing her brow, she wondered what was going on.

A well-dressed man, having similar hair to the man I followed approached him and bowed. "My Lord."

'My Lord?' She was confused at this point.

"Take our guest to my tent and have her fed with the finest delicacies, and give her a change of raiment," he instructed.

"Yes, my Lord," the man bowed, but looked a bit perplexed. As he led her away, she turned and looked at the stranger, wondering who he truly was.

As she got into the tent, everything she saw spelled royalty - true royalty. There was a table that was already set like a banquet, with all varieties of delicacies.

The man returned with a servant holding a raiment. It was made of the same furry material as all the royal delegates.

"Please, enjoy what the White Wolf has so generously offered you," the man said.

"What?" Raya's eyes widened in utter shock. "Sorry, sir, but is he- Is he King Barakar, the Alpha King?"

"Who else would he be?" he replied, nonchalantly, and walked out.

Raya had her hand over her mouth.

"Oh, spirits! I am done for!"

CHAPTER 3: MINE!

King Barakar walked into his tent after a while and found Raya standing, fidgeting. She quickly fell on her knees, looking down. Squinting his eyes, he wondered what was going on.

"M- My Lord. Please forgive me for not recognizing you. I have never been outside Ravenhill, and I may not have paid proper attention to be able to recognize you. Please, spare me. Please!" she begged.

The king looked at her stoically, then he calmly walked over to the table, poured himself a glass of wine, and drank it partially. Setting the cup down, he turned and looked at Raya.

"Have a seat."

Raya wasn't sure she heard right, so she was hesitant.

But the Alpha King didn't repeat himself. So she slowly got up and sat down at the other end of the table. It was a make-shift table so they weren't far apart.

Tales she heard about the Alpha King growing up contributed immensely to her fear.

"Go on. Eat," he said. Raya gulped, afraid that he might be testing her.

"This isn't a test," he said, having read her mind again. "Why would I save you from those savages to end up hurting you?"

Well, that made sense to Raya. Thus, it calmed her tumultuous heart.

She went ahead and began eating, but was uncomfortable as the king sat, looking at her.

King Barakar soon got up and began heading out, then Raya got up quickly before he exited the tent.

"Change into the raiment you were given when you're done eating," he said and began walking out, not waiting for her response.

"Yes, my Lord," her voice trailed off as she got up and bowed. She sat back down and sighed.

"The king is much younger than I thought," she muttered. She found herself smiling, not realizing when she did, nor where the excitement stemmed from.

When she was done eating, she got up and washed her face so as to change into the raiment. As she took off her dress, she found that the injury on her arm was completely healed.

"How is it gone?" she wondered, assuming the King must have done something to heal her. She went ahead and got dressed.

The raiment was just the right size. She liked how fluffy it felt, but she couldn't deny it was heavier than the clothes she had been wearing all her life.

Leaving the tent, she saw that it was daybreak already. She saw King Barakar talking with the man who led her into the tent, and he was no longer shirtless.

She then noticed that everyone in the camp stared at her, creeping her out.

"Don't blame them. King Barakar has never shown a female such hospitality, after he lost his Luna ten years ago," someone said not too far from where she stood.

After unloading some water into a bath, he walked away as Raya looked at him.

Some soldiers began taking some horses as some of them assembled. But there was a particular horse - a white horse, which was beautifully adorned. Raya knew right away who the horse was for.

The Alpha King and the person he spoke with then walked to meet the assembled soldiers. And one of the soldiers ran and met Raya.

"His Majesty asks that you join us."

"Oh! Uh, okay," she nodded and began following the soldier.

"Pardon me for asking, but where is His Majesty going?" Raya inquired cautiously.

"To Ravenhill."

Raya froze, stunned by what she heard. All sorts of emotions began springing up in her, and her heart raced.

'Does he want to hand me back to them? I didn't escape Ravenhill to end up back there! I can't go back there.'

Her head swirled as negative thoughts invaded.

"Are you okay?" the soldier asked her, but she was beside herself.

"What's the delay?"

"I'm sorry, lord Ravna," the soldier answered the man who led Raya into the Alpha King's tent. He grabbed her by the arm and led her to the company. She knew she dared not protest against the King's demand, defying him.

She got on a horse by herself then they rode off, with three bannermen riding in front, three soldiers followed the bannermen, then the Alpha King and Ravna riding side by side, and Raya following behind them, with four other soldiers at the rear.

Raya felt uneasy as they headed back to the place she dreaded. All she could do was brace herself for whatever was to come her way.

As they got close to the city, they heard the city bell from the watchtower being struck. The soldiers had spotted the Alpha King's company approaching.

The gates swung wide open just as they arrived, and they rode in unhindered, the soldiers at the gate bowing. Everyone in the streets cleared the way and bowed their heads as they passed.

They were all stunned at the sudden appearance of the King, making them wonder what had brought him. He hardly ever left the Iron Den, his fortress.

Heading straight to the palace, they met some soldiers gathered in front of it. The elders, the Priestess, Jamey, Victoria, and the lords of Ravenhill were there as well to welcome the Alpha King.

Halting his horse, the Alpha King's white horse snorted, steadying itself. Raya got off her horse and kept her head down, avoiding eye contact.

"Your Majesty," Jamey bowed as he walked forward, as did everyone with him. "Welcome to Ravenhill."

The King nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"Your visit took us all by surprise," Jamey chuckled nervously. "Had we known you were coming, we would have prepared you a more befitting welcome. Please, forgive us."

"I see congratulations are in order. Ravenhill now has a Luna," King Barakar said.

"Yes," Jamey replied, as Victoria stepped forward, and genuflected courteously.

"I am Victoria, your humble servant, and Luna of the Greyhound pack."

"A fine choice, young Alpha," King Barakar commended, making Jamey smile. He then got off his horse, as did Ravna.

"Your journey from Winterhill must have been strenuous. Please, let us treat you to some delicacies as you freshen up, my Lord," Jamey requested.

"Be my guest," King Barakar nodded. Then he turned to Raya.

"Follow us."

Her heart thumped at his request. The attention of the people turned to her. Victoria looked furrowing her brow as Raya walked toward the King. Recognizing her, Victoria grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back.

"You! Where do you think you're going?" she snarled.

'Crap! They've found me. It's over.'

Raya quivered, unable to control her fright.

"How dare you set foot here?" Jamey asked fuming. Lifting a hand to strike Raya, she squirmed in fear, but his hand was caught mid-air. He turned and saw that it was the Alpha King who held his hand.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on her!" he growled. Jamey looked perplexedly at the King.

"But she is nothing. She's just an unwanted omega," Jamey said.

"Not anymore," King Barakar replied. "She is mine! She is my mate!"

Everyone's eyes popped out in shock at the declaration of the Alpha King. Raya most especially.

CHAPTER 4: WHAT SAY YOU?

Releasing Jamey's hand, the Alpha King took Raya by the hand and drew her close to himself, looking right into her eyes. The two locked gazes for a while.

Raya's heart fluttered. The person she loved in secret for the past ten years - Jamey, didn't make her feel this way.

Her hazel eyes suddenly turned blue. She felt her wolf, which had long been silenced, awakening for the first time after the night of her first shift.

"Your Majesty. You can't be serious, right? Raya is just a lowly omega, unworthy of such bestowment," Victoria said, but was nervous.

King Barakar glared at her, his golden eyes evident with fury. The atmosphere got really tense for Victoria.

"You dare lecture me on what I can and cannot do?!" King Barakar's voice thundered, as he growled. Victoria quivered and fell to her knees in fright.

"Your Majesty, please forgive my wife for talking out of turn. She is unschooled in the mannerisms required when addressing a man of your caliber. Please, forgive her," Jamey pleaded.

"No more shall she be regarded any less than I esteem her. Anyone who does so will have their head on a pike," King Barakar declared and they all bowed in acknowledgment.

Raya couldn't wrap her head around what was happening. It was the total opposite of her fears.

"Well then. You were about to treat us to some delicacies, weren't you, young Alpha?"

"Y- Yes, Your Majesty," Jamey stuttered, forcing a smile. "This way."

He led King Barakar, Raya, and the King's retinue into the palace. The elders, Priestess, and all the lords of Ravenhill went in.

Sulking as she got up, Victoria followed behind them. She found what was happening unbelievable and beyond her comprehension. It was beyond everyone's comprehension, even the Alpha King's retinue.

Word quickly spread like wildfire about what happened, and the city was abuzz. Both the werewolves and humans who witnessed it bore the tale, to the amazement of some, and disbelief of others, raising speculations.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Raya found herself in the great hall - the same place she had been rejected and utterly embarrassed the previous night, dining with the same people who had shattered her heart. But this time, she was untouchable.

Her father, who had not been present with the rest that received the Alpha King, later joined them as they had just begun eating. He was stunned to find his so-called good-for-nothing daughter seated beside the Alpha King himself.

Sighting him, Raya looked away fuming. She hadn't had a taste of anything since they began eating. In fact, everyone at the table, aside from the King, barely tasted what they were served.

King Barakar noticed the exchange between the two and could tell who he was. Raya's father then walked toward the King, but was stopped a few meters away from the King by his soldiers.

"Your Majesty," he bowed.

King Barakar ignored him. Embarrassed, he walked away and sat at the table, being a beta and the Advisor of the former Alpha of the Greyhound pack.

"I thought I was coming to meet an atmosphere of celebration. Why do I see the contrary?" King Barakar asked.

Jamey, Victoria, and the council of elders of Ravenhill couldn't answer, afraid of saying something that would upset the King. Their eyes were darting around.

"Um, Your Majesty, if it pleases you, I'd like to take you on a tour of the mill. I believe you haven't seen it after it was refurbished six years ago," Jamey humbly requested. King Barakar nodded in acknowledgment. He wiped his mouth, got up, and turned to Raya, offering her hand.

Raya cracked a nervous smile, took the King's hand, and stood up. Just as their hands made contact, she felt a surge of electricity in her body, and a deep connection to the King that words couldn't describe.

It was the mate bond. That was the confirmation that her wolf had awakened.

Victoria sulked, infuriated seeing how they looked at each other.

"Please, this way," Jamey requested. Then the King and Raya followed him. She walked beside the King. She felt safe and protected in his presence - what she never experienced when she was around Jamey.

Jamey talked to the King as they walked, explaining a couple of things, while the King simply nodded. Jamey did well covering how he actually felt about Raya being there with them. But not Victoria.

Following behind them, all Victoria could do was glare hatefully at Raya, but was totally unable to do anything against her.

The path they took was cleared as soldiers were positioned at various intervals. Citizens of Ravenhill scrambled and struggled to get a peek at the King to confirm what they heard. And true to it, they say Raya with the King.

Seeing that she dressed differently like a member of the Silver Moon Pack would, they drew conclusions.

Raya looked around and saw how some of them whispered among themselves, throwing glances at her.

Arriving at the mill, King Barakar was impressed at what he saw.

"Your father was quite a visionary. I truly respected him," he said.

"That respect should have been extended even after his death, Your Majesty," Jamey said, looking forward. King Barakar acted as though nothing was said. So Jamey pressed on.

"He was your distant cousin, and yet His Majesty didn't see it fit to honor him one last time," Jamey dared to say. Still, the King was expressionless.

"He was killed just after he visited the Iron Den, and had a discussion with you - a discussion no one else knows what it was about, but just the two of you. Yet, you were absent, Your Majesty."

"Despite that, we have not stopped fulfilling our obligations to the Iron Den, Your Majesty."

King Barakar turned and looked at Jamey at this point, but was stoic. He was always a hard man to read.

"What exactly are you getting at, young Alpha?"

"I'm just curious as to why," Jamey shrugged. The Alpha King's eyes peered at Jamey, as he stood towering over Jamey.

"Whatever transpired before your father's unfortunate demise shall remain as it is. And Ravenhill shall keep on fulfilling its obligations, not missing a month of supply to the Iron Den!"

Jamey gulped, seeing how serious the King had gotten.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Jamey bowed.

"It has been a pleasure visiting Ravenhill," King Barakar declared. "And congratulations once again, young Alpha. Have your men come take my gift to you."

"I am greatly honored, Your Majesty," Jamey bowed. King Barakar turned and took Raya's hand, leading her away.

"But, Your Majesty," Jamey stepped in front of him. "You're not serious about what you said earlier, right?"

"And what would that be?" the King asked.

"H- Her," Jamey said, gulping. All the leaders of Ravenhill were tense as well.

"Raya shall be with me at the Iron Den. She is my mate," he replied, to the surprise of everyone once again.

"Except she chooses otherwise," he added, then looked at her. "What say you, Raya? Do you accept me as your mate?"

All eyes were on her at this point. She got a bit scared as everyone looked expectantly at her.

"Yes. I accept you as my mate," she said. Victoria boiled with rage, and the others sulked. Except the Priestess, who sighed in relief.