Bellatrix Sinclair

"You will be mine! You are destined to not escape!" A wolf in the darkness, its green eyes glaring at me.

Its claws reached out for me, and I was so scared that I immediately ran away!

"No! I will absolutely not become your mate!"

"Ah?!" I immediately screamed, then a pair of large hands steadied me.

"Beatrix," a gentle voice called, giving me a light push, "Wake up." I opened my eyes to see my best friend, Colton. He was a human-werewolf hybrid, bullied just like me.

Colton looked at my attire quizzically, his sapphire eyes sparkling in the sunlight like the ocean. "What happened last night? You overslept, unlike your usual self."

We had a fixed time to train every day. That was why he came to my home.

Lying wasn't an option with Colton otherwise he would continuously pester me until I revealed the truth and apart of me hated lying to him. Therefore, I spoke the truth, recounting the entirety along with Nathan's proposal that I denied to his dismay and the way he began touching me inappropriately again.

Colton's entire demeanor that was steeled in his immaculate composure – softened. He frowns, staring pensively. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you. I think you need to be more obedient and brush off whatever they say. I know sometimes it's difficult for you to suppress your anger and that hatred festering within you for the wolves is making you lose your temper."

I know Colton means well but it takes every ounce of me not to fling the pillow at his face with a stream of insults. Swallowing the impulse, Colton returns to setting up his station, a dejected silence spanning between us.

"Are you really willing to accept our current reality?" I asked, watching his body tense at the weight of it.

"This cannot be our lives; everyone has given up and accepted this horrible fate." I confessed in a distressing voice, "This isn't living Colton."

He walks over to the window where the sunrise radiates into a marvellous glow that bathed the office. Highlighting his ethereal features and pale hair. "What do you expect? Humans and hybrids have been oppressed for all these years. It's bound to break their resolve and now we just succumb to our fate." He conveyed dispiritedly.

Colton's buried his pain, enduring the suffering with a plastic smile and piles of work. His fate was sealed in suffering for being born a hybrid. His mother failed the genetic screening, flames of hope dancing within her heart to be with her human boyfriend. However, all werewolves do is take, selfishly his father stole her chance at happiness by choosing her to be his mate.

That's when she spiralled into misfortune, forced to break up with her boyfriend. She was tortured relentlessly by her husband, enduring the anguish and sinking deeper into despair. Maybe apart of her did despise Colton since he shared the blood of the man she hated, but I couldn't presume such thoughts, only what Colton told me.

When Colton turned five, she took her own life.

On numerous occasion Colton has expressed his gratitude to be born a male, since human women are destined to lead a similar life of sorrow. It also solidified that hybrids were oppressed just as much as us.

"I've been working on it." I mutter in a low voice, Colton turning around so fast that it gave me whiplash.

He devours the space between us, scanning the medical room that remained empty. "You're going to get caught." He whisper-yells in frustration, brows furrowing, "I told you to stop."

"I've been giving a chance to further experiment; how can you expect me not to take the opportunity. Special weapons can harm wolves and I've been working on one that stops their healing abilities through crystal dust." I explained, digging into my bag and showcasing the pistol along with a bullet infused with gunpowder, silver and tourmaline that I stole from the company.

Colton snatches the pistol, stuffing it into his backpack. Fury churning within his gaze as they met mine, "Are you insane Bellatrix? You cannot own any weapons; you know the Iron Laws. Humans aren't allowed to have weapons of any kind, if they find this – not only will you be punished but your entire district will face the same punishment." He snapped with a belligerent tone.

The punishment is an endless torture of any kind they deemed fit. Even if the price was a finger or an eye, they will take it. If I died from blood loss, that would be on me and not because of them.

He didn't have to reiterate what was drilled into me since birth, The Iron Laws.

Each district is governed by a different werewolf pack, and strict laws are enforced to suppress any conspiracy of a rebellion.

Those unbreakable and dire consequences were the Four Great Iron Laws, especially the third one.

3. Mate Selection: When humans come of age (18), they must undergo the mandatory genetic screening to determine if they are a werewolf's mate. Werewolves have the option to choose whether they want to accept or reject the bond, and humans have no rights to reject.

I knew I was being reckless in breaking more than one, I wasn't oblivious to that fact. In order to make a change, one has to make sacrifices to get one step closer to the army of rebellion, even if it was a rumor.

"I'm aware of the risks, I'm aware that breaking the rules will cost me my life." I glowered.

Colton shakes his head, a storm brewing of indignation in those orbs. "I don't think you realize the consequences, not only will it cost you your life, but our district will have to face the wrath of the Werewolf King. You are putting everyone in danger." He chastised.

"Only you and Bonnie know about the weapon, trust me no one knows." I reassured calmly, "I've been careful since day one and no one will question a human that was admitted to the academy specifically for the weaponry."

He shoots a glare at me. "That doesn't ease my worries. I'm keeping this until your genetic screening is over. We can't take any chances; this is for your own protection." Colton finished with a warning finger that left no room to argue.

Rolling my eyes, "Fine. But I'm getting it back after."

Colton's lips curve into a triumph smile, I'm not one to yield to him easily and this was a first. "Of course, this is for your sake Bellatrix. You might not see it, but I'm trying to do what's best for you despite the circumstances."

I soften, my lips pursing into a pout at his kindness. "I know Colton."

He is a man of deep benevolence; however, he was also more inclined to follow the rules than I was. I appreciated his concern, but while he shared my same views of hatred towards the wolves, he followed the rules without any resistance.

We would never be alike, and it had nothing to do with his blood.

I noticed Bonnie didn't come home all night, has she gone crazy? But her text popped up, reminding me again not to forget the necklace, she kept reminding me. The next round of gene screening will be in five days.

I glanced at the calendar on my phone, a gloomy cloud looming over the reminder.

The next round of gene screening will be in five days. I prayed again that I wouldn't become the Wolf King's mate!

Bellatrix Sinclair

This week, Ethan didn't continue to bother me, perhaps he was convinced that I wouldn't become the Wolf King's mate, so he was patiently waiting for that day.

Tomorrow is the gene screening, thinking about all this, my stomach felt like it was burned by gastric acid.

I didn't forget Bonnie's wish, I went to the mall.

I called Bonnie, but got her voicemail instead, so I chose to text her that I received her necklace. It was a luxurious piece of jewelry, the necklace was studded with small diamonds, with a large ruby in the center.

"Well, well." A sickening voice I recognized garnering my attention.

Lifting my head to meet the wicked Benedict and Kylie. My jaw tenses at their vile faces, Kylie glances at the bag and she chuckles, "Trying to look pretty to entice a mate? Newsflash human, even that necklace wouldn't be able to help you."

Benedict smirks as they approach me, Kylie snatching the bag from my hand with ease. "I think this would look better on me, no need to waste such beauty on the likes of you." She sneers.

"Give it back." I demanded, my mouth tightening.

Kylie glared at me, "Humans can't demand shit from us. Know your place."

Glowering at them, Benedict pushing his finger against my forehead repeatedly, the spot starting to ache with the force. "Just because we aren't at the Academy doesn't mean you can disobey us. We own you human." He seethed, his mouth curving into a snarl, "You are playthings for our amusement and even that your kind can't accomplish. It's pathetic that you even try, the world is our dominion, and you should fucking get on your knees and follow orders like a good human."

Curling my hands into fists, simmering rage boiling my blood. Benedict continues, pushing me a couple steps back. Benedict was the cruelest of the five since he was the leader, he despised our kind even being allowed to exist on this planet. If it was up to him, we would all be dead.

I hear the ticking in my head, the last shards of my control slipping and my tongue itching to retaliate. "I don't need to get on my knees and bow at your feet for anything. You don't deserve that." I spat in disdain, fire flaring in my eyes.

His nostrils flared; Kylie clicks her tongue, "Bitch, you have no idea what a privilege it is to be in our presence."

Rolling my eyes, "I don't think it's anything special." I respond dryly.

Immediately, Benedict raises his hand and smacks me, the fierce strength had my head turn to the side. My cheek flushed, burning from the sting. Every inch of my body began to vibrate, thrusted into an acrimonious inferno.

Benedict's heavy breathing clogged my ears, people screeching to halt as the mall fell to a dead silence. "Lazarus de Loughrey granted you humans mercy, and you dare defy him and his people." He growled bitterly.

Lazarus de Loughrey, the fucking Werewolf King.

Just his fucking name had my blood boiling, churning a dangerous poison of enmity. The de Loughrey family is royalty, Alpha of Alpha's and the reason werewolves rose to power. Lazarus was crowned king at a young age, something unheard of from what I've read.

You would think a King wouldn't bother with humans; his reign solely focused on his people. Except that wasn't what happened, he inserted himself into our business and tortured humans for his own twisted enjoyment.

My father's disappearance for all these years likely meant that he was dead, I studied our district during the year he went missing and to my surprise – King Lazarus made frequent visits to the pack that governed our district.

He was stealing humans under the radar, labelling it as mysterious disappearances and my father was one of his victims. I detested Lazarus and he suffered no consequences; he was worshipped instead. The reminder of how highly everyone thought of him, Benedict reiterating that I should be grateful to his majesty.

Fuck that. It only infuriated me further, a raging storm that was ready to crack and self-destruct.

I laughed, the sound menacing as I looked Benedict in the eye. "I wish I lived in your head, blindly following a greedy King who doesn't care about anyone but himself. Everyone knows Lazarus only cares about himself and his family, you are merely his followers who will do his bidding because what else do you have going for you?" I shrugged dismissively, "Not much from the likes of it. You all peaked in high school and that's as much attention as you are going to get."

"You fucking bitch!" She screeched, smacking me in the same spot.

My cheek was throbbing, but I didn't care, the satisfaction of watching their exasperated faces flush with embarrassment was all-too delightful and worth the pain. It became an addiction, once I opened the bottle – I couldn't stop.

"You're pathetic Benedict." I said condescendingly, "It's so obvious you want to be Lazarus, but let's face it. You aren't royal material; you act like a barbarian and royalty requires people with manners. They would never bother with the likes of you, it's so obvious that's why you overcompensate at the Academy."

His nostrils flared, chocolate brown eyes glowing from his wolf. "You think I'm going to let you speak to me like that, you have no idea what you have done!" He shouted, veins protruding from his neck.

"What?" I quipped, cocking my head to the side with a grin, "Your fragile ego can't handle the truth? Everyone knows you aren't the leader; Archibald lets you think you have the power because he knows you throw girlish tantrums when you can't get what you want."

He curls his fingers into a fist before punching me so hard that black dots taint my vision. I knew the consequences of running my mouth, but it felt so fucking good to crush him. My head was pounding, and a sharp piercing sound punctured my ear drums, but I didn't care because debasing them was sweetest medicine.

I smirk, purposely fixating on his dick in those dark jeans before meeting his vengeful glare. "The rumours were right about you; your intelligence matches your dick which everyone knows is tiny." Pinching my index finger and thumb until there is a minuscule space between, "this small." I taunt smugly. "I'm amazed girls fuck you to be honest, because clearly you wouldn't be able to make them cum with that peanut."

Everyone's laughter drowns my senses, all my attention singled onto disgrace scoring his features. His mouth twisted into a snarl, fangs appearing as he roared, panting and emitting smoke from his nose like the beast he was.

This time when his fist collided with my face, it didn't stop. He was relentless, forcing me to stumble until I fell onto the floor. Lightening shooting through my tailbone, Benedict yanks at my shirt and reigns another two punches. The metallic taste of blood floods my mouth, the excruciating pain in my face spreading like wildfire, pulling at my skin tightly.

Maniac laughter escaped my lips, spitting the blood onto the white tiles as I stare at him. "Is that the best you got? I guess even in strength you aren't fit to be a werewolf because you hit like a bitch." I snickered.

Benedict never had much self-control and was short-tempered, getting a rise out of him was easy. His boot started crushing my thighs, igniting a stabbing pain while he kicked my stomach repeatedly that I could taste the bile rising to my throat.

I laughed, the sound unrecognizable and boisterous from my burning lungs. If Benedict succeeded in beating me to death, then I wouldn't have to go through the genetic screening and Benedict would face punishment.

Maybe this agony would be worth it. I recognized that blackhole of despair all too well, it was a lot like giving up.

"I know you can do better or are you just weak." I goaded, breathlessly. "Archibald can do better than you."

"Fucking bitch, think you are better than us. You are fucking NOTHING!" He barked, kicking and punching until my body withered in agony.

I coughed, pain piercing every fragment of my being. I felt myself losing consciousness, maybe this was what happened before you died. However, I wasn't that lucky because Benedict suddenly stopped. My rapid heartbeat roaring in my ears, his voice sounding like he was underwater.

His spat onto my cheek like I was scum, "Your womb is the only thing of value to us, it's the only reason I haven't fucking killed you. Next time I see you, you better fucking run bitch." He snarled in warning.

Kylie peers at me, pursing her lips into a mocking pout. "Aww, I really wished he would have killed you. Seeing your face everyday is nauseating."

They leave and I'm left to drag myself out of the mall, each movement making me dizzy and my body screaming in pain.

____________________________________________

Colton's lips thinned, a simmering rage behind his eyes as he focused on the task of putting ointment on my cuts and another on my bruises. He had immediately done an X-ray upon my arrival, which showcased no broken bones.

My face was swollen, colored in a mirage of black and purple bruises. Colton was stewing in silence, his features hardening into stone. "Colton." I muttered thickly, "I-"

He looks at me with fury ablaze in his orbs, fuming as he spoke. "I need to report Benedict and Kylie for assault. This is unacceptable, they can't just beat you to death and not face any sort of punishment."

"It's pointless." I whisper lowly, my shoulders deflating.

We both knew that, even though Colton never wanted to admit it. Complaining about an assault on a human by a werewolf to the authorities would be pointless. I wasn't surprised that the law wasn't on my side, disappointment was slithering in my veins like poison.

My phone starts beeping continuously, swiping to see that another reminder popping up. The genetic screening was scheduled for tomorrow, and we were required to arrive promptly at 9AM.

Dread seeps into my stomach, a wave of nausea making me want to dry heave. I thought I could evade this horrid fate through death but even God wouldn't grant me such mercy. I feel like I'm being swallowed by helplessness, stripped of any power because I was born with none.

I tried so hard to avoid the genetic screening, I tried so hard to fight back and it seems futile – unescapable.

Swallowing thickly, praying to whatever god would answer. 'Please don't make me anyone's mate.'

Bellatrix Sinclair

Today would decide my fate, the genetic screening for the mate selection was taking place. Before I left the medical room last night, Colton had to administer a shot to prevent any swelling for the next forty-eight hours otherwise my face would have puffed like a blowfish.

However, like this day, the bruises on my face were unescapable. An ugly swirl of purple and black colouring my cheeks and stretching to my left eye, quickly applying an entire tube of concealer over them.

I couldn't have any imperfections. For the genetic screening, humans were required to be pristine in order to make the choice easier for werewolves. Reiterating the notion that they were truly vain, only caring about appearances instead of what truly mattered.

Giving myself a onceover in the mirror, the thick layer of concealer I put on my skin made it impossibly pale, making me appear sickly. Rummaging through the mess on my table, snatching the contour and carving more defined cheekbones, bronzing the outer layer and applying some liquid blush to bring life back to my face.

Makeup was an artistry I perfected, making myself unrecognisable.

____________________________________________________

The screening took place in a massive venue, a sea of people awaiting testing. Bonnie stood behind me, repeatedly tapping at my shoulder, "Hey Trix, can you give me the necklace now? it's easier than waiting last minute till we reach the end. Plus, I need it to complete my outfit."

Bonnie was never one to pay attention to social cues or others for that matter. I wasn't oblivious to her selfishness, her ability to only care about herself. Pressing my lips tightly together, unable to answer because I might lose my temper on her.

"Bellatrix," she seethed, "Where is my necklace? Don't tell me you lied."

Taking a deep breath to calm the storm brewing in my chest. If I didn't respond to her, Bonnie would continue to pester me, and it will only get worse from here. Pivoting to meet her bitter gaze, her features pinched in displeasure. "Where is it?" she gritted.

"I don't have it." I reply, lips thinning.

Her crystalized sapphires burned with vexation, "Why the fuck not? I told you how fucking important this was for me." She snarled with an incensed tone.

Furrowing my brows at her audacity, I scoff in a broken chuckle. "You have no idea what I go through to make you happy."

"Don't act like you do much for me." She said indignantly.

My eyes widened, "Are you fucking serious? I do everything for you." I snapped. "I'm always bending over backwards to please you and make you happy. When have you ever done anything for me?"

"I'm always here for you, I don't think you realize how exhausting you are Bellatrix." Her barbed voice contested, deliberately plunging a knife to my heart. "If it wasn't for me, you would be completely alone because who would want you."

My lips part involuntarily, I prided myself on being impenetrable but lately the cracks are showing in my armour. For my sister whom I love dearly to say this to me, it was a punch to the gut. Nothing would shatter my resolve, but Bonnie was becoming an expert at torture behind the cloak of invisibility.

"I'm tired of walking on eggshells around you." She callously said. "You're so damn useless and depressing that I should get a damn meddle for putting up with you for this long."

Grinding my teeth, "Should I bow down to you and beg for your forgiveness?" I questioned sarcastically, "I wondered how a selfish brat like yourself lasted this long."

I was being spiteful, squashing the guilt and sorrow that soured my heart. Bonnie laughed sinisterly, "I might be a brat, but you have always caused problems for others. We couldn't even get adopted because you were so selfish and only thought about yourself. I could have had a better life if it wasn't for you." She spat bitterly.

"I know you like to delude yourself into thinking everything is my fault but don't get it twisted. If it wasn't for me, you would have starved to death at the orphanage." I sneered with a glare.

"Bonnie Sinclair." The announcer called.

Bonnie smirked at me, "I'll become a werewolf's mate and then I can finally rid myself of your pathetic ass once and for all."

She climbed the ten steps leading towards the gigantic platform. My eyes stung, blinking repeatedly to rid myself of shedding tears. "I'm not going to fucking cry at this, I'm not weak." I muttered, taking deep breaths to control a semblance of my emotions.

It seemed like eons before they Bonnie's results were announced, "No Matches Found."

Bonnie was fuming, stomping down the steps and mumbling to herself. This was her moment, she dolled herself up to become a wolfs mate and her efforts were futile. "This is all your fucking fault." She growled in my direction.

"Bellatrix Sinclair."

My feet were moving of their own accord, like I wasn't in control. Every muscle tensed, holding my breath for what seemed like ages. My heart racing impossibly loud that it resounded in my ears, it was eager to break bone and burst from my chest.

The instructors were comprised of a slender female and a lean male. They both had matching chocolate brown hair and hazelnut eyes, presumably siblings. "Please give us a sample of your blood." Her monotoned voice motioned towards the device.

There was a large cylinder in front of me, a life-sized lava lamp comprised of dark purple. I knew from others that it flashed red when you weren't a wolf's mate and green when you were. The man grabbed my hand, his grasp light and feathery.

A black rectangular screen imbedded into the clear podium before the cylinder, he uncurled my clammy hands and took out a pen that resembled the ones diabetics used to inject insulin. I barely felt the pricking of my finger, my mind racing with a million thoughts. Swallowing thickly, every inch of my body thrusted into an inferno.

He places my index finger onto the screen, making a swiping motion to showcase the streak of blood. A white scanner slings across the screen, processing my blood. For the purpose of this screening, all werewolves blood was recorded into the system like humans. They match your blood cells against theirs, determining if there is a compatibility.

"Please be red. Please be red." I chanted desperately.

Suddenly, the lava lamp bubbles change into a radiant gold. A colour I hadn't seen before.

"Congratulation." She beamed, "You are matched with a high-ranking werewolf."

I stare blankly at her, there is no fucking way. This cannot be happening; I feel like I'm going to pass out.

"What!" Bonnie shouted, outraged. "That's not fucking fair, she doesn't deserve this!"

Bonnie face contoured with jealousy, malice leaking from her orbs. "She is a traitor." Bonnie bellowed, pointing a finger at me which garnered the attention of all the guards. "She is in possession of weapons and has been illegally working on them for years. Bellatrix is not worthy of being a high-ranking werewolf's mate, she needs to be imprisoned for breaking the law."

My eyes widened, bulging from their sockets as the shock charges every cell in my body. I couldn't breathe properly, my thoughts in disarray and unable to process the betrayal. Hastily scanning my surroundings, every guard rushing towards me.

Hell fucking no. I didn't get this far to be imprisoned because my sister couldn't understand the difference that being a human mate wasn't a fucking privilege – it was death sentence.

Blinded by her wicked smile, my body vibrating as they attempted to restrain me. The icy metal cuffs touching my wrists, and I panic, kicking one guy in the shin and headbutting the other. My head was pounding but I didn't care, I needed to escape.

Making a dash down the stairs and towards the double doors. The guards were coming for me at every direction, twisting my head profusely to ensure they didn't catch me. Fleeing was my only option; I could only hope that I could find the rebellion group before they kill me.

Suddenly, I slam into a hard chest. Dizzy from the pain and stress, I barely register the deep raspy voice.

"Mate." He proclaimed, his searing fingers curling around my biceps and restraining me.

I pale as the word echoes like a haunted melody, my body freezing from shock and my heart leaping into my throat. Dread filtering through my bloodstream like poison.

Because the man who called me his mate, the man with piercing black eyes staring into my soul.

It was Lazarus de Loughrey – the Werewolf King.

And I was his human mate.