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.

Bellatrix Sinclair

Fuck no, the universe was playing a twisted a game and I wasn't going to be a part of it.

Under the intensity of his intimidating gaze, I declare, "I, Bellatrix Sinclair, reject you, Lazarus de Loughrey, as my mate."

Everyone gasps in shock while I lost all ability to breathe. His obsidian eyes burned with the essence of rage, "You think you can reject me human." He snarled menacingly, "You are mine if I want you. Humans don't get to oppose the Mate Selection; you don't have a choice."

Trepidation was rapidly consuming me from the revelation that I was the Werewolf King's human mate, however his words had shattered the cloud of dread. Now I was fucking pissed. My blood was boiling, igniting a fire in my belly that spread like wildfire.

"And whose fault is that?" I snapped unconsciously with a bitter tone.

Lazarus's eyes darkened malevolently; sparks explode from his fingertips as they curl around my bicep with a punishing grip that I can't escape from as he drags me out of the doors and away from the crowd. Guards close them behind us, giving us privacy.

And I wasn't going to keep quiet, he will feel my fury.

He lets me go and the sparks instantly disappear, making me question if they were a figment of my imagination. However, he wasn't granting me mercy because in this solitude – I had to face his wrath.

"You, human, dare defy me, dare reject me. You need to be reminded who owns you, you should beg for my mercy after that fucking stunt." He spat venomously.

"Mercy?" I scoffed condescendingly. "Your majesty, you don't know the meaning of something you never enforced. Don't hold your breath because I won't be begging for anything."

He chuckled darkly, a deeply sinful sound. "Oh Bellatrix, I was going to give you an out, I was going to reject you. But you need to be disciplined, you need to face the consequences of your actions."

Lazarus's eyes grew cold, "You are weak, you are useless like all the other humans. There are no choices for you. That little tantrum did nothing but showcase your stupidity, you have no power to reject me." He stated callously, his lips twisting into a devilish grin, "I own you now human."

He shredded the threads of my self-control, letting my hatred wreak havoc upon my insides until I was violently shaking. "I HATE YOU!" I roared, pounding my fists against his chest over and over.

He let out a scornful laugh, "Scream and cry all you want. No one will save you."

"I would rather die than ever be your mate." I spat, my voice dripping with venom as I glared at him with pure disdain.

"That can be arranged," he seethed.

I exploded into a fit of rage, feral screams tearing my lungs as I lunged for him. My mind was racing, unable to process anything aside from causing him harm. Biting, kicking, punishing, scratching – I didn't care if he was King, I wasn't going to be his breeding machine.

My emotions were too overwhelming, my body unable to handle the vicious tremors. Black dots tainting my vision and my heart pounding so hard and fast that I couldn't breathe. Movements became sloppy and sluggish as my consciousness faded to black.

The incessant pounding stretched to my ears; a zealous fire cracking open my sternum. Releasing an audible gasp, drawing in a cool breath as I open my eyes. My mind groggery, slow to register my surroundings.

Staring at the ceiling of mosaic tiles, different shades of black blending into a pattern that was hypnotic. Freezing as memories rush to the surface and I'm keenly aware that this wasn't my room, it was his.

Lazarus's chambers radiated his opulence, walls replaced by floor-length windows that wrapped around me in an endless whirlpool. Fluffy clouds that imitated cotton candy as the sun descended. Silk sheets adorned my skin, a long rectangular coffee table near the window that was vertically sliced to showcase the illuminating glow of a firepit.

Everything shimmered of wealth that werewolves were privileged to. Such knowledge triggered my enmity and scorching my insides with resentment. They lived in luxury while humans lived in squabble. They enjoyed the lavishes of life at the expense of our suffering.

Boiling with rage that had my body quaking, heavy breathing as I stewed in silence. "You seem angry?" his rich voice teased.

"Behold, his majesty." I mocked dryly, watching him come into view.

Lazarus closes the distance and captures my chin, forcing us to lock eyes. "That attitude of yours will only get you in more trouble." His voice acidic, steeped in malice. "You better get familiar with this place Bellatrix, because until you give me an heir – this is your prison."

"Fuck you."

He smirks, "I plan to."

Lazarus's fingers slip from my chin, walking over to the single leather sofa near the fireplace. His mischievous orbs bore into mine as he crossed his ankle over the knee, exuding an affirmative energy was suffocating.

There was something diabolical about the mask he portrayed behind that dark humour. I was skilled at reading people therefore I knew it wasn't lust dancing in eyes, it was calculation. He was studying me, the situation and the future.

"If you are successful at providing me an heir, I will consider rejecting you." He reckoned.

Rejection would mean he would discard me, giving me freedom. I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously. "Why? As far as that goes, it's too nice for even you."

"We share a similar dislike for each other. I wasn't fond of having a human mate but alas this is my current predicament." His steely voice said.

"So, all I need to do is pop out a baby for my freedom?" I grit through my teeth.

"Freedom," he chuckles sinisterly, "There is no such thing for humans."

My lips tug into a sneer, "As long as I'm away from you, that's freedom."

Lazarus laughed, a deeply coarse sound. "I'm glad I could be of your entertainment." I retort sarcastically.

He arose from the chair with ease, advancing towards me. Lazarus traces my cheek with his fingertips, an electric current branding my skin from his touch as I'm locked in a trance. His lips curl into a malicious smirk, "You are my slave Bellatrix."

There was no escaping him. Lazarus aura was magnetic and powerful, devouring anything he set his sight on. His burly figure loomed over me, a perfectly tailored three-piece suit that blended with the night sky. He was the epitome of malevolence, jet-black hair with faded sides while the top was sleeked back except for a few strands cascading over his forehead, his face carved of stone and perfection.

However, his dark eyes were the most enchanting. They were truly evanescent, an art of sorcery and sin. Lazarus was the physical embodiment of my destruction, dragging me into an unholy abyss that the darkest parts of me craved.

Lazarus is my curse, a sickening part of me already felt corrupted by his vile soul.

Unknowingly, he captures my wrist. Tension thickening the atmosphere between us, the sugary and spicey taste of our catastrophe on my tongue as he placed my palm over his hardened cock. He throbbed against my palm, leaving me in a daze of fear and lust that I can't seem to escape. Swallowing thickly as my pussy fluttered, I shouldn't be this attracted to him, but I was.

Lazarus exhales against my ear, coating my skin in goosebumps of anticipation and arousal. "Bellatrix," his voice smooth and rich like whiskey, "Please your master." He commands.