Zackary's POV

"…we have guests," the girl called down the hallway and quickly guided us down the other way.

"She seems anxious about us being here," Lupa, my wolf, growled.

I nodded in response, yet silently observed the girl as I followed her to the living room, and a moment later an older she-wolf joined us.

"Royal warriors?" she gasped. She seemed upset by our visit but quickly tried to hide her worry behind a smile and gestured for us to take a seat.

"No, thank you," James, a warrior, said. "We're not staying... we're only here to make an announcement and then take our leave..."

"Very well," she replied. "What brings you to my home, gentlemen?"

Her overly sweet voice made my skin crawl and Lupa growl in agreement. He didn't trust this she-wolf—neither did I.

My gaze swept over the two women—they seemed to be well-off—but why would they live this far out? Something about them didn't sit quite right with me.

My gaze landed on the older she-wolf, now called Angelica. She was openly flirting with my warriors, trying to keep their attention.

"They are power-hungry leeches," Lupa growled.

"I can see that," I replied, trying hard to keep my composure.

I didn't enjoy wasting my time on she-wolves like them, but this was royal business—and because I was the Royal Beta, I didn't have any other choice but to endure it.

I nodded at James to continue; however, he was already caught in the web of the she-wolf's beauty.

Jacob, James's brother, grabbed his brother's arm, shaking it lightly. "You better get a move on," he whispered. "Beta Zackary is losing his patience...."

James quickly nodded, retrieved a scroll from his pocket, and started reading it. I knew every word that was written on the notice—I was the fortunate one who had written it.

"Attention all unmated she-wolves between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five," James read. "You are hereby summoned to the royal pack on the next blood moon. All must attend. No exceptions."

"For what purpose?" Angelica asked.

"The queen is having a royal ball in honor of Prince Lex's twenty-fifth birthday," Jacob said.

"Really?" the younger girl, Sade, exclaimed in excitement. "I'm invited to the Prince's birthday party? Goddess, what an honor!"

"The prince is hoping to find his future Queen Luna," James went on.

My gaze snapped toward him, and I growled at him. The real purpose of the ball was to find my lost sister and reunite her with her family and mate...

"My apologies, Beta Zack," James replied. "I got carried away—"

"How exciting," Angelica mused, interrupting his thoughts. "The future king has finally decided to take a mate; maybe you will have a chance to win his hand..."

Before I could unleash my fury and declare that none of them would ever be Lex's mate, the sharp scent of blood assaulted my senses. My attention snapped toward the hallway, and my nostrils flared.

"It's coming from down there," Lupa exclaimed, anxiously pacing my mind. "The smell is intense—someone is hurt!"

Without another word, I turned on my heels and rushed down the hallway toward the source of the smell—it was sickeningly thick, making me move faster and faster, hoping whoever was at the other end was still alive.

"Why isn't the person calling out for help?" Lupa asked.

"Maybe he's unconscious," I replied.

The smell was even worse when I reached the kitchen.

Did someone cut themself? I wondered.

I shook the thought to the side; the loss of blood was more than just a simple cut!

My gaze moved over the kitchen and stopped when I noticed a fragile she-wolf struggling on the floor, soaked in blood.

"What the...?" I thought it died off. The scene electrified my entire body.

I rushed to her side, ready to assist her in any way I could. But her gaze snapped toward me, and fear flashed in her eyes before she quickly covered her face.

"Please, don't come any closer!" She whimpered; her body was trembling.

I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest as I processed her plea.

"I just want to help," I said softly, trying to reassure her while keeping my distance. "I am not there to hurt you. Let me see..."

"No, no, no—you... you can't!" She stuttered anxiously, trying to get up. "I—I can manage by myself. I—I'll be alright. No one can help me. I...I am not worth your time or sympathy..."

Odd, I thought.

Why did she think so lowly of herself?

"I insist," I said, keeping my voice low as I extended my hand. "I promise you I just want to help and not hurt you."

The girl hesitated for a moment before she raised her gaze.

My breath caught when I saw her green eyes. They were the same color as my mother's.

A rush of emotion flooded through me. Could it be her? Was it possible? Was this my lost sister?

A rogue attack claimed my sister almost thirteen years ago. No one knew what had happened to her, and I made it my life mission to find her.

"Beta, what happened in here?" James asked, breaking the spell on me.

My gaze unwillingly shifted to him standing at the door, waiting for my orders.

"I don't know," I replied, helping the girl onto her feet and leading her to a stool at the counter. "I need a first aid box."

Jacob left in a hurry, leaving me alone with the she-wolf.

"Can you tell me what had happened to you?" I asked, throwing open kitchen drawers in search of a clean towel.

I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She wasn't dressed like the other two. Her old yellow long-sleeve shirt was thin and worn out, and her pants were ripped and patched up at different places. She looked so thin and neglected compared to the other two she-wolves living here.

Despite the terrible circumstances, I could tell she made an effort to look after herself even though she was barefoot.

She shook her head and swallowed hard. Tears were threatening to spill over.

Were they mistreating her?

Were they starving her?

Was she being held against her will?

"She is scared," Lupa commented. "I have a feeling that she was beaten by those two bitches."

His emotions spiraling out of control. He seems to have a deep concern for this she-wolf.

My gaze swept over the tiny golden-haired she-wolf; she didn't look taller than 5'1.

"Perhaps you are right," I replied. "They haven't even bothered to check up on her."

James returned with a first aid kit and set it on the counter. I opened it and retrieved some supplies from it.

"Can you at least tell me your name?" I asked, wetting a towel to clean her wounds.

She closed her eyes and nodded.

"Lilly," she whispered, barely audible.

I froze with the towel in my hand—the name sent a jolt through me.

"Lilly," I repeated softly.

Her gaze suddenly shifted toward the door, and she visibly quivered in fear as if cold.

Was she going into shock?

That's when I felt eyes boring into my back.

I turned slowly, instinctively shielding Lilly with my body, prepared to confront whatever danger loomed behind me…

****

Lilly's POV

"Oh, heavens, Beta Zackary!" Angelica's voice filled the kitchen. "Get away from that filthy girl before she ruins your clothes and reputation. What will the pack say when they see you—a person with a high status—treating a lowly, wolfless omega? She doesn't deserve your kindness!"

Zackary's expression hardened, a mixture of anger and defiance flashing across his face.

"Yeah," Sade added, crossing her arms around her chest. "Look at her. There is no need to help this piece of trash. She is more than capable of looking after her dirty and clumsy self!"

Zackary clenched his fists, the tension in the air palpable. He suddenly stilled, placed the towel down on the counter, and balled his hands into fists while anger colored his face.

He was furious.

He slowly stepped away from me—probably afraid he would scare me—turned around, and faced Angelica and Sade.

"That is enough!" he snarled, expanding his aura and silencing the two women.

They whimpered and quivered in fear and unwillingly dropped their heads, submitting to the higher power.

I knitted my eyebrows together, confused.

Why wasn't I affected by his strong aura?

Why didn't I feel afraid of his temper?

Why was I shielded from his wrath?

I peek from under my eyelashes, watching his eyes turn even colder. He wasn't done with them yet.

Why was he defending me? He didn't owe me anything! He doesn't know me?

Or does he...?

There was a sudden spark of hope rippling through me. Maybe Beta Zackary knew me.

Could he tell me who I was?

I took the opportunity and let my gaze trail his outline. He was tall and handsome and stood around 6'3". He had dark curly hair, golden brown skin, and a straight nose.

I could see his giant muscles flexed under his royal uniform. He looked fit, strong, and powerful—exactly how a Beta should be. However, I couldn't help noticing that he was much younger than I expected a Beta to be.

"Did I say anything to offend you, Beta Zackary?" Angelica stuttered nervously, unable to meet his gaze.

"I don't know who you are, or your rank or position," Zackary growled, his eyes flickering between black and blue. His voice was low and menacing, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down Angelica's spine. "But this is no way to treat a werewolf! It's against the law!"

"W-what..." Angelic stuttered, unprepared for the wrath that Zackary was about to release on them.

Zackary growled.

"W-we didn't know," Sade quickly added, trying to save her mom.

Zackary closed his eyes, trying to get his wolf under control before things escalated any further.

"Leave us!" He snarled coldly and gestured to the warriors to escort the women out.

I watched Zackary take a deep breath—he seemed to be struggling. He sighed and slowly turned back to me.

"Sorry about that," he said. "I hope I didn't scare you."

I shook my head.

He smiled and slowly moved closer. He grabbed the towel and gently started to clean the blood on the side of my face.

I couldn't believe that a stranger, who held a very high rank, actually cared.

Zackary's hands were skillful and careful—he tried his best not to hurt me.

I couldn't help but feel intimidated by his cold blue eyes—it felt as if he was looking right through me and into my soul. His gentle and warm touch was in strong contrast with his cold exterior.

For a moment I felt like a person; his concern felt almost real.

"Get your head out of the clouds and back to reality, Lilly!" I internally scolded myself. "This is too good to be true! This must be some kind of trick... Beta Zackary must want something of me."

"Penny for your thoughts?" Zackary asked when he patched up my last wound.

My gaze met his.

"I am all done," he said, removing the gloves from his hands. "Your wolf should be able to heal the wounds rather quickly..."

"I don't have a wolf," I muttered, embarrassed. "But I am very grateful for your help, Beta Zackary."

"Call me Zack," he said.

I nodded and smiled.

"Thank you, Beta Zack, for helping me," I whispered.

Zack scrunched his eyebrows together as an unknown emotion crossed his eyes. He wanted to say something more, but I quickly jumped off the barstool, grabbed a wet towel, and headed toward the bloody mess.

I needed to clean the blood off the floor before it stained the white Italian tiles—Angelica would just love that!

I squatted, lost my balance, and cried out in pain when I had to steady myself on my injured hand.

Zack was by my side in the blink of an eye. His blue eyes were full of raw concern as he steadied me.

"Are you alright?" he asked, helping me off my injured hand.

"I... I'm fine," I stuttered.

"You are a bad liar," he said, watching me as my face turned crimson.

"Let me," he said.

"No need. I can do it myself," I replied, trying to shift myself back onto my knees, but my face twisted in pain.

He shook his head in disapproval and held out his hand.

"It will go quicker if I do it," he said. "Your hand is too severely cut.

I froze when Zack gently took the towel from me and started cleaning the blood off the floor.

Fear suddenly surged through me—if Angelica saw that Zack was helping me to clean up this bloody mess, she would surely give me a beating.

"That's better," Zack said, smiling. He straightened himself and extended his hand to me.

I hesitated for a moment, looking at his hand, before shifting my attention to his gaze. His eyes were warm and gentle—he seemed genuinely happy to help me.

I gently placed my hand in his, and he pulled me to my feet.

"Thank you," I whispered. "I think I got it from here."

I took the bloody towel from him, picked up the dustpan, and made my way to the dustbin. I emptied the contents and went to pack the dustpan away.

Zack's gaze bore into my back—he was watching my every move.

A low growl suddenly escaped his lips, and my attention snapped toward him.

Before I could even ask him what was wrong, he grabbed my arm and turned my wrist.

"What is this!" He snarled, his eyes shifting between black and blue. The wolf seemed to be displeased by something, but what?

My heartbeat escalated as I shifted my gaze at what Zack was pointing at.

A too-small bangle—my only treasure—glittering in the sun on my left wrist.

Angelica gave the bangle to me when I was a kid. She said it was something my parents left me before they died.

"It was a gift," I whispered, watching him intensely.

Zack didn't look convinced. He brought my arm closer to have a better look.

"From whom?" he growled, letting go of my arm.

"The madam of the house, Angelica," I replied.

Zack roared in anger.

A moment later, the two warriors rushed inside.

"Watch them," Zack ordered, and rushed past them, down the hallway, and out the front door.

I was left standing there in pure bewilderment—what the hell just happened?

****

Lilly's POV

It has been two weeks since Beta Zack's visit, and things are slowly changing for the better.

The warrior brothers, Jacob and James, were now practically living here with us and were staying in the guest room—they were instructed to keep a watchful eye on me.

It felt good to be noticed for once and safe—well, sort of. Angelica's and Sade's glares were nerve-wracking. I wasn't sure when the two would strike.

My wounds had healed, and the scarring was almost nonexistent—all thanks to Beta Zack's proper care.

"Lilly," James called down the hallway. He was the friendlier of the two warrior brothers.

"In here," I replied, setting down a dish in the dry rack.

A moment later, he and Jacob appeared at the kitchen entrance, both carrying a box. They were smiling broadly and seemed a bit excited about something.

"What's this?" I asked, coming around the counter.

"Just a little something," James replied and placed the boxes on the counter.

Jacob handed me a white envelope.

"For me?" I gasped in surprise. I had never received a letter before.

Jacob nodded.

I glanced at the envelope, seeing my name neatly printed on the front.

Who would want to send a letter to me? I was a nobody.

I turned the envelope over, noticing the golden royal seal on the back. My body stiffened, and a whimper escaped my lips.

Was in trouble?

Did I do something wrong?

"Open it!" James urged.

With trembling fingers and a racing heart, I managed to open the envelope and find a neatly handwritten note inside.

Dearest Lilly,

I believe you need something special for tonight's occasion...

We took great care in selecting this; we hope it is to your liking.

Best wishes,

Zack.

A strange and unknown sensation twisted in my abdomen. I wasn't sure what the feeling meant.

"Is this really for me?" I whispered as tears threatened to spill over. No one has ever been this kind and generous to me.

The two brothers smiled and nodded.

"Open the boxes," Jacob urged, gesturing to the one he just carried inside. "We want to see what they have picked for you."

"They? Who's they"? Sade spat, coming down the stairs. She was wearing a silver robe, and her hair was already done for tonight's occasion. Was she eavesdropping on our conversation—again?

In the past two weeks I received regular gifts from Beta Zack. They were mostly necessities—which made her envious and jealous. She couldn't understand that someone of such a high rank liked me.

"The future king and his beta, of course," James answered, smiling.

The air was knocked right out of my lungs. I didn't expect to learn that Prince Lex was involved as well.

Sade's gaze darkened—she didn't like the idea that Prince Lex was giving me any attention at all.

"Come on, Lilly," James pouted. "Show us what they chose for you!"

I hesitated, looking back at Sade. She was now standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe.

"Show us," she sneered. "We all want to see your new private collection..."

"No, no, no," I shot the suggestion off. "I'll take a look at it some other time. Besides, the ball is only later tonight, and I'm still busy with my chores..."

"I insist," Sade said, leaving a cold feeling running down my spine. "You must show us at once! You can't have the royal warriors waiting—they have been so fond of you. It's the least you can do to thank them!"

I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting to the two brothers. They seemed a bit surprised by Sade's attitude.

"Please show us," Jacob pleaded.

"We're leaving in an hour," James added. "Then we might not get a chance to see how pretty you will look..."

"Okay," I gave in. "I'll do it!"

I couldn't believe that I was pressured into opening these boxes. I hesitantly reached for the first box and opened it. My eyes widened, and I let out an audible gasp.

"This… is… too… much!" I whispered, removing the lid completely. "I can never accept this!"

"You really don't have a choice here," James mused. "You can't offend the future king."

I smiled weakly as my gaze traveled over the expensive accessories—each item was neatly packed in a separate container. The box held a white diamond-colored clutch bag. It was the most beautiful little thing I ever laid my eyes on. I moved my fingers over it, too afraid to even lift it out of the box.

Jacob saw me hesitate, and he carefully lifted it from the box and handed it to me—it was surprisingly heavy.

A screeching sound escaped from Sade's lips, and I hurriedly returned the bag back in its container.

"Try the shoes next," James exclaimed. "A little birdy told me they were imported from a famous designer."

My fingers trembled as I carefully lifted the white diamond-strapped stilettos from the box—they were gorgeous and glittered in the late afternoon sun.

Sade's eyes burned out of desire.

"Rumor has it that there is only one in existence," Jacob said.

"They are really something spectacular," James added.

I nodded in agreement and placed them back into the box.

The jewelry that accompanied the rest of the accessories was even more breathtaking.

I couldn't bring myself to touch the jewelry—it looked far too expensive to even consider.

"The gown next," James chirped, pointing at the larger box.

"Do I really have to?" I asked.

The brothers pouted, making me giggle.

"You two are the world's worst manipulators," I said, opening the box.

My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my lips. Inside the box was a soft, powdery yellow chiffon dress.

"I am going to look like a real princess," I muttered in disbelief, unable to take my eyes off it.

I slowly pulled the dress from the box, and I gasped.

It was made to my size. It was perfect. It was beautiful. It was my favorite color.

How did they know?

I held the dress before me and spun around. I felt so happy. I was so excited!

Someone cleared their throat; I abruptly froze, and my gaze snapped toward the sound.

Angelica was descending the stairs, her face was hard, and her eyes were cold. She passed her daughter and stopped in front of me.

"You'll only be going when all your chores are done," she said.

A smile formed on Sade's lips—this was her doing.

I knew trouble was coming. She was about to add increasingly more to the to-do list—just to make a point.

"That's unfair!" James exclaimed.

"Yeah," Jacob added. "Besides, all unmated she-wolves must attend the ball, including Lilly."

"True," Angelica said. "But the invitation didn't specify a time she should arrive...."

I knew she would find some kind of loophole to ensure my absence.

"Is that so?" James asked, a mischievous smile following on his lips. "Where's the list of things that need to be done?"

Angelica hesitated.

"Come on, show us," Jacob snarled.

Angelica pulled a list from her pocket. Jacob grabbed and unfolded it and showed it to James.

"When all those chores are done," she said vilely. "Your little Miss Muffet can attend the ball."

James smiled, and a moment later his eyes glazed over.

****