Starlette was sold to the northern Alpha king, Maximus, to be his breeder. However, when the Alpha King realised that she was his fated mate, he vowed to reject her after siring his pups. Little did he know that she wasn’t just the worthless omega he thought she was, but a blessed special wolf. By the time he realised his mistake, the southern Alpha king, Silas, also wanted her for himself.

1| The Alpha King’s Breeder.

“Starlette!” My father’s thunderous voice growled, jolting me awake.

Fear gripped me by the throat as I sat up, wondering what I had done again.

My father hated me; that was a known fact. He believed I was the cause of my mother’s death since she died giving birth to me. And to add more salt to the injury, I turned out to be an Omega, which made him hate me even more.

My sisters, Maeve and Sabrina, didn’t treat me any better. They bullied and taunted me for a living, making me wake up every day wishing it was my last.

I hated my life!

“You useless bitch. Get up!” He growled again.

My eyes still heavy with sleep, I scampered out of bed and stood before him, cowering.

“Yes, father.” My lips trembled, fearing what he might do to me with the blazing rage flickering beneath his eyes.

Perhaps lock me up. Or hit me?

I didn’t even know what I had done.

“How many times have I told you that I am not your father?!” He bellowed, taking an intimidating step forward.

I recoiled, picking my finger nails anxiously as I corrected myself. “Yes, Alpha.”

He cleared his throat, and his cold countenance finally loosened a little.

“For the first time in your useless life, you’re finally useful."

Confusion graced my features, my brows furrowing as I wondered what he was talking about. I had never imagined that a day would come where my father would call me 'useful'.

Before I could ask any questions, he elaborated. “You’ve made me a lot of money. I sold you to the Alpha King, and you are to leave now. Pack your dirty bag. His men are outside.”

I blinked repeatedly as that information sank in. My vision blurred, and a torrent of unpleasant emotions swirled painfully within me.

Sold? What did he mean by sold? To be a slave or what? What could the Alpha King possibly want with me? An Omega like me?

My life couldn’t have been worse.

***

Everything still felt like a dream. From the moment my father divulged the devastating news to when I was forced to pack my bag, get into the car of total strangers, and journey here.

It really did feel like a dream. Only that, it was a dream I’ll never wake up from.

I knew my father hated me, but I never imagined that he hated me to the extent of selling me as a slave. Without hesitation. I guess I underestimated the extent of his hatred for me.

I stood in front of the giant pack house—the Royal Crest pack—thinking of the torment that awaited me in there.

Slaves were never treated with kindness, and I only hoped that things would be better than they were at my father’s pack.

“This way.” The Alpha King’s Beta—Kade—who picked me up from my father’s pack said as he began to lead me inside the pack house.

I wished I could just turn back and run for my life, but I couldn’t. Kade was way stronger and much faster than I was; he would catch me before I could even blink.

So, drawing in a sharp breath, I obediently followed him. Without protest.

As we walked through the pack house, I could feel burning gazes piercing my skin, but I didn’t dare to look up. I was too paranoid to do so. I just hurriedly walked behind Beta Kade, avoiding gazes, until he came to a stop in front of an oak door.

“This is your room.” He informed me before pushing the door open and holding it for me to enter.

Cautiously, I trudged inside. The room was huge and beautifully decorated with expensive furniture. As I glanced around, I couldn’t help but wonder if Beta Kade had made a mistake. This couldn’t possibly be the room of a slave.

“Do slaves usually get this type of room here?” I asked him as I turned to look at him, curling my toes nervously.

A deep, throaty laughter emanated from him, surprising me.

“Slaves?” He laughed again.

What was so funny?

“Yes.” I nodded innocently.

“I guess you think you’re here to be a slave. But you are not.” He cleared his throat, lifting his shoulder in a half-shrug. “You’ll know soon enough.”

He didn’t even allow me to ask more questions before bolting out of the room, leaving me to my curiosity.

Why else would the Alpha King buy me like I was some sort of property if I wasn’t here to be a slave? No matter how hard I tried to rack my brain, I couldn’t come up with any ideas.

A few minutes after Beta Kade left, the oak door was suddenly slammed open, revealing a blonde she-wolf who was about my age. Her face was beautifully sculpted, complemented by a well-proportioned and attractive body. She looked like a goddess if not for the scowl embedded deep in her face that made her look like a raging tiger.

“So, you are the breeder.” She blurted out as she moved further into the room, not bothering to close the door.

Confusion saturated my features at her statement.

“Maximus is so very tasteless.” She continued, folding her arms over her chest as she rounded me. “You are so very ugly.”

I wasn’t one bit offended by her statement. I had heard even worse. And moreover, I could tell that she was talking from a place of jealousy.

Perhaps the Alpha King was her mate. But from what I heard, he didn’t have a Luna yet.

Though that wasn’t my concern. What seemed to baffle me was the statement she made when she came in. A sickening possibility bubbled up my throat, and I willed it shut, hoping she was just blabbing.

“What do you mean by breeder?” I inquired promptly, my eyes narrowing as I stared at her annoying figure.

“Oh, you didn’t know?“ She sneered, a wicked glint in her eyes as she continued rounding me like I was an item on an auction.

“Know what?” I gritted out. She was beginning to get on my nerves.

Suddenly, she grabbed my hair tightly and pulled it back, looking straight into my eyes as she threatened. “Don’t you for a second think you can take my man away from me? I would kill you if you tried to.”

“I want nothing to do with your man. Let me go.” I demanded, wincing in pain as I tried to wiggle out of her hold, but I couldn’t. She was stronger than me.

A wide, satisfying smile curled at her lips, evidently enjoying the pain she was inflicting on me. Such a maniac!

“Oops.” She suddenly gasped after a while, releasing her grip on my hair. “I’m sorry.” She said, a smug smile playing at her lips.

Psycho.

“What—“ I started, but she cut me off with a low growl.

“Or not!”

Before I knew what was happening, her grip had already returned to my hair, pulling it hard until I tripped to the ground, my butt making first contact.

I was still wincing in pain when she crouched beside me, lifting my chin up with two fingers, forcing me to look into her menacing evil eyes.

“You are here to pop out pups for me and Maximus.” She announced, and my stomach began to churn uneasily.

My heart pounded rapidly against my ribcage as I tried to process the devastating information I just got hit with.

My life couldn’t have gotten any worse. From an Omega who had always been abused by her own family to a breeder?

A breeder whose only job is to give birth to pups that’ll eventually be taken away from her?

No. Fate can’t be so cruel to me. No. No. No.

This was the definition of hell. She had to be joking.

“Are you—are you sure?” My lips trembled as I asked the blonde she-wolf, hoping she’d give me a different reply.

But what I hoped for never came.

She looked me in the eyes, her lips quirking up in a mischievous smile, as she replied blatantly. “Yes!”

“But why—“ I wanted to ask why she couldn’t conceive for him since she seemed to be his mate or something when a strong scent suddenly hit my nostrils.

It was so intoxicating that I lost sense of everything else. Not even the terrible situation I was in at that moment. All I could think of and desperately wanted was to get to the source of the scent.

So, leaping to my feet despite the painful stinging sensations on my buttocks, I began to walk away from the blonde wolf. I could hear her ranting, but her voice faded into the background as my senses were clouded.

I walked out of the room, sniffing and tracing the scent. The more distance I covered, the more the alluring scent captivated my senses. It was like I was in a hypnotic state and had only one mission—to find the source of the hypnotising scent.

As I took a turn down the corridor, my eyes caught sight of a strikingly handsome figure, and I came to an abrupt stop, the mesmerising blend of cedar wood, musk, and a sweet hint of lavender hitting my nostrils like a tsunami.

“Mate!” I breathed out, and he growled, our voices in sync.

Underneath the entrancing sweet scent was an undeniable, raw power that could only be exuded by one Alpha.

The Alpha King!

King of the Seven Northern Kingdoms.

Alpha King Maximus Northwood.

2| Rejection.

The Alpha King was my mate!

The best thing that had ever happened to me in my twenty years of life. The moon goddess didn’t hate me after all.

The mate bond was as they said. So beautiful, pure, and extremely strong. I felt like I was being pulled by a magnetic force, and all I wanted to do was bury myself in his arms. The Alpha King’s arms.

I had been dreaming of a day like this to come—a day I'd finally be free from the loneliness and misery I was enveloped in. The day I’ll find someone who’ll love, cherish, and protect me at all costs. The day I’ll find my mate.

And he wasn’t just anyone. He was Alpha King Maximus. King of the seven kingdoms in the north. Aren’t I just the luckiest?

“An Omega?!” His voice echoed through the hallway, and the disappointment laced in his voice was palpable. “The moon goddess has got to be kidding me.”

Before the bat of an eye, he was already next to me, his large palm seizing my neck and pushing me violently to the wall. I struggled to breathe, gasping for air, but he didn’t seem to care.

“Who are you?!” He growled, baring his canines with his eyes glowing red.

“Starlette.” I choked out. “Starlette Cromwell.”

“The breeder.” He remarked. The murderous glare flicking in his eyes swept over me from head to toe.

I began to feel faint as the oxygen supply to my head diminished. I couldn’t hold on any longer.

“Please.” I choked out, begging him to release his grip on my neck before I gave up the ghost.

Suddenly, he withdrew his hand from my neck, and I collapsed on the floor, coughing repeatedly. I took my hand to my neck and massaged it, hoping to relieve the pain.

“Look here, worthless wolf.” He growled.

I whimpered as I hoisted my head up, my eyes welling up with tears.

“Let’s get things straight. I would never mark you. You can never be my Luna.” He declared, his voice holding unwavering finality.

Tears blurred my vision, and I clutched my chest, feeling his poison-laced words strike my heart, tearing it into multiple pieces. Just when I thought I had found someone who would free me from the misery I was engulfed in, my hope was crushed.

My world felt like it was crumbling. All over again.

“Just give me my pups, and after then, I, Alpha Maximus Northwood of the Royal Crest Pack, King of the Seven Northern Kingdoms, will reject you as my mate.” He pressed on, crushing my heart even further.

The swirl of pain bubbling through my body was nothing like I had ever felt before. It was so intense. So soul-wrenching. It felt like life had been sucked out of me.

If I could feel so much pain at the threat of being rejected, what would the actual rejection feel like?

My wolf, Iris, was in pain as well, rambling in my mind and howling in intense pain. Our mate hurt us. Deeply.

“Please!” I pleaded, the words escaping my lips before I could even stop them.

“Please what?” His eyes narrowed.

I didn’t know. I just wanted the pain to stop. It was too unbearable for my weak form.

“Look here; this should remain between the two of us. No one. I repeat. No one must hear that you are my mate. After giving me what I want, I’ll reject you, and you’ll be on your way. Easy peasy.” The words slipped off his mouth easily, without a care in the world.

“There he is. The love of my life.” A familiar feminine voice suddenly beamed from a distance, and I turned to see the blonde she-wolf from earlier scurrying towards us.

“Lauren. My love.” Alpha Maximus’s countenance suddenly softened as he addressed her, his lips quirking up into a smile.

“I can see that you’ve met the breeder.” She remarked, wrapping her hands around his arm loosely.

“Yes.” He simply replied.

“Guess what your so-called breeder did to me?” She turned to look at me, a knowing smirk touching her lips.

Before the Alpha King could reply to her, she continued with the accusation. “When she found out that I was your girlfriend, she pulled my hair so hard that I fell on my butt.”

What? My eyes narrowed as I gazed at her in disbelief.

Rolling her eyes, she scoffed. “She’s crazy.”

“I—I—I didn’t.” I stammered, too stunned to form a coherent sentence.

I turned to look at Alpha Maximus, and the scowl saturating his features as he glared at me caused fear to crawl up my spine.

“She’s lying.” I quickly defended myself.

I had expected him to shout out at me or punish me for laying hands on his lover as accused, but surprisingly, he didn’t.

Instead, he wrapped his arm around her waist, blowing out a sharp breath as he flicked his gaze at her. “Let’s leave here, babe.”

“What?!” Lauren batted her lashes, confusion saturating her features as he flung her head to the side to look at him. “Didn’t you hear what I said? She pulled my hair until I tripped to the ground.”

“I heard.” He sighed, glancing at me briefly before returning his gaze to her. “She’s just a stupid Omega, My Love. She’s not worth your time.”

Lauren gritted her teeth, shooting a malicious glare at me before suddenly darting her gaze at Maximus.

Standing on her tiptoe, she planted a soft kiss on his cheek. “You’re right, baby. She’s not worth my time.”

Returning her gaze to me, she flashed me a wicked smile.

“Let’s leave here.” He urged, seeming uncomfortable as he started walking away from me.

“Alright darling.” Lauren flashed me another wicked smile before promptly following him.

I couldn’t take it. Any of this. It was too much for me. Staying here would be torture worse than hell. I had to leave. And I had to do that while I still could.

Not many people knew me in the pack, so leaving shouldn’t be much of a hassle.

Running away from my mate would hurt as hell, but he had already threatened to reject me anyway. So it was baseless fighting for a lost cause.

I saw the way he looked at Lauren. The way his features promptly softened when he saw her. I should have been the only one he looked at like that. But apparently, that wasn’t the case.

If I decided to stay, I’d be emotionally tortured until I wouldn’t be able to take it anymore. I would become a breeding machine while I watched my mate fuck another woman.

No. I couldn’t live like that. Becoming a rogue was a better fate.

I promptly picked myself up from the ground and began to walk through the pack house, hoping no one would stop me. Luckily, until I made it outside, no one did.

As soon as I stepped outside, I began to run through the woods as fast as my legs could carry me. Without looking back.

My wolf howled in my head, demanding we stay with our mate.

“Didn’t you see what happened back there? He’ll never love us. He hates us, Iris. We can’t live like that.” I explained to her as I continued running on my feet.

“What if he changes his mind?” Iris continued to protest.

“He wouldn’t. Now, please, help us escape this place."

In a split second, she listened to my demand, and all the two hundred and six bones in my body cracked at once, unleashing the beast within me.

Turning to my wolf form made it easier and faster to run. Though Iris was not in complete support of us running, she just had to trust me.

I hadn’t made it far enough when the sounds of dry leaves crushing, followed by heavy thuds, suddenly started sounding from behind, indicating that we had been followed.

“Iris, faster.” I urged as panic washed through me.

But all attempts to run faster were futile as a larger and much more powerful beast leaped over us and spiralled to face us, baring its canines.

Fear gripped me by the throat, and a chilling shiver crawled up my spine.

He didn’t need to be in his humanoid form for me to know who it was. The power and the strong, intoxicating scent he exuded spoke for themselves.

I was utterly and royally screwed.

3| Alpha’s Order.

Realizing that I was doomed and had nowhere to run to again, I transformed into my humanoid form, fearing what would happen to me next.

Alpha Maximus also effortlessly transformed into his humanoid form, revealing a sturdy physique sculpted with powerful muscles. His broad shoulders and defined chest exuded strength, while a trim waist accentuated his masculine allure.

His manhood, oh my.

My eyes roamed his body, ogling at his incredibly sexy masculine form.

He towered at an impressive height of about 6’5”, his luscious caramel brown hair cascading in loose waves. His chiselled face was adorned with neatly grown beards. His piercing blue eyes effortlessly swept me off my feet.

For a moment, the Alpha King was lost in the daze of staring at me in return, but quickly collected himself, his signature frown masking his features again.

“Alpha.” The beta’s voice suddenly sounded from behind.

That was when it occurred to me that I was naked, and I quickly covered my breasts with one hand and my crotch with the other hand in an attempt to cover my nudity. I didn’t bother to look at Kade. I was too embarrassed and mortified to do so.

“Thank You.” Alpha Maximus said as some clothing landed on his hand.

He must have had Beta Kade follow him with the clothing.

“Bye.” Kade muttered, and the next thing I heard were retreating footsteps.

Alpha Maximus flung a maxi dress in my direction, and I swiftly caught it. We both dressed up in complete silence while he shot death glares my way. My body threatened to shiver, but I swallowed that urge. I was done looking weak before him.

After we were done, he held me by hand and dragged me violently back to the pack house, even though I didn’t try to protest. Doing that was of no use anyway.

“Where are you taking me to?” I inquired as he dragged me past the room I was initially assigned.

“To my bedroom.” He grunted.

“What?” My eyes widened as my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. He wasn’t taking me there to rape me. Or was he?

“You’ll be staying in my room now. With me. That way, I’ll keep my eyes on you.” He clarified as he came to a stop in front of a room and slammed the oak door open.

My eyes filled with horror. Staying in his room would only make it easier for him to rape me and harder for me to escape from this hell.

“What the fuck!” Lauren screeched as we slipped inside the room. She quickly grabbed the sheets and shoved them over her body to hide her nakedness.

“What is she doing here?" She demanded, her voice filled with contempt as she sent malicious glares my way.

“She’ll be staying here.” Maximus announced calmly, finally letting go of my arm.

“What? You can’t be serious. No, she—“ She tried to protest, but Maximus was quick to sprint towards her and massage her cheeks soothingly.

“I only have eyes for you, my dearest.” He assured.

She looked at him with dough eyes. “Are you sure?"

“Yes. She’s just a lowly Omega. Unlike you. Her only job is to bore my pups. But you are mine, as I am yours.”

Shoot me! There could never be torture worse than this. This place was just like my father’s pack. I was always reminded that I was a lowly Omega. Only this time, it was coming from my mate, and the pain was over the roof.

After he was done reassuring her, she jumped out of bed and dressed up. My body and everything in me were stiff as I watched how everything played out. He treated her with so much care.

Her arm hooked around his as they walked towards me, a knowing smile etched across her face.

“Your things will be brought here soon. Come and join us for dinner afterwards.” He told me as they walked past me.

I was still in a state of transfix, thinking of how damned I was, and I was unable to utter a word in response.

“Why do you care if she eats?” Lauren scoffed.

“She needs to feed in order to bear healthy pups.” He muttered in response.

As he pulled the door open, he turned to look at me, warning me. “Don’t for a second think I won’t catch you if you dare to escape again.”

***

Alpha King Maximus was right when he said my things would be brought to me soon. A few minutes after he left, a petite girl with brown shoulder-length hair walked inside the room, a polite smile blooming on her lips.

“Good evening, Starlette. My name is Bella.” She introduced herself as she trudged further inside the room with my bag.

“Hi, Bella.” I mirrored the smile on her face.

“I’ll be your handmaid. If you need anything, I’ll be at your call. But first, I was instructed to take you to the dining room for dinner.” She told me as she came to a stop in front of me.

A handmaid? I thought he saw me as a lowlife. Why would he assign a maid to me? Perhaps so that she could follow me everywhere and spy on me. A frown crowned my face at the thought of how much more difficult my ploy to escape had gotten.

“Is there anything wrong?” She asked cautiously, raising her brow.

“No.” I shook my head and painted a smile on my lips.

“Ahh.” She gasped in relief. “You scared me for a second.”

“Bella. Do I really have to go for that dinner?” I asked seriously.

I didn’t want to go through the emotional torture that awaited me at that dinner. My little heart had had enough of that for today.

“It’s the Alpha’s Oder. You have to.” She answered honestly.

Well, fuck my life, then.

I quickly freshened up, and Bella led me to the dining hall while telling me interesting stories about the pack. She also didn’t forget to mention the pack members I should avoid, with Lauren being at the top of that list.

Bella seemed like a cool she-wolf, and I was beginning to like her already. But I didn’t want her to be around me, as she was a major hindrance to my plan.

We arrived at the dining hall, and all the pack members around turned to look at me. Some with admiration and others with disdain.

Alpha Maximus was seated at the head of the table, with his blonde handbag next to him on the first seat by the right side of the table. The only available seat was the one next to her, and I rolled my eyes as I trudged there and settled on it.

“Oops.” Lauren suddenly gasped dramatically.

I flicked my gaze at her to see a wicked glint shimmering in her eyes.

“I mistakenly dropped it. Pick it up.” She motioned towards a piece of steak on the floor.

“No.” I retorted, refusing to succumb to her bullying.

Her brows furrowed together at my unexpected response. “Are you refusing orders? Pick it up now, you lowly bitch.”

“No!” My voice was firm.

Her teeth gritted in rage, and she lifted her hand up, ready to strike my face.

But before her hand could get any closer, another hand abruptly held it mid-air, stopping her.

My eyes widened as I hoisted my head to see Maximus towering over her, his eyes glowing red as he fumed in rage.

“Do not touch my mate!” He growled.

4| The Prophesy.

MAXIMUS.

I lost complete control. My wolf surfaced, and all I knew was that I had to protect her at all costs.

It was certain that I was being punished for all my past sins, because how could an Omega be my mate?

Firstly, the soothsayer prophesied that she—Starlette—was the only one who could give me an heir. Secondly, she turned out to be my mate. Double punishments.

I would have sent her back if she wasn’t the only one capable of bearing pups for me.

After all, a king needs an heir.

Let’s just hope the damned Omega’s gene doesn’t dominate my Alpha genes.

“Mate?!” Lauren exclaimed, her eyes flickering with a combination of surprise, contempt, and jealousy.

Now I have a lot of explaining to do to my woman. Lauren and I had been lovers since we were teens. She was a beta and would make a perfect Luna. I could never leave her for an Omega.

“Let’s take this somewhere else.” I exhaled sharply. I didn't want to have that conversation in front of the pack members.

“No, I–” She began, but I cut her off.

“Lauren!” I cautioned firmly. She might be my girlfriend, but I was still her Alpha. I wouldn't have her disrespect me before my subjects.

Knowing better not to disobey me, she breathed out. “Fine.”

I began to trudge out of the dining room, leading the way, and she followed suit.

I took her to my room, and the moment we slipped in, she began to rant. "Maximus, what’s happening? First she was brought here to be a breeder; now she is your mate. Who knows if the next thing she’ll be is your Luna? And you’ll leave me all alone.”

Tears began to stream down her cheeks, crushing her pretty face.

“Lauren.” I called softly, wiping the tears from her face with the back of my hand. “I would never leave you. You are the love of my life. Once she gives me my pups, I will reject her.”

“Why couldn’t you just trust me to bear pups for you? Why did you have to bring in a breeder? And now she’s your mate.” She sobbed.

“You know how much we’ve tried for pups. I would have been honoured to have you carry my pups. But it’s just not working.” I reminded her of our struggles.

Lauren and I had been really trying for pups for the past few years, but to no avail. I even brought in the most beautiful women and slept with them for the same course, but nothing. Until the prophecy.

“We could have just tried harder.” She persisted, her voice filled with pain. “We should have.”

“Lauren. I promise you, I will do whatever you want me to do to prove to you that I will never leave you for her. Anything.” I assured.

I hated to see her hurt. It crushed my heart. She was my woman, and I was willing to do anything to please her. Anything at all.

“Is that so?” She raised a brow, looking at me through her teary eyes. “It didn't seem like that back there. You humiliated me in front of the pack members. Because of her."

“I would never humiliate you. I wasn't in control; my wolf took—"

“Exactly!” She cut me off. “That’s how it’ll start. And then the excuses would keep piling up, until she actually became your Luna.”

“You are my Luna!” I sharply declared.

“Then reject her.” She retorted firmly, her eyes staring intently into mine.

“I already said I would when she gives me my pups.” A disapproving scowl flashed on my face as I reminded her.

“A rejection won't block her womb. Would it?” She asked, folding her arms over her chest. “Reject her. Now.” She demanded.

I didn’t know why or how, but an uncontrollable rage started building up with me at her statement, and for a second, my wolf threatened to surface.

“No!” I growled, the words vibrating through my chest.

***

STARLETTE.

I was beyond shocked when the Alpha King stopped Lauren from striking my face. What was more shocking was that he declared me his mate in front of his pack members. So much for someone who threatened me not to tell anyone about it.

Could it be that he had had a change of mind?

“I told you, he might not be as bad as we thought him to be.” Iris howled happily in my head.

“We can’t make conclusions yet, Iris.” I told her.

I didn’t want to get my hopes high. It wasn't that easy for werewolves to suddenly change their minds. Especially not the Alpha King.

I wondered what he was talking about with Lauren, though. They had been gone for a few minutes now.

Looking around, I realised everyone’s gazes were on me. They seemed quiet, but I knew they were all mind-linking, gossiping, and probably loathing at how I, a weak Omega, could be mated to the Alpha King.

I felt so uncomfortable under their intense gazes, and I needed to leave there immediately. So, leaping to my feet, I trotted out of the dining room. Bella quickly followed me.

“You are a pack member, and I know they were mind-linking. What were they talking about?” I curiously asked, not sure if I wanted to know.

“I tried to join, but they shot me out. Perhaps they feared I would tell you all that they said if I had joined.” She told me as we walked through the hallway, making our way to my room. No, Alpha Maximus room. Our room. That sounded weird.

“So, would you have told me if they had let you in?” I asked curiously.

“Depends on what they said.” She replied honestly.

I nodded. “I understand.”

“Aren’t you the luckiest?!” She beamed, nudging me playfully. “You’re mated to the Alpha King.”

“Oh, please.” I rolled my eyes. If only she knew how much pain the said Alpha King had caused me within the last few hours. How he threatened to reject me. I was excited when I realised he was my mate at first. But now, I think of it as a curse rather than being lucky.

“I wish I would also be mated to an Alpha who would come to claim me.” She placed both hands on the left side of her chest as she closed her eyes, daydreaming.

“I hope he’ll love and cherish you.” I chuckled softly as I stared at her. She was adorable.

“Of–course.” She finally opened her eyes, blowing out a sharp breath.

“But—“ She turned to look at me with concern in her eyes. “Lauren is a bitch. And she’ll try to make life a living hell for you for taking her man.”

That was something that had already started playing out. Even before she realised that we were mates. And Alpha Maximus didn’t seem like he would leave her for me. He even threatened to reject me. But I wasn’t going to tell Bella about all that.

So, nodding, I replied. “I’ll try to be careful around her.”

I didn’t need her feeling pity for me.

We came to a stop in front of the Alpha King’s room. Our room.

“I’ll take my leave now. See you tomorrow, Starlette.” Bella said with a sweet smile.

Wait? What? I couldn't be left alone with Alpha Maximus.

"Can’t you, like, stay with me?” I quickly asked, and I realised how dumb my question sounded the second the words slipped off my mouth.

“Stay with you? In the same room as Alpha Maximus?” She pointed out, laughing. “No, I can't.”

“I know, it’s just that—" I trailed off, deciding not to spill out my feelings. “Thank you, Bella. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” She smiled sweetly before turning around and walking away from me.

Now I was left to deal with the devil, a.k.a., the Alpha King.

Inhaling and exhaling sharply, bracing myself for what was to come next, I pulled the door open and slipped inside the room.

But the second I stepped in, I froze, a sharp pain piercing my heart as I looked at the devastating sight before me.

Alpha Maximus was on the bed with Lauren, making out as they dissolved in intense passion.

An excruciating pain erupted through my body, threatening to tear my entire being apart. My wolf howled in pain; she was seemingly even more hurt than I was.

Clutching my chest with both hands, I hastily turned around, desperate to leave that place.

“Where are you going, ugly bitch?" Lauren taunted, and I could tell that she was smirking, enjoying how pathetic I looked. “Stay and watch.”

Never!

Ignoring her, I pulled the door open, ready to dash out of the room, when Alpha Maximus growled, causing me to halt.

“You heard the lady. Stay and watch.”

Oh, no. No please.

I told you, Iris, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions yet.

5| Oh, I hated him.

STARLETTE.

I leaned against the door as I watched them continue to make out. I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. I watched them, and I couldn’t help but desperately wish that I was the one my mate was kissing.

As he cupped her breast and kneaded it over her shirt, images of it being my breast that was being smooched flashed over my head, and a soft moan escaped my lips.

I placed my hand on my boobs and began to subconsciously rub over them.

Alpha Maximus turned to look at me, and I quickly yanked my hand off my breast, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. He could smell my arousal. I was sure of it.

He promptly looked away and continued doing things with Lauren—things he was supposed to be doing with me.

What was wrong with me? I mentally scolded myself. I was supposed to be disgusted, but here I was, getting wet.

My wolf, on the other hand, was displeased with what was playing out before us and was furiously howling in pain.

“Ahh, I love it.” Lauren moaned. She looked at me over his shoulders, a sinister smile playing on her lips.

She asked me to stay and watch them because she wanted to torture me, and she won. I was being tortured. Just that it was a torture I enjoyed. I desperately wanted to be in her place.

Maximus turned to look at me again, and the mesmerising look in his eyes caused my core to twitch. My body heated up, craving so much for him. Iris howled in pain, devastated to see our mate on top of another woman.

“What are you looking at?” Lauren asked, and she tilted his head, forcing him to look at her. “Concentrate on me. Me alone.”

They continued kissing, but it seemed Maximus was distracted, and it was only Lauren who was putting in the effort. After a few seconds, he suddenly jerked away from her and jumped out of bed.

“What happened?” Lauren asked, a frown slated on her face.

“I am tired. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow. I need to rest.” He told her, sighing.

“You’re suddenly tired. Is it because of her?” She asked, casting a murderous glare my way.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He sighed.

“Now I’m being ridiculous, uh?”

“You should leave; I’ll see you tomorrow.” He dismissed her.

“I won’t—” She tried to protest, but...

“Lauren!” He snapped. “I don’t have time for your drama. Leave!”

His demeanour darkened, and she knew not to defy her Alpha, even if he was her… lover.

She angrily jumped out of bed and dashed out of the room, not without hissing and glaring at me.

Taking a sharp breath, I walked towards my bag of clothes and picked out the only nightgown I owned. It was old and shabby. All my clothes were old anyway. My father hadn’t gotten me new clothes in years, but he had been frequently buying clothes and other necessities for my sisters. I hated my life at my old pack, and I hate my life here also.

I was definitely cursed.

I could feel Maximus’s eyes on me as I walked to the bathroom to change, but I didn’t turn to look at him. He must have been wondering why I didn’t just change in the room, but I couldn’t allow a man who just finished making out with someone else to see my nakedness.

And also, I was kind of shy.

After getting changed, I walked back to the room and laid down on the edge of the bed. Alpha Maximus was already lying down on the other end of the bed, and I could feel his heated gaze on me.

Iris was howling in my head, pleading that I move closer to him, but I wasn’t going to oblige. Even if, despite what he did, I was still attracted to him because he was my mate, I still had my pride to protect. I wouldn’t throw myself at him.

Suddenly, he moved closer, and the next thing I felt was his arm wrapping around my waist and drawing me closer to him. His bulge pressed against my ass, and I gulped down saliva.

What was he doing?

I knew I was supposed to push him away because he humiliated me, but I didn’t. I couldn’t think straight as his scent intoxicated me. Tingles erupted through my body, and I wanted nothing else but his touch on me.

“Starlette.” He whispered, sniffing my neck like he wanted to devour me.

His hand found its way to my inner thigh, and he began to caress it. I moaned in response to his touch, my pussy dripping uncontrollably. He slowly dipped his fingers inside my core and began to push back and forth.

My moan was so loud, and I attempted to turn and face him. I was ready to beg him to have sex with me, but he held me still.

“I am not done.” He whispered into my ear. He continued stroking my wet folds, while his other hand found its way to my boobs, squeezing them. I was overwhelmed with pleasure, but I still wanted more. My heart craved for him to penetrate. My wolf wanted him to mate and mark us.

Suddenly, he slipped his fingers out of my pussy. I swung my head back to see him licking his fingers. He was licking my wetness like it was the most delicious thing he had ever tasted. Seeing him lick his fingers like that aroused me even further, and I wanted those fingers right back inside me.

I turned to face him and held his dick in my hands, determined to please him like he just did to me. But he grabbed my wrist and violently yanked my hand off him.

Surprised, I looked at his face only to see that his signature frown had displaced the look of arousal he had on only a few seconds ago.

He jumped out of bed and trudged out of the room in long angry strides. Did I do something wrong? I wondered.

Oh, I hated him.

6| Gifts.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Bella’s voice beamed, jolting me awake.

I slowly opened my eyes to see her opening the blinds, and I quickly shut my eyes as the rays of sunshine hit them.

Turning to the other side, I opened my eyes again. I looked around the room, hoping to see Maximus, but he wasn’t in sight, and that left me wondering where he went. I didn’t even think he returned yesterday night. I was awake for a long time, waiting for him to return and thinking about the things he did to me before sleep swept me away.

I wondered why he touched me, arousing me, and then suddenly stormed out of the room afterwards. Did I do something wrong? Or could it be part of his torture scheme?

Bella abruptly yanked the blanket off my body. “Wake up, Miss. It’s time for breakfast.”

“I’m awake.” I sighed as I lazily sat up. “Have you seen him this morning?” I asked Bella.

I didn’t need to mention his name for her to know who I was talking about.

“No, I haven’t.” She replied before turning her gaze in a particular direction. “But he asked that those things be brought to you.”

I trailed her line of sight, and my eyes narrowed when I saw the customised boxes and paper bags sitting on the sofa at one end of the room.

“What are those?” I asked curiously.

“Let’s check them out.” She squealed as she pranced towards the sofa.

Jumping out of bed and approaching her, I watched as she unboxed the items.

The contents included shoes, dresses, night wares, jewellery, and all sorts of things that I had never owned in my entire life. They looked really expensive.

“Why did he get all these things for me?” I voiced out my thoughts.

“Because you are his mate.” Bella affirmed, nudging me excitedly.

She drooled over the gifts, wishing she would one day get to own things like that. But I, on the other hand, wasn’t too happy about them, knowing they might just be compensation for the torture he and Lauren were preparing for me. I hated them.

“I’ll arrange them.” Bella offered, and I didn’t object.

She arranged everything in the space Maximus left for me in the closet, and after that, she took me out to the kitchen to have breakfast.

Thankfully, I woke up late, and all the pack members had already had their breakfasts, so the kitchen was empty.

“What would you like to have?” Bella asked me.

“Sandwich and coffee.” I told her. “What about you? I could make it for both of us.”

“No. I won’t allow you to. It’s my duty. That’s what I was assigned to do.” She quickly protested.

“But I know how to cook and do all that stuff. I used to do it in my old pack.” I pouted.

“Like you said, your old pack. Not here.” She dragged me to one of the stools and forced me to sit on it. “I’ll get into trouble if the Alpha sees you doing any sort of work. I had been instructed to do everything for you.”

I rolled my eyes. “I am not a baby.”

“You are his baby.” She teased and giggled before trudging to the coffee marker to begin preparing breakfast for me.

Only if she knew what I had to endure yesterday.

“Look who’s here.” Lauren’s annoying voice suddenly sounded, and I hoisted my head to see her walking into the kitchen.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. Not again.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?” She questioned me, her arms akimbo, with a frown slated on her face.

Ignoring her, I focused on Bella, who was preparing sandwiches, while occasionally glancing at me to make sure I was okay.

“Are you deaf?!” Lauren yelled as she marched towards me.

“I don’t want any trouble!” I snapped.

“That’s exactly what I intend to give to you.” Before I knew what was happening, she had already grabbed my hair tightly and pulled my head back with it.

“Lauren!” Bella exclaimed as she rushed towards us.

“What? Do you want your hair to be pulled too?" She threatened with a raised brow.

“Stop this nonsense!” I yelled, wincing in pain as I tried to free myself in a futile attempt. She was much stronger than me.

“What did you do with Maximus yesterday? Uh?” She asked. “I know he asked me to leave because of you.”

“Nothing!” I lied.

“Unless you tell me the truth.” She pulled my hair harder, and I groaned in pain. “I won’t release you.”

“I said, nothing!” I gritted out.

“Maximus is mine, and mine alone. Don’t you ever think of stealing him away from me just because you are mates. I would—“ She trailed off when we heard two she-wolfs greeting the Alpha just outside the kitchen.

She quickly let go of my hair and, within a split second, dishevelled her own hair. I widened my eyes in perplexity, knowing what she was about to do.

Just then, Alpha King Maximus appeared in the doorway. I glanced at Lauren only to see that her eyes were already wet with crocodile tears. She was a damn actress.

“What happened?” He asked, concerned, as he inched closer to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Starlette.” She pointed an accusatory finger at me, sobbing. “She pulled my hair so hard, now I have a headache.”

“I didn’t do it.” I defended myself.

“You did.” She retorted. “You were jealous about what happened yesterday; you got so angry and attacked me.”

“You have to believe me.” My attention is on Alpha Maximus now. “I didn’t do it. Look at my hair. She did this to me.”

His nose flared, and he began to take intimidating steps towards me. The frown rooted deep in his face scared me, and I recoiled instinctively. My heart began to beat so fast against my ribcage, afraid of what he might do to me.

And when he came to a stop in front of me, his intoxicating scent became stronger and hit my nose harder. Memories of last night came rushing back, and I became aroused out of my own will.

Who gets scared and aroused because of the same person at the same time?