Sage

There’s a spring in my step as I stride toward the packhouse. It’s selection day for Chief Omega and I plan to slide my name onto the list before sign-ups close this morning. I know I can win! Cassius will see my worth, I’m sure of it!

I hustle into the kitchen, dropping my bag and strapping my apron on. The room is empty, but I peek over my shoulder, toward the door just to be sure no one’s watching. After scribbling my name on the list of contestants quickly, I’m just shoving the pen back in my pocket when Daphne’s shrill screech has me jumping out of my skin.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She demands.

“N-, nothing. Just getting ready for work.” I glance toward the clock to double check the time, verifying I’m still early.

“Well you’re not needed here. Find something to do out back where you won’t be in the way!”

I practically skip out of the kitchen on my way to the backyard. I like working in the garden. It’s beautiful and peaceful out there. But it doesn't take long for me to realize I’ve been set up..Trouble is waiting for me right outside the back door.

“Where are you going, you filthy wolfless whore?” One of Daphne’s friends pokes me in the chest.while her gaggle of accomplices snigger behind her. I try to side step her but she mirrors me, blocking my path. “Did you actually think we’d let a waste of space like you participate in the Chief Omega contest? What a joke! As if a worthless piece of shit like you could be Chief of anything!”

She shoves my shoulder hard, making me stumble. Before I can catch my balance, she cocks her arm back and punches me in the nose. I hear a sickening crunch and my head spins from the impact, blood pouring from my nostrils and running down my chin.

I fall backward, losing my balance and smacking my head on the concrete. Before my vision clears, another blow lands in my gut, knocking the air from my lungs.

They take turns kicking me over and over again. One of their feet connects with my ribs and I hear it crack at the same moment a white-hot stabbing pain sears through me.

Dark spots dance before my eyes, consciousness quickly slipping away as I struggle to suck in enough oxygen. Their voices become muffled as my hearing tunnels out until there’s nothing but blissfully silent darkness.

“Don’t touch me!” I scream, coming to with a start and scooting away from the cool hands touching me.

“Shh! It’s okay, sweetling. It’s just me.” The deep tenor of my handsome stranger’s voice instantly soothes me. “Hold still so I can finish cleaning your wounds.”

As the fear-induced adrenaline dwindles away, the pain of my injuries comes roaring back. I suck in a sharp breath as my broken rib sends a fiery jolt up my side. It's quickly followed by the sting of whatever he’s dabbing on the cut above my brow.

“How did I get here?” I look around, noticing I’m on the cot he’s claimed as his own all week.

“I was out for a walk when I saw a group of she-wolves tossing your unconscious body across the border. Don’t worry!” He holds up his hand to silence me when I open my mouth to scold him. “They didn’t see me. But lucky for you, I saw them.”

He lifts my shirt to reveal an already blackening bruise over my rib cage. He tears a strip from my sheet and wraps it tightly around my ribs. It's excruciating but after the initial pain subsides, I can actually breathe a bit easier.

“Oh no! The Chief Omega selection! What time is it?” I blurt out, remembering suddenly.

“You’re in no shape to participate in some demeaning contest for that idiot Alpha’s entertainment.” He growls. “If the Alpha’s pup needs some showy contest to make a decision instead of taking into account how hard you work everyday, he deserves whatever useless bimbo he gets stuck with!”

“This is important to me. It could change my life.” I pout. “I would be respected, not just the pack outcast.”

His eyes soften as he listens and understanding colors his features. “You’d better hurry then.”

I flash him a brilliant smile and slide off the cot, wincing at the ache that rockets through. Pulling myself together. I head back to the packhouse as quickly as my injured body will tolerate. I’m late of course, but the look on Daphne’s face when she sees me walk in is worth it.

“Sage! What on earth happened to you?” Cassius demands. Daphne narrows her eyes at me, promising a world of hurt if I dare tell the truth but there is no room in my head for her when Cassius is waiting for an answer.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” I lock eyes with him, ignoring the whispers around me. “I wanted to participate in the contest but I-, I had an accident.”

He crosses the room to me and examines the damage to my face and limbs, clucking his tongue and shaking his head.

“There’s not enough time to let you complete all the tasks and it wouldn't be fair to choose you over those who did. Besides, you seem too accident prone for someone in such an important position.” My face falls at his pronouncement. “But . . .”

He tips my chin so I’m looking up at him. “I’ve noticed your talent in the kitchen, your desserts are delicious. How would you like to be our new head pastry chef?”

“Really? Thank you!” I stretch up on my tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek before I can think better of it.

I hear someone snarl and my cheeks burn with embarrassment but Cassius’ wolfish grin is back. “You’re welcome, little bird.”

As soon as I can, I head home, anxious to tell my new friend the amazing news. I burst through the door and the words come spilling out, my excitement bubbling over. I thought he would be happy for me but he levels me with a frown instead.

“Doesn’t that seem odd to you? Why would the Alpha’s son do something so nice for the pack outcast?”

I flinch at the demeaning tone in his words but ignore the hurt and decide for once to stand up for myself. “I have worth! Just because you and the rest of this pack can’t see it, doesn’t mean he can’t!” I snap haughtily.

A frustrated growl rumbles in his chest. “I’m just warning you to be careful. Alpha’s are known to use omegas then toss them away. Don’t let him flatter you right into his bed.”

If my cheeks were red before, they’re flaming now! But I’m as furious as I am humiliated. “Maybe you’re the one who should be careful! I told you not to walk around outside. You’ll get us both killed!”

I turn on my heel and storm away with all the indignation I feel, heading for the only room in this house with a door, the bathroom, and slamming it in his stupid face!

Sage

“Sage! Please come out, sweetling. It’s important!” I hear my guest call to me through the door.

“Leave me alone!” I bite back.

I’m still mad at him for the disrespectful comments he made earlier. Even if I do go weak in the knees at hearing him call me “sweetling.” Suggesting I’d let Cassius or any Alpha use me as a sex toy was a step too far.

I may be inexperienced, but I read romance novels. I know what a “fuckboy” is, and it’s not Cassius. Implying I’m too stupid to know the difference is just insulting!

“Please!” He’s scratching at the door now and his voice is closer, his tone pleading. “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. It wasn’t my intention. But we really need to talk.”

I crack the door, peeking through the thin strip of space to find him just on the other side of it, staring back at me with those slate eyes, unreadable emotions swirling in them. I sip air in short little gasps. Why does being so close to this man make me feel so . . . warm? I have to fight the urge to fan myself.

“There you are, sweetling.” He murmurs, deep and rumbly, and I feel it in my core. But his next words douse the building fire. “I think we might have a problem.

“I heard a noise outside so I looked out the window. I only saw her back but someone with long black hair was running into the woods. I think she may have heard us talking or even seen me. I could be wrong, but the woman's clothes were nicer than anything the wolves in this area are wearing. I can’t think of a reason anyone from the inner circle would come this far out if they weren’t looking for something specific.”

“Oh no! If she tells someone, they’ll come for us. No one can find you here!” I pace the room, my voice rising as I speak. “What do we do?”

“Hurry back to the packhouse and pretend like nothing happened. Just go back to work as you normally would” He suggests. “Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.”

“Okay! I’ll go now!” I say, already heading for the door.

But he grabs my wrist and pulls me back so hard I smack into him, bouncing off his chest. “Stay safe, sweetling.” He cautions, looking in my eyes as he kisses the back of my hand.

He seems to come back to himself, dropping my hand like it burned him. I don’t have time to think about why that might be, dashing out the door to begin my mission.

I’m almost to the packhouse when sirens blare all around me. Uniformed warriors storm into the yard and fan out everywhere. I duck behind a tree, listening to their general barking orders.

“Rogues have breached the border! I want everyone on alert. Try to bring them in alive!”

I whirl around in a panic, heading back the way I came while dodging the guards who seem to be everywhere. People are pouring from their homes with their weapons poised, the whole pack on high-alert. My body aches and I’m out of breath, but I don’t stop.

I can’t let them catch my new friend. For both our sakes.

Alaric

“What’s going on?” I jump to my feet when my little savior bursts through the door.

Some of her wounds are bleeding, the scabs torn open. She’s only just starting to heal and obviously pushed herself beyond the limits her wounded body could handle.

“Rogues!” She spits out between ragged breaths. “They’ve breached the border. The guards are combing every inch of Blackthorn land, hunting the intruders. You have to go before they find you here!

“Please! If they find you here, you’ll be killed. I would die if anything happened to you. You’re my first real friend and I can’t lose you!”

She flings herself into my arms and I rub her back awkwardly, doing my best to soothe her. I’m not the least bit scared of what this pack’s Alpha or his guards might try to do to me. But I’m also not ready to reveal who I am or why I’m here, so it’s best I go before that becomes a necessity.

But for some reason, the idea of leaving her behind doesn’t sit right with me. An Alpha is meant to care for his pack, no matter who they are. And this Alpha is clearly doing a shit job of that.

She clings to me so I hug her tighter, careful not to crush her broken ribs, hoping it’s comforting enough that she’ll be willing to let go. Instead, her little fists twist into my shirt and she sobs into my chest. It melts the ice around my stone-cold heart the tiniest bit.

I don't understand why I’m so drawn to her, so reluctant to leave, but I know I have to. “You’ll be alright, sweetling.” I reassure her. “Be careful. Keep yourself safe, okay?”

“I’ll try.” She agrees, leaning away to give me a shy smile. Then her nostrils flare and her smile fades, “Do you smell that? What is that? It almost smells . . . electric, like the electricity in the air before a thunderstorm.”

Shit! I don’t even realize I’ve let my aura slip out until her eyes glaze over, her expression a little dazed. It would be overpowering for a young omega like her, especially one without a wolf. I reel it back in before she gets too overwhelmed.

I let her go and step away. I don't know why I lost control, but I can’t risk it happening again. “I don’t smell anything.” I lie, then send her away. “You better go now, back to the packhouse where it’s safe. If there are rogues wandering these woods, you shouldn’t be out here alone.”

She hesitates for a minute, then finally agrees with a reluctant nod. I stand there watching as she walks away, wondering what it is about the tiny girl with the delicate features and strange, violet eyes that calls to me the way she does. My emotions are locked down tight. I never lose control, but I did today, with her.

Shaking off the concern those thoughts bring, I head back inside. In the end, it doesn’t matter. I’ll probably never see her again. Grabbing what remains of my tattered jacket, I head back across the Blackthorn border, towards home.

Sage

By the time I reach the packhouse, a crowd has gathered. The Alpha stands outside on the stone steps, the imposing stone façade of his home adding to his aura of power. The dead bodies of three rogues lay on the ground at his feet, an offering from his loyal guards.

The pack waits with bated breath to hear him speak, to explain these frequent invasions and his plan to stop them, to keep our people safe. I press up on my tiptoes, trying to see over the throng of people. Cassius stands next to his father. And by his side, a self-important smirk on her face, is Daphne.

As far as chosen mates go, Cassius could do so much better. Everyone knows she only wants him for his money and power. I don’t know how he can’t see it.

He should be with someone who loves him for who he is on the inside. Someone who would make sure he knew everyday how wonderful he is, not use him for what he can give them. Not that Daphne would ever let anyone get close enough to show him the appreciation he deserves.

Daphne scans the crowd as if she’s looking for someone. Her eyes lock with mine and I see the evil lurking just under the surface. Her smirk spreads into a wicked grin before her expression turns grim, full of contempt and feigned horror.

“It was her!” She accuses, pointing one manicured nail straight at me. “She let them in!”

She can’t mean me, can she? I’m terrified of rogues. I almost let my handsome stranger die because of that fear. I would never conspire with them.

But the crowd parts like the Red Sea around me, everyone staring at me suspiciously. I don’t understand what’s happening. I’ve done nothing wrong. Surely they can’t believe her.

“Wh-, what?” I stutter, cowering under their scowls and glares.

“Daphne, that’s a serious accusation! We cannot convict her on that statement alone. Please tell us exactly what you saw.” Cassius’ voice carries above the crowd.

Hope flares that he’ll come to my rescue. Surely he sees through her ridiculous claims. She doesn’t have any proof because there is none. Maybe he’ll even punish her for lying.

The crowd is roaring, demanding answers, but Alpha quiets them with one raised hand. A hush falls over the yard as everyone hangs on Daphne’s every word. I want to scream at them to open their eyes, to see her for the evil witch she is, but they’re all under her spell.

“I noticed her acting strange lately.” Daphne preens under the pack’s attention, dramatizing every word. “She’s been stealing food from the packhouse kitchen and rushing off like she was meeting someone. So I followed her and discovered she’s been harboring one of them in that little shanty of hers!” The entire pack audibly gasps at that.

“What? No! That’s not-” I yell but the Alpha’s command forces me to stop.

“Quiet!” He barks. “Bring her to me!”

I stand my ground as the guards rush toward me, knowing I have nothing to hide. The pack closes in around me, eager to witness the spectacle. I beg and plead for them to listen to me, but no one does. No one would dare defy their Alpha, not for a wolfless omega like me.

I go willingly as the guards drag me forward, helpless to do anything else. They throw me at the Alpha’s feet and not even Cassius bothers to help me up. I’m completely at their mercy.

Now that even Cassius has abandoned me, I can see my situation for what it is, hopeless. I’m a wolfless omega, worth less than nothing to the pack. Of course they’ll believe Daphne’s lies over me.

“Stand!” Alpha orders and my body complies.

He leans in, drawing in deep breaths to scent me then recoils as if he’d been pushed. His face turns crimson and his fists ball in anger. But I don’t understand why? Do I smell that bad?

He bends low and speaks in my ear, so low only I can hear him. “You’ve been in the presence of a powerful wolf. I can sense his aura on you and he is no rogue. Who was it?” He demands. “Who is conspiring to take over my pack?”

“N-, no, Alpha! I swear. I’ve conspired with no one. I’ve never met anyone powerful.” I plead with him to believe me.

“Fine, you ungrateful whore! If you refuse to answer me, maybe a night in the dungeon will loosen your tongue.”

“Please! I’m telling the truth!” I sob, but he ignores me, stepping back to address the crowd.

“The aura of another wolf surrounds this girl.” He announces. “She smells of him still and he does not carry the Blackthorn scent. She’s guilty of treason! Take her to the cells to await her punishment!”

“No!” I scream. “I did nothing wrong! Cassius, please help me!”

But when he looks at me, his eyes are cold and he turns away, leaving me to my fate. Daphne loops her arm through his, leaning into him and smiling victoriously as she leads him away.

“He wasn’t a rogue! He was my friend!” I continue screaming but no one listens.They all just cheer as I’m dragged away.

I finally give up, my voice raspy and my throat raw from screaming. I’m tossed in a tiny cell, nothing but concrete walls and a cold hard floor. Left to wonder how many hours I have left to live.