Hunter and his father didn't have the best of relationships. They weren't that different, they both loved power and were very corrupt and horrible rulers, but surprisingly they never agreed on how to run the pack.

Nicholas was more of a dictator and believed in being the strongest of all packs. He wanted this pack to be one that gave him glory and fame. At the end of it, he was a partial ruler, he controlled the pack with fear. Everyone feared if they went against him, he would lock them up or burn them with his endless supply of wolfsbane.

No one, not even the Betas, Lucius and Finley dared to stand up against the Alpha's cruel rule and now someone even worse was expected to assume position soon. This pack was doomed. The Silver Moon pack would not survive. Whereas Hunter hated this pack and never wanted to become Alpha, much to his father's displeasure.

"This girl is not your mate, Hunter," the Alpha spoke irritably, banging his fist against the table in annoyance, his nose flaring with anger. His outburst made me flinch and I excused myself back to the kitchen.

After taking care of the dishes and cleaning up the whole house, I retired to the basement-my room. I lay down on my mat, my muscles ached so badly. I felt worn out and weak to my core. My eyelids were heavy, sleep was fast approaching but I hadn't had my bath yet.

I contemplated going to the stream to bathe or just sleeping, choosing the latter. I pulled myself up with a lot of effort, standing to my feet. I picked my towel and bar of non-fragrant soap from the small cabinet beside my mat.

Grabbing extra clothes, I slipped out of the basement and towards the stream, my body swaying with the cold breeze that blew through the air. Winter was coming, if the little frosts falling from the skies told me anything. I increased my pace, ducking when I saw anyone passing. I didn't need any of the guards watching me while I bathed.

Only the thought had my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

I walked further into the forest, depositing my extra clothes and towel behind a tree. I stripped down, my teeth chattering when the cold hit my skin. I rushed to the stream, sighing when the warm water hit my tired limbs.

I lathered my soap, using my wash sponge to scrub my aching body. Hastily I dipped my hair into the stream, a blissful sigh leaving my lips once the now cool water hit my hot throbbing skull. I both loved and hated the cold.

I loved it because I absolutely adored the little snowflakes that danced in the air, creating beautiful glaciers. The snow was so gorgeous and its beauty ethereal, but I hated how easily I caught a cold during the winter.

Quickly I washed out my hair and dried myself off.

Slipping into my hand-knitted sweater, faded jeans and combat boots, I padded along the forest to the stone path towards the pack grounds. I quickened my steps once the snow began falling quickly.

Arriving at my room, I plopped down on my mat, pulled my hair into a side braid and kicked off my shoes. I buried myself under my tarp and tried to fall asleep despite the amount of pain I was feeling. It would all be over soon, I tried to tell myself over and over again with each painful ache of my muscles. My eyes finally draped closed and I succumbed to the darkness.

I was awoken by the chilling feeling of someone in my room. I was in complete darkness, but even at that I could feel someone's presence with me.

I shut my eyes tight, my heart thumped furiously in my chest and my breathing became laboured as fear crept into me. A cold shiver ran up my spine when I felt a slow breath against my ear. "I swear I will make you mine, Audrey," a familiar voice whispered into my ear, making me squeeze my eyes even tighter. It was Hunter. I felt his cold fingers against my cheek, slowly caressing my skin.

Sugars

I willed myself not to scream or cry. If I kept still, maybe he'd go away. I could feel him hovering over me. A few minutes turned into hours and he just remained there, watching me as I slept-or at least he thought I was sleeping.

"My beautiful mate," he said, leaning down to inhale my scent, making me almost gag.

Oh goddess

I finally felt him rise, but he remained in my room. It was easy to tell he was still here, the room was very little and his tall form made the space feel even more suffocating. "When I become Alpha I will have you by my side."

I heard his soft footsteps fade away and the creaking sound of my room door closing resonated through the room.

I stayed still, scared he was still in my room. After a few minutes of silence, I let out a heavy breath, tears rolling down my cheeks. I sighed, sitting up almost hitting my head.

I wiped at my tears, sniffling slightly. Just two more days, after the mating ball I would be free and would leave everything behind and start fresh somewhere else.

~

I was always used to waking up very early to start my chores, but this, this was way too early. I didn't get much sleep after Hunter's visit to my room.

I woke to the screams of Luna demanding me to be downstairs in my uniform in the next 5 minutes. I didn't have enough time to bathe, so I pulled my stringy curls into a quick bun to prevent it from getting in the way, but it came loose, falling at the nape of my neck. I didn't have much time to focus on it, so I hastily changed into my uniform.

I uncomfortably pulled down at the hems, hating the way it rose and exposed my legs. The first time I got it was five years ago and now it was way too short for my liking. I grimaced when I looked at my reflection in the window once again. I didn't need unnecessary attention on me, especially not the one I knew I would get from Hunter. Deciding to just suck it up, I wrapped my white hand-knitted sweater around my waist, hoping it would do its job and cover the back of my exposed thighs.

I padded down the stairs, careful not to move too much to avoid my dress flying up. I knew if I asked, I wouldn't be allowed another uniform, so I had to make do with this. I joined the rest of the omegas-five in total-to load the packaged essentials into the carriages.

We were to be transported in a separate carriage and taken to the venue before the rest of the pack members arrived. I walked back into the kitchen to grab the last packet of food. I checked the cabinets, the pantry, but I didn't find it. I crouched down to check the lower cabinets, but it still wasn't there.

Spotting it on the counter, I picked it up and opened it, the smell wafting up my nostrils making my stomach growl. I shut my eyes tight, reigning in the temptation to take a bite. I still felt my head throbbing and my lack of sleep last night wasn't helping matters.

Today was going to be a busy day and my punishment still extended to the ball. I didn't know how I would survive. I still felt dizzy and my limbs ached, but I had to go through this to come out free at the end of the day.

If I made the mistake of slipping up or not doing my job well, I knew the Alpha would make it his personal obligation to hunt me down and make my life a living hell.

I could do this, just a few more hours.

Pushing the lid back on, I secured the packet to my body, turning around to walk away. If I delayed, it would all be to my detriment. I bumped into a wall, stumbling back. My head hurt, my forehead throbbed as I rubbed it, spluttering out apologies to the wall.

Looking up, all the air in my lungs was knocked out when my eyes met with piercing blue orbs. I stepped back, careful to keep a reasonable distance between us, knowing very well the way I was dressed would trigger him. "I-im sorry, I, I didn't see you," I apologized meekly, diverting my gaze from his.

"Please, Audrey, it kills me to see you suffer like this," he said to me, his tone soft and remorseful.

"Agree to be mine and all this would end," he gestured to my attire, his eyes going dark as they took in my form.

I pulled down the dress, feeling uncomfortable under his lustful gaze."You will be my mate and no one would subject you to punishments ever again. The Luna, my sister and the Alpha would never be able to torment you ever again. Please, my love," he pleaded, his hand coming to cup my cheeks, raising my gaze to meet his.

I flinched away from his cold touch, adjusting my stance. My lips parted and I was about to speak when he interrupted me, "Don't you dare address me as young Alpha," he warned, his tone dangerous. "Address me by my name. I love you and I want you by my side."

My eyes went wide and I tried to ignore his pleading gaze. Did he really think we were mates?

"H-hunter," I said quietly, the way his eyes shone with a spark of hope made me feel so guilty. "We aren't mates. I'm sorry but I-i don't love you," I quietly said, regretting it when he painfully grabbed my jaw, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"You are my mate and you are foolish to question our bond!" He raged, tightening his grip and I winced, tears pricking my eyes.

"P-please," I begged, tears falling down my cheeks.

"Hunter!" Vivian yelled, making Hunter pull away from me to stare at his sister, his eyes narrowing into a deadly glare.

He let go of me, strolling over to her. He came face to face with Vivian, "Don't you ever interrupt me when I am with my mate, do you understand?"

Her eyes widened and she glared menacingly at me, "She is not your mate and you are reducing yourself by being near her. You are the future Alpha so act like it," she reprimanded, her nose flaring in anger.

I used the chance to slip away with the packet, tears free falling down my cheeks as I made my way to the others. I got strange glances from onlookers, but I ignored it and slipped into the carriage along with the others.

All this would be over soon, I chanted to myself as the carriage rolled out of the cobblestone.

•••••••••••••••

I don't know why but I expected the King's manor to be dark, scary and goth-like, but what I stood in front of was the exact opposite. Standing tall in all its beauty was the Alpha King's manor; its pillars were gorgeously adorned with entrails of rose flowers, their red beauty adding to the splash of the cream-colored walls.

The breathtaking garden that surrounded the large expanse of the frontier of the manor was absolutely breathtaking. I could recognize so many exotic flowers that thrived in their habitat. The garden added to the mystical aura that surrounded the entire place.

Different carriages pulled up along the stone paths in front of the grand fountain, and different pack leaders spilled out with their children. Everyone was dressed to impress.

Why wouldn't they be? Everyone coming here was likely expecting to find their mate, their one true love, the one that was destined and created for them. Their soulmate.

Whereas others came to exploit the secrets hidden behind these walls. Nobody had seen the Alpha King in over centuries, yet today he decided to show himself.

A part of me felt uneasy, not wanting to believe his highness would just decide to appear after so long in hiding. Maybe he came searching for his mate as well; surely he would want to give himself hope of finding her in this generation, and for his sake I hoped he would find her. I never knew the Moon Goddess to deprive someone of the one thing she fought and created us for; a mate.

Strict instructions were being fired to us by the Alpha. Everyone listened intently, whereas I couldn't concentrate properly. I felt dizzy and my eyes were seeing double. I blinked several times, squinting my eyes to see the Alpha approaching me.

He stood in front of me and immediately I registered his actions, I lowered my head. "Since you delayed our arrival, you will work more hours than anyone else."

I didn't protest. I couldn't. I doubt I'd be able to part my red lips or blotched cheeks. The winter had started taking its toll on me, and it didn't help matters that I hadn't eaten in days. I felt horrible, but I had to stay strong. Just a few more hours.

We were taken in through the back and led to the kitchen where we unloaded all the food. We were all given trays of small foods by the head chef.

He gave me a sympathetic smile, his dark brown eyes gleaming with sadness, "You don't look good, dear," he pointed out.

I sighed deeply, looking away. I knew all the stress had become evident on my face. The dark rings under my eyes, droopy gaze, blotchy cheeks, and my pale lips.

"Rest, I'll send someone else," he said, opting for me to take a seat, but I shook my head in disapproval. He knew what would happen if he was caught helping me; I couldn't risk getting Burtrum in trouble with Luna. He would probably be subjected to the same punishment as me, and he was too old to handle it.

"Don't worry, Burtrum, I'm fine," I gave him a lopsided smile that didn't really do much to ease his worrisome face. I collected the tray from his hands before he could force me to stay. Walking into the ballroom, I felt my mouth go dry. Everywhere was absolutely gorgeous.

The gold heavy velvet curtains that draped the walls, the huge diamond chandelier added to the grandeur of the ballroom. Everywhere was dripping with expense and the people were dressed equally as expensively.

I sucked in a deep breath, trying my best to look as small as possible as I maneuvered through the crowd, my head lowered and my hands to my sides. I refused to raise my head and look at anyone who stopped me to take from my tray. Maybe if I continued like this, I would get through the day without making a fool of myself. But as fate would have it, I started feeling dizzy.

The mountain of food that resided on the feast table had my mouth watering, but as an omega, I wasn't to be seen anywhere near the benefits of such an event.

According to the Alpha, we were opportune to even be serving at such an event because we were the bottom of the barrel and the scum of the pack, so we should never expect the pleasures other pack members received.

AUDREY

He made it clear to me the first day I arrived at his pack that I was meant for the work I was going to be doing, that I meant nothing and would amount to absolutely nothing. That day I remember crying myself to sleep, hearing that as an eight-year-old did things to me.

I cried so hard I became sick. I was convinced that if I refused to get better and I died, I would be able to meet my parents again and all my heartache would end, but after a few years I got used to the verbal and physical abuse.

For a long time I was numb, a body without a host, but something gave me hope again. Till now I didn't know what it was that gave me hope of a better tomorrow as long as I endured it all and tried to see the best part of it.

Right now I was losing it. I slipped around the corner, approaching the hallway to the kitchen in a haze. Maybe if I sat down I would regain my senses, but all came tumbling down when I tripped on my own foot and collided straight into someone's strong body.

The tray in my hands flew and spilled all over the unfortunate stranger, their red liquid contents spilling all over him. My knees and elbows dug into the ground, making me hiss in pain. I heard gasps from the crowd and only then did it register I was laying at someone's feet. I got up quickly, shaking to my core because I knew what I had just done.

I was doomed. My eyes met with the Alpha's and they narrowed into slits, his face contorted into a sinister scowl.

With shaky hands, I began using my little napkin to wipe off the wine stain from the stranger's... dark green mantle!?? With wide eyes, my gaze flickered up to meet a pair of dark onyx eyes, framed with thick long lashes that brushed against his high cheekbones as he blinked slowly at me. His eyes were dark and stormy like an impending catastrophe, like a thunderous wind brewing in his gaze, yet I couldn't help but stare into his eyes, mesmerized.

The way his pupils dilated, his perfectly pointed nose flaring as he took in my scent. All the air caught in my throat as the strongest, overpowering spicy scent invaded my nostrils, making my palms clammy and my already racing heart thump even faster.

What?

I turned to see the Alpha approaching with a furious expression. In that split second, I could see a mix of fear and vulnerability in his gaze.

I hadn't yet registered his raised hand coming down to strike my cheek. I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the impact, but instead a deafening growl tore through the halls, startling my already shaken body into full-on trembles.

Everywhere fell silent and for a minute I thought I had fainted and this was the grave silence before I went over the edge.

My eyes snapped open, "𝔐𝔦𝔫𝔢." His deep voice growled, booming through the hall, sending a shiver down my spine.

Everywhere rumbled with his thunderous voice, the walls shook and the floors crumbled. His eyes were glowing a radiant black, their depths opaque and mysterious. Everyone fell to their knees, their heads bent over in submission.

His claws extended, drawing blood from the Alpha's neck, leaving deep gashes oozing blood onto the floor. The amount of fear I could see in the Alpha's eyes had me faltering.

I stared in shock, my breathing laboured as it all came crashing down on me. I-it was the king. I spilled drinks all over the king. I was frozen in fear, my body was rooted to the ground and I was shaking uncontrollably. My lungs started constricting, refusing to obey my command to breathe.

Sugars. Tears pricked my vision, my chest tightened as black dots stained my gaze.

The last thing I heard was an ear-curdling scream and dark onyx eyes staring deeply into mine before my eyelids closed, my greyish vision going black.

~

My eyes fluttered open, darkness was all I saw. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust my vision to my surroundings.

Flashbacks of those mesmerizing pairs of onyx eyes filled my mind, the scene of so much blood pooling onto the floors from Alpha Nicholas's neck. The king, everyone bowing. Was it all a dream? Was I back in my room?

I didn't feel tired after working at the ball for so long. I felt well rested and... comfortable? I ran my hands along where I lay, and no doubt it was a bed. I lay under smooth, velvet-soft covers; the material felt devilishly good against my skin. The softness of the bed was luring me back into slumber, but I knew better.

Looking around once again, the room was still pitch black. My heart started racing as fear crept into my spine. What if it was some sick joke? What if I was back in the cellar?

All of a sudden, everywhere became bright; light from all areas slipped through the room. Burning from the beaming lights, I blinked repeatedly before my eyes adjusted to its surroundings.

"She's awake, tell His Highness." I heard a voice command from a few inches away from me. Directing my gaze to the direction of the voice, he had his back to me, but from here I could make out his attire. He had on a red tunic and dark pants. He turned to me, and my eyes met with a pair of peculiar violet orbs. He approached me slowly, his eyes filled with excitement.

I backed away, shuffling toward the other end of the large bed. I stared at him wide-eyed as he stopped moving, raising his hands in surrender. "Woah, woah there, princess. I'm not going to hurt you," he said, backing away, his facial features softening as he took in my startled form.

I stopped moving, but my gaze remained on him. Did he kidnap me? Was I being held hostage? If I was, then I was most certain no one would come looking for me. I was worthless after all. I let my eyes travel around the room I was in, and sugars, it looked fit for a princess.

The walls were etched with gorgeous calligraphy. The roof had a tall chandelier, the tall windows draped with heavy velvet curtains that had rays of sunlight beaming brightly through them, their intention for the day clear.