The guards pulled me away from Carlos aggressively. With their Stony faces portraying a terrifying aura, they seemed unaffected by my tears.

"I can see you're so desperate to have my son, you little cursed slut." Alpha Varlos thundered as he approached me and I shook in fear as I recoiled from him.

"Dad! She's not a slut, okay. I love her!" Carlos yelled and his father halted his pace towards me.

Upon hearing him out, his father turned to strike him firmly in the cheek with his fist.

"Have you no shame, Carlos? Have you gone insane? How dare you have a thing with such a low life like her? You're the prince of Goldmoon pack. She's an omega for goodness sake and she… she's even cursed."

"She's not cursed!" I watched as Carlos defended with emotions getting the best of him. He wasn't afraid to speak back to his father and he was ready to defend our relationship.

"She's my mate!"

When Carlos revealed, everyone, including his father, gasped out and widened their eyes in shock.

"What did you just say?"

"I said she's my mate!"

"You are spilling nonsense from your mouth, Carlos,"

"I think he needs some rest. He must have been exhausted since the war so take him to his chamber." Alpha Varlos spoke to a few guards who obeyed his commands by holding Carlos tightly.

"I'm not spilling nonsense dad. It is true. She's my mate and I will do anything to have her even if it means going against your rules."

After he said that, Carlos received another hard slap on the cheek. The slap had made his smooth, creamy cheek turn crimson. His breath left him in short spurts. He looked at his dad, and I could see the rage in his eyes.

"I think she has bewitched my son. A witch like her should be banished from this kingdom."

"No dad! Please don't do that!"

"Really?"

"I don't see why I should grant your request, son. She won't be banished on just one condition."

Carlos and I locked eyes as his father opened out. We turned to stare at Alpha Varlos with worry written on our faces.

*****

Enthusiasm and celebration permeated the air. Lights, ribbons, flowers, and glittery materials were used to decorate the entire palace.

The local kitchen, which was used by commoners, and the royal kitchen were both smelling of various cuisines. A grin stretched across everyone's face as they were all overcome with happiness.

Why won't they? It was the birthday of our beloved prince and Alpha successor - Carlos Jacques Alessandro.

I was in my gray dress as usual, feeding the horses at the stable with my friend, Kate, who was also an omega like me.

"You don't look happy, Camelia." Kate jerked me by the shoulder and acknowledged. I turned to look at her and feigned a grin. "Who told you so?"

"You appear pale and have a melancholy demeanor. Tell me, is Alpha Varlos' threat the reason for this?" Kate inched toward me, muttering.

The other maids were watching, so we decided to lower our voices. Most of them were gossipers and they tend to eavesdrop on people's conversations.

It is no shock that the king knew about my hideout with Carlos that night. I'm sure one of the maids must have informed him.

"He wanted to banish me but.."

"But what?" Kate asked, getting intrigued.

"But Carlos pleaded, accepting the king's condition of avoiding me so I could remain here." I admitted as I took a bite of the horse's carrot.

"That's so sad. You both were actually great together. But are you really sure Carlos is your mate? You.. you don't even have a wolf yet so how could you tell?"

"I don't need to have a wolf before I know he's my mate." I said, getting on both feet before pacing around.

"His love for me, his kind words, his concern towards me and our connection. I can feel it and I know he's the one for me."

I said convincingly as I gazed into Kate's brown eyes.

"So he, I mean, has Carlos spoken to you ever since that incident?"

Kate asked and I paused before backing her.

"No. He hasn't spoken to me since we were caught by the king. But…"

"But what?" Kate asked, stepping forward and closing the distance between us.

"We saw each other last night and he gave me flowers, telling me he'd never end our relationship."

"Awww! That's so sweet." Kate bursted out and I smiled before turning to face her.

"Will you be attending his party?"

"Of course, why won't I?" I muttered amidst a blush. "I can't wait to see him."

******

The hall was filled with noble men and women. There were different Alphas from different packs who were present at the party. So many Alpha sons and daughters were present too.

Sentinels stayed at every door for security. Maids loomed around, serving guests respectfully, and servants walked around with drinks on trays.

I could hear the clinking of glasses as well as music playing in the background. Kate, some other omegas and I, arranged the chairs and tables for the guest.

When I saw Carlos in his blue bow tie and white suit, my heart skipped a beat. His blue eyes were as brilliant as ever, and his spiky blond hair flowed over his shoulders.

He was not just endearing and gorgeous; He was the epitome of perfection. I couldn't stop blushing while staring at his attractive features.

"Maintain your focus, Camelia. People are watching you!" Kate said in a mutter as she tapped me by the shoulder.

"I guess I was lost. Thanks for reminding me by the way." I gave Kate my reply while glancing at everyone in the hallway. I focused my gaze on the face of an elderly woman wearing all-black clothing.

She didn't seem to be blinking and appeared to be staring at me intensely. I looked away from her in the hopes that she would become bored of staring at me, but when I looked back at her, she still had her eyes fixed on me.

I squinted, wondering if she knew me from somewhere before. I noticed she was also staring at my bizarre hair. I felt confused as I tried to comprehend her facial expression.

"Come!" Kate dragged me, snatching my mind away from the old lady.

"Let's arrange those chairs over there."

After we were done arranging the chairs, the party commenced with the host giving a short speech.

I felt sad as I noticed Carlos was so interested in the conversation he was having with a damsel beside him.

She had brown wavy hair and deep blue eyes like him. Her name was Phoebe, and she was the daughter of Alpha Thompson from Snowmoon pack.

I watched as the both of them engaged in deep conversation, chuckling at every interval.

My heart broke just seeing them together.

I knew I was no match for Carlos. I wondered why the Moon goddess hated me so much by giving me hopes with him when it's obvious we couldn't be together.

After the party, my worst fears came when Carlos introduced Phoebe as his new mate.

Everyone rejoiced but my broken heart shattered into pieces. Yes, I was broken beyond repair.

I hoped to see Carlos so we could discuss, but when our eyes met, he turned his face away, ignoring my existence.

A tear dropped from my eyes as I saw him and Phoebe, holding hands and having a fun time together.

Has he forgotten the promise he made to me?

I approached him and Phoebe, attempting to initiate a discussion with him.

Alpha Varlos advanced menacingly before I could say anything. Carlos turned to face me after he had frightenedly caught eyes with his father.

"I'm sorry Camelia. You need to end whatever feelings you have for me now. I've got a new mate."

"W-what?" I asked with a shaky breath, tears forming in my eyes.

"Yes, Camelia. I'm sorry but I can't be your mate." Carlos emphasized, his voice tinging with regret.

I knew he must have been forced into making his decision.

"But- you, you promised me last night that you'd always be there for me."

"That was then, but not anymore. I, Carlos Alessandro, reject you Camelia as my mate."

I turned around and took to my heels before he could say anything further. All eyes were on me and I heard laughter erupting from the audience.

"A cursed person like her, how dare she try to woo the prince?"

"What was she expecting other than a rejection from him?"

As I raced out of the hall, I heard whispers and rumors from every direction. Daring not to look behind, I picked up the speed as I ran.

Kate called after me but I ignored her. She left me after sometime, thinking it was best for me to be alone.

Running into a bar, I ordered some drinks just so I could forget everything. After drinking several glasses of alcohol, I ordered more bottles.

Just as I was about to take the last glass, I felt a hand stop me.

In curiosity, I turned to my right to face the person and I was stunned to see the old lady from the party an hour ago.

"You?" I shrieked, getting off from my velvet chair before scooting away from her in fear.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm Lady Gaga, a famous sorceress here in Goldmoon pack. I know you're the lady I saw at the prince's party." The old lady muttered, dropping down the glass from my hand.

"What do you want from me and you kept staring at me. Do you know me from somewhere?"

"No! I don't. I only want to tell you about your fate."

She replied, staring widely into my deep emerald eyes.

"Your destiny is interlocked with three mates, three mates who are enemies from different packs. You are fated to them so they can make peace with each other."

"How stupid is that? As you can see I was rejected today by someone who I believe is my true mate. How on earth can I have multiple mates? Does that even make sense to you?"

"I understand. It can be quite confusing, isn't it?" The old lady grinned, resting her back on her chair.

"Three men will come running after you. Your life is like a puzzle and those mates are the pieces to complete the puzzle. You'll need them to fulfill a mission." The old witch revealed further, leaving me with confusion.

"You know what, I think you're sick in the head. Yes, both you and that silly Moon goddess. I'm done listening to you." I retorted as I stood on both feet, getting ready to leave the bar.

"Have you ever wondered why you have three scars on your neck, missie?" Her statement made me halt my movement.

How on earth does she know?.

I turned to look at her, curiosity imprinted on my face as I drew nearer to her.

"Tell me, why? Why are there three scars on my neck? Do you know anything about it?"

"Yes dear. Those three scars represent your three mates."

"But I only want one mate."

"That one mate will only be determined by their depth of desire for you. You will rightfully be the mate of the brave soul who dares to save you from Lucifer."

I furrowed my brows again in perplexity as she divulged more.

"What do you mean, Lucifer?"

"Yes dear, you're not cursed. You have special powers that are cherished by the demon clan. That one person that can save you from them will turn out to be the destined mate for you." The old witch revealed with a sad smile while I scooted backwards from her.

"Please say no more. I've heard enough! I don't want to hear any more words from you!" I said as I retreated my steps from her.

I looked at her one last time before dashing out of the bar with great speed.

Like a psychotic patient, I sprinted across the street, unafraid of the oncoming cars. I ran with all of my strength and might till I finally reached the woods. All I wanted was to be alone and cry my eyes out. I hated my life, my fate and everything.

I kept running till a thorn pierced me on the shoulder, causing me to stop.

When I noticed blood streaming from my wound, I whimpered. A harsh guttural growl came from a distance before I could attempt to tend to the wound.

I shook in panic, wondering what it was. It didn't take me long to understand that I was well away from the road and in the middle of the woods.

I moved forward, attempting to figure out what was creating such a sound.

My eyes widened, my body stiff and my jaw dropped at the image of the scene displaying right at my front.

Right there, I saw a vampire sucking and biting the neck of a young lady.

I backed away slowly, trying not to scream.

Before I could take a further step back, the vampire, who appeared to be a young handsome man, turned to look at me, revealing his sharp teeth covered in blood.

My heart raced rapidly and I could hear my heartbeat in my ear.

Was this my fate? To be killed by a vampire?

The body of his victim went limp as soon as he was done feasting on her.

His eyes went from my face to my bloody wound as he approached me.

I let out a cry and tried to flee, but he quickly materialized in front of me, opening his mouth to suck on my flesh.

The vampire was attempting to locate my neck as I wrestled with him. His black hair cascaded across his shoulders, revealing his red fierceful eyes.

Before he could savagely bite my neck with his razor-sharp, bloody fangs, I saw someone quickly move in and shove him from behind.

I sat up, fear etched on my face as I witnessed two vampires engage in vicious combat.

"Ahh!" As I pulled a stick from the thorns on my skin, I winced and let out a painful cry.

"Leave me, Desmond, let me fest on her like I do to other humans." I overheard my assailant, angrily speaking to my rescuer, who seemed to be another vampire with similar features.

I was confused and wondering why a vampire was really saving my life.

"Don't you touch her Damon. You already had enough,"

"Fine, I know we're enemies to wolves and humans but, just spare this one and let's get back to our clan." Desmond, my savior, begged the other vampire who kept his calculating gaze at me from a distance.

They shared many features, and their resemblance in appearance led me to believe they might be brothers.

"Do you think I'm a vampire with a human heart, just like you? It doesn't apply to me that you decided not to drink human blood. I will continue to suck their blood because it is all I need to get strong, and I challenge you to try to stop me."

Hearing that, I stood on my feet, running deeper into the woods in fear.

My hands found their way, pushing the tall broad leaves behind for a clearer vision. I felt a hand drag me from behind and my heart race increased as soon as I realized it was Damon, my first attacker.

"Please! Let me go!" I begged as he dragged me closer to himself, sniffing me like I was a bunch of flowers.

"Hmmm.. she smells of Lavender. A beauty like her will be perfect for a treat." He said, bringing his nose closer to my neck.

"Please!" I begged once again.

"Please!"

"Damon, stop!" Desmond shouted, panting as he watched his brother. My gaze met with Desmond, my savior, and I couldn't help but be drawn to him. Even though he was a vampire, I felt some connections to him.

"Oh Desmond!. Dad should have thought about it before handing you the position of the clan's leader,"

Damon cut in, breaking the silence that had ensued.

"Hand me the position and I will let her go." Damon suggested, making Desmond hesitate in his thoughts.

Seeing it might be a tough choice for my savior, I grew increasingly afraid.

My hands and my body shivered with my heart beating more than normal. Damon reached for my neck, caressing it and giving it a deep sniff.

"Please!"

"I will hand you my position as the clan's leader, Now let her go!" In an attempt to get nearer to us, Desmond eventually consented.

"What makes her so special to you that you felt compelled to resign from your role?" Damon asked before releasing me from his grasp and pushing me towards Desmond.

My breath came in quick short gasps, and I felt relieved to be in Desmond's arms.

"Wait…."

Damon said, staring at me as he studied my features.

"According to Leo's prophecy, you must find your mate in order for you to fully become human,"

"He described your mate's features; having a few strands of white hair on her black hair, emerald eyes and ……"

Damon came over to me and took a fistful of my hair, exposing the scars on my nape.

"Now I see why you're so keen on saving her." He admitted after sighting those three scars.

"I've given you what you want, now go and just leave her alone." Desmond yelled at him, maintaining a fierceful gaze with him and shielding me from his monstrous brother.

"Never! I won't let you have a human as a mate,"

"Not when I'm alive!"

With his fingers developing into fangs and his eyes going red, Damon spoke. His teeth jutted out in sharp curves, ready to devour me.

Before he could get close to us, Desmond grabbed hold of me and quickly vanished, while I fell unconscious.

****

As I sat up on my bed, the morning sun's beams caused me to squint. I was screaming as I held my body in the memories of what had transpired the night before. Kate barged in immediately, trying to calm me down.

"What? What happened? How did I get here? Where are the vampires?" Looking around the room with a look of horror on my face, I questioned.

"Vampires? What do you mean Vampires?"

"Hhuh! Do you mean you saw vampires last night? Or wait, are you having a bad dream again?" Kate asked, teasing me with a smile.

"No Kate! I did see them. And h- how did I end up here? Who brought me home?" I asked her, my face etched with worry and concern as I removed the white blanket on me.

"Urmm! A cute guy with long spiky brown hair. He says his name is Desmond."

"Tell me!"

Kate said as she stood up and held my shoulders.

"How long have you guys been dating? You seem to have forgotten Carlos real quick."

"Dating?" I snickered, removing her hands from my shoulders as I got up.

"We aren't dating. There's nothing between us and I don't even know him. I would have died last night if not for him." Kate's eyes widened in horror at what I had disclosed.

"Died?"

"Yes. Tell me, did he bring me to your room? How did he even know that I lived with you?" Gazing into Kate's eyes, I inquired, anticipating a prompt response.

"You were probably unconscious. He held you in his arms and led you to the entrance of the pack. Fortunately, I saw you there as I was walking by, and I hurried to take you out of his hands."

"Wow! And did he say any word before leaving?" I asked, my face etched with concern.

"No! Well uhh! Yeah. he claimed that you, uh, overindulged in alcohol and passed out. That is all,"

"Tell me Camelia, is there more to it?"

A loud honk blew from outside, cutting me off before I could respond to Kate.

"What's going on?" I asked, looking at Kate with confusion.

"They're here. I think the Lycans are here again."

"W-what? What do you mean?"

"Lycan Xavier made a decision the year before you arrived at Goldmoon Pack, which was, allowing him to select any woman from different packs to be his mate,"

"You are aware of Lycan Xavier, the famous and terrifying Lycan, right?" I nodded in answer to Kate's question.

Who wouldn't have heard of him? He's known for being notorious, cold blooded and is also known to be cursed for not having a mate.

"The Lycans and werewolves are still at war. During the last war which happened some decades ago, Lycans almost defeated all werewolves because they were stronger than us," Kate added, shedding more light.

"But sadly, Lycan Xavier is cursed and rumors have it that if he can't find his destined mate, then he might lose all of his strength,"

"The moon goddess had told him that his mate was a werewolf but he is cursed with not realizing who his destined mate is. Ever since that word by the moon goddess, he had arranged a selection of different ladies from different packs every six years."

"What?" My eyes widened in shock with what I just heard. I moved closer to her, wanting to hear more.

"Not just ladies, but omegas and outcasts as it was revealed that his destined mate was one of those." Kate finished while I leaned forward with confusion spreading across my face.

"What's the reason for Alpha Varlos' lack of concern? Lycans are our adversaries. Why is he passively observing while an adversary chooses women from his pack and other packs just so he could get a mate?"

"He believes Omegas are of no importance and also, he didn't bother since Lycan Xavier spared the lives of hundred werewolves who were in his captivity during the war."

My eyes widened in horror as Kate continued to talk, revealing more details that I was unable to process.

Before we could exchange more words, two hefty sentinels approached us and dragged us roughly.

"Come out here you two!" They yelled.

"Join the rest of them and let's get this done quickly."

Kate and I were held with a few other women and omegas.

We could not evade the selection for fear of being apprehended and put to death.

Omegas and outcasts were designated for the selection process based on the rules.

They were of less importance and could be traded for the safety of the majority.

As we were chosen, the Alpha and his family, the nobles, and other pack members observed us, unable to take any action since the rule was established by the most frightened Lycan.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as you all know, once in every six years, Omegas from each pack are sacrificed to the beastly Lycan."

The voice of the speaker reverberated across our pack, a loud and terrifying sound that sent shivers down our spines. He was an elder from Lycan Xavier's pack and his aura radiated terror.

My eyes were fixed on the balcony of the pack's palace, knowing fully well that Alpha Varlos and his family were up there, watching.

I looked up at Carlos. Despite his helplessness, he had a dejected gaze.

"Hazel, Paige, Sara……." Various names of girls who were omegas were marked out.

They were like plague and outcasts and obviously, I was one of them.

"Camelia Stewart,"

The announcer finally stated. I held the hems of my gown, making my way towards the outskirts to where the other girls were asked to stay.

"No! Camelia. No!" A voice beseeched from the crowd. I looked back hopelessly, only to see Old Mrs Rose, running towards me. She was someone I worked for and she was like a mother figure to me.

"Stay back! Old hag." A Lycan who appeared to be a sentinel, yelled at her but she still fought furiously. She was shoved aggressively to the ground, and just as I was about to run to her direction, I felt a hand stop me from behind.

"You don't want a death wish, do you?!" A sentinel thundered. I kept my composure and stood in line with the other girls fretfully.

"Well, that was quite some unsettling drama", the announcer commented with a sly grin.

"Bring the box of luck forward,"

He announced and we were instructed to select a letter and proceed one at a time.

Any one who received an even number on their letter indicates that they were spared from being chosen as the Lycan beast's mate.

Once you got an odd number, you would be taken away to represent the Lycan's mate.

"You're safe,"

The announcer said to a girl after viewing her letter.

"Safe… safe…. Safe.. you're safe,"

Turn by turn, he made it known to the girls.

"Taken." He announced to a lady who stood with shock written on her face. She was dragged by a sentinel to another direction. Given that her number was odd, she would be one of the people chosen to be the beast's mate.

If anyone tried to escape, we were warned of the damned consequences.

I gave my letter to them when it was my turn. I was unable to peek through the letter because it could only be opened by the speaker.

"Taken!"

The single word that I found unbelievable. My eyes widened out of sheer shock, and the word, it kept reverberating and echoing in my ear repeatedly.

I saw the sorrowful expression in Kate's eyes the moment our eyes met.

Kate was safe in the knowledge that her number was even, meaning she would not be among those chosen as the Lycan's mate.

Why me? And how is that even possible?

"Camelia, stay strong. Just remain strong, please." I was beyond comfort, even when Kate tried to console me.

Why was fate this cruel to me?

Everyone looked at us hopelessly as we were being taken away.

No girl had ever survived in the beastly Lycan's hands.