CHAPTER 3.

-LILITH-

"Stop right there, you bloody piece of trash!!"

I froze to a spot as my step mother's voice echoed through the walls of the room.

My heart sank deep and I knew for a fact that I'm nothing but a dead meat.

At the kitchen side, stood my step mother and Seraphina, shooting daggers at me.

I shivered in fear as they approached me.

"Where the hell are you coming from, Lilith?"

All I did was shake my head because I was too scared to say a word.

"I asked you a question"

A thunderous slap landed on my cheek, making me fall.

I touched my cheek which ached due to the slap. In the process, I accidentally bit my lower lip.

Tears rolled down my eyes due to the pain I had to endure.

What on earth is my fault? Is it because I left the house last night? I asked myself.

"You worthless piece of trash. I am going to make sure you regret leaving the house last night. You won't be getting any food today.. Got it?"

She pulled my ear roughly and stormed upstairs.

My stepmother's fury wasn't enough, Seraphina moved closer and pulled back my hair.

"You know you are just so annoying, right? I had important visitors yesterday and you just had to mess things up?"

Lena struggles inside with rage.. If I can give her a chance to take charge, she wouldn't mind pouncing on Seraphina right now because of how angry she is.

It's not different from myself as well because for the first time, anger crawled up inside me.

"So what if I messed things up, Seraphina? What? You had to steal my mate from me?" I gritted out, my eyes blazing with fury.

Seraphina laughed hysterically.

"Steal your mate, you say?...What do you think would make me steal your mate?"

"How would I know? You're probably jealous that I'm mated to Sylas. Everyone wanted him because of his status.."

Where I found the guts to talk back to Seraphina, I had no idea but wanted to let everything off my chest.

"Yes! Everyone wants him.. but, does he want you? You got your answer last night, didn't you? He openly rejected you. Take a look at yourself, Lilith.. A weak Omega who thinks she can be with someone of high status.. snap out of your world of fantasy, sister.."

She stood up to leave but I wasn't done yet.. I grabbed Seraphina by the arm.

"What did you give to Sylas to make him reject me? I'm sure you didn't hesitate to throw yourself at him" I gritted out.

"How dare you?"

I caught her hand mid air.. for the first time, I stared daringly at Seraphina.

"Don't cross the line, Seraphina. Just because you have been having a secret affair with Sylas behind my back.. doesn't mean you have had it all"

With a stern warning, I walked past Seraphina even though I dreaded what the repercussion of my actions could be.

But, what matters is the fact that I didn't bottle up my anger. I'm glad I'm able to talk back at Seraphina.

______________

I struggled with the big bucket of water as I walked home. It's big and heavy but, what am I to do? It's my step mother's order.

This is my tenth trip and deep down, I feel like collapsing but I just have to keep going.

"Lena?.. Are you okay?" I asked.

I felt Lena shift.. She has been quiet since Seraphina made her feel awful.

"I'm okay, Lilith. Are you? Feels like you're about to break down"

"I'll manage"

"By the way, I loved how you stood up for us, Lilith. We have endured so much for too long.." Lena said.

I didn't say a word.

"Let's not be sad our mate rejected us. I know it's hard.. but, he's a jerk. For choosing Seraphina over us.. He's an asshole.."

"I agree Lena"

I let out a soft sigh.

"Lilith!" I turned when I heard a familiar voice from behind.

It's Sylas. My eyes narrowed as he moved closer to me.

"Let's talk, Lilith"

"What for? We have nothing to talk about"

I made to walk away but he stood on my path.

"I know you are shocked over what happened last night.."

"I'm not" I interrupted while Lena kept growling in my head.

"You never talk back at me or stare at me for so long.. And now, you do?"

"You underestimated me. A coin always has two sides, remember?"

"You're right. But, let me get straight to the point.." He moved closer and moved some strands of my hair behind my ears.

I shuddered at his touch.

"We have been mates for two years, Lilith and I won't deny I had a secret affair with Seraphina. You just aren't up to my status. An omega is the lowest rank of all werewolves.. it would be a shame having you as my mate.."

It hurts to hear him say those words again. Lena whimpered and tears circulated my eyes.

"However, I can make you better. Become my concubine and I will make your life more better"

"You are disgusting, Sylas... How can I become your concubine after betraying me with my sister?"

"It's a better opportunity, I.. you know that"

I knew it was better to just walk away than listen to Sylas. Of course, I have heard rumours about his flirtatious side and this is the first time I would be seeing it for myself.

"Told you, Lilith. He's a total jerk. I wish I could punch him right across his face" Lena said in my head.

I inhaled deeply and walked away, thankfully, he didn't stop me.

In no time, I arrived home and found my step mother talking with some hefty men. It's usually not my business to interfere with visitors but it was different this time.

"That's her over there. That's the slave" my stepmother pointed fingers at me.

The hefty men stormed towards me and grabbed my arm. I became alert... No idea what is going on and why these men are suddenly at me.

"What is going on?" I forced myself to ask.

Seraphina stepped forward, my arms crossed over my chest.

"What does it look like to you, Lilith? You have just been sold off. Now, you are nothing but a slave. That's what you get for being so useless"

My heart sank deeply.

What? Sold off? How?

CHAPTER 4.

-LILITH-

I thought I was dreaming when my step mother sold me off to those strange men.

It feels like a dream because why on earth would she sell me off? Why so sudden?

It really does not make any sense to me right now.

I was blindfolded and taken away by the men, but before that, I caught a glimpse of Seraphina laughing mockingly.

It seems like they have always wanted to get rid of me. I thought so and felt a pang of anger hit me.

They have always said I'm worthless... It wasn't enough taking my mate away from me, now...they throw me away like a piece of trash.

Who knows what these people are? Where are they taking me to?.What if they have me slaughtered and my body parts were sold off?

Tears rolled down my cheeks but I wiped them off completely and tried to brace myself up.

Looking around, I'm not alone... they're others who have been captured just like myself.

"I.. I'm so scared. Where are we headed?" Lena cried out.

"I'm scared too, Lena" I responded, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill from my eyes.

"Maybe we should have apologized and promised to be loyal for the rest of our lives. I'm pretty sure Seraphina did this to get back at us over what happened"

"Forget about it, Lena. I don't regret talking back to Seraphina. We are just unfortunate. Don't worry, I believe we are headed towards a more better place"

I assured her leven if I'm not that certain myself.

But, I can at least get a slight hope that things can get better and I won't be jumping from frying pan to fire.

I leaned my head back against the metal, listening to the rustling sound of dry grasses and stones.

I let my mind wander off to no direction at all.

___________________

I was having a bad dream... In that dream, I was having a nice time with my father when my step mother and Seraphina suddenly showed up and forcefully began to pull me away.

I struggled but all to no avail. What I didn't know was that I was actually whimpering and crying silently until a girl beside me tapped my gently.

I snapped my eyes open, looking around frantically.. I met thousands of eyes on me but almost immediately, they all averted their gaze, except for the girl beside me.

"Are you okay?" She asked, concern laced on the tone of her voice.

With a nod, I wiped my tears with the back of my palm.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

The girl asked and I responded with a nod again.

"You seem like someone with fewer words. I'm Becky and you?"

There was a little hesitation from me. I'm not so used to having people speak to me first.

Everyone steers clear from my way. Talk of having friends... that's not the case for me.

"Lilith.." I said slowly.

However, I'm a bit surprised to find the girl smiling down at me.

"Lilith.. It's beautiful. And you are beautiful too"

"Thank you"

I stayed silent afterward, leaning my head back against the metal. No idea how I fell asleep but, one thing is for sure... we are still on the path to God knows where.

But, my dream... It reminds me so much of my father. The lovely moments I spent with him.

How I wished death wasn't so cruel to snatch my father from me and leave me all alone to the cruel hands of my stepmother.

Even in my dream, they still don't want me to be happy.

"We are getting closer to our destination" The lady beside me spoke up again.

"How do you know that? Do you even know where we are?" I had to ask.

"I don't. I just feel we're close. Plus, I feel this is just the start to something beautiful and magical.." The girl said with dreamy eyes.

I shook my head, unsure about the fact that the lady is in her right senses. They have just been sold off as slaves.. How is it a start to something magical?

No one said a word to each other. Aside from the girl who spoke to me a while back, everyone else acted like no other person existed.

They went further, I have no idea how long we have spent but one thing is for sure, it's dawn already.

A sudden jerk made everyone startle. Others moved to peek through a tiny hole but I didn't move an inch.

I didn't feel the need to.

Just then, the metal door creaked open, exposing the bright rays of the sun.

I shut my eyes as the strong rays almost blurred my vision.

It's only been just a day, but it already feels like I haven't seen the rays of the sun in years.

"Get off everyone"

At the order, the clattering sound of the chains could be heard as everyone stood up, ready to get off the metal carriage that is more like a prison.

They had chains clipped to their right leg, as though anyone would make an attempt to escape.

"Isn't this nice, Lilith?" The girl from that time asked and I didn't bother giving an answer.

They were all lined up, facing the huge palace before them. My eyes scanned the environment.

I have never seen something that is as beautiful as the building in front of me.

But, the girl beside me, I kept wondering if she's a psycho because why would anyone be happy over a worse situation.

What's so laughable about being a slave? It's not as if we will be getting any special treatment. We won't be getting any good food or clothes.

A slave will always remain a slave. Perhaps, this might be the worst thing that could ever happen to me.

A lady showed up before then, looking elegant, classy and with a different uniform to go with.

She introduced herself as being the head maid and what's worse is the fact that she pointed it out to us point black that we are here as slaves.

Once she's done addressing everyone, we were all led to a small hut and we're paired in two.

For me, it feels like luck is only pushing me towards Becky- The girl from earlier.

"Is your impression about here still right? Do you still think something good will happen?" I asked as we changed into the uniform we were given.

The uniform shows that we are in the lowest rank of slaves in the palace since everything has to do with hierarchy.

"I still stand on what I said..You will see how things would turn out differently for us. It just needs a little push"

"I guess you have to work your butt off to understand that nothing good is ever going to come out from being a slave and serving the Alpha King.."

"Wait and watch dear friend. Let's hurry, we will be meeting the Alpha King, remember?"

"Right!"

I exhaled deeply, adjusting my dress which really doesn't fit properly.

CHAPTER 5

-ALPHA DAMIAN-

Blood Moon Pack.

Running water...splash... I turned off the tap, wrapped my towel dangerously around my waist and left the bathroom.

Standing in front of my mirror, my eyes darted towards the necklace on my table.

I reached out to it, eyes slowly observing every part of the necklace.

That night.. the strange lady with the matching energy. That night, I was vulnerable to her touch.

She had me where she wanted even though I never really thought anyone would have such effects on me.

What's strange is the fact that I met her that night, under weird circumstances.

No one has ever made me so vulnerable like she did. With just a single touch... A single kiss, I gave her what she wanted.

Because of how strong her energy is, I could feel her sadness and how badly she wanted to get laid.

Unfortunately, I had a very important meeting the next morning and left without a word, but not without taking her necklace along with me.

I have plans of returning back to the pack and finding her.

"Son.. you're back"

I was jolted out of my thoughts by the presence of my mother.. I turned around casually, my arms folding to the back.

"Mother.. What brings you here?

"Do I need a reason to come see my son after five days of absence?.."

I didn't respond and she continued.

"I had the maids prepare a sumptuous meal for you. It's your favorite..."

"No, mother.. I can't eat right now. I have a meeting with the Elders and the new slaves. I've got other things to do as well"

She frowned.

"You just got back to the pack, Damian. To me, you are not just an Alpha King.. you are my son. I have every right to worry..."

"Do not worry, mother... I'll definitely eat after the meeting. But, the pack comes first. I have to meet with the Elders.. I'll see you"

I left the room immediately. And, that is one way of avoiding my mother. Whenever she insists I have dinner, she definitely wants to talk about something else and I have no time for that right now.

Ever since I lost my mate years ago, Mother keeps insisting I get another woman. But is that even necessary? I lost my mate, I lost everything that matters.

Love has become a huge word for me.

Getting into the throne room, the Elders and everyone else are present.

They all stood up, keeping their heads lowered as my domineering presence filled the room.

In the blood moon pack, I'm feared by all..My presence alone is imposing, demanding respect from everyone.

I rule the pack with an iron paw and as I settled on my throne, my piercing gaze commanded attention.

"Let's begin"

My Beta-Lucien stepped forward and began reading the weekly report. Everyone listened with rapt attention.

When he was done, I took charge.

"It's disheartening that, Blood Moon pack is running at a loss...Any thoughts on that?"

An Elder stepped forward and said... "We aren't making sales, Alpha. Sales have been poor lately"

"Yet, we had a bountiful harvest this season and you say sales were poor? What happened to the products? What happened to the Cocoa plants? Did you eat all of them?"

The Elder retreated.

I stood up with hands folded to my back. I began to move slowly and steadily towards the Elders. My eyes were solely pinned on them.

"I got reports that the Cocoa produce was being smuggled out of the pack at night. And money is being embezzled.."

I observed keenly... The culprit was already fidgeting in fear, especially when I stood right in front of him.

"Do you have anything to say? Perhaps, you know where the produce is being smuggled to.."

The Elder shook his head negatively, pretending not to have a clue.

"Do you still want to lie? You know the consequences of lying to your Alpha King"

My voice came out cold, rough and demanding answers.

The Elder fell to his knees and began pleading.

"You don't work alone, right? Who is behind everything? Where is the money you have embezzled?"

The Elder's eyes darted towards a particular direction and his eyes shook with fear.

"Behead me, Alpha. I have wronged you and the Pack...please behead me"

I raised my brows up. I have seen countless traitors who would rather die than confess.

"Is that what you want?"

I nodded my head frantically.

"Very well then, I'll fulfill your candid wish"

I turned, snatched a sword from one of my soldiers and without a warning, I slit the throat of the Elder... blood splashing everywhere.

No one dares to flinch.

"Get rid of the body" I commanded.

I went back to the throne.. The look on my face wasn't that friendly.

Lucien leaned down and asked silently...

"I had no idea you were carrying out a secret investigation"

Out of everyone else, Beta Lucien is the closest to me. A Beta during meetings and pack affairs, a friend behind closed doors.

"Some things are better left unspoken. I knew I had to take actions" I responded and turned to the Elders.

"Let everyone hear this.. withdraw every devious scheme you have against the pack. I am watching every single one of you.."

"Yes, Alpha" They all responded at the same time.

"Bring the slaves in"

Beta Lucien went out and returned in shortly, with the slaves lined up behind him.

However, I felt the air change around... Filled with more energy, just like I had perceived that night.

My wolf shifted, becoming alert.

He wagged his tail, eagerness filling him.

"Mate!.. Mate!!.. Mate!!!" Dovan, My Wolf, changed happily in my head. This was exactly the same thing he did that night.

Alpha Damian's eyes searched through the slaves that were brought in.

I found her. She was right there standing pretty as ever.

Though her head was lowered to the ground, I could still identify her.

"Mate!"

I called out in a whisper and in that moment, She lifted her head up and our eyes met.

I felt a spark for the second time.