The Slave

Prologue :

Slave! I’ve been hearing this sharp and crisp word that cause me to be forgotten entirely, even my real name, for the past ten years.

My money-driven parents sold me to the Alpha of the New Moon pack when I was ten years old, and in return, he paid them a fair sum of money.

“You are just a worthless human!” Was their reply when I asked them why they were giving me to him, and since then, I have become the New Moon pack's slave. They would beat me whenever they feel like I made mistakes and always ordered me around to do their chores.

I lost all hope in life and wish to leave it as soon as possible, but something is making me hold tighter to my life whenever I want to end it, and I could sense that fate had instilled something that would change my entire life.

****

“Slave!” I heard Deklan, the Alpha call from the living room.

I immediately left the dishes I was doing and practically ran to him, bowing my head as I entered the living room. I have to be respectful and not utter a word, or else he’ll hurt me. He and Brittany, his mate, were sitting on the couch watching TV with his arm on her shoulders.

“My mate is hungry. Go make us something to eat, and don’t you dare even think about tasting anything.” He yelled in his Alpha tone, making me cringe a little.

I bowed my head again and made my way back to the kitchen. I decided to make some macaroni and cheese since that’s what Brittany, Deklan’s mate liked the most.

In fifteen minutes, the macaroni was ready, so I took both plates on a tray with two cans of soda since Deklan must have something to drink with his meals.

I made my way to the living room, but it looked like I had terrible timing. Both Deklan and Brittany were in a heated make-out session but stopped when they sensed me.

I saw Deklan turn around as he had his back to me, and his angry expression wasn’t gone unnoticed. He growled loudly, obviously mad that I ruined the moment, and before I even got the chance to process anything, Deklan had his hand around my throat, raising me off the ground, making the tray of food fall immediately, and creating a loud sound.

I whimpered faintly, knowing that I protested, yelled, or cried. The beatings will just be worse.

With his hand still choking my throat, he made his way to the kitchen and out of Brittany’s sight since she doesn’t like ‘the view’.

Once we reached, my body was hardly thrown against the kitchen counter, making my hip hit the edge. Pain shot through my hip and right leg, and I couldn’t feel it as it went numb. I didn’t get a chance to get up when Deklan’s hands and legs were making contact with every part of my body. He kept kicking my stomach and punching my face. I knew that I’d have some broken ribs and swollen face after, probably a broken arm or leg as well.

You might think that it’s okay as I would heal quickly like any other werewolf, but, that’s the thing, I’m not even a werewolf. Even though both my parents are, I was born without the werewolf gene, and that’s basically the reason why I was sold to Alpha Deklan.

Being the Alpha and Luna of the Dawn pack, my parents were ashamed of me and couldn’t accept me as their daughter. Well, that’s all in the past now. I cried over them enough, and I don’t think I have any more energy to feel anything anymore.

“Useless slave!” Deklan roared. He gave me one last kick to my side before demanding that I should clean up the living room mess and prepare food all over again.

“And next time, think before you make a move!” He spat and left, probably making his way to Brittany again.

I heard giggling from outside and knew it was Brittany. Not long, I saw Deklan carrying her in a bridal style, making his way upstairs. I couldn’t help the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. I wish I had someone to care for me and love me too, but I know that it will not be possible. I’m just a human, and I don’t think humans have mates.

I slowly tried getting up, holding the counter for support. My body was aching, and blood seeped through the cuts and scratches Deklan gave me. My right leg tingles, and whenever it touches the floor, a sharp, searing pain seems to tear my thin body, and I couldn’t help but cry out silently. I had to go and do what I was told not to be beaten up again. I carefully made my way to the living room and started cleaning the mess. Thank god that no one from the pack was here today, and I’m not hurt by someone else again. They all had a school trip for two days and one night, and all the beta and third in command left with them, leaving only the Alpha, his mate, and me.

I finished cleaning and went to prepare food again. When I was done, I took the tray and went upstairs, standing in front of Alpha Deklan’s room. I didn’t know what to do. How was I supposed to know if they were having a good time or not?

“Just leave the fucking thing and leave!” I heard Alpha Deklan’s growl before I could come up with something to do.

I quickly placed the tray on the floor and tried dragging my aching leg to reach my room which was actually an attic in the ceiling. I couldn’t complain, though; at least it was better than sleeping outside in the cold place.

I could barely make it to my bed before collapsing, and all I saw was darkness as consciousness lapsed me.

The Girl in Her Dream

Alexis's POV (She is a witch adopted by Red Crescent Pack )

She was running again. From what, you may ask? I wish I knew the answer. Something scared her. She was in danger and needed to be saved, but how? I don’t even know her.

The girl that’s been haunting my dreams for the past two weeks. She is beautiful. Her long, black hair flew behind her as she ran through the forest, and her ocean blue eyes held so many emotions that I couldn’t tell.

Just like last night, the night before, and tonight, she quickly ran between the trees, looking back behind her now and then. Something or someone was chasing her, I’m sure. But, wait, who is that? There’s someone in the distance, and I could sense him. Of course, I can’t see him properly in the dark, but I’m sure he is powerful and exudes danger.

That’s the first time I see him in my dreams. The girl is running towards him, and he looks........happy?

Looking closely, I saw who it was. It was her lover. I saw them several times before during the past two weeks. They loved each other so much. Suddenly realization hits, and I recognize who he is- Alpha Luke, Alpha of the Red Crescent pack. The pack that took me in when I had no home, even though I’m a witch. But who is that girl, and what is she running from? I want him to save her.

But, just before she reaches him..... BANG!

Everything seemed to stop, and their eyes were filled with horror, pain, and confusion. The girl’s white dress was now turning red as she clutched her stomach where the bullet went. And after what felt like a year but only a couple of seconds, I saw it. It was him. He was the one that pulled the trigger, but why? Why did he shoot her? Tears were streaming from their eyes, and I couldn’t help but also shed tears that quickly slipped from my own eyes. Why? I thought he loved her? Why?

And that’s when I woke up.

As usual, my breath was uneven, and I was sweating all over. I should be used to it by now. The dream this time was different. During the past two weeks, this dream would always start with the girl running, but then the scene would change, and I would see her with Luke, having a good time and enjoying each other’s company. It always made me happy to see him in love, but I often disliked this dream. I clearly saw he killed her in my dream.

I sighed heavily and got out of bed, making my way to the bathroom. I stepped under warm water and tried to relax. Well, I’ll have to tell Luke about this dream, like I always did, to remind him of the vivid prophecy I thought it was. My dreams actually made him happy. He believed that it was his mate, the one he lost ten years ago. He has been searching for her since then. Even though they were kids when they met, he still fell deeply in love with her and made it his goal to find her no matter what happened.

I don’t think he’s going to like last night’s dream, but I am sure he’ll be demanding me to tell him about it first thing in the morning when he sees me. I’d have no other choice. Besides, maybe it would be a good thing to tell him. Perhaps it’s a significant sign, and informing him will make him more careful of every action he does.

I got out of the shower and went to find something to wear. I put on a dark purple and black dress that went to mid-thigh. It had spaghetti straps. I combed my black hair and let it fall loose on my shoulders. And finally, I put on my black flats, gave my eyes a smoky look with dark black eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, and put some dark lipstick on. What can I say? I’m a witch, after all, so it’s more comfortable wearing dark makeup.

I printed out of my room and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Like always, Alpha Luke, his beta Jake with his mate Cole, Taylor, the third in command, the twin Blake and Blain, and finally the former Alpha and Luna Sam and Claire were all seated together having breakfast.

I slowly made my way to my seat and hoped that Luke wouldn’t notice me or would forget about the dream or anything so that I wouldn’t have to tell him.

“Morning, Alex.” I heard Claire greet me.

“Morning Claire,” I replied back, giving her a faint smile. And then they all noticed me and threw their pleasant good morning greetings, even Luke.

“Morning, Alex,” I heard him say before he went back to his meal. What? Did my wish come true? Did he forget or what? A smile made its way to my lips, but who will I be kidding? Luke never forgets.

“What.....Alex?” He looked up and searched for me, and when he spotted me, his voice rang, “ALEX!!”

He practically ran to the seat next to me, where he sat down and looked at me with eager-filled eyes. It broke my heart.

“Spill it,” He urged me.

“Spill what?” I tried to act innocent and pretended not to know what he was talking about.

“You know what, so spill, come on, I wanna hear it. What were my mate and I doing? Did we go on a date again? Was she happy? Did I make her happy? Uggggghhhh, Damn it, tell me!” All eyes were on me now, waiting for me to talk as Luke kept on asking, demanding that I should tell him about my dream but how I was going to do it? He would be heartbroken if I told him. I felt terrible. I wish I had never had those dreams in the first place.

“First, you need to take a deep breath, okay?” I started trying to buy myself some time. Maybe something would happen, and I won’t tell him. “It’s not like the other dreams, well, the first part was, you know, she is running like-”

“You know that I can kill you, right?” He interrupted casually, raising his eyebrows and asking as if we were talking about the weather. He had one of his elbows on the table and his chin resting on his hand.

I sighed, feeling helpless, “Okay, okay, I’ll spill, but don’t blame me if you don’t like it.”

I saw his face change slightly, and it made my heart ache more. I cared for Luke and everyone in the pack, and I never wanted to see him sad, but it looks like I had no choice.

They were all quiet and waited for my answer. I took a deep breath and saw Luke fix his posture, dropping his arm from the table and playing nervously with his hands.

“I’m so sorry, Luke, but in my dreams.......you......you.....kill her.” Gasps erupted from around us, but I didn’t bother looking. My eyes were fixed on Luke’s, and I couldn’t look away. He just stood there looking at me like he didn’t understand what I was saying, and when I thought he wouldn’t react, a tear made its way down his cheek.

Remembering My Mate

Luke's POV

I killed her. I know it was just a dream, but still, it hurt me upon hearing it. Even though it was just a dream, I must be the one to protect and love her.

My mate. I missed her so much. She made a huge impact on me from when I first saw her. It wasn’t just a typical meeting between us. I was in trouble, and she saved me. So even though I never got the chance to know her name, I owed her my life.

I couldn’t help the tears that fell from my eyes when Alexis told me. I felt my chest tighten, and my heart felt like thousands of sharp knives are stabbing it.

“Luke, sweetie, are you okay?” I heard my mom ask as she put one of her hands on my shoulder. That brought me out of my daze and a bit calm.

“Yeah, mom, I’m fine.” I lied inwardly.

I wiped my wet face, stood up, and made my way upstairs to my room.

I have to calm down, or I would have a mental breakdown. The thought of her getting hurt in any way made my blood boils, and to think that I was the one who-

No, I would never hurt her. Plus, it was only a dream, no big deal, right? I tried to convince myself, but the sharp pang of pain hadn’t gone.

I took a deep breath and decided to take a shower. Maybe it would help ease my thoughts. I ran the water, adjusting it to my liking, and then stripped off my clothes and went under the shower. I have a long day ahead of me today. It was New Year’s Eve, and my pack and I were invited to spend it with the New moon pack. It will be our first time celebrating outside, but since they’re our new alliance, we want to maintain a good and friendly relationship, so we agreed on going to their territory.

I finished my shower and went out to dry myself. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I walked to my room then into my large walk-in closet. I picked a gray v-neck shirt and grabbed a pair of black jeans.

After dressing up, I opened the door and quickly went out. I planned to go to my office and finish some of the paperwork waiting to be done when I heard my mom call out my name gently.

“Luke,” I turned around to see her making her way down the long hallway towards me.

“Honey, are you okay?” She asked, with concern filling her eyes.

I gave her a weak smile.

“Yeah, mom, I’m fine. It’s just a dream, not like it was or will be real.”

I heard her sigh. “Yeah, I know. Just don’t let it rob your peace and happiness, okay. Darling, we’re here for you, remember that,”

“Sure, Mom. I will always remember our whole pack is behind my back,” I smiled widely this time, and she returned the same smile at me.

“Okay, I’ll go ahead to see your father now. Oh! And don’t forget we’re going to the New moon pack tonight for New Year’s celebration. Be ready by 7:00.”

“Okay,”

She gave me one last smile, then turned and made her way downstairs, and I continued my way to my office.

The day passed by, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about that stupid dream. For some reason, as time passed, the weird feeling in my gut seemed to grow, and I became worried. Maybe it’s not a good idea to go? I have a feeling something will happen.

I looked at the clock hanging on my office’s wall and saw it was half-past six. It looks like I’ll have to get ready quickly. If I ran late, my mom would hit my head off.

I went to my room and looked for something to wear. It’s not a formal gathering so I shouldn’t wear a formal suit. But since I’m an Alpha, I can’t either just go wearing shorts and a shirt. After some time, I decided to keep my black pants on but changed into a white t-shirt and finally put on my black leather jacket. Finally, I put on my shoes and strode downstairs, where they all were waiting for me.

“Finally.” I heard Blake, or was it Blain grumble. He and Blaine are my cousins. They came to the packhouse last year for training since they turned 16, and it was about time for them to learn to become strong members of our pack.

“I heard that.” I gave him an annoyed look.

“You were meant to.” He replied back.

I rolled my eyes at that but said nothing. I know I’m an Alpha, and my power exceeded them, but I didn’t want them to feel I was ruling them. Well, technically, I am, but I’d like to keep a friendly environment in my pack, not the master-slave one. I cared for all of them, and in return, they all cared for me not as their Alpha but mostly as their friend.

Looking at them all, I saw that they were all dressed nicely. The girls wore beautiful dresses. My mom wore an evening casual dress, red color, half-open back but full sleeves. Its red color compliments her green eyes. She kept her brown shoulder-length hair and wore a black diamond necklace with matching earrings. She looked stunning. Cole, Jake’s mate, had a short, mid-thigh, pale pink dress. She had her blond braided and lying on one shoulder. She finally wore white flats, and since she was pregnant, Jake refrained her from wearing heels so she didn’t get hurt. And finally, Alexis. As usual, she had on a dark-colored dress. It was dark purple with long sleeves. It reached mid-thigh and had some black carvings at its flowy bottom. She topped it off with black boots that reached just below her knees and, of course, black tights under them. Overall, I was proud of our women. They never disappointed us or made us a laughing stock.

We all went to our cars and drove off. My parents and I in a car, Jake, my beta, his mate Cole and Alexis in one, Taylor, my third in command, and the twins in one, while the rest of the pack members, each family, took their own car.

It was a four hours long drive, but we finally reached our destination. It was around 11:00 in the evening when we arrived, and the party was just about to start. We all parked our cars, and the second I stepped outside, I smelt the most amazing scent. Vanilla and lavender! I am sure it was the familiar scent that lingered in my mind over the past few years. I will never forget it, no matter how many years have passed. My wolf was ready to take over as he kept on repeating one thing over and over.

“Mate!”

Her Struggle

I suddenly jolted out of my sleep at the sound of my bedroom door being slammed open and an angry Alpha standing in my doorway.

I was still in a daze, trying to awaken my senses to recognize my surroundings as I was still half asleep when my large hand made contact with my face making my head turn the other way harshly. That sure woke me up, and I’m sure my cheek would turn blue any time now. I was even able to taste blood from my split lip.

“You bitch! Why are you still in bed?!” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes internally at the word’ bed.’ Do you call that a bed? I was sleeping on the floor with a torn-out jacket as my pillow and a single torn blanket.

“What? Are you waiting for us, your majesty, to bring breakfast in bed? Don’t you know that today is an important day?!” Alpha Deklan spat angrily at my face after throwing the mocking words to me. I looked out my small window, and the sun was already up. I usually wake up at very early hours in the morning when only a single ray of sunlight is visible. I didn’t realize I slept so late. But you can’t blame me; after all, I was in so much pain from yesterday’s beating. I had broken ribs, my hand was broken, and my right leg went numb with every move I made.

I felt a rough hand grab my shirt, pull me up, and then push me to the door. “Hurry the fuck up! I want everything ready and perfect when the Red Crescent pack arrives. I want the whole house to be cleaned thoroughly and enough food prepared. And don’t forget to wash your filthy hands before you start cooking, we don’t wanna get poisoned.”

Silently, I made my way downstairs, trying to bear with the pain and finish my job, but as time passed, my body became more and more exhausted, and the pain became more excruciating.

I had zero energy by the time I finished, I felt dizziness, and the pain just kept worsening from my movements. I knew my body was going to give up sooner or later. Sooner or later, all this terrible situation will be over. Perhaps that time, I was dead.

It was time for the party, and my whole pack was outside in the large backyard where the party would be held, waiting for the other pack. Of course, I couldn’t step outside or show anyone my face.

I had finished the rest of the dishes when my vision went blurry, and my legs couldn’t hold me any longer, causing me to fall on the cold ground. No, I wanted to wait till the clock struck 12:00, indicating the beginning of the New Year and my birthday. Yes, I was born on the first of January. I thought it was cool to celebrate a birthday at the same time when a new year began, so I held onto it tightly and never forgot it, even though I forgot my name as time passed by. I pinched my arm tightly to sober up myself and made another birthday wish to survive.

I slightly shook my head and decided to go wash my face. It was 11:30; I had to endure just another 30 minutes. I would turn 20, and then I would finally leave.

I splashed my face with cold water and looked at myself in the small mirror I hid under one of the broken tiles of my so-called bathroom. I looked hideous. My black hair was dead, reaching my lower back, right above my behind. I never got a chance to cut or trim it. My blue eyes were dull and lifeless. They looked drained of color, and my skin was paler than a vampire, making all my bruises and scars more than clearly visible. I hated how I looked, but there was no one to blame other than the people who caused all my sufferings. I don’t really remember anything of my childhood except, of course, that dreadful day when my parents decided to sell me as a slave, but I’m sure I wasn’t born looking this sickly.

My vision blurred again, and the room was turning like a hurricane, and without notice, it turned dark, and everything collapsed in front of my tired eyes.

*****

Luke’s POV

Vanilla and lavenders. The scent I would never forget. The scent that I spent the past ten years searching for. The scent that kept me going this whole time.

“Mate. Go, find our mate.” I heard my wolf howl and was so close to coming out, and of course, he didn’t have to tell me twice. I immediately darted towards the backyard and started sniffing for her scent. I could feel my parents, Jack, Taylor, and the twins run after me while the girls stayed put in the cars.

“Luke, what’s wrong?” I heard my father ask as he scanned the surroundings for any danger.

“Mate,” I growled loudly. I was getting anxious each second. She was here, and I don’t plan on losing her again after I have finally found her.

“Mate? Oh my boy, finally, congratulations.” I heard my mom’s happy voice, but I couldn’t care about her pleasant greetings now. It was still early.

My eyes were scanning everyone in the backyard, but no results. She wasn’t there. My wolf and I grew more impatient. I sniffed for her scent again and started walking. I was heading towards the packhouse when Alpha Deklan stood in my way.

“Alpha Luke!” He said rather cheerfully, but I could sense the hint of fear, and he looked nervous.

“I’m really happy you made it. Let’s go to our seats, shall we?” He said, giving me a half-smile. Something was up to him, and I could feel it.

“Mate,” I growled again with my wolf, and I’m sure my eyes turned black now.

“What?” Deklan was surprised. “Your mate is here? That’s wonderful. All the girls are here outside, let’s go find her together.”

“No, my mate isn’t outside. Her scent is coming from there.” I told him, pointing towards his packhouse.

He gave out a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head. “Umm......I think you’re mistaken. All the girls are out there. Why don’t we go look more closely.” He said and motioned with his hand for me to follow him.

“NO, MY MATE IS INSIDE THAT HOUSE, AND I WILL GET HER NO MATTER WHAT. NOW GET OUT OF MY WAY!!” I snapped, and that made everyone look in our direction. I felt him tense and started to shake.

“THIS IS MY PACKHOUSE, AND I WON’T ALLOW ANYONE IN, EVEN IF IT WAS YOU!” He spat back angrily, obviously annoyed that he was being ordered since he was an Alpha and carried responsibility in their pack.

Deklan’s POV

Shit. Shit. This is not happening. If Alpha Luke went inside the house, he would definitely find ‘her,’ and I will be in heaps of trouble. Since she was a human and I took her as a slave to work for us, people won’t appreciate this story. Well, it’s not her parent’s fault for selling her to me. I have to think of some ways.

I took a deep breath and started again.

“Look, I don’t want any war between us, so I’d rather go inside to check who it was and ask her to come out. If it was your mate, as you claim, then I would be glad to let her meet you.”

That made him calm down a bit, but his eyes were still black.

“Hurry up.” That was all he said.

I quickly entered the house and locked the door behind me. I searched in the kitchen and living room, but there was no one. I then walked to the hallway, which had several rooms for some of our pack members. I opened the first four rooms, and there was no one. I heard some movement in the fifth and knocked it. It was my sister Amanda’s room. Within seconds the door opened, revealing my sister Amanda in a beautiful baby blue dress and matching heels. She had her hair up but left a few strands down to frame her face. I couldn’t help the smile that made its way to my face. If Amanda were Alpha Luke’s mate, then that would be awesome. Our pack will be very strong, and no one will dare challenge us.

Amanda gave me a confused look. “Okay, spill, what do you want?!”

My smile grew, and I hugged her tightly.

“Deklan... can’t.......breath” I chuckled upon hearing her complain.

“Okay, sorry, sorry.”

“So, what’s this all about,” she asks confusedly.

I took her hand quickly. “Come on, your mate is waiting for you downstairs.”

She gasped and stopped walking. “My mate?!” She asked, shock was written on her face. I nodded happily to her.

“Who? And how do you know he’s my mate?!”

I smiled again.” Well, Alpha Luke said that he caught onto his mate’s scent and that it was coming from the house, and as far as I know, you are the only one here, darling.” I threw her a wink and widely grinned.

She gasped again. “Alpha Luke? As in Luke Sam Thompson? Alpha of the Red crescent pack?” I nodded again to respond to her query.

Her face lit up like a Christmas tree, and she bolted down the stairs. I chuckled again at her actions as I followed her outside the packhouse.

Luke’s POV

Alpha Deklan went inside the house and locked the door, much to my discomfort, but I had to keep it in. I was finally going to meet my mate. I can’t believe it. After several years of looking for her, finally, our fate made its way. I heard the door open and a girl with a baby blue gown run with Alpha Deklan following behind her and jumped into my arms, hugging me tightly. My mate? But there was no spark in my heart and the so-called excitement everyone spoke about? Why don’t I feel connected to her?

She kissed my cheek, and I couldn’t help but feel disgusted. She was not my mate. Plus, she smelt different. She doesn’t have the familiar scent that I am accustomed to over the years.

I quickly dropped her off to the ground.

“You are not my mate,” I said sternly, and I could hear gasps erupting from the crowd.

“Who are you?” I spat angrily.

She looked shocked but quickly shook it away and stood up.

“I’m Amanda, Alpha Deklan’s sister and your mate.” She smiled, showing her teeth. I didn’t like her smile at all as it appeared creepy.

“No, you are not my mate,” I growled and repeated my words.

“So what if I’m not? I’m sure I’m way better than whoever is out there.” She wiggled her eyebrows and emphasized the word whoever.

How dare she.

“WHERE IS MY MATE?!” I yelled. I couldn’t take it anymore, and my wolf was going to take over. I felt the wind pass by, and my mate’s scent hit my nostrils harder, making my eyes turn black again.

I pushed this Amanda girl to the side and headed to the packhouse. Alpha Deklan tried to stop me again, but he failed as I welcomed him with a strong push. I was gonna find her. I have to find her.

I walked through the door with my parents, Jake, Taylor, and the twins, hot on my heels. They didn’t utter a word. They knew better than to talk to me right now. I sensed Alpha Deklan and Amanda following us.

I followed the beautiful scent, and it slowly pulled me up the stairs. We kept going past the second and third floors, but when I was going to complete, I was blocked by a door. There was a door locking the rest of the staircase. This increased my confusion. I tucked in the door handle, and it slowly opened. This made my mate’s scent grow.

But before I could proceed, I was stopped yet again by Alpha Deklan.

“Get out of my way,” I growled at him. I grew angry and gave him a sense of dreadful warning.

“Why are you going up? There is no one up there?” He asked. I could feel his heartbeat grow, and he was sweating like a pig. Even Amanda had a worried look on her face. What is going on?!

“What do you mean no one is up there? My mate is up there.” I muttered angrily.

“No, she’s not. She can’t be.” He said in disbelief.

I growled loudly at him again, pushed him to the side, and continued my way up the stairs. There was yet another room, and it looked like we reached an attic of some sort. My mate’s scent grew stronger, and I knew she was right behind that door.

I quickly opened the door and was stopped dead in my tracks. It took me moments to let the scene sink into my mind, and I heard my mom gasp.

There she was, my mate, lying on the cold floor, wearing nothing but rags. The other side of her cheeks was blue, and her lip was bleeding. I saw that one of her hands was bent at a weird angle, and I knew it was broken. Was she still breathing? I asked silently, looking at her in pain.

Without a second thought, I ran towards her and pulled her into my arms. She was so skinny, her skin was cold, her face was pale, and she was barely breathing.

I couldn’t help the tears that slipped my eyes at the image of my mate. Please stay with me, please. I can’t lose you again. I just can’t.

Flashback

Luke's POV

*Flashback*

It was a sunny day, and I decided to go for a run with my wolf since he wouldn’t shut up about it.

I was only ten years old, so my wolf wasn’t that big. He was pure black but had a small semilunar patch on his right paw.

I kept on running in the woods that surrounded the packhouse, moving between trees and jumping from rock to rock. It was good exercise, and I loved the sun rays that hit my body at different angles. I felt happy but only until something made me stop.

It was a scent, a weird one. I couldn’t recognize it, but the scent was that of a decaying body. It was disgusting.

I decided to go check it, but before I could take another step forward, I felt something prick my left leg. I looked and saw a small needle-like thing with a red rubber band and its end. My leg started to go numb, and I eventually became light-headed. I panicked and tried running, but my body couldn’t hold me, and I fell face flat on the ground.

I heard someone snort at my failed attempt to run away.

I started seeing black dots, and I was dizzy. I tried calling for help through my mind link, but it was like my mind was blocked. I couldn’t concentrate, and I was dragged into darkness in no time.

*****

I woke up with a terrible headache, and even though my eyelids were heavier than iron, I still managed to open them. Checking my surroundings, I found that I was on a chair in the middle of a dark room, and my hands were tied behind my back in the steel chair, and I could barely move. I shifted back in my human form, and thankfully my kidnappers had the decency to dress me in some shorts.

I squirmed and tried to free myself but wasn’t able to. I even tried to connect with Rex, my wolf, but he wouldn’t respond. I immediately knew that I was injected with wolfsbane.

I tried listening to any sound or catching on any scent, and that’s when it hit me. The most amazing scent I’ve ever smelled made my nostrils flare. No longer after, the door was opened, allowing some light rays to escape into the room and the delicious scent to tag along in strong waves.

A girl about my age or maybe younger came in and gasped when her eyes fell on me. She had beautiful black hair that reached her shoulders and a pair of mesmerizing ocean blue eyes I’d ever seen before. She was absolutely beautiful, and her scent engulfed me fully. From listening to my parents and pack members about it, I knew right there and then that she was my mate. And I indeed was already in love with her the first time I laid my eyes on her.

She slowly walked to me, halting her pace in front of me. She raised her small arms and silently freed me. I noticed her trembling, yet she was eager to help me. Her smell lingered on my nostril, and before drowning in her scent, she clearly heard her saying, “Run faster as you could and never come back again,”

I hesitated for a moment, but she pushed me towards the door. I looked once again at her blue eyes, and a sweet smile drew at the corner of my mouth. “Thank you for saving my life, I will pay you back one day.”

Saving Her

Luke's POV

Ding dong

Ding dong

The sound of the clock echoed through the whole area, signaling the end of this year and the beginning of a new one.

All around the world, people are celebrating right now and starting the New Year with family, friends, and loved ones. But not me.

All that occupied me right now was the barely alive body in my hands. My mate’s body.

“Call your pack doctor. Hurry up!” I yelled at Alpha Deklan. I know I wasn’t supposed to. He’s an Alpha, after all, but what was I supposed to do? My mate was dying right in front of me.

“Why are you standing there? Please go call him.” I pleaded this time. He looked hesitant, like he didn’t care at all. Just what exactly is going on? Why wouldn’t he worry about her? Isn’t she one of his pack members?

“Please,” I begged again, but he still didn’t move. Now I’m angry. “MOVE YOUR ASS AND CALL THE PACK DOCTOR RIGHT NOW!! WHY ARE YOU JUST STANDING THERE?!” I yelled, using my Alpha tone and looking at his face. He was mad, too, since he was an Alpha as well.

“Don’t you dare order me in my territory! And why the hell should I call my pack doctor? I don’t give a shit about that pathetic creature; she can die for all I care!” My mom sharply gasped, hearing Deklan’s words.

That’s it. I carefully placed my mate on my mother’s lap, who was now crouched next to me, and with the little control I had against my wolf, I stood up, went towards him, and with no second thought, punched him hard and made him stagger.

Not long after, I let my wolf take over. And of course, that good for nothing Alpha shifted as well. His wolf was big but not as big as mine. He was light brown with black fur covering his ears, paws, and end of the tail.

He growled loudly, and in return, I growled back even louder as I launched several massive attacks at him, but he dodged my attacks and then tried reaching for my neck. I quickly spun my body, so he only bit my back. I yelped from the pain, but his attack only made me angrier. Is it possible that he was the one who put my mate in this state? Was he the one who hurt her? The idea of someone hurting my mate made my blood boil. How dare they?

We stood there face to face. I growled even louder this time and attacked again. This time he wasn’t fast enough, and both our bodies collided. From the power of the collision, both our bodies flew across the room and crashed into the window. This made us fly out of it with the shattered glass surrounding us.

We both fell to the ground with a thud. I hissed in pain as some glass pierced through my back, and I could hear Alpha Deklan grunting in pain too. We didn’t linger too much on the ground and rose to our feet. I was going to kill him for hurting my mate. I won’t forgive him.

I could see that both pack members were now surrounding us, watching the fight. And it was more likely that a war would rise between the two packs.

Alpha Deklan attacked first and again, this time, aiming for my jugular. I moved my body swiftly to the side, which opened a chance for me to grab one of his back lumps between my teeth and pull, making him fall face flat on the ground. I jumped on his back and pinned both his front paws with mine, and locked his neck with my teeth.

I was going to go for the kill and get it over with when I heard my mother calling out for me.

“Luke, your mate needs you. You have to come up here.”

I tightened my hold on Alpha Deklan, leaned down to his ear, and whispered coldly, “This is not over!” And with that, I ran towards the packhouse and up to my mate’s ‘room’ where she was still lying there between my mother’s arms.

“Put her on my back, I’ll run to our territory. That way, we would reach faster than by car.” I told my mom through our mind link. She nodded and, with the help of my father, placed her carefully on my back.

“Jake. Call Dr. Mitchelle and ask him to be ready in his office.” Thankfully, our pack doctor, Dr. Mitchelle, didn’t come with us to this party. His wife had just given birth, and he wanted to celebrate the new year with his wife and son.

“Yes, Alpha.” Came the reply from my beta.

I wasted no time and started running out of the packhouse. I noticed my parents had shifted, and we were now running next to Jake and me behind me to make sure that my mate remained on my back and did not fall.

It took us about an hour or so to reach the packhouse, and with every move I made, I could hear my mate groan in pain. It broke my heart every time, but I had to be quick in order to save her.

I kicked the house door open and called Dr. Mitchelle through our mind link.

“Over here.” I heard him saying from the packed clinic. When I reached there, I saw that he was standing next to the bed, preparing some tools and setting a blood bag above it.

My parents and Jake came into their human forms. My dad and Jake each had a pair of shorts on, and my mother was in a long shirt that reached her mid-thighs.

Together, they carefully carried my mate from my back and placed her on the bed.

“What the hell happened to her?” I heard Dr. Mitchelle say as he looked at my mate’s body. Her skin was so pale, and scars covered her from head to toe. Her fingernails were turning purple, and she felt so cold. Her lips were also discolored and cracked open. It was hard to look at her without wanting to kill someone. Why would anyone hurt her? Where were her parents? Did they know about this?

Dr. Mitchelle started working on her. He removed all her ‘clothes,’ if you could call them that, and I had to suppress the growl that was about to escape my throat at the idea that someone other than me was looking at my mate’s body.

My father and Jake had the courtesy to leave the room, but my mom stayed behind.

“You should go shift and come stay by her side. She’ll need your support to get through this.” I heard her say.

I hesitated. I looked at my mate’s body, then to Dr. Mitchelle, then to her body again. I didn’t want to leave her, not for a second.

My mom noticed my discomfort as she sighed and said, “Don’t worry, Luke, I’m right here, and your father and Jake are just outside this door. Plus, your shifting and putting some clothes on won’t take minutes.”

I nodded and made my way to my room.

I shifted back and then opened my walk-in closet to find something to wear.

“Will she be okay?” I heard Rex, my wolf, ask as I grabbed a pair of pajama pants and a gray jumper.

“Yes, Rex, she will be. She has to be.” I said, reassuring myself more than reassuring him.

I finished putting on my clothes and wasted no time to head back to the infirmary.

“How is she, Dr. Mitchell?” I asked as I opened the door and entered.

He sighed. “She’s hurt pretty badly. She is underweight, lost too much blood, and is in terrible pain. See this.” He said as he pointed to her hip on the right. It was almost fiery red and was as big as a watermelon. I felt my heart clench at the thought of what might have caused it.

“This here.” He continued, is only about two days old, but look at the color and the size. Even a normal human would heal at least 10%, but her body is too weak to even heal itself at least at a normal rate. I had no other choice but to inject her with Licorne.”

“What? But isn’t that too strong for her? She might die.” I asked. Licorne is a very strong drug that we use only in severe cases. It helps relieve our pain almost instantly and heals us with the help of our wolves. However, it has some side effects, as far as killing someone.

“And that’s why I need your blood.” I looked at him confused, and when I didn’t say anything, he explained.

“As you have already noticed, Alpha, your mate is a human and has no wolf. The drug needs werewolf blood to work properly and hence the use of yours. And since you’re an Alpha and hence mate, her body will respond better to the drug.”

Now that I think about it, yeah, she smelled human and had no traces whatsoever that she has a wolf. It’s not like I care. She’s my mate, and I love her no matter what she is.

I nodded quickly without hesitation and lifted my jumper’s sleeve. My mate needed my blood, and I’m more than willing to give it to her.

Dr. Mitchelle inserted a needle into my arm. It was connected to a tube that reached my mate’s arm. We stayed like that, for I don’t know how much exactly since I was too busy admiring my mate, then I heard Mitchell say he would remove the tube.

“That’s a good Alpha. We gave her a sufficient amount of your blood, plus the other three bags I already gave her, she will heal properly.” I sighed in relief but knew I couldn’t be happy just yet, since my mate was still unconscious.

I felt my mom tap me lightly on the shoulder. “Good job, son, your mate will be fine.” She said with a smile on her face. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Can I take her to my- no, our room?” I asked Dr. Mitchelle. It would be better if she lay on a more comfortable bed, staying right next to me where I can always be with her.

“Yes, let me just place the cast around her wrist, and you can take her upstairs. I’ll set the IVs up too.”

I smiled at him and waited rather impatiently until he put on the cast.

‘I would be the first one to sign it.’ I thought.

“Alright, all set,” Mitchell said, snapping me back into reality.

I got up from my seat right next to the bed. Carefully and slowly, I placed my hands, one under her neck and the other under her waist, and picked her up in bridal style. I was sure not to press her body tightly against mine so that she didn’t feel any pain.

“Mom, can you help me prepare the bed? Removing the covers and all?”

“Sure.” And with that, she made her way ahead of me towards my room, with me following in tow.

This time, I made sure to walk slowly so as not to hurt my mate.

Eventually, I reached the room where my mom was waiting and gently placed my mate on the bed. I placed pillows all around her to ensure that she slept comfortably. The thought of her on my bed made me want to howl in happiness. I wanted to jump all around the packhouse and yell with my highest voice, I found my mate! Woohoo!!

But again, that would wake my mate up, and my pack members won’t stop teasing me about it ‘till the day I die. Thank god they were still not here, or they would’ve seen the huge grin it had on my face while carrying her to my room. I couldn’t be any happier.

After I made sure that my mate was comfortable, I covered her with the blanket and turned to my mom, who was smiling down at me.

I returned the gesture and hurriedly said, “Thank you, mom. I’ll stay with her now. You can go to dad and Jake now, and please tell them the good news.”

“Oh, I sure will.” She said as I heard the sound of a laughing tone. Of course, my mom won’t shut up about isn’t. She was happy that I found my mate just as much as me.

She turned around but looked at me over her shoulder just before she left the room. “I’m proud of you, son, for caring about your mate like that.” My smile widened.

She left the room, leaving me alone with my beautiful mate, much to my satisfaction. I wish she would open her eyes and look at me. I miss those mesmerizing blue eyes that captured my soul the very first time I saw them.

Gently patting her head and playing with her hair, fatigue soon caught up with me, and no longer after, I was in a deep sleep.