Chapter 1

SERENA’S POV

Moans, a pleasure driven cry echoing in a secret room. I was with him, Derek, my mate. But these sounds weren’t coming from me.

He groaned from satisfaction, but I wasn’t touching him either. No, his pleasure came from Cora, his prostitute wolf. And I was forced to watch them.

I was bound to a chair in the corner, watching them mate. Every thrust, every pleasured gasp from Derek, ached me. It was a violation, a reminder of my inability to do nothing, except watch.

I watched as Cora sucked him out, deep throating him until she turned red. I watched how roughly Derek handled her. Pulling and grabbing her hair like she was a still object.

I was unable to bear the pain of watching my mate mate with Cora, so I squeezed my eyes shut. Suddenly, the sounds ceased, replaced by a satisfied grunt from Derek.

My heart raced as I scented Derek slowly approach me. He forcefully took me by the jaw and demanded that I opened my eyes.

“Look at me, Omega," he sneered.

I forced my eyes open, meeting his cold hazel gaze. He towered over me, wearing a cruel amusing look on his face.

"Disrespectful, were we?" he snarled.

I didn't answer. What was the point? Fueling his anger would only bring me more pain. He let out a humorless laugh before grabbing a whip coiled at his waist.

“This is what happens, when you disrespect your alpha."

He struck leather whip against my exposed back. I screamed, and he struck me again, and again, until my vision was blurred by my own tears.

“Never. Close. Your. Eyes. Again!" he yelled between each lash.

“No closing your fucking eyes, Omega!" He yelled again, this time he lowered himself to my level. "You will watch, and you will learn your fucking place!!"

Now, I was furious. Gathering a glob of spit, I launched it at Derek with all the force I could muster. It landed with a wet plop on his boot, a pathetic attempt at rebellion that only seemed to amuse him.

"Still defiant, Omega?" he chuckled.

I screamed, "Just break the damn bond, you coward! I'd rather be a rogue than your slave!"

He took the whip once more and struck me hard against my already wounded back.

“Silence, Omega!" Derek roared. "Disobeying your mate is a crime punishable by worse than a few lashes."

“And I will not tolerate such thoughts.” he added. "You're nothing but a slave, and slaves don't get a fucking say!"

He wasn’t entirely right, of course. Since I had only obtained my wolf form without completing the shift, I was relegated to an Omega.

While other teenagers spent their days learning, socializing, living, I was here, chained to a life of servitude. But that didn't mean I had to accept my fate.

Fortunately for me, Cora interrupted his field day.

“Now, now, Derek," Cora purred, her scarlet lips stretched into a smile. "Is this how you treat your mate?" She glanced at me, all battered up and broken.

Derek scoffed. “She's no mate. Just an Omega who can't even shift properly."

"Ah, but isn't that what makes it all the more...interesting?" Cora's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Maybe the Lycan King wouldn't mind having a...different kind of Luna."

Derek's face hardened. "Don't be ridiculous, Cora. The King's laws are absolute. An Alpha can never reject their mate based on choice or personal whim.”

"But he can if his mate betrays him first." Cora stated with a sly smile.

She turned to me. "But of course, our dear Serena wouldn't dream of such a thing, would she?"

My jaw clenched tight. Dream of betraying Derek? I lived for it. Every agonizing hour, every cruel blow, fueled my hatred for him.

Cora then shrugged. "Just a thought, Alpha. Besides, you do know you can't keep beating her like this. The Lycan King arrives tomorrow, and you don't want him to see her in such a state, do you?"

“Imagine the disgrace if he saw her looking like a beaten dog." Cora added as she pointed towards my bloodied back.

The message was clear to Derek. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement.

"Fine," he grumbled. "Clean yourself up, and also clean up the floors too Omega. It reeks of cum.”

“Tomorrow, the King arrives. You wouldn't want to make a bad impression, now would you?" He added.

Cora burst out laughing, while Derek took her by the waist and led her out the door. The heavy slam of the door made me flinch. The room was filthy mess.

But as long as I survived another night, another test of Derek's cruelty, I was beyond grateful.

I pushed myself off the cold stone floor, wincing at the ache in my back. There was a bucket of stagnant water and a rough rag in the corner, those were the pathetic tools I was expected to use to erase the evidence of their intimacy.

After hours of thorough cleaning, I took a deep breath. I limped out of the room and headed towards the building that was once my parents' home.

Derek had ensured it was now a ruin. Yet, even in its ruined state, I still harbored deep affection for it.

Stepping inside, I ran a hand across the dusty surface of a wooden table, memories flooding back. Here, I remember telling my parents about having a normal school life, a dream that had now been dashed the moment Derek took me in his pack.

This was my parents' haven, a place of laughter and love before Derek ruined it.

I fell on my knees. Derek had stolen more than my freedom; he'd stolen my youth, my innocence.

"I won't die, Mother, Father," I whispered. "I will live on. I will exact my revenge on those who have wronged me. This pack, will rise again. I won’t let you down.”

Tomorrow, the Lycan King would arrive. The man who held absolute power over all werewolf packs. The man who, I desperately hoped, would be the key to my freedom.

Exposing Derek's cruelty, his disregard for the laws, his abuse of power – it was a gamble, a risky move that could backfire. But it was my only chance.

And as I stared into the faded eyes of my parents in a partly broken portrait, I was determined.

I wouldn't beg. I wouldn't plead. I would stand tall, hold my head high, and expose the truth about this pack, this Alpha, and the living nightmare they had forced upon me.

Chapter 2

ARDAN’S POV

Training days with my Beta Thorne, usually excited me. My moves were laser sharp and I’d always won every practice round. But today, my movements were sloppy, sluggish and my focus was scattered.

And because of that, it gave way for Thorne to land a blow on my arm, a feat that wouldn't have been possible on any other day.

Thorne froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "My King, I—"

I held up a hand, silencing him before he could launch into apologies. I was ashamed. "Leave me," I said.

Thorne hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowed in concern. "Are you certain, Your Majesty? Perhaps you should—"

"Alone," I repeated, my voice firmer this time.

With a silent bow, Thorne turned to leave, leaving me alone on the training grounds.

I headed for the bathroom. When I got there, I stripped off my sweat-drenched training clothes. My reflection in the mirror showed a man sculpted for power - broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw, dark hair. Yet, beneath the facade of strength, anxiety had me on edge.

The prophecy echoed in my mind. "Find your mate before your 30th moonrise. For if you remain unmated, your power will wane, and with it, your life."

The words were a constant reminder of the deadline, the curse that threatened not just my power, but potentially, my very existence.

Time was running out. I was 29, only a year left until the prophecy took effect.

Annually, I inspected the major packs to increase my chances of finding a mate. Every interaction, every inspection, were driven by the desperate search for the missing piece, my mate.

Now, with time against me, finding my mate was highly imperative.

A soft knock on the bathroom door startled me from my thoughts. "Enter," I called out.

The door creaked open, and a young Omega woman named Charlize entered. Her eyes widened at the sight of my bare chest, I could see desire within them before she quickly lowered her gaze.

She held out a ceremonial robe, her voice barely a whisper. "Your Majesty, I was instructed to help you prepare for the evening."

I gave her a curt nod.

“What would you like to wear tonight, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

I glanced at the various garments laid out. I wasn’t interested. None of it mattered. Tonight was about finding a solution, not making a fashion statement. "It doesn't matter," I replied curtly.

“Leave it on the bed," I instructed, my voice far from warmth.

I could tell she was disappointed, but she quickly by it with forced smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

I recognized the subtle attempt at seduction. I felt disdain towards her. Omegas – weak, powerless, forever on the fringes of pack hierarchy. They were about as useful as a decorative flower in a battle.

Besides, fulfilling my sexual desires was meaningless right now. It wouldn’t solve my problems. In fact, it might even weaken me further.

"That will be all," I said firmly. Without another word, she bowed and left me to be.

After I had changed into better clothes, I headed for the dinning room to join my parents. The aroma of roasted boar and fresh herbs greeted me as I entered the grand dining hall.

A long table stretched across the room, decorated with candles and assorted meals. My parents, King Edmund and Queen Daisy, sat at the head of the table, their faces etched with worry and anticipation.

"Ardan, there you are," my mother said, her voice laced with relief. "We were beginning to worry."

I pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Ardan," My mother said, her voice laced with worry. "You look troubled. Training take its toll today?"

I forced a smile. "Just a long day, Mother. Nothing to worry about."

Shortly, my father asked. “Is everything alright for tomorrow's inspection?"

I forced a smile again. "Everything is in order, Father. I am prepared to meet Derek and his pack."

"Excellent," my father boomed. "Derek seems like a promising prospect. We've heard good things about his pack, and the ladies there are said to be quite the beauty."

"Derek's leadership is commendable," I agreed, choosing my words carefully, "but what if I’m not compatible with her. What if I don’t like what I see."

My mother's brow furrowed. "Compatibility and true love is important, of course." she said, "But so is your life. "

My mother was right, I was running out of time to be thinking about the perfect mate. It wasn't just any mate I needed; it had to be the one destined by the Moon Goddess. And I can’t reject her.

"Perhaps," I continued, "we shouldn't limit our options solely to Derek's pack. There are other unclaimed females who might also be worthy."

My father let out a frustrated sigh. "Ardan, you've been inspecting packs for a year now. Every promising lead has come to nothing. The prophecy hangs heavy over us all. We can't afford to be picky."

His words cut deep. One year. That's all I had left before the curse took hold, before my power waned.

"I understand, Father," I replied, my voice a low rumble.

The burden of the prophecy was mine to bear alone. Discussing the details, the possibility of failure, felt like inviting defeat.

First thing in the next morning, I took a drive to Alpha Derek’s pack. As I arrived, the welcoming party of Derek's pack gathered before my car.

Derek himself stood at the forefront, a broad grin plastered on his face. His eyes, however, held something akin to nervousness, a stark contrast to the usual arrogance I'd come to expect.

I stepped out of my car, "King Ardan," Derek boomed, extending a hand in greeting. "We are honored by your presence. Please, come in, make yourself comfortable."

I clasped his hand. "Alpha Derek," I responded, my voice polite but firm. "Thank you for your hospitality. I trust your preparations are complete for the inspection."

"Everything is in order, Your Majesty," Derek assured me, his smile disappearing for a second. "May I introduce you to some of our pack members?"

He gestured towards a group of wolves standing behind him, their faces were mixed with curiosity and trepidation. I nodded, engaging in polite conversation, all the while searching for a specific face.

But, when I noticed the girl, the one who held the title of Derek's mate, was absent, I asked.

"Derek, I notice your mate isn't present. Is she indisposed?"

Derek's smile vanished completely, replaced by a grimace. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around as if seeking an escape route.

"I don’t know where she is," he said.

My suspicions flared. Derek wasn't a good liar. The nervous glances exchanged among the pack members only fueled my unease.

A mate was a vital part of an Alpha's power structure. Her absence, especially if unexplained, spoke volumes.

"Derek," I continued, my voice low and firm, "the absence of your mate during an official inspection is… unusual, to say the least. Would you care to elaborate?"

Derek opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He seemed trapped.

"Perhaps," I said, leaning closer, "I can be of assistance. Is there something troubling you regarding your mate’s absence? If there's been an incident, a threat, I want to assure you that the resources of the Lycan King are at your disposal."

Hope shone in Derek's eyes. He hesitated once more, then leaned in. "It's Serena. My mate. My beta told me she doesn’t want to be disturbed."

“Let’s find her then.” I said.

Chapter 3

SERENA’S POV

A throbbing ache in my neck yanked me awake. I blinked open my eyes, the unfamiliar room coming into focus. Where was was I? I looked around the room before looking down at my body.

I began to panic as I realized I was lying naked in a bed – a bed that wasn't mine. What the fuck….

Glancing beside me, I found a muscular werewolf still asleep. Taking a deeper look I realized it was Joshua, a young member from Derek's pack who I had seen a few times before.

My blood ran cold. If anyone came in I would a walking corpse. But I don’t remember how I ended up here. Had Derek… No, that couldn't be right.

"Joshua?" I croaked, my voice was hoarse.

He bolted upright as if stung and his eyes widened with terror. "Serena! What…what happened?"

I narrowed my gaze, my brows were furrowed, “I don’t know you tell me!” I yelled.

But before he could offer any further explanation, the door to the room slammed open. Leading the surge was Derek, his face was masked with fake fury.

Close behind him stood the Lycan King. Following them were Cora, and several other pack members.

The sight of them, especially the King's presence, sent shivers down my spine. "What is the meaning of this?" I stammered, desperately trying to pull the flimsy sheet over my bare body.

Derek didn't waste a moment. With a theatrical gasp, he stumbled forward, clutching his side as if he was in pain. "You… you treacherous bitch! You ask not to be disturbed only to find you in bed with another man that isn’t me!" he roared.

He turned to the Lycan King. "Your Majesty, I present to you the evidence of my mate’s treachery. After years of devoted service, she has chosen to betray me with another."

My jaw dropped. Treachery? Mate? The audacity of it all made me want to scream. Since when did Derek care about me? Since when did he ever consciously refer to me as his mate.

My eyes darted to the Lycan King, desperately searching for a shred of disbelief. I wanted him to see me for my innocence, but his expression remained stoic.

Cora, however, stepped forward to add more fuel to the already blazing fire.

"It's no surprise, Your Majesty," she purred. "Serena has always been…troubled. In fact, she carries a terrible curse. Alpha Derek, in his infinite kindness, chose to claim her. But it seems, her true nature has prevailed."

The room began to spin. Curse? Claimed? The lies twisted my head. I tried to speak, to defend myself, but the words wouldn't come. My voice was lost in their lies.

“Derek, I—" I began, my voice trembling. But he cut me off with a snarl.

“Silence!" He grabbed me by the arm, his grip tight enough to leave bruises. "Explain yourself to the King!"

I jerked my arm away, I was furious. "Explain what? I don't even know what's going on!"

These weren't trials or accusations; it was a play, a carefully crafted narrative designed to destroy me.

Desperate for any shred of support, I looked at Joshua, who sat frozen on the other side of the bed, his face covered with fear and guilt.

I was alone, a pawn in a game, and the odds were stacked impossibly high against me.

The Lycan King stepped forward. "Calm yourselves, Alpha Derek. Let the woman speak." He turned to me. "Serena, what is your story?"

***

ARDAN’S POV

Tears welled up in Serena’s eyes as I watched her explained. "I…I don't know how I got here. I woke up like this, with him beside me!" She gestured towards Joshua.

"She lies!" Cora yelled.

Just then, a strange fragrance filled the air, subtle yet undeniably pleasant. It clung to the sheets. The sweet scent came from Serena. Could it be? Could Serena, the Omega be my destined mate?

I quickly dismissed the ridiculous notion. Besides, Serena's behavior showed no hint of recognition and I had no desire to have an omega as a mate.

“Your Majesty," Derek said. "I am at a loss. It appears Serena is not fit to be my mate anymore. Please, I’m asking you to grant me permission to reject her as my mate."

“Hold on, Alpha Derek," I interjected. "Rejection is a serious matter. It cannot be based on mere accusations."

I reminded Derek that a partner's betrayal, while it stings like a broken rib, because I know how scarce partners are, I wanted Derek to be cautious.

"But the evidence is clear!" Cora immediately screamed.

Serena, however, remained silent. Finally, after a moment of agonizing silence, she spoke, her voice surprisingly steady. "I accept Alpha Derek's rejection."

Hearing those words from Serena, my head snapped in her direction. she didn’t look like she cared about whatever babbling Derek was doing in the background. she looked up to stare at me, and I felt all the air in my lungs get knocked out.

Something in Serena's eyes was pulling me in, and I couldn’t break the gaze away. different emotions bubbled inside me, first, it was the strange sweet smell, and now it’s this enchanting stare that seems to captivate me. it was like she was the only person in the room.

I was stunned; I had expected outrage. especally since she was insisting she was innocent before. Instead there were no pleas, nor desperate denials. Just a quiet acceptance.

“Her actions are a clear betrayal, a threat to the safety of my people." Derek added, interrupting our staring contest. I used that moment to break the eye contact and pretended like I didn’t feel a shift in the energy.

"So be it," she stated, her voice firm despite the tears threatening to fall in her eyes. "If this pack holds no place for me, then I will find my place elsewhere."

And then, it happened. The moment the rejection was complete, I felt something different in the room. A bond forming with a speed that defied logic.

The connection slammed into me, a pull that anchored me to the woman standing before me, her eyes now wide with shock.

The change in her expression was insane. The pain and anger that had simmered moments ago was replaced by a confusing realization.

"What…what's happening?" She stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

I stared at her, disbelief warring within me. Lost in my thoughts, I asked myself, could it be? Could this Omega truly be my…mate?

Surely, the prophecy couldn't be so cruel, so illogical.

“Well then, she has accepted the rejection.” Derek's said. “Take her away. She'll find her place in the dungeon.”

Before I could formulate a response, Derek's Beta with a sneer plastered on his face, lunged towards Serena. “This traitor deserves punishment!”

With that said, the beta's whip was about to land on serena's face.

Before I could even consider the consequences, I reacted. With a speed that surprised even myself, I lunged forward, grabbing Derek’s beta by his arm and effortlessly throwing him across the room.

He slammed into the wall with a heavy thud, coughing from the painful impact. Everyone fell silent. Serena's eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape with surprise. Derek and Cora stared at me, wearing a disbelief look on their faces.

No one," I yelled, "touches her."

Chapter 4

ARDAN’S POV

Derek did not fail to hide the confusion on his face. Why would the Lycan King, the most powerful shifter alive, intervene on a mere omega’s behalf? I ignored the stunned faces around me, focusing solely on the face sitting upright on the bed.

“Put your clothes on," I commanded.

My gaze then shifted to the wolf next to Serena on the bed, Joshua, I recalled. "And you," I said with a low snarl, "get out. Now."

Joshua didn't need telling twice. He scrambled off the bed, hastily and fearfully. Still, Serena remained covered in the sheet, using it as a flimsy shield to hide her nakedness.

Cora couldn't resist a disdainful snort. "Well, aren't you just the picture of grace," she said to Serena. "The Lycan King himself asks you to put some fucking clothes on, and here you are, clutching a sheet to your bare chest like a lost pup."

My head snapped towards Cora. "If you don't want to end up as a decoration on the wall like your beta," I warned, "learn to control your fucking tongue."

Cora wisely chose silence, a nod was her only reply. Turning back to the room, I cast a commanding look around. "Give her some space," I instructed.

One by one, the wolves left the room. Then, I turned to Derek. "Lead the way to your conference room," I ordered. "I have an announcement to make."

Derek was clearly puzzled by my unexpected behavior towards Serena. He could only nod numbly. “Of course, your majesty.” Then he pointed at Serena. “What about Serena? Would she be joining us?"

I didn't answer immediately, instead I let my gaze drift back to Serena. Her nudity was still hidden behind the sheet. Finally, I met her gaze with contempt in my eyes. "She can come," I agreed, "when she's decent."

Derek led me to his conference room. As we walked, he was still visibly trying to understand my earlier display of protectiveness towards Serena.

Hesitantly, he led me to the secluded corner in the conference room. Once the door shut behind us, he cleared his throat.

"If I may ask, your Majesty. What is this about?" Derek finally managed to ask. "You rarely grace my humble abode, and when you do, it's certainly not to intervene in my… personal affairs."

My eyes narrowed in a way that made Derek wriggle. "Let's just say," I said, "certain recent events have come to my attention."

Derek's face paled considerably. "Events?" he stammered, he panicked. "What events are you referring to, Your Majesty?"

"You mustn’t know everything.” I said curtly. “Now, shall we?” I gestured for him to take a seat at the large mahogany table that dominated the center of the room.

He sat in a chair, his gaze shifting between me and the other wolves who sat around us. I leaned back in the chair.

"After the banquet tonight," I finally spoke. "I will be taking Serena home."

Derek's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Home? But Your Majesty," he sputtered. “King Ardan," he continued, "a woman like Serena… she's not suitable for you. An omega, especially one of such… questionable repute, would tarnish your reputation."

“Don't worry yourself about that, Derek. Her place is with me."

My behavior defied any logic he could comprehend. Why would the Lycan King choose to sully himself with an omega who’s a prostitute?

“But Your Majesty," he began, "taking someone like… like Serena? Think of the headline, the scandal! A Lycan King with a… a…" He struggled to find a decent term, finally settling on, "a prostitute."

His concern for my reputation seemed less about genuine worry and more about a desperate attempt to keep something hidden.

“There are far better options available to you," Derek continued with eagerness. "Stronger, more… suitable companions."

Before I could respond, the door to the conference room creaked open, and a young woman waltz into the room. Her red dress clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination.

"Ah, Mirabeth," Derek greeted. "This is the Lycan King, Ardan. Mirabeth is one of my most… prized possessions."

My gaze remained fixed on Mirabeth as Derek gave me reasons as to why I should take Mirabeth with me instead. Her beauty was undeniable, yet I felt nothing for her.

“Enough!" I yelled.

Derek, sensing the anger in me, hastily backtracked. "Of course, Your Majesty," he stammered.

My eyes met Derek's head-on. "I’ve made my decision. You can take your... prized possession and leave," I commanded. "The banquet awaits."

Derek's face was filled with anger and humiliation, but he wisely chose not to argue. With a curt nod, he ushered Mirabeth out of the room. And once again, the door slammed shut behind them.

SERENA’S POV

I pulled on a simple dress, fumbling with the buttons on my dress. My mind, however, was far from the present. It drifted back to a time long ago, to a woman named Nana Willow.

She was an old she-wolf that had been my haven while growing up. Just then, a single, precious memory surfaced. Nana Willow, held out a small, intricately carved wooden box and pressed it into my hands.

"This is for you, little one," she had said with affection. "A gift from your parents. They wished for you to open it on your 20th birthday."

“Remember, Serena, this box must never be damaged. It holds great importance, and any harm to it will bring great disaster to the wolf pack."

The box was tucked away in a hidden pocket of my meager belongings and my heart ached at the memory. Three months. That's how long until my 20th birthday. Three months until I could understand whatever secret’s within the box. But would I even survive that long?

Just then, Derek entered my room, jolting me back to reality.

“So," he said with sarcasm, "all dressed up and ready to play princess for the Lycan king, are we?"

I remained silent, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.

He walked further into the room, eyeing me from head to toe. "Don't get any ideas, Serena," he sneered. "Just because the Lycan King took a fancy to you for a moment, doesn't mean he'll believe a word you say about me."

I wanted to talk back, but I quickly swallowed my words. Now wasn't the time for a fight. I couldn't risk Derek lashing out.

"I wouldn't dream of it," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.

He let out a chuckle. "Wise choice." His gaze shifted. "And don't forget," he continued. "I still have your parents' things. Try anything funny, and they might just 'accidentally' get misplaced."

His threats weren’t empty. I wanted to scream But I held it back, forcing myself to nod silently in submission.

Derek seemed satisfied with my reaction. With a final glare, he turned and headed back towards the door. As he reached for the knob, he looked over his shoulders. "Don't be late. The Lycan King wouldn't like to be kept waiting."