CHAPTER ONE

Lyra’s POV 

I shivered slightly as I was out alone in the woods running for away from the Lycans who had emerged out of nowhere. I tried to look back, but I was just too scared unsure of what would happen to me if I did. 

Watching my entire pack destroyed right before me was something I wasn’t sure I’d be able to forget for the rest of my life, but there was no room to mourn at that moment as my safety was the most important thing to me.

I hugged myself as the night’s cold bit into my tender flesh. It was too cold for me. My clothes were also torn, the material worn thin, and they were not fit enough to keep the cold away, but they did nothing to dim my obvious beauty.

 Everyone always said I looked nothing like my mother, and of course, they were right. While my mother was quite tall for a woman, I was small, barely up to five feet, with small bones and petite features.

But that wasn’t all that made me different from my mother. My mother was a fully realized Luna and was one of the most powerful in the entire blood moon pack. But me, I was just that werewolf who had never morphed into her wolf form since I was born. 

Everyone had believed I was going to be just like my mother when I was born, but when time started going by, and I wasn’t showing any signs of my wolf side, I became an outcast. My step-father and other top members of the pack saw me as a failure and would always tell me that I would never amount to anything. 

The only person who believed in me was my mother, but then as I watched them transform into wolf forms to defend my pack against the bloodthirsty Lycans that had appeared out of nowhere, I couldn’t but agree that they were right.

While those bloodthirsty Lycans was slaughtering members of my pack, including my mother, all I could do was run away, leaving them to die without mercy.

“Run away, Lyra,” My mother had said as she pushed me into the dark and cold night. “We are all counting on you,” I cried as we bid each other farewell, and when I turned around, the Lycans had outnumbered her and with tears in my eyes, I had run away.

Running out of breath, I stood, now praying to the moon that these Lycans won’t pick up my scent and find me. My lungs were already too tired to continue, and my feet were already becoming too heavy.

“Now we’ve picked all we need to work in the woods, We just need to find this Luna and return to the pack before these Lycans show up and feast on us,” I heard someone say few meters from where I was standing.

“And then I thought you were the brave one,” one of them said.

“Bravery doesn’t mean I’ll have to sacrifice myself,” another chipped in. “If not for this curse that had come upon the werewolf clan, this is just the perfect night to be with a mate in bed. How I wish I can just meet one female in these woods, and just satisfy this burning desire within me,”

“How can you be thinking of such a thing when we’re in the middle of chaos? We just need to find this Luna and restore Skytop to its original state. After that, we can think of mates and women,”

 “But that doesn’t mean that if I find any female in these woods, I wouldn’t make her mine,”

“You’d better stop dreaming. No one is out here in these woods except us,”

My heart slammed in my chest, as fear slammed against my heart. I had never known what it was like to sleep next to a male before. I had never even been kissed before!

Tears stung my eyes at an awful thought . . . what if they find me and decide to force themselves on me?

There was no time to think. I needed a place to hide – a little to my left were some boxes that were stacked upon one another. All I had to do was creep inside one and hide till they had left and then, I’d creep out and keep running.

I felt relieved as I crept in without being detected, but my relief soon turned to dismay as the Werewolves suddenly walked up to the boxes. 

 “Some of us should take these boxes back to the estate, while the rest of us will go ahead to look for Emyralsa. We hope we are able to find her soon enough and put an end to this curse.”

I suppressed a sneeze, trying to breathe inside the box as I felt the box she was in being lifted from the floor.

I tried to count the minutes – or hours I spent scrounged up in the box, but in spite of my awkward position, I soon fell asleep. When I woke up, I was still in the box and soon, I had a feeling it had been placed on the floor. 

“Alpha Jared, these are the boxes you asked us to get you.” 

Alpha Jared! My heart slammed against my chest for the second time that day as my pulse quickened. 

 “And Emyralsa? Did you find her?” I heard the Alpha ask the Werewolves who had brought me in.

I shivered violently, even though inside of the box was stuffy and hot. I soon found it was impossible for me to breathe.

My lungs burned, and my muscles screamed, but I knew I had to remain still, and hope that the Alpha doesn’t request for the boxes to be opened, so I could slip away the moment they leave. 

The darkness in the box made me feel like I was seeing Snow flurries whip around me like needles. Just then, I felt someone opening the box I was in.

I gasped as the light filtered through the box and then a massive figure stepped forward.

Alpha Jared!

CHAPTER TWO

Lyra’s POV 

“Is this a joke?” 

The Alpha’s voice was low, barely above a whisper, but everyone in the room heard. The force of it, the power within his voice could not be denied.

Even if I was almost scared to death from the way he looked at me, my fear wasn’t just enough to take my eyes off him. Something about him was so magnetic, it seemed to pull me in. He was by far the most handsome male I had ever seen. His features seemed so handsome, he appeared to have been sculpted. 

He was dressed a grey shirt that was only half buttoned, displaying a very powerful steel – like chest. The grey only seemed to enhance his ruthlessness, add more to his already dangerously handsome look, and I couldn’t help but wonder how on earth someone could be so handsome.

His unreadable pale grey eyes bore into mine, set within a well chiseled face that bore no expression at all. I suddenly shivered as I realized that unlike me who’s emotions always got mirrored in my facial expression, I had no way of knowing what the Alpha was thinking.

“Can no one answer me?” He asked again, but the room remained deathly quiet. “I sent you to find a powerful Luna from the Blood moon pack and you brought me this! Is this some kind of joke?”

“We did not mean to bring the girl to you, we don’t even know how she got into the box.” One of the Werewolves said, stepping forward. “She must have been one of the few survivors,”  

“And so you decided to smuggle her in for yourself?” The Alpha accused.

“No! I swear it. I think she crawled into the boxes herself.”

I remained on the cold floor, my knees arching against the rough stone. I wanted to speak, to explain why I crawled into the box, but my throat felt constricted, as though an invisible hand held it tightly.

My pulse thundered in my ears, and my gaze was locked on the Alpha’s piercing eyes. They weren’t just pale; they were chilling, like shards of ice that threatened to pierce through my soul. His unreadable expression only heightened my unease.

“Do you have something to say?” The Alpha asked as he walked up to stand in front of me. I shivered as he got even closer so that I could feel the heat radiating from his powerful body. He lifted a hand and brushed it casually over my lips, and I trembled, but when I looked into his pale grey eyes, I thought I saw anger.

“Speak girl. Did you crawl into the box yourself?”

The weight of his gaze was unbearable, but I forced myself to nod. My voice, when I managed to speak was barely audible. “I…I didn’t know where else to go,”

The same hand that had touched my lips inched lower to circle my throat, and I could feel my pulse quicken and my throat tighten, until it was impossible for me to breathe. 

For some reason, I felt tears sting my eyes again, and then spill over as the Alpha jacked me to himself, not gently so that I tripped, stumbled, and would have fallen if he hadn’t caught me in his arms.

“So, you’re saying you sought refuge in a box that was meant for my territory? But why?” He asked, as he pulled me closer, not gently but forcefully like he was about ripping my muscles from my bones.

My body tingled all over, and I felt so overwhelmed, I thought I was going to faint. There was something just so powerful about his aura that made my knees go weak, but I knew I had to say something—anything that could make the Alpha spare me.

“My pack was attacked by Lycans, and I alone survived,”

“The curse….” A ripple of murmurs erupted from the other werewolves who had brought me in.

“What curse?” I imagined within me. 

“You know what?” The Alpha smirked, as he pulled me close more forcefully. ”You’re either very brave or incredibly foolish. I haven’t decided which it is yet,”

“I had no other choice,” I struggled to reply. “If you want to kill me go ahead, but don’t blame me for trying to stay alive,”

A sharp intake of air rippled through the room causing my hands to tremble at my side. I had no idea what had possessed me to speak so boldly, but I couldn’t take it back now.

“You’ve got some guts you know,” The Alpha tightened his grip around my neck. “But I’m sorry, this guts won’t save you,”

I thought that was it—that I had sealed my fate. But instead of giving an order to have me killed, he pulled back a bit from her and laughed. His laughter was harsh, without mirth, and something about it increased my fear, as I trembled slightly. Then as if sensing my vulnerability, his expression seemed gentler.

His fingers skimmed over my face, seeking and slowly stroking nerve points, his eyes watched mine tremble at his every touch. His fingers were so experienced, knowing where and how much to caress.

I blushed hotly as I could suddenly feel my body yearn for him, that I suddenly wanted him to mount on me right there, and make me his. His little finger gathered a tear that had slipped down her eyes to rest at the top of my lips. Gathering the sparkling drop, he smeared it slowly over the curve of my lips and blew it gently dry.

Without saying anything to me anymore, he turned to address the rest of the Werewolves who had brought in the boxes. They all stood, stricken at the spot with fear. There was something about the Alpha that made him so unpredictable—gentle one instant, and cruel the next.

Remaining silent for a while, his pale grey eyes scanned the males, then he turned around to go. “Take the other boxes to my chambers,” He commanded.

“And what about the girl?” One of the males asked.

“Tie her up in my bedroom.” He replied without a backwards glance.

CHAPTER THREE

Lyra’s POV

The room’s walls seem to be collapsing right on top of me. I realized I was trapped as soon as the doors slammed shut. According to what I could see the Alphas quarters are surprisingly—I must say incredibly—clean for someone with such wild and undeveloped abilities. What struck me most was how eerily everything was kept even though the wooden furniture was immaculately polished and the curtains and everything else were spotless. For the beast I had just encountered its chamber was completely different from what I had anticipated.

Fear gripped me and my heart was in a fierce storm. I was unable to stop pacing the silent room which made me extremely careful to avoid making noise on the polished floor with every step. My heart was pounding and I could hear every beat of it thundering to my chest and my stomach was growling with fear and rage. I have always known that like all living things on Earth I will die someday but I never thought it would be as a prisoner imprisoned in a room.

“No I will not allow that to occur. I will leave this place at all costs” I muttered.

Right on schedule the creaking of the door jolted me out of my reverie and made my heart skip a beat. My heart stopped when I saw the tall man's frame filling the doorway his eyes squinting into mine as if he could see right through me. In an attempt to regain my composure, I gave him a few winks. I couldn’t let him see through me but every muscle in my body froze. I was clearly tense but I kept eye contact I can't admit my weakness to him. He moved closer yet. The only way I could keep my cool at this point was to keep eye contact even though I felt like the ground should have already opened and swallowed what was left of me.

The Alpha gaze swept over me evaluating me as if I were a property he was going to acquire. He curled his lips into a smirk. 

“Let me guess I just interrupted your thoughts on ways you can try to escape?”  he asks mockingly as he folds his arm and looks down at me with an expression that agitated me and chilled my blood. I said nothing because I really didn’t have to answer. 

“Well attempting to get away from me is pointless anyway. You must know that you're now my plaything and there’s really no getting away from me” he added in a tone that seemed unimportant. “If you still have any energy left, you should reserve it because it’s useless and a complete waste of time”

 Those words struck me hard but I continued to remain silent and turned my head away. Being satisfied with him knowing that his words had an impact on me is the last thing I need. He can blab all he wants because I am positive that I was never going to be his plaything.

As I glanced around the room I noticed a sword leaning against the wall its blade glinting in the faint light from the chandelier above. My thoughts were racing. I had no other choice but it was a risky move. With my heart pounding in my chest I sprinted over to it snatched up the hilt and withdrew it from its sheath. For a while I stood there feeling a strange sense of comfort from the cool metal in my hands. I had to try even though I wasn’t a fighter in the conventional sense. He needed to understand that I wasn’t someone who should be treated in this manner. My voice was trembling but fierce as I said “If I have to I’ll kill you. I promise that if you don’t let me go you will regret it”.

A smirk never left Alpha Jared’s face as his lips quirked. When I aimed the sword at him he didn’t even bat an eye. Rather he approached me with deliberate fluid steps resembling a predator closing in on its victim. His tone was gentle and almost derisive as if my remarks were a child’s outburst.

“You think you can threaten me with a sword?” he asked. I stepped back trying to steady my shaking hands while my heart raced. Even though I had no idea how to hold it correctly I refused to let him see that. “Avoid getting any closer” I pleaded my voice ragged with despair. I really do mean it. His low laugh made my spine tingle.

“You have courage. I’ll give it to you". He caught me before I could react. In an instant he yanked the sword out of my hands as his hand shot out before I could blink. His strength overshadowed me and made me stagger backward. I fell with a loud thump as my feet slipped on the smooth floor knocking the air out of my lungs. Jared was already standing over me his shadow looming large and I gasped trying to push myself up. Now that he had the sword in his hands he was observing me with a mix of darker humor and amusement. With a low menacing voice, he said “You’re not the first to try this and you definitely won’t be the last either".

With a casual toss of the sword as though it were merely an inconvenience he stepped back. I could see the glimmer of amusement in his eyes which never left mine but there was something darker going on beneath it. With my hands trembling and my body hurting from the fall I forced myself to my knees. I was determined to persevere. Not at this time. The fear that seized my chest however was unavoidable given my helplessness in the face of him.

“You’re not leaving" Jared added in a tone as icy as ice “The earlier you begin to accept, the better for both of us" He exhaled with a pause for a minute “ You are now mine, Lyra". I took a deep breath feeling the impact of what he had said. How much more of this I could handle was uncertain to me. The fear and the helplessness. One thing was certain though. This was not the end of it. Wouldn’t allow it to end this way.

CHAPTER FOUR

Lyra’s POV

The room was oppressively quiet and the weight of what had just transpired hung in the air. My mind was racing from the encounter with Jared and my body was still hurting from the fall. It was obvious to him that I was merely a prisoner and a plaything for his entertainment. But couldn’t help but be drawn in by something alluring and dangerous about him. The door creaked open again and this time it wasn’t Jared who entered. Couldn’t tell how long I lay there lost in my thoughts. A woman stepped in her footsteps not loud enough to be heard on the shiny floor. Her fluid movements and elegant demeanor suggested that she carried herself with a quiet dignity. Her eyes were a deep blue that seemed to pierce me as she looked in my direction and her silver hair was glistening like moonlight. Couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of warmth in the harsh cold room when she smiled softly and with a kind expression.

“Hello."She said in a gentle and comforting voice. “My name is Susan. Still on the ground and with sore muscles from the previous encounter I blinked. Despite my tight throat I was able to nod slightly.

“My name is Lyra”. I responded

Susan stepped forward her eyes calm but not threatening. I felt a connection to her. She didn’t seem to have the same air of authority as Jared, she felt more safe. She squatted next to me her fingers grazing the back of my hand as though to comfort me.

“Lyra I’ve heard a lot about you". She gave an understanding smile that sent a bit of relief down my spine. “ Jared" she gave a pause as she noticed my face flinched at the mention of his name. “Jared, he isn’t always the best at making a good impression".

Her words left me unsure of how to interpret them. To say that Jared, the man who had imprisoned me in this room like a prisoner and who had almost killed me with his touch didn’t make a good first impression would be an understatement.

"Why?" I couldn’t help but ask "Why is he like that?". Susan laughed softly the sound was cozy and reassuring like the soft springtime breeze that rustles through the trees. It was difficult to accept her relationship with someone as heartless and icy as Jared.

"He wasn’t always like that. Jared was once softer and more dependable. However, I suppose it’s difficult to blame him for who he is now given everything he’s been through’ ’She said her eyes briefly averting as if recalling something from a long time ago I scowled as I tried to comprehend what she had said. "Had Jared—so aloof and cold—once been someone else?" I thought as It was difficult to believe. "He’s been through a lot hasn’t he?". I questioned with an understanding tone.

Susan’s gaze met mine. "More than you might think. He lost everything. His pack and family. everything that ever mattered to him. And he has suffered because of the curse that plagues our kind." The impact of her words hit me hard as I swallowed. "Jared had lost everything?" Although, the idea didn’t lessen his terrifying appearance but it did offer me a glimpse of the person he might have been before the darkness took over. ‘Why is he like this now? What makes him so ruthless?". ’I said quietly but curiously.

Susan puts a hand on my shoulder as her smile grew softer. "He’s upset Lyra. He is furious with himself and the world. On the inside though he remains the same person he was. It’s simply hidden beneath all of the acts he’s wearing". I was at a loss for words. Susan who knew Jared better than anyone told me that there was more to him than the monster I had seen despite the fact that I had personally witnessed Jared’s cruelty.

Susan went on her voice soft "Be patient with him, he can still be saved You’ll eventually see his bright side."

" His bright side?" I questioned. As much as I am trying to understand Susan, I can’t help but find it hard to make sense out of what she is saying. As Susan gazed at me with a compassionate and understanding expression I couldn’t help but wonder if she was right.  "After all, how could there be any bright side to a man who had treated me like a piece of property? Is there anything more to Jared than the icy vicious Alpha I had encountered?"

Susan was really convincing and I really want to believe her, however the emotional and physical harm I had endured at his hands was still very much present. "Could I truly see through that? Could I uncover the man behind the rage and the hardness?" I had a doubts. But I sensed a glimmer of hope for some reason. a tiny flimsy hope that things might improve with any luck. I said in a whisper more to myself than to Susan "I’ll try; I’ll try to be open to this little hope I feel inside of me". Susan smiled gently at me a look of something like compassion shining in her eyes.

"Lyra that is all I have to ask. Just keep in mind that sometimes those who need love the most are the hardest to love". I couldn’t help but experience a peculiar sense of relief as her words lingered in the air. Perhaps this was a more complicated situation than I initially believed. I might be able to survive here if I could figure out the big puzzle; ‘Jared’ even if it takes some time". Susan got to her feet smoothing down the fabric of her gown. "I’ll let you rest. Know that I’m available to you in case you need anything". She says, heading to the door.

With my heart heaving from the weight of everything that had transpired I nodded. I couldn’t deny that Susan’s words had given me something to cling to even though I had no idea what lay ahead. A glimmer of hope in a world that had appeared so gloomy all of a sudden. As she left the room thoughts of Jared and my uncertain future of a world that seemed to be collapsing around me lingered, but I gave myself to think that perhaps, just possibly, things could improve in time.