This was certainly not what I expected. I watched the Alpha for a few seconds, thinking that this was nothing but a joke and that he was going to start laughing any minute now, but he stared at me, waiting for a response. “Are you being serious?” He nodded, his eyes dancing with excitement as he kept looking at me. “Does it look like I’m joking?”“Well, it feels like it. I’m an omega, I can’t be your date. Especially at somewhere as extravagant as a royal ball. And you know that.”He chuckled lowly in return. “I’m not going to let the standards of the Elders run my life, Rue.”“Standards of the Elders? It’s the standards of almost every werewolf pack out there.” His gaze held mine, and a hint of defiance glimmered in his eyes. “Maybe it’s time someone challenges those standards, don’t you think? I don’t care about their rules. I care about what feels right.”I could not help but feel a sense of confusion and flattery. “But a royal ball, Zach? It’s not just about the pack; it’s abou
Sitting in a limo with Zach and Beta Mark, my heart was racing. I was just an omega and an orphan at that. I did not deserve this kind of lifestyle, I knew that. I also could not help but feel guilty that I had a better life now compared to the other omegas that had not escaped Mother Teresa’s evil grip. I had promised them that I was going to help; that I was going to come back for them. But here I was, in a limo that could buy me, on my way to a royal ball. A freaking royal ball! So you see, it was a bittersweet experience. When the luxurious car came to a stop, the door was opened for us. I knew that Cassie wanted to kill me. I could still remember the look of pure anger on her face when she stormed away after finding out that I was the Alpha’s date. Since then, I have not laid an eye on her. She did not ride with us in the limo, so maybe she had decided to just stay at the Villa. As for Beta Mark, when he found out that I was Zach’s date, all he did was remind the alpha of my
Zach escorted me to a table but before he could even sit down, he was called to join a group of guys that seemed very important. They wanted some alone time with the Alpha. Me, already being on edge about where I was, sat in the chair by the table. Not wanting to seem out of place even though I already felt that way, I reached for one of the glasses of champagne that sat on the table. It was light and when I sipped it, I did so very tentatively. It would be my first time trying something with alcohol. How did it taste?It tasted sweet and bubbly. There was no bitterness like I had thought. I really like how it tasted and I could not help but gulp down more than I knew I should have. In just one gulp, the glass was almost empty. “Honey, is there something wrong?” A woman soon joined me at the table. She had snow-white hair and her lips were painted a bright red. She was aged but in a graceful way. I had a feeling that she was one of those rich snobs that treated people of low-rank
“Right?” Rebecca’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “People like us get it so easy, the minority might say. But the truth is that we don’t. I mean, power, wealth, and status are easy for us to come by. But love, that’s the real gem.” She flashed me a warm smile before taking more sips of her champagne. “That’s the precious jewel that sometimes never even comes for some of us,” She added. I did not know what to say. Maybe the truth would be better? Like, telling her that I am not like her or the others under this grand roof. I’m an omega. I’m what people in her class would call a low-class slump. “Well, Rebecca, I think everyone has their struggles, regardless of their status,” I began cautiously. “Love, like any other treasure, can be elusive for anyone. It’s really not solely about power, wealth, or status. It’s deeper, way deeper.” The woman nodded thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on mine. “You know…you’re even better than I thought. You’re not all beauty, and that is quite…r
The room fell into a stunned silence. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment and humility. Her words hung in the air like a venomous cloud, poisoning the atmosphere. Alpha Zach’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing at Cassie. Tension danced in the air as if the entire room was holding its breath, waiting for the next move. How could she do this to me? I mean, I knew not to put this past her, but still. Zach took a step forward, his voice firm, “Cassie, that’s enough. This is neither the time nor the place for this,” He warned. I could see the hardness in his eyes. But she was relentless. She continued, her voice amplified by the microphone, “Oh, but it is, Zach. It certainly is. Everyone deserves to know the truth about the company you’re keeping. Bringing a disgusting omega into our midst, parading her around as something that she is not, it’s just…it’s just disgraceful.” She chuckled and she flashed me a devious smile. I could feel t
Zach sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Fine, but I’m taking Rue with me.” He stood to his feet, gesturing for me to do the same. I hesitated, not wanting any more drama, but what choice did I have? I stood up, and followed Cassie and the Alpha through the corridor, past the room where the ball was held. Once they came to a stop, I did the same too. Two guards stood at the door, they opened it once they were aware that we desired to go into the room. As we walked in, I could already sense the tension. The first voice that I heard was all too familiar, it was that of Elder Robert. “Zackery Blackwood!” Zach had a bored look on his face as he gave the older guy a nod. “What’s the matter?”“What’s the matter? You are so…you are so stupid!” The Elder expressed himself, waving his arms around in frustration. “Are you secretly working with the Dark Crest Pack or something?” I could see the sudden rage appear in the Alpha’s eyes. “What the f*ck did you just say to me?” He took a few steps
Zach’s eyes held mine for a moment, a silent conversation passing between us. Then he looked away and said, “But…um…” “Consider this carefully, this leniency won’t come easily again, if ever,” Elder Robert explained. “If you agree to this, she won’t be sold to Darco, since that is what you are so concerned with,” Cassie added to the conversation, flipping her hair. “The investigation would be shut down per your request, which would mean that you would be upholding your deal with that old hag.” Did I want to go back? No! I did not want to go back to that hellhole. I could feel the chills run down my spine just thinking about returning. That life was torture, plus it would be way worse considering all the trouble I have caused Mother Teresa. I’d rather die than go back. But if the Alpha decides to send me back, would I even have any choice? “And how about Darco? He should pay for breaking the truce. He has no right to be involved in the affairs of my pack,” Zach demanded. “He was
Then, breaking the silence, Zach cleared his throat. “Rue, can I come in?” He asked softly, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability that I had not heard before. I swallowed, and then stepped back, allowing him entry into my room. As he walked in, I could not help but notice the tension in his broad shoulders. It was the opposite of his usual confident demeanor, at least to me. He walked deeper in and sat on the edge of the bed, his hands clasped together as if grappling with his thoughts. I closed the door, my heart racing with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. I wanted to hear what he had to say. Yeah, I mean, I had already heard him agree with the Elders. But maybe Cassie was right, maybe he had a plan to make all of this turn around for me. I was clinging to that hope with all that I had. When he did not say anything for a few seconds, I decided to speak. “Alpha Zach, what’s going on?” I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. I waited with bating brea