Swara’s POV
“We can’t be together. Except you reject her,” my heart broke into a thousand pieces hearing those words from her mouth.
I transformed into my wolf form and ran to the deep forest so I could cry in solitude. I wasn’t crying because of what she said. But I knew his answer already.
He was nodding in acceptance to what she said.
“Rejecting her is the best thing to do. Her wolf is weak. She can’t be useful to you. Moreso, you love me more than you love her. You are only fated to her. Therefore, you think you owe her one. That’s where you are wrong.” I could still hear her voice in the distance.
FLASHBACK
Like every normal day, I awoke before dawn and resumed my usual routine. It was my duty to make sure the maids performed their duty while I took over kitchen duties. Father loves my cooking. But I think it’s fair enough for me to cook since that’s my only usefulness to my family.
It was mentally draining waking up early to supervise the stubborn maids. They had since lost respect for me but I try to keep them under control. I dare not report them to Father or else that further proves how useless I could be. To not manage the maids and command their respect was a foul shame. As for cooking, no matter how good the food tastes, my mum thinks the salt is either too much or the food is soggy. There’s nothing I can do perfectly – even cooking.
“Even your sister who has spent more time on the battlefield than in the kitchen can cook better than this,” my mum will lash at me.
Surely I was an adopted child even though it was clear Saloni and I were twins.
As the norm, I was brewing coffee for my family. They all like some cream. And a little more for Saloni.
I was barely finished when my dad snatched one from my hand. “You are too slow. I think I will have a cup before it turns cold.”
I said nothing as I brought their breakfast, accompanied by two maids to arrange and serve the dishes.
I served his portion and his eyes barely left the news he was watching on TV. I managed a smile but I got dismissed. “You’re obstructing my view. Get done with it already.”
I frowned and swallowed the pain I felt.
It was my birthday.
He had forgotten once again.
But at least, he could say thank you for breakfast.
Oh no, he didn’t but rather complained I had not added vegetables to his meal.
“Good morning, Daddy. How was your night?” I had been waiting for him to wish me. But that was never going to happen.
“Morning. Have you made your sister’s cabbage juice? She needs it for strength. She will be meeting with the court officials later today.”
My father spoke ruffly.
That was a dismissal to go about blending some juice for her.
I came back with a cup for her. She grabbed it and gulped the whole thing.
“That was a bit bland. No strawberry this time?” Her saucy tone boiled my anger.
“Daughter, you’re a bit forgetful these days. That’s how you forgot to pack my clothes and left them drenched in the rain,” my father supported his daughter.
“I’m sorry Dad. I told the laundry maid to do that. But she called in sick.”
“Such lame excuse.” Saloni snapped at me.
Though a few minutes older, she looked way younger than me.
We were unidentical. She was the beauty and I was the best-looking sister. But my heart said differently.
I was kind. She was vicious and virile. Must be from years of fighting alongside Daddy. While I softened my heart with kitchen bowls and cooking utensils.
She is a tall and athletic daughter. I’ve got a tiny petite frame with green eyes.
Hers was icy blue with long curly hair.
My brown hair barely rested on my neck.
I was no better than her in beauty and accolades. But I made up for it with character and curves. Just like my mother who gave up the ghost years later.
Saloni was my father’s lookalike. I was mummy’s girl. I miss her.
I’ve got a step-mum who detested me.
“Saloni, here is your birthday gift.” Father kissed her hand and pulled her to himself for a warm embrace.
“I’m proud of you dear. That’s why I got you this pair of boots.”
They were fashion boots. I loved them.
I smiled hoping I’d get a gift too.
But it was then Father remembered he had not wished me.
“Swara, happy birthday to you too. Kindly help your sister wear her boots. I want to see how good she looks on them.”
I blinked back at the tears that were already pooling in my eyes.
“Thank you, Daddy. I love the boots. They are so pretty.” Saloni couldn’t hide her excitement as she screamed and did a shoulder dance. She looked cute when she did that. I could barely move my hips. I was that stiff. Just like a robot. Unlike my flexible twin sister.
I helped her wear her boots. “You look good in those, Sis.” I tried not to be jealous of her as I smiled dryly.
But she ignored me and turned to face our father.
“I can’t wait for my birthday party tonight Dad. Everyone is going to wish they were your daughter.”
“Stop screaming and let’s eat our breakfast in peace.” My stepmom quieted her.
She was hostile to everyone except my dad. But she couldn’t go so far as to bully Daddy’s favourite daughter. I was bullied.
“Let her be, my dear. It’s her day.” Alpha Miles intervened.
“Daddy thank you for everything. I love you.”
“I love you too, Saloni. You are more than ten sons to me.”
“I love you too Daddy.” I chipped in.
“I know you do,” was my dad’s curt response.
“Are you going to stand there or bring me the soup bowl?” My stepmom snagged.
I hurried to the refrigerator to honour her request. She scrunched her nose in disgust.
“Not this soup bowl. It’s the groundnut soup I need. Don’t provoke me this morning.” Kenzie, my stepmom was beginning to bark at me.
I was distraught and unhappy. Every morning, there was one thing or the other to shout at me for.
It’s been like this since the day I lost my mother at four.
And a part of me wishes to disappear into the woods or travel abroad.
But I’ve got no money.
Father hardly gives me pocket money. I only continue to enslave myself for this family and I’m given peanuts.
No one sees me. I’m left alone to nurse my pain.
As soon as they were done with breakfast, I was then allowed to eat my breakfast. I took what was left in the breakfast bowl like a dog scraping crumbs.
I was still eating when they left the house for pack duties, leaving me to enjoy my birthday in the kitchen.
As soon as Kenzie left (my stepmom was always the last person to step out of the house), I sneaked out of the house into the woods.
I had a cave as a hideout. I transformed into my wolf and set up a fireplace in the cave.
In the cave were a few books on military war strategies. They were my favourites from my father’s collection.
I loved to escape time by reading books.
Somehow, my mind disappeared into the thought of my dad’s powerful wolf form. It was large and distinctively red with dark blue eyes like Saloni’s. In his human form, my dad had green eyes like me. It had a grand physique and a terrifying frame.
My sister’s wolf was pure white like mine but bigger and more aggressive. Though it was smaller in size, her wolf was strong and beautiful.
Mine was weak but smart. My wolf was graceful and elegant. I wished she was as strong as my sister’s.
In earlier years, I practised martial arts and swordsmanship, but my wolf was no match for such rigour.
I did a lot of mind and body training, but Kalani remained weak.
I had seen a wolf therapist in secret using my little life savings. But that didn’t help either.
That therapist had been Alpha Bram, my fated mate. We kicked it off well in the beginning. He is my kindred spirit and the only comfort to the family rejection I face.
He is the reason I don’t give up training my wolf to be strong.
He gave me the idea of mental training.
He had told me to let Kalani be and advised me to resort to my father’s books on military war strategies.
I’m happy to have met Alpha Bram.
We were dating in secret so his family wouldn’t find out he was dating a she-wolf who was weak.
We had planned to make our relationship open when my wolf became strong.
Today being my birthday, he had written to me to expect his call. I couldn’t visit him whenever I liked else people would suspect. Only when he called for me did I go to see him.
In the cave, I had some makeup and a beautiful dress he had bought for me hidden among a pile of rocks.
I applied some blush and lined my lips to taste. I looked in my mirror and felt pretty. Alpha Bram made me feel beautiful.
I changed into the green maxi dress that complimented my green eyes.
Alpha Bram always called me his emerald queen.
I couldn’t agree less.
After waiting till dusk and he didn’t call me, I grew worried.
I picked up the phone and dialled his number. But he wasn’t picking which was unusual.
I got out of the cave and ran home before anyone grew suspicious.
Hello Beautiful Readers, Thank you for starting this journey with me. I hope to continue updating this story from next week. This is because I'm still shaping the plot and side characters. Kindly bear with me. Also, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the first person to have subscribed to this story. I love you! Muah. I may not know you. But I see your token of encouragement. Feel free to comment and vote! Stay happy Lovebugs! Debby
Swara’s POVLuckily, my family was yet to be back.I dialled his number again. He picked up on the fifth trial.“Hey, Bram. Are you good? I got worried.” I asked in a rush.“I’m sorry Swara. I got caught up in something. Happy Birthday, my love. I’m sorry I couldn’t show up this morning.”“You could have called babe. I was left in the dark. I waited all day for you.”Í know I kept you waiting and I’m deeply sorry, Swara. I will make it up to you, I promise. There is somewhere I’d love to take you soon.” I could hear a voice in the background and sudden silence. “I’ve got to go dear. We will talk later.”“Alright.” Barely had I finished when he hung up.His action took me by surprise. Was he in a meeting? He was acting strange. He’d normally excuse himself from a meeting to talk to me. And we’d talk for hours. But tonight’s call felt rushed and off.I calmed my thoughts from running wild and thinking amiss. Alpha Bram will never hurt me deliberately like my father. He was one of the fe
Swara’s POVI noticed there was a backdoor right where they stood. Sure it led to the bathroom. Little wonder, they could catch up with me so fast.I was out of breath from running and too weak to fight.I felt like beating Bram to a pulp but I was no match for him.So I faced my twin sister. I was no match for her either. But I was willing to give it a try.“How could you Saloni?” I matched across to her, willing to slap her. But she was faster than me. She caught my hand and held it firmly.“You know I’m more useful to him than you are. It’s high time you accepted the truth.”“And what is the truth?” I yelled still struggling to free my hand. But she wouldn’t budge.“The truth is he can never be with you. He was only stalling till the right time to tell you. If he ever makes you, that’d be after I’ve given him an heir so your weak energy doesn’t tamper with his vital essence.”“How could you do this to me, Saloni?” Tears wouldn’t stop brimming down my cheeks.“Balme it on your wolf
Bram’s POVI couldn’t bear to look at her innocent and pain-filled eyes when I rejected her. But I needed to make a drastic decision for the good of my future.I watched Swara sleep. She had passed out on me when I said those words to her. “Don’t do that, Swara. This is not you. Don’t make me lose my respect for you.”I must have hurt her badly. But I hope she looks past the hurt and understand why I did what I did.If I had not rejected her, she would always be the envy of her sister and father. And my pack will make life a living hell for her.With her weak wolf, it’s hardly she will survive conception. It’s either she survives the child or she dies at childbirth.I didn’t want any of those for her.I remembered how we first met. It was during her shifting ceremony. I was happy to have met my fated mate. But I didn’t approach her then. I waited and stalked her movement.I deliberately bumped into her at the shopping mall one fateful evening in a bid to talk to her.Her shopping item
Swara’s POV I felt a sharp pain in my head as I rose to consciousness. The heavy rays of light that filled the room through the window made me think it was morning. Fresh memories of what happened hours ago came gushing into my subconsciousness. I thought I would be tired of crying by now yet my eyes started to get misty. I got out of bed – feeling stiff all over. I winced in pain as I felt it burdensome to move my waist. Slowly, I made way for the mirror. What a mess I was! My eyes contained 12 years of sorrow and bucketful of tears that were about to rain down on my cheeks. I lost the effort to wipe my teary face and just allowed my mind to brood over my worst birthday. I’ve always had it worse. But this was the worst. One time my father flogged me on my birthday for going out with friends to celebrate. He had bought Saloni a cake and I didn’t get to eat a bite. He had taken her out while I enslaved them in the kitchen. After I was done, I grew bored and depressed. And I
Alpha Reon’s POVPeople say I’m the most vicious Alpha to kill my father and usurp the throne from him. What they don’t know is what he did to me first.He killed my fated mate.Why?She was a descendant of the family that committed treason.Father wouldn’t hear my pleas to spare her. Moreso, she didn’t take part in the treason.He believed she wanted me for the sole purpose of seeking revenge for her family.Since the day he issued the command to have her beheaded, I have never been the same again. If my father could do something as callous as killing his woman, I’d continue to make people fear me and my sword.When I lived under my father’s shadow, people saw me as a weak heir. One who can’t rule and be as brave as his father.I was glad to have been given a chance to prove them wrong.All the court officials have nothing on me.Some have tried to get in my favour by suggesting I marry from their clan.But I’d hear nothing of it.I wasn’t in the mood to take on another woman.Judith
Alpha Reon’s POV“What do you want with her?” I asked the bloodthirsty men. “What did she do so wrong? On whose orders are you acting?”The commander in charge stepped forward to give me a response. I knew his name to be Gamma Atticus.“My King. Her father gave the orders to kill her.”“Why would a father want to kill his daughter?! No matter what she did wrong, that’s outrageous!” I exclaimed. I was the least surprised considering what my father did to me. Judith was my life. And when he killed her, he took my life.“Swara is on the run because she has lost her mind since Bram called it off with her. She stole her father’s car and money. Even some of Saloni’s clothes. Because of this, her father decreed she is now a rogue and to be handled as such!” Gamma Atticus spelt it out to me.I scrunched my nose in disgust.“Young lady, your name is Swara?” I turned to look into her eyes.Her pleading eyes.“Please don’t allow them to kill me. My father wants me dead at all costs. I didn’t ste
Alpha Bram’s POVI was all nervous and apprehensive upon hearing from Saloni that her twin was dead.I got even more angry but could not show it when I heard her father was the cause.To be sure he heard correctly, I dragged Gamma Atticus to a corner and dealt him a few hard blows for killing my woman.“She was my fated mate for God’s sake! How could you have killed her even if her father commanded it?!”I kept throwing jabs and punches at him – as though it’d dissipate my anger.Gamma Atticus didn’t retaliate neither did he dodge those punches.“You could have done something.” Atticus bellowed.I was about to deal him another punch till his last statement.I punched into the dry air instead, growling in grief and disbelief at Swara’s death.Asking Atticus, “What could I have done?” My eyes were filling with tears.“You could have accepted her as your mate despite her weak wolf. Despite what people will say. Everyone has their weak side. You could have complimented her weakness while
Swara’s POV“How did your meeting with Olivia go?”“And who told you about Olivia?”“Your two jolly Betas won’t some burning my ears with stories of her. She seems to adore you seeing how long you spent with her.”“Who wouldn’t adore me?”“That would be me. Until I saw how you saved my life tonight.”“I simply did my duty. But why would your father want to hurt you?”“I’m not his biological daughter. Mother cheated on me and even in her grave, he still holds it against her.”“I’m sorry about that. You must have had it rough with him.”I was surprised to hear the Almighty Alpha telling me sorry.He was ruthless back then – issuing commands and up till now, wearing a frown.“I did everything to make my father proud of me. But I couldn’t measure up. Ever felt that way?”“My father killed my beloved. So I can relate. Even the woman I chose back then was not good enough for him.”“Oh my! Why would he kill her?”“Story for another. Have you any mate?”The question came unexpectedly to me.“