**Twelve Years Ago**
Fernanda’s POV"Mom, Dad, look!" I shouted, halfway up a tree. From my vantage point, I could see the vast expanse of our pack lands. My dad warned me to come down before he had to fetch me, teasingly implying that I had climbed too high.Suddenly, everything changed. In a matter of seconds, a group of rogue wolves encircled my parents, snapping and growling menacingly. My parents swiftly shifted into their wolf forms, trying to fend off the attackers. My dad courageously leaped onto the largest rogue, engaging in a fierce battle. But in that crucial moment, two of the rogues diverted their attention to my defenseless mom. Instinctively, my dad turned to protect her, momentarily diverting his focus.That split second became the turning point in my life, forever altering its course. The shattered bond of the mates overwhelmed my mom, leaving her vulnerable. Surrendering to the anguish, she allowed the two wolves to attack her, knowing that her soulmate was gone."MOM!" I cried out, leaping from the tree. The impact of my landing snapped my arm, but the pain in my heart eclipsed any physical sensation. Helpless, I watched as those two rogues mercilessly tore my mom apart. My body froze, incapable of movement, as I screamed for them to stop. But my pleas fell on deaf ears. Among the gruesome scene, there was a third wolf, a passive observer who had witnessed the entire tragedy unfold.As he slowly approached me, I sensed the approaching footsteps of my pack members coming to my aid. With a sudden swipe of his claws, he viciously tore open my chest, causing excruciating pain. Collapsing to the ground, I cried out in agony. The trio of rogues swiftly vanished in the same direction they had come from, leaving before any pack members arrived.Grinjo, the pack's Beta, along with a few warriors, were the first to reach us. They acted promptly, attending to each of us. No words were spoken, but the grim reality sank in—I knew my parents were already gone, no need for them to utter it aloud."Why would you kill your parents?" growled the Beta, his voice dripping with hostility."I d-didn't," I stammered, fear gripping me as I dreaded their judgment."Then explain what happened," he demanded."Rogues," I managed to utter through tearful sobs."You expect us to believe that rogues killed your parents and spared you?" he scoffed incredulously.I could no longer respond, my cries consuming me. I simply nodded, affirming their assumptions."Don't lie, young girl. Your parents are dead, and you have mere scratches. Did you kill them? I knew you were trouble," he accused, his voice accusing and cold."No, I swear," I finally mustered, desperation evident in my plea.Turning to a warrior, he ordered, "Take her to the dungeon. Clearly, she poses a threat to everyone."A compassionate warrior approached me and attempted to lift me, but the excruciating pain caused me to scream immediately. My chest was bleeding from severe wounds, and my arm hung limply by my side."Sir, she requires urgent medical attention. Her chest wounds are severe, and her arm is badly broken. I suggest taking her to the pack hospital," the warrior suggested."Are you daring to question my authority and believe this traitor? If so, you can join her in the dungeon," the commanding voice growled in response."No, sir. I will take her to the dungeon," the warrior complied.He gently lifted me, yet the pain overwhelmed me, and my screams echoed until my vision blurred into darkness. When I regained consciousness, I found myself being carefully laid on a hard cot. The wretched smell of old blood and mold permeated the air in this confined space."I apologize, girl. I attempted to get you help. I will bring you antibiotics as soon as possible, hoping for a speedy recovery," the warrior's remorseful voice reached my ears.Two agonizing days passed before anyone descended into the depths. It was the Alpha who finally appeared, approaching my cell and unlocking the door. I mustered all the strength I had to sit up, wincing from the persistent pain."Tell me, why did you kill your parents?" the Alpha interrogated."I didn't," were the only words I managed to utter before his hand struck my face with such force that my head snapped back, leaving a metallic taste of blood on my lips.Raising my head defiantly, I locked eyes with him and mustered the courage to question, "Why are you subjecting me to this? I could never harm my parents. I am just a child.""Are you daring to talk back to me, slave?" he hissed in contempt.slave? I was bewildered by his accusation. I wasn't a slave; I was an innocent child."No, sir, I simply don't understand," I replied, hoping to clarify the misunderstanding."And that's the only reason you're not being executed for your alleged crimes. Henceforth, you are now a slave of the pack. As punishment for your insolence today, you will receive ten lashes," he declared, a twisted satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.Approaching me, he seized my uninjured arm, clutching something in his other hand that had escaped my notice. Forcing me face down, I barely had time to comprehend the situation before the whip cracked through the air, searing pain across my backside. The torment continued relentlessly, the lashes striking me six more times, as I screamed, cried, and pleaded for mercy.When he finally ceased, he leaned in close to my ear and whispered, "Remember, slave, I derive pleasure from inflicting pain and revel in the sound of screams. So, you better quickly learn to be an obedient slave, or I will gladly subject you to such cruelty once again."He left me stranded, walking away with a final command, "Escort her to her new quarters.""With pleasure," responded the man obediently.Approaching me, he yanked me off the ground, revealing himself as Grinjo, the Beta. I couldn't fathom what I had done to deserve such brutality from someone I once trusted. He forcefully led me to my designated space, a cramped room resembling nothing more than a closet. A worn-out mattress, a tattered blanket, and a repulsive pillow adorned the space. He callously tossed me onto the bed and turned to shut the door, pausing momentarily to add, "Make yourself comfortable, as you'll remain here until the Alpha deems fit to release you."With a forceful slam, the door closed, and the echo of his retreating footsteps resonated. Overwhelmed, I couldn't contain my anguish, and tears streamed down my face until exhaustion overtook me. Little did I know, this was only the commencement of my nightmarish ordeal.**Fernanda’s POV**My alarm blares with its piercing sound, a reminder that it's already 4 am. If I don't rise promptly, I won't have time for my morning shower.As the designated caretaker for the pack, I bear the responsibility of cooking, cleaning, and any other tasks the Alpha and Luna deem necessary. If I let a slip of the tongue escape or fail to complete my duties, punishment awaits. The pack members hold nothing but animosity towards me, except for Helen, an Omega. Omegas, positioned at the bottom of the hierarchy, perform the same chores as I do but receive compensation and are spared from punishment. Some warriors safeguard the pack, including a Gamma and a Beta, who work closely with the Alpha and Luna.I swiftly shed my clothes and step under the comforting stream of hot water. Aware of the potential intrusion, I hurriedly shampoo my hair with the meager amount provided, rinsing it out before applying conditioner, allowing it to soak briefly. Hastily, I cleanse my body, an
**Sergio’s POV**I focused on the pleasurable sensations with the blonde beneath me, though her loud and needy demeanor grated on my nerves. She had been a childhood friend, always lingering around, and I occasionally indulged in her company. In her misguided belief, she thought she would become my mate and Luna, but little did she know that I had no interest in such a role. As the Alpha of a formidable pack in the Northeast of Las Noches, I neither sought nor needed a Luna by my side. When I came of age at 18, my father handed over the leadership of our pack to me, expecting that I would find a suitable mate who would assume the role of Luna. However, fate had a different plan in store, as my true mate turned out to be someone unexpected.My parents were remarkable individuals who raised me with wisdom and instilled strength within our pack. Building upon their foundation, I took our pack's power and influence to unprecedented heights. We commanded respect, and other packs sought al
**Fernanda’s POV**Alpha Draxler and his son Damian stormed into the room, instantly filling it with an oppressive atmosphere. I couldn't help but curse under my breath. This dreadful place had become a haunting nightmare for me, with its dark brown walls and a stained gray carpet that bore witness to my pain. It seemed like I was the only one who ever set foot in this room, enduring punishments that were meant only for me."Slave, your incompetence knows no bounds. You dare to create a mess at my breakfast table? Will you ever learn your place? I have no tolerance for lazy and useless slaves," Alpha Draxler bellowed, his voice dripping with disdain. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, and I braced myself for the impending punishment."As your penalty, and perhaps to satisfy my sadistic desires, you will receive five lashes. In a rare act of mercy, I will allow you to choose the instrument of your torment. But make no mistake, Damian will be the one to administer your pun
**Sergio’s POV**After finishing my training session, which I enjoyed despite not being obligatory since Gamma Kevin handled it well, I made my way back to my room to shower before attending a party I had no interest in. My mother saw it as an opportunity for me to find a potential mate, but my ambitions lay elsewhere. I was determined to lead our pack to great heights and establish our dominance among all others.Upon opening the door to my room, I caught a familiar scent. It was Felicia. Surprised, I asked her, "What brings you here?"She replied, her voice filled with desire, "There's something about you when you return from training, all sweaty and powerful. It turns me on. I want to explore every inch of your sculpted abs, tracing my way down to your already aroused manhood."She approached me, dressed provocatively in a white see-through bra, matching thong, and elegant black stilettos. She knew exactly how to captivate me, and I could feel myself growing more excited. Allowing
*Fernanda's POV**I wiped my sweaty hands on my apron. There was a lot to do today and it wasn't over yet. Every single day was exhausting and I worked to my bones.The official announcement was yet to be made but I had something bigger to look forward to. I have been enduring everything while waiting patiently for this very day.Today, I would put an end to my suffering and become free. It wouldn't be easy, but I was prepared. I have waited 12 years for this day.I picked up a towel and cleaned my face. I was drenched in sweat. The heat from the fire made it unbearable and standing in front of it for a full day made it like being in hell.The Omegas were of great help as they served the dishes while I remained in the kitchen, attending to other things. At this point I was done cooking, as I was the head chef.We have been busy, tediously preparing for this party. I could feel my energy draining as I have not slept a wink since last night. I had not even eaten anything as I was forbidd
Aiden. What is he doing out here? This is all shades of bad. I didn't even have time to think. Why does it have to be him, if all persons? Suddenly I wished I was still with that stranger. "Come over here" he said. I didn't want to to this. We were the only ones here and I knew what he would do to me if I got closer. I didn't want to relive that pain over again."I- " I tried talking but the words weren't coming out from my mouth. I was starting to panic. This was not good."I know what you're trying to do. To escape, right? What would the Alpha do to you when you get caught? You already know the answer to that" he said with a smirk. At this point I had just two options now. To escape successfully or be damned forever. I knew what I had to do, I just didn't know if I could do it.** Sergio's POV ***Before They Met*Jake. He could be such a pain in the ass. I could be such a pain in the ass. At times I wonder how I'm able to put up with him. I was sure that he was getting cozy with a
*Sergio's POV*“O-over here p-please.”Berries! She must be the one. Only my mate or a member of my pack would be able to call out to me easily. She needed my help. I headed towards the direction where the call came from. I mindlinked Jake to get the car ready. He'd better get that message early, I thought to myself. I stepped on something yucky. It was red. Could it be blood? Looking closer, I discovered that it was a strawberry. There were no strawberries being grown in this part of the woods. I remembered her picking strawberries before disappearing.The scent was too familiar. Berries. She's out here somewhere. Was she a spy or a rogue? Or was she being attacked by one? Well, I'd have to get to her so I can find out. Thanks to my great senses, I could feel two people close to me even when I was afar. One's breathing was jagged, seems wounded. I got closer to them.One shifted to it's wolf form, it must have heard me coming. Once I was in clear sight, I saw Berries badly wounded.
*Aiden's POV*I hid in the woods a little longer. Who was that wolf?Was it a rogue? What was it doing out there? I had never seen a wolf so intimidating. When I stared into its eyes, I knew I'd end up dead if I charged forward. Must be a high ranking wolf from another pack, or a really powerful rogue.As I walked past the spot where I left the slave, I saw no traces of her. I wondered if the big black wolf got rid of her.Frankly I didn't care at all. She could go to hell. I just needed to return to safely. Sneaking back into the building, I unshifted. Thankfully my hair was long enough to cover the scar she left me with."Bitch!" , I spat under my breath. She should thank that wolf. If I had my way with her, she would have begged me to kill her instead.I didn’t like events like this. With Damian and my sister being at the spot light, it felt like I was third wheeling or something.I headed to the backyard to see everyone gathered together. Oh, the announcement. I’m late, I’m sure m