Chapter Two

**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, anxious to avoid any unexpected visitors. Once I finish, I brush my teeth, catching sight of my split lip—a testament to the actions of Damian, the Alpha's son. He's one of the cruelest individuals I've encountered. Simply being in his presence is enough to provoke his sadistic torment. To make matters worse, his girlfriend Carmen, the Beta's daughter, exacerbates the situation with her deceitful manipulations.

After getting dressed, I proceed to the kitchen, where I unexpectedly encounter Aiden, the Beta's son. "Hey Fernanda, you turned 18 recently, right?" he inquires.

I lowered my gaze, avoiding direct eye contact, and softly responded, "Yes."

Approaching me swiftly, he inexplicably sniffed the air around me. I couldn't fathom why he would do such a thing. My connection with my wolf had vanished the day after my 16th birthday, making the concept of scenting a mate bond perplexing. Lost in my thoughts, I snapped back to reality as I felt his hand sliding under my shirt, grabbing my left breast. Shock paralyzed me, and I stared at him with utter disbelief.

"Fernanda, you know, I'll be turning 18 in a few days. Your scent makes me wonder if you're meant to be my mate. Oh, the things I can't wait to do to you once I'm 18. Whether you're my mate or not, I still plan on having my way with you. Your enticing curves have me longing for you," he proclaimed, a smirk etched across his face.

Tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably, while he continued his assault, his grip on my nipple becoming increasingly painful. I knew he couldn't be my mate. He would be the worst possible choice. His history of physical abuse and groping stretched back as far as my memory served. In private, he expressed his desire for me, only to pretend otherwise when others were present. He would often fabricate stories, accusing me of attempting to seduce him for personal gain or to secure a higher rank within the pack.

"Keep your hands off the pack, you disgraceful wench!" Carmen's voice screeched, blaming me for Aiden's inappropriate actions. "You don't know what kind of diseases you might catch," she continued, her tone laced with disgust.

Startled by his sister's outburst, Aiden quickly withdrew his hands and retreated. However, before I could recover, Damian seized me by the throat, his grip tightening.

"What do you think you're doing? Do you believe your promiscuity will earn you a higher position in the pack? It's repulsive to even think he would have any interest in you," the future Alpha sneered, his words dripping with contempt. "Once I become Alpha, I won't tolerate your existence. You'll pay with your life for the smallest mistake."

Finally releasing his grip, I gasped for air and collapsed to the ground. But before I could even take a full breath, Damian reopened the wound on my lip with a knee strike, while Carmen delivered a swift kick to my ribs. With no time to waste, I hurried to the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast before the other omegas arrived to assist.

Hilda walked in, spotting the blood stains on my shirt. Concern etched on her face, she immediately instructed me to change my clothes and wash my face. Though we didn't share many words, she was a semblance of friendship, someone who didn't harm or belittle me.

While serving breakfast, a mishap occurred, and I accidentally spilled some coffee on the table, causing the Alpha's temper to flare.

"Are you even paying attention to what you're doing, slave?" Alpha Draxler bellowed.

"I apologize, sir. I'll clean it up immediately," I replied, my voice trembling.

"Clean up this mess and then report to me where you know you're supposed to be. Your incompetence is unacceptable, and there will be consequences," he roared, prompting laughter from the rest of the pack who took pleasure in my misfortune.

My parents, who were once highly respected within the pack, would be rolling in their graves due to the treatment I endured. My father, a skilled pack doctor, and my mother, a revered female warrior, were beloved figures. They treated everyone with equality, regardless of rank, and provided exceptional care to every patient as if they were family.

Since their tragic passing, the pack has spiraled into chaos. The pack hospital lacks a qualified doctor, relying on nurses and healers to manage. The Alpha and Beta have allowed a disregard for rules and responsibilities, only assigning a handful of guards to border protection and training.

"Slave, you better make your way upstairs promptly before I add to your punishment," the Alpha's voice thundered through the room.

After hastily cleaning up the minuscule coffee spill, I reluctantly made my way upstairs. The anticipation weighed heavily on me, knowing what awaited me in that room. His sadistic tendencies thrived on prolonging my agony, savoring every moment he took to join me.

Time seemed to stretch as I climbed the stairs, dreading the impending punishment. The longer he delayed his arrival, the more creative and brutal his torment would become. I still vividly remembered the time he left me locked in this room for seven excruciating hours, conjuring up various ways to inflict pain upon me for unfinished chores. But the most harrowing memory was when Carmen fabricated a lie, accusing me of indulging in a piece of cake meant for a celebration I had no part in. On that occasion, the Alpha allowed his Beta to join in, subjecting me to merciless abuse that left me incapacitated for two torturous days.

Upon entering the designated room, I settled myself in the center, bracing for the ordeal ahead. Desperately, I tried to redirect my thoughts towards the warmth and love my parents had once provided. They became my sanctuary, a mental refuge where I sought solace amidst the impending darkness. Focusing on their memory, I attempted to ward off panic attacks that threatened to consume me.

As the sound of footsteps approached the door, my heart raced with trepidation. I stood upright in anticipation, bowing my head submissively, awaiting the Alpha's entrance.