"Are you ready to meet your maker?" Zed whispers to me.Inhaling a long shaky breath, I roll out my shoulders in attempt to shake off the tension. I barely slept last night, Hardin has spent hours debating with the Elders to switch my opponent. Judging by Zeds words, I know Hardin failed to convince them."As ready as I'll ever be." I say softly."He's going to taunt you, as long as you stay in control, you win." Zed assures me.Nodding, I take a deep breath. Control, the one thing I do have over myself. Knowing that comforts me, even if I know the beating that he's going to give me may just put me out for the count."Where's Hardin?" I ask, my nerves haywire.I needed him with me, I needed his comfort, I needed to know that he's still going to stand at my side no matter what happens. But most importantly, I needed my mate for emotional support, just having him close does wonders."He'll be here." Zed promises, squeezing my shoulder as if to calm down my fear.Nodding, I inhale slowl

"Ow!" I yelp out, trying not to flinch as the woman peels the wax from my tender flesh.Never in my life have I felt this kind of pain, having hair literally ripped from your body in chunks. Truth be told I've never much bothered with shaving or waxing, I didn't have time, and I didn't have a mate so I suppose it didn't matter.The woman is here on Beck's doing, he saw my legs a few weeks back and made a comment to shave them. I ignored him, although I now wish I'd listened because he's ordered this poor woman to blitz my entire body.And I mean, everywhere. Places that I wasn't even aware people waxed.It feels like hours passed of endless pain, before the lady finally declares me finished. I immediately exhale in pure relief, more glad that I have a few hours to heal before the ball starts."Thank you." I say to be polite, when in reality I'm not thankful, I want to punch her for causing me such horrific pain.The woman leaves my room, and I slump back into the comfortable chair, th

The faint sound of music echoes, soothing my aching ears as I stare out across the vast forest. From this height, everything seems so peaceful, so quiet out there in the trees. The gentle calling to give up control, to just be free, is tempting.Relaxing against the stone balcony, I slowly inhale the scent of the forest. The strong earthy stench is nice, almost comforting. Being sheltered from my true nature all these years has deprived me of many privileges, and even now I can't seem to escape old habits."I thought I might find you up here." A vaguely familiar voice says.Immediately stiffening, I turn and I flash the Elder a smile. "Just needed a little fresh air-"He raises his palm, cutting me off."Bearing witness to the years of suffering, I understand completely why you prefer your own company." The Elder says with a small smile.I couldn't help but scoff, irritated that he thinks he knows me, he doesn't. He invaded my mind, saw things that I have kept to myself all my life."

Releasing a quiet sigh of boredom, I slowly stir the inedible salad as I stare out of the window. Watching as the pack members enjoy the snow falling, even the few children in the pack are having the time of their lives. It's nice to see them smiling, to see them so genuinely happy, peaceful even.At the same time, part of me couldn't stand seeing it. I've never been able to enjoy anything, and the love that the families outside are showing to their mates and children, is something I've never experienced. It intrigues me, and saddens me at the same.The loneliness that weighs on me grows heavier as the days grow colder, winter creeping upon us. Ever since mother slapped me last month, I've been doing exactly as she asked. Instead of embracing the person I was becoming, I've fallen back into my old ways, obeying like an omega.Hardin noticed, but so far he hasn't asked questions, although it's obvious he wants to. I can tell he's getting irritated with my behaviour, he barely shows up

It had been two days since Hardin interrogated Jack, nothing had changed since then. Hardin chooses his pack, he agrees with them and he always will, it's understandable. He's Alpha, and to him their opinions matter, it's what he has to do.But this is what I have to do. I thought, not a flicker of regret hitting me as I open the huge front doors to the uninvited guests.Elder Luka struggles to properly grip the male that fights against him, that is until the person hears the doors open and finally stills."Kalli?" He whispers, eyes wide with surprise. His familiar voice warms me.I didn't flinch, I couldn't. My brother isn't on my side anymore, showing him weakness will only serve to make this harder."Sebastian." I greet with a blank face, even if it pains my heart to be cold, this is what I have to do."What the fuck is going on?" Seb growls, immediately assuming I've brought him here with the worst intentions."Why am I here?" He snaps, glaring at me with burning red eyes.Moving