Chapter One: Rejected and Betrayed

 Roxanne's POV

  I was about to go inside the house, but I halted when I observed the elegant cars leaving the Alpha’s pack house. I was perplexed and surprised, because I know that my family can't possess such cars since they are too expensive.

 I sensed a weird and strong aura within me but I couldn't tell who and what it was. Slowing down my pace, I went closer to the sitting room and heard my stepfather’s voice, just when I was about to go up to my room. 

 “In a few days, she would be out of our way for good.” The spit in his voice made me intuitively aware that the discussion was about me. After all, I was the only one he despised in the whole pack.

 My heart was pounding from what I had just heard and I tried to be as calm as possible so I could comprehend what he was saying. 

 “After she’s been picked up, Alpha Alejandro won't hurt our pack anymore because of the debt I owe him. He will forgive our sins and let us live. And the bitch would be out of our lives for good! What a good idea. Two birds, one stone.” Alpha Vanthorn continued.

“What was he talking about?” My eyes widened in disbelief and I started to tremble violently.

“I guess you are eavesdropping again, huh? A voice sounded behind me and I snapped my head around coming face to face with Alexa's nasty sneer. 

  Her glance was filled with scorn and loathing. I know how much she dislikes me. She despises me so fiercely that she wants everything that belongs to me. What would she possibly want from me? 

 Why will she be jealous of me? I don't enjoy good things like she did. I don't go to school, nor do I have any day to rest like she always did, so why would she be jealous? She was more beautiful than I am for heaven's sake.

 I just did my best to avoid Alexa's wrath, and it upset me that I drew the attention of my step father, Alpha Vanthorn.

“Roxanne!” Alpha Vanthorn's voice sounded powerful, sending chills down my spine. I began to feel hot all of a sudden, but it did nothing to calm the coldness within me.

 Realizing I was in for trouble, I attempted to run but it was too late. I was halted by Liam who pulled me by the hand. He was just coming in. 

 “Alpha…” My voice quivered as I sucked in a deep breath attempting to control my fear and not dare to glance up at the faces of others in the room.

 “I told you she is a snitch, but you didn't believe me. She is always hiding and eavesdropping on our conversation, she should be punished, father,” Alexa replied with a sneer. She has always enjoyed seeing me in pain.

 “You were eavesdropping on us, huh?” Alpha Vanthorn snarled.

 “I swear by the moon goddess Alpha, I didn’t do it. I was just coming in” I said practically in tears.

Slap!

 A big hit fell on my face, knocking me down and I sank to the ground, hearing my stepfather’s furious roars. 

 “You dare to call my daughter a liar? How dare you!?” Alpha Vanthorn roared and began to beat me fiercely. I can't believe that this was the man I have always loved as much as I loved my father. Who would have thought that he could act this way towards me now that my father was no more?

 “No, I’m so sorry….. please forgive me… please stop…” I pleaded as I curled myself on the floor with my hands up trying to defend the blows from landing on my chest.

“Father…. Please stop…” I begged as the agony was getting too severe for me and my eyesight started to blur.

“Please stop this, Alpha… she’s going to die…” Nanny Olivia, attempted to plead with him but Alpha Vanthorn would not budge.

 Nanny Olivia is one person who has always comforted me, telling me that all will be well. She was my nanny right from when I was a baby. 

“She lacks manners and I have to teach her some manners. Of what purpose is her existence to this family?” Alpha Vanthorn hissed in rage.

 I slumped against the wall watching my stepfather in terror, fearful he might lift his hand to slap me again.

 “Well, father,” Liam yelled, interrupting his father. “She is of importance to us right now. You know what the plans are. In a few days, she will be out of our lives. Alpha Alejandro's wrath won't be upon our pack anymore and most of all, she will no longer be a concern to us” My stepbrother, Liam, added with a grin.

Alpha Vanthorn's countenance went from fury to amusement.

“You seem confused, stepsister.” Alexa stared at me with a gentle grin. “Why don’t you tell her, dad? I think she would love the news.” 

I leaned back against the wall, startled at the sudden grin on their faces. If Alpha Vanthorn could grin then I was certain that it was of no good.

Alpha Vanthorn came closer to me, he raised my face, and extended his fangs causing me to recoil in fright.

“You are going to carry out a little task for me, one that will be of help to all of us.” He paused, to clear his throat and he continued immediately.

 “Alpha Alejandro has vowed to raid our pack and slaughter everyone because of the amount of money I owe him. But he has offered a twisted treaty: provide him with a 'special' maid and he will spare our lives. I'm sure you realize how much this pack has to be protected, or else we would all be dead. Including you,”

 “Father!” I yelled, not believing what I had just heard. I was astonished, horrified, and silent. My gaze met those of Nanny Olivia. She felt awful for me but she turned her face away knowing she couldn’t be of assistance to me. 

Alpha Alejandro? The king of the most powerful pack in the whole of Tryone City? He was known for his brutality and disdain for worthless people, especially Omegas.

 Even his wolf was rumored to be a monster that shreds his victims apart in a second. None of his servants survived there. There was a rumor that he killed his mate too. 

He was the king of all Lycans and an Alpha of all Alphas with no compassion even at his old age. And that was who they wanted to send me to? How could they be so cruel to me? What have I done to deserve it?

“Father please, don’t please, I promise to be on my best behavior.” In sobs, I summoned all of my remaining courage and appealed.

“Roxanne, don’t bother stressing yourself begging my father, you don’t have a choice. Your fate has been sealed already” Alexa chuckled.

“Father please, don’t do this to me…. Don’t send me to him. I beg of you please ....”

“You will do as I have asked you to and that is final!” Alpha Vanthorn yelled.

“Liam!” Alpha Vanthorn ordered.

“Take Roxanne to her room, ensure you lock the doors, she isn’t allowed to leave the house. Alpha Alejandro's envoys would be coming back soon and I don’t want to search for her.” 

 I couldn’t hold back my tears, the sorrow I felt was excruciating. In less than a day, I have been cheated on and rejected by my mate, my step sister has been marked by my mate and now, my stepfather is selling me off to the Lycan king. 

There was no way I was going to serve the ruthless Lycan King. I have to escape somehow. Before Liam could come closer to me, my vision blurred and I passed out.