Liora tried with all her might to pull her arm away from Thaddeus’ grip but the stupid thing would not obey. Her feet walked on autopilot as he carted her back into the camp.
Back to being everyone’s little bitch.
Or more specifically, the Alpha’s chew toy. She had no idea the Alpha was so troubled. What’s worse is that Gamma Thaddeus threatened that she would be given to him.
If only she had run a little faster.
As they walked through the omega camp everyone looked at her with disdain and condemnation. It took a few moments for her to realize that the Gamma was taking her to the detention cells. There’s no way she would be able to escape now.
“So you’re just going to send me to my death with no remorse?” She quipped.
“Don’t be so dramatic,” He huffed in reply, gesturing to the guards to open one of the cells. There was someone huddled in the corner. She quickly realized it was Callie. Callie’s head whipped up at the jangling of the keys and her heart sank when she saw Liora.
Thaddeus threw Liora unceremoniously into the small space and slammed the grills shut. He walked away without a word, leaving the two omegas suffocating in a thick silence.
“Liora, I’m so sorry,” Callie's voice was small and quiet, “I really tried my best.”
“It’s okay Cal,” Liora sighed, “We wouldn't be a legendary pack if it was so easy for a lowly omega to escape.” She scanned her friend from head to toe, “Did they beat you?”
Callie shook her head, “No, thank the Goddess. Though, I know eventually they’ll try to punish me. What about you?”
Liora pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them, ignoring the ache in her side. The dark green dress they put on her pooled around her feet, “Gamma Thaddeus said he’s going to give me to the Alpha.”
“What? You’ve been chosen!-”
“Trust me when I say it’s not an honor. The Alpha has darkness on his soul that they are trying to contain. I’m basically a sacrifice.”
Callie’s jaw dropped, “But I saw him tonight. His eyes were red, not black. If he had darkness they would be black, right?”
Liora shook her head, “I don’t fully understand it Cal, I’ve never even seen him before. The Gamma says he tried to kill one of his maids so it must be pretty bad.”
They fell silent again and Liora rested her chin on her knees. To think that she was running away to freedom. She ran right into the fate she was trying to avoid. There was little she could do now, trapped in a cold musty cell.
The only thing she could count on now was for the Alpha to be so displeased with her actions that he sent her away and chose someone else.
If only she were that lucky.
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Ronin’s mood grew darker and darker with every hour that drew closer to his elaborate birthday celebration, and the moment he would be presented with the chosen omega. He stood at his bedroom window, staring at the last flicker of sunset before it was swallowed up by dark ominous shadows.
What would he even do with the omega when he got her? What would his twisted wolf do?
‘Tie her up and fuck her, of course.’ His wolf rumbled within him. The rum glass in his hand shattered.
“Wow. You are really wound up huh?”
Ronin turned around to face Caius, shaking the cool liquid from his hand, “I can’t believe you’re making such a big show out of this. Can’t this be done discreetly?”
“Hell no.” Caius walked into the room, bringing Ronin’s tuxedo in tow, “None of the other Packs would miss this special occasion. You should get dressed and go down to meet your guests.”
Ronin grabbed the tux from his hands, “Aren’t you scared that I’ll black out and massacre the lot of them in a fit of rage?”
Caius grinned, “Not in the least. Thaddeus promised me that tonight will be a great one to remember- and you know how he’s always spot on.”
“Don’t remind me,” Ronin shrugged his way into the suit, leaving the bow tie hanging around his neck. He ran a hand through his hair, “Thad seems to be enjoying all of this way too much. I’m concerned he has something up his sleeve that has everything to do with the chosen omega.”
Caius clapped him on the back in encouragement, “Don’t worry. I’m sure the outcome will be pleasing to you, Alpha.”
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Liora sat in front of the mirror, looking at herself in awe and horror. The maids tended to her the entire afternoon in preparation for the party. They had grabbed her from the cell and pushed her underneath a scalding shower, scrubbing her until she was pink from head to toe. They combed and curled her hair and rubbed her skin with fragrant lavender oil.
Her dress was a deep blood-red color, an unholy V-cut stopping just above her navel. The bejeweled straps were tied delicately around her neck, reminding Liora of an expensive slave collar. Her back was bare and exposed, and the flowing layers of the dress had a high slit on both sides.
She looked like a pampered seductress.
She felt like a seasoned pig for the fire.
Alpha Ashenthorn’s birthday this year was a huge event. Everyone who was anyone in werewolf society would be present. She would be carried out before them all like a well-decorated cake for all eyes to feast on.
Liora blinked back the tears from her lavender eyes. She could be strong, she could bear this until she could plan another escape. She was an omega, but she couldn’t break in front of them. She wouldn’t.
That’s the mantra she repeated in her head as the guards escorted her to the lavish mansion in the center of the camp. She watched as Gamma Thaddeus stood at the top of the steps, looking down at her in approval of her attire.
“The Alpha will be pleased,” He hummed, taking her hand, “You’re just in time to be presented.”
This was happening now? Liora’s heart came to her throat as Thaddeus led her through the hallways, following the chorus of voices singing happy birthday. Finally, they stopped at a wide doorway.
“Stay here. Enter only when I call you.” Thaddeus whispered before going in.
Liora stood there, fists clenching at her sides as a rich earthy scent filled her nostrils. Her mouth went dry, her eyes glazed over as she struggled to focus on what Thaddeus was saying,
She could only describe the aroma as that euphoric smell that rose from the ground after a refreshing bout of rain. She itched to go closer to the source, but her designation kept her obediently standing where she was told.
“Alpha Ashenthorn,” Thaddeus began and the grand ballroom fell silent. Everyone from alphas to omegas turned to regard the wolf that was their helm. Ronin was seated on a high chair, his palms dropped casually over the golden wolves carved on the armrests. Caius stood on the right, and Nikolai on his left. He struggled to listen to Thaddeus as a sweet smell of peonies invaded his nose.
“You’ve done so much for us, you’ve made us a strong and prosperous society, better than this world has ever seen. We wish you nothing but the heights of greatness in the years to come.”
The room exploded in applause, several heads nodding in agreement. Thaddeus held up his hand and they were quiet again.
“What to give a wolf who has everything?” He chuckled, “I hope that you will accept this gift of mine.”
Thaddeus stretched his hand out towards the door. A few seconds later, Liora walked in and took it.
Ronin held his breath as the origin of the smell walked into the room. She was a glorious female, adorned in a dress that was the exact shade of his eyes. Rich chocolate curls cascaded down her shoulders, teasing her hips. Those hips, wide- and perfect for breeding. Ronin felt his fangs extend out of his mouth.
Thaddeus fought to hide his smirk as he whispered into Liora’s ear “Look up, show him your eyes, omega.”
Liora slowly lifted her eyes to look at her Alpha. Hers. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she gazed at his features. He rose from his seat and her heart tripped. She forgot how to breathe.
It was fantastical, beautifully horrific, even- how well Thaddeus’ plan had worked.
With glowing eyes, the Alpha and the Omega charged at each other.
Why are you being so stubborn?”“Leave me ALONE!”‘MATE MATE MATE!’‘Shut up, Kaon! You’re the reason we’re in this mess in the first place!’ Ronin ignored Caius and stumbled to the bedroom as he berated his wolf. ‘Have you forgotten the many secrets you kept that led to our mate’s demise?’‘MATE!’Ronin collapsed near the edge, resting his face against the mattress as another wave of need coiled tighter in his belly. His fangs throbbed in tune with his painfully hard cock, leaving him no choice but to let his mouth hang upon to prevent overstimulation.He only experienced a rut once, as an adolescent, a marker that he was coming of age, no longer a cub. It was nowhere near as intense as the sensations that overwhelmed him now.Caius swore under his breath, “This just might kill you.”“Then let it! Why did she have to go with Nik? I get that they had this freaky bond when the curse corrupted her, and they’re Shadow Kin– but we have a child together, damnit!”“Nothing happened between
He found her sitting in the nursery, rocking Yiannis against her chest. She smiled down at the cub, using her index finger to lightly boop the tip of his button nose. “I suppose you already know why I called you.”“Yes.” Ronin stayed close to the door, breathing only tiny pulls of air.She got up slowly, coming over to place Yiannis in his arms. “I’m in heat.”“I know.”“I’m spending the night with Nik.”“Okay.”“I’d feel better if you were watching Yiannis.”“Of course.”She pulled back, searching his face. “And you won’t go off the rails?”Ronin’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Would you prefer it if I did, my Luna?”“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” She took a full step back, red blooming on her cheeks. Her soft champagne dress shifted softly around her curves, barely containing her heavy, milk-filled breasts. He didn’t know how much longer he could take being drowned in the thick scent of her sex.Turning his focus to Yiannis, he stepped to the side. “You should go to him now bef
Days later, Ronin stood at the entrance of the mess hall stroking his stubble thoughtfully as he watched Liora surrounded by admirers. To say the morale had increased would be an understatement. News of the miracle spread far and wide and lupine folk converged on Black Crescent pack to meet the Luna who had such favor with the Goddess.From betas to omegas, they sat in a circle at her feet, hanging on to her every word, giggling and laughing, completely oblivious to the very real threat at large. Maia was vigilant, watching them like a hawk as she rocked Yiannis in her arms. Any sudden movements and she would be ready to defend her queen.Ronin understood the urge. Losing her had left the council raw and out of balance. It made sense that they were on edge.“Why don’t you go talk to her?”“The last time I checked, Silvermane, your Queen doesn’t want a thing to do with me.”Xander nodded, humming, “That would have been true last week, but I sense a thaw. Did something happen?”“We had
The unusual silence had Liora jerking upright in the middle of the bed. From the moment he arrived, Yiannis Ashenthorn was a force to be reckoned with. She would never forget his warrior cry as his lungs filled with air. It had been a little more than two weeks, enough time for her to be in tune with his sleeping and feeding patterns. She would get up several times during the night to tend to him.Even unconscious, Liora knew the amount of sleep she was getting was suspicious, confirmed even more by the tiny silver of daybreak streaking between the heavy curtains. Glancing down at the necklace, the tension eased from her shoulders. Yiannis was finally starting to sleep for more hours. She could use this bit of time to soak in the luxurious tub Lucien had installed for her.They had practically commandeered Alastor's cabin and master rooms. Still, he refused to move out completely, opting to stay in a smaller room on the other side–far away from the ‘baby shenanigans’.Liora sighed dee
Ronin turned away from the open door, clenching his fist so tightly that his nails bit into the flesh of his palm. Every scream sliced through his tortured soul, stripping him bare. He should be in there with Liora, soothing her and telling her that everything was gonna be okay.How did they come to this? Were they so broken that he would not even be able to fully witness the birth of his cub?Liora pelted out another gut-wrenching scream and he growled in response.“Alpha?” Ronin whipped his head around. It was the pack doctor. Her gloves were covered in blood and her face was grim.Pushing Thaddeus to the side, he got up close, baring his teeth. “What is your name?”"Beta Penelope.” She inclined her head slightly.“What is wrong with Liora? Why hasn’t she delivered the pup yet?”She swallowed thickly, “I’m sorry, Alpha but there’s been some complications.”“What kind of complications?” He ground out.“There’s no easy way to say this, but the cub hasn’t crowned yet. If Liora cannot d
This time when snow cascaded all around him, it didn’t burn.If it did, Ronin couldn't tell. Every nerve tingled, rippling as the hair stood on end. The pyre was obliterated, leaving only a large round scorch mark on the ground. His chest tightened and his lungs refused to let in air, terrified that if he took another breath, she would disappear.Liora stood in the center, a bright halo of eight moons glowing over her head. Her eyes were closed, a small smile teasing the corner of her mouth as if someone was whispering delightful things into her ear. The pendant that settled between her breasts blinked brilliantly in time with his cub’s heartbeat.Finally, her lids fluttered up, revealing deep red.The attending mass erupted in gasps and various cries of wonder and joy, falling to their knees with their faces to the ground. They chanted her name and sang praises to Selene, collectively vibrating bliss across the mind link.Kaon clawed at him, wanting out. The tattered bond lurched tow