Chapter One: Beta or Slave? My Body Is Not For Sale.

Iris’s Point of View

“The Alpha requests your presence,” a warrior said, approaching with a disgusted expression.

I had gotten used to it; every person in this pack hated me because I was wolf-less, and as the Beta’s daughter, I was the embarrassment of my entire family. Scratch that; I was the embarrassment of the whole pack.

I wiped my hands on my worn-out jeans. I didn’t have anything decent to wear, but I tried to make the most of the few clothes I had, thanks to Silvana, my only friend in this pack.

Sometimes I try to understand why everyone hates me so much. If it was because of my wolf, I had no control over that, and their hatred was just plain stupid. It didn’t matter, though. I don’t think they needed a reason to hate me; they just needed someone to direct their anger at. It was like I was their personal punching bag.

I followed the warrior to the Alpha’s office. That’s another thing. I’m constantly watched as if I’m some kind of enemy. The omegas always whisper about me like I can’t hear them.

My name is Iris Sommers. I’m seventeen years old, and to my pack, I’m considered an outcast and an anomaly in the werewolf community. Usually, at sixteen, you gain your wolf, but I didn’t. My mom died after she gave birth to me, so rumors began about me being cursed. They even claimed that me being wolf-less was some punishment from the Moon Goddess for killing her.

It didn’t make sense; how could I have killed my mom? I was just a baby!

I reached the alpha’s office and knocked on the door gently. I do things carefully to avoid getting yelled at or beaten. When I heard “come in,” I opened the door to find my worst enemies.

My sister Stephanie, one of my biggest tormentors, sat in the lap of Alec, the soon-to-be alpha. His coronation is planned for next week. The current Alpha, Cory, sat behind his desk while his son was on the couch close to the window. I saw Alec stiffen, weird. He has acted strangely these last few days.

“I was told you called me Alpha,” I said respectfully.

After I finished speaking, I heard a growl coming from Alpha Cory. He hated it when I spoke first.

“What have I told you, Iris? You cannot speak unless spoken to, or must I give you a lesson again?” He growled as a warning.

I felt a chill in my back as I remembered that beating. It left me incapacitated for almost an entire week, especially since I couldn't receive medical treatment.

“No, Alpha, that won’t be necessary; it won’t happen again,” I apologized and lowered my head.

With that, he gave me a satisfied look. Fucker.

“I called you because I need you to organize everything for my son’s ceremony. As you can see, he has chosen his Luna, and I’m giving him the pack.” He ordered.

Oh, great! More things for me to do. “You have to send the invitations, prepare the food, and the suites for every Alpha or Beta that may come.”

I saw my sister’s face; she was damn happy that I was the one doing this shitty job, and it was because she took my mate from me.

I still remember the day when I found out that I was Alec’s mate. It was the worst day of my freaking life.

No, I’m not going along that path again. I shook that thought away and tried to concentrate on what Alpha Cory was saying.

“Have I made myself clear?” He asked in a harsh tone.

Dammit, what did he say? I’m not going to ask; that is going to get me a beating. It can’t be that hard. I’ve organized everything in this pack for almost two years now.

“Yes, Alpha, is that all? So, I can start preparing everything.” I replied, trying to sound as obedient as I could.

I saw my sister grind against Alec. Gross. Thankfully, I don’t feel pain anymore, or let’s just say that I have grown used to pain, so it doesn’t affect me as much. It wasn’t a physical pain; it was more like my heart ached every time I saw them.

“No, Iris,” my sister said. I saw how a malicious smile appeared on her face. “It’s been what, like, almost two years, and you don’t have a wolf, right?”

I wanted to growl at her, but I couldn’t. I just looked at her and tried to suppress the urge to hit her. As I wasn’t answering, she continued, “If you don’t have a wolf by your 18^th birthday, then why do you live here? You are one more mouth to feed, and don’t do anything here.”

Calm down, Iris, just breathe. She wants you to lose your marbles so that she can beat you herself.

“She has a point, Dad. But I think I have a better plan.” Said Alec.

Great, now he is going to talk shit about me as well. As if they didn’t know that I did everything in the pack house for zero payment. I’m like a fucking slave.

Let me correct that. I am a fucking slave. My dad doesn’t give a crap about me and lets them do all the shit they want.

Father of the year, I know. I should buy him a mug.

“What do you suggest, son? We can’t banish her; she hasn’t broken any laws.” Yet, if I don’t leave in the next five minutes, I’m going to lose my shit and get myself killed. They talk as if I’m not here.

“Well, the Alpha King has requested a breeder. Since she is a Beta by blood, she could produce amazing heirs.” I want to vomit. “That being said, it could give us a great opportunity to gain a place on the council,” Alec said.

“Hmmm,” I can’t believe he is considering it. I’m not even of age right now. “That is a great idea, son; I knew you could be an Alpha. Now you’re behaving like one,” Alpha Cory congratulated his son.

Why, Moon Goddess, why do you hate me so much? What have I done to deserve this treatment?

“Iris,” said Alpha Cory angrily, “you are not listening to me, but since you are going to be the King’s breeder, I can’t leave any marks.” fucking great. “If by your 18^th birthday you don’t have a wolf, you are going with the King.”

“And if I refuse?” I ask defiantly. I don’t care if they beat me; my body is not for sale.

“Looks like you have forgotten your place,” Alpha Cory growled.

I saw Alpha Cory’s eyes glaze over, meaning he was mind-linking someone, and a few seconds later, the door burst open as three warriors entered. They grabbed me and injected my neck with wolfsbane as I tried to break free from their grip.

It was useless. They were stronger than me. I could only see how they carried me to the dungeon of the pack. A place that I knew damn well. Their fun is just beginning; at least I don’t have to prepare for Alec’s ceremony. I just hope that death will arrive.

Anything is better than this.