Maxwell

Elaine's pov

The grand hall of the Laurent castle glittered under the glow of crystal chandeliers with every surface polished to perfection for this night of celebration. I stood motionless in the center of it all, clothed in layers of the finest ivory silk that did nothing but add a more depressive wait to the one in my heart. The dress was elegant, modest and designed to signal purity and obedience which was exactly what an omega like me was supposed to be.

My family surrounded me like proud peacocks. Father’s chest puffed out with barely contained glee while mother’s eyes glistened with happy tears and my older siblings exchanged knowing glances. This betrothal to Alpha Louis of the Silverthorn Pack wasn’t just a marriage. It was their ticket to higher status, more land and influence within the monarchy’s tight circle. For them, nothing mattered more than securing an elite match for their last daughter.I know they think that I should have been grateful but I certainly wasn’t.

The scent of “proper” alphas filled the room, their shoulders hanging high in pride as they applauded Louis who stood a few paces away, his pheromones carrying the faint aroma of crisp mountain air. He had all the good qualities an omega was trained to desire. Yet as his gaze swept over me, I felt nothing but a cold knot in my stomach and a heavy weight of duty pressing down on my chest.

I had to be obedient,silent and perfect for my Alpha. There were the words that had been drilled into me since I presented as an omega at sixteen.My body had learned to do as I’m told even when my heart screamed otherwise. I had never felt a real pull before,not the kind the older omegas whispered about in secret, the kind that made your blood run hot and your knees weak. Maybe such things were only stories for foolish girls.

A soft murmur rippled through the crowd as the ceremony master raised his hand, preparing to speak the binding words. My fingers tightened around the small bouquet of white roses, their thorns pricking my palm. Just a few more minutes and my fate would be sealed.

Then the doors suddenly exploded open.

A deafening crash echoed through the hall as heavy mahogany splintered across the room,gasps and screams erupting immediately.

I stumbled back,my heart skipping a beat as a tall,broad shouldered figure stormed in like death itself. He was covered in dirt and dried blood that streaked across his powerful chest and arms. His dark hair was wild, framing a shadowy and mysterious face.But it was his amber red eyes with flecks of burning which locked directly onto like that rest of the world didn't exist that stole the air from my lungs.

Murmurs filled the room which was now chaotic.”Its the Rogue Alpha, Maxwell.” ”The lost prince has returned”

Even I had heard the whispers. The banished heir of the royal family. A monster who had turned his back on the monarchy and carved his own bloody path through the forbidden territories. He was said to be dangerous,unpredictable and ferocious.And now he was here?

Growls reverberated through the hall as guards rushed forward, only to be thrown aside like ragdolls by his sheer presence. His pheromones flooded the room, wrapping around me like invisible chains. My body betrayed me instantly as heat bloomed low in my belly, slick gathering against my will. My suppressed omega instincts roared to life, screaming Alpha in a voice I had never heard before.

No. Not like this. Not him.

Maxwell’s lips curled into a savage snarl, revealing sharp canines. His voice cut through the chaos like thunder,vibrating with raw possession.

“She’s mine.”

The words slammed into me, sending a shocking shiver down my spine. Louis stepped forward, shouting something about royal law, but Maxwell didn’t even glance at him. Those glowing eyes never left my face.

In three powerful steps forward,he crossed the distance between us. His strong hands clamped around my waist, lifting me clean off the ground as if I weighed nothing. I gasped, dropping the bouquet, my silk dress tearing slightly at the shoulder from the force.

“Put me down!” I cried, struggling against the iron grip, my fists pounding uselessly against his hard chest. His scent was overwhelming,intoxicating and was beginning to make my head spin.

“Quiet, little omega,” he growled low against my ear, his hot breath sending sparks across my skin. “You belong to me now.”

Chaos exploded behind us;shouts, running feet, the clash of steel but Maxwell didn’t care. He turned and bolted toward the shattered doors, carrying me like a prize claimed in battle. I kicked and twisted in his arms, silk ripping further but all to no avail.

The cool night air hit us as he burst outside, moonlight illuminating the night.Trees loomed ahead and the far edges of the forest were calling for my freedom or most probably damnation.

“No!Wait, please!” I begged, still fighting even as my treacherous body pressed closer to his warmth.

Maxwell’s only response was a low, aggressive rumble in his chest. With one fluid motion, he threw me over his broad shoulder like a captured huntress, one powerful arm locking my legs in place. The world flipped upside down, my long hair cascading toward the ground as he broke into a run, heading straight into the dark, misty forest.

My family’s screams faded behind us and as we went deeper into the forest,it dawned on me that there might be no coming back. I'm left now,in the hands of a mad prince whom I knew nothing of his intentions towards me.

When we got deep into the forest,where I only heard the sound of his strong feet crushing against the plants,he finally slowed down and gently put me on the ground before whispering something that got me all the more confused.

“We’ll find somewhere to get married before the end of tomorrow. You and I belong together, forever”