Chapter Two

Ava’s POV

I felt fear as Caleb, the guard, backed me up against the wall. He had thrown advances at me some time back and I had politely refused. Any time he saw me, he'd just make advances. He never really touched me before. This was the first time. I felt so much fear within me that I couldn't help but gulp.

I was an Omega, not even marked yet and according to the other wolves, I was fair game. I turned to look at him and I could see lust swirling in his eyes. I knew what he wanted… my body. He smiled at me evilly and I felt my insides churn.

“You've been avoiding me, Ava.”He said icily, licking his lips.

“I've been busy,” I replied, willing myself not to speak unless spoken to. It was useless to convince him so the least I could do was think of a way to escape this. I decided to study him and look for a way to escape.

I'd rather die than let him touch me. Not when I had avoided it for so long and I was this close to escaping from here.

Yes, I made up my mind to escape from this shithole when I turned 19.

Everyone will be occupied with the Full Moon Festival, and no one will notice me as I leave on my birthday. I'd take the chance to sneak out. Today is the only day when everyone, even soldiers, gets the day off.

So definitely, there will be no one guarding the gates. I just had to find the right moment to escape. And I would do it. I couldn't stay here any longer. I felt like if I did, I'd die.

“You still have that sharp mouth? You're not scared of me, are you? Not scared of what I'll do to you?”

“I am, but I can't scream can I?” I retorted and he smiled wickedly at me.

“You're such a good and smart girl, Ava.” He replied.

“To answer your question, no, you can't. Even if you did, no one would say a word. I could just tell anyone that does that you tried to seduce ME. After all, that's what slaves do. They seduce high-ranking officials like me to get free passes.”

Every word that came out of his mouth was one step away from making me vomit but I willed myself not to. I had to stay strong. He leaned into my neck and I took the opportunity to knee him in his groin.

He fell on his knees, grabbing his sack and cursing at me.

“You crazy bitch.” He yelled,” You'll regret this, Ava, I promise you”. I could feel the pain and embarrassment seeping from his words.

“Stay away from me, Caleb,” I said.

I immediately took the opportunity to escape. He would kill me if he found me. I don't know how long I ran, but I realised I was lost now. And it wasn't a good kind where if I saw anyone, I could just ask for directions and say “Hi, I'm sorry but I got lost. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction?”

This was the kind of problem that could get me killed if I were found here. I looked around trying to trace my steps. The Alpha halls were huge. And let's not forget, they were beautiful. They had so many high ceilings, different patios and overall a very beautiful view at night.

I had heard that after the previous Alpha's death, his three sons didn't want to live in his palace anymore so they hired the best builders money could get them, demolished their father's house and erected this one. I hadn't really met as I have always been in the kitchen, doing chores.

And my father was their Beta. The second in command of our pack. His wife, my stepmother and Ella's mum hated me to the core. She always said I was irritating to look at. I didn't feel the pain of her insult that much because I was so used to it.

It was always the same line. “Your crazy mother seduced my husband and then birthed you to try and take him away from me.” Or “ You're useless just like your mother.” It went on and on. Sometimes, I wondered what my mother was like. Was she really that bad? What happened between her and my father?

I had so many questions but she wasn't around anymore. And it wasn't like I could ask my father, the man didn't even act like I existed. When Ella and her mother bullied and abused me, he wouldn't even lift his head to come to my defence. I hated the man for all the pain I went through that he ignored. But oh well, I'd leave here tonight. That's for sure.

Still walking through the halls, I came to a dead end. This place was like a maze. Then it hit me. Sweet delicious smell that wafted up to my head. I wondered who had that scent. My wolf was giddy with anticipation as she growled, relishing in the delicious scent of my head. It was like she was awoken by the scent.

I looked up to see the three Alphas walking towards me. They were staring at me intently. I could feel their heated gaze and I knew I was done for. One of them was my step sister's lover and they were all her childhood friends.

I knew there was no way they would believe I got lost in the palace. And I knew they would punish me, maybe even kill me and I wasn't ready to die yet. I had plans of escaping this place tonight, not to mention my sister would kill me if she found out. She had always bragged about how she loved them and how they meant so much to her.

She would say I tried to seduce them. That I got lost on purpose. I didn't want more problems for myself.  There was no escape for me anyway, so I just kept silent and waited patiently for the slap or punishment to come. What I didn't expect was for them to stop right before me and utter one word that made my heart race and my mind go blank.

“Mine.” They said in unison.