2

Gabriella

Alpha Storm makes sure I have no one help me in assembling the female omegas in the town hall. He doesn't care at all that I am exhausted, or that my finger is still bleeding. I have a hard time trying to concentrate on announcing that everyone concerned with the Northern Alpha's ball were expected to be in the hall in no time. By the time I return, the Elders have already left, and Alpha Storm sits at the head of the table, rocking his chair back and forth.

When he is sure every eligible female is present, he signals at me to shut the door. I do so, feeling dizzy as I walk back to my position beside the beer tray. His daughter and my cousin, Linda mutters something derisive about me under her breath, and everyone around her who hears it laughs. Alpha Storm smiles cruelly.

"Ladies," he begins, rising up to his feet. "It is with great joy that I call upon you all this evening. The Moon Goddess has worked in your favors this time."

The girls, confused, begin whispering amongst themselves, wondering what the hell he means. Linda's eyes sparkles with questions as she moves closer to her father's side. Alpha Storm places an arm around her shoulder, then continues.

"As you all know, I went to the North for a while a few weeks ago..." Everyone stops talking, holding their breaths. I wrap an edge of my gown over my wound, biting my bottom lip at the searing pain. "The new Northern Alpha is yet to find his mate. The Redwood Pack has never been lucky in producing a Luna for the North, but perhaps..." He looks down at an eager Linda who gasps, "that's about to change."

The girls can't believe their ears. They begin shouting and jumping in joy, while hugging one another. Linda hugs her father, and they hold each other for a while as she sobs in joy. I am in so much pain to care about the damn ball. Matter of fact, I want nothing more than to retire to my room and rest for the day.

The ball might change nothing for me. Alpha Storm might not even allow me attend. I am of so much importance here, in the pack. An unpaid maid. One whom everyone can push about. There is no way the Northern Alpha could ever be my mate.

In truth, I am even surprised a Luna is to be crowned so soon. The previous Northern Alpha, Vincent Lahiz had died two months ago, and his son, Elijah has been declared the new Alpha just last week. As protocol demands, he will have to learn the ropes of what being Alpha entails first, before he is to be allowed to pick a Luna, whether he is mated to her or not.

This whole ball... it's odd.

And a little desperate if I am to be honest about it.

"This is exciting news, father," Linda says, her eyes sparkling with so much joy you'd never believe she is mean-spirited. "And an incredible honor."

The girls murmur in agreement.

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes.

"Every female here has been provided a chance. A chance to be a Luna. What a day to be proud of being a member of this Pack."

They all claps, and Alpha Storm nods in approval of her words.

Her untrue words, by the way. As the daughter of the Redwood Pack's Alpha, Linda stands a better chance at being chosen as the Northern Luna than everyone else. She will be the lady of the ball, as I am sure Alpha Storm will design it. A female member of his pack being Luna wouldn't be as lucrative as his own daughter being the Luna.

"When are we expected to head to the North, Father?" Linda asks.

"In two days time. You'll all be required to start preparing in earnest. I want you all to set out with your best wears, and be on your best behavior. There'll be omegas from other packs present there. You'll all have to represent this pack well. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"Good. You're all dismissed."

As they troop out of the hall, I move to the table, and begin packing up the glass cups and cleaning up. Alpha Storm lingers, not moving from his position at the head of the table. I can feel his eyes boring holes into me as I clean silently.

"Gabriella?" He calls.

I shut my eyes, the rag in my hand falling to the floor. "S-S-Sir?"

"Come."

I bend forward to pick up the rag and place it on the table, before moving over to stand in front of him, my eyes glued to the floor. Once, when I'd forgotten myself and stared directly into his eyes, I'd gotten the beating of life. He could stand anyone else looking up at him. Not me. Not the pathetic excuse of an Omega.

He wraps an arm around my neck, as he'd done to Linda. "I want to ask you for a favor."

I blanche. A favor?

He smiles. A vicious, cruel smile. The one he'd shot me that night my parents were pronounced dead. "You'll be going with the others to the North. Keep in mind that my daughter needs to be taken care of, and I want you to be in charge of that. I'll also give you a little assignment."

I blink, a cold chill running down my spine. "A-A-A-ssignment?"

He nods. "You'll be my spy. I want you to monitor the Northern Alpha. Father Intel on the pack. How they operate. Where they hold their meetings. Their hunting hours. Their way of life, etc."

His arm around my neck tightens, close to robbing me of my oxygen. I cough, tears springing to my eyes.

"This is a very important task, Gabriela. More important than you looking after Linda, and if you fail..." He trails off, his voice dropping dangerously low, eyes flashing a deep golden glow. "If you fail, I won't throw you into the dungeon. No. I will tie you to a stake, and have every female omega take turns in stoning you to death. You'll die cruel and slow. "

The words are like lethal darts stabbing my chest. The tears fall as his arm relaxes again. I nod, wiping my eyes.

"I won't fail. I promise."

"Good," he says as he toss me to the ground, almost stepping on me as he walks over me. "Now get up from their, and go help Linda with her preparations. You have a lot to prepare for as well."

"Yes, Alpha."