001

Zara's POV

I glared at the man in front of me, my hands curling into fists at my sides. If looks could kill, Alpha Bradlyn would’ve been dead a thousand times over.

“Seduce him. Steal the ring on his finger. And I’ll let your family go.” His words slithered through the air like a death sentence, laced with mockery.

My stomach churned.

“It’s not that hard, Zara.” He leaned back in his chair, his smirk widening. “You’re already on scent suppressants, so there’s no risk of complications. If anything, I’m being generous.”

Generous? My blood boiled. This was the same man fate had cruelly tied me to as a mate, only for us to reject the bond without hesitation. We despised each other. But now, he held my family’s lives in his hands, using them to force me into this twisted plan.

Seduce Alpha King Cade.

The most ruthless werewolf to ever exist. The ageless, half-feral ghost of a king, a legend drenched in blood and whispered warnings. No one saw his face. No one lived to tell his secrets. And Bradlyn wanted me to get close enough to steal from him?

“Why?” My voice cracked, raw with desperation. “Why me? Is there no other way?”

Bradlyn chuckled, shaking his head like I was a child throwing a tantrum.

“You made this choice, remember? You offered to take your family’s punishment,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with amusement. “And this is the punishment I decided.” His expression hardened. “If you’re not up for it, I can always have them executed instead. Publicly. In front of the whole pack.”

A cold wave of dread crashed over me. My throat tightened as my vision blurred.

“You’re a monster,” I whispered.

His lips twisted into a grin. “And you’re an Omega. A wolfless one, at that. What else are you good for, if not following orders?”

I swallowed hard, my heart hammering. My legs felt numb, my body sinking under the weight of the impossible task. This wasn’t just a test of obedience, this was a death sentence. I wasn’t strong, I wasn’t fast. I was nothing but a girl trapped between two choices, each more terrifying than the other.

Straightening my shoulders, I met his gaze, silently pleading for him to change his mind. But I already knew better. Bradlyn never bluffed.

“You’re wasting my time, Zara.” He stood, stepping around his desk, stopping just inches from me. The air between us crackled with tension.

I clenched my fists. “Why me? There are others who could do this. Why choose me?” My voice wavered, but I didn’t care. “You could punish me in a hundred other ways. Why send me on a suicide mission?”

Bradlyn’s golden eyes darkened, the force of his Alpha aura pressing down on me like an iron weight.

“You don’t get to question me.” His voice was low, dangerous.

I dropped my head in submission, my hands shaking. “I— I can’t do it. He’ll kill me.” Tears welled in my eyes before I could stop them, slipping down my cheeks in silent defeat.

Bradlyn scoffed. “Crying won’t save you.” He turned to leave. “Whether you agree or not, you’re doing it. That’s final.”

Panic seized me. Without thinking, I grabbed his arm.

He yanked away like I’d burned him, his eyes flashing with disgust. “Did you just touch me?”

I flinched. “I— I’m sorry, Alpha,” I whispered, wiping at my tears.

“Save it.” He smirked, stepping back. “Now listen carefully, because this is your last chance. Every Alpha is here tonight including Cade. This is your only opportunity.” His smirk faded, his expression turning cold. “You have two choices: you succeed or I sell you to him and you won’t return until you get the ring. If you fail… well, your family dies either way.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“Get dressed. Don’t make me wait.”

And with that, he was gone.

My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the cold floor, silent sobs wracking my body. It was hopeless. No matter what I did, I was doomed.

What kind of life was this? Was I really born just to suffer?

Minutes passed, maybe longer. But when the numbness reduced, I pushed myself up. My body felt heavy, my mind even more so. But I moved, because I had to.

The pack’s anniversary ceremony was in full swing. The halls buzzed with excitement, filled with powerful Alphas, Betas, and warriors from all over. I wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a servant tonight. That had been the plan—until Bradlyn ripped it away.

By the time I reached the changing room, two girls were already inside, fixing their dresses. They didn’t even glance at me.

I was used to it.

One of them, Hannah, was the Beta’s sister, one of the highest-ranked females in the pack. She had everything I didn’t; power, status, respect.

“Are you sure about this, Hannah?” the other girl whispered.

Hannah smirked at her reflection, adjusting the neckline of her dress. “Of course. Tonight, it’s either me with Alpha Cade or no one else.”

My stomach twisted.

They left without a second glance in my direction. It didn’t matter. I was invisible to them.

I hesitated, then locked the door. My hands trembled as I shed my servant’s uniform, my pulse pounding in my ears. I grabbed one of the fancier dresses from the rack, something sleek and dark, something that would help me blend in.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out.

Only two things lay ahead of me; succeed and save my family… or walk straight into my own doom.