Chapter 3

Danika POV 

I quickly unlock the cuffs binding my legs and crawl out of bed. My body is weak and coupled with the heat, I feel like a wreck. I know for a fact that going out with my female hormones and arousal this strong will get me into some type of trouble. But if it means escaping this hell hole, I'm willing to take the risk.

I grab a pair of oversized trousers from the wardrobe and throw them on. This room is a breeding chamber. Everytime an unmated omega goes on full heat, they are locked here and several males allowed to mate her to breed. This has always been the pack's rule. It's a rule I never thought much about until I found myself in the same situation.

Three days ago,I would have sworn that I'd never enter this chamber. I can't help but reflect on how I ended up in this mess.

***Three days ago***

Inside my father's office.

" You called for me?" I ask immediately I step inside my father's office. My eyes scan the two other people in his company.

My father offers me a smile.

" Have a seat, Danika. I want to talk to you." He answers, gesturing to me for the empty spot next to Lucan. I cringe but hide my displeasure,taking my position next to my step - brother. Opposite us is my father and his Luna who happens to be Lucan's mother.

Once he has our attention,my father's serious gaze lands on me. I feel my heart race. I know that look so well. However,I chose to not jump into conclusion and listen.

" I have been thinking and I have decided that it's about time I chose a suitable mate for you." My father declares. My heart drops.

" But father,we already agreed that I will wait until..." I start but my father cuts me off.

" I know. However,it's been three years since you shifted and you haven't found your fated mate. You are not getting any young Danika. I am worried about you." My father declares.

" I am barely nineteen." I counter with a frown. From his tone,one would mistake me to be twenty five and unmated. A female wolf can remain unmated until the age of twenty six. That's when they are forced to choose a mate if they are not claimed yet.

" Listen Danika,you were born of alpha lineage. Don't expect the freedom the commoners have to be extended to you. You have your responsibilities to the pack. The longer you delay your mating,the harder it will be for you. I am worried about your future. The alpha females are supposed to mate at twenty,so they can give birth when they are of age." My father's voice is gentle as he tries to explain his logic. I want to roll my eyes at the ridiculous tradition.

" Danika,your father is right. Your brother is no more. You are the only remaining descendant of the Alpha. Although you are an omega,you are still the rightful daughter of the Alpha." My step mother, Elaina supports. She never lets go  any chance of reminding me that I am just an omega; as if that is supposed to make me feel any lesser.

" That's why I have decided to choose Lucan as your mate. He is kind and loves you. Most importantly,he is strong and capable enough to lead the pack in my absence."

My father's words are like a punch in the gut. Lucan of all people? I turn to face Lucan and see the satisfied smirk on his face. I knew it! I knew this bastard would not let go of his chance to claim me as his. He hinted his interest in me before but I thought after finding my mate,I could finally escape his eagle eyes.

“ I can accept anyone to be my mate, anyone but not Lucan.” I voice out. My words don't sit well with the three people in the room. Lucan just smirks annoyingly.

“ Do you think my son is not good enough to be your mate?” My step -mom asks,a hint of disapproval lingering in her voice. I ignore her and face my father, wearing a pleading look on my face.

“ It's already decided, Danika. The earlier you accept him as your mate,the sooner we can hold the mating ceremony.” My father declares with finality. I know better than to argue with him. The more you protest,the more he asserts his power on you and that's the last thing I need. However,I swear to myself,I'll find a way to get away from this arranged marriage. I don't know how but I'd rather die than mate with the person I suspect ordered my brother's death.

“ Can I at least think about it.” I propose and my father nods.

“ Of course. Just don't take forever. I want to see you married and happy.” He agrees. I catch a look of disagreement on Lucan's face which doesn't sit for long.

" Is that okay, Lucan?" My father turns to address him. Like the hypocrite he is,he flashes a smile to my father. " Of course. Anything you say, Alpha."

I leave the office after my father dismisses me. Before I can divert to the Alpha residence, Lucan calls from behind me.

I fight the urge to ignore him and continue walking. Something about his calculating smile and penetrating gaze rubs me the wrong way. There's also the suspicion I have towards him.

" Why are you in such a hurry to leave, sister?" Lucan inquires. I don't miss the mockery laced in his words.

"Don't you want to have a chat with me? After all,we are going to be bonded as mates." He continues and I fight the urge to roll my eyes at him.

" I have no intention of bonding with you." I spat,trying as much as possible not to sound disgusted. Lucan chuckles at my blatant denial.

" You hate me, don't you,Danika?" He asks,his smile gone.

" Since you know that, I'd appreciate it if you stay away from me." I counter,a glare fixed on his face.

" What to do sister? Your father thinks I am the perfect mate for you. " He muses, " Don't worry though,once I have you beneath me, begging me to fuck you , you'll not remember how you hate me." He whispers close to my ears,his lips brushing against my skin.

" Fuck you!" I spat. Lucan laughs.

" In due time,my sweet sister. I'll own you soon. Very soon." He promises,his breath tickling the side of my neck. I push him away, turn around and walk away.

The rest of the day runs smoothly until the pack alarm bell rings. I shoot from my bed and proceed to leave the room, only that I don't make it past the residence.

Four warriors forcefully capture me and I am dragged to the omega breeding chambers. No explanation is offered, only threats to behave.

After waiting for minutes,the pack doctor arrives and proceeds to order the warriors to chain me. Afterwards,I am injected with something that triggers my heat. As an unmated omega,I don't get to experience my first heat until I am twenty years. Yet it doesn't take minutes before the first wave of arousal hits me. Three days and three nights,I am injected with heat triggering medicine, kept sedated at times and left to drown in my misery.

The only break I get is when the pack doctor comes to inspect how ready I am for breeding. From an Alpha princess,I am reduced to nothing short of a worthless breeder.

***The present***

I drag my tired and bruised body across the room. Pulling the door open,I sneak a peek outside. After making sure no one is in the vicinity,I slip out.

" Where are you going?”