one

Chapter 1 

Leena’s Pov 

“Stop stalling! Get out if you're not ready to get your match!” Someone yelled from the back as I was pushed aside, groaning when my waist connected to the edge of a lone table behind me. I fell to the ground in a heap, clutching my waist. 

Snickers echoed in my ears making me freeze, but I had to get back in line or else I was going to get pushed to the back and I'd have to start all over again. So I scrambled up, and rushed to stand in the line with the other omegas. 

Today was the ‘Mate Matching’, a sacred consultation which was held for every werewolf who had come of age. The shaman whom the Alpha had invited would guide us through the ritual, using the moon's blessing to pair us with our destined mate. For an omega like me, this event meant everything. 

A mate meant protection, stability, and finally, a way of belonging, something I had craved my entire life.

I glanced around nervously, the line of Omegas stretched ahead, their expressions a mix of eagerness and desperation. My heart clenched as I saw the Alphas and Betas watching from the sidelines, their eyes scanning the crowd for potential matches. Unlike them, Omegas had no say in who chose them, we simply had to hope that the Moon Goddess blessed us with someone kind.

The line began to move forward, and I inched closer to where the shaman stood. Her robes glimmered under the moonlight and she was chanting softly. My palms were clammy, and I couldn’t stop fidgeting with the hem of my white gown. 

“Next!” The shaman called, her voice deep and commanding.

My breath hitched as the Omega in front of me stepped forward. She was a petite girl named Mira, and I could feel her trembling even from here. 

The shaman placed a hand on her forehead, and a moment later, she smiled, “You are blessed.” She announced, “Your mate is Beta Kael of the Silver Moon Pack.”

A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward, his eyes warm as they landed on Mira. She let out a soft gasp, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks, and for a fleeting moment, hope sparked in my chest. Maybe the Moon Goddess had something good in store for me too.

But as the line continued to move and my turn came, that hope began to leave me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Finally, it was my turn. I stepped forward hesitantly, my heart pounding so hard that I couldn't hear the murmurs around me. The shaman looked at me with strange eyes, her brows furrowing as she placed her hand on my forehead. Her chanting stopped, followed by a deep frown. 

“What… What is it?” I asked, panic filling my voice. 

The shaman's lips pressed into a thin line, “You have been chosen but…” She hesitated, her gaze shifting over to the Alpha. 

Alpha Grayson stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over me. “Speak.” He ordered.

The shaman straightened, her voice steady as she said, “The Moon Goddess has not granted her a mate. Instead, she has been given a guardian wolf.”

Everyone gasped and I felt my knees go weak as the words sank in. A guardian wolf? That couldn’t be right. Omegas needed mates, someone to protect them, not the other way around!

“What does that mean?” Alpha Grayson’s voice was low and dangerous, his eyes narrowing at the shaman.

The shaman’s expression was grave, “It means she is destined to serve another pack, to protect their people as a guardian. This is a rare blessing, but…”

“But she’s useless to us.” The Alpha finished coldly, his gaze snapping to me. His words cut through me like a blade, and I took a shaky step back.

“No…” I stammered, shaking my head, “There must be some mistake. I… I prayed for a mate. I need a mate! Please check again! There must be a mistake somewhere!” I said frantically, falling to my knees as weakness overtook me. 

“There are no mistakes in the decree girl! You have been given a guardian wolf and not only that, your wolf is not meant to serve your pack but another pack instead! An enemy pack! The Moon Eagle Pack! You are a traitor!” 

“No! No! This isn't true! I'm not a traitor! Alpha please, please, don't believe this! This must be a mistake!” I cried, clasping my hands together while years gushed down my eyes. 

I couldn't believe this! Why did this happen to me? Was my bad luck so much that I was going to be branded a traitor on the day that I was supposed to be given a mate? Why was this happening to me?! 

“Someone!” Alpha Greyson yelled, and I looked at him, shaking my head frantically, “Take her to the dungeons and announce that the Omega Leena Quinn is a traitor! She will be beheaded tomorrow so as to protect this clan from war!” 

“No! Please!” I screamed, my voice breaking as two guards marched toward me. My knees hit the cold ground as I begged, tears blurring my vision, “I’m not a traitor! Please, you have to believe me! I don’t even know the Moon Eagle Pack!”

The guards grabbed my arms roughly, yanking me to my feet, “Get up, Omega,” one of them growled, his tone laced with disgust.

“Please, no!” I thrashed against their hold, my wrists burning under their iron grip. The crowd stared at me, their faces cold and had no expression. 

“I’m not a traitor!” I screamed again, my voice echoing in the silent courtyard, “You can’t do this to me!” But they could, and they were going to do that as it was the Alpha's orders.

As the guards dragged me toward the dungeon entrance, desperation flooded through me. If I was thrown into the dungeons, I would never get the chance to prove my innocence. I couldn’t let my life end like this, not without a fight.

A low growl bubbled in my throat, a sound I didn’t recognize as my own. My wolf shifted within me, a sudden burst of energy coursing through my veins.

“Let me go!” I screamed, struggling in their hold. When one of the guards tightened his grip, a red haze clouded my vision.

Before I could think, my teeth sank into his arm. The guard let out an unnatural scream, his hold loosening as I bit down harder. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, but I didn’t stop. I tore into his flesh with all the strength I could gather, ripping a chunk of his flesh free.

The second guard froze in shock, giving me just enough time to pull myself free out of his grasp.

“You little bitch!” The injured guard snarled, holding his wounded arm as blood poured down his sleeve and dropped to the floor. His face twisted in rage and pain, but I didn’t care. I spat the flesh onto the ground, wiping the blood from my mouth with the back of my hand. I didn't wait for them to regain their composure, I turned around and bolted away, adrenaline coursing through my veins. 

“Find her!” I could hear them shouting behind me, Alpha Grayson's voice cold and deep. If they caught me, I was going to die.