Chapter 01

XAVIE 

I never thought I would walk in on my mate and half-sister in bed together on the night of my mating ceremony! 

Words failed me as I stared at them, watching them sprang apart at the realization that they had an audience. Tears rolled down my face as I took in the scene happening in front of me. 

How could they do this to me? My mind drifted to the preparation up to this night. Remembering how she was, Annika had sworn that she was happy for me when I found my mate. It was a painful memory, especially thinking back on how she went above and beyond to make this night happen for me, despite her mother’s disapproval. 

When it finally felt like I could say something, I parted my lips, snapping shut when I didn't glimpse any traces of remorse on their face.

With tear-filled eyes, I looked down at my white ceremonial dress, the day I thought would be my happiest, the day I thought would be forever imprinted on my mind just turned out to be my worst nightmare! 

I will remember it alright, not just the way I had thought. Ignoring my mate for the moment cause  I didn’t know where to start the questions I desperately want answers to even though nothing could justify what they’ve done to me. 

"Why?" My voice cracked with the force of the emotions I was repressing. 

Why did you do this to me? I have been nothing but nice and supportive towards you, I have been a loving mate. You convinced me to accept him when I didn’t believe someone like him would ever want someone like me.

While he was a powerful Alpha, I on the other hand was a poor nobody, not even fit to wipe the floor he steps on. These silent questions raced across my mind. 

Once it became known to us that we were mates, I was thrilled! Although a little insecure, he had held my hands, looked into my eyes and admitted he felt the same attractions.  

Annika had sensed my doubts, at first I didn't trust her because she was never nice to me. But after she apologised, assured me to go for him, it was the push I needed. I never had any doubt or regretted it until this moment! 

"You are going to find out sooner or later anyway." She snickered, implying this wasn’t the first time. 

How long? I broke down, slowly sinking to the floor. For how long have they been sneaking behind my back while I make a fool of myself? Suddenly, all the snarky comments her Mother starts to click on my head, she knew. 

They all knew! 

"Why would you do this to me Annika! Tell me why? What have I done to deserve this from the both of you?" I angrily ripped the veil from my hair, I wasn’t sure if the sound I was hearing was from my heart literally breaking or the sound of the veil as I ripped it off my head. 

"Will you stop being dramatic?" Alec spoke for the first time since they were caught in the act. "This is all your fault! How could you even for a second believe I would be in love with you?" 

Anger stirred up inside me at his words. "How could I think so?" I laughed bitterly. "Maybe because you made sure I believed you!"

"Trust me sis, it was never our intention for you to find out like this. We were going for more... er…creative approach?" She chuckled, glancing at Alec for confirmation as if what she said  could be classified as funny. 

"Why?" I demanded, wiping the angry tears from my face. "Why did you go through all this trouble, what was tonight for if you don’t love me?" 

Part of me was still in denial, refusing to believe all the affections and love he had bestowed on me had been fake but then the truth was glaring right in front of me, everything I ever knew was a lie and I didn't know how to begin to grasp my head around it.  

"Why? That's a good question, let's just say you have something I want." He approached me, circling me where I stood. 

Although I have never been afraid of him, at that moment, I was terrified. Something had changed, it was as if the mask he wore before had peeled away, revealing the man underneath. 

I couldn’t utter a response back since I had no idea what he was hinting at. However, Annika approached the nightstand, pulling out one of the drawers then a file document. 

"Better yet, your father had something I wanted. I was ready to make him any offer, including paying a large sum of money but he refused…no one fucking refuse me!” He growls suddenly, his eyes hardening at the memory. 

Startled, I shrunk away from him fearfully. “What…?” 

"So naive, too sweet for your own good. After your bastard father passed away. You were meant to inherit the vineyard, while that’s a tricket, the real thing I want is the gold discovered underneath where the building stands and I want it all.” 

More tears sprang from my eyes. "You knew about this?" I addressed Annika not believing she was conspiring with him after what he just said. 

"Of course I’m aware, same way I was aware that he willed everything to you! I’m his child too!” She attacked me, slamming my head against the wall. “You have no idea how long I wanted to do that! You make me sick! But watching you make a fool of yourself over a man that doesn’t want you as a sweet consolation.” 

"Easy sweetheart..." Alec murmured, running his hand down her hair. “We still need her alive.” 

Pale and frightened from his statement, I took a step in the direction of the entrance. 

"I seriously can't wait to get rid of her!" She hissed back. 

"In good time sweetheart." He murmured then  grabbed my arm in a fierce grip, causing my body to slam into his. "Getting mated to you was a payback to your father for the things he denied me." His eyes moved insultingly down my body. 

"You thought any man in his right mind would want anything to do with you? Too bad the only man who ever loved you was your father and he's dead! But don't worry, you will be joining him soon." 

"Please..." I whimpered. "Don't... You can have the money, company and everything else." I pleaded as his claws dug into my forearm. 

"Oh, I will decide if I want to let you live. You're no longer of any use to me after these documents are signed." He motioned towards the document Annika was holding. "Transferring all ownership of your properties to me, however your sister is the one who wants you dead." 

"Nika... Please... Whatever I've done to you, please don't do this." I pleaded, falling to my knees. 

"Bitch! You're only annoying me by begging. When Dad was alive, all he cared about was you! Him transferring everything he owns to you was the last straw for me!" 

"But... You know the property belonged to my Mom, it was her will to have him give everything to me—" My words were cut off as another slap landed on my face. 

"Alec, kill this bitch already!" She growled, kicking me by the side with her heel. 

I felt it through the layers of puffy dress I was wearing, moaning in pain I tried to think of an escape plan as Alec approached me. Pulling me by my hair, he dropped the papers in front of me along with a pen. 

"Sign it." He ordered. 

My hands were shaking badly as I picked up the pen. "I will, if you promise to let me live." I bargained, knowing since they still needed my signature they wouldn't kill me yet. 

"How dare you!" Annika tried to attack me but was held back by him. 

"I give you my word Xavie, I will let you go if you sign the documents. In my honour as the Alpha of Shadow-Wof Pack." He states, giving me his word as an Alpha. 

My tears fell on the papers as I hurriedly signed through each page, my entire body quivering. Once I was done, Alec pulled me up again by my hair. 

"I... Alpha Alec of Shadow-Wolf Pack, reject you as my mate!" He declared, letting go of me. 

The pain started from my heart, spreading through my body, I staggered and gasped, clutching my chest. This wasn’t the worst, I inwardly whispered, grateful that at least I get to walk away with my life. 

Alec turned away from me, his fingers gripping the documents. I staggered toward the door, and on the verge of opening it, I felt something thrust into my stomach. 

I gasped, staring wide-eyed with shock as Annika stabbed me with a silver dagger. With a smile, she pulled it free and repeatedly thrust it in different areas of my stomach until I collapsed on the floor in the pool of my own blood..!