THE ALPHA'S DECEPTION

Selena

"Get up."

The sharp voice jolted me out of my restless sleep. My body ached from the cold, hard floor of the servants' quarters, but I didn't dare hesitate. I sprung up, wiping my matted hair away from my face, as Lilith stood in the doorway, arms crossed and eyes filled with hatred.

"You have 10 minutes to be outside. Father has a task for you," she snarled, flinging a dress to the ground at my feet. "Wear it. And don't embarrass the pack."

She did not wait for a response. She turned and strode away, her long black hair swaying behind her. I gulped hard and picked up the dress. It was fine silk and way too expensive for someone like me. That alone triggered alarm bells in my thoughts. Alpha Adrian never gave me anything nice.

Something wasn't right.

I hurriedly dressed, my hands quivering as I adjusted the unfamiliar fabric against my flesh. I'd never worn anything as nice as this before.

By the time I made it outside, the entire Shadowfang Pack had gathered. The alphas of neighbouring packs stood in a half-circle, their penetrating gazes assessing me as if I were nothing more than livestock at a sale.

Then I saw him.

Alpha Lucian Blackwood.

Tall and broad-shouldered, with icy blue eyes capable of freezing fire itself. His very presence sent shivers down my spine. His reputation was legendary. Ruthless. Unforgiving. The kind of alpha that disliked weakness.

My stomach sank.

Alpha Adrian stood beside him, a fake smile spread on his face. "Ah, there she is," he said, seizing my wrist forcefully and pulling me forward. "This is my daughter Selena. She is yours now."

Daughter?

My breath got locked in my throat. My mouth opened, but no words emerged. What did he say?

Lucian's gaze hardened. He glanced at me with an unreadable gaze. "This is the one?" His voice was low and dangerous.

"Yes." Adrian tightened his grip, pushing his nails into my skin. "A beautiful she-wolf. Obedient. Strong. Everything you need in a she-wolf."

The world swirled. My heart beat against my ribcage. This was not occurring.

Lucian's gaze fixed on mine, seeking and studying. His nostrils flared slightly, but he did not react as I anticipated. No recognition. Nothing.

Something flashed in his eyes: curiosity? Amusement? I could not tell.

"I see," Lucian eventually replied, turning his head slightly. "Then let's not waste time."

He turned on his heel and approached his horse without waiting for an answer.

Panic overcame me. I yanked at Adrian's grip, attempting to pull away. "Alpha, please," I whispered. "There's been a mistake—"

Adrian leaned forward, his breath hot on my ear. "Do not embarrass me, omega," he yelled. "Get on that horse, or I'll make sure you regret it."

Terror held my limbs in place.

This was it. My fate was sealed.

Lucian mounted his horse and looked over his shoulder impatiently. "Well?"

Adrian shoved me forwards. "Go."

I had no choice.

I hopped on the horse behind Lucian, my hands grabbing the back of his cloak. As soon as I was situated, he urged the horse ahead, leaving the Shadowfang Pack behind.

And just like that, my life as I knew it ended.

The journey was silent. The only sounds were Lucian's horse's steady speed and the pounding of my heart. My fingers gripped his cloak tightly, unsure what awaited me at the Bloodfang Pack.

"Let go," Lucian's voice cut the silence.

I paused before relaxing my hold slightly. "I—I don't want to fall."

"You won't," he replied bitterly. "I don't like being touched."

I gulped hard and pulled my hands away, gripping them against my chest instead. Every muscle in my body contracted.

The hush was heavy. Uncomfortable. I wasn't sure if I should say anything, but Lucian spoke up before I could.

"You will follow my rules. You will do what I say. And under no circumstances will you attempt to run away."

I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. "And if I do?"

Lucian tightened his grasp on the reins. "Then you'll regret it."

An icy chill went down my spine.

"But I'm not Adrian's daughter."

The words came out before I could stop them. My heart hammered in my chest as I looked at Lucian, who had just brought the horse to a stop in a clearing deep in the woods. The moment felt heavy and suffocating.

Lucian did not move. His fingers were still on the reins, and his keen blue eyes fixed on me like a wolf preparing to strike.

"What did you just say?" His voice was low, but it had an edge to it, a hidden wrath simmering beneath his placid demeanor.

I swallowed hard. "I said—I am not Adrian's daughter. He lied."

Silence stretched between us. The wind rustled through the trees, but it did nothing to alleviate the weight pushing against my chest.

Lucian tilted his head slightly, as if contemplating my remarks. Then, without warning, he sprang off the horse and dragged me down with him. His hold was iron as he kept me in place.

"You expect me to believe that?" His breath was hot on my face, and his fingers dug into my arms. "Do not play games with me, girl."

I winced and lifted my chin. "Why would I lie?"

His gaze burned into mine, looking for something. Then something about his expression changed. Realization. Understanding. Then comes rage.

He released me so swiftly that I almost stumbled back. He took a step back, raking a hand through his hair, his whole body tensed. "That bastard."

I knew who he was talking about.

"Adrian promised me his daughter," Lucian whispered, to himself more than to me. "We struck a deal. I won the bet. He swore in his honor—" He paused, his jaw stiffening. Then his piercing stare returned to me. "And instead, he sent you."

I didn't respond. What could I possibly say? It's not like I had a choice in any of this. Adrian had simply done what he always did: thrown me away like trash.

Lucian stepped forward, his expression hardening. "Do you think this changes anything? It does not."

I blinked. "What?"

"You belong to me now." His voice sounded icy cold. "I don't care who you are or what lies Adrian has told me. You were handed to me, and I accepted. That means you are mine."

Panic rose in my chest. "I'm not an object you can own."

Lucian's lips curled. "You are exactly that, Selena. And you should learn that quickly."