Chapter one: The beginning

Zara

Everyone in the pack was busy. Omegas like me were running up and down, arranging things and cooking for the guests. My father, Alpha Hazel, was greeting his friends from other packs. My mother was in her room, and my sisters were adorning themselves.

Today was my eldest sister Elisa’s marriage ceremony. Alpha Caleb was coming to ask for her hand, and it was the happiest day my pack had seen in a long time.

Alpha Caleb was well-known and one of the wealthiest Alphas I had ever heard of. He had many women around him, but he never married or named any of them his wife. But, today, he was here to take my sister as his Luna.

The news that Alpha Caleb was finally getting married had spread throughout the packs. Many visitors came just to see who had won his heart.

“Elisa, finest daughter of Alpha Hazel, are you not done dressing?” My mother called for my sister.

My parents were overjoyed. Their favorite first daughter was marrying Alpha Caleb. My father had sent my mother to call Elisa, as everyone, including her future husband, was already there.

“I’m already on my way down, Mother,” Elisa replied. She walked downstairs elegantly in her beautiful dress. My mother praised her the moment she saw her.

My mother and my other sister, Zila, escorted Elisa to the ceremony venue. I could only hear the voices from where I was, unable to see anything. Then, a voice called me out of my daze.

“Zara, Zara!” It was Madam Ovre, the oldest omega in our pack and the head of the omegas.

“Yes, Ma,” I answered, snapping back to attention.

“Take this cooler of food and follow them into the venue,” she said, pointing to other omegas already carrying dishes.

Without hesitation, I grabbed the cooler and followed them. I desperately wanted to see what was happening and how happy Elisa looked as she was proclaimed Alpha Caleb’s Luna.

We entered the venue, and believe me, everything and everyone looked incredibly elegant. My eyes went wide like someone who had never seen anything beautiful before. It was true.

I was only witnessing this because Madam Ovre had sent me on an errand. Otherwise, my so-called parents, who had rejected me since the day I was born, would never allow me in. It had been prophesied that I would be an Alpha, the chosen one, given that they already had two girls. This prophecy had given them hope that I would be born as a male child.

Giving birth to me was the worst regret my parents ever had, and they didn’t hide it. I was immediately handed over to Madam Ovre, who raised me. Some people thought I was her child, while others knew exactly who my parents were.

Growing up with Madam Ovre, I learned to be strong and capable. I was comfortable living in the Omegas’ quarter. My sisters, Elisa and Zila, who were accepted by our parents, would often demand that I follow them out as their personal omega. They would beat me, shout at me, and constantly remind me that I was a rejected mistake. They tried every way possible to see sadness on my face.

“Is that where Madam Ovre told you to put yours, Zara?” One of the omegas asked. I quickly brought myself back and went to set down the food as instructed.

As I turned to leave with the other omegas, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I couldn’t bring myself to look up and see whose eyes they were. The gaze alone gave me goosebumps and sent a chill of fright through me.

The look wasn't hateful. It was something else, a mix of fear and possession. I tried to pull myself together and hurry out when I heard a voice.

“Wait there, young lady.”

I froze. Fear gripped me so tightly I nearly lost control of my body. It might not be talking to me, I thought, trying to push my legs to move. Nothing in this ceremony concerned me. But then the voice came again, this time louder

“I said stop there, or you’ll see the other side of me.”

Following his gaze, everyone in the room turned to look at me. My body started shaking. My legs couldn’t carry me anymore. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me. I internally screamed for help.

Then I felt a hand grasp mine, a warmth I knew well. It was Madam Ovre. She held me, sensing I might faint if she didn’t come to my rescue. With her support, I slowly regained my composure.

Everyone was looking at me back at the person who gave the order, wanting to know the reason. I still couldn’t raise my head, but the voice wasn’t from my pack. From the whispers, I realized it was Alpha Caleb.

What did I do this time? I wondered. I was used to being told I was dumb or mentally not normal for doing anything. What could he possibly want from me?

He removed his eyes from me and set them on my father, Alpha Hazel. “I am taking your daughter Elisa as my Luna on one condition.”

My father, who had been eager to know what I’d done to Alpha Caleb, was confused. But as a great man and leader, he quickly composed himself.

“What is the condition, my soon-to-be son-in-law?”

Alpha Caleb then turned his eyes back to me. “I am buying her as my omega,” he said, pointing authoritatively at me.

A murmur spread through the crowd. Some said the condition wasn’t hard; after all, I was already an omega.

Realizing he was referring to me, I immediately rejected the words in my heart. I knew that becoming his omega meant he would have access to me anytime, any day he wanted. Alpha Caleb was rumored to keep many omegas just to satisfy his urges. Would I be one of them now?

I knew I had no power to reject him. Alpha Caleb always got what he wanted, even if it took everything from him. My last hope was my father. He surely wouldn't agree to this, because Elisa was his favorite, and he knew exactly what Alpha Caleb meant by buying me as his omega.

I raised my head to see my father’s reaction, strongly hoping he would disagree. My mother gave him a look with her eyes.

“If that is your condition, then consider it acceptable." My father didn't even pause to think. His voice was steady, matter-of-fact. "Besides, she is already nothing but an omega."

It was that moment that I knew for sure that I was on my own and not even one person would speak for me.

All through the ceremony, Elisa didn't say a word, but she kept looking at me evilly whenever she got the chance. I knew I was jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

As much as my family rejected me, I was okay staying with Madam Ovre and the other omegas. Elisa was worse than my parents. The only reason I could think of for her and Zila hating me was that my body was curvier and better built than theirs, and I kept growing more beautiful each day, despite their mistreatment.

I resisted going with them, but only inside. I was powerless. I felt caught between the deep blue sea and the devil. If I resisted, I didn't know what Alpha Caleb would do next. The stories said he always got what he was after. And if I didn't go with him, I might not survive my parents’ wrath.

The only option was to follow the instructions.