3. An Emerald Cross Earring

Naomi's POV:

I turned to run, but my legs felt like they were weighed down with heavy chains. I couldn't move no matter how hard I tried.

At that moment, I wished more than anything that I had awakened my wolf. If I had, I could let her take control and run far away from here—from this cold, heartless family.

It was a shame that I didn't have a wolf.

I could only force my heavy legs to take slow, painful steps.

Thankfully, my twin sister, Noelle, appeared just in time, like a savior.

She rushed over to me, urgently. "Naomi, you have to run! Dad is planning to give you to Joshua, the Beta of Snowmoon Pack, as his mate! I heard Joshua had a witch do a special reading. If he completes the mating ceremony during his 60th birthday party tomorrow with a virgin female werewolf, he can extend his life. If you can just make it through tomorrow, you'll be safe!

"I booked you a room at the Eclipse Hotel. Go there and hide!"

The Eclipse Hotel was not affiliated with any pack. The guests could be werewolves, witches, or even vampires.

The mix of different species made it the perfect hiding spot for someone like me.

"Thank you, Noelle! I don't know what I'd do without you."

I clutched the keycard tightly, feeling a surge of hope. This was my only way out.

Noelle waved down a taxi and opened the door for me herself. "Go quickly, Naomi. I'll stall Dad as long as I can."

I thanked her once more before hurrying into the car. I didn't see the sly, satisfied smile that crossed her face as I left.

The Eclipse Hotel, though not controlled by any pack, wasn't cheap. I didn't have any savings.

Every penny I earned from my part-time jobs went to keeping myself afloat.

Luckily, my father favored Noelle, showering her with the best of everything-food, clothes, and an endless supply of spending money. It was thanks to her that I could afford a room here.

Feeling a deep gratitude toward my sister, I cautiously made my way to Room 606, gripping the keycard as if my life depended on it. Every step was filled with anxiety, fearing I might run into a powerful enemy along the way.

Thankfully, I reached the room safely, without any trouble.

However, the moment I swiped the keycard and stepped inside, a strong hand grabbed me and yanked me onto the bed.

I was shocked that there was someone else in the room.

The lights were off, and the room was pitch black. I couldn't make out his face but I could tell he was a male werewolf.

I could sense the familiar scent of my kind.

I struggled instinctively, but he was too strong. He easily overpowered me as he pinned me down.

Everything after that was like a dream.

As I recalled the events of last night, I forced myself out of bed even though my legs were weak and trembling. I needed to find some clue about the male werewolf who had been here.

This was the room Noelle had specifically booked for me. I wondered why there was someone else here.

I searched the entire suite, but he was gone. The only thing I found was a small emerald cross earring on the bed.

Was this left by the werewolf last night?

I slipped the earring into my pocket, planning to ask Noelle if she knew who he was.

Before I could reach for my phone, the suite door flew open with a powerful kick. My father stormed in furiously with Noelle standing behind him.

"Dad ... " I stammered, instinctively backing away.

I wasn't even in Bluemoon Pack's territory anymore. How had they found me so quickly?

My father strode toward me in a flash and slapped me hard across the face. "Naomi, you were gone all night! We thought something terrible had happened, and here you are, filthy and wh*ring around with a lowly Rogue!

"Your body is tainted now. The Beta of Snowmoon Pack won't want you anymore! You've ruined our chance at an alliance with them, all because of your shameless behavior!"

Tears blurred my vision as I summoned the courage to stand up to him for the first time in my life. "Dad, do you even know that the Beta of Snowmoon Pack is 60 years old? He's tortured all his previous mates to death! You were going to hand me over to that monster for the sake of an alliance? Am I still your daughter?"

"What? How dare you feel upset for being his mate? You, a worthless girl without a wolf, should feel honored to mate with the Snowmoon Pack's Beta!" My father glared at me with disappointment.

Noelle stepped forward and said, "Naomi, you don't even have a wolf. You'll never find your fated mate. Father arranged for you to have a powerful mate, and you should be grateful. Besides, once you're mated to Beta Quinn, he'll convince Snowmoon's Alpha to form an alliance with us.

"I haven't expected you to be so selfish, Naomi," she continued. "As an Alpha's daughter, you should be contributing to Bluemoon Pack, not sneaking off to sleep with some Rogue and ruining our future. You've let all of us down."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Noelle, my sister, who had helped me escape, was now accusing me.

I wouldn't understand why she was saying these things. She was the one who had given me the keycard and told me to hide there.

I wondered if my father figured out that she had helped me and forced her to play along with this charade.

At that moment, I still believed my sister was on my side. I thought she had no choice but to go along with our father's cruelty.

It wasn't until much later, when I nearly lost my life at her hands, that I finally saw her malicious side.