Bullied and Rejected

RAINE

Today was my eighteenth birthday. I was super excited because today could be the day I find my fated mate. My wolf, Tasha, agreed. Our eyes would lock, and we would know. Then he would take me away from this hell and I would be the happiest girl…

“Raine! Get your ass out here. Now!” My stepfather’s voice thundered through the tiny two-bedroom house.

What did I do now? Did I forget to do something? Please, please give me a break. Just for today. I prayed in my head and my wolf whimpered in sympathy.

Still early in the morning and I hadn’t even finished getting ready for the last day of school. Did Peter stay out all night? I never heard him come in.

‘He is drunk. Again.’ Tasha, my wolf, piped up in my head.

“As usual.” He blamed me for my mother’s death, but not more than I blame myself. “Coming, Peter.” He didn’t want me to call him father.

I found him in the living room, leaning against the doorpost to keep himself from faceplanting. His six-foot-four frame blocked out the light from the only window in the cramped living room.

He lunged at me, grabbing me by the back of my neck. I felt his fingernails digging into my skin.

“I work my ass off to give you a roof over your head, ungrateful brat.” His spit landed on my face, and I closed my eyes. “It’s time you paid your share. Now, hand it over.”

“I… I don’t know what you mean, Peter.” I worked at the bakery part time washing up and cleaning for a small amount of money.

“Don’t lie to me, bitch.” He threw me down and my head collided with the edge of the low table. I saw stars in front of my eyes.

My wolf howled, feeling my pain. It wasn’t the first time he got aggressive with me. I reached into the pocket of my jeans and took out a handful of cash I was saving up to buy some food for us. He grabbed it greedily.

“You’ve been holding out on me, Raine,” he sneered at me. The kick aimed at my ribs thankfully missed. “When I get back, I want this place clean.” He staggered out of the front door, and it banged shut behind him.

I sighed when he left, preparing myself to clean the house with shooting pain all over my body.

"Just a little longer," Tasha consoled me.

Yes, just a little longer. I'm finally eighteen and soon enough I'll find my mate who will take me away from this hellhole.

I cleaned the entire house again and got ready for the school. I silently prayed for nothing more bad things to happen today. I deserve a good day, don't I?

Just when I thought I’ve made it to school without any incident who did I walk into? The bane of my existence, Sasha and her cronies, aka the mean girls. The girl who thinks she is the goddess’ gift to men, with her perfect body, flawless skin and hair.

Fine, she was pretty, but she was mean. Especially when it came to me. I’ve never done anything to her, but that didn’t stop her from picking on me.

“Look who we have here, girls. Isn’t it your birthday today?” To think we used to be friends when we were little, but she’s changed. She walked right up to me and twirled my unkempt hair around her finger. I was in such a hurry to get away from Peter I forgot to fix my hair.

“Oh! I see you’ve already gotten a birthday present from your local drunk stepdad.” She was referring to the lump on my forehead. I hid it quickly with my bangs. The other girls laughed.

“I’ll be late for my test.” I tried to squeeze past them. But then the most delicious scent wafted my way and my wolf stood to attention.

‘Mate! It’s our mate!’ she shouted excitedly. I sniffed the air, it was like all of my favorite things rolled into one, cinnamon, chocolate and spice. I blindly floated towards the scent, trying to reach the mouthwatering scent as soon as possible, only to collide with a broad chest.

“No! No, no, hell no.” Big hands shot out and pushed me away. I landed on my butt in the dirt and looked up hurt and shocked to meet the bright green eyes of Luke White, Alpha’s eldest son and next in line to succeed him.

“Oh shit…” I said out loud. Tasha still howled in my head, happy that now our troubles would be over. However, my heart sank from the way he looked at us, his nose turned up in disgust.

The worst possibilities swirled in my head, almost giving me an anxiety attack. I didn't want this, I wanted none of this.

Didn't I deserve just a little bit of happiness? I just wanted a mate who could take me away from the miserable life that I've been living all this time. But now when I was finally blessed with one, why had it to be someone who was disgusted by my existence?

Sasha came over, looking amused. “What’s going on here? Don't tell me that the pathetic wretch is your mate!”

A brief emotion flashed in Luke's eyes, but it vanished as soon as it appeared, like an illusion before he glared at me and then flickered his eyes back at Sasha.

My wolf howled in pain because of the way he looked at her with those soft eyes. I knew they were dating, and everyone said she was going to be the next Luna. She was the Beta’s daughter after all, the perfect fit for Luna.

‘But he’s ours!’ Tasha growled in my head and my eyes flashed yellow seeing Sasha flaunt herself at Luke, draping herself over his broad frame. My head spun. What happened next was out of my control. I went for Sasha, claws and canines out, aiming for her throat. Luke stepped in between and I collided with him, his hands grabbed my wrists, stopping me from ripping into Sasha.

“Don't you dare to touch a hair of Sasha’s!” he roared at me, and sparks flew all over my body, sending jolts of pleasure all over that made my wolf tuck her tail between her legs.

“Hah! Just like I imagined!" His voice was laced with disdain. "You're nothing but a dirty whore waiting to be laid, aren't you? Don't ever dream of being my mate because of this ridiculous bond."

I didn’t dare look at his handsome face, so twisted with disgust for me.

My eyes widened at his words, they hit me like knives to the gut. I opened my mouth to speak but the next words out of his mouth had me writhing in pain.

“I, Luke White of the Howling Wolf Pack reject you… What the fuck’s your name again?” He didn’t even know my name! Tasha howled and retreated to the far reaches of my mind to lick her wounds.

He closed his steps towards me, his aura suffocating me into submission. “Answer me!”

“I… Raine, Raine Grey.” The words came out of my mouth through my tears.

“Well, I, Luke White, the next Alpha of the Howling wolf pack, reject Raine Grey as my Luna and my mate.” He kicked me so violently that I ended up in a narrow ditch, my legs sticking up in the air. "Now, get the fuck out of here."

They all laughed, watching me struggle to my feet, clutching my bag that spilled my books into the muddy ground.

Gathering up my ruined books, I ran away as fast as possible with my body trembling. I was breathless as I ran to the place where I went when I needed to hide from the world. There was no going back to school now.

As a rejected wolf, no one was going to let me live easily. Either I'll be beaten down, preyed upon by unmated male wolves, or get bullied by each and every one of the pack to death without any remorse. That's the fate of the rejected wolves.

When I reached the cave, I threw myself down on the mossy ground and gave over to the hurt I felt inside. I cried until I had no breath left.

'You're nothing but a dirty whore waiting to be laid,” Those words he said to me… who would have thought words could hurt worse than the beatings I got from Peter?

‘You didn’t accept his rejection, Raine.’ My wolf sounded hopeful despite being in pain.

“Well, he didn’t give me a chance, Tasha. He was so disgusted by me.” The tears renewed in my eyes.

‘He could change his mind. Maybe we should just wait.’ Tasha prodded at me.

I sighed, “He doesn’t want us, Tasha. You heard what he said, we are so far beneath his status.”

Dirty little slut. I was no slut I was a virgin. I’ve never wanted to give myself to someone other than my mate.

'You need to rest. Your ribs haven't healed yet. Let me take over to heal you,' Tasha said and I shifted into my pretty wolf. She wasn’t big, but finely boned and lithe on her feet, silver-gray with a white mask.

The mating season was upon us and in a week’s time the moon would be full, but we lost our mate even before that. Tasha howled in pain, crying for our losing the mate. It was a song full of longing and sorrow, a mating call!

A Call to Mate

AMARIS

“Enough!” I pushed the she-wolf off my lap. She tried her best to make me fuck her, but her scent was agitating my wolf. Both of us had been very irritated of late. It was most likely because of the mating moon. Soon it will be full, sending the unmated wolves into a frenzy to look for their other halves.

“Haven’t I pleased you, my King?” the girl pouted her red lips, reaching for my hardness under my robe. She was a stunning, sexy creature, but I just couldn’t. Not tonight. I grabbed her wrists and my eyes flashed red.

“Get. Out!” I snarled at her.

She left sobbing and I sighed. Women! I had no time to coddle them. Damn it to hell, I hated the mating moon. I was twenty-five years old and still haven’t found my mate. Whereas my twin, lucky bastard found his at eighteen. Sorin. His name left a bitter taste in my mouth. We weren’t on the best of terms. Never have been. My mother said we were fighting in her womb already.

Speak of the devil…

“Amaris, I thought I would find you here. What have you done to the poor girl that ran out of here like seven demons were at her heels?” Sorin stepped into my chambers without knocking, as usual.

“That isn’t a matter of your concern, Sorin!” I said sternly while pouring myself a goblet of wine. There wasn't any need of pretense of care between us. "Get to the point already."

“Straight forward like always, aren't you?" He smirked, taking the golden goblet from my hand.

“Like always you always want the things that isn't yours, don't you?" I said, dark cloud shrouding my face.

It didn't matter if it was his favorite toy or his right to the throne, Sorin always wanted everything that didn't belong to him.

Sorin smiled wickedly, "My dear brother, you should just choose one and mark her. Why is it so hard for you?”

“What do you want, Sorin?” My patience was wearing down as I could feel, he was up to something. I had no time for his bullshit.

“Can't we have a little chitchat? After all, we're twin brothers, closest to each other, don't you think?” He sipped the wine and glared at me with his cold blue eyes.

We weren’t identical. He was fair and I was dark, like the sun and the moon. That is how we got our names; he was the son of the sun, and I was the son of the moon. But his heart was as black as night, although he hid it well.

“Anyways, just stopped by to pass you the good news. Helen is pregnant.”

“Oh, Congratulations then? I guess. Hopefully she’ll carry it to term this time.” I turned around to pour myself another goblet of wine. Fuck! The warning bells are ringing all over my head. I have no mate and no heir which is threatening my right to the throne even more. My only saving grace is that I was the eldest by five minutes and my father’s favorite.

“That was uncalled for.” Sorin smacked the goblet down on my end table. “You know we’ve been trying for a pup for years.”

I rolled my eyes. “And I wish you all the best. Was that all you wanted to say?” I slowly walked towards the door, holding it open for him.

He smirked at me. “Just a word of warning, brother. You will lose your crown if you don’t find your mate soon and produce an heir. Rumors have been going around, you know.”

“What? That they favor you above their cruel, ironfisted king?” Tell me something I wasn't aware of.

I was feared as being a cruel man, a lot of it was true, I suppose. But never have I been unjust in dealing with the packs. Disobedience and disloyalty I had no patience with, and everyone knew that. Our pack lands have been at peace since I took over when our parents died in the last war.

“Amaris, my dear brother, you are so blind that you do not see what’s going on right under your nose.” Sorin said with his usual patronizing smirk.

I frowned at him. “What are you talking about?”

“Why don’t you ask your general at arms. You’re the king, find out.” And with that he left, his long coat swishing about his legs.

***

“I’m so sorry, your Majesty. I wanted to tell you as soon as I could, but I got delayed.” Greyson, the general at arms bowed with his forehead to the floor. I had summoned him to the throne room, hours ago.

“Is my brother sprouting nonsense or is there some kind of trouble brewing in the pack lands?” My fingers rapped against the armrest of my throne and Greyson lifted his head.

“Indeed Sire. There has been talk of a revolution against the crown.” He barely looked me in the eyes. Rage, my black wolf growled low at the back of my mind. ‘They wouldn’t dare!’ he growled.

“And who are these packs, Lord Greyson?”

“Please Sire, let me deal with this matter. There is no need for you to concern…”

“Greyson, I know you're an elder of the kingdom but that doesn't allow you to keep the King in the dark!" My aura slipped, making him whimper. "I said names! Now!” I rose from my throne to tower over the older man.

I respected him, but sometimes he still thinks of me as the young boy he taught how to fight.

He submitted against my royal aura, like he should. “Of course, your Majesty. Once again, it could be but rumors spread by instigators.”

I lifted a dark brow at him. “Instigators like?”

‘Sorin!’ Rage snarled in my head.

“I’m not at liberty to say. But the talk is that the Blood Fang pack and the Sickle Moon pack has formed an alliance with some rogue pack to overthrow your rule. Mostly they say you do not have the kingdom’s best interest in mind anymore. Also, you have no queen and no heir so that makes you weak.” He sighed, “I’m sorry, my king. And now that consort Princess Helen is pregnant…”

I held up my hand and motioned for him to stand. “I will deal with it. Leave me now. I need to go for a walk.” My wolf was restless, forcing me to go out on a run.

“Shall I accompany you, Sire?” Greyson asked.

“Thank you but I'll be better alone.” I said harsher than I intended. He always had my best interest at heart.

“Of course, your Majesty. But I would feel more at ease if you took your personal guard as a precaution.”

“If it makes you sleep better, Grayson.” I sighed. He would always be at edge for issues relating to me.

***

I let my black wolf run free through the forest with my royal guards following behind. Rage was strong and fast, and his large paws shook the ground as we ran. Then he stopped so suddenly that my guards collided with him.

He hardly acknowledged their apologies because he cocked his head and listened. I heard it too. The sound was barely audible, but we heard it. A pitiful howl, so mournful it pulled at my heartstrings.

‘It's a call!' He roared, suddenly impatient and sprinted away. I asked what it was all about, but Rage ignored me and followed the direction sound was getting even more clearer.

‘Your majesty!’ The guards started following but Rage turned around and snarled at them to stay.

He kept on running until we crossed one of the nearest pack's borders.

“What is it, Rage?” I couldn’t fathom the reason why he was running crazily.

"Mate!!" He said and chills ran down my spines. The word that I longed to hear all these years felt so unbelievable when I actually heard it.

"Are you sure?" I asked still unsure and that's when the most delicious scent hit my nostrils, pulling us towards it even more crazily.

"Yes, it's our mate's call." Rage said, finally halting to a point.

Then we saw her. The moon bathed her naked form in silver. It was the most beautiful vision which stopped Rage in his tracks. She wasn’t alone. There were three of them. Rage growled low and wanted to pounce on them and rip them to pieces. I stopped him and returned to human form; blood would flow later. I wanted to know what the hell was going on.

“Look what we found. A dirty little Omega.” One of the men looked at her with lustful eyes.

“Hey, weren’t you the one Luke rejected?” another one said.

“She’s quite cute. I will totally do her.” The third one licked his lips.

Rage howled in my head, ‘Kill them! Kill them now!’

“I don’t want trouble. I was just here to take fresh air. Leave me alone.” The sound of her voice put angels to shame.

She picked up a dead rabbit that she had hunted and started walking away. I stepped out from the shadows, but they still didn’t see me.

The one that licked his lips barred her way. “Hey, come on now. Spread your legs for us, you know that’s the only thing Omegas are good for.”

“Nice ass.” The first one slapped a hand on her butt, and that undid me. They laughed.

“What the fuck do you think you all are doing?” I roared at them. My mate’s eyes were round as saucers staring at me. “Take your hands off her.”

“None of your goddamn business! Who the fuck are you?” the tallest one said.

“Just having some fun, go about your business.” The one that laid a hand to her smirked at me.

“Well, the fun’s over. Turn around and leave if you want yourselves in one piece.” Rage pushed against my mind for control, and I let him have it.

The three males shifted into their wolves, and I sneered at their arrogance. They were no match for me. Rage tore through them like a knife through steak. How dare they touch what was mine!

“No! Please stop!” her voice stopped me from disemboweling the one that dared to lay his hand on her.

Rage lifted his head and our eyes met. It felt like I was struck by lightning meeting those enchanting brown eyes.

“Please, don’t kill them. I’m not worth dying over.” She fell to her knees, bowing her head.

What?! How could she say that! She was the world to me, and I would kill anyone who dared to hurt her. I shifted back and the three fools rushed off into the night.

My three bodyguards came rushing towards us. I turned around to scream at them, I didn’t want them to look at my mate’s naked form. When I turned back around, she was gone running away from me.

Broken Bond

RAINE

As soon as I entered the house I was slapped in the face. I licked blood from my split lip.

“Where the fuck have you been? Out spreading your legs, have you?” Peter towered over me.

“No, no.” I showed him the limp rabbit in my hand. My face smarted, but it was nothing compared to the pain in my broken heart.

He looked at me with disgust. “I heard something about you today.”

I walked towards the kitchen to skin and cook the rabbit. He followed. Of course, he must have heard about my humiliation.

“So, you thought the Alpha’s son would take you as his mate, did you?” he barked out a laugh. “A worthless Omega like you. Shame on you, Raine.”

I didn’t answer him. It was no use anyway. My thoughts returned to the gorgeous man who rescued me from the Storm triplets.

I was lost again recalling the moment when our eyes met. Eyes so dark they seemed to sear into my soul. His body was magnificent. He stood there, proud and majestic, like he was carved out of marble. For that split second I took in all of him and it made butterflies churn in my stomach.

The feelings the stranger awoke in me, it was difficult to describe. I felt guilty for not thanking him for his help. They would have surely raped me. But not that it mattered that much. No one wanted me. I was destined to spend the rest of my life mate less and alone.

I tuned Peter out. He was raging on about how useless and stupid I was. Finally, he left, taking a beer out of the fridge. He didn’t even bother to buy food with the money he took from me. I wondered if he was an alpha, my rescuer. He certainly had that poweful aura about him. Why would he even bother about someone of low rank like me?

There was something about him though. I can’t place my finger on it, was it his scent or his face? Such a beautiful face, perfect features with eyes so dark, they almost looked black. It was unforgettable. But his wolf, oh my gosh!

‘He scared the shit out of me.’ Tasha suddenly said. ‘He is vicious.’

And yet, when I asked him to stop, he did. He could have easily killed those idiots.

‘Actually, you should have let him do it.’ my usually softspoken wolf said and I was amazed at the venom in her voice.

“You shouldn’t have sung the mating song, Tasha! It’s your fault you alerted all the unmated wolves in the area.” I was angry at her.

‘I was hoping Luke would change his mind and come for us.’ Tasha replied and gave a small whimper.

I wiped a stray tear from my eye. “Well, he didn’t.”

***

Trying to stay clear of Peter as much as possible, I went to the village looking for work, ignoring the stares and sneers as I passed the pack members. I hoped they would soon forget about me. Wishful thinking perhaps. I was the joke of the pack.

“You!” a harsh voice stopped me.

I turned around. It was Beta Jones, Sasha’s father. As if my day couldn’t get any better.

“Yes, Beta?” I asked, bowing my head in submission. Was he going to punish me for attacking his daughter?

“The Luna is looking for you. Get your ass over to the packhouse. Now.” he ordered.

My heart sank to my tattered shoes. That was the last place I wanted to be at that moment.

“Did you hear me, girl?” his voice whipped over me making me jump.

“Yes, sir.” I turned and ran towards the packhouse. A million thoughts ran through my mind, worrying what the Luna could possibly want from me. I dared not disobey the Luna or anyone else higher in rank than myself for that matter.

I went to the back of the packhouse, to the kitchen and knocked. An Omega servant let me in.

“Luna Marie asked for me, Raine Grey.” I told her.

She looked at me with disdain. “Follow me.” Even my own rank looked down upon me now. I sighed.

I followed her, admiring her spotless servant’s uniform that put my own washed-out clothes to shame. She led me out of the kitchen and down the hall towards the center of the house. I prayed wordlessly to the moon goddess not to let me bump into Luke. We went upstairs to the private quarters of the Alpha and Luna. I started panicking. I didn’t want to be there.

“Come in,” a soft voice called out when the servant knocked at the door.

The servant pushed me inside and left me standing in the doorway with bowed head, uncertain of what to do.

“Don’t just stand there, Raine. Come closer.” The Luna’s voice invited me in.

My feet sank into the plush carpet when I moved towards the Luna. When I dared to look up, I saw Luke standing by one of the windows, glaring at me.

“What the hell is she doing here, Mother?” Luke sneered at me. He leaned casually against the windowsill, and I thought how attractive he looked with the golden sunlight forming a halo around him.

Luna Marie stood up from her dressing table and came towards me. She was a beautiful woman, blonde, petite and graceful. I felt like an ogre staring at a princess.

“Hush, Luke.” She held up a delicate hand to silence her son. “Raine, I called you here because you didn’t accept Luke’s rejection.”

She was right in front of me and touched me on my shoulder. Heat rushed to my face; I’ve never been so close to her. A cool hand lifted my chin and our eyes met. Her eyes were the same green as Luke’s.

“Poor girl, you’re so frightened. You’re heart’s fluttering like a little bird’s.” Her lip lifted in a slight smile. “Tell me why you haven’t accepted the rejection, Raine?”

“I... I…” I couldn’t get the words past my mouth. My eyes bugged out of my head as Luke suddenly loomed over me. His fair hair fell over his forehead, and I fought the urge to reach out and touch it.

“If you think for one moment I will change my mind, Omega, you get that right out of your head.” He grabbed my arm and pushed me violently until my back collided with the wall. “Say it! Say it now!” he snarled in my face.

“Tsk, Luke! Don’t be so hard on her.” Luna Marie pulled him back. “Raine, tell me, what do you want? Money? Clothes?” She scanned over my worn clothes, wrinkling her delicate nose ever so slightly, “I can give you anything you want. Just accept Luke’s rejection so that he can take a chosen mate.”

I couldn’t believe it. Offering me money to sell my right to be his mate. Was I so despicable?

“Or I could just kill her!” Luke roared, his wolf coming to the surface.

“No, Luke, don’t be silly.” She said in that same moderate voice. “I’m sure Raine understands that her rank is just too low to be a Luna. Don’t you, Raine?” the last part she addressed me in a cold voice, green eyes narrowed at me.

Swallowing hard I lifted my head, tears glittering in my eyes. “I don’t want anything. I, Raine Grey…” a sob broke out of my constricted throat, “I accept your rejection, Luke White.” It was like a stab to the gut from a dull knife as the mate bond broke. I turned and ran, without looking back at the two of them, as fast as my shaking legs would carry me.

***

‘We’re free, Raine. He can’t hurt us anymore.’ Tasha tried to console me, but I heard the sadness in her voice, mirroring my own.

“I never want to go through that again, Tasha.” I lay on the mossy ground in our cave, hugging myself. “Never again.” I vowed to close off my heart. No one would ever break my heart again. I would rather die.

But when I fell asleep a while later, my dreams were haunted by the image of a certain dark-eyed stranger, my unknown rescuer.

Summons to the King's Ball

AMARIS

‘We should have followed her and taken her back to the castle.’ Rage was agitated that we let her get away.

“We will be back for her, Rage.” I promised him. I remember one of the wolves that attacked her saying that she had been rejected and my heart ached for her, but at the same time I was happy. She was mine, no one else was getting her. The only slight problem was that she was an Omega, they were no better than slaves or servants because of their low rank.

‘Rank doesn’t matter!’ Rage snarled in my head. ‘If anyone has a problem with that, I will rip them to shreds.’

I grinned at my wolf’s attitude, much like my own. My word was law.

“Your Majesty? Would you like us to go after those insolent wolves?” Richard, my closest guard asked.

“No, it’s fine. I’m sure they learned their lesson. Let’s go back.” I was determined to bring my mate back to the castle and claim her, but her heart belonged to someone else, and I wanted to find out who and get rid of him, if it calls for that.

***

I hardly slept that night thinking about her. She never told me her name. If I had to summon every omega in their pack to the castle, I would do it. But when the elders appeared before me early the next morning, I had an idea.

“Your Majesty, this is a matter of the utmost importance.” Elder Mattias bowed before me, followed by Elder Jonas.

“Speak.” By the look of their drawn faces, it could only mean Sorin had told everyone about their pregnancy.

“As I’m sure you’re aware the consort Princess Helen is expecting. Your Majesty, your throne…” Elder Mattias began, but I held up a hand to silence him.

“I know what it means. I have decided to throw a ball to choose a mate.” I wasn’t about to tell them I’ve found my mate. No one had to know before she was safely back in the castle.

‘Yes, you never know what devious plans Sorin could come up to stop you.’ Rage growled low at the back of my mind.

The expression on their faces were priceless. “Goddess be praised!” Elder Mattias threw up his hands.

“Finally, Sire!” Elder Jonas sighed, his face breaking out in a smile.

“I want all the unmated she-wolves of eighteen but not older than twenty of the nearby packs to be summoned to the ball. I’ll hand you a list of the packs I’m considering. Make it happen soon, I am relying on you. And no exceptions, no excuses will be tolerated.”

“Only a pleasure, your Majesty. We will arrange everything.” The two elders left the throne room, chatting excitedly all the way.

‘You’ve just made their day, Amaris.’ Rage chuckled. ‘I suppose the Howling Wolf pack is at the top of your list.’

“Indeed, Rage, indeed.”

***

The next few days the castle buzzed with activity and an air of excitement reigned over the kingdom. I sent out spies to the packs that were supposedly planning to overthrow my throne to gather intelligence. If the rumors were true, I would deal with those packs severally after the ball. I sent Richard, my royal bodyguard, to the Howling Moon pack to find out who the she-wolf was that had been rejected and who did it. I think I needed to send the idiot an expensive gift to show him my gratitude.

“Brother,” my twin and his other half came to darken my door. “Your ball is all everyone is raving about. There isn’t a skein of silk or lace available in the country. Seems like all the she-wolves have gone mad trying to dress to impress you.”

“I suppose it’s good for commerce. To what do I owe the displeasure?” I stifled a yawn. Sleep had eluded me of late.

“You must feel extremely threatened to have changed your mind out of the blue to take a chosen mate, Amaris.” Helen scoffed, her hands over her flat belly.

I ignored her pointedly. She hated that. I saw her jaw tighten.

Sorin placed an arm around her narrow shoulders, smiling coldly at me. “Forgive my brother, Helen, Father indulged him too much, that is why he is so unmannered.” He pulled out a chair for her to sit in and she smiled up at him. I heard Rage huff, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

“I do not have to justify my decision to you, do I Sorin?”

“Of course not, of course not. We just came to wish you all the best, Amaris. Although you left it somewhat late.” Sorin said. “I saw your list and was wondering why you omitted to invite the she-wolves of the Sickle Moon and the Blood Fang pack? Seems a little suspicious, don’t you think?”

I narrowed my eyes at him and frowned, “Oh, I don’t think so. They weren’t the only one’s not invited.”

Sorin chuckled, “If I were you, I would try to get into their good graces, not alienate them.”

“Have you turned into a royal advisor now all of a sudden, Sorin?” I steepled my fingers in front of my face, peering at the two of them over it.

His smile faltered. “I’m concerned, is all. You don’t need to make enemies right now, Amaris.”

Helen rose from her seat and smoothed her dress. “Let’s just go, Sorin. Your brother doesn’t appreciate your advice.” She turned around to face me, her sharp features reminded me of a ferret. “You are such an ungrateful man, Amaris. Sorin and I put up with a lot from you. I pity the poor wretch you are choosing as your mate. I really do.” And with that said, she huffed out of the study. Sorin followed promptly.

“We can’t please everyone.” I told the closed door.

***

“As you requested, your Majesty, everything is set for this Saturday, which coincides with the mating moon.” Elder Mattias smiled knowingly. “The moon would surely bless your union with whomever you choose with pups.”

That was the least of my concerns at the moment. I just wanted her here with me. Richard came back with the information I so desired. Her name was Raine Grey, an Omega and she was rejected by none other than the Alpha’s son. I grinned like a fool after hearing that. His loss was my gain. But what upset me the most was that her stepfather was a useless drunk who treated her unkindly.

“Your Majesty, what would you like me to do? Should I go and take her away?” Richard asked and I was sorely tempted.

But no, I wanted her to shine at the ball.

‘He is a dead wolf.’ Rage roared out. I calmed him down. We had to be patient. He will be punished, that is certain.

“No, Richard. I want you to take her a gift. The most exquisite dress you can find, with all the accessories and shoes. Do not tell her who it is from. If she asks, tell her it’s from someone who admires her.”

Richard smiled, “It will be my pleasure, Sire.” He bowed and went to do my bidding.

I sat back in my chair feeling satisfied, dreaming of how beautiful she would look, my Queen. I couldn’t wait to get her into my bed. My body burned at the thought of her in my arms.

“Two more nights, Raine Grey, and you will be all mine.” I thought to myself, and Rage purred like a cat at the back of my mind.

***

“So sorry to bother you, your Majesty. You have visitors.” My private secretary Beta Ross broke into my thoughts of a certain naked angel bathed in moonlight.

Slightly irritated I looked up at the older man. “By the look on your face, Beta Ross, I gather it’s one of the royals.”

Beta Ross expelled a harsh breath. “Indeed Sire. The news of your intended ball has spread like wildfire.”

I groaned loudly, massaging the sudden throbbing in my temples. Alpha Hector Samuels had four daughters of which two haven’t been mated. He was also my uncle on my mother's side.  It wasn’t uncommon for family to mate, especially in the case of the royals.

I had no desire to take one of his daughters, never had and never will. I wanted Raine Grey, and no one was going to stop me.

“Send him in.”

Beta Ross bowed low and Alpha Samuels breezed into my throne room followed by his twin daughters.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed slightly and the two females followed suit.

I rose from the throne to greet him with a handshake. Not that I liked the man, but he was family after all.

“Uncle. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I smiled briefly at my twin cousins who blushed and turned their gazes to the floor.  They had grown up since the last time I’d seen them. They had grown into beautiful young women.

“Amaris, I must say I am somewhat disappointed. The talk is all over the country that you are going to take a mate. Why didn’t you invite Nerine and Celine to your ball?” Although he smiled at me, his eyes were cold.

“Well, Uncle, I have my reasons. But seeing as you are here, you might as well attend.” Not that it would make a difference, I thought to myself. I linked Beta Ross, and he hurried back into the throne room.

“You called, Sire?”

“Arrange a room for my uncle and cousins. They will be attending the ball. Ensure they are well tended to.” I caught my uncle’s dark gaze. He wasn’t going to forgive me easily for this insult. But I didn’t care, he was too ambitious for his own good.

The King's Choice

RAINE

A small scroll bound with a golden ribbon lay on our coffee table and being curious I opened it. I drew in a sharp breath. It was an invitation to the Alpha King’s Ball. I dropped the scroll when I saw that attendance was mandatory. There was no way I could possibly go. Peter would never allow it and I couldn’t show up in my old jeans and baggy shirt. I didn’t even have a proper dress. I sighed. Nope, no way would I go to have myself be humiliated even further.

Peter showed up earlier than usual, his normal scowl in place. He ignored me, picked up the scroll and read it. He laughed.

“A ball, eh?” He looked at me really hard and long so much, so I began to shuffle uncomfortably. “There will be a lot of males there. They will pay good money for a piece of virgin pussy.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “Assuming you are still one?”

Tasha growled gutturally and pushed at her boundaries. My eyes burned yellow, and my canines protruded over my lips.

Peter bellowed out a harsh laugh. “Get your wolf under control, bitch. Looks like we’ll be attending the King’s ball.”

I was about to say something when I was interrupted by a loud rap at the door.

“Don’t just stand there, see who it is.” Peter snapped at me and went into the kitchen to fetch a beer.

The man filling the door had an air of authority about him, commanding respect. “Are you Raine Grey?” he asked in a deep voice.

“Yes.” I clutched the doorpost, my hands feeling clammy.

He handed me a large packet. “This is for you. To wear to the King’s ball. It’s from a secret admirer.”

Peter peered over my shoulder at the man.

“What’s this then?” he asked.

“It’s for the girl. To wear to the ball.” The tall man’s lip lifted in disgust when he addressed Peter. The stench of alcohol wafted off him and it was still early in the day.

“Who sent this?” Peter made to take the packet from me, but the man lifted his dark brow at him.

“No one you know. Make sure she wears it.” he said and walked off.

Peter glared at me. “Open it.”

I shook my head. “I can’t accept this. I don’t know who it’s from.”

“I said open it,” he lifted his hand to slap me, and I winced.

Placing the packet on the table, I opened it carefully.

“Oh, my goddess!” It was a gorgeous dress in orange brocade and as I lifted it out of the package, I saw a golden necklace with matching earrings and a comb for my hair. Underneath all that was a pair of delicate heels. I’ve never owned a pair of shoes or a dress like it. It was almost too beautiful to wear.

“You’d better explain yourself, Raine. What did you do to get this?” Peter grabbed the dress out of my hands.

“Nothing, I swear. I don’t know where it comes from.” I was horrified that he would sell it.

‘I think it’s him, that wolf that saved us from those horrible triplets.’ Tasha said.

He narrowed his eyes at me, scrutinizing me from head to toe. “I guess it won’t hurt to let you wear it. I might just get more money for you.” He smirked, shoving the dress at me. “I’ll let you keep it. Now, get me my dinner.”

***

‘He’s planning to sell us, Raine.’ Tasha was fuming. ‘We can’t let him do that to us.’

“I won’t. When we get to the ball, I will slip away, and we will run.” I will go rogue, live in my wolf form until I get to a place where I could be free. Then I would sell the dress and all the accessories. They seemed expensive; it would give us a good start.

‘Peter will hunt us down.’ Tasha burst my bubble. ‘We’ll have to kill him.’

“No, Tasha! I can’t do that.” I was shocked at her violent outburst, but a part of me knew she was right. He wouldn’t give up. But killing him? I shuddered. Being a submissive Omega, killing another wolf was out of the question.

I couldn’t sleep that night, thinking of my so-called secret admirer. Was it the black wolf? Would he want us? No, I scolded myself for thinking that we were important enough for a man to want to spoil us. Unless he wants something in return.

I sat upright in bed. Fool, of course, he wants something! The same thing the triplets wanted. He must be someone important, someone with money. For a moment I thought it might be the Luna, but even she wouldn’t be able to afford the shoes, let alone the dress. I was just something to be sold and bought. I lay back down with a sigh. The moon goddess must truly hate me.

My thoughts turned to the Alpha King, and I shivered. He was said to be cruel and violent. I was not looking forward to meeting him. Although I have yet to meet a werewolf male that wasn’t violent and cruel, or maybe it was just my luck.

‘He does sound scary.’ Tasha piped up. ‘Maybe he sent the clothes.’ She laughed at her own joke.

I didn’t think it was funny, the thought filled me with dread.

***

It took forever to get ready. I wasn’t used to dressing up. Peter shoved some of my mother’s makeup into my hands.

“Do something with your face. Make yourself respectable. I don’t want to be ashamed.”

‘The nerve of him! Why does he have to come?’ Tasha growled, pacing my head.

I did my honey-colored hair up and fixed it with the gifted comb, quickly did a light makeup to highlight my cheekbones, nude lipstick and some eyeshadow to compliment my hazel eyes. For a while I stared at this strange, pretty girl in the mirror. But then I heard Peter call, telling me to hurry up.

He nodded his approval when he saw me. “Well, I’m sure you’ll attract attention. Get in.”

The castle grounds were packed with beautiful girls dressed to kill accompanied by their chaperones. And here I was with Peter… I felt so out of place among the excited crowd, laughing and talking. Peter had a firm grip on my arm as we made our way to the ballroom.

‘He is already looking for a man to sell us to. His wolf can hardly shut up.’ Tasha said irritably. She hated Peter’s wolf.

“Well, look at what the cat - or should I say the local drunk - dragged in!” Who else would I bump into but Sasha and her chaperone none other than Luke. The both of them stared at me. Luke’s jaw dropped when he realized that it was me, the dirty little slut Omega that he’d rejected. I liked the way he shook his head as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. Sasha, on the other hand, sneered at me.

“Who did you sleep with to get that kind of dress? No matter, an Omega is still an Omega no matter what you dress her up as.” She laughed and dragged Luke away with her. Luke frowned at me, glancing back over his shoulder.

“I’m getting something to drink.” Peter informed me, his eyes on the bar. “I’ll be watching you.”

***

Moments later a fanfare of trumpets announced the entrance of the royal family. Everyone bowed their heads in respect.

“Welcome.” A deep voice boomed over us, and I gasped when I dared to look up and met those dark eyes of the wolf who saved me. King Amaris Black. He looked right at me and smiled. “You all know why you are here. Tonight, I will choose my mate and queen.”

An expectant hush fell over the crowd. My palms started to sweat, and my heart pounded heavily in my chest. I was welded to the marble floor as I watched him mingle with the crowd. He towered out above them.

“But first, enjoy the feast.” He said and lifted a hand and at his gesture, soft music filled the room. Servants rushed to uncover the tables laden with food and I looked around to see Peter standing at the fully stocked bar chatting with some males.

‘Raine, it was him, wasn’t it? I’m not imagining it?’ Tasha paced nervously in my mind.

“I would never forget that face.” It was the face of a dark angel.

To say he was attractive would be an understatement. Luke was a boy compared to him. Hair as black as midnight curled onto his broad shoulders. The way he carried himself, like the whole world was his, confident and somewhat arrogant. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

‘He’s coming this way. Oh, Goddess help us…’ Tasha whined.

She was right. He made his way towards me, and I was still as stone.

“You look ravishing.” He said as his eyes bored into mine. “I made the right choice. That color suits you.”

I bowed my head. “Thank you, your Majesty.” I managed to get the words out of my very dry throat.

He bent down and said next to my ear. “My name is Amaris to you, Raine Grey. Remember it because tonight you will be screaming it as I make you mine.”

My legs came to life, and I ran, shoving people out of the way.