CHAPTER 1

I rolled to my back and held my head tightly in pain. It felt like a thousand needles were piercing through my skull. I wiped the front of my forehead and I was greeted with crimson fingers. I had been bleeding obviously.

Whoever knocked me out took no pity on me. Nobody in this pack did. They were free to treat me however they wanted without being reprimanded.

I picked myself up from the floor and dragged myself. It was dark outside already. I groaned and increased my pace despite the pain I was feeling deep inside. If I didn't get home on time, I would be in for another beating. My body couldn't handle any more of that. I walked faster and I saw ours soon come into view. I sighed in relief when I also noticed that there were only a few guards outside.

I rushed through the gates and headed straight for the back door. Laura was pacing anxiously but sighed in relief when she saw me.

"Oh, Carla. I was so worried about you. What happened to you?" She rushed towards me and touched me.

I winced as she touched my arm.

"Did someone hurt you? Who was it this time? I'm going to...."

"It's okay Laura. No need" because there was nothing that could be done. And she would only get into trouble if she tried to defend me.

"Did they ask of me?"

"No. I told them I sent you on an errand. You should be fine"

"Don't deceive the girl Laura" Bedelia, a maid in the home said saucily. I hated her with a passion and I'm sure she felt the same way.

"I already told Lady Valencia you were out late. She's waiting for you in the living room"

"What the fuck is wrong with you. Let's go, Carla. I'll take you to her and tell her I sent you out" She grabbed my arm but I stopped her.

"There's no need Laura. I'll be fine" Her eyes were teary and she wanted to insist but I stopped her. I didn't want her to get into any trouble because of me.

I pushed past Bedelia, giving her a death glare. When I arrived in the living room, I hesitated. The door opened before I could gather my bearings and my younger sister Lyanna was standing at the entrance.

"She's here. I could smell her from a mile away. Have you taken a shower today?" She pinched her nose and looked at me up and down in disgust.

Of course, I had a shower but that didn't matter because I had been using it as a dumping bin for a lot of dirt.

"Carla" I heard Valencia yell my name and I shook inside. I entered the living room, keeping my eyes on the floor. It was the usual way.

"Where have you been?" Her voice didn't sound close so she was definitely still sitting and not anywhere close to me.

"I was out"

"Until this time? Doing what? You have a curfew"

It was on the tip of my tongue to explain where I had been for the last few days but I held back. I knew from past experiences that it wouldn't do anything. It would only make her upset.

"Answer me" she yelled and I flinched.

My eyes came up for a second and I met his eyes. The same dark color as mine. Because he was my father. Just in name though. He never spared me any glance or cared about me. He always turned a blind eye while I was being abused. Both under his roof and outside it.

"I'm talking to you" My hair was yanked roughly and I helped. I didn't even hear her coming because I was lost in my thought.

"I'm sorry. It'll never happen again" I apologized.

"It had better not. I don't want you spreading your legs and getting pregnant like your whore mother" My eyes snapped up and met with her vile eyes.

I was slapped harshly and I cracked my face in pain.

"How dare you look at me in the eyes? Didn't I speak the truth? Your mother is a fucking whore. Say it"

I stayed silent. I could never disrespect my mother's memory even if that meant another beating.

"Say it, Carla. I don't want to repeat myself"

"Don't you fucking ignore me" She grabbed my hair again.

"Enough of that Valencia" he finally spoke up and she let go of my hair instantly.

"My love. She deserves to be punished" She reduced her voice to something sickly.

"I do not like anything about her to be mentioned and you know it"

"Forgive me. I know hearing her name upsets you. I was just so angry"

I stood there silently, listening to the negative things they had to say about my mother while tears rolled down my eyes.

I missed her so much. I wanted her back with me. I would do anything to have her here again.

"Alpha. There is something you should look at" a new voice interrupted.

"I'll see you later" he kissed his mate and walked out the door, not saying a single word to me.

I was left alone with Valencia and Lyanna.

"You got lucky today brat. The next time, you'll be at my mercy. Now get lost"

I didn't need to be told twice and I hurried out of the room. Laura was waiting in a corner for me and she quickly led me to my room. It was a small room with a manageable bed, a wardrobe, and an old dressing table that Laura had given to me after I turned eighteen.

She started cleaning my forehead so flatly while tears streamed down her face.

"I wish things would get better" she sobbed.

"We've been wishing for that for twenty years now Laura. It'll never get better" I said bitterly.

I couldn't even dare to hope that one day their attitude would change.

The only way out for me was to leave this place.

*****************************************

I felt so much better the next morning and despite the encounter with Lyanna this morning, nothing could dampen my spirit.

Reko was coming today. Reko was a prince. But it wasn't his title that mattered to me. For some reason, he always came to our pack when we were young. We instantly bonded and grew close over time and although it was never mentioned, everybody knew we were going to be together.

He was my chance at escaping this he'll I was born into. But that wasn't the reason that I loved him. He was sweet, patient, and kind. He took care of me and was one of the few people who was kind to me.

Valencia and Lyanna hated it. It was common knowledge. Lyanna wanted him for herself but he never gave her any attention more than just being friends. I loved to see the anger on her face whenever we were together. I had something she could never have which was big for me because I didn't have anything to call my own.

"You look so excited. Today will definitely be a good day" I chuckled at Laura's words.

"The day cannot be dependent on my moods Laura"

"I don't know hey you refused to believe me. It definitely does. I've proven it time and time again. Whenever you wake up happy, it turned out to be a good day" I rolled my eyes. Laura always said these things to make me feel good about myself.

There was no need to. I already told her that big she never listened.

"Carla" I heard my name and turned immediately, smiling widely at Reko who was a distance away.

"I have to go Laura. I'll see you later on"

"Go my child. I'll talk to you later" she waved at me and I followed Reko. He linked our arms together and led me away from the house.

"Is something going on? You've been around more frequently"

"You don't want me around?"

"Of course not. That isn't what I mean. I just think that something must be happening because you've been around most of the time.

He nodded. "You're right. My brother asked me to speak to your father about something important"

Reko's brother was the king and while we always saw Reko, his older brother was rarely seen but the stories about him were enough to make a grown man shit his pants.

I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"There will be a mating feast in a couple of days"

My eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes. Your father's pack is hosting. So I've been coming to finalize the details.

This was awesome news but how come I never heard of it?

"So..." I stretched out my word.

"So?"

"Are you participating?" I nudged him.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I? I'm going to pick my mate that day" I squealed internally.

He cupped my face and brought it closer to his. Our lips were inches away from each other, barely touching.

"I can't wait to take her home with me" I blushed furiously and looked away.

I couldn't wait to start my life away from this horrible place.

"I can't wait too," I said. He pulled me closer to him by my waist and kissed me deeply. Our bodies melted against each other and desire burned through me. His finger was everywhere and our kiss was getting too heated so I pulled away from him.

He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and wrapped his arms around me. I believed him to be my savior the gods had brought into my life. I tightened my arms around him and we stayed in that position for a while.

I spent the rest of his time with him and saw him off. I was returning to the kitchen when I spotted Lyanna coming my way. I groaned internally, trying to take a different turn because I didn't want to deal with her today. It won't end well for me.

"No matter how tight you hang onto Reko, he will never select you as his mate"

I rolled my eyes and tried to walk away but she stepped into my way.

"The decision has already been made. I am going to be mated to Reko"

My temper flared dangerously but I held back and spoke calmly.

"I know you think that everything should belong to you Lyanna. But not Reko. He is mine. He has always been mine. No matter what you do, he'll always be mine"

She scoffed loudly. "I can't wait to see you bawl your eyes out in pain when it happens. And you're right about one thing sister" she said the last word with disdain. She moved closer until your shoulders were touching.

"Everything will belong to me" She bumped my shoulders as she stormed away and I clenched my fingers tightly. I wanted to grab her hair and throttle her but the repercussions would be great for me so instead, I ignored her and made my way to the kitchen to see Laura.

But all through the day, her words rang in my head. I knew not to underestimate Lyanna. It would be a stupid mistake. The fire in her eyes. She was determined to make Reko hers and although I trusted Reko, there was no telling what she could do.

So I had to think of a way to secure my male. To make sure that nobody could snatch him from me.

The guests arrived and they were accommodated in our home. I hadn't seen Reko or the king because I was inside my bedroom all day. I wasn't exactly allowed to be outside when there were guests.

But I managed to find out the room Reko was staying in and I waited for midnight before I put my plan into action.

It felt like forever waiting for midnight. I pressed my ear against the door, listening to any sound that may be coming from outside.

Eventually, it was time and I crept out of my room. Only a few guards loitered outside and I managed to dodge them as I made my way upstairs to Reko's room.

I was giddy with excitement when I finally arrived. The door was also unlocked too. Quietly, I opened the door and I crept inside the bedroom.