Kayla's POV
As I slipped through the darkness of the Lamia Pack's hospital, the cold nipped at my bare feet. I have no choice but to be here even if I shouldn't be. On a narrow mat of straw, my mother lay with pale, chilly skin and shallow breathing. No one cared enough to treat her, even though she had been ill for weeks. The healer didn't pay much attention to omegas like us unless they needed to clean their tools.
"Mama," I said as I knelt next to her and took her weak hand. "I brought some water for you. Only a bit.
She opened her eyes a little. Her eyes had lost their glitter and appeared lifeless. "You shouldn't be here, Kayla. "If they catch you"
"They won't. I used caution. I took care to hide my departure from the slave quarters.
A faint smile came to her face. I was broken by it. "You're too talented for this setting. You must go, sweetheart. Before it's too late.
My eyes were scorched by tears. "No. I won't abandon you. I am unable to.
Even though her hold was feeble, she tightened it. "Make me a promise. You run when I'm gone. You never turn around while you run. This is not what you were meant to do.
I felt like screaming. I felt like crying. However, I knew in my heart that she was correct, so all I could do was nod.
I sat with her for a few more minutes before I had to duck behind the shelves to avoid the sound of boots outside. I slipped back into the shadows as the guard went by. I sensed it even though I didn't turn around. I probably wouldn't see her again after that.
There was chaos the following morning. There was a big gathering that the Lamia Pack was getting ready for. There was a buzz of nervousness and tension in the air as high-ranking alphas and betas from nearby packs approached. As usual, I received no information. I was treated like a mutt and given orders.
"Ask for the wine. "Now!" shouted one of the female omegas, flinging a tray in my direction.
I awkwardly caught it and gave a nod. "Yes. Immediately.
A glistening palace had been created in the Great Hall. Torches dotted each corner, silks hung from the walls, and the place smelled of spices and meat. I knew better enough to even consider touching the meal, even as my stomach rumbled.
Selene, the daughter of the Beta, snarled, "Move, rat," as she walked by me wearing her silver gown. She took pleasure in torturing me. I was merely a plaything to her.
I kept my head down and held my tray close. I would be punished again if I made one mistake.
Naturally, though, I only ever made bad decisions.
My foot tripped over a rug's edge. The tray slipped out of my grasp. Selene's clothing and the floor were both covered with wine.
There was silence in the hall.
Gazing at the blood stain on her clothing, Selene let out a gasp. Her angry look swung to meet mine. "You little filth!"
She lifted her hand and gave me such a forceful slap that my eyes went round. "Everything was ruined by you! "Your vile omega!"
The visitors chuckled. A few even gave a clap. I felt like melting into the ground. I bit my tongue to contain my tears, even though my cheek was burning.
Someone yelled, "Get up and clean this mess!"
I got down on my knees and gathered up the shattered goblets as quickly as I could. Shame burned in every part of me, and my heart thumped.
Then there was silence when the doors opened.
Like a hurricane, he came in. Riverash Pack Alpha Arthur Dylan.
Tall and broad-shouldered, he wore black. The air in the room was sucked out by his presence. He was dreaded by everyone and had a reputation for being cold and vicious.
As I leaned to retrieve the final goblet, my hands trembled. I wanted him to ignore me. However, destiny had other ideas.
I smacked against a hard chest after turning too quickly.
There was a gasp in the room.
When I looked up, everything ceased.
His look met mine.
And something broke right then. Inside of me, my wolf whimpered. My heart stopped beating. I was aware. I was fully aware of what this was.
My friend. I was struck like lightning by the relationship. In every bone, I sensed it. In every breath. I had him.
Arthur's eyes briefly expanded before narrowing.
He stepped back, his face contorting into a ruthless expression.
"You?" he hissed, his voice brimming with hatred. "You're my mate?"
I started to say something, but nothing came out. I had a dry throat. My legs were weak.
Speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear, he lifted his chin.
"I, Alpha Arthur Dylan of Riverash, reject you as my mate."
I felt a searing pain in my chest. I was having trouble breathing.
There was laughter in the hall.
The bond broke inside me, and I collapsed to my knees.
Everything in my immediate vicinity turned to dust.
The world was silent in an instant.
"I, Alpha Arthur Dylan of Riverash, reject you as my mate," he said. And everything around her fell apart.