My freedom was so close I could taste it. But that all fell away when a mysterious stranger stopped me…with his sword. Yeosang and San glower by my side as the man presses the blade into my cleavage, threatening to puncture my chest.
"Since you failed to respond to my demands, I thought I'd pay you a visit, Your Highness. Tell me… Should we make this plaything of yours the first spoil of our war?"
"You can call me a plaything. If you want to die." I growl.
"(Y/N)–" Yeosang says my name with a calm but stern demeanor.
"You should keep your little bitch on a tighter leash, Alpha King."
"I'm not his bitch, his plaything, or anything else you want to call me. I'm–"
But before I can answer, Yeosang grabs the back of my neck, yanking me to face him.
"You will show proper respect to the Alpha of the Eastern Packs, Omega."
He shoves me to the ground, the name he called me pounds in my ears. San makes no move to stop him. Omega. The name for wolves with absolutely no shifting ability. Treated like the lowest of the low.
Why is he calling me that? And why isn't San interfering?
"I won't show respect to you or anyone that demeans shifters based on ability. How darey–"
"Another word and I'll remove your tongue for my brother."
San's words make me blink. It's abundantly clear that he's in on the act.
So Yeosang and San don't want this man know who I am. Why?
"Yeosang. What–"
The Queen rounds the corner, stopping in her tracks at the sight she sees.
"Ah, my widowed Queen. So nice to see you."
"Dimitri…to what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I've come to ask about my demands. And I brought a few friends with me."
Suddenly, hundreds of shifters appear all around us, aiming deadly rifles. I inch closer to San. I can feel the tension pulsing through him, in time with my own heartbeat.
"I want full control of all eastern territories. That's my most generous offer."
"You want to control half of the global shifter population? And that's generous?" San asks in confused shock.
"Yes. Because the alternative is the entire shifter population. And your blood, as well as your brother's "royal" blood, will soak the ground we stand on."
He swings his sword casually, ambling up to face off with Yeosang, only inches away. Yeosang bares his teeth with a look that could absolutely kill. I tense.
"Why do that when your head would look so much prettier on a spike?"
"I knew you'd say that. Always the predictable one, false King."
Yeosang moves to strike. Then, Dimitri raises his hand. His soldiers cock their rifles, ready to shoot. Suddenly, I think of an idea. A way to buy time for myself, San and Yeosang.
"Alpha of the Eastern Packs."
I address Dimitri, putting on my fullest performance. He pauses.
"It is very much not my place to say this, but as a lowly Omega… I cannot imagine this world tainted with your death or the death of our Alpha King. What would we do without your great alliance?"
Slowly, Dimitri appraises me.
"True, it would be a shame. But I'm afraid I don't see a solution."
"I propose a ball he held. In your honor. Tonight. Rather than focus on your differences, let us celebrate your unity. And find a peaceful solution."
I feel Yeosang and San exchange a look behind me.
"Yes. We would love to host a ball in your honor, Dimitri." Yeosang plays along.
Dimitri's smile grows. His eyes never leave me.
"Hmm…as long as this delicious treat is there, I think I can find it in my heart to attend.
He walks up to me, and tips my chin up with his slimy fingers.
"Save a dance for me, pet."
"I look forward to it, My Lord."
He laughs lightly, coming close and kissing my cheek.
"Me, too. I'm sure we'll have lots of fun."
With a theatrical wink that turns my stomach, Dimitri waves off his soldiers.
"I'm glad we could have such a pleasant welcoming party. It was everything I hoped it would be."
When he and his army disappear from view, everyone exhales.
"That was quick thinking, (Y/N). You saved our lives."
"Yes. But now she's expected at the ball. And Dimitri's eyes are trained on her."
Roslyn turns to me with a look far more grave than her usual ice-cold stare.
"Make no mistake, (Y/N). If Dimitri finds out what you are… He'll take you. And use you. With no regard for your well-being."
"That is different from you how?"
"It's immensely different. They way we treat our property here…is abundantly tame in comparison to the Eastern Packs."
Roslyn turns away, walking briskly back toward the castle. We all follow in silence. Yeosang and San escort me to my room, the tension still hanging thick in the air. Yeosang slides up next to me, speaking under his breath.
"Are you all right?"
There is no hint of mockery in his voice and it catches me off guard.
"Yeah. That was just…intense."
"Dimitri deserves a slow death. Not a ball." San growls under his breath.
"We had no choice." Yeosang tells him.
"There's always a choice. You just fail to see that because everything has to go your way."
"That's what it means to rule, Saekki."
"Is that arrogant bullshit something your mother beat into you?"
Yeosang goes completely still. He rounds on San slowly.
What is San talking about?
"The only reason Dimitri is challenging my rule is because your whore mother had you before me, bastard."
San grabs Yeosang's collar, slamming him against the wall.
"Call her a whore one more time."
"…Whore."
"If you both don't stop this, I'll start believing that other Alpha is a real option." I blurt.
The brothers glare daggers at each other. But after a long moment…they split apart. There's a knock at the door.
"Special delivery."
Jongho ushers in dresses for me in a breathtaking myriad of colors. He hands Yeosang and San each a suit.
"Whoa. What…?"
I run my hands over the fabrics, my fingers brushing velvets and silks and dangling crystals.
"Are these for…me?"
"Yes. My brothers sent for them. Each suggested something quite…different from the other."
"The important thing is that you choose for yourself, (Y/N)."
San emerges in a suit of silver that matches his gunmetal eyes. The diamonds that drip down his abs make my breath catch.
"You deserve that much." he smiles.
"But some of us have opinions about what would look best on you."
Yeosang steps out in a regal, crimson brocade, tailored perfectly for his formidable build.
"You both look so different." I tell them.
"That's because some of us have taste. Others don't." Yeosang smirks.
"I think you mean some of us have manners."
San smooths his hands over silver dress, dripping in diamonds.
"We'll all need to wear our clothing like armor tonight. Most important, you, (Y/N)." San explains.
"Yes. Dimitri will be looking for you. If you look more like you belong with one of us…you'll be safer." Yeosang adds.
Yeosang pulls a crimson gown to the front. Solid gold splashes across the fabric, more extravagant than any jewelry.
I then notice the gorgeous silver dress that is covered in diamonds with elegance. I grab the silver dress and go behind the changing barrier. I peel my overworn clothes from my body, and step into the pool of thin, silken fabric. The dress curls around my body like liquid metal, it's hand-sewn diamonds glinting in the candlelight.
"I'm dressed. You can all turn around."
The brothers turn to look at me. When San sees me, his eyes widen.
"(Y/N)…"
He whispers my name on a breath, so soft I almost miss it.
"Will this work? Will it be…enough armor?"
"(Y/N), you…in that…"
He steps in close to me, running a hand over the diamonds at my waist. Yeosang gazes at me from across the room.
"…You could find any battle."
"It's time." Jongho smiles.
San holds out his hand to me. Yeosang sours behind him, but he doesn't say a word.
"Wait…you're asking me to go with you?"
"You're not the property of the Alpha King tonight. You're an Omega slave, remember? And since you and I match, it makes sense that I escort you. I'll keep you close, under the guise of being my guest." San explains with a soft smile.
"But I'll be there, too. Keeping a very close eye. If San tries anything I'll rip him in half." Yeosang adds with a slight growl.
"Tha'ts over the top." I tell him.
"Call it whatever you want. Just remember: I'll be there."
I look from Yeosang to San. Then…I take San's hand. After a long, silent walk, San and I reach a set of double doors. They are thrusted open upon Yeosang's command. I gasp when I'm led into the massive, glittering ballroom. The eastern wolves dance, rip meat from the bone, and paw at passing women.
"This is a lot to take in."
"Just stay close to me. I'll try to get us through this quickly." San smiles.
The crowd parts for Yeosang and San as they stride into the room. Guests and slaves alike stare at me in my mesmerizing silver gown, desire and envy lilting in their eyes.
"Yeosang. San. There you are."
San's arm tightens around me when he sees Roslyn. She strides over in a gaudy blood red gown. At her throat is the same large red jewel necklace I remember her wearing before. Does she ever take that off?
"I see you chose silver, (Y/N). Did you think being a bastard's Omega would help you stay out of trouble?"
"I thought it would be best to not upstage you in red."
"What did you say?"
Roslyn steps in close, tracing a finger over the tinkling silver stitching right over the swell of my breast.
"Good luck tonight, (Y/N). See, this dog that's attending you isn't great isn't great at protecting those he loves. Just look at his mother."
"What was that?"
A low, vicious growl rumbles from San's throat, his body growing hot with rage.
"It's just a fact, my little bastard boy. Your mother met her end spreading her legs for my husband. And you did nothing to stop it.
She walks over to San. I expect him to say something, to do something. But he stands absolutely paralyzed before her. She smooths her hand over his cheek, right where she struck him hours before. He looks at the ground.
"See? Just as weak as the cunt you came out of."
She laughs and starts to walk away, leaving San devastated in her wake. Thinking fast, I pretend to trip, planting my foot right on the train of her dress…before shoving her to the ground.
"What the–!"
With her lupin reflexes, Roslyn catches herself…which was exactly what I expected her to do. When Roslyn turns, my foot twists, sending a massive rip from the hem of her skirt…all the way to her ass. The crowd gasps at the sight of the Queen. She tries desperately to cover herself.
"(Y/N). You'll be destroyed for this. I'll see to it that–"
"My apologies, Your Highness. I just stumbled on it. It's a shame you got up so quickly."
I try not to smile as Roslyn seethes with anger, her makeup running down her cheeks.
"You little–"
"A mistake. Nothing more. Right, Mother?"
"Yes. A mistake. I saw the whole thing."
The Alpha brothers step in front of me, tall and shining.
"I suggest you have some decency and go stitch that up. The eastern wolves look hungry." Yeosang suggests.
Sure enough, Dimitri's men lick their lips, angling for a good look at the Queen. She curses. As she bolts from the ballroom, San and Yeosang help me up, leading me swiftly away from the carnage.
"That was reckless." San sternly tells me.
"Agreed." says Yeosang.
"She deserved it."
A small smile betrays San's true feelings.
"This is a lovely party, Your Highness. Thank you for your hospitality."
San, Yeosang and I all stop in our tracks when Dimitri appears, flashing his fake smile.
"I hope you don't mind. We took some liberties with the entertainment."
He gestures behind him. Bile rises in my throat when I see dozens of his men groping the servants of the castle.
"You need to stop this. Right now." I tell him.
"Ah, my favorite little treat. Look how nice and frosted you are for my party. Has our King not told you? You are to be seen and not heard."
"I'll be quiet when you're dead."
"Oooh. I see why you keep this one close, "Alpha King." She has a spicy little tongue. Mind if I have a taste?"
Dimitri reaches for me but San grabs his hand mid-air, stopping him in his tracks.
"I care. As you can see, she's with me tonight."
I expect Dimitri to back down. To apologize with a fake smile. But instead, a low laugh eeks from his throat.
"Nice try. But I know exactly what she is. I can smell her a mile away."
In a flash, Dimitri shoves San back and wraps his hand around my waist. He takes a long, torturous sniff of my neck.
"Yes. An untouched bitch, so close to her mating day.
He grins, his rancid breath permeating my nose.
"I can smell you, (Y/N). You're days away from coming of age. So ripe for the taking. No one has claimed you yet, have they? No one has bred you?"
His hand moves down toward my ass.
"There's still time… I could make you mine…"
I push hard at Dimitri's chest. But to my astonishment, he doesn't budge.
"Nice try. But I'm really quite strong."
His disgusting hand curves over my ass. I feel him squeeze.
"KNEEL."
With the force of a bomb, Yeosang's Alpha command sends everyone in the ballroom to their knees…including Dimitri. He slams hard into the ground, taking me down with him.
"You may mock my position, Dimitri, or even challenge it. But one fact remains. I am the Alpha King. I am your Alpha."
Dimitri snarls where he lies, struggling to break the command. But he can't.
"Do you really want to tell me what to do right now, Alpha King?"
Dimitri's voice changes. It gets low and serious, only loud enough for Yeosang and I to hear.
"Should I share a little secret I know about your rise to the throne?"
Yeosang pales slightly. Suddenly, he releases his hold. Everyone coughs and struggles to their feet. I wasn't affected by the command. Putting on my best performance, I struggle to my feet with aching muscles. But that all changes when Dimitri grabs my hair.
"They don't know, do they? Not even this little Omega you're so fond of? Not even your bastard brother?"
Yeosang glares at him. But there's something beneath his hateful eyes. Something desperate. It looks like Dimitri is about to reveal what he knows. He grins maliciously, opens his mouth, and…
"A dance. I propose a dance."
He claps and sweeps the guests of the hall into a massive circle.
"Come. Why all the long faces? This is a party!"
His eyes land on me.
"(Y/N). Clearly the most beloved of the slaves. Why don't you have your pick for once. I can be generous."
He takes me by the shoulders, roughly spinning me to face the crowd.
"Who will you take in the first dance of the night?"
My eyes float over hundreds of faces, all blurring together except for two: Yeosang and San. I hesitate as I look at both of them.
"I choose…San."
Everyone in the ballroom turns to look at the bastard Alpha. The man I met in the dark of the dungeon. I could hear a pin drop as he slowly makes his way toward me. He whispers as he takes my hand.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure."
A small smile plays across his lips at my answer. He slips his hands around my waist.
"Then I'll try not to disappoint."
Suddenly, he turns me masterfully until I'm in the center of the dance floor. Everyone applauds. His steel gaze makes the rest of the room fall away. He strides towards me, and I feel a jolt in my chest.
"I…I don't really know how to do this. Being from the city and all."
"That's okay."
The music soars. Hundreds of enemy wolves watch as he bends me back, whispering against my neck.
"I know what I'm doing."
He pulls me back up. His large hands slide down to my hips, and he starts to sway against me, pinning me with his silver eyes.
"Just keep your eyes on me."
"Okay. Just don't let me fall."
"Don't worry. I may not get the chance often, but…"
San turns me and pulls me back, pressing himself against me.
"…I'm good at taking the lead."
San moves his hips with mine, guiding me against him with his strong hands. Other wolves dance around us, stealing glances. I feel Dimitri staring, and Yeosang. But they don't matter anymore. San presses his cheek to mine and I close my eyes.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get you out."
"It's okay. It's not your fault."
San huffs, heat radiating off of him.
"We'll find another way. I don't care what it takes."
His hands slide down and find the small of my back. He nuzzles close, sending a dizzying shiver through my body.
"We'll find a way, (Y/N)."
"Mind if I cut in?"
Through the crushing crowd of dancers, Dimitri's haunting face emerges.
"Get the fuck away from us, you–!"
But San can't finish his sentence. Out of nowhere, dozens of Dimitri's men emerge and pull him away.
"Let go!"
He fights hard, but to no avail. Soon, he is swallowed by the sea of bodies.
"San!"
"The bastard's busy. But I'll keep you warm in his absence."
Dimitri pulls on me hard, forcing me to slam against his body.
"Did you miss me, little (Y/N)?"
"I've missed an opportunity to kill you this morning." I growl with furrow brows.
"Ooh. Something tells me you'll like it rough."
His hands slide down low over my hips.
"I do, too. When I finally have you, you'll learn exactly what I mean."
"Go to hell."
I shove him off and turn to run. That's when I see San. He's being held down by Dimitri's men on a lounge beside the dance floor. A knife against his throat. Yeosang spots him there, too, and sees me in Dimitri's arms. He freezes, unsure which direction to turn. Dimitri presses himself up against me from behind, his hand finding the slit in my dress.
"Looks like we have a royal audience. Let's give both of these Alpha princelings something to look at."
"Don't fucking touch me."
"Too late, little Omega. I already am."
Dimitri's slimy, cold fingers find the hem of my panties, pulling them away. My heart pounds. San and Yeosang both fight like hell to get to me, but the truth is painfully clear: They won't reach me in time. Dimitri tugs at my thin layer of protection, nothing standing in his way. Except me. Right before Dimitri is able to breach, I tear my arm from his grasp.
"Don't fucking touch me!"
Reeling back, I slam my fist into Dimitri's groin with all the strength and anger I can possibly possess. The crowd gasps. He screams and stumbles back, holding the remains of his dick in his trousers.
"Oh. Now, you've REALLY done it. I'm going to destroy you."
Dimitri advances on me, along with several guards. Instinctively, I drop into a defensive lunge, bearing my teeth. And…against my will…my eyes flash. Dimitri, Yeosang, San…everyone in the room freezes at the sight of me.
"Gold…there's only one bloodline that has wolf eyes that color. Bang Chan of the Far West. The Alpha who true mated with Morgan, and lost his only daughter…"
Dimitri points at me.
"…A daughter who would be exactly your age."
Dimitri's eyes change. The mocking taunt in them is replaced by something darker. Hungrier. Yeosang mouths over his shoulder.
"Run…"
I push past the crowd, past Yeosang, and sprint out of the back door. The corridors blur in my panic. I feel like footsteps and shouts come from every direction, advancing on me. I'm not sure where to go but then I see a door and barrel through it. It leads out to a courtyard with a tinkling stone fountain. I look around to find a way to the forest until…
"Cute how you think you can run from me."
I spin around to find not just Dimitri, but all of his men, armed and encroaching on me. I back up.
"You may not be an Omega, (Y/N), but you're certainly not an Alpha. I could catch you in my sleep."
"Please. Just leave me alone."
"Leave you? That's adorable. No, I don't think I'll do that. See…I was interested in you before. But now that I know what you are? I'm going to breed you until I taste the power I so crave."
I stumble onto the edge of the fountain, splashing down into its ankle-deep depths. There's nowhere to run. With a snarl, Dimitri lunges. But a man twice as powerful whips me into his arms.
"You won't touch her!"
Water flecks San's furious face. He holds me fast as Yeosang slams Dimitri to the ground.
"And why do you think you get a say, Saekki?"
"Because she's my claim."
Then, with blazing passion, San presses his lips to mine, kissing me for all to see.