Ava's POV

"Watch where you're going, freak!" A she-wolf snarled at me, shoving me to the ground with a tray of food in my hands.

Three other friends of hers snickered gleefully, as I hit the floor with my face. I tried my best to bite back my groan, knowing it would only encourage them. I made sure to avoid eye contact with them, as I started packing food back into the tray. I would be punished for wasting food but I just hope they don't starve me again this time.

They all turned around to leave, when they realised I wasn't giving them the entertainment they craved. I had to pack up the food before another pack member runs into me. It would not be pleasant.

Suddenly, someone knelt down to help me clean up the mess. It was Emily, my only friend and also an omega like me. She is three years younger than I am, but we get along quite well.

"I'll finish cleaning it up, you should go grab another tray from the kitchen." Emily said to me, making me frown.

"Weren't you taking this to someone?" She asked, gesturing towards the tray. I just nodded nervously.

Truth is, I wasn't really looking forward to taking the food to the owner in the first place. Taking the food to him meant seeing him again and I couldn't just bear to see Jared again. A lot has changed since he was away. I've been labelled the daughter of a traitor, stripped of my position and forced to serve as a lowly omega in my own pack. I was no longer the daughter of the beta he used to know, the happy and cheerful child of those past years was now gone. I didn't want Jared to see me like this...but I guess I don't have much of a choice.

"Then leave this to me and go get another food. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting." Emily said, waving me away.

"Thank you." I replied sincerely, standing up to go and do as she told me.

Getting another tray of food seemed to be easier than I had thought. I only had to tell the cooks that Master Jared demanded another tray and they provided it immediately. They didn't question anything, making the process even faster. Soon enough, I was on my way again, through the large hallways of our pack house.

Silver Claw pack was home to over nine hundred werewolves. It happens to be the largest pack here in the south, due to our alpha claiming other weaker alpha's territories. Alpha Damian, Jared's father was an alpha who believed that the world belongs to the strong. That's probably why he has the omegas in his pack being picked on. We are the weaklings, the runts of the pack... and we live only because they allow us.

My grip on the tray began to tighten, causing the object to tremble. I felt my anger rise, as I looked at the werewolves around. The ones who called my father a traitor and had Alpha Damian kill him. My father would never betray his friend. I looked at them as they whispered amongst each other, mocking and laughing at my misery. I wish I was stronger. I wish my father let me train back then. I would have been able to fight and defend him. I mean I still have beta blood in my veins right?

"Breakfast for Master Jared." I told the two warriors, who were standing guard on a flight of stairs that led up to where I knew Jared would be. I know he wouldn't be sleeping in the alpha quarters. He never does.

The warriors gave way, gesturing for me to go on. I did go on, albeit hesitantly.

"Move it, will ya?" One of the warriors said, smacking my butt with his hand. I wasn't even shocked or bothered by him. I just moved up the stairs quietly, my mind on a more pressing issue.

My heart was beating at an alarming rate and I found it hard to balance the tray in my grip. Beads of sweat ran down my face and the air suddenly felt too heavy to breathe. Was this me just being nervous? I mean, Jared used to be my best friend back when we were little kids so why should I be this nervous and scared of seeing him? He's been gone for about 15 years and only came back recently, so he wouldn't recognize me, right?

I slowly climbed up the stairs, keeping my eyes up ahead. It took everything in me not to freak out and turn around immediately. Soon enough, I was standing right in front of his door. Here goes nothing.

I raised up my right hand to knock, but I couldn't find it in me to do so. My thoughts were a couple of jumbled mess and I found myself being restless all of a sudden. I just remained frozen at the doorstep, unable to do anything.

"Come in!" A very deep, masculine voice bellowed from inside, snapping me out of my reverie. I instantly decided not to keep him waiting for another second. He must have heard my erratic heartbeat all the way from inside.

Opening the door, my senses were attacked by the sweetest scent I've ever caught. It was an odd mixture of pine wood and something else that drove my wolf crazy. I felt my insides heat up almost immediately and my normally dormant wolf was coming alive.

The room was poorly lit and I couldn't see much. However I could make out the silhouette of a grown man lying on the bed. Could that be him? Could that really be Jared?

"I... I.. brought your.." I stuttered, making a complete fool of myself.

"Here!" His deep voice echoed through the room again, shutting me up.

My weak legs moved me towards his direction and I felt like my insides were going to explode. My grip on the tray wasn't so firm anymore and I almost dropped it again... almost.

He was in front of me in the blink of an eye, making me gasp in shock of how fast he moved. It was like he teleported or something.

" Jared?!!" I whispered in disbelief.

Large hands engulfed mine, sending ecstatic sparks right through my body. I inhaled sharply, not knowing how to react without looking stupid. I still wasn't able to see his face clearly but I could make out how tall he was...which happens to be a lot. His deep, soothing voice and calming scent, the pleasant sensation of his skin on mine. It made me come alive in ways I didn't think possible anymore. I felt my wolf clawing at my insides in what appeared to be excitement. This could only mean one thing. Jared here, is indeed my fated soulmate.

I was told that I'll instantly feel it, when I meet my mate and that was absolutely right. I have finally met him and I couldn't be more happier. I felt a smile slowly stretch my lips but his next words wiped it off completely.

"Close the door on your way out." He said, taking the tray of food off my hands and heading back to his bed.

...

A/N:

Please, this book is only suitable for adults above the age of 18. Strong languages, violence and explicit sexual content are to be expected... just a little heads up.

Thanks for reading!!!