Ava's POV
Tonight happened to be Jared's homecoming dinner feast. It was to celebrate his return and introduce him officially to some important personnels in the pack. It's kind of a big deal because all the omegas, including myself have been working all day to make sure everything is in order for the event.
I stood in front of a mirror in our living quarters, giving myself a once over before I finally join the others out there. My emerald, green eyes stared back at me. I could literally see my own pain in them. My left eye had a dark bruise around it, that was in contrast to my very pale skin. My pointy cheekbones were practically bulging out of my face, reminding me of how malnourished I am. No wonder Jared wouldn't look at me twice. I used to have long, beautiful, blond hair. I cut it short to avoid hateful pack members from pulling it aggressively. Looking in the mirror, I realized how much the past few years have changed me. I wasn't really Ava anymore. I had to become someone else, just to survive and keep my father's memory alive.
My hand instinctively reached for the necklace around my neck. It's the only piece of father I still have left. The door suddenly sprung open, revealing a worried looking Emily.
"We're going to be in so much trouble if we're late, Ava!" She said, coming over to drag me away from the mirror. I begrudgingly followed her, not before smoothing out my old dress with my hands, one final time.
Soon, we were both in the dining hall, standing in line with the other omegas on duty for the night. Only a few pack warriors were seated on the table. I didn't see Jared or Alpha Damian and the Luna yet. Looks like we're right on time afterall.
"Nobody's here yet." I whispered to Emily, who just rolled her eyes at me.
"You're welcome." She whispered back in a sarcastic tone.
I looked around the dining hall, marvelling at the sight of the splendid lightings and decorations. This wasn't my first time here but the beauty always leave me breathless. It made me feel like filth standing right here. Don't even get me started on the slow, classical music, playing in the background. It was very soothing.
The large doors of the hall opened suddenly, making all of us look towards that direction. In came Alpha Damian, his Luna Arielle and some other pack warriors flanking them. Jack was among the warriors and he literally wore a smug smirk on his face. I see his broken nose was now healed up nicely. Damn those shifter genes!
The music stopped and everyone present assumed their bows of acknowledgement to the alpha couple. The homecoming feast doesn't include everyone in the pack, just a few high-ranking wolves.
Alpha Damian was soon seated, a wide grin on his face. His eyes fell on me for a brief moment and I felt my skin crawl. I lowered my gaze to the floor, a sign of submission.
"Here he comes." Emily nudged my side, looking towards the door. I followed her gaze and I could have sworn, I felt my heart stop.
Jared, standing tall in a black, fur coat. Gone was the sick, pale boy of those days. He was a fully grown man now, a freaking alpha. Even underneath all the fur coat, I could still see how well built he is. I heard he had been residing in the Iron Wolf pack all those years, and my goodness! He was really looking like an Iron Wolf, like a real savage. The way he styled his long hair, I haven't really had the opportunity to take a really good look at him. His sharp jawlines and intimidating physique had me literally gasping for air. He might not technically be the Alpha yet, but there was definitely a dominant aura around him. To think I felt a mate bond between us? What a joke that was!
I felt my wolf become restless once again, clawing at my insides to be near "our mate". I tried my best to contain the urge, even as his sweet woodsy scent filled my senses again.
"Look! It's her." Emily called my attention to a female, who was walking right beside Jared. She was the dark skinned female from the other night in the kitchen, the one who saved us from Jack and his friends.
"Her name's Freya. She's Alpha Magnus's sister." Emily whispered to me, making my eyes widen in disbelief.
Alpha Magnus of the Iron Wolf pack? No wonder she's looking so feral. It's just something about the Iron wolves. They're built entirely different, larger and bulkier. Damn! I wish I had their genes.
Soon everyone was seated and Alpha Damian ordered for the music to be continued. It was time us to go serve their meal and I was nervous as hell.
Alpha Damian stood up to give a little speech about how much he's missed his only son. He talked about how relieved he was to find out that Jared was still alive. All through the speech, Jared just kept a straight face, devoid of any emotions. He didn't seem like he wanted to listen to anything his father was saying.
I quietly went round, refilling everyone's glasses of wine. I refilled Luna Arielle's, who was busy asking Jared about his journey...like she really cared. Then I moved down the table, where Jack had snapped his fingers to call my attention.
I felt my heart beat really fast and immediately knew why. Jared had his gaze fixated on me this whole time. Once again, I felt the burning sensation in my insides and breathing felt really difficult. My hands were literally shaking, as I poured out wine into Jack's glass. The latter seemed to notice and he didn't fail to voice his displeasure with a low, warning growl. I was startled for a moment, causing me to spill some wine on his shirt. Fuck!
"Stupid bitch!" Jack roared at me, sending me flying across the room with a backhanded slap.
I groaned in pains, as my body hit the hard floor. From the corner of my eye, I saw Jared stand up abruptly. Every other person just sat down, watching as Jack approached to obviously hit me some more.
I was roughly pulled up by my hair, making me bite back a cry of pain. A heavy punch was landed on my stomach, making me double over in pain.
"Enough!" I heard Jared shout from where he stood, making Jack pause his assault momentarily.
The whole dining hall went totally silent, tension filling the air.
"What's the matter son? The omega was just being disciplined...as she should be." Alpha Damian said casually, taking sips of his wine.
Freya was suddenly in front of Jack, making him let go of me immediately. He backed away with a look of fear on his face, making her smirk.
"Not tonight. Not on my homecoming feast." Jared snarled at his father, making the latter's eyes darken. Alpha Damian still kept a smile on his face regardless.
"I forgot you could never stomach things like this. I'll be more mindful of that next time." He said to his son, whose eyes were now glowing bright red. My eyes widened at the sight. Only hybrids have such glow in their eyes. The rumors were true afterall!
"Oh I can stomach quite a lot, father." He spat with so much hate in his voice.
Jared was never able to talk back to his father before. It made me scared, thinking of the punishment that would await him. Alpha Damian isn't very tolerant to disrespect. Was Jared doing this because of me?
"I see you've grown." Alpha Damian said, all traces of humor now wiped off his face. He was obviously pissed.
"Grown enough to take the alpha position off your hands." Jared replied, making everyone erupt into gasps of shock and surprise. No one saw that coming.
Alpha Damian angrily slammed his hands on the table, standing up abruptly to glare at his son.
"You dare challenge me, boy?" He hissed, his elongated claws scratching the wooden table.
" I, Jared West challenge you for the alpha position. We fight to the death." Jared boldly announced, making my heart beat even faster.
Does he have a death wish? Nobody challenges Alpha Damian. He's a very brutal and experienced fighter and many don't stand a chance. Jared would never stand a chance. I looked at him with pleading eyes, silently begging him to take back his words. He wasn't even looking at me. I looked up at Freya to see a very calm look on her face. She wasn't surprised. He probably planned this already...not because he wants to save me or anything.
After what felt like hours, Alpha Damian finally replied.
"Challenge accepted, boy!"
A/N: Hey there readers! Don't y'all think Freya is badass?