Prologue –
Anne looked up at Alpha Jackson; he smacked her across the cheek as she fell onto the wet ground, blood pouring from her torn lip.
"If I ever see you again, the price will be your worthless life," he growled lowly.
"You think you can just waltz in here and steal my boyfriend?" Jessica's voice was sharp and accusing, her eyes blazing with fury. "You're nothing but a home-wrecker, Anne."
Anne took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I didn't seduce him, Jessica," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Damien is my mate. Our wolves chose each other."
Alpha Jackson's expression hardened, and he stepped forward. Another slap seared her cheeks.
"You're a half-breed, Anne," he said coldly. "A half-breed could never be an Alpha's mate."
Before she could respond, the doors to the Alpha's office swung open, and a regal-looking woman entered, her presence commanding immediate attention. She exuded an air of authority and power, her gaze sharp as it landed on Anne.
"A half-breed?" Her voice was smooth and icy as she addressed Alpha Jackson. "Is that true?"
Alpha Jackson nodded, his jaw tight. "Yes, Luna Liana. Anne's mother was human, and her father was my former beta. After their deaths, the pack took care of her, but I never expected her to do something like this."
Luna Liana's eyes narrowed as she studied her. "A half-breed could never be Damien's mate," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. "What did you do to my son ? Did you drug him ?"
Anne felt a wave of despair wash over her.
"Damien and I are mates," she said firmly. "Our wolves chose each other, and no one can change that."
Luna Liana's gaze hardened. "You may believe that, but I will not have my son bound to someone who is not worthy of him."
Anne's heart ached at the harsh words, but she knew she had to fight for what was right.
"He is my mate," she said, her voice strong despite the turmoil inside her. "Being a half-breed does not make me any less of a wolf. My father was a beta, a strong and respected member of this pack. I have proven myself time and time again."
Jessica scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You think drugging him and seducing him would make him your mate ? Why didn't he mark you if he was your mate ?"
Anne's green eyes met Jessica's fiery gaze. "Damien was never yours, Jessica. He was always meant to be mine. He said he would mark me later on during the mating ceremony."
Luna Liana's expression was unreadable as she watched Anne.
"You will stay away from Damien, because Damien will never accept you. He will reject you when he wakes up and realises his mistake."
"Alpha Jackson," Luna Liana's voice was calm but laced with authority, "lock Anne up. We need to think about how to resolve this situation."
Anne's heart sank. Her eyes darted to Alpha Jackson, hoping for a glimmer of compassion or understanding, but his expression was stone-cold. He nodded curtly, his decision made.
"Yes, Luna Liana," he said. He turned to his guards, who immediately stepped forward, their expressions unreadable but their intent clear.
"No!" Anne's voice cracked as she backed away. "You can't do this! Damien is my mate. Our bond—"
"Enough," Alpha Jackson interrupted, his voice a low growl. "You've caused enough trouble."
The guards grabbed her arms, their grip firm and rough. Anne struggled, her heart racing. "Please, Alpha Jackson, you know me. You know I wouldn't lie about something like this."
Alpha Jackson's eyes flickered with anger.
"Take her to the holding cells."
As the guards led Anne away, Jessica smirked, her satisfaction evident. Her plans to drug Damien, seduce him, and force him to mark her as his mate might have backfired, but she was confident she could still manipulate the situation to her advantage. She would make sure Anne never interfered with her plans again.
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The holding cells were cold and damp, a stark contrast to the warmth and light of the main house. Anne was pushed firmly into a cell, the heavy door clanging shut behind her. She sank to the floor, her mind racing.
"Why is this happening?" she whispered to herself, hugging her knees to her chest. "Why can't they understand?"
The silence of the cell is broken only by the occasional drip of water from the ceiling. Anne's thoughts were a tangled mess of fear, anger, and heartbreak. Perhaps Damien would come to her rescue when he came to his senses ? How deep was his sleep ?
Anne sat on the cold, hard floor of the cell, her thoughts a whirlwind of memories and emotions. The dim light from the single window cast long shadows on the stone walls, making the room feel even more oppressive. She hugged her knees to her chest, trying to find some comfort in the darkness.
She closed her eyes, letting her mind drift back to when everything started. She was fourteen when her parents died. Her father, the pack's beta, had been killed in a skirmish with Rogues, and her mother had succumbed to illness soon after. The loss had been devastating, but the pack had cared for her.
In the beginning, things had been fine. She wasn't abused or mistreated. The pack members took care of her, providing her with a home and a sense of belonging. She found solace in the routine of pack life, the training sessions, and the shared meals. But there was one person who never liked her: Jessica, the Alpha's daughter. It all started a week ago when Alpha Jackson announced the mating ball.