Alexa

Due to my blurry eyesight, I couldn't see who it was, but the voice was oddly satisfying.

“Do you need help, young lady?”

I just stared at the blurry figure, too weak to answer or move a muscle.

“Alright, I'll help you. I'll help you take revenge on those bloody bastards who left you here to die," he calmly said as he crouched down next to me. "But it comes with a tiny little condition. Would you like to hear it?”

Feeling on the verge of passing out, I blinked hurriedly.

The man lowered his head, his hot breath falling on my ears, making goosebumps form on my battered skin as he whispered,

“Kill the beast!”

***

I stood behind a huge tree to hide my figure, as I glared in pure, undiluted hatred at the pack that had cast me out to die. Luckily for me, I was saved and nursed back to health.

It's been days; no, weeks.

Weeks since my rejection, weeks since they... I clenched my fists tight as my heart raced in pain, betrayal, and anger. "They will pay. Every single one of them!"

For years, I had tried my best to keep the pack together, making it thrive and prosper. Because Norman was incompetent and lazy, I had to step in and do his job from the corners.

I had seen all of Norman's flaws and red flags, but I had chosen to overlook them since he was my mate.

And now because of him, and for vengeance, I chose to change my identity and appearance.

Now I'm free.

And I'm back.

Yes, I have chosen to look different temporarily so I can gain an opportunity to deal with him and everyone else that has hurt me, starting from the Alpha King—that monster that took my sister.

"Proud, pompous buffoon," I whispered to myself. "I'll make you pay when I'm done with that beast."

Ironic—it was the same reason his parents hated me. They feared that I was an outsider and that I would overthrow their lazy son and rule.

I heard a twig snap, and I darted behind the trees, holding my breath.

“Come on, we have to hurry, else we'd miss them,” a male voice sounded as he passed with his companion, making me close my eyes to slow my breathing.

“I don't get why you are in such a hurry. The ceremony won't start now.”

“It will not, but we would miss the important part—the stripping,” the first snickered. “Imagine all those boobs and booty exposed for all to see.”

The man's companion calmly stared at him as they walked away. “You are sick.”

I couldn't agree more.

I listened as their footsteps faded, exhaling in relief.

Slowly, I moved from the tree, looking over at the pack's border before I swallowed the drug Brad, my savior, had given me to suppress my wolf. That bitch who was literally my wolf was still grieving. And I needed to get through the gate undetected.

It turns out the only way for me to leave this palace was through in, and I was willing to do anything for that.

There were only three guards on station as the rest were nowhere to be found, but I figured they had all gone to the selection.

The three guards sat under a shade near the gate, chatting away happily without a care in the world.

Carefully, I strode towards them.

"Hello," I calmly said.

They rose to their feet, pointing their weapons at me, but I didn't flinch.

“Who are you?” one with the most scars asked.

Pushing the cloak off my head, I revealed my face. “I'm Alexandria, and I'm here for the selection.”

They stared at me for a while as the grips on their weapons tightened. One of them snarled at me, “Leave," he said, "you are not welcome here.”

I didn't beg. I just tilted my head. "Then let your Alpha tell me that to my face."

"Are you crazy? His Majesty might kill you," one said, though he didn't look like he was bothered by my death...

“Let her speak with him," the first guard interrupted. "It's her life, not yours!”

Ignoring the pang of annoyance that flashed through me, I swallowed. "Thank you."

I can't let my feelings get the better of me.

I can't.

The men looked at each other, their eyes glowing as they talked through the mind-link—one I had been exempted from due to the rejection.

“All right, wait here,” the lead guard finally said, turning to the youngest. “Nathan, go and inform the Alpha.”

Immediately, Nathan took a sprint, running off.

I gave the guard a grateful look, but he turned his head to ignore me.

I didn't blame him.

Even though they knew I was defenseless and harmless, they still pointed their weapons at me while I stood there sweetly staring at them.
I did not want to get the guards in trouble.

Not now, anyway.

A few minutes later, Nathan, along with some guards, came into view.

Behind him, I saw Norman approaching with Xena draped around him like a serpent, while Wade followed suit.

The two guards bowed their heads at the Alpha, who barely gave them a glance, stopping a few meters away from me.

Norman stares intensely into my fake blue eyes for a moment as if he knew it was me behind the façade look I was wearing.

“Who are you, and what was it you said you wanted?” Norman stared with a sneering scowl on his face. “Do you really wish to....”

I cut in immediately, so he wouldn't guess otherwise. I really needed to leave.

“I am Alexandria, my Lord, and I would like to join the maiden selection,” I whispered, gripping the hem of my cloak.

“What?” Xena exclaimed along with Wade and the guards they had come with, their eyes widening in shock.

“Do you have any idea what you are saying?” Wade asked, laughing mockingly.

Oh, how I hated him. I felt like grabbing his sword and smashing it deep in his skull...

"Then let me make my own mistake," I said, my voice calm. I wasn't the same deadbeat Alexa they once knew.

Norman's facial expression changed as he looked at me with mixed emotions of confusion and fascination.

“Alexandria?” he asked as he walked closer to me, pulling my cheeks roughly with his hands.

Thank goodness my wolf was down. If not, I'm sure he would have been able to sniff the truth out instantly.

I subconsciously swallowed a lump of air. "Yes, my Lord, I am Alexandria."

He stared at me, scanning my facial features, subtly sniffing the air around us.

"Hmmm. Do your parents know you're here? Because it's odd that you would come by yourself to be amongst those th—"

"I am an orphan, Alpha. I have nowhere to call home." I quickly interrupted him as I continued to lower my head, small whimpers flying from my throat as I felt the pressure of his eyes on me.

His stare lingered on my body as if he knew I wasn't who I claimed to be. “I will warn you, Alexandria, do not blame me for whatever happens to you.”

“What’s taking you so long, Normy? If she wants to join, let her join,” Xena’s voice suddenly cut in, and I felt the pressure disappear.

I took in a deep breath of relief. Finally, she said something that made sense.

“Okay then, Alexandria, if it is your wish, then so be it.”

Inside, I screamed to strangle him. Outside, I bowed. "Thank you, Alpha."

The moment his name left my lips, I felt his stare on my body.

No, not his.

It belonged to his wolf.

“Okay then,” Xena kindly intervened, pressing her palms soothingly on his chest. "I hope you know what you're signing yourself into?"

Wade walked up closer to me, inspecting me from a closer range. "And how are we so sure you're not a spy or a part of some plan set by our enemies to infiltrate our pack?"

My heart raced. I died down my defiance, as I needed to play the part now. “N...no, I swear. This is not a plan. I am in no cahoots with anyone... Please believe me!”

“Even if this isn't a plan, why would the Alpha let you into the pack when we don't even know you?” Wade huffed. "Alpha, I feel we should arrest her."

I peered at Norman, locking eyes with him, desperate for him to believe, but he said nothing as he stared back at me.

My lips quivered, and water filled my eyes. "Please, I am no spy."

“Please!”

I knew I had nothing to offer other than my pleas, but soon—very soon—I will make you all pay.

I will make you pay for making me this way, for trampling on my pride.

I'll make every one of you pay!

“Babe, I think you should let her,” Xena blurted out, bringing everyone out of their daze. “Since she wants to kill herself, then let her be. It saves us one unimportant pack member.”

I subtly threw daggers with my eyes at the little tramp that dared to take my man away from me.

Why was I still thinking about that? I mentally face-palmed.

Norman gave it a thought, his eyes flashing in contemplation before he agreed. “Well, Wade does make a great point, but anything for you, my love.”

As soon as Norman said that, I raised my head. “Thank you.”

"Take her away!" Xena sneered. “I hope you can stand the heat, girl?"

I had no chance to think about what she meant because, in the next second, I was pulled to my feet and dragged inside.

Pulling me towards the pack center, my face paled in shock and horror as I saw the multitude gathered.

Standing in the center of the pack were ladies between the ages of eighteen to twenty-five. They were being stripped naked for every Tom, Dick, and Harry to see.

From the corner of my eyes, I spotted my best friend and maid, Nana, with her head down.

Before I could call out her name, I felt my clothes being stripped from my body.

I gulped down, fighting to stay cool and not give in.

I didn't cry.

I accepted the humiliation.

I fought back—not just physically, but with fury in my eyes.

Wade paused.

"You wanted this, didn't you?" he mocked.

I said nothing, as I turned my gaze to Norman, my eyes gleaming with hate.

I never wanted to go bare in front of everyone.

This wasn't the plan.

But if this was the price I had to pay... then so be it.

It seems he caught my stare, and immediately, his voice thundered in the pack.

"Wade!! Step away. I will strip her myself!” he growled.