"What the hell is going on here?" Alpha Devon demanded of the men who were forcefully holding a woman.
They all froze, and she lifted her gaze. When their eyes met, something stirred within him. She was the one; the one whose scent had clouded his mind moments ago. His mate.
He had come to the mating ceremony with the singular aim of finding her. Years of searching had left him disappointed, until he caught her scent moments earlier.
"Mate!" Devon growled as he strode towards them.
The men stepped back in fear, allowing her to run into his arms, which surprised him. His eyes widened as she deepened the embrace, but she quickly pulled away, as though realizing something.
Raising her chin, Devon stared into her brown eyes. There was something unusual about her. He possessed a unique aura that repelled others, yet she had walked through it unaffected.
She was beautiful and small, and had felt so good in his arms.
"You're strange," he muttered, scrutinizing her. "Look at me."
She met his gaze but looked away when it intensified. Turning to the wolves who dared touch his mate, they fell to their knees.
"Alpha, have mercy! Stay away from that girl! She's a witch!" one of them protested.
Devon scoffed. How far would they go to oppose him?
Turning to leave with her, Devon froze at the unexpected accusation: "She's a mute and a Stealer Wolf!" His hands slipped from hers involuntarily, shock evident in his widened eyes, awaiting her denial.
Instead, she shook her head tearfully. He wanted to ignore the claims, but curiosity compelled him to understand.
"What do you mean?" he demanded.
"It is true Alpha!" Another added.
Devon looked to her for explanation, but she remained silent, shaking her head.
"Aren't you going to explain?" he pressed, prompting her to kneel and plead wordlessly.
"So it's true? You're mute?" Devon asked, exasperated.
"She is, Alpha. She's been mute since birth," the wolves affirmed. "As a stealer wolf the Luna had punished her!"
Why would fate be so cruel? After years of searching for his mate, Devon had expected more. Not a wolf who was cursed never to turn. Not a wolf who could not fit into the place of a Luna.
"You knew you were cursed, yet you hugged me?" Devon's voice rang out suddenly, filled with anger. "Instead of being my mate, you're going to become my personal maid." He smirked as Olivia gasped in shock.
He wants me to be his maid?
Olivia looked at him incredulously, struggling to believe what she had just heard. How could he do this to her? Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared back at him.
He met her gaze with cold eyes, his voice tinged with bitterness. "You are too weak to be Luna!" he declared.
She sensed the pain in his words, and it shattered her heart. It wasn't her fault she was mute, yet she felt judged and condemned for it all her life.
How could she make him understand that her muteness didn't define her strength or worth? Would he ever see beyond her inability to speak or the fact that she couldn't shift?
She wanted her mate to love her just as it was meant to be.
Their eyes locked again, and just when she thought she saw softness in them his gaze hardened again.
"Get her out of my sight."
Olivia grabbed his hand, desperation in her eyes. He faced her again, his expression cold and dark. Tears continued to flow down her cheeks as she pleaded silently with her eyes.
He pushed her hand away sharply, wiping his own as if tainted. "Leave," he commanded. In an instant, he pressed her against the wall of the Mating hall, gripping her neck firmly. Olivia gasped for breath, tears streaming down her face as she struggled against his hold, trying desperately to make a sound, any sound, to plead with him. But her voice failed her.
His face was a mix of rage and sorrow as he tightened his grip, his eyes reflecting a deep-seated hatred that sent shivers down Olivia's spine.
"Say something, anything!" Devon snapped, frustration evident in his voice.
Olivia struggled desperately to respond, attempting to open her mouth, but all that escaped were short gasps and panting. It felt as though her breath was caught in her throat, constricted by fear and sorrow.
How could she make him understand that she would never hurt him? How could she convey that despite her muteness, she was willing to do whatever it took to be with him, to protect him?
Devon stared at Olivia for a long, tense moment before finally releasing his grip on her neck. Olivia crumpled to the ground, clutching her throat and coughing harshly. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably, her eyes pleading for forgiveness from the Alpha.
Abruptly, Devon took her hand and led her out of the Mating hall. Fear tightened Olivia's chest as she wondered if he was taking her to the dungeon.
Instead, they arrived at the pack hospital, a spacious and sterile environment bustling with activity. Devon guided her into a ward, his expression inscrutable. Moments later, two women entered— one in a crisp white lab coat and the other in casual attire, both possessing striking beauty amidst the clinical setting.
"She's a Stealer Wolf. Administer the injection," Devon commanded firmly, pushing Olivia towards the ground.
Olivia's heart raced with anxiety. What injection? Was Devon planning to get rid of her? Did being a Stealer Wolf make her a target for elimination, the last of her kind?
Her gaze darted to the nurse in the room, who exchanged flirtatious glances with Devon. Anger flared within Olivia as she clenched her fists, glaring at the woman who met her gaze with a scoff before turning away.
Soon, nurses arrived with a tray of medical equipment. "Here they are, Alpha," the doctor announced with a warm smile, attempting to diffuse the tension.
"Good. Inject her with it, and she'll find her way back to the pack house," Devon ordered tersely before turning to leave.
Inject? Olivia's heart skipped a beat in panic. She attempted to stand and flee, but the doctor restrained her firmly.
"Stay put. It's the Alpha's orders!" she insisted, her voice carrying an undertone of sympathy but unwavering in its obedience to Devon's directive.
"Just know that it's going to sting... a lot," Candice, the nurse who had flirted with Devon, said with a smirk, causing Olivia to gasp in apprehension.
"Come on, Candice. You don't have to scare her," Dr. Susan interjected, folding her arms across her chest.
"I'm not trying to scare her, Susan. Just stating the facts. Suppressants can be quite painful," Candice chuckled casually, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Suppressants? Olivia's heart raced with panic. Why were they giving her suppressants? She shot a desperate look at Dr. Susan, hoping for an explanation.
"Don't be frightened, okay? This is for your safety. As a Stealer Wolf, it's risky for you to be out there, especially with unmated and widowed wolves potentially after you. These suppressants will mask your scent and keep you safe. Do you understand?" Dr. Susan explained gently, trying to reassure Olivia.
Unable to speak, Olivia nodded nervously, her mind reeling with confusion and fear.
"Can't she talk, or is she just too terrified?" Candice taunted, earning a reproachful glare from Dr. Susan.
"She's mute," Dr. Susan replied firmly, taking the syringe from the tray.
"What!" Candice burst into laughter, earning a sharp rebuke from Dr. Susan.
Ignoring Candice's mockery, Dr. Susan approached Olivia with a warm smile. "It's going to sting a bit, okay?" Olivia nodded, closing her eyes tightly in anticipation.
As the needle touched her skin, Olivia winced and bit her lip, trying to endure the sharp pain that followed.
"There, all done. You're very brave," Dr. Susan praised, gently pinching Olivia's cheek before stepping away. "I'll be right back."
Alone in the ward, Olivia glanced around nervously. Her eyes locked with Candice's, who had a mischievous glint in her eye as she approached Olivia.
"The Alpha is mine. Run away and don't ever come back."
presence commanding and unwavering as he seized Olivia from her place on the floor.
"Now that you're no longer a distraction to wolves, you can stay in the pack as my maid. You will be training with the warriors as well. Since you can't shift, you might as well learn to fight," his voice resonated with authority, laying out her new role without room for objection.
Olivia met his gaze with a nod of reluctant acceptance. "Follow me," he directed, leading her out swiftly. They soon entered a waiting car that whisked them through the dense forest to the imposing pack house.
Nestled deep in the woods, the pack house blended seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Inside, the energy was palpable, filled with the essence of the werewolves who called it home. Wooden beams above bore symbols of honor and trophies of past hunts, while the air carried the comforting scents of pine and woodsmoke mingled with the faint musk of the pack.
The main hall served as the heart of communal life, centered around a majestic stone fireplace that cast flickering shadows across the spacious room. Here, pack members gathered for meetings and celebrations, surrounded by comfortable seating areas crafted from sturdy oak and adorned in earthy tones.
Branching off from the main hall, private chambers offered sanctuary to each werewolf, personalized with wolf pelts, weapons, and personal relics that spoke of individual journeys. Beds were cozily adorned with furs and woven blankets, providing comfort and solitude amidst the bustling community.
Adjacent to the main hall, a bustling kitchen buzzed with activity, countertops cluttered with fresh herbs and forest-gathered ingredients. Nearby, a large dining area facilitated camaraderie during shared meals, fostering unity among the pack.
Beyond the living quarters, a sprawling training ground extended into the forest. Marked by targets, obstacle courses, and sparring circles, it was where werewolves honed their physical prowess under the watchful eyes of seasoned mentors.
Discreet yet formidable, security measures were integrated seamlessly into the architecture. Hidden passages and silver-lined traps safeguarded against intruders, ensuring the pack's safety in times of threat.
At the heart of the pack house lay a sacred grove, where under the moon's watchful gaze, ancient rituals strengthened the bonds between werewolves, grounding them in their primal instincts and honoring their ancestors.
Ascending stairs to the second floor, Olivia followed Alpha Devon to his chamber. The room she entered was immaculate and commanding, a reflection of his status and power within the pack.
"This is where you're to work every day. No one will serve me except you from now on. Now, go into the kitchen and prepare something for me to eat. Make it tasty," Alpha Devon instructed. "Go now!" he commanded, harshly.
When Olivia entered the bustling kitchen of the pack house, the atmosphere shifted palpably. Pack members and cooks scattered like leaves in the wind, avoiding eye contact with her and hastening their tasks as if the mere presence of the Alpha's new maid sent a ripple of unease through them.
Do they know I am a stealer wolf? Or is this how they treat everyone new?
Unfazed by their avoidance as she was used to it already, Olivia plunged into her duties with practiced efficiency, her movements fluid and precise. Years of tending to her family had honed her skills, and she swiftly prepared the scheduled meal, following the kitchen's timetable to the letter.
With everything meticulously arranged on a tray, Olivia navigated to the living room where Alpha Devon sat engrossed in paperwork. She cleared her throat to announce her arrival, drawing his attention away from the documents that commanded his focus.
He looked up, his gaze piercing as he gestured for her to place the tray on the table. Olivia complied silently, setting it down with careful precision before stepping back, waiting for his verdict on her meal.
Alpha Devon rose from his seat, his tall frame imposing as he approached her. With a deliberate motion, he opened the dishes and then turned his intense scrutiny upon Olivia. "Taste it," he ordered abruptly, catching her off guard.
Surprised, Olivia hesitated for a moment before shaking her head vigorously. "What? Are you scared? Were you trying to poison me?" His tone was accusatory, his suspicion stark.
Panicking slightly, Olivia shook her head vigorously.
"Taste it then," folding his arms across his chest in expectation.
Rushing back to the kitchen, Olivia retrieved a fork and returned to the table where Alpha Devon waited. He nudged the plate closer to her, his gaze unwavering as she took a tentative bite. The seconds stretched into an eternity as she chewed, feeling his eyes bore into her.
"Take another one," he instructed sharply, and Olivia complied, her nerves jangling with every heartbeat. When she finished, he made her wait for what felt like an eternity, before finally pronouncing, "You can go to the training ground now."
Relieved and perplexed by his earlier suspicion, Olivia bowed respectfully and exited the room.
"Everyone hates me," Olivia thought, tears welling in her eyes, when a familiar voice called out to her.
"Olivia!"
She froze, instantly recognizing the voice. Turning slowly, she faced her father's hurried approach with a guarded expression.
"Come on, Olivia. Don't be like this. I'm your father. I heard the news that you've been mated to the Alpha. I know you've always wanted to make me proud, so I need your help with something urgent," her father continued.
Olivia knew all too well that her father harbored more hatred towards her than anyone else in the world. He had even tried to kill her twice before, driving her own mother and brother to despise her as well. Any lingering hope of his love had long since faded.
However, he was still her father so she nodded quietly, indicating she was willing to listen, but her cautious demeanor revealed her reluctance. Her father glanced around nervously, then leaned in close, his voice barely audible as he revealed his shocking request.
"We need you to poison Alpha Devon and disable his wolf," he said quietly, his words hitting Olivia like a sudden storm. Her eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the treachery her father had just proposed.
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