Chapter 3 #3 - Claimed By The Cursed Alpha

ANNA

"Why would you even say something like that?" Aria asked, her voice tight with disbelief as she gulped down her water.

I leaned my back against the wooden frame of my shelf, looking down at my fingers. "I didn't mean to," I muttered.

"It just came out of pure anger, I don’t know if I regret saying it though but I’m sure they’re know it’s a mistake."

Aria set the glass down on the table. "I just hope that doesn't put you in serious trouble, Anna."

I waved my hand dismissively. "They won't even remember. Why would two massive scouts care about what a lone omega says in an alleyway?"

"Because for centuries, no one has ever said anything against that Alpha's name," Aria said, stepping closer, her expression completely earnest. "He is notoriously cruel, Anna. People don't just insult him and walk away, oh Anna I hope your tongue doesn’t put you in trouble."

She paused before her expression softened. "Anyway... what activities would you like to do today?"

I reached out and pulled a familiar book from my shelf. "I don't wish to go out today if I’m being honest. I’d honestly rather stay in and finish reading my book. It’s so interesting and I’m completely hooked"

Aria’s face instantly lit up, a joyful, bright smile breaking across her features. "Well, I want to go meet my mate."

I let out a soft sigh, looking away. "At least you have a mate who actually chose you."

Aria’s smile faltered, her eyebrows knitting together as she stepped forward. "What do you mean by that, Anna?"

I forced an awkward chuckle, quickly waving my hand to dismiss the slip of my tongue. "Nothing. Don't mind me." I cleared my throat, shifting the focus to her. "Are you still going to perform your mating ceremony along with the others tonight?"

Aria shook her head, turning toward the small mirror on the wall. She stood up a little straighter, adjusting a stray strand of her hair in the glass. "I’m not performing my mating ceremony here. Besides, my mate isn't from this pack, so I'll do it over in his territory."

I flipped open to my marked page. "Good luck, Aria. Seriously, I wish you well in everything."

"Thank you. See you later today," she said, bidding me a quick goodbye before she slipped out the door.

I focused on the text in front of me, the fictional drama slowly pulling me away from my own reality. A loud, sudden giggle escaped my lips, breaking the silence of the empty room. "Leonardo is such a dangerous man for showing Nora his red room," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head as I turned the page. I grinned, whispering to the paper, "Nora is definitely in for a long ride."

"Anna, get up, get up right now omg!" Aria burst inside, her breath coming in terrified gasps, her face completely drained of color.

I sprang up from the bed. "What's happening? What’s happening aria?"

"The men from the Black Moon territory are here, omg Anna they’re here," she choked out, gripping the doorframe.

I frowned, a cold sweat breaking out across my neck, though I tried to rationalize it. "What has that got to do with me now?"

Aria stared at me, her eyes wide with panic. "Why isn't it clicking for you, Anna? Those men are here specifically for you."

The room seemed to tilt. I sprang entirely off the bed

"You only have a few minutes before those men come searching this place," Aria urged, her hands trembling as she pointed toward the back exit. "You need to start running right now, start running because you’re in deep trouble. I don’t even know how to feel about this right now but I just need you to leave this place right now before you’re caught"

"I have nowhere to go," I whispered, the crushing truth of my omega status making the world feel incredibly small. There was no sanctuary for me outside these borders.

"We’ll figure that out later," Aria cried, her voice cracking with desperation. "What matters right now is for you to run first. Just go,go go go go!"

I gave her a nod, the adrenaline completely taking over my limbs. I sprang outside through the side door, my vision blurring as I ran blindly down the dirt path. Terror drove me forward as I took a left turn around the corner of the structure.

My foot caught on a raised root, and before I could reorient my balance, I went flying forward.

I fell face down onto the hard floor. The impact was agonizing. I groaned, staring at the dirt, when the view was suddenly blocked by a pair of boots standing directly in front of my face.

"Well... is this not the female those men are here for?" a familiar voice sneered from above.

The sound of his voice made me spring up from the dirt instantly, ignoring the throbbing pain in my scraped hands. I scrambled backward, staring at the pack warrior who had always looked down on my rank. "Um! You're completely mistaken," I told him, my voice shaking as I tried to steady my breathing. "I'm not the one they're looking for so pls if you just allow me to pass."

The man took a step toward me, his lips curling into a cruel smirk. "Do you think I'm a fool, Anna or isn’t that what your name is?" Before I could twist away, his large hand shot out, grabbing me firmly by the arm with a bruising grip.

"Unhand me! Unhand me now you big moron.” I demanded, tugging backward with everything I had, but his hold was unyielding.

"Whatever you have done to make those men come all the way here for you can't be good," he growled, leaning down into my space. "And no one in their right mind in this pack is about to offend that Alpha just to save you. You’re sure in deep trouble girl"