The Alpha Prince's Unexpected Mate

Liana’s POV

I never imagined that I would wake up naked in an unexpected bed, surrounded by an unquestionably attractive stranger. I worried and gulped, desperately trying to remember what had happened the previous evening.

But I couldn't think of anything. I closed my eyes tightly, hoping it would all be a nightmare that I could easily awaken from. However, icy blue eyes looked back at me when I opened them again.

I let out a cry. My voice bounced from the walls in the deserted room, a painful reminder of how completely lost I was. 

Who was this man? How have I gotten here? As I looked around, my heart was pounding, trying to find any sign or hint that might help me figure out how I had arrived at this point. 

But yesterday was the only thing on my mind. Before everything went wrong, the day before.

One Day Earlier

I had walked into Eric's room with my heart pounding in anticipation. I was eager to spend my 18th birthday with the one person who had made me feel loved and truly seen in a world that had long treated me as invisible. I had braved the judgment and scorn from everyone in my pack, who saw me as nothing more than an inconvenience. 

But Eric, he was different. He always made me feel special and cherished. And for that reason, I was ready to give him everything.

My morning had started with optimism. Even though I often felt like a stranger in my own life, there had been a small spark of hope. My boss had graciously let me leave early, sensing my need for a reprieve from the exhausting weight of everyday life. 

With a smile, I rushed to Eric's place, the excitement bubbling within me. I couldn't wait to see him, to celebrate my birthday together. I had planned to surprise him with a gift, something personal, something meaningful.

But when I arrived, the excitement quickly soured.

I stood intrigued in the doorway, eyes fixed on the scene in front of me. Eric, the man I thought I loved, the man I trusted the most, was entangled in the covers with another woman. They were both naked, their bodies moving in lockstep, a beat so powerful that it shot a piercing spike of pain through my chest.

The woman's voice boomed out in mock protest. "Eric, stop! Someone may hear us," she laughed, evidently enjoying the attention.

What I was seeing was unbelievable. My mind couldn't handle it. Eric had always professed to understand me and to support me in ways that no one else could. And yet, here he was, with someone other than me.

"Let them," Eric said, his grasp on her waist tightening as he dug deeper into her. "I can't resist you.”

Their laughing, their gasps of delight, felt like a cruel mockery of all I thought I knew about our relationship. I wanted to yell, scream, run away, and never look back. But I could only stand there, frozen by shock and betrayal.

"Eric," I said softly, my voice shaking. I'm not sure if he heard me. I'm not sure if I cared anymore. My heart broke as I turned and fled, my footsteps booming in the solitude as I hurried away from the guy I had once trusted with my heart.

I should have known it was coming. My life has always been a lengthy string of disappointments. My father, Alpha Raymond of the Blackhide Pack, had never veiled his contempt for me. He despised the fact that I was born a girl. My mother, an average omega, had served as a surrogate for Raymond and his wife, who were anxious for a male heir. Raymond unwillingly took me in after my mother died, but I served as a continuous reminder of his loss.

I was perceived as weak and unimportant because I was an omega without a wolf. He told me daily that I wasn't the heir he had hoped for. My stepmother, his wife, hated me for being here. I was raised like a servant and endured constant mockery and insults. I was taught at a young age to endure and to conceal my suffering. Eric's embrace was the only place I ever found comfort. He was the only person who gave me a sense of importance.

I wanted to offer him everything on my eighteenth birthday. My dear. My confidence. My virginity. Everything was broken now, though. Everything was broken.

I walked across the street, my cheeks wet. I had no one to turn to, and nowhere to go. The pain was oppressive, choking. I just walked because I had no idea what to do or where to go.

At that point, Veronica saw me.

Suddenly, my older step sister showed up, her keen eyes observing my tear-streaked face and the broken expression in my eyes. She drew me into her arms without saying a word, providing consolation in a manner that only she could. 

In her own way, Veronica had always supported me. Although she didn't have the same experience, she was aware of the harshness of our father and the pressures placed on us by our family.

She didn't inquire about the incident. She was not obliged to. She understood. "Come on," whispered Veronica softly, her tone gentle yet firm.

"Let's get you out of this place." I didn't dispute. Half in a trance, not knowing where she was bringing me, I let her lead the way. Veronica's wrist was momentarily illuminated by the headlights of a car that sped by as we were crossing the alley. 

I noticed something odd at that moment. She was wearing the same watch that the woman in Eric's bed had been wearing.

I went cold. "Is that the same watch, Veronica?" 

A spark of doubt passed through Veronica's gaze. With haste, she pulled her arm down to hide the bracelet. With a false casualness, she asked, "What are you talking about?" 

"This type of watch is probably one of a million. It's not important. I couldn't stop the perplexity from bothering me. I was unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the strange feeling. She gave a faint, fake laugh before I could ask her any more questions.

Let's not think about this too much. You have a birthday today. You're worthy of enjoying yourself. I've got a plan to lift your spirits: a girls' night. Don't think about Eric. "Ignore everything," she remarked cheerfully.

I let myself be guided along, attempting to ignore the persistent misgivings, yet not sure what to believe. However, the weird, eerie feeling just intensified as we went deeper into the night.

With the music pounding in the background, we entered an adjacent club, and I noticed a familiar face standing in the corner. 

A man with shadows over his features, yet the way he gazed at me made me shiver. I came to a complete halt. "

Who... who is that?" Veronica's face was unreadable as she looked about.

"Ignore him. Let's just have fun tonight."

However, I had a feeling that the night was just getting started. And everything will alter because of what was waiting for me.