Chapter 1 Chapter One

Chapter One

Theodota

20, February, 2024.

“You are pregnant?! For the Alpha? Are you out of your mind?” Eleni gasped. I sat up on my chair, my hands clasped on my knees.

“What should I do?” I asked, subconsciously lowering my voice to a whisper. I was well aware of the guards standing outside my door, courtesy of my fiancé—the Alpha. My body was trembling.

“You have to terminate the pregnancy, Theo.” She advised, after a slight hesitation. Before I could speak, she added, “I don’t mean any harm, girl. You know I’d rather jump in front of a moving train than hurt you.” She added. I nodded.

Eleni had been my childhood friend, and I regarded her more as a sister at that point. She’d never harm me. Still, I was hesitant.

“You know the baby is his, Eleni. I can’t just throw it away.” My voice cracked as emotions wracked my body. I swallowed, and turned my head towards the window so she wouldn’t see my tears. She moved closer, pulling me into her arms.

“The Alpha chose you because of your father’s debt to him. Do you think he’ll be happy to know that you got careless and allowed yourself to get pregnant?” She asked the obvious. I lowered my head.

“But it’s not my fault. He’s the one who forced himself on me when he was drunk.” My eyes burned with unshed tears as I recalled the memories of that night. Eleni remained silent, and when I turned to look at her, she had a firm expression on her face.

“We’re both Omegas, Theo. If the Alpha gets angry, and decides not to marry you anymore, can you guarantee the safety of your family? Heck, even your life might be at risk. Don’t be selfish.” She chided.

I pursed my lips. I knew she was right. I knew I shouldn’t even spare a moment of hesitation. I knew…

My thoughts trailed off as I nodded slowly. “But what if he finds out?” I questioned.

She waved her hand. “Leave that to me. I know how to handle it. Make sure you never let the Alpha know you’re pregnant. If you do, you know what’ll happen.” She warned.

I nodded to indicate that I understood. And it might’ve been a hallucination, but I thought I saw a smirk cross her face. But I shook my head. Eleni would be the last person to ever laugh at me in my current situation.

I stroked my belly slowly.

“When should we do this?” I asked.

“We’ll sneak out of the castle tonight. I know a doctor that can get rid of the baby. I’ll be here by 9pm. Make sure not to fall asleep.” She lowered her voice, as she glanced towards the door.

“Alright.” I barely let the word out when a sharp knock sounded on the door. Eleni’s eyes widened as she hurried towards the window, and grabbed at the thick blue rope that stretched all the way down. For whatever reason, Eleni had insisted never to allow the Alpha to ever see her in my room. Whenever she came to my room, she’d tie a strong rope on the window, and once the Alpha was within earshot, she’d hurry away.

At the moment, the door pushed open and a mean-faced Alpha Dimitris walked in, his large frame towering over the door.

“Didn’t you hear my knock?” He thundered.

“I-I-” I kept my head bowed, struggling to remain mute. I knew from experience that anything I said would only incur his fury.

“Oh, you can’t speak now, can you? So worthless. A worthless whore!” He spat.

“A useless Omega with a worthless family to match.” He added. “Are you displeased with my actions?” He asked. I shook my head hurriedly, even as my heart felt as if it was breaking into pieces. Even as I felt tears sting the back of my eyes. For a very brief moment, I wondered how things had gotten to that point.

“No, Alpha.” I mumbled.

“Louder, worthless bitch.” He ordered.

I repeated the words in a louder voice. I couldn’t tell if that placated him, but I almost sighed in relief when he didn’t say anything else. For a moment, I was tempted to tell him that I was pregnant. With my baby. Our baby. But like Eleni advised, that’d spell my death. I’d never been able to figure out the reason why the Alpha hated me that much, going to the extent of torturing me emotionally every night. I heard the creak of the chair as he sat down across from me.

“Pour me wine.” He demanded. I didn’t hesitate, as I hurried over to him, and poured him a glass. He smelled good. Once upon a time, I’d have loved to hug him and inhale his scent. Now, I wasn’t so sure. Now, I cursed the Moon goddess for making him my partner.

“Are you displeased by my actions?” He asked again.

“I dare not.” I whispered weakly.

He nodded. Obviously, my words pleased him.

“Our marriage is the next full moon, Theodota. Your family’s debt depends on you.” He didn’t add more words, but I knew what he meant. I had to play the role of the perfect wife. The perfect partner. Even when I knew Dimitris hated me more than death. My stomach groaned in protest. Hunger.

“Are you hungry?” He questioned with a cynical smile.

“No, Alpha. I am not.” I replied. The last time I’d told him that I was hungry, he’d given me stale bread for lunch. I wasn’t looking forward to that experience.

Twenty minutes later, he rose to his feet. “Enough.”

I backed a few distance away from him.

“I’m expecting important guests soon. Get cleaned up and come serve us.” He instructed, and left the room without looking back.

…

I could barely maintain my steps as I followed the servants to the throne room where a little banquet was being held. The pack’s best makeup artist had already done a good deal to my face. But that did nothing to reduce the intense emotional pain I was currently feeling. Technically, I was the soon-to-be Luna. I was supposed to sit on the throne beside Alpha Dimitris, welcoming the guests alongside him. Yet, there I was, escorting the servants with refreshments for the guests. I briefly wondered who they were.

“Put a smile on your face.” The maid beside me advised. “The guests are from Calvary.” She added, and my eyes widened.

Calvary.

Which werewolf wasn’t afraid of its members? Calvary—also known as the Starblade Pack—was the most dangerous and powerful pack in the entire werewolf race. They were rumored to be bloodthirsty lots, unhesitating to attack whenever they deemed fit. Why were they here? I was about to ask the maid, but we soon arrived at the throne room.

I kept my head lowered as I placed the tray on the table, and turned to leave.

“Where is your fiancée, Alpha Dimitris?” A cold, haughty voice asked. “Excluding herself even after knowing we are here, is she indisposed?”

I halted in my steps, fighting a mental battle to turn around and see the owner of the voice. A tingle spread across my body, making my heart race. It was an unfamiliar sensation, one I wasn’t accustomed to.

“Pardon my discourtesy. My fiancée is here.” Dimitris’ mocking voice sounded, and I clenched my fists. “Come here, darling.” He called out. My legs remained rooted to the spot, even though I knew it was going to earn me a great amount of torture from Dimitris later on. Of course, he couldn’t resist an opportunity to embarrass me in front of the guests.

Fortunately, my legs broke free from their momentary freeze, and I walked over to stand before the Alpha.

“This is Theodota, my soon-to-be Luna. My beloved loves helping the servants. You know how hard it gets not having a wolf. Worse still if your family are chronic debtors.” He smiled, his hand stroking the small of my back. Humiliation engulfed me. I was suddenly conscious of the almost-rag-level clothes I was putting on. My hair was also in a sorry state. And my eyes were blackened from Dimitris' assaults.

“Say hi, darling.” Dimitris prompted.

I took a deep breath, and lifted my head to meet the gazes of the guests. But my breath almost stilled the next moment, and I was certain I’d gotten frozen to the spot. The man seated across from Dimitris was—

He was damn gorgeous. His blue hair matched his eyes, his face handsome in all aspects. He was wearing a black coat, legs crossed, eyes cold and unfeeling. He was staring at me. Goddess. He was staring at me. I found myself unable to speak, as the tingling resumed with more intensity than before.

“Theodota.” He said, and my breath hitched. His voice. I wanted to look away. I knew Dimitris would be displeased. I knew I was engaged and shouldn’t be leering at other men. Yet, I just couldn’t. This man’s gaze held me in place.

“You’re pretty, Theodota.” He said. My cheeks burned with a furious blush as my name rolled off his lips. It sounded hot.

“Leave us, Omega.” An angry Dimitris ordered. I was jolted back to reality, and couldn’t help but shiver in fear of what was to come.

“Y-yes, Alpha.” I turned to leave.

“And who said you could leave, Theodota? I’m not done speaking.” The gorgeous man called out, freezing me in place.