Alpha Adonis

The whispers from my pack mates grew louder as I stepped forward to receive my test result.

As the alpha's only child, the pack was interested in knowing my wolf type because the pack's future would be determined by my result.

I would marry Ethan, have a male heir, and hand him over to my father to raise as the heir.

I was afraid.

My stepmother was convinced I didn't have Alpha blood. I waited with fear in my heart to turn eighteen and meet my wolf.

Sweat trickled down my neck, and I wish I didn't have to feel so exposed.

“Please, let me have Alpha blood,” I prayed to the moon goddess.

“Step forward, child,” an elder said softly. “Don't be afraid.”

I stole a glance at my dad. He wore a bored frown and didn't bother to soothe my fears. My stepmom and her daughters were making mocking faces at me from a few feet away. It was a shame that my dad treated my step-sisters, who were born from their mom's first marriage, better than his own child.

If only someone could be by my side and assure me that everything would be okay.

“Iris!”

My boyfriend, Ethan, waved and ran towards me, holding flowers and my favorite brand of chocolates.

Ethan was one year older and met his wolf last year. He had beta blood. He bowed respectfully to my dad before gripping my trembling palm.

"Don't be afraid, honey. You have a strong Alpha wolf, and we'll make very beautiful babies.”

I offered him a weak smile and went on autopilot, with my heart thumping like a marathon runner.

“Shift into your wolf,” the elder instructed me. “Embrace your wolf and feel its strength flow into you.”

With a deep breath, I lifted my chin high and closed my eyes. My breathing slowed. Otters who had done the test were in their wolf form, celebrated by their parents and families.

I wanted that.

I looked up into Ethan's warm eyes for encouragement. It took a moment for my wolf to come. Everything felt strange. My bones snapped, and thick, brown fur sprouted all over me.

The crowd gasped in horror. My subconscious knew there was a big problem. My wolf was the size of a puppy!

My dad cringed. His eyes glowed red like a demon waiting to devour me. Alpha wolves were always huge and magnificent. This could only mean one thing.

“Shift!” my dad cried out. I needed to get back to my human form, but it was so painful. Ethan wasn't by my side anymore. My stepmother was laughing.

After a painful eternity of shifting back, I finally collapsed onto the ground. The pain in my chest and legs was dull and throbbing.

Ethan rushed forward to help me up. The word ‘Omega’ was written in a large, bold font in my file.

My dad rushed forward and snatched the file. Everywhere was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

Dad spoke after a long pause.

"I have always suspected that your filthy mother cheated on me with an omega slave," he exclaimed, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Now this proves that you're a bastard!"

My life was over.

Right before me, my worst fears were manifesting: Ethan couldn't face my father's wrath, and my stepmother beckoned the wardens from the Sisters' Sanctuary, a prison where omega women spent the rest of their lives, to take me away.

I tried to fight the wardens, but they grabbed my arms, dragging me along with them, and led me to a van.

As soon as they opened the door, I began screaming, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Where are you taking me?!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as I struggled against them."Dad! Please don't abandon me with them. Help me!"

My dad turned around, and the hatred in his eyes told me all I needed to know. I stopped struggling and got into the van.

Three years later Returning home every year for my birthday was a painful reminder of my worthlessness, with Dad constantly putting me down.

The Sisters' Sanctuary was a terrible place, but I'd rather stay here than face my dad.

The matron tapped on my bunk and handed me a vest and jeans to wear.

“Happy twenty-first birthday! Enjoy the evening with your family.”

I gave her a deadpan look, and she dragged me up. "Hurry to the van."

Like a lamb, I was bundled home. I looked in the van's mirror and saw a pair of sad eyes looking back at me.

Sighing, I tied a scrunchie around my unusual chocolate and burgundy hair, a unique trait that unfortunately wouldn't be inherited by any children.

Ethan hadn't written or visited in weeks, but I knew he loved me. I hoped to see him today. We arrived at my dad's four-story townhouse.

The music and distant voices signaled a celebration inside. My stepsister Bianca, cradling her young son, looked up as I stepped into the foyer.

"Of all days, you had to show up today? That's just rotten luck!”

I shot her a confused frown. "And why is that? I was forced to return home."

"You should leave right now because you'll never be able to unsee it."

This made me curious. What was she talking about? I pushed past her attempts to stop me and entered the large hall, where my dad held pack activities.

My feet wobbled when I saw Ethan, my last hope of leaving the sanctuary and getting married to a very beautiful woman.

Ethan promised to get me out of the sanctuary. We had a detailed plan.

He was my last hope.

This wedding explained his prolonged silence. My stepmom’s eyes shone with amusement.

"Iris, what a surprise! Ethan's bride is stunning, isn't she? I made sure your dad sent a letter to the sanctuary so you could join us. I'm glad you made it just in time; the ceremony is almost over."

She toned down her voice. "His wife is beautiful. She has beta blood. Ethan wouldn't have to be concerned about Omega contamination anymore.”

I ignored her and moved through the crowd. When Ethan's eyes met mine, his face paled. My dad noticed my presence and, as usual, humiliated me.

"Who let you out?"

“It's my birthday," I choked out and turned to face Ethan. “I'll just leave. Happy married life.”

"Go upstairs to your room," Dad ordered after dragging me out to the foyer.

"I'd rather return to the sanctuary. Could you please request that one of your drivers take me back?"

He let go of his grip on me and slapped me across the face. The force knocked me to the ground. Except for Bianca, who looked very sorry, my family looked down at me in disgust.

"You bastard spinster. You make my skin crawl. I wish you'd disappear forever.”

"Dad!" Bianca cried out. "That's unfair.”

Tears choked my voice. Dad and Ethan's rejection crushed me to my core. Ethan was rushing out when my stepmom, Victoria, stopped him.

"My dear boy, don't bother yourself about her; you did well to dump her.”

Ethan looked guilty and refused to meet my gaze. "I'm sorry you found out this way, Iris. But I can't marry an omega. You're weak and destined to spend your life in that sanctuary."

Those words hurt me more than a gunshot. Ethan walked away without sparing me another glance, and Dad ordered a guard to seize me.

"Return her to the sanctuary.”

The drive back was depressingly quiet. The sky darkened in minutes, and it began raining. When we got to the sanctuary, I rushed to the gate and knocked hard.

The old man who manned the gate was deaf in one ear. My dad's guard drove away, leaving me in the rain.

Like lightning, an idea struck me: freedom was right at my fingertips. It was time to escape.

The old man must have heard the bell because he stepped out with an umbrella. While he was struggling with the padlock, I turned around and began running.

"Hey! Stop right there!" he cried out from behind me. "Get down here."

"Sorry, but I want a better life," I dared, and I fled, making sure he could never catch me.

I shifted into my tiny brown wolf and raced to Aunt Helena's pack. She was my mom's older sister and the only person on earth whom I could trust.

Luck shone on me when the border guards didn't spot me. Once past the border, I dashed towards the Valley Pelt pack and ran through forests until I reached my aunt's cozy one-story cottage, surrounded by a large veranda and a flower garden.

Shifting back, I shivered, raising my unsteady hand to knock on the door while scanning for any signs of trouble.

Aunt Helena lived with her husband, Bruno, my dad's good friend. When I called out to her, tears welled up behind my eyelids as her voice rang from inside.

She looked surprised and wide-eyed. "What are you doing here, Iris?" she asked, grabbing my hand inside.

I sagged against the wall while taking deep breaths to catch my breath. "Long story. I needed to escape from it all."

She hesitated before speaking. “But you can't stay here, honey."

"Will you also reject me?" I whimpered and she pulled me into a hug.

"What nonsense. My husband could report us. He's at the factory, but he'll be back before midnight.”

My head pounded like war drums. There was nowhere else for me to turn. Aunt Helena gently cupped my chin, reassuring me.

"Don't worry. I'll help you. Let's carefully weigh out our options. Tonight, you can stay in the storehouse next to the main building. Bruno never goes there. I'll figure something out before dawn.”

After a filling meal of spaghetti, meatballs, and vegetable salad, I regained strength. Aunt Helena's face lit up with a slow smile, as if struck by inspiration.

"I think I've got a brilliant idea!" She exclaimed, rushing to the table and grabbing a flier for an upcoming beauty contest in the Lycan pack.

"Their Alpha King seeks a mate. The poor thing lost his wife five years ago. You should join the contest. Participants will be awarded consolation prizes.

"The Lycan pack are my dad's biggest enemies,” I reminded her and she broke into a sly smile.

"How does this bother you? You can take part in the contest without revealing your Syndicate pack identity.”

"What if they find out?" I asked, unsure about this.

"They won't, if you don't spill. it's your chance to break free, Iris. Think about it.”

I spent the night in the storehouse, and my aunt arrived at the crack of dawn, carrying a bag.

"What are you doing here this early?" I rubbed my sleepy eyes as she held up a red dress from a paper bag.

"You should head to the Lycan pack before my husband sees you. This dress cost me my jewelry box. Make sure not to ruin it."

My mind raced with possibilities. Although I was desperate for freedom, I didn't want to get into more trouble.

The dress was a striking red one-shoulder design and the hem fell just above the ankles. She also got me a pair of open-toe heels with ankle straps.

"Are you sure about this, Aunt?”

She cupped my chin."It doesn't hurt to try. Bend the truth slightly and keep your Omega identity a secret, never shift into a wolf, and, in case anyone asks, you're eighteen, not twenty-one because age is a sensitive issue in our society."

My aunt continued rambling, but I knew this could backfire horribly. I stared at the red dress and sighed.

After I took a quick bath in the garden, Aunt Helena drove me to the train station. I began my journey and arrived at the Lycan pack at noon.

The venue was easy to find. It had a massive gate flanked by bronze wolf heads. I was so focused on my imperfections that I lacked the confidence to pass through the gates.

There was free entry and exit, with security guards stationed throughout the area. Inside, there was a long driveway leading to an estate with several mansions.

Beautiful girls chatted away with excitement. Feeling out of place, I proceeded to the registration desk and waited in line.

When the attendant asked for my full name, age, and pack, I broke into a cold sweat and lied. He gave me a tag and I joined the elegantly dressed contestants who were chatting away.

A voice blared from the speakers. "All contestants and guests are reminded that this contest is not open to Syndicate members. you're advised to leave immediately if there are any among us."

My breath caught in my throat. I was unaware of the specifics of the Syndicate vs. Lycan feud, but this was enough warning. I gasped when I heard that the syndicate alpha killed the Lycan Alpha's wife.

My mind reeled with fear. What the hell have I gotten myself into?

A girl who wore a white ball gown embellished with precious stones asked if I was okay. Her long, wavy auburn bangs and nose sprinkled with freckles made her look adorable.

“Y-yes," I stuttered and she gave me a killer smile.

"I'm Natalia. What's your name?"

I told her mine and she surprised me by linking her hand with mine. "So, do you know what the alpha looks like?" She asked, lowering her tone.

"You don’t?"

We exchanged glances, and she burst out laughing. "I'm from the Wild Fangs pack, and some members of the Lycan pack have no idea what he looks like. Isn't that strange, given that he's their alpha?”

Without waiting for my response, she pulled me ahead, and we passed some girls who were practicing their walking routines on stage.

"You think we stand a chance?" I asked Natalia and she shrugged in response.

We spent most of the day together. I didn't mind that she talked for the most part. It felt good to be back to normalcy for a change.

When lunchtime arrived, there were plenty of options available. We then touched up our hair and makeup. Live bands provided entertainment while we waited for the main event. Onstage, I noticed a massive projector and a devastatingly handsome male's picture appeared on it.

“That's alpha Adonis," a girl cried out. Natalia and I, as well as the majority of the other contestants, surrounded it. Several of the girls whispered to one another and squealed with delight.

The alpha was strikingly attractive, with jet black hair styled in a side part, warm light tan skin, and mesmerizing green eyes.

"Damn, he looks so good," Natalia half-moaned. She then turned to face me. "We have to do everything possible to win. Either I or you win. Deal."

I responded with a smile. "Deal."

When Natalia wasn't watching, I pictured what would happen if I was discovered. What if the Lycan king sees through me? What if I get caught?

Alphas were known for their ruthlessness, especially when their pack was in danger. Perhaps there was a reason behind my dad's action. He hated the Lycans so much and didn't fail to show it.

Although I wasn't qualified, there was something strangely comforting about the idea of this contest. I was going to keep this a secret and make every effort to win something.

I absentmindedly stared at the projector. The green depths of the alpha's eyes told a story. Natalia distracted me and dragged me off and we joined the excited girls who were chatting away.

I decided to put my worries aside for the time being. After all, what's the worst that could happen?

After making some last-minute adjustments, the MC confidently walked onto the stage and smiled. "Good evening, beautiful ladies. I'm Charles, your host for the evening. Let's review the rules before we get started with today's event. Just ten of our gorgeous competitors will advance to the next round."

Did I even stand a chance in this sea of beautiful girls? The Alpha should be offended that a twenty-one-year-old was pretending to be eighteen.

Natalia turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "We're going to qualify for the next round. You'll see."

"Maybe you will.”

She gave me a sidelong glance. "Don't you dare sell yourself short, my friend. You're stunning. Honestly, if I were into girls, I'd ask you out in a heartbeat."

I broke into a grin. My happiness was complete when Charles revealed that the consolation prize was in gold.

This was a dream come true. I'd leave my family and the Syndicate pack forever to get a fresh start. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that Natalia had to grab my hand before I realized the girls were grouping.

“We must queue up for the presentation. Come on."

"Let's rush to the first line to make sure we get noticed," I said but she disagreed.

"The alpha may ignore the first lines and pay closer attention to the fifth and sixth lines. Trust me on this one.”

She dragged me to the sixth line without giving me a chance to respond. Suddenly, the music stopped, and the MC announced.

"Please be quiet. Our special guests are here. Show the utmost respect, no fangirling, please."

There was a sudden dead silence in the room as a group entered through the doors at the far end. Paving the way were men in black suits and shades. Armed soldiers in uniform trailed behind them.

And there was Alpha Adonis, behind the soldiers. He was real, here in the flesh, and even more breathtaking than his photo.