Alpha Maximus: The Last Lycan

Alpha Maximus of the Blood Moon pack is the last of his kind, mateless and shunned by the werewolf community and unable to control his Lycan making him a bigger threat to all around him.

He is shunned and disliked even by most of his own pack until he is captured which leads to him finding his mate in dire circumstances. He frees his mate from slavery and abuse, escaping their deadly situation together.

Due to his mate’s magic ability, questions are raised, and the werewolf community now fear them both and declares war against them. Hidden secrets about his mate’s past are revealed, which leads to his mate fulfilling a deadly prophecy.

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Chapter 1

In the cold of winter, my breath fogs up the attic.

My body shivers and my hands feel numb. I slowly sit up, trying not to make my wounds worse. I stand up and stare at the broken mirror in front of me.

I look pitiful. My white dress, not so white anymore, is now covered with grime, dust and dirt. The edges are tattered with the odd rip, and the material has become thinner over time, fraying.

My eyes are an unusual bright silver and blue. My hair used to be a white, platinum blonde, but it has been years since I had the luxury of using soap in my hair, so it now looks more like an ash blonde.

Freezing, I grab the other piece of clothing I own and wear it over the top. It's a worn old cardigan with no buttons, holding the front closed with my hands shaking from the cold. The sound of birds outside my window captures my attention. I turn my head to look out the window at the birds hopping around in the fresh snow. It's beautiful and calming to watch.

How I wish I could be like these birds. Flying free on the outside, not caring what to eat for the abundance of food for them, are everywhere. They can go far and discover the world. I envy them. I'm jealous of every wild animal I could see lingering in the forest. But, unfortunately, my life is the exact opposite of theirs.

I am a prisoner. I can't run away from the pack and will always be their servant. I was abandoned as a baby, and they took me in as a slave. I try to survive by eating leftover food and sleeping in the old run-down attic. I'm not sure why I was abandoned.

I stare at my wounds. I've suffered physical and emotional abuse for many years. I sometimes wish I couldn't feel any pain, but even though the years of abuse have passed, my body still suffers the same.

Last night was the first time I had spoken in years.

I was in the dining room of the pack. The room was filled with people, and I had approached Alpha Tate asking for a blanket or at least some warmer clothes. The whole pack froze in shock at my words, as most of them had never heard me speak. I lived like a ghost or one of the objects in this pack's house, trying to make myself invisible. However, the stormy and bitterly cold winter made me courageous enough to ask for my necessities to live.

While Alpha Tate was eating, I stood next to him and knelt. His face filled with confusion, knowing I might ask something.

Please, Alpha Tate, I might freeze to death one of these nights. Just one blanket or warmer clothes is all I ask of you,' I beg, swallowing my pride and not being afraid to go against the status quo.

Alpha Tate is twenty-two without a mate. He was handsome and very good-looking. He has light brown hair and penetrating brown eyes. His body is physically strong, with enormous muscles around his body that can make every girl drool. He is a powerful, 6-foot-tall man. But even with a bright-look-ing face, in reality, he was a monster. He was handsome outside but rotten inside.

He stood up, stomped over to me, and held me up with one hand wrapped around my neck.

He stared deep into my bright silver and blue eyes.

My hands clutched his hand while trying to loosen his grip. I couldn't breathe as he yelled in my face.

His hot breath smelled like rotten cheese.

'You dare ask favours of me? After we already allow you to sleep in the attic and allow you to eat our leftovers? You are the pack slave and nothing more, which means you get nothing more! You're nothing but a filthy servant!' he yelled

He threw me across the floor, and I let out a whimper of pain. I'm sorry, Alpha Tate, I'll never ask again. Please forgive me,' I say, keeping my eyes on the floor, almost crying.

Alpha Tate scoffed and walked back to his plate, lifting it and heading back to me.

'It seems that Slave here is hungry!' he said cruelly.

He tipped the remainder of his meal over the top of me.

A warmth of liquid dribbled down my head. I looked down at the drips dripping onto the floor in front of me to see it was the sauce.

The room roared with laughter as I dared not move. 'I think this shabby woman is still hungry,' he chuckled. 'Anyone else likes to give her something to eat?' he yelled. The pack members started throwing scraps of food at me.

A whole potato smashed into my head. I kept my eyes down to the ground, not wanting anyone to see the tears I was trying to hold back.

'Now get out of my sight!' Alpha Tate snapped. I stood up and raced out of the room and down the hallway.

Rather than running back to my room, I ran through the forest and to my favourite spot. Somewhere I liked to go.

Although it was half frozen, I stepped into the lake, washing all the food and sauce from my hair and body as quickly as possible. The lake pierced my body with an intense chill. My hands trembled as I washed my hair. The oil from my hair quickly solidified and floated to the surface. The lake was filled with dirt, clouded with sauce as it mixed with the water. I couldn't take the cold anymore.

As soon as I was clean, I ran back to the pack house completely drenched and snuck upstairs to the attic.

Since I had no spare clothes to wear, I removed my wet cardigan and dress. I squeezed the water out and then hung them over a broken chair to dry. Again, the cold breeze touched my skin. Finally, I curled up naked on the old mattress in the corner of the room.

I fell asleep despite the cold, thinking I might not wake up tomorrow. I may freeze to death. At least by then, my suffering will end.

Not long after, I was woken to the door being kicked open. Sitting up, I was startled to see Beta Sam glaring at me. His expression quickly changed to a smirk as he stared at my naked body. He was like a beast seeing a flesh of meat ready to devour.

Quickly, I crossed my arms to hide and cover my breasts. My nipples were standing from the cold. I curled my legs closer to my body to hide my lady parts.

Beta Sam quietly closed the door behind him and stared at me again. He slowly stepped toward me. I huddled in the corner, keeping my eyes on the floor.

His feet were now in my sight. I shivered from the cold and was in fear of what was about to happen.

'Stand up, Slave,' he said quietly.

Standing, I moved one hand to cover my lower half and kept my other arm across my breasts.

'Alpha Tate sent me here to make sure I punish you properly.' he said sadistically. Then, he forcefully removed my arms, holding them still so he could look at my naked flesh.

There was an instant desire in his eyes as he licked his lips, 'Even though you are a slave, you have a very nice body,' he said, pulling me closer against his body.

He lowered his head, breathing in my scent, then forced me up against the wall. He kept touching my face, then ran a finger down my lips as his other hand tried to touch my core.

I abruptly bit his finger as hard as I could, without letting go. I could taste his blood in my mouth as it ran down my chin.

'You ungrateful wench!' he yelled as he punched me in the stomach with his good hand.

Falling to the floor, I hunched over, holding my stomach, looking up to see Sam ripping his shirt and wrapping it over his finger to stop the bleeding.

He glared down at me and then began kicking my legs and ribs. Finally, after some time, he stormed off. 'You will pay dearly for that slave!' he snarled.

I let out the breath I was holding in. Then, I collapsed onto my mattress in shock at what had happened and what I had done.

Alpha is going to be mad when he hears about this! My wolf Storm mind-links.

What was I supposed to do? I couldn't allow him to touch me. Only our mate is allowed to! I say to her.

You're right. We must hang in there for a few more days until we are eighteen. Then hopefully, mate will find us and take us away.

What if mate doesn't like me? I asked Storm.

Mate will love us. You will see! Storm said with excitement.

After the events of last night, I'm suffering deep fear and anxiety. I rub my aching ribs and then head down the stairs to prepare breakfast for the pack. I put a pot of porridge on the stove.

While the porridge cooks, I set the table with bowls, spoons and cups, then stir the porridge. Next, I collect the jug of juice from the fridge and fill up all the cups at the table.

Hearing the pack members talking, I quickly fill all the bowls with porridge and then dash back upstairs before any of the pack members see me.

They often became angry, especially Alpha Tate, if I was still downstairs while they ate. They said my presence made them sick, and they wouldn't be able to eat with me around because I am so repulsive.

I'm worried about what Alpha Tate will do as my punishment for biting his beta's finger. I want to stay out of everyone's way today.

Normally, I would return to the kitchen an hour after serving breakfast to clean up. I intentionally wait an extra half an hour to make sure the coast is clear.

I clean the kitchen faster than usual, but I'm only able to scrape a few spoons of porridge for myself.

Preparing lunch, I then place the plates of food on the table. Finally, I'm able to run back to the attic quickly, but not before banging into someone. 'I'm so sorry,' I whisper, looking at the ground.

'That's what you said yesterday!' Alpha Tate says harshly. He grabs my face with his hand and forces me to look at him. He squints into my eyes and then glares at me.

'Why did you bite Beta Sam's finger?' he asks.

My eyes fill with tears. I try to look away, but he yanks my face back towards him.

'Answer me!' he growls.

'I-he um tried to touch me,' I answer.

Alpha Tate chuckles, then pushes me backward.

'I don't know why he would want to touch a dirty, disgusting slave like you, but if he wants to have his way with you, then you are to let him!' he snaps.

Bursting into tears, I run past him and into the attic crying.

I mind-link my wolf, Storm.

Storm, what will we do if Beta Sam comes back up here?

Maybe we should run away? Storm suggests.

We have nowhere to go and would surely freeze to death on our first night escaping! I reply.

Tomorrow, we turn eighteen. So let's get through tonight in case we find our mate tomorrow! Storm says.

Storm, I'm nervous about tomorrow. I have a really bad feeling. I say to her.

Chapter 2

Waking up to a pleasant smell of sandalwood and cinnamon, I quickly stand up, comb my hair with my fingers, and straighten out my cardigan to look more presentable.

It's mate! You must go to mate now! Storm mind-links excitedly.

I know, Storm, I am ready. Let's go! I say to her.

Running down the stairs and the hallway, the scent is becoming stronger. It's leading me towards the high-ranking bedrooms. I'm starting to become nervous and less excited.

We have never been in this hallway before. I mind-link Storm.

There! That's the room. Mate is in there! Hurry, go in-! Storm says.

Standing at the large brown wooden door, I was about to knock, then lost my courage, taking a step back.

He is in there, go on, knock. Storm encourages me.

I'm sorry, Storm, I can't do it! I tell her.

I turn to walk away, and the door flings open.

My eyes make immediate contact with Alpha Tate's.

'Mate!' I say out loud in my trance.

Hearing a chuckle, a door down, someone was there. 'Are you kidding me? Slave is your mate, Alpha Tate?' Beta Sam asks.

I shake my head and break the trance from Alpha Tate's brown eyes. He lets out a snarl and a growl at Beta Sam and me. I step back in fear, 'This can't be right,' I whisper.

'No, it's not right! You are not fit to be Luna or my mate! I won't accept this curse from the Moon Goddess!' he angrily says.

'I Alpha Tate of the Black Wood pack reject you

Slave to be my Mate and Luna!' he spits.

We both instantly fall to the ground in pain. My eyes well up, and tears run down my face as I cry out in pain from the rejection.

Alpha Tate is holding himself up against the wall clinging to his chest, trying to contain the pain.

Pack members step out of their rooms to see what is going on. They are shocked to see the Moon Goddess has made Alpha Tate my mate but are happy to see I've been rejected.

Everyone smirks and laughs as I try to stand up. I have to use the wall to lean on as I flee the hallway and return to my attic.

I burst into tears as I lay on my mattress.

Mate rejected us! Storm says sadly.

'This is our fate now, Storm. We will never be anything more than "Slave" to this pack, and we will never know what it will be like to have a mate and what it's like to be loved.' I sob.

A few months pass. During this time, Alpha Tate had new members join our pack who would torment and abuse me just as much as the other pack members would, especially Ava, who started sleeping with Alpha Tate.

I haven't spoken since the day Alpha Tate rejected me.

It's become rare to hear from my wolf since the rejection. I don't blame her, though. If I could hide away, I would too.

Never being able to ever shift into my wolf before, it gave the pack another reason

to beat and bully me, saying I was a freak of nature that I couldn't even shift.

After spending the day scrubbing the floors, I was just about to finish when Alpha Tate and Ava walk past me, hand in hand.

Ava kicks the bucket of the dirty water over and laughs while Alpha Tate glares at me.

'How you ended up with this freak of a slave in our pack bewilders me, Alpha,' Ava says.

'Well, she was such a freak and abomination that her parents abandoned her as a baby in the woods to die. My father was Alpha at the time. A pack member found her by chance and decided to keep her as a pack slave.' he tells Ava.

Ava laughs. 'Fancy being so hated that even your own parents didn't want you!' she taunts.

Continuing to mop the water up, I try to ignore their hurtful words. Tears flood my face as I sob.

'Oh, the little slave is crying!' Ava says with a chuckle. Alpha Tate also laughs. Then as they leave, Alpha Tate slips on the dirty water falling on his back.

A loud snap is heard as Alpha Tate screams in agony, 'My back! My back! I think it's broken! I can't move!' he yells.

'Alpha Tate!' Ava screams and gets down on her knees, hovering over him. She then looks in my direction. 'Well, don't just stand there! Do something, Slave, this is all your doing!' she yells.

Dropping the mop, I run to the other side of Alpha Tate and gently slide my hand under his back to feel around. He flinches at the sparks from my touch.

But yells in pain as I feel the broken bone, 'It's definitely broken... It will heal, but it's a bad break.

It might take your wolf a couple of days to heal it,' I whisper.

'I can't stay like this for two days!' Alpha Tate yells.

I gently pull my hand out from under his back. He starts crying out in pain again.

'What did you do to him now!' Ava snaps.

'I didn't do anything.' I whisper, keeping my eyes down. Beta Sam arrives and pushes me out of the way, and I fly into the wall from the force of his push.

Alpha Tate lets out a growl at Beta Sam, and we all pause in shock for a moment.

The pack members slide the Alpha onto a board and take him to his room. I quickly mop up the rest of the water.

Walking outside to tip the dirty water out, I come back inside. Beta Sam is blocking the doorway.

'Alpha Tate has requested your presence in his room.'

I drop the bucket in surprise and step back. Beta Sam grabs me roughly by the arm and drags me inside down the hall. We reach Alpha Tate's room and enter

Ava glares at me, and the pack Doctor smiles. 'Well, I will leave you to it.' the Doctor says and leaves the room.

Beta Sam pulls me towards the bed and pushes me down into a chair next to Alpha Tate. 'You can go now, Sam... you too, Ava.' Alpha Tate orders.

'I am not leaving you alone with her!' Ava snaps.

'GET OUT NOW!' he yells with his Alpha tone. Sam and Ava leave the room, and now it's only him and me in here.

Shaking, I have no idea why I'm here.

'I suppose you want to know why you are here?' Alpha Tate says. I nod my head.

'The pack doctor said I will heal much quicker having my mate here...' he says.

There's an awkward deafening silence.'I don't want you here, and I know you don't want to be here, but I need you to place your hand under me again. Unfortunately, your touch lessens the pain,' he explains.

Nodding, I stand up and slide my hand under his back. He flinches, and his eyes turn black briefly from the sparks.

He lets out a relaxed breath. Even though I can feel him staring at me, I keep my eyes down. 'I want you to look at me, Slave, ' he says.

My back stiffens, and he notices. I shake my head softly, declining his demand. I haven't stared into his eyes since the moment I found out we were mates months ago.

'I want to see your eyes,' he says.

Why does he want to see my eyes? Why does he want to look at me at all? I become curious and slowly look up, making instant eye contact with him.

We stare silently into each other's eyes for a moment, and something strange happens. I feel a warm energy flow through my arms, and my hands emit a glow.

'Your eyes? They're glowing silver, and your hands are glowing too! How are you doing this?' he panics.

I can't stop the glow. I'm not even sure what is happening. My hair flows behind me despite no breeze in the room.

The glow continues as warm energy flows through my body and then works its way out of the palm of my hand under Alpha Tate's back.

A crunching sound is made from his spine snapping back in place. Alpha Tate cries out. Then my hair drops back below my shoulders, The blue returns to my eyes, and the glow disappears.

Alpha Tate pales, his mouth partly opens in shock.

He sits up in his bed and then looks at me. 'You-you healed me?' he says in disbelief.

Taking a few steps back, I look at my hands and begin trembling. How did I do that? I then peer up to see Alpha Tate standing before me, staring intently into my eyes.

'Mine!' he snarls, snatching me into his arms and holding me against his chest. Beta Sam and Ava run into the room, seeing Alpha Tate miraculously standing.

'Alpha! How did you heal so quickly?' Sam asks.

'What are you doing, Alpha? Why do you have the slave in your arms like that?' Ava yells angrily.

Alpha Tate is staring at me, oblivious to Sam and Ava yelling at him. I squirm in his arms and fall onto the ground

Alpha Tate extends his hand to help me up. I stare up into his eyes. He rejected me. He has hurt me.

Why is he looking at me with desire in his eyes? Why is he trying to help me now?

Standing up, I ran past Sam and Ava as fast as possible. I hear an angry growl come from Alpha Tate as I flee from the pack house to the small lake where I can be alone.

Chapter 3

Alpha Tate rejected us, hurt us! He must be playing with us now! I don't like Alpha Tate, and his wolf Grey always tries to argue with me. Storm mind-links.

I know Storm, he can't expect us to run into his arms after how he has treated us all these years, and he rejected us!

It's getting dark and colder out here. We should head back to the attic. I say.

Trudging my way back to the pack house, I see pack members searching for someone. They must be searching for us. Storm says.

I sneak around to the back of the pack house, climb up the lattice onto the roof, and stay low so no one can see me.

Above the dining room, I hear Alpha Tate speaking to other people. I crawl closer to the roof's edge to hear through the open window below me.

'I am telling you now. Slave isn't an ordinary wolf.

I saw it with my own eyes. Slave has the power to heal,' he says.

'Even if she does have this ability, what are your intentions with her?' Sam asks.

'If she can heal, then we can use her to take over other packs and become the strongest, most feared pack in history!' he says.

'And how would she help us do that? She can't heal them to death... Ava says sarcastically.

'We will fight the packs ourselves, and she will heal us during battle, so we have no chance of losing!' Alpha Tate explains.

'What if she refuses to heal us?' Sam asks.

'Slave will heal us because she is my mate, and I'm going to mark and mate her, making her the Luna, so she is obligated to help the pack whether she likes it or not!' he growls.

'No!' Ava shouts, 'You promised you would mark me and make me Luna!' Ava argues.

'You are nothing but a whore on the side Ava!' Alpha Tate yells at her.

Ava runs out of the room crying.

I used to be excited about having a mate and being marked, but the thought of Alpha Tate marking me makes me shudder in repulsion.

'We have another problem. Alpha Maximus will be coming to stay here in a few weeks,' Alpha Tate warns.

'Alpha Maximus as in the Lycan prince?' Sam asks, startled.

'Yes,' Alpha Tate answers.

Everyone gasps and chatters amongst themselves in shock.

'Silence!' Alpha Tate orders, slamming his fist on the table. 'I'm aware he is feared amongst us werewolves, but imagine with Slave healing us, we could kill him, and the Blood Moon pack would be ours!

The other packs would never give us trouble again!' he says.

'What business does the Lycan have here anyway?'

A pack member asks.

'Alpha Maximus hasn't found his mate yet. So he is travelling through every pack he has never been to until he finds his mate. I've been told recently it's not just at a full moon that he loses all control over his Lycan. His Lycan has become more aggressive and stronger as he has gotten older and can take over at any given time. Alpha Tate says.

'You are risking the safety of this pack allowing him here!' Sam yells.

'Don't you think I know that, Sam! I declined to have him here, but he clearly said he wouldn't take no for an answer! He then requested we have one of the cells in the dungeon available for him in case he is here during a full moon. He will have some pack members chain him until the full moon is over.

This could be our best chance to kill him while he is locked up behind bars.

Let's face it. The Werewolf community fears him.

We will be heroes if we kill him!' Alpha Tate chuckles.

Coward!

It just goes to show how weak Alpha Tate is that he has to lock another Alpha up before he attacks. Storm says.

He is unworthy to be called an Alpha. I growl.

I continue to crawl along to the other side of the roof, I reach for my window to the attic, but it won't budge open.

I scrape all the ice around the edges, and the window finally opens. I climb in and quickly close it behind me.

Sitting on my mattress in the corner, now huddled up, I blow breath into my entwined hands to warm them up.

A while later, I hear footsteps coming up the stairs.

I quickly race to the window and open it. I'm halfway through it when an arm wraps around my waist and pulls me back in.

Squirming, I try to wriggle free. 'You are coming with me, Slave,' Alpha Tate says as he carries me down the stairs.

I continue to try to break free of his hold after hearing his plans, I don't want to be a part of it, and I don't want him to mark or mate me.

He takes me to the dining room. All the people I heard talking from the roof are still there. He sits me on the chair next to him.

'Sam! Your knife, now!' Alpha Tate orders.

Sam stands up and pulls a small knife from his belt, handing it to Alpha Tate. He grabs the knife and slits the palm of his hand open with a deep cut.

All the she-wolves gasp. Alpha Tate flings the bloodied knife across the table and places his hand in front of me.

I stare at his palm as the blood pools and dribbles down his wrist and between his fingers. I look at Alpha Tate with confusion.

'Heal me,' he says. Everyone leans in closer to watch. I sit there, remaining silent, not moving.

'Damn it, Slave! Heal me!' he snaps, making me jump.

I shake my head no. He aggressively takes my hand and puts it on his hand, then grabs my other hand and also places it with my other hand.

'Now! Or you will go a week without any food!' he threatens. I stare down at my hands, covered in his blood. I don't know how to do it.

Not sure what to do, I entwine my fingers through his, making him flinch from the sparks. The room remains silent as I stare intently at our hands, my hair begins to rise, and my hands begin to glow as my eyes become a bright silver. The warmth I felt earlier flows through my body again.

Hearing the excitement in everyone's voice at my appearance, the glow begins to fade, my eyes become blue again, and my hair drops down.

We stare at our hands entwined for a moment before I let go. Alpha Tate stands up and wipes his bloodied hand across his chest to show the wound is gone.

Everyone stares in disbelief at his hand and then at me.

'You see!' Alpha Tate laughs.

Alpha Tate pushes a plate of food toward me. 'Eat!' he smiles approvingly at me.

Everyone begins to eat whilst speaking about my ability or the Lycan coming to meet and visit the pack.

Staring at the plate of food in thought. I'm hesitant to start eating. I feel nauseous at the thought of healing Alpha Tate.

Standing up, I run from the room. I don't want to go to the attic. I know Alpha Tate would find me there. I enter the library and crawl into a low cupboard, closing it behind me. Strangely it's much warmer than the attic.

Storm, I think we need to leave, tomorrow, I will sneak into one of the she-wolf's rooms for warmer clothes, and when everyone is asleep, we will run. I mind-link.

Where are we going to go? Storm asks.

I don't know, just as long as we get as far away from here as possible.

Won't Alpha Tate come after us, though? Storm asks.

Most likely, but we must at least try and get away from here. I tell her.

Let's get some sleep. Hopefully, it will be our last night in this packhouse then. Storm says.

What if he catches us? He might kill us for running away-Storm worries.

He won't kill us if he wants to use me for my healing ability. I tell her.

I make myself more comfortable and nestle my head into my arms to use as a pillow before drifting off to sleep.

A few hours later, I'm woken by Alpha Tate tearing the place apart, looking for me. 'I can smell your scent, Slave!' he says. 'Come out, come out wherever you are!' he chants like it's a game of hide and seek.

I remain as quiet as possible and peek through the crack, to try and see where he is. Suddenly his head comes into my line of sight. Our eyes are inches apart, with only a small wooden cupboard door between us.

'Found you!' he says with a sadistic smile.

Chapter 4

Alpha Maximus

My Beta and Gamma help chain me up in the dungeon. I sit in a metal chair covered with huge chains.

Nathan injects Wolfsbane into my arm, which helps to weaken my Lycan when he takes over. Wolfsbane is a poison used against werewolves and Lycans.

It's one of the few that can weaken us. It's a purple flower like lavender. It's banned in most places, but we grow this plant here in Woodford. Our Al-chemist, Kayla, creates the potions and medicines for us. I'm the last Lycan alive. Lycans dwindled in number because most never found their mates to keep breeding. It gives my Lycan, Chaos and I the fear that we will never find our mate. Every Full Moon, I lose all control over my Lycan, putting my pack in danger of being killed. The only way to stop me from hurting anyone or killing them is to have myself chained up in the dungeon until the sun rises. Lycans were extremely rare amongst werewolves. We are so strong that one Lycan could take on a few alphas at once, being greatly feared by all, even by my own pack members. Most of the time, I have been strong enough to control my Lycan, but on a full moon, I lose all control.

My Beta Alex closes and locks the iron-barred door.

'Okay, Alpha Maximus, we will see you in the morning,' Alex says, waving.

'Don't break out this time. I'd rather not have to refurnish the pack house again,' Nathan smirks.

'I can't help that my Lycan has become more aggressive and stronger. It's been months since he has spoken to me!' I retort.

'Relax, Alpha, we have more Wolfsbane if needed, and these chains are much stronger. You will be fine,' Nathan says, reassuring me.

I give him a nod and watch them leave. I'm feeling a bit dizzy from the Wolfsbane. I stare at the cuffs and chains around my wrists, then up at the Moon hole in the ceiling and wait for the full moon to begin.

My bones begin to break, and fur spreads all over my body. Finally, I shift into my Lycan and let out a ferocious roar that all of Dark Moon pack and beyond can hear.

Chaos has full control now. He fights against the chains in anger and agitation. Hours pass, and he is still trying to break free with no signs of slowing down.

Chaos... I know you won't talk to me, but I want you to know I'm here. I feel your anger and your frustration too. I mind-link.

He lets out another terrifying roar at my words.

We will find her, Chaos. I won't give up looking for her. I tell him.

Free me now, and I will find her myself! Chaos growls.

I can't let you out of here until I have full control again! I argue with him.

Another ferocious roar echoes throughout the pack house.

You know you're only pissing the pack off even more if your keep waking them up and scaring them! I tell him.

The night is almost over. My bones break, and I shift back into human form. I Mind-link Alex to unchain me.

'How was your night?' I ask Alex.

He scrunches his face up, 'Well, that depends... do you want me to tell the truth or lie?' he says.

'Which one has the nicer answer?' I ask.

'The lie,' he says with a nervous chuckle.

'Okay, tell me the lie then,' I say, rolling my eyes.

'Well, Bella and I slept so well. We never got woken numerous times by horrific howls,' he says, crossing his arms.

'I'm sorry I woke your mate up and scared her.' I say miserably.

'It's fine, Alpha. You can't help it,' Alex sighs.

Alex unlocks the iron bar door and then unlocks the cuffs from my wrists.

'Alex, I want you and Nathan to bring me a map and mark the pack houses we have been to,' I tell him.

'Is there something you have planned?' Alex asks.

'I need to find my mate, Alex,' I say.

'But, we just had every unmated female from every pack attend your gathering here last month, Alpha, he says.

'What are you implying, Alex?' I snap at him.

'That your mate might not exist or has...' Chaos tried to take over as I half shift into my Lycan, against my will, snarling and trying to swipe at Alex with my elongated claws.

Alex quickly slams the iron door shut so I can't attack him. After a few minutes, I'm back in control.

As soon as I catch my breath, I glare up at Alex.

'You're losing control of your Lycan more than ever before,' Alex yells.

He unlocks the door and opens it to let me out. I grab him by the neck and hold him against the wall.

'Don't you ever imply my mate does not exist or has died again! Otherwise, my Lycan will be the least of your worries! And it will be me you will have to fear!'

I let Alex go and watch as he drops to the ground in fear.

'Get me that damn map today!' I growl as I walk away.

I return upstairs to my chambers, remove my trousers, step into the shower and lean my head against the wall.

She must exist. I know it. One of the packs must not have sent all their unmated females to the gathering. I mind-link Chaos.

As expected, Chaos ignores me.

I organised a Mating ball, which was held last month. My only goal at that time was to find my mate. The ball was full of she-wolves all dressed up in different styles. Unmated men searched around to find their possible mate. Crystal chandeliers above added elegance to the room while an orchestra played music. My neck ached from searching around and sniffing the air for my mate's scent for so long but with no luck. When I could not find my mate, I spent the rest of the time sitting miserably in my chair on the stage. The distance between packs made it more difficult to find mates.

Since werewolves are very attached to the mate-thing, depression, suicide, and losing one's mind became rampant for wolves not finding their mates.

The agony of being incomplete makes you not want to live anymore. So I hope that having the mating ball would help others like me suffering in deep pain and torment, not having their fated mate.

***

I'm dressed in my usual black suit pants, black shoes and a long-sleeved white shirt with the top few buttons left undone. I enter the kitchen.

'Good morning Beth. I'm sorry if Chaos disrupted your night?'

'Oh, of course not, Alpha Maximus,' she says with a bright smile.

'You know you can come and disrupt my night anytime you want!' she says, giving me a wink.

'If only the Moon Goddess blessed me with you as my mate,' I chuckle.

Beth is the cook and a dear old lady that was the cook for my parents before they died, and I became Alpha. She was always cheerful. Not even a bad night's sleep could take that away from her, and I knew she was probably the only one that wasn't overly bothered with my Lycan.

'Pancakes for breakfast?' she says.

Just a coffee this morning, Beth. I've got a lot of work to do today,' I tell her.

'Well, I'll be making you an extra big lunch then,' she pouts.

I roll my eyes 'Yes, Beth, that will be fine. I say.

Taking my coffee, I sit in my large chair at my desk.

Nathan knocks and enters 'Morning, Alpha Maximus,'

I take a sip of my coffee 'Good morning, Nathan, has Alex found the map yet?' I ask.

'Yes, he will be here shortly... did something happen, Alpha Maximus? Alex seemed a little on edge,' Nathan says.

'He's fine, Nathan. We were both out of line this morning. It's nothing he won't get over,' I say, truthfully.

Alex knocks. I look as he approaches.

Nathan pulls a chair up for him, and we spend the day going through the map. We make a list of all the packs I haven't visited yet.

'Okay, now that we have this list, I'm going to contact all the Alpha's of these packs and tell them we will be coming to stay and meet all the potential she-wolves that could be my mate,' I tell them.

'There will be full moons whilst we visit, you will have to make sure they can have you locked up and secure each full moon, but can we trust all these Al-pha's, though?' Nathan asks.

'That's true, we don't know many of these Alpha's, but you will be coming with me, Nathan and twelve of my best pack warriors. Alex will stay and look after the pack while I am gone. I inform them.

I've contacted all of the Alphas. Most didn't sound too keen to have me. Some even refused to have me at first. They were petrified of having a Lycan amongst them.

Beth enters my office with a massive plate of pan cakes. 'Thanks, Beth!' we all say, digging into the pancakes. 'Plenty more where that came from, boys,' she laughs.

'When are you leaving Alpha Maximus?' Alex asks with his mouth stuffed with pancakes.

'First thing tomorrow morning. I don't want to waste any more time before the next full moon.' I tell him.

'Alright, I will tell the warriors to pack and be ready to leave by dawn,' Alex says and leaves.

After the meeting, I walk around apologising to half the pack for scaring them last night and that I'll be leaving to search for my mate and their Luna, and I could be gone for weeks, months, even. But unfortunately, they seemed too happy when I told them I could be gone for weeks or months.

Angry at their happiness, I'll be gone. I remind the pack members they should consider themselves lucky they are in such a strong and powerful pack.

They cower and scatter like mice afterwards.

Nathan said I need to be more approachable and growl a lot less than I do, then perhaps the pack members will warm up to me. My Lycan didn't care for any of them and offered to wipe my pack out many times. He knew they despised him.

Chaos, if perhaps you stopped trying to take control of me and going on a rampage all the time, then the pack members wouldn't be so frightened of us. I mind-link him.

All I want is mate! I want what is mine! To mark her, hold her and mate her! Chaos snarls.

And how do you think my mate's wolf will react with you snarling and speaking like that? I highly doubt she will warm up to you straight away! And Nathan says I am the one that needs to be more approachable. I scoff.

Chaos growls and snaps at me before blocking our conversation, so I can't mind-link him anymore.

It was time for me to rest anyway before my journey tomorrow.

Chapter 5

The sun is rising. I feel nervous and worry about the thought of leaving the pack for so long and the thought of not finding my mate. I don't want to return without her knowing it would be bad for the pack and myself. I struggle to control Chaos as it is.

I can't imagine how much worse he would be if we couldn't find her.

I need to put my faith in the Moon Goddess. Surely, she doesn't want the Lycan breed to die out? Does she not want me happy? And not just me but my mate?

Maybe she has been looking for me and wants me?

Or maybe she doesn't want a mate? And that is why we can't find her because she doesn't want to be found or wants a werewolf, not a Lycan? What if she rejects us?

Stressing out, I pace back and forth, trying not to panic.

'Alpha, are you okay?' Nathan asks. I look up and snarl.

Shit! Chaos! Stop! I yell at him.

My eyes are black when I look up at Nathan with my Lycan eyes. Nathan slowly backs away, pulling out a dose of Wolfsbane in case I attack him.

Fighting Chaos, I bang my back up against the wall.

Then, after a few moments, I hunch over to catch my breath.

Looking up at Nathan, he sighs with relief when he sees I'm in control again.

'What was that all about?' Nathan asks. I was freaking out that when we find our mate, she might reject us because I'm a Lycan, or maybe she doesn't want a mate.

Chaos must have been listening and became angry at my thoughts as they could, unfortunately, be possible.

Nathan places his hand on my shoulder, 'Alpha, any she-wolf would be a fool to reject you. I know behind Chaos and your lack of calmness that there is a good man and a good Lycan underneath it all, he says.

'Nathan, you don't have to lie to me like that...' I say to him.

Nathan scoffs. 'Well, at least I tried to make you feel better, he says with his hands in the air. We both look at each other and laugh.

Beth hands me a basket of food for breakfast on my way out. I kiss her forehead and step outside into the limo waiting for me. A few black cars with some pack warriors follow behind.

We had been driving for half the day. The warriors want to stop to relieve their bladders and let their wolves out for a quick run.

Now leaning against a tree, I watch them run and wish I could let my Lycan out, but I know he would rip my men apart.

Instead, I take a big leak and climb the nearest tree to look around the area. I sit and admire the views until I see my men returning. They are completely naked back in human form.

Climbing down the tree, I get back in the limo. The Warriors are now dressed and back in their cars.

Four hours later, we arrive at Moonfall pack. Their pack house is a red-brick Victorian mansion. Behind the mansion is a huge temperate forest filled with redwood trees, and I bet it's where the werewolves run and train. Alpha Dan, the leader of the Moonfall pack, stands in front of the house, waiting for us. He has black hair but some strands in grey.

The welcome feels forced. It's obvious the Moonfall pack don't want me here, but I understand why they are fearful.

I greet Alpha Dan. He smiles at me awkwardly and then opens the pack house door and motions for me to follow, so I walk behind him, entering the house.

The interior of the house looks very luxurious. It is a Medieval Gothic interior. There's a huge staircase, and I can see a lot of werewolves in their human form. They are helping to clean the pack house and seem very organised.

After a while, I learn Alpha Dan is a great Alpha.

He knows how to discipline his pack, and he brings wealth and good fortune to everyone. All eyes are on me. The men glare, and the she-wolves try to avoid going anywhere near me.

Is my reputation really this bad? I mind-link Nathan.

Honest truth, or do you prefer the lie? he mind- links back.

Honest truth.

Yes, it's bad, really bad, he replies.

I let out a heavy sigh and attempt to smile gently at a she-wolf passing by. Her eyes bulge, and she screams, running off.

'What happened? What did you do, Alpha Maximus?' Alpha Dan asks sternly.

I put my hands up in the air in surrender 'Nothing!

I swear I just smiled at her,' I explain.

Alpha Dan looks at me for a moment like he is trying to read me, then bursts out laughing, patting me on the back.

'I'm sorry, Alpha Maximus, I'm afraid that even your smile would scare any she-wolf away from here... no offence, but everyone is terrified that you can't control your Lycan,' he says.

'I understand... maybe by the time I leave, everyone here might not think so badly of me,' I say to him.

'We will see. Now let's eat and rest, and in the morning, we will have all the unmated she-wolves ready for you to meet,' Alpha Dan says.

I nod and follow him to the dining area.

The table is long and black. There are long white candles on glass candle holders. A huge chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and on the walls are portraits of the former Alphas. I sit on one of the chairs, and Nathan sits next to me while we eat in silence.

It's very awkward. All the kitchen staff creep around like they are walking on eggshells.

The pack members at the table keep their heads down. I try to break the silence. 'Moonfall is such a lovely place. It's very umm pleasant...' I say.

'And how wonderful this food is,' Nathan adds, trying to help.

'I look forward to giving you a proper tour tomor-row,' Alpha Dan replies. 'Amy, you will show Alpha Maximus and Nathan to their rooms,' Amy stiffens, then nods.

'This way, please,' she says.

We follow her up the stairs, and Nathan enters the first room. I follow Amy to the next room.

'Here you are, sir... I mean Alpha Maximus, ' she stutters, trying to keep her distance.

'Thank you so much, Amy!' I say as she quickly runs off.

The room they have given me is very glamorous.

There are continuous floor-to-ceiling windows with grey curtains. The floor is glossy but not slippery.

The bed is black and grey, and there's a chandelier on the ceiling. The bedside table even has a vase with fresh snowdrop flowers.

Retiring for the night, I don't generally sleep well.

But I'm looking forward to meeting the unmated she-wolves in the morning.

As soon as it is morning. Nathan and I quickly get ready for the day.

We meet Alpha Dan for breakfast and then make our way outside, where he takes us on tour to show us around his village.

On the way back, we stop at the artistically frescoed hall where the she-wolves are waiting. Unfortunately, they are not dressed up, and it seems they deliberately made themselves appear unpleasant. I walked in to see eight different girls, petrified and shaking.

'Okay, ladies, no need to be frightened, but Alpha Maximus will need you all to make eye contact to see if any of you lucky ladies are his mate,' Alpha Dan says cheerfully, trying to reassure the girls.

Looking at each of them, I see nothing but fear and no connection. I stare at Nathan and Alpha Dan, shaking my head to indicate none of them is my fated mate.

'Well, I wish you luck at the next pack then, Alpha Dan says, patting me on the back.

I thank Alpha Dan for his time and take my leave, ready to travel to the next pack.

I step into the limo and sit quietly, feeling disappointed. Nathan sits in the front seat of the limo to drive. He drives three hours to the next pack, where I meet five she-wolves who don't want a bar of me, but the Alpha made them cooperate.

I'm grateful that none of them is my mate as they were very rude and self-absorbed. I didn't think Chaos would be too impressed with any of them.

We spend the next couple of weeks visiting nine other pack houses. Some weren't too bad and were somewhat welcoming. Others couldn't wait to get rid of me.

Chaos appeared briefly after some negative comments 'One she-wolf said she feels sorry for the girl who is doomed to be my mate, Chaos fully took over, so Nathan had no choice but to give me a dose of Wolfsbane.

There was no doubt Chaos would have ripped her head off.

After that, the Alpha demanded we leave their territory.

It's late at night, and we are far out of their territory now. We stop and get out of the limo.

I need some air and some space. I rip my shirt off and run deep into the forest. Once I knew I was far away enough from hurting anyone, I let Chaos take over.

He roars and howls in anger and hurt and rips his claws at the trees, shredding the bark off. Finally, after an hour of having a meltdown and destroying half the trees, Chaos lays on his back, staring at the moon. 'Mate,' he whispers. I can feel his pain, his agony, and his fear. I feel the same way, but I must reassure chaos that we'll find our mate. I need to be emotionally strong for both of us and for the safety of everyone.

Now back in human form, I slowly walk back to the limo. Nathan and the twelve warriors are all standing there with a look of worry and concern on their faces.

'Alpha Maximus. are you okay? We could hear you...Chaos for miles,'

I'm too depressed to talk. I step into the limo and sit there with my head in my hands.

'The next pack is four hours away. So I suppose we can sleep in the cars tonight, Nathan says.

I nod my head and shut the door.

I worry when I find my fated mate, she will reject me for being the freak of all werewolves—a Lycan.

I wonder what her scent smells like if she has dark hair or light hair. Would the Moon Goddess bless me with a kindhearted mate or an arrogant, self-absorbed mate like the she-wolf Chaos almost killed?

Chapter 6

Slave

Alpha Tate rips the cupboard door off and flings it across the room. He crouches down, staring at me with a stern, angry face.

'And what are you doing hiding in here?' he asks with a devilish smirk.

He reaches in to pull me out. I hit him repetitively with my fists. It's of no effect. Alpha Tate laughs.

'You're starting to become feisty, little Slave, I see?' he says as he yanks me onto the floor. My body resonates with the sounds of broken bones. I feel the pain in my body.

Standing up, I try to run past him, but he grabs the back of my dress, pulling me back. My dress rips, and my back is exposed.

'You're quite fun to play with,' he chuckles with evilness. 'Now, I have things I want to discuss with you, he says, scooping me up.

He carries me to his office, kicking the door shut behind us, and sits in his chair, holding me firmly onto his lap. The hair on my body rises with goosebumps from this unpleasing situation. Alpha Tate grabs my face forcing me to stare at him. We both remain silent as we stare at each other.

Alpha Tate leans into me, his nose pressing against my neck as he inhales my scent. I can feel his breath.

Electricity runs through my body from his touch.

His prickly stubble tickles my neck. I become lost in the moment. Alpha Tate places his hand on my lap and caresses my skin. His hands are warm and rough. They travel from my leg to my stomach and then my breasts.

Stiffening, I let out a whimper. 'It's okay, Slave. You relax. This will only hurt for a moment, he whispers.

I gaze up at Alpha Tate. His teeth have elongated.

He is about to mark me. I punch and kick as fear and panic envelopes me. I try to wriggle my body away from him.

He lets out a vicious growl. 'Keep still, Slave!' he yells.

'No!' I yell, pushing myself from his lap and falling to the floor.

'You are about to become the Luna and officially be my mate! Get back here now so we can get this over with!' he orders.

'No!' I say courageously.

'No?' he says, confused and angry.

'I-I don't want to be your mate or your Luna!' I say.

I'm scared of what he might do because of my rejection.

Alpha Tate bursts into laughter. 'Any she-wolf would do anything to be in your shoes right now! To have me as their mate and be the Luna of this pack!' he laughs.

'You rejected me,' I remind him.

'Yes, I did, but I am taking that rejection back now.

You should be happy I'm making this right, Alpha Tate smiles.

'This doesn't feel right, though,' I tell him.

'Let me mark you, and I will make it feel right. I will even mate you immediately, and you will feel right then. Of course, it will hurt a bit, but you will like it.

Once you have a piece of me, you'll be begging me for more,' Alpha Tate grins.

Disgusted and repulsed by his words, I take a few steps back.

'I said, No! I don't want to be your mate!' Furious, Alpha Tate stands and walks toward me.

I reject you, Alpha Tate of the Blackwood pack, as my mate.

I watch as Alpha Tate falls to the ground in agony clutching his chest.

That's strange. Why am I not feeling the pain as well?

He crawls toward me in pain, 'Get back here now,

Slave!' He yells.

I run from his office down the hallway. Sam and other pack members come racing toward me.

Why is the Alpha screaming?!' Sam asks angrily.

Not wanting to stop, I ignore them and continue to run as they race to Alpha Tate. Finally, I make it to the lake feeling liberated and shocked. But deep inside, I feel empowered.

I just rejected Alpha Tate! I actually did it. I didn't know I had it in me, but what will happen to me now when he has recovered?

Pack members call out for me, 'Slave! Get back here now!' they yell.

Storm, we have to leave tonight! I mind-link.

But she doesn't reply.

I sneak around the back, climb up the lattice, and climb through a window. Then, quietly, tiptoe through the corridor. I open Ava's door and grab a coat and shoes. I put them on, creep back up to the attic, and climb out the window again.

Waiting until it's clear, I climb down the lattice and run through the trees. Branches and twigs scrape my skin as they whip past me. My heart is beating fast, and tears fall.

The pack members shift into wolves and howl to let me know they are after me. I'm scared.

I run with all my might until I have to slow down from exhaustion.

Storm! You have to shift. I can't outrun them. I mind-link her.

I-I can't. I'm too scared to, she whimpers.

Storm, if you don't shift, we will be captured and taken back to Alpha Tate.

I can hear the pounding of paws against the ground, coming closer. I fall back as a large brown wolf lunges at me and growls. His drool drips all over my face.

The wolf steps off me and shifts into his human form. It's Sam. He grabs me by my hair and drags me back towards the pack house.

My shoes fall off as I'm dragged along. My legs and ankles scrape along the ground against sharp pebbles and stones. I try to free my hair from Sam's grip but with no luck. We are back at the pack house. Fear and anxiety take over me. I tremble. Sam continues to drag me by my hair until he throws me on the floor in front of Alpha Tate's feet.

Alpha Tate glares at me. Then, furious, he hits me across the face-the sound echoes across the room.

'If you ever try to escape again, I will kill you!' He grabs my arm and stands up, pulling me behind him as he walks back outside. I have no idea where he is taking me.

Alpha Tate takes me down the dirt road from the pack house, where a small grey brick building stands. The entrance is an iron-barred gated door.

He unlocks it with a key and pushes the gate open to reveal a staircase that leads into complete darkness.

Sam follows with a lit torch and walks down the stairs. It's wet and cold down here. Are they planning on leaving me down here to die?

Sam opens one of the iron-barred doors. Alpha Tate throws me inside the dinghy, dark cell. I roll across the cold ground and force myself to sit up.

'I think a couple of days down here will do you some good, Alpa Tate smiles and walks away. Sam follows, leaving me in complete darkness. I burst into tears and hug my knees. I thought I could have escaped from the pack. Yet now, everything has become worse. I'll never be able to escape from down here. I always dreamt that my life would change for the better when I reached eighteen. I hoped I would find my mate, and he would save me from this place.

But Alpha Tate is my mate. He won't bring me happiness, only fear and pain. I lie on the ground, sobbing until I fall asleep.

The next day Sam enters and places a plate of stale bread into my cell for me to eat. He doesn't say anything. He didn't even look at me. I feel as if I'm a dog in a cage being fed. As soon as he leaves, I grab the bread and take a bite. It's partly mouldy in some places. Squeeking rats gain my attention. I break parts of the bread and throw it to the hungry rats, hoping they won't try and bite me while I sleep again like last night. I pray to the Moon Goddess and ask her to help save me from here, but all I hear is silence. My prayers go unheard.

The next day Sam takes me inside the pack house.

Other pack members stare at me. I'm dirtier than ever. We enter Alphas Tate's office, where he sits waiting for me.

Sam pushes me back into a chair and stands next to me, making sure I don't try and run.

I look up at Alpha Tate. He sits with his arms crossed.

'If you decline my offer of being my mate, you will then remain a slave here at the pack forever! You will also be put to use and heal whoever I say to on queue when asked. I will need your healing ability in a few weeks,' he says

'What's happening in a few weeks?' I quietly ask.

'We have an unwanted guest, a Lycan. He is a pest and a threat to the werewolf community. I intend on killing him, making myself a hero amongst our community, and you will be healing me and any pack members involved as we attack him,

'You mean Alpha Maximus?' I ask.

Alpha Tate glares at me. 'How do you know his name?'

'I-I um had heard pack members talk about him when I was cleaning,' I say.

'Oh, okay, that makes sense,' he says.

There is one problem, though, I reply.

'Oh, and what problem would that be?'

'I'm not going to help you kill another man,' I tell him

He nods, 'Don't worry. You won't be killing him.

You will just be healing me or anyone else that needs healing,' he says.

'Healing you is still killing him! I-I won't do it,' I say and look away.

Alpha Tate slams his fist on his desk. 'You will do as you are told!' he yells.

'No! I'm not going to let you use me like that!'

'Sam, take Slave back to the cell and rough her up a bit. I'm sure it will help convince her to obey my demands,

Sam grabs my arm, which is now covered in bruises, yanking me from the chair. The chair falls to the ground from the force. I'm dragged back to the cell. Sam enters the cell and slaps me. He then kicks me many times and throws me into the wall. I plead and beg him to stop, but he doesn't. I eventually fall unconscious from the beating.

I've lost track of how many days and nights I've been kept down here, but I'm guessing at least around ten days. Alpha Tate has come to see me a couple of times in hopes I would have changed my mind. He said he would let me out of the cell and back into the pack house once I agreed to heal him and the pack when needed. So, it looks like I'll be living down here for the rest of my life because I will never heal him again, even if it results in my death.

I'm only given a small bit of bread every few days and half a cup of water.

My stomach rumbles with hunger, and my lips start peeling and flaking from dehydration. I reassure myself I will be okay and free of this place soon.

Chapter 7

Alpha Maximus

Having spent the last few weeks travelling through every packhouse on the map. I sigh heavily from exhaustion, 'What's the name of the next pack' I ask Nathan.

'Blackwood, we will be there soon, but tomorrow night is a full moon. So I suggest we stay the extra night there to keep Chaos contained.'

'I suppose it's the safest thing to do, I say, agreeing with him.

As we park the car and step out, we suddenly feel a sense of doom. There's a dark and eerie feel to the Blackwood territory. Dead trees surround the place, and a storm is brewing beyond it, adding to the eerie darkness. The only sound we can hear is the wind gushing through the trees. The dead branches and trees dance like they are all in a ritual. The dry leaves crumple under our feet as we approach the front door. The packhouse is a black Gothic house with huge windows all around. I can see a white curtain moving. Pack members peek through the window at me. Dried vines cover the house. Nathan and I glance at each other, then back at the view. Nathan shudders.

'This place looks terrible,' Nathan says.

'Yup... and we are stuck here for two nights.' I remind him.

We are approached and greeted by Alpha Tate. He is dressed in a white shirt and leather jacket. He looks sleek, but I can sense a cockiness about him straight away. Strangely, he seems very happy to have us here., unlike every other pack, we have gone to. He walks us through the pack house. The house's interior looks better than the outside, but it still has room for improvement. I can see muscular werewolves in their human form, mostly wearing black shirts. They are grinning at me, but not in a welcoming way. We reach Alpha Tate's office, and he invites Nathan and me inside.

A man walks in with a tray of small glass cups and a bottle of whisky.

'This is my Beta, Sam,' Alpha Tate says, introducing the guy with messy hair and a large stomach. Sam wears a sleeveless white shirt covered with some crumbs from the food he has eaten. His teeth are dirty, and it appears Sam has never made contact with a toothbrush. He also has a beard that still has remnants of food. He looks dirty and unkempt like the rest of the pack, and it seems only their Alpha is clean and tidy.

We shake hands, and I sit back down.

'Drink?' Sam offers, filling the four glasses. He passes us all a glass each.

'We are thrilled to be hosting a Lycan in our pack house, Alpha Tate smiles and holds a glass of whiskey up. He swirls the glass before sculling it.

'That's funny because I'm pretty sure you declined to offer me the hospitality here,' I remind him.

Alpha Tate chuckles. 'I'll be honest. I was a little bit concerned about the whole idea. You can't blame an Alpha for wanting to keep his pack safe. But what kind of Alpha would that make me, refusing to host one of the last Lycans in the world, He says, emphasizing the word last'.

Nathan raises an eyebrow at me in amusement.

'Yes, well, speaking of hospitality, tomorrow night is a full moon, and I would appreciate using one of your cells for the night, so you won't have to worry about the safety of your pack.'

A hint of satisfaction is seen in Alpha Tate's eyes.

'Of course, of course, we have plenty of cells to choose from down there. You must make yourself at home while you are here, I insist,' he says, pouring himself another whisky.

'Thank you, Alpha Tate... I can't help but ask if you have many unmated she-wolves?'

Unfortunately, we only have one she-wolf without a mate, and that is Ava. You will meet her tomorrow,' he replies.

'I can't help but notice your mate and Luna is not here.' I point out. Alpha Tate chokes on his whisky and sits up straight.

He then gives Sam a strange look. They must be mind-linking. 'Um-yes, my mate, believe it or not, she only turned eighteen a month ago, so I only recently found her,' he explains.

'I would love to meet her,' I insist as I watch Alpha Tate uncomfortable, correcting his collar and tie.

'I'm sure you will meet her at some point. But, unfortunately, she is currently indisposed, Alpha Tate says as if he was assuring himself and not me.

We have another round of whisky. Alpha Tate wants to hear about my journey so far. I only tell him the basics, though. I honestly couldn't be bothered with the extra details.

A pack member enters and informs us that the dinner will be ready shortly. We make our way down the stairs, following Alpha Tate and Sam.

'I have a feeling your cook has made something with apples for dessert?' I enquire. 'What makes you say that?' Alpha Tate asks.

'Ever since we arrived, I've been able to smell the hint of warm apple and caramel. Whatever it is, I'm looking forward to having a bite, I reply.

Alpha Tate chuckles, 'Yes, well, we have some of the best cooks here, ' he boasts.

Nathan sniffs the air. 'I can't smell it,' he shrugs.

The feast was interesting, and the pack members happily spoke to me and asked many questions. It was quite refreshing to feel included and not be in a room full of people that were terrified.

We drink plenty of wine and laugh at all the dumb jokes and stories we tell each other at the table.

I become excited as dessert is brought out, but it isn't the caramel apple or apple pie I thought it would be. Instead, it's some strange-looking banana cake with cream.

It's strange and unusual that I would be so disappointed over a dessert, normally I couldn't care less what was given to me, but I'm feeling greatly disappointed and somewhat sad.

Chaos suddenly becomes frustrated. I quickly mind-link to Nathan that Chaos might make an appearance and stand up. 'You will all have to excuse me. Nature is calling, They all nod at my excuse to leave the table.

As soon as it's clear, I walk outside and sit inside the back of the limo.

Chaos is fighting for control, Chaos! Stop trying to take over! You will have all night tomorrow to yourself!

Nathan opens the car door and hops in. 'Do you need some Wolfsbane?' he asks.

'I think I'm okay now. Chaos and I became angry over a dessert of all things,' I laugh.

'Well, it was overcooked and sloppy,' Nathan laughs.

We exit the limo and return to the pack house. Before I enter, I breathe in the air.

'The smell of hot apples and caramel is so calming.

I can still smell it,' I say to Nathan.

'The only thing I smell is the fart I just released,'

Nathan laughs.

I playfully shove him. 'Gross man, right in front of me too!'

Alpha Tate insists we join him for more drinks before we call it a night. He takes us into an old gaming room where we play poker and drink whisky for half the night.

Nathan and I have become more comfortable around here. Making our worries, we first had, disappear.

We retire to our rooms for the night.

After a sleep, I wake up in the morning and bang on Nathan's door.

'You ready?' I yell out.

I hear Nathan moan, 'Just a little more sleep, Alpha.' he mumbles.

I let myself into his room. Nathan's red hair and beard are in need of a good comb.

'Come on, get up! We are going to meet... what was her name? Ava? Yes, Ava,

Nathan sits up and holds his head. I walk over to a table, which has a glass and a jug of water. I fill his glass up and hand it to him.

'Here, drink this shithead,' I say to him.

'I'm not a shithead!' Nathan argues.

'Well, you drank twice as much as I did last night and got shitfaced, so, yeah, I shrug.

Nathan sculls the water down, 'Have a shower. I will wait for you.' I say as I walk over to a bookshelf and pick one out to read. I take a book about herbal medicine.

Sitting on the couch, flicking through the pages, I toss the book aside. I leave the room and wander up the hall

The smell of cooked apples and warm caramel hit my nose again. I follow the smell until it leads me to an old staircase that goes up into an attic I slowly walk up the stairs. They appear rotten and damp. I reach the door handle, turn the knob, and push the door open.

As the door creaks open, I see a really old thin mattress in the corner of the room—a broken chair in the other corner and a full-length broken mirror missing half the glass.

Cold fog rises from my lips. It's so cold in here. I gaze at the mattress. I hope no one has been sleeping in here. I suddenly feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. The only thing that brings me comfort is the sweet smell in here.

'Alpha Maximus,' Sam says behind me. 'What are you doing in here?' he asks. 'Sorry, I lost my way around. I was heading to the dining room but must have taken the wrong turn, I say innocently.

'Yes, it's a big place. I remember getting lost a few times when I first moved into this packhouse.' Sam says as he leads me out of the attic.

'Sam... can I ask you something?'

'Sure,' he says, raising an eyebrow.

'Does someone sleep in that attic?' I ask.

Sam starts to laugh. 'Of course, not Alpha Maximus. That would be barbaric and cruel of us! That room is just used for storage!

Funny since it's practically empty, yet it's a storage room. I sense that Sam straight out lied.

Nathan is in the hallway waiting for me. He is already dressed up, and he has brushed his hair and his beard. 'Alpha! You said you would wait for me,' he says. 'Yeah, I kind of got bored waiting, so I decided to stroll around, but then I ended up in a dirty old attic, I tell him.

'Shall we head downstairs to meet Ava?' Sam says.

I nod and follow his lead

We are in the large dining room where a woman stands waiting. She has dark shoulder-length hair with dark brown eyes. She wears a black dress that exposes her cleavage. I think she purposely dressed to impress.

She doesn't look too bad, but I don't like her scent.

It reminds me of last night's sloppy dessert. Regardless, she smiles at me and winks too. I have never had a woman wink at me before.

'You must be the famous Lycan prince, Alpha Maximus,' she says, bowing her head. 'I'm Ava, and I'm happy to help you in any way you need,' she says seductively.

I laugh nervously. 'Oh, thank you, Ava' I don't feel any attraction to her whatsoever. There is no bond between us.

Nathan purposely coughs. I mind-link him that she isn't my mate.

Well, at least she hasn't run off screaming. Nathan links back.

'Jerk! I reply.

'Alpha Tate won't be having breakfast with us this morning as he has pack matters that need attending to, 'Sam informs us.

We nod and sit down for breakfast

Chapter 8

Slave

I'm still locked up in this dungeon. I'm starving, but I'm no longer thirsty. It rained last night. A small pipe funnels through the wall and collects raindrops. I held my hands cupped together under it to catch the water and sipped it from my hands.

Every night, I look up at the moon through a tiny hole and feel as though the Moon Goddess is staring back at me. She makes me feel as if all of this is part of her plan, that everything will soon be alright. I have to be brave and try my best to keep surviving.

My thoughts are cut off when I hear footsteps coming. My heart starts to beat faster. Though I can't see who it is, I know it's Alpha Tate from his scent. His presence alarms me. I can feel his anger and his need to kill.

He opens the iron door. I look away, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing any fear I might have in my eyes. But Alpha Tate walks toward me and grabs my face.

'You're still alive? I guess that's a bonus for me, as tonight's the night that I'll kill the Lycan and be considered the strongest Alpha of all! No one will stop me, and you will help me achieve it!'

I gather my courage and shout at him. 'You're a coward! You can't kill the Lycan without locking him up and without Wolfsbane weakening him! You're just trying to get acceptance from the other Alphas because we all know they all think you are pathetic!' Alpha Tate holds me against the wall, 'if you are going to keep refusing to help tonight, then you will be of no use to this pack or me, and I will kill you myself once I have killed that Vermin Lycan!' he shouts.

'Now, what have you decided? Heal the pack or die with the Lycan?'

I remain silent, looking down. 'Answer me!' Alpha Tate yells, grabbing my chin.

I'd rather die than help a pathetic coward of an Alpha like you,' I whisper. He strikes me across the face, splitting my lip and throws me to the ground.

'If you want to die, then FINE!' he yells and slams the iron door shut.

Why did he have to be my mate? I'm always unwanted and always end up abandoned. I thought Moon Goddess was going to save me, but I guess she has abandoned me too. If only I had just died when my parents abandoned me. Then I wouldn't have had to experience all these years of abuse and the pain this pack has given me.

Pack warriors suddenly enter the cell next to mine.

They ignore me even though I'm shivering from the cold.

In their hands are big heavy chains they place in the cell next to mine. They must be preparing for the Lycan. There are plenty of other cells, but they choose to place him in a cell next to mine. The idea of it frightens me.

What if he will able to reach through the bars and kill me? I'm worried for myself. I'm becoming more nervous now, seeing Alpha Tate's plans falling into place.

Will they give the Lycan a quick death? Will I receive a quick death? I wonder if the Lycan is as ferocious and wild as they say he is? I don't want to die.

I don't want to watch the Lycan be killed, either. I know that if anything happens to Alpha Tate and his pack members, they'll try and force me to heal them.

Maybe I should just accept this fate? I feel even sadder realising that once I die tonight, no one will care.

I've lived all these years for nothing. What a terrible life I've had, I weep. Tear after tear runs down my face. My heart is aching, and I'm losing myself. I'm too tired and too weak to stand. I use the bars to sit myself up and rest my head on the stone bench, drifting off to sleep.

Alpha Maximus

Alpha Tate returns to the pack house before lunch.

He smells strongly of the caramel apple pie I've been craving.

Prick... I think to myself. No wonder he didn't have breakfast with us. He wanted the pie all to himself!

I remind myself to get over it and that it's just food, and I can have Beth bake me one hundred apple pies the day I get back to my pack house.

It's now almost nightfall. I knew it would almost be time for me to go down to the cell for the night.

'Do you have to take the Wolfsbane before going to the cell?' Alpha Tate asks.

He has constantly asked me questions all day about the process we go through on a full moon. I get that he is curious and worried for his pack, but all these questions are getting ridiculous now and just starting to piss me off.

'Alpha Tate, Nathan and my pack warriors have everything under control, and if it's necessary, Nathan will give me an extra dose of Wolfsbane, but you will find it will unlikely be needed,' I assure him.

'I see. Well, let us drink a glass of whisky before you go, shall we?' Alpha Tate offers. Nathan nods his head, and we all take a seat to drink.

We scull our drinks, and Nathan bolts upstairs to get the Wolfsbane for me. My head starts to feel immediately fuzzy. That's strange. I only had one drink.

I shake my head and try to ignore it. I look up to see Nathan has returned with the Wolfsbane walking towards me, swaying. 'Nathan? What is wrong with you?' I ask him.

Nathan suddenly collapses to the floor. I race over to him, beginning to sway. 'Nathan!' I shout. My head becomes fuzzier. Everything is swaying.

I turn to face Alpha Tate. He is standing there with his arms crossed with a smug look.

'You drugged our drinks!' I shout angrily.

I rip my shirt open to shift into my Lycan, fury overtaking me. Then without warning, I receive a sharp sting in my arm.

Sam has injected a large quantity of Wolfsbane into my arm. At least three times what I would normally have on a full moon. I roar ferociously in my Lycan form before I black out and fall to the floor.

Slave

Startled, I wake up from the smell of cedarwood.

It's the most amazing scent I have smelt. My nerves instantly calm as I continue to breathe in the scent.

Suddenly I hear a group of men arguing outside.

Alpha Tate, Sam and four other pack members struggle to carry something down the stairs and toward the cell. I squint my eyes to see, and my mouth drops open in horror.

It's the Lycan! And he is massive! At least seven feet tall, maybe more, his chest is broad, and his muscles are huge. He is covered in shiny black fur.

I notice he is unconscious as they drag him along.

They struggle to get him into the cell and fall over.

I suddenly feel hot and lustful as the smell of cedar wood overtakes me.

'Do we kill him now while he is out?' Sam asks

Alpha Tate.

'Where would the fun be in that, Sam? Alpha Tate replies.

We should have some fun first and torture him.

After all, he is the last Lycan, and we are about to witness his death. So we may as well savour this moment and make the most of it. Now put the chains on him before he wakes up!' Alpha Tate orders.

I'm unsure why but I suddenly have the urge to reach out and touch the Lycan's fur as if I'm being pulled toward him. I crawl across the cell and put my hand through to touch him, only for Alpha Tate to grab my wrist, twisting my arm.

I cry in pain, and the Lycan stirs, making gruff noises.

'What are you doing?' Alpha Tate yells.

'I-I don't know, I whisper. He flings my arm away, and I crawl back to the other side of the cell and watch as they put the chains around the Lycan's wrists and ankles.

He begins to stir again. His breathing is heavy at first, and even though he is barely conscious, I realise he is smelling something in the air. He growls ferociously, realising he is chained up and starts pulling on the chains with force and aggression, but he is too weak, swaying around and falling unconscious again.

They must have drugged him. He begins to sniff the air again as soon as he is somewhat conscious again and lets out another loud growl making me flinch back in fright. The Lycan must have seen me jump as he goes to turn his head toward me, but Alpha Tate starts throwing punches into his stomach, making the Lycan face back at Alpha Tate. The Lycan tries to lunge at Alpha Tate but can't move as the chains hold his arms in place.

Chapter 9

Slave

Sam hands Alpha Tate a whip. I whimper simultaneously as the Lycan does as Alpha Tate whips the Lycan across the chest. I look away, covering my eyes.

Tears flood my face as the whip cracks against his skin over and over. Finally, I look up to see blood dribbling down his chest.

'Stop! Please stop!' I shout, horrified at the horrendous sight.

Alpha Tate pauses and gives me a deathly glare. 'It will be your turn next, Slave!'

The Lycan uses the little strength he has to open his eyes and look toward me.

As soon as our eyes meet, I feel my body wanting to be closer to his as if I were being sucked through a portal. A sudden sense of desire consumes me.

I feel incredibly euphoric. Hot sparks flow through my body as my hands glow, my hair rises, flowing around me, and my eyes are a glimmering silver.

Everything disappears around us. All I see is the Lycan and him gazing euphorically back at me.

'MATE! we say together.

As my glow dissipates, the dimness of the cell returns and my eyes are now blue again. I gasp for air, feeling as if I have been held underwater and thrown back into my body with force. Whatever I felt, whatever I just saw, the Lycan did too. He is also struggling to catch his breath.

The Lycan keeps his eyes on me in disbelief at what has just happened. I can see the yearning for me in his eyes.

He reaches his hand toward me, as far as the chain will allow, his fingers stretching out, desperate to touch and hold mine. I crawl closer to the bars between us and stretch my arm through. Our fingers eagerly try to touch and reach for each other.

'This can't be possible?' Alpha Tate shouts angrily.

He turns back to face the Lycan. 'She is MY mate!' he yells at the Lycan.

The Lycan ferociously roars in Alpha Tate's face.

Alpha Tate stumbles back.

The Lycan then tries to pull the chains off again but to no avail. Alpha Tate laughs and unlocks my cell door. He grabs me roughly and pulls me up by my hair.

I can see the distress in the Lycan's eyes as he watches Alpha Tate pull me up by my hair.

'Is this what you want, Alpha Maximus?' He says, licking my neck. 'This is my property, my mate!' he shouts.

I quiver in repulsion and try to free my hair from his hands. The Lycan becomes more and more aggressive, desperate to free himself. The Lycan looks at my tear-filled eyes and glares back at Alpha Tate.

Sam begins punching the Lycan repeatedly. Two other pack members throw in kicks and punches as well.

'No! please! Stop hurting him!' I beg.

Alpha Tate forces me against the bars between the Lycan and me and starts to pull my dress up.

'Before you die, you will watch while I mate and mark this bitch! Alpha Tate says with a manic chuckle.

'No!' I shout and turn to fight him off. He grabs my arms tight, spins me around, and slams me hard against the bars. The Lycan is going berserk at this point, snarling and growling. Sam reaches for the knife attached to his belt.

'No!' I scream as Sam thrusts the knife repetitively into the Lycan's stomach.

'Slow down, Sam! I want him to watch me mark and mate, Slave, before he dies!' Alpha Tate shouts.

Alpha Tate then moves the hair from across my neck and nuzzles around my neck to find the right spot to mark me. I'm crying and pleading for Alpha Tate to stop. Sam grins, watching the Lycan bleed out from the knife wound.

I can see the Lycan's eyes rolling back as he struggles to stay awake from the blood loss. I know he is about to die at any moment. I can't watch my mate die. I look down and notice a syringe attached to Sam's belt.

Having no idea what's in it, but knowing it's my only chance of saving the Lycan, I squirm from Alpha Tate's elongated teeth scraping along my neck. I reach my arm through to grab the syringe from Sam's belt.

Just as I take it, men I don't recognise come running down the stairs.

'Shit!' Sam says as he races toward the Lycan's men shifting into his wolf to fight them. The other pack members down here also shift to help Sam fight off the now-shifted three wolves who are here to free the Lycan.

Holding the syringe firmly in my grasp, I jab it into Alpha Tate's leg and inject every last drop. Then, realising what I had just done, he strikes me across the face and sways. Alpha Tate collapses on top of me as I fall to the ground. He is so heavy I struggle to breathe.

Turning my head, I see the wolves are still fighting, except for two that have been ripped apart. There is blood everywhere and limbs lying around. My attention returns to the Lycan. His breathing is worse, and his head slowly falls back. There is a puddle of blood underneath him.

I squirm and wriggle until I'm free from underneath Alpha Tate, who lets out a moan. I stand up, grab the keys from his belt, and run from my cell into the Lycan's cell.

I unlock one wrist freeing one arm, and then I unlock the chains around his ankles. Unfortunately, I can't reach his other wrist as it's chained up higher.

'Mate,' I hear him whisper. He is looking down at me, barely conscious. I take his free hand and place it on my cheek. His thumb weakly caresses my skin.

Sparks explode from our touch. I feel like I'm about to combust into stardust. The feeling is something I have never experienced before. Even with Alpha Tate, it wasn't this intense.

Suddenly I'm roughly pulled back by someone, 'Get away for him!' the man yells. I cover my face with my arms, afraid he is about to hit me.

The Lycan growls weakly at him. 'Mine!' he whispers, trying to reach for me.

'Alpha Maximus, is she really your mate?' he asks and then stares at me in shock. I look over his shoulders to see Sam barely breathing and the others dead.

Alpha Tate is still asleep in the cell next to us. The red-headed man looks back to Alpha Maximus and unlocks his wrist that I couldn't reach.

The man then helps Alpha Maximus gently to the ground and places his hands over the stab wounds.

'Shit! This isn't good, Alpha Maximus. Our warriors are dead. I don't know if you are going to heal quickly enough. There must be at least ten stab wounds!' he counts.

'Mate,' The Lycan whispers. The man looks at me and nods for me to go to the Lycan. I slowly crawl over and hold his hand

'I don't think he is going to make it,' the man says to me.

I know what I have to do. I know I have to try and heal my mate.

Hesitantly, I let go of the Lycan's hand even though he doesn't want to. I place my hands on his chest and concentrate.

'What are you doing?' the man asks. I ignore him and keep trying to stay focused. My hair starts to flow as my hand glow, and my eyes turn a glimmering silver

His wounds are slowly healing. Sam gasps in utter shock and awe at the magic he is witnessing.

I'm feeling drained and dizzy, but I know I can't stop healing him just yet if I want him to survive.

I close my eyes and concentrate, forcing myself to heal him quicker until I let out a breath and collapse on the Lycan's chest.

Alpha Maximus

The pain has gone, and the wounds have disappeared. I peer down in shock at my frail little mate that just saved my life.

She is covered in bruises, weak from dehydration and hunger, and out like a light. Chaos possessively wraps his arms around her and pulls her as close as possible to our chest. 'Mine!' he snarls at Nathan.

Nathan stands and backs away. 'Okay, okay, I get it. She is yours,' he says, not wanting to piss me or Chaos off.

Nathan drags Sam into the cell that Alpha Tate is in and locks the iron door so they can't get out the moment they wake up.

'I've never seen anything like that before. Your mate healed you with her bare hands. I don't understand... How is this possible?' Nathan says in utter confusion.

I stare down at my mate again. I can't keep my eyes off her. The moment she began to glow is an image forever imprinted in my head. It was like I was staring at an angel that fell from the heavens.

Nathan sits himself down. 'We can either wait it out here until the morning so you can shift back, or we can get out of here now, but I'm worried you might kill the rest of the Blackwood pack in Chaos's form.'

I growl. I want to destroy the Blackwood pack. I want them to pay dearly for this treachery and for what they have done to my precious mate.

My anger brews, and my mate whimpers, only to realise my claws are slightly digging into her delicate skin. Quickly and gently, I release her to the ground before my anger overtakes me. My mate stirs awake and sits up, rubbing her eyes.

She looks up at me, confused, then starts to cower back in fear when she sees I'm trying to contain my

fury.

Nathan gently pulls her back behind him, backing away slowly, 'Chaos, it's over. You need to calm down! I know you just went through a lot, but you're okay now and have your mate. But, I need you to stay here until you shift, so no one else gets hurt!' he says.

My mate tries to follow me, but Nathan holds her back. I'm worried I might hurt her in this form, and so is Nathan. I also don't want her to see chaos on his revenge-killing spree. I try to fight Chaos for control, but he only has one thing on his mind: revenge for almost being killed and the unknown horrors our mate has been through. So he blocks our mind-link, so I can't communicate with him.

He lets out a loud howl and runs out of the cell on a murderous rampage. I try to take control but can't shift back into my human form until the sun rises.

Chaos is adamant he wants his revenge and begins killing any Blackwood pack members he sees.

The moon is fading, and the sun is rising. I shift back to my human form. There are at least a few dozen pack warriors dead. They are all scattered across the ground, lifeless with blood and open wounds. It's a gruesome sight; if other packs see this, they will say I'm a monster.

Shit! Chaos! What have you done? I growl at him.

Revenge, he replies.

You should not have killed them!

They hurt, mate! They kill us! He growls.

I sigh, knowing what is done is done. The rest of the Blackwood pack members are hiding in their houses and inside the packhouse.

The odd face tries to sneak a peek out a window, probably to see if I'm still on a killing spree. I run back to the cell to get Nathan and my mate.

'Nathan,' I shout, running down the steps, 'We need to go now!'

My mate quickly hides behind Nathan, clinging to the back of his shirt.

Nathan takes her hand and walks toward me. She gasps, and her cheeks flush red. Then, she quickly looks away behind Nathan's back.

Looking down, I'm completely naked, but that normally doesn't bother most of us in the werewolf community. I think it's cute that she's shy and startled by my nakedness. She peeks up at me, keeping eye contact and looking confused.

'It's okay. It's me, your mate. I'm going to get you out of here, okay?' I say to her softly.

She looks up at Nathan, who smiles and nods his head to reassure her. I extend my hand out for her to take.

Chapter 10

Slave

I slowly step out from behind Nathan. My cheeks are still rosy-red from seeing Alpha Maximus's large appendage. I keep eye contact as I slowly walk toward him and gently place my hand in his. There is an instant feeling of love and bliss between us. He rubs his thumb across the back of my hand, sending sparks igniting. Alpha Maximus smiles at me with his gentle brown eyes. My heart flutters, and a sense of happiness fills my soul. I know right then that I can trust him and that I'm now his to cherish.

'Let's go, 'he smiles. I nod and let him lead me out of the dungeon. It's so bright outside. I have to use my free hand to cover my eyes from the sun.

Alpha Maximus opens the door of the long black car. I have never seen a car like this before. He gestures for me to hop in, but everything is bright and blurry. My eyes are hurting too much. Alpha Maximus notices my eyes are struggling to focus. He places his hands on my hips and guides me into the back seat.

He reaches for some trousers and a shirt from his bag and swiftly dresses before he steps into the car and sits next to me.

Nathan gets in the back with us and closes the door, then after a moment, Nathan stiffens, 'Oh!

Wait... our driver is dead. All good, I'll drive.' he says.

I gasp at his words. Alpha Maximus makes a grumbling growl at Nathan, puts his arm around me and pulls me into his chest.

'Do your eyes hurt, my love?' he asks me, sending a hot shiver through my body. I nod. 'Close your eyes and rest your head on my chest. They will adjust soon,' he says, reassuring me as he softly strokes my hair. He smells so good, and his chest is so warm. I've never experienced such kindness or gentleness before.

I doze off the moment my head rests on his chest.

Then, after a nap, I sit up, squinting, my eyes aren't hurting so bad now, and I can see clearer.

I look out the window and see we aren't in Blackwood anymore. I have never left Blackwood before.

Everything is unfamiliar. I realise I'm finally free.

I'm not a prisoner anymore, and more importantly, I'm in the arms of my mate. I can't believe I have another mate. I'm overjoyed that Alpha Maximus is treating me so lovingly. I thank Moon Goddess under my breath.

'Feeling better?' Alpha Maximus asks me. I nod and smile. He smiles back

'You've been asleep for half the day,' he says.

'Oh, I'm sorry,' I say in fear of punishment.

He grabs my hands and kisses them, making me blush. His lips are very soft against my skin.

'Don't be sorry. You needed the sleep. You know we haven't had the pleasure of a proper introduction yet, Alpha Maximus beams.

'My name is Alpha Maximus. I'm from Blood Moon pack. I have been searching desperately for you for a long time, and you don't know how happy I am and how delighted my wolf Chaos is to have found you,' he tells me.

Smiling, I blush at his sweet words. I never thought I would ever hear anyone say nice things like that to me.

'What beautiful name has been bestowed upon you?' he asks.

'My name is Slave,' I say sweetly as I gaze endearingly into his eyes.

The car suddenly swerves, and Alpha Maximus quickly wraps his arm around me tighter to stop me from flying across the car seat.

Nathan slows the car down to a stop and looks at us. I'm sorry, but did you just say your name is Slave?'

I nod and gaze up at Alpha Maximus, whose eyes have turned black. Nathan freaks out, 'Wands!

Chaos, stay calm. Surely they have something else they call her?' Nathan says and looks to me for another answer.

'I've always been named Slave since I came to the pack as a baby, but sometimes they call me Freak.

You can call me that if you don't like Slave,' I say innocently, shrugging my shoulders.

Chaos takes over. I rise higher on his lap as his clothes rip, and he grows larger and hairier. He viciously snarls, and Nathan panics again, 'No Chaos!

You are not returning to Blackwood to kill the rest of the pack!'

I shuffle towards Nathan. 'Is Chaos going to hurt me?' I ask, unsure of what is happening. The look on Chaos's face changes from angry to hurt from the question.

He whimpers and slowly brings his snout closer to my face. I think he wants me to pat him. I stroke his face.

I can't help but smile as his face completely relaxes.

He lets out a heavy purr like a cat. Giggling, I let him lick my face 'Stop Chaos,' I say, and playfully push his snout away. I look over at Nathan, who has the biggest grin.

'You know I have never in my twenty-three years of knowing Alpha Maximus ever seen this side of Chaos,' he says in disbelief and happiness.

'Really?' I say. 'Chaos is really cute and adorable, though, I say, rubbing my nose against his wet snout.

Nathan laughs. 'Well, I never thought I'd see the day someone would say that about Chaos,' he laughs.

Chaos snaps and growls at Nathan. 'Whoa, boy!

You know I'm just kidding, Nathan tells him.

'Chaos, I know you are being a very good boy right now, but I would really like to talk to Alpha Maximus now, and maybe later I can give you another cuddle?' I say in my sweet tone as I caress the fur across his massive chest. I smile at Alpha Maximus, now shifted back in his human form.

He looks as if he has seen a ghost. 'Nathan? Did she just control Chaos?' he asks in disbelief.

'Yup! I'm struggling to believe it too!' Nathan answers.

'Why were you upset when I told you my name?' I ask them.

Alpha Maximus raises an eyebrow and glances at

Nathan briefly.

'Slave is not a name, nor is freak. They are negative terms.' he explains.

'Oh, I'm sorry. No one ever told me that. It's just how people call out for me, so I assumed it was my name. I tell them.

Alpha Maximus gently holds my chin, 'Well, I would love to give you a new name. he says.

'Really? What name do you suggest?' I say, excited.

'What about... Hope? I know we could all use some in this world, and you have brought hope to my life now that I have found you,' he smiles.

Hope, I like it. Storm says.

It's the first time I've heard from Storm since Alpha Tate rejected me. I'm so happy she is back.

I wrap my arms around Alpha Maximus's neck and pull him in for a hug. 'I love it! And, Storm, my wolf likes it too!' I tell him.

Alpha Maximus is taken aback by the sudden hug.

He wraps his arms around me, hugging me back.

'It's going to be a few weeks until we arrive back at Blood Moon pack. I'll contact the packs along the way to have a room ready for overnight stays along the way, I squeeze him tighter and smile.

We arrive at the Silent Howl pack, it's snowing, and I'm freezing. Alpha Maximus gives me one of his shirts to put over my thin raggedy dress. It's plain black and almost looks like a dress as it reaches my knees.

My nerves grow. This is my first time at another packhouse. I cling to the back of Alpha Maximus's shirt and stay close to him while Nathan walks behind me.

They must be able to sense I'm scared and nervous.

Alpha Maximus holds my hand behind his back, and we walk up the path to the packhouse.

Everyone stares at us, whispering and chattering, but none approach or greet us.

A tall masculine man with blonde hair comes out of the pack house and walks towards us.

Peeking from behind Alpha Maximus's back, I make brief eye contact with the man. He looks angry. I whimper and hide back behind Alpha Maximus.

'Alpha Liam,' Alpha Maximus greets.

Alpha Liam scoffs, 'I think you have a lot of explaining to do, Alpha Maximus,' he says.

I felt Alpha Maximus's back stiffen, 'Is there some kind of problem?' He replies.

'We have just had word that you murdered and wiped out half of the Blackwood pack after you kidnapped Alpha Tate's mate! Tell me this isn't true?'

'I think we should have this conversation inside,' Alpha Maximus suggests as he notices more an-noyed-looking pack members coming out and forming a crowd.

'No! You will hand the girl over so she can be returned to Alpha Tate, and you will leave and be exiled from entering our territory again.

Alpha Maximus growls ferociously as his eyes turn black. Chaos is trying to take over. He pulls me from behind him and presses me against his chest 'MINE!' he snarls, making Alpha Liam's pack step back.

I peer into his black eyes, 'Chaos, please, I won't go with them. I'm going to stay with you, but you need to let Alpha Maximus have control, so no one gets hurt, okay?' I tell him.

His shoulders relax, and his heartbeat slows down.

I stay pressed against him to keep him calm. 'Hope is my mate, and I would rather die than hand her back to that bastard!' He tells Alpha Liam.

'That can be arranged!' Alpha Liam retorts. He nods at his pack warriors, and they all charge toward us.

I fall backwards as Alpha Maximus shifts into his Lycan. His clothes rip as he shifts. He let out a roar of warning at

the pack racing towards him. They shift into their wolves and continue to pursue us. They don't back away or hesitate.

Nathan grabs my arm, helping me up, 'Run, run back to the car and lock the doors! There are too many wolves. I have to help Alpha Maximus.' he says.

Chapter 11

I turn and start running back to the car as fast as possible. Shadows whip past me. I slip and fall, rolling a few metres.

As I get myself up off the ground, three wolves appear in front of me. They shift into their human form and approach me. 'Come, we will safely return you to Alpha Tate. The man closest to me says.

'No, I don't want to go back there. I want to stay with Alpha Maximus. I tell them. 'Why would you want to run away with a Lycan of all werewolves for? Alpha Tate is your mate,' the man says.

'They are both my mates. I rejected Alpha Tate!' I tell them.

The men look at each other in shock. 'You rejected Alpha Tate to be with that thing...that monster?' he asks.

'Yes! And I would reject Alpha Tate all over again if I could! Now let me pass!' I shout.

'You must be crazy. I don't think you are in the right frame of mind. Come with us to the pack house, and we will get the pack doctor to check you out. Maybe you hit your head or something because you're not thinking clearly. he gestures.

'No, I told you I am staying with Alpha Maximus!

'T'his she-wolf has lost the plot, boys. Let's take her to the pack house.' he says.

He grabs my arm, and out of nowhere, I slap him across the face. I stare at my hand in disbelief at what I have just done. The man rubs his cheek, glaring at me. 'You're as feral as that damn Lycan!' he says. I see how angry he has become and run.

I'm now running back towards Alpha Maximus and Nathan, who are deep in battle fighting off at least a hundred wolves. The three men continue to chase me. I know I won't be safe running back to Nathan and Alpha Maximus.

Bolting towards the trees, I pray to the Moon Goddess that I can get away from these men.

I knew I couldn't outrun them unless I shifted, but Storm hadn't been talking to me, and I already knew she would be too afraid to shift.

Just as I'm about to reach the trees, all three men pounce on me, holding me down. I fall on the snow-covered ground. Two men grab an arm each, escorting me towards the pack house.

I burst into tears and beg, 'Please, let me go back to Alpha Maximus, please!'

The men completely ignore me as if they are deaf.

We are near the pack house. I can see Alpha Maximus and Nathan still fending off the pack, but most are now limping away with injuries.

Nathan isn't looking too good, either. He is swaying and exhausted. 'Maximus!' I scream. He turns to see I've been captured. He growls ferociously towards the men holding me.

A wolf lunges at him from behind his shoulder, biting a chunk of flesh. He grabs the wolf by the scruff of his neck and throws him down to the ground. A loud crack and yelp are heard as the wolf now lies lifeless in the snow.

I grab one of the men's arms that hold me and bite down as hard as I can. A metallic taste fills my mouth. He yells and pushes me down. I get up and run towards Alpha Maximus and Nathan.

Nathan lays in his human form on the ground. He's hurt bad. I lean over him and place my hands over his chest. I close my eyes and focus, but the odd pack member keeps trying to grab my ankle or arm to pull me away. Alpha Maximus has managed to take out half the pack, but the rest of the werewolves continue to attack him.

Alpha Liam is approaching. He removes his shirt and shifts before racing toward Alpha Maximus. I place my hands on Nathan's wounds taking in a deep breath as my hair starts to rise and my eyes become a glimmering silver.

Alpha Liam stops dead in his tracks along with his pack members. Alpha Maximus is breathing heavily, races toward me, and stands in a protective stance.

Everyone is silent as they watch me curiously.

Nathan opens his eyes as his wounds are almost healed. The pack members step in awe and disbelief.

Nathan sits up and wraps his arms around me, pulling me in for a playful hug. 'Thank you,' he whispers.

Alpha Maximus growls at Nathan, disapproving of his affectionate hug towards me.

'Witch!' Alpha Liam yells. I look up to see Alpha Liam pointing at me. Alpha Maximus sneers and growls at Alpha Liam.

I hide behind Nathan in his wolf form. He snaps and snarls at Alpha Liam.

'You are both freaks! Abominations! Get off my territory before I get other packs to come and kill you both!' Alpha Liam shouts. I don't know why they would call me a witch.

Alpha Maximus lifts me in his arms protectively and roars in anger, still in his Lycan form. I wrap my arms around his neck and cry. It was my first time going to another packhouse, and I'm still unwanted and being called names.

Alpha Maximus backs away cautiously, ensuring no one will attack as we try and leave. He shifts back into his human form and tries to put me in the car, but I hold him tighter. I'm too scared to let go.

He squeezes me close and nuzzles my neck to comfort me. My body instantly explodes with sparks.

'It's Okay, Hope. We are safe now.' he says, stroking my back.

He sits in the car, letting my arms wrap around the back of his neck. I nuzzle my face into his chest.

'Where do we go from here?' Nathan asks.

Alpha Maximus sighs, 'If Silent Howl pack is reacting like this, then we need to expect all the other packs will treat us the same.'

Nathan nods. 'We can stay in hotels in the human towns along the way. Worst case scenario is for us to shift into our wolves and sleep outside.' Alpha Maximus brushes a strand of my hair from my face. 'Speaking of wolves. Hope, you didn't shift when you tried to escape from the men. Surely you knew they would capture you in human form?' I release my arms around his neck and stare at him with sadness and shame.

'What is it, Hope? You can tell me.' he says gently.

'I've never shifted before.' I tell him.

The car suddenly swerves, and Alpha Maximus wraps his arms around me to protect me. Nathan brings the car to a stop and turns around.

'Did you just say you've never shifted?' he asks.

I nod my head and keep my eyes down.

'Nathan! You need to stop swerving the car like that!' Alpha Maximus growls.

Alpha Maximus gently places a finger under my chin and tilts my head. 'Why haven't you been able to shift yet, Hope?' he asks.

'Storm doesn't speak to me very often. Sometimes, I don't hear from her for months. She is too scared to come out after how I've been treated.' I tell him.

Nathan and Alpha Maximus briefly glance at each other in shock.

Alpha Maximus playfully taps me on the nose.

'Well, you let Storm know when you hear from her next that we love her so much and cannot wait to meet her. Chaos will also literally kill anyone that looks at her funny.' He says, cupping my cheek.

'Thank you.' I reply, hugging him.

'Hope, I know you have been through a lot, but there is still so much I don't know about you. I have a question I was wondering if you could answer for me if you could?' he says.

'Back in the cell, why did Alpha Tate say that you were his mate and Alpha Liam also stated you are Alpha Tate's mate when you are my mate?' he asks.

'When I turned eighteen, I could smell him...my mate. I followed the scent, leading me to Alpha Tate's room. When we made eye contact, we knew straight away we were mates. He was furious and rejected me.

It wasn't until he was badly injured I healed him.

He wasn't aware of my ability until then, and neither was I. That's when he wanted me back as his mate, not because he wanted me for me but because he wanted to use me and control my ability.

I rejected him, and I tried to escape but failed. He planned from the start to kill you. He wanted me to heal him and the others until you were dead. I refused, so he kept me in the cell for weeks, then you arrived and well, you know the rest from there.' I tell him.

'So, I must be your second chance, mate?' Alpha Maximus says.

'Or her second mate in general, Nathan points out. 'It's very rare, but some people are known to have two mates who would have to share you or, yes, a second chance mate... take your pick.' he says, shrugging his shoulders.

'Well, you did the right thing rejecting him, Hope. I don't think I'd ever be capable of sharing you. Every night, I dreamt of the moment I would finally meet you. I kept on imagining and wondering what you'd look like. I've been yearning for you for so long,' he tells me, nuzzling my neck. I blush.

We arrive at an authentic first-class hotel. It's very fancy and elegant. We enter through the front doors.

I'm in awe of seeing such a beautiful lobby. I've never been to a hotel before. There's a large chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. Real flowers are in each vase. There are several sofas with well-dressed people sitting and talking to each other. They become silent and gawk at us, probably because we look dirty and ruffled up with torn clothes.

Nevertheless, Alpha Maximus ignore the stares, takes my hand and guides me to the reception desk.

We both have the biggest grins on our faces.

'May I help you?' the lady at the desk asks, staring us up and down. She looks at us unimpressed with our state, and one might think we cannot afford the room.

Alpha Maximus clears his throat. 'Your finest room, please! And a room for the gentleman behind me as well?

The lady pushes her glasses up, tilting her head to glance at Nathan behind us.

Nathan steps forward, also worn and ragged, pulls his wallet out and places a wad of one hundred dollar notes down in front of the receptionist.

Her face brightens with a smile.'Oh, in this case, here is your key, your room number is eighty-three, and the other key is for the room next door, number eighty-four, she says, grabbing the wad of notes.

We make our way up the grand stairs to our room.

The staircase is huge and romantic, with an intricate design. Alpha Maximus unlocks and opens the door of our room. I'm suddenly nervous because I'll be sharing a room with my mate tonight. I walk into the room to see a couch and a TV. I walk through the next door to a room with a large bed with red coverings. The bedside tables have tall gold-and-crystal style lamps. The headboard is fancy with intricate hand-carved designs. Our room is a suite that already has its own living room space, bedroom space, an office space with tables, and a bookshelf with books. The curtains are floor-to-ceiling length with beautiful gold print designs.

There's another door that leads to the bathroom. It has a large bathtub and a shower with a twin basin.

'Will this be suitable for the night?' Alpha Maximus asks me.

'It's better than the cell or the attic I have been sleeping in. I reply.

Alpha Maximus stiffens, 'You mean your room was that cold and dirty attic?' he asks.

I nod.

He walks over and pulls me close. 'I'm sorry for what they did to you.' he says.

'I'm here with you now. That's all that matters.' I tell him happily.

'You know, I'm lucky to have you. I worried my mate would never be happy to have me. he says.

'You are the kindest and sweetest man I have ever met, and I wouldn't want anyone else but you.' I say to him.

He cups my face, 'Thank you, Hope. Those words mean so much to me. He says.

Chapter 12

Max pulls me close. Our lips almost touch as we gaze into each other's eyes with desire. Suddenly, our lips smash together. My fingers glide through his hair, and his hands wrap around my waist.

I feel like I'm floating in the air as sparks flow through my veins.

Our lips part. I blush and look down, but Alpha Maximus gently takes my chin and pecks me on the lips.

He kisses me repeatedly, then playfully down my neck, making me laugh.

'I'm going to shower, and then I'm going to go up the road and see if I can find some fresh clothes and anything else you need. Then, afterwards, we can have some dinner. I'm sure you are starving.' he says.

'I am.' I smile.

There's a knock at the door. I open it to see Nathan is there with a suitcase. 'Heya Hope, I have Alpha Maximus's suitcase here. I'll bring it in for you.' he says.

He places the suitcase on the bed. 'If you need anything, I'm just one door down, okay?' he offers.

'Okay, thank you, Nathan.

'Before I go, I want to say that I'm thrilled that you and Alpha Maximus have found each other. He has had a tough life. The whole werewolf community has never accepted him for who he is. Even half his pack isn't comfortable around him, but now you're here, I hope that when everyone sees you both together and how happy he is, they will see he isn't the monster they make him out to be.

You have already made such a significant impact on Chaos. I know he has been longing for you, and things will only get better when he meets Storm.'

'I'm glad Alpha Maximus found me too, and I'm so happy he has you as a friend. I reply.

Nathan returns to his room. I close the door and walk over to the bed, unzip the suitcase of clothes, and place them neatly in the cupboard. I zip the suitcase up and squeeze it into the bottom of the wardrobe just as Alpha Maximus comes out soaking wet with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

Frozen on the spot, I admire his pecks and muscles.

'Like what you see?' he asks with a playful smile.

'I'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare!' I blush, quickly turning to face the wall.

He spins me around against the wall and kisses me passionately. I'm at first taken by surprise, but as I feel his lips move tenderly against mine. I begin to melt. My shoulders relax, and my hands wrap around his back, pulling him closer to me. Our kiss becomes deeper. He slides his tongue inside my mouth. I'm enveloped with great desire.

We part from the kiss to catch our breath. 'Hope, you can stare at me all day long if you want to.' he flirts.

My cheeks flush again, and I stare into his eyes.

'You know you're really cute and adorable when you blush.' he smiles and pecks me on the lips before backing away to get dressed. 'You should relax and have a bath while I go shopping. he smiles.

'Okay, I say, returning the smile.

'Oh, and you didn't have to do this,', he says, pointing to the neatly placed clothing in the wardrobe.

'It's okay. I wanted to do it for you.' I tell him.

'Thank you, Hope. That was very kind of you.' I walk past him to the bathroom and fill the tub with water. There's a small bottle of bubble bath, so I squeeze the whole lot in and watch the bubbles grow. I'm very excited and happy to have a proper bath. Unfortunately, I have only been allowed to bathe in the cold lake. I remove Alpha Maximus's oversized shirt and then my tattered dress. I slowly step in and sit down in the water. I've never had a warm bath before and never had bubbles, either. I take the face washer and remove the dirt from my face, neck and arms. Enjoying the bath, I scoop the bubbles up and blow them into the air, watching them float away. Alpha Maximus taps on the bathroom door, 'I'm back. Is it okay if I come in?' he asks.

There's still plenty of bubbles covering my body, so I don't feel shy about him entering. 'You can come in.' I reply.

His face beams with a smile, 'You are even more beautiful than I could have imagined, Hope,' he says, admiring my clean face. I feel warm and fuzzy by his sweet words.

'They didn't have any Shampoo or conditioner, so I got you some, and I wasn't sure what size you were, so I had to guess. The lady at the store was nice and helped pick out some items.' I growl as he mentions another woman helped him. Alpha Maximus tilts his head and laughs, 'It's okay, Hope, I only have eyes for you, trust me,' he says with utter confidence.

My eyes light up. I smile, feeling better. 'Here, let me wash your hair. He offers.

He pours a cup of water through my hair and then squeezes the shampoo on top before massaging and lathering it thoroughly.

It feels so good with his fingers massaging my scalp and hair I almost want to purr. I'm enjoying the bath a lot.

He rinses my hair, applies the conditioner, and washes it out. 'Here, lean forward,' he says.

I lean forward as he gently washes my back with soap sending hot shivers up my spine.

'Okay, I'll leave the rest to you and wait for you out here.' he says.

'Okay, thank you.' I say in my light sweet tone.

Now washed and clean, I watch the water drain while I dry myself. I don't remember ever feeling this clean before.

Using another towel, I wrap it around my hair and stare at myself in the huge mirror. I'm amazed by my reflection. I still have some scars and bruises, but I'm surprised at how pretty I am. Alpha Tate's pack always told me how hideous I was all these years.

I exit the bathroom. Alpha Maximus sits on the bed with items of clothing for me.

I'm not sure which clothes you would prefer to wear, so you choose what you are comfortable with! he says.

'Okay,' I smile.

There are skinny blue jeans, a plain white shirt, a short-sleeved black dress, a navy cardigan and a soft light pink jumper. There's another bag with a nightgown, socks and undergarments. Alpha Maximus leaves the room to give me privacy.

I put a matching set of black undergarments on. It's cold out, so I decide on the jeans and shirt. Then I wear the soft light pink jumper over the top. I then fumble around for the socks. I've never worn socks before. I struggle to get them on and fall off the bed with a whimper.

'Hope? Are you okay?' Max yells out.

'Yes, I'm fine, I gently shout back.

Reaching for the box, I open it to see a white pair of converse shoes. I put them on and stand. I wriggle my toes laughing and swing around in a circle.

I then take the hairbrush and brush my hair as I walk back into the bathroom to see myself wearing my new clothes in the mirror.

My jaw drops to the floor. My hair is very white, straight and silky. It looks gorgeous. It must have been over a decade since I've seen it like this. My eyes sparkle blue and compliment my pure white hair.

My hair falls past my shoulders.

In a delightful mood, I skip out of the bathroom, humming. I'm excited to show Alpha Maximus how different I look. I can hear him talking to someone.

It's Nathan.

I open the door with a big smile and twirl around in a circle in front of them. 'What do you think?' I ask excitedly.

Their mouths drop open, 'Umm Alpha...where did Hope go? Because if that is Hope, she is one hot babe!' Nathan says.

I blush and twirl around again.

Alpha Maximus gazes intently at me.

'You don't like how I look?' I ask.

He grabs me by the waist and lifts me. My legs naturally wrap around his waist; before you know it, we're making out together. His tongue enters my mouth, and his member presses against my stomach.

He parts his lips from mine. 'You look incredible, Hope! If Nathan weren't standing behind me right now, I would eat you up, like a whole damn meal!' he says.

'I heard that!' Nathan says.

I laugh. 'Do you really think I look good?' I ask him shyly.

'If Alpha Tate saw you right now, he would be kicking himself for rejecting an utter beauty like you!

But he's a fool. I already thought you were perfect the moment I laid my eyes on you in that cell,' he says to me. 'And now you're all mine, Hope. I will never let him have you!' he assures me and then gently kisses my lips before placing me down. 'I think it's time we eat. Let's go.' he says and takes my hand.

Chapter 13

As we stroll up the road, all the men in the street stare at me.

Alpha Maximus drapes his arm over my shoulder to show them I'm his. I thought it was adorable he did that. How good it is to be free, walking down a street. I hope I will never be forced back to Alpha Tate's pack house. Nathan orders food from a Chinese restaurant, but I don't want to sit inside. I want to enjoy the fresh air and space all around me.

'Do you think we can eat our food over there?' I ask

Alpha Maximus, pointing to a lush picnic area.

'Sure, if that's what you want to do?'

'Yes, it is.' I smile.

We have cute little boxes of rice. There are some vegetables like carrots and green peas mixed in as well. Alpha Maximus tries to show me how to use chopsticks, but I'm not very skilled at it, so instead, he feeds me himself using them.

'Oh, this is too cute, Alpha! Watching you feed the Luna like that!' Nathan says with a grin.

We both laugh and continue eating. As soon as we finish, Alpha Maximus lays on the grass. I decide to join him and cuddle up against him.

He places his hands on my back, and we stay there for a while. Nathan wanders off to give us some alone time to bond. We begin to kiss. No matter how hard we try, we can't keep our hands off each other.

Cars start tooting, and people wolf-whistle out the window at us.

Nathan returns. 'Come on, lovebirds, we should get back to the hotel. It's getting dark, and it wouldn't surprise me if Alpha Liam has people keeping tabs on us, 'he says.

'Why would they follow us?' I ask.

'We will talk about that back at the hotel.' Nathan replies

We walk back to the hotel holding hands, constantly staring and smiling at each other. As soon as we enter our hotel room, without warning, Alpha Maximus grabs me by the waist and pulls me onto his lap as he sits on the couch.

'So, I have some not-so-good news I need to tell you both. Nathan says nervously.

'When I wandered off at the park, I contacted Alpha Mark of the Wolf Mire pack. It's the next wolf pack we will be passing.

Alpha Tate has informed all of the packs of the same story he told Alpha Liam. Since then, Alpha Liam has also contacted the other packs about our altercation with the Silent Howl pack earlier today.

It gets worse. All the pack Alpha's except for one, Alpha Dan of the Moon fall pack, have agreed that it is in the best interest of the werewolf community that you, Alpha Maximus are to be killed.' I stare at Alpha Maximus in shock. My eyes well up, and he starts to rub my back.

'There's more...' Nathan says.

'They claim Hope is a witch and must also be eradicated. I gasp as Alpha Maximus growls.

'No!' he says, standing up, 'They can hunt me down all they want! But if any harm comes to Hope, then I will kill every single one of them with my bare hands!' he says angrily.

'What are we going to do?' I ask.

'We will focus on getting home to our pack safely.

We will go around the other territories to avoid the packs and figure out what to do next after we are home. The best thing to do right now is for us to have a rest, sleep and then get out of here before sunrise. Nathan, contact Alex, get him up to date with everything, and tell him to put extra warriors on guard throughout our territory.

Nathan nods and returns to his room.

'Maximus?' I say, gazing sadly at him with worry.

'I don't want anything bad to happen to you. You didn't do anything wrong. You were only protecting yourself, and you saved me. Maybe I could talk to some of the Alphas and explain the situation? If I tell them Alpha Tate rejected me and tried to kill you, perhaps they will let us be?' I suggest.

Alpha Maximus cups my face 'My sweet, kind, gentle Hope, I don't think this is going to be something we can talk ourselves out of, and I don't trust any other Alpha to be near you. But we will try and figure something out. In the meantime, let's get some sleep.

With my nighty now on, Alpha Maximus scoops me into his arms and climbs into bed. I rest my head and hand on his chest and fall asleep.

I'm gently being woken from, Alpha Maximus caressing my cheek, 'Time to get up, sleepy head.' he smiles.

I pull the blanket back up and snuggle back into him as tightly as possible. 'Just a bit longer?' I mumble.

'I'm sorry, but we have to go, Hope.' he says softly.

I make puppy dog eyes at him. 'Please, Maximus, just a few more minutes?' I beg. He grins. 'Okay, but just a few more minutes!

I nuzzle my face into his neck and close my eyes while I caress his stubbled face.

A few minutes later, there's a knock on the door

'Alpha, Luna, are you ready to go?' Nathan asks through the door.

I let out an annoyed moan.

Alpha Maximus laughs. 'I know, babe, I wish I could stay in bed with you all day too,' he says, sitting up.

As soon as we are dressed, I quickly help Alpha Maximus pack the suitcase back up, and then we walk downstairs to leave. Only a few people are in the lobby, and I pray to the Moon Goddess that none are from Alpha Liam's pack.

It's still dark, but you can see the sun is about to rise. We spend most of the day driving. I enjoy looking out the windows at all the towns we pass through. However, I keep noticing a white car with black tinted windows throughout the day following us.

I point out the back window, 'I've seen that car for a while now,' I say.

'I noticed them too! Nathan replies, looking through his rear vision mirror.

Alpha Maximus growls under his breath. 'We are being followed!

'I'll try and lose them at the next town.' Nathan says.

We drive through a town called Withermarsh.

Nathan drives through all the streets, trying to lose them, only for the white car to appear again. A beeping sound is heard inside the car. 'Wands! We are just about out of fuel,' Nathan says.

Nathan pulls into the nearest petrol station.

Alpha Maximus steps out of the car and faces Nathan. 'I'll keep watch while you fill up. Hope, you stay in the car and wait for us!'

'Okay.' I reply.

Nathan is filling the car up while Alpha Maximus leans himself against the car with his arms crossed as he looks out for the white car.

As the white car slowly approaches, Nathan walks inside to pay for the petrol. A window is wound down. Alpha Maximus suddenly appears startled.

'Wands!' he says, opening the limo door, grabbing my arm and swiftly pulling me out. 'Run!' he yells.

Suddenly I feel a wave of hot air behind us and the sound of an explosion. We're thrown into the air from the force and tumble and roll back onto the ground. My ribs and my legs hurt.

Even though I can see Alpha Maximus is saying something to me. All I can hear is a ringing sound.

I turn around to see what has happened, and even though I can't hear myself, I start screaming and crying at the horrific sight.

The whole fuel station is up in flames. Nathan and other people were inside at the time, paying for their fuel.

'Nathan!' I scream. I try to run towards the burning store, but Alpha Maximus comes up behind me and wraps his arms around me.

We fall back as another explosion erupts. Alpha Maximus uses his body to shield me. I look up from the ground to see the station is now completely obliterated. Debris flies through the air and lands all over the place.

People nearby are also screaming and crying,

'Nathan?' I call out again, hoping to see him appear from the flames.

Alpha Maximus takes my hand and runs towards the field away from the explosion, pulling me behind.

I still can't hear what he is saying. Why is he running? Why isn't he running back for Nathan?

He stops briefly and moves my head, and points.

The men that were in the white car are still coming after us. They are armed with rifles.

Alpha Maximus shifts into his Lycan and lifts me onto his back. He runs at full speed. I cling onto him tightly, afraid I might fall. He must have run for at least two hours until he finally comes to a stop. He gently lowers me down.

Fields, mountains and trees surround us. We are far from any civilisation. The ringing in my ears has settled, and I can hear the sound of birds tweeting from the trees.

Alpha Maximus shifts back into his human form.

He falls to his knees and slams his fists into the ground.

'They killed him. They killed Nathan. He was a brother to me!' He cries. My heart shatters for his loss. I kneel in front of him and let him cry with his head resting on my chest. I cry with him and caress his back for hours. We let all our frustrations, sadness and anger out. After having no tears left to cry, we decide we should leave. It's almost nightfall.

We hold each other's hands tightly as we walk through the field, watching the stars. We haven't spoken since the explosion.

It's becoming quite cold now, and Alpha Maximus's shirt had torn off when he shifted into Chaos ear-lier. 'We should find shelter for the night.' I say with chattering teeth.

He nods but doesn't say anything. His mind is elsewhere with the grief of losing his best friend We come across some trees. Alpha Maximus begins to collect thick branches on the ground.

He makes a little shelter, just big enough to fit us.

'You go in first.' I tell him.

I squeeze in, lay tight against his chest, and gaze into his sad eyes. I place my hand on his cheek. He gently rubs his face into my hand. The sparks from my touch are helping to soothe and comfort him.

'I'm so sorry, my love. I whisper to him.

'Me too.' he sadly whispers back.

Chapter 14

Alpha Maximus

I can't sleep after losing my best friend. My sweet little Hope is screaming in her sleep. As I gently wake her, she burst into tears.

'Nathan didn't do anything wrong! He didn't deserve to die!' she cries.

She had just dreamt of the explosion and Nathan dying, a trauma I knew she would forever have. I wish I could have shielded her from seeing it, from being there. I wish I could have prevented Nathan's death, the explosion, all of it.

My mind replays when the car window wound down, revealing a gun pointing at the petrol tanker.

I knew that the whole place would explode if he shot the tanker. It was a run-or-die situation. Then I had grabbed Hope's arm and ran as fast as possible, praying to the Moon Goddess if we could just outrun the explosion in time.

Not wanting to think about it, I nuzzle my face into Hope's neck. My tears drip down her neck as I listen to her little heartbeat as she has managed to fall asleep again. Finally, at some point through the night, I, too, drift off to sleep.

Upon waking, Hope gently caresses my face on her lap. We stare silently into each other's eyes. Although I want to hold her and gaze into her eyes forever, I know we must keep moving.

Hope crawls out from the shelter, and I follow.

'Where are we?' she asks while looking around.

I wasn't going to lie to her. 'I have no idea, but we have to keep moving, I reply and shift into my Lycan form. Hope climbs onto my back.

Hours later, we can see a city in the distance with many tall buildings.

As we come closer, I stop to shift back into human form. But unfortunately, I'm shirtless, giving us unwanted attention.

Hope is already onto it. I watch as she climbs over a little picket fence and falls, letting out a squeak.

She gets up, patting herself down, and then creeps towards a clothesline in someone's backyard. Hope isn't very good at being quiet. She must have tripped on every stick and stone and kicked every item lying around, making such a ruckus.

Hope comes running back into my arms, waving a grey shirt towards my face. 'Here you are,' she says as she catches her breath.

I had to laugh at her efforts.

'What?' she asks.

I smirk, shaking my head. 'Don't worry. I say as I put the shirt on. It's very tight. Hope looks away, trying not to laugh. 'Well, it's better than nothing.' I say, shrugging my shoulders.

We walk along the road. 'Welcome to Threading-ton, a sign reads.

Hope and I look at each other, raising our eye-brows. 'I've never heard of Threadington before.

Let's go suss it out, and I'll contact our Beta Alex to organise transport for us!

The traffic builds up, horns honk, and people holler at one another. There are hundreds of shops and tall buildings. It's a big city.

We walk through the busy streets until we feel safe enough to relax for a while. I approach a phone booth and call Alex.

'Alpha!' he whispers. 'Is that you?' he asks.

'Of course, it's me…..why are you whispering?'

'You're not going to like this Alpha-your pack house. Numerous packs have overtaken it. They attacked us together all at once. They told us to either join their packs or die! Half the pack didn't even put up a fight and joined them! The rest of us, we are all in hiding at the moment until you return,' he says.

'Wands!' I growl through the phone. Hope looks at me with worry and confusion.

'Alex. Hope and I are stranded in a city called Threadington. I don't have money to get a hotel'

'Can't Nathan pay?' he asks.

I pause in silence. 'Alpha? are you still there?'

'Yes, I'm here, Alex. Nathan is... dead. One of the other packs blew the petrol station up while we were there. Hope and I only just managed to escape.'

'He can't be dead! He can't be!' Alex cries out.

'I'm sorry, Alex, I know we were all like brothers to each other. They want to kill Hope and me. I can't let that happen.'

'I have a friend in Threadington. She's human, though. So she doesn't know about us werewolves.

Her name is Sally. I'll ring her and tell her to expect you. As soon as I have Bella safe, I will transfer some of the packhouse funds to Sally's account to give to you.

'Can't you and Bella get here to Threadington?' I ask.

'It would take us over a week to get to Threading-ton by car. I don't want to risk the pup arriving along the way,' he says.

'Wait! The Moonfall pack! Alpha Dan! He was the only one against hunting me and Hope down. I think we can trust him. Take Bella and anyone else with you to his pack, you will be safe there, and Alex, don't tell anyone our location.'

'I won't say anything, Alpha. I'll do what I can to get the rest of the pack safely to Alpha Dan.' he replies.

The call ends.

Hope places her hand gently on my bicep, 'What happened?' she asks with worry.

'We can't go home just yet. It's been overtaken.

Pack members have joined forces with them or fled,' I tell her.

Hope gasps as her hands cover her sweet lips, 'This is all my fault! If we hadn't met, Nathan would still be alive, and you would still have your pack!' she cries.

'Hope! Nathan's death was not your fault! This is all Alpha Tate's doing, and I would happily give up my Alpha status if it meant being with you!' I say to her.

Hope looks at me, wiping the tears from her eyes. I pull her close to my chest. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell, but you mean so much to me. Hope, I would die for you,' I tell her.

'I'm sorry.' she whispers.

I gently kiss her lips. The sparks spreading through my body drive me crazy with lust and desire for her.

'We need to find directions to Sally's house.' Hope nods. 'Excuse me, sir.' she says sweetly to a man walking by. 'Could you tell me where I could find the name of this street, please?' she asks.

The man smiles, 'Ten blocks that way.' he replies, pointing to the right of her. 'Thank you, sir.' Hope bows her head

'You're very welcome beautiful.' he says, giving her a wink.

I rumble a low growl and approach Hope and take her hand. I force a smile at the man and nod in thanks as we walk away.

'You didn't have to growl.' Hope says.

'I will growl at any man who tries to flirt with you.' I reply.

Hope rolls her eyes at me.

We arrive in a residential area with lots of houses,

'There!' Hope shouts, pointing to a street sign. We enter the street and find the home.

It's a cream-coloured house with a simple yard and a porch. We approach the front door and knock. A woman with brown hair answers the door. She's a little taller than me and has pretty brown eyes.

'You must be Hope and Maximus! Alex just told me your car was hijacked?' she asks.

Hope and I gaze briefly at each other, raising an eyebrow. 'Um yeah, that's correct, I reply.

'Please come in. she says with a bright smile.

We follow her into the house. 'We appreciate you taking us in for the night.' I smile.

Well, anyone who is a friend of Alex is a friend of mine. Are you hungry?' she asks

'Starving, actually.' Hope says.

'Please take a seat. I'll make you both something to eat. Sally says, approaching the fridge.

I sit down expecting Hope to sit next to me, but instead, she sits on my lap. Hope glances around the room.

'So, how do you know Alex?' I ask.

Sally immediately blushes. 'We used to date quite a few years ago before I moved to Threadington.' she says.

I didn't know Alex had dated a human in the past.

'It was more of a no strings attached fling, nothing serious.' She smiles. 'I hear he has settled down now with a baby on the way?' she asks.

'Yes, Bella, she is due very soon to have his pup... I mean, baby!' I reply.

'Well, I'm very happy to hear he is doing well.' she says as she places a plate of spaghetti in front of us.

Hope slides herself onto the seat next to me while we both scoff our meals. Hope looks very pleased with the food, and I don't think she has had spaghetti before. Sally stares at us, a little worried about how fast we eat.

'Gee, you guys sure are hungry.' she says.

Hope nods, 'This is delicious! I've never eaten this before! What do you call this?' Hope asks.

'Erm, well, this is spaghetti. I've never met anyone here who hasn't tried spaghetti.

I interrupt their conversation. 'We're from the countryside. No restaurants or stores exist, so we live off the land eating the basics!

'Oh, I see.' Sally says, buying my excuse.

'Well, since you're done eating, let me show you your room.'

Sally shows us to the spare bedroom. 'Here is where you can sleep, and the bathroom is just one door down if you need it.'

'Thank you so much. This is so much better than the attic I've been sleeping in.' Hope smiles.

What? You sleep in an attic?' Sally asks, confused.

I interrupt the conversation again.

'Oh, um, her grandma has builders renovating their house, so they spent a few nights sleeping in the attic!

'Oh. I see, she says.

Thank you for this, Sally.' I say.

'No worries. I have to head out for a few hours to run some errands. I'll be back later, she says and closes the door behind her.

Chapter 15

We enter the bathroom. Hope turns the shower on as I remove my clothes. She tries hard not to pay any attention to my body but struggles. I smile, step toward her, and lift her shirt and jumper over her head. I kiss her lips while I unclip the back of her bra.

I fling them across the bathroom, not caring where they land. My hands caress Hope's stomach down to her button and zip at the front of her jeans. I undo them and pull them down as I place kisses along her neck and work my way down to her breasts. She grabs my hair. 'Maximus,' she moans.

Now kissing along her lower stomach, my fingers latch on either side of her black lace underwear, pulling them down.

A Goddess, completely naked and exposed in front of me. I stand up, kissing her lips seductively and carry her into the shower.

We explore each other until we moan and give in to the built-up pleasure and release.

My seed releases all over her stomach. Hope smiles.

She looks more beautiful than ever. I kiss her.

We finish washing and get dressed. I make Hope a cup of tea and sit on the front porch to watch the sunset. Hope sips her tea and rests her head on my shoulder.

'We should have an early night.' I tell her.

She follows me inside and snuggles up to me in the bed. Her fingers glide through my hair, and then she nuzzles her face into my neck.

The following day, we enter the kitchen, where Sally waits by the toaster for her breakfast to cook.

'I hope you both slept well?' she asks.

'We did, thank you.' I smile.

'Great! Now, Alex texted me before. He said to tell you that they are at Dan's and that he has transferred cash into my account for you. We can go to the bank after breakfast if you like,' she offers.

'That would be great,' I reply.

We enjoy the breakfast Sally serves us. It's the classic fried eggs, bacon, and toasted bread with butter.

Why has Alex moved?' she asks.

'Bella's going to give birth soon. They'll stay at Dan's house as it's much closer to the hospital' I say to her.

After breakfast, we walk into the city and arrive at the bank.

'I'll just check how much he deposited so I know how much to withdraw.' Sally says.

She pulls her phone out, logs into her banking app, and her face pales. 'There's one million dollars in my account!' she gasps, looking at me.

'Is that all?' I ask.

'Is that a serious question?' Sally asks.

'Withdraw as much of it as the bank will allow you to right now, and we can worry about the rest later.' I tell her.

'Um, okay.' she says, scratching her head and entering the bank.

Hope and I remain outside and wait. Finally, about an hour later, Sally comes out with a bag folded up under her arm.

'One hundred thousand dollars, here you go. she says, handing it to me. 'They said they will have the rest tomorrow. They need time to organise and count it.' she explains.

'Okay, thank you so much, Sally. Here take this. It's the least we can do for you, helping us out.' I say to her and hand her roughly five thousand dollars in cash.

'Oh no, I couldn't.' she cries, waving her hands around

'We insist. Could you recommend a hotel around here?' I say, placing the wad of cash in her hands.

'There is a ton of short-term apartments in the city, or there are a couple of hotels up the road there.' she says.

'Okay, thank you, Sally, we will go to the closest hotel up the road, and we can meet back here tomorrow for the rest of the cash. I say to her.

'Okay, well, no worries, if you need me in the meantime, you know where I live.' she smiles and waves.

We wave goodbye as she walks away.

Further up the road, we find a luxurious hotel. It's eight stories high. It has a large fountain out the front with lily flowers floating in the water. A man in a suit greets us and opens the door for us. A strong fragrance smell hits us as we enter to see flowers in large vases. The sitting area is luxurious, with red velvet chairs and mahogany furniture. We approach the front desk, where an older gentleman serves us.

Alpha Maximus pays for a week in advance. He takes the key, and we step into the elevator, arrive at the top floor, and enter our room.

We have our dining room with a nice view from the large window. The kitchenette has a fridge with wine, cheese and other nibbles.

There's a fancy menu next to the phone which lists numbers to call if we want to order a meal or for other inquiries. The bathroom has a spa, and the bed has silk coverings with rose petals and chocolates.

After we explore the rooms, I pick up the phone and dial the numbers on the list to contact the man at the desk and organise a lift into the city for us.

'Can't we go tomorrow?' Hope asks.

'We need fresh clothes. This shirt is too tight on me.'

Hope nods in understanding. We leave the room and enter the elevator to the ground floor. A car is already waiting for us. As soon as we arrive in the inner city,

We enter a clothes store and choose a couple of outfits each. As we leave the store, I pick up the scent of other werewolves nearby.

I pause and look around, scanning the people in the area

'Is something wrong?' Hope asks, looking around.

'I smell other wolves. Stay close, okay?' I tell her.

Fearful, she holds my arm and nervously looks around

As we walk toward the car waiting for us, the smell of a werewolf becomes stronger. There's a man sitting on a bench seat with a newspaper wearing tinted sunglasses. I have a feeling the man is watching us. We step into the car, and as a precaution, I ask the driver to drive around other blocks before heading back to the hotel. We enter our hotel room. I pull down all the curtains and peek out discreetly to see if we have been followed.

After ten minutes of staring out and no one arriving, I'm confident we're okay.

Hope turns on the lights, so it's not so dark while I change my shirt.

'Let's order some food,' I suggest to Hope.

'Sure,' she smiles.

I let her make the order while I grab a bottle of wine from the fridge, pop the bottle open, and pour each a glass. A while later, room service knocks on our door and delivers our meals.

As soon as we finish our dinner and wine, I pick up the phone and call Alex. 'How is Bella? Is everything okay with Alpha Dan? Are the other packs still in my territory?' I ask.

'Whoa... One question at a time, please,' Alex says.

'Bella is fine, still pregnant. Alpha Dan was happy to take us in for as long as needed. His only concern is the other packs aren't pleased about it, and the packs are still in our territory. Alpha Dan tried to speak to Alpha Tate and Alpha Liam, but it didn't go well. They refused to tell him of their plans. Other than that, they said they would not stop hunting you and Hope down. Have you thought about what we're going to do, Alpha?' he asks me.

I'm going to lay low here for a few days with Hope.

After that, I might have to negotiate a deal with Alpha Tate and Alpha Liam to keep the peace,' I tell him.

'What kind of deal?' Alex asks.

I might have to give myself up if they agree to let Hope live and be Luna of the Blood Moon pack so you can all go back home,' I say to him.

'Alpha Maximus! You can't just let them kill you!' Alex yells.

'Well, I can't let them kill Hope and all of you either!' I snap back.

'There's got to be another way?'

'We could fight them, but even though I'm a Lycan, it won't be enough to stand our ground if every single pack fight against us,' I argue.

'What if we didn't fight them all at once?' Alex says.

'What do you mean?' I ask.

'If they aren't going to stop hunting you and Hope down until you are dead, then why don't we surprise them one pack at a time and take over their packs?' Alex suggests. It's not a bad idea in theory. There's silence for a minute as we think it through. 'Technically, you only need to kill the Alpha of the packs, and no one else needs to die. If the Alpha is dead, you'll be the pack's new Alpha,' Alex points out.

'Okay, I think I have a plan. In a couple of days, Hope and I will leave Threadington. I will sneak into all the packs along the way and hunt down the Alpha of each pack. If he is against me, I will kill him. Then the pack members automatically become a part of my pack. By the time I reach Alpha Dan's pack, half the Alpha's should be dead. Of course, by then, the other packs would have probably figured out that I've been killing them off one by one and wil hopefully withdraw from trying to kill Hop

'What if they don't back down?' Alex asks.

'Then we fight them till the death,' I reply.

'I've got your back, Alpha.' He says.

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Alpha Maximus: The Last Lycan part2

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Alpha Maximus: The Last Lycan

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Due to the massive content here, you can continue your reading here:

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