***
There was no love nor emotions in the eyes of the man before me… only the flames of hatred burning brightly, consuming them.
“Tell me… what are we?” I asked softly. The pain in my body was suffocating and no matter how strong I tried to remain, I couldn’t keep the pain from my voice.
“Nothing more than Heaven and Hell.” His voice was equally cold, destroying the last of my resolve.
“Then kill me,” I whispered hoarsely, trying to ignore the pain of betrayal that was tearing me up from within.
A ruthless smirk graced his handsome face, his fingers curling under my chin and making the sparks from his touch rush through me; pleasurable yet equally painful.
He was so close… yet so far away…
“That would be far too easy… but I assure you, when I’m done with you, you’ll wish you were never born.”
“You don’t mean that…”
“Watch me.” He turned away, pushing me to the ground roughly, “Burn her.”
My heart sank, my head hanging as the pain of his rejection tore through me. Even when I was doused in gasoline, I didn’t move, trying not to gag on the strong pungent smell that now cloaked me entirely, keeping my eyes clamped shut.
Didn’t he realise I was already burning in agony from the pain he had inflicted within me?
My eyes stung as I forced them open, watching him retreat, hoping… praying… that he’d turn back and change his mind. That perhaps deep inside of him, that man that I loved, still existed.
He once said that I was his kryptonite…
Was it all lies?
He paused, my heart leapt with a glimmer of hope, but then I saw it, the blazing match in his hand as his eyes met mine…
***
PRESENT DAY
YILEYNA
The incessant rapping on my bedroom door made me groan. I had just laid down. Forcing myself up, I moved toward my bedroom door and ripped it open. To find Theon. Hadn’t he kicked my butt in training enough? He decided to come back again. Did he miss a spot? I’m pretty sure there is only one patch of skin that isn’t aching yet! Not that I mind, really; I never complain about being tossed around by Theon. I just wish it was in the bedroom setting and not on a rubber mat or in the dirt.
My heart skipped a beat, and I turned, staring up at the man that stood a good foot taller than me; his coppery brown hair brushed back, his amber eyes burning with a fury that was barely contained, and his chiselled jaw set taut as he clenched his teeth. His bulging arms were crossed over his broad chest, and the tattoos that peeked out from the collar and sleeves of his clothes only added to how hot he looked right now. The sun made his hair look like it was on fire, emphasising every angle and curve of his face.
“Get dressed. The Alpha wants to see the both of us.” He snarled at me. Well, hello to you too!
His eyes roam over me disapprovingly seeing me in my pyjamas. “You have twenty minutes. Be presentable!” he then slams my door shut in my face. Jerk!
Shaking my head, I quickly stripped my clothes off and pulled on a navy-fitted top, black pants, and boots, before I pulled my wet hair back into a ponytail. While wondering what the Alpha wanted. It made me nervous because I know he blamed me for what happened. He may not say it out loud, but he didn’t need to. If I wasn’t expected to be Charlene’s guard as I was her best friend, I have no doubt he would get rid of me.
I exited my room and almost knocked into Theon, who was leaning against the wall.
“Goddess!” I gasped, jumping back, my heart thumping. “You scared me.” I half expected him to leave while I found my own way to the Alpha.
“For someone so audacious, I didn’t know anything could scare you.” He replied emotionlessly, clearly still annoyed, catching me skinny dipping with our future Queen. It was probably why he gave me such a butt-whooping at training today.
“What’s life if you don’t live it at full throttle?” I replied, making sure the door was locked before we both fell in step.
“Let me guess, not living, simply existing?” He raised his eyebrow.
“Are you mocking me?”
“I’m glad you figured it out.” He whispered huskily, leaning down.
My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, making me feel giddy. His sexy masculine scent invaded my senses, the thrum of his steady heartbeat making my own pound louder.
“Jerk.” I retorted, pushing him away.
Theon had only been in this pack for two years. We didn’t know where he had come from, or who he was. The only thing he remembered when he regained consciousness was his name: Theon.
It had actually been Charlene, and me, who had found him a few weeks after her shift. We had been out, sneaking away as usual, when we saw a Naga; a half-human, half-serpent-like being. Unlike the ones who lived on land, the sea Naga were as dangerous as the sirens, and this one had been no different.
Seeing the bloody body in the Naga’s hold, Charlene had frozen in horror, and although my instincts told me to run, I couldn’t leave someone to die and so I swam out. With nothing but my sword, I had injured the Naga just enough to free Theon from his hold. Despite him having elemental powers, I had managed to pull Theon to safety, and we had then called for help.
But Theon didn’t know that. Charlene had asked if she could say she saved him when she saw how handsome the young man was. As much as I would have loved to taunt him, this was even better. Now I often reminded him he had been saved by a princess.
We weren’t sure about Theon’s age, but he looked to be in his early twenties.
It had taken time for everyone to trust him, but slowly he became one of us and was initiated into the pack. He never regained his memory, but he was hard-working, strong and an excellent warrior, so he had risen through the ranks. He was now an Epsilon rank warrior, which meant there were only four ranks above him, and that included the Alpha rank.
Being the princess’ bodyguard was an honourable job. It meant that the Alpha trusted him and knew he was capable of protecting her.
We walked down the hall. I turned towards the Alpha King’s office only for Theon to take a left.
“The office is this way.”
“I know, but did I say he was in his office?” He replied, as if this was obvious.
“Right…”
Alpha Andres, no matter how many times you go before him, he was still intimidating and powerful. He was the biggest man I had seen at around six feet seven or eight inches. He just looked far too large around everyone else. There were a handful of men around Theon’s size, but they were rare, too. The king was a beast and a king in all aspects.
Theon walked out of the double doors that led to the backgrounds, and I grabbed the door before it swung shut in my face.
“Ever heard of manners? That’s no way to treat a lady.” I remarked.
“Never knew you were one.” His emotionless reply came as he glanced at me over his shoulder. His gaze flicked to my body for a moment before a small smirk crossed his face. “Yeah, definitely not a woman.”
I’ll get you back for that…
I glared at his back, my gaze falling to his ass. I couldn’t deny he was sexy, yet he was equally irritating. Although both Charlene and I found him incredibly handsome, he didn’t give us any attention. Although lately, I felt he teased me a little more… or maybe that was me being wishful. I also didn’t know what to think of that. Charlene also liked him, and she was the Alpha’s daughter… she deserved him more than I did…
I followed him out just as the king slammed two men to the ground, making the ground shake at the impact.
His torso was shirtless, a man-made from pure bulging muscles. His tanned skin was littered with scars and tattoos of runes. Symbols and images depicting war and victory mapped his entire torso, and his straggly chocolate-brown hair fell below his huge, muscular shoulders. He was the opposite of his daughter, who had gone after her mother.
“Just on time. Who’s next?” He asked with a grin as he turned to us, his gold tooth glinting under the lights of the courtyard.
“I wouldn’t mind sparring with you, Alpha, but I fear I may not make it out alive,” I replied with a small smile. It felt good to know he was still talking to me, even if it was just the adrenaline of beating us to a pulp that put him in a good mood. “I hear you have been training a lot more… let’s see.” That was a command. One I couldn’t disobey. “Don’t die,” Theon remarked mockingly, crossing his arms, and placing one hand under his chin as if he was about to enjoy the show. I stepped out and looked up at my Alpha, amusement clear in his eyes. He knew I wouldn’t even last a few minutes… The two men who had been thrown to the ground got up as the king jerked his head in dismissal. “I’m not sure if you are reckless or brave.” The king stated, grabbing a towel and wiping his face, which was coated with a layer of sweat. “A little of both?” I suggested when he turned back to me. A predatory grin crossed his face, and he raised his fist, lunging at me without warning. My eyes fle
YILEYNA Last night’s events were fresh on my mind, along with Alpha Andres’ and Theon’s parting words. I hadn’t even been able to thank him for helping fix my arm, not that he deserved any thanks after what he said to me. Those words played on my mind all night. My arm was something that I could have done myself, but it’s a lot easier when you’re not the one snapping your bones back into place. I hadn’t shifted yet, so I didn’t heal as fast as those who had. I had woken up with Theon’s words playing on my mind and an ache between my legs that begged for only one man’s touch, also with a violent urge to punch his gorgeous face for being a jerk. Sucks to crave and loathe someone at the same time. As much as I was sure I could find a man to satiate the hunger, I didn’t want just anyone. I had changed and come out to one of the smaller, less frequently used training fields. No one really came this far out often, and since the pack had in a way shunned me, I felt more comfortable trainin
YILEYNA The rain continued to beat down upon us, washing away most of the mud that had splashed in my face. He reached up, brushing my dirty hair back from my face. My eyes fluttered shut under his touch, a touch that I welcomed… A wave of relief washed over me. Theon was many things; mocking, aloof, cold, and arrogant, but he was not a monster. “It seems you can’t stay out of trouble for even a moment.” He murmured quietly before his eyes sharply snapped to the two men who stood a mere few feet away. “You should leave. Don’t interfere where it’s not your business.” Nikolai’s cocky voice came from behind. The gold flash in Theon’s eyes made my heart skip a beat. Even if the rest of his face remained emotionless, the anger I saw in those eyes… for me. My stomach fluttered before Theon moved me behind him. “As warriors of the pack, it’s a nice example to set.” “This has nothing to do with you. Leave. You saw nothing.” Kyson added coldly. I stared at the back of Theon’s head as I
I freeze, my heart thundering at his words. Was he jealous because they touched me, that they tried to rape me? For a moment, I’m unable to put two words together, unable to focus on what he had just said. “Get off me. I can’t believe you’re jealous.” I muttered, shoving him as hard as I could. He didn’t budge, just tilted his head to look at my hands on his chest, making me yank them back quickly. I clutch his jacket tighter, knowing it is the only thing that offered me cover from his burning gaze. “Jealous of you?” He sneers and tears prick my eyes. “Don’t be stupid. If I wanted you, you and I both know I wouldn’t have to force you. You would drop to your knees fucking willingly.” He taunted coldly. I swallowed, my cheeks burning with embarrassment and hurt at his words, and I glanced away only for him to grab my face and force it back towards him. “I’m angry because you put yourself at unnecessary risk. Just like the damn night you and Charlene snuck out and your parents were ki
YILEYNA I quickly turned away, my cheeks burning as I gulped the rest of the coffee down. I felt him move away, so I quickly placed my mug down and stood up, trying not to groan at the ache in my muscles. I slid my arms out of the shirt, holding it firmly as I twisted it around, sliding my arms back in and buttoned it up. I turned back towards him, his arms now spread over the top of the couch as he glared into the fire, his brows creased in concentration. “Thanks for saving me.” I remarked gratefully, tugging at the sleeves of the shirt and stared down at the ground. I surely must look a sight in these oversize pants and shirt. Now, what do I do? I sat down on the small couch and pulled my knees up against my chest, feeling exhausted. “You may not have been at their level, but you shouldn’t push yourself to that extent where you cannot even defend yourself, especially somewhere secluded.” “Hmm, I didn’t think that would happen, I just thought to train… I'm lacking in far more t
YILEYNA His words stung. Was he saying that although Mom and Dad said I was theirs, there had been rumours… Meaning there was something there… I looked into the Alpha’s hard emotionless eyes, feeling very alone. Sure, he was our Alpha, his job was to take care of his pack, his city… and as King, his responsibilities were far more than that but if even for a second I thought I’d get any compassion from him, I was wrong. “I understand, Alpha, and that brings me to my second question; is it true that another will take my place as future Beta?” He leaned back on one hand, eating his sliced apple as he looked up at the sky. “I need a Beta now, soon. I can’t wait for a wolf less pup to shift to take that position. I'm afraid, yes, I will be choosing another.” His eyes fell on me once more and I did my best to remain emotionless despite the pain in my chest. I bowed my head trying to force a polite smile. “I understand Alpha, will I be given at least some time to prove-” “To prove wha
YILEYNA The following morning dawned clear yet cold. The sun was shining, deceptive of the temperature outside. Great, the weather was getting worse as winter approached. I had just bathed and was towelling my hair dry as I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room. I paused, tilting my head as I observed my body. An hourglass body, with larger breasts than average. With the light of the sun shining through the window, the water that clung to my body almost look like little crystals clinging to me. Creamy smooth skin that Charlene always said looked breathtakingly flawless. Curvy hips that irked me as they indeed reminded me of the Omegas. And thighs far thicker than the lean ones I was used to seeing on most werewolf women. I sighed, turning away from my reflection and tossing my towel aside. Today was the day Charlene was going to begin her training, perhaps I could also pick up on some of the stuff that Theon would teach her. I grabbed some black leather pants, sque
YILEYNA "She wins, right?" Charlene’s tired yet happy voice came, snapping us both out of our trance. "We’re taking a break." Theon’s cold reply came, turning away swiftly as he walked off down towards the water. My heart was thumping as the moment played out. "O M Geeeeee!" Charlene hissed, grabbing my arm, her eyes wide as she stared at me. I blinked, trying to focus on what was happening. "What?" I whispered. "You two had a moment." She hissed, her eyes alight with excitement. My cheeks burned and I rolled my eyes. "We didn’t, I bit his ear." I pouted. "Umm Leyna… Do you think you could have gotten that close without him noticing? He was far too distracted by you and that growl… it sounded more possessive and one of approval than an angry one. Ok, she had officially lost her mind. I rolled my eyes again, shaking my head. "Stop rolling your eyes before they vanish into the back of your head!" She hissed. Yeah, then I’ll be wolf less and eye less… I shook my head trying