Alpha's Redemption

#Chapter 1

I had made it. Instead of being crushed beneath the wheels of a passing vehicle, the limo adorned with the symbol of the Full Moon Pack had saved me and brought me here. I had arrived at the estate of the alpha king, or so I hoped.

"You're awake!" A woman's voice broke through my thoughts. She stood before me, dressed in a simple yet elegant white ensemble, complete with a pristine apron. "I hope you're hungry."

The scent of meat wafted from the tray she held, and my stomach growled in response.

"Where am I?" I managed to croak, my voice barely audible.

"In the home of Alpha King William," she replied, gracefully draping a napkin over my lap. With practiced ease, she placed the loaded tray in front of me. "You should eat quickly. He will finish his call soon and come to see you shortly after."

Unable to find my voice, I picked up the fork and began devouring the food. It had been far too long since my last meal, and I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for the alpha king's generosity and the fact that I had made it this far.

My heart raced as thoughts of the Alpha King consumed me. What would become of me now? The food was delicious and satiating, but my mind couldn't focus on that alone. Rumors circulated about William, whispers of a bloodthirsty and ruthless dictator who had slain his own father and brother to seize the title of Alpha King.

What was I going to do? The prospect of meeting him terrified me, yet he represented my only chance at freedom. I had to find a way to stay, to secure my place within his realm.

A knock echoed through the room, and before I could register its source, the door swung open. The woman scurried in, followed closely by a tall and strikingly handsome man in a impeccably tailored three-piece suit.Silent and still, I watched as she hurriedly cleared the remnants of our meal and whisked the cart away. The door clicked shut, leaving me alone with the man, my last hope. I lifted my gaze to meet his, searching for a glimmer of empathy, a shred of understanding. But his face remained impassive, distant. He approached the bed with an air of grace, moving like a seasoned predator, his presence both captivating and foreboding. Handsome, yes, but it was his eyes that held me captive, a mesmerizing shade of green that seemed to pierce through my soul.

His gaze swept over me, quick and calculating, as he traversed the room. My fear constricted my throat, but I fought back the tremors and mustered the strength to rise onto my knees. Unsteady, I crawled to the edge of the bed, my entire being focused on the desperate plea that hung in the air. I didn't care how pitiful I appeared; I was at my lowest, and if it meant a chance at survival, I would do anything.

"Alpha King, Your Majesty," I began, my voice trembling. "I implore you to grant me sanctuary within your pack."

"Why?" His voice resonated, deep and commanding, yet devoid of warmth. It sent a shiver down my spine.

"M-My father and stepmother intend to marry me off to an old alpha from another pack, all for the sake of a political alliance. But I have no reason to agree, and no allegiance to my birth pack."

"Why should that concern me? Who are you?" he inquired, his tone icy, as if testing the strength of my resolve.

I clenched my fists, seeking solace in the plushness of the rug beneath me. "My name is Ondine. I am the daughter of the current alpha of the Wolf Fang Pack and his late wife," I revealed, my voice steadier now. "My stepmother and half-sister have tormented me all my life, blaming me for my mother's death. My father... he sees me as nothing more than a pawn, a constant reminder of a past he wishes to forget."

My eyes stung with unshed tears, memories of heartache and neglect flooding my mind. It had been the cruelest part of my existence.

Gathering my courage, I lifted my gaze to meet William's, allowing him to witness the raw vulnerability within me. "I have nowhere else to turn, Your Majesty."

His expression remained unchanged, unmoved by my plight. Did he truly feel nothing? The rumors about him seemed to hold some truth. Tears welled in my eyes, desperation fueling my thoughts. I searched for something, anything to offer, willing to do whatever it took to secure his mercy. My stomach churned as I studied him, taking in his striking features. He was undeniably handsome.I had once heard that every man desired a younger, inexperienced lover. The thought made my jaw clench with indignation. My pride burned within me, but I knew that if I allowed myself to be sent away, it would only be a matter of time before the Wolf Fang Pack's associates tracked me down and dragged me back to my wretched fate.

No, it was better to swallow my pride now, to surrender it willingly, rather than have it mercilessly ripped from me. With a shiver coursing through my body, I pulled my dress over my head, the cool air enveloping me, amplifying my fear. 

"I will do anything," I pleaded, desperation lacing my voice. "Anything you desire, if only you would grant me the privilege of remaining here."

I couldn't help but wonder if this wasn't the first time he had been propositioned. But what other choice did I have? I had nothing else to offer him. 

"How old are you?" he inquired, his tone laced with suspicion.

"Tw-Twenty," I stammered, biting my lower lip as I stumbled over the lie, praying that he wouldn't see through it. "I am an adult."

His nostrils flared, and for a fleeting moment, hope flickered within me. Though his expression remained unchanged, I clung to the possibility that his reaction was a positive one. As I reached for the hooks of my bra, William seized my arm, lifting me effortlessly off the ground. My head spun as he placed me gently on the bed, his body pressing down upon mine, immobilizing me. 

Trembling uncontrollably, I turned my head to the side, allowing him to trace his nose along my neck, inhaling my scent. I couldn't fathom what I smelled like to him. Did I entice him? Could he detect the lingering marks of that woman's touch? 

Did I reek of deceit? My body remained frozen, awaiting his judgment. He shifted slightly, seemingly retreating, and in a desperate act, I wrapped my arms around his neck, refusing to let him go. 

"Please, Alpha King," I implored, my voice quivering as I attempted to sound seductive. "I am... confident that I can fulfill your desires."

His lips twitched into a sneer, and he forcefully removed my arms from his neck, pulling away. His eyes flashed with the untamed essence of his wolf, causing my heart to lurch within me. Curling into a protective ball, I braced myself for his wrath, ready for him to strike me or unleash his fury in a torrent of words. 

Too terrified to look up at him, I closed my eyes, waiting for whatever fate he deemed suitable for me. All I could hope for was a swift death, if that was his desire. Anything was preferable to the fate that woman and my father had so cruelly planned for me. 

"Do you comprehend the consequences of lying to the Alpha King, little girl?"

#Chapter 2

In that moment, I felt the weight of his intentions pressing down on me. He was going to kill me, I was sure of it. And who would care? The Wolf Fang Pack was a small and insignificant group, always seeking alliances with vampires to gain more power. Did he see me as a threat? Would he interrogate me, seeking answers in this chaotic world where werewolf society had been thrown into disarray by the united front of the vampires?

Before I could gather myself enough to assure him of my innocence, his voice cut through the air, commanding my attention. I opened my eyes, hoping I didn't appear as a threat. 

"Look at me," he ordered, his gaze piercing into mine.

"How about we play a game?" he proposed with a hint of sadistic amusement.

"A-a game?" I stammered, my voice barely audible.

He narrowed his eyes, a slow, cruel smile spreading across his face.

"If you win, I'll grant you sanctuary," he offered, a glimmer of hope igniting in my chest.

"But if you lose..."

The journey to our destination was suffocatingly silent. The rules of the game were straightforward - I had to survive the night in the forest near his home. The truck came to a halt, and with trembling jaws, I gripped the handle and opened the door. Stepping out, the cold air embraced me, sending chills down my spine.

"Good luck," the driver muttered stiffly before closing the door, leaving me alone in the darkness.

I watched as the truck retreated, disappearing into the distance. The forest enveloped me, its eerie silence amplifying my fear. Every rustle in the bushes made me jump, my gaze darting around anxiously. The thought of running away crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it - there was no safer place for me than with William. I had to pass this test.

But how?

Suddenly, a rustle nearby snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned, my heart pounding, only to see a beast lunging towards me with a ferocious roar. I screamed, my survival instinct kicking in. I desperately swore to myself that I would make it through this night. If I died, my stepmother and her wretched daughter would rejoice, reveling in my demise. But I refused to let them win. I wanted to live.A rush of energy, foreign yet undeniable, seized my being, and amidst its grasp, I swear I heard the anguished cry of a wild creature.

The searing brightness pierced through my closed eyelids, rousing me from my slumber. Disoriented, I found myself nestled in a bed of leaves, miraculously unscathed. No limbs missing, no pain coursing through my body. But it was daytime. I had somehow endured. Relief washed over me, etching a smile upon my face as I gazed up at the vast expanse of clear blue sky, the sun casting its radiant beams upon the forest, drying the drenched earth and warming my chilled skin. Slowly, I sat up, my senses attuned to a distant rumbling sound, growing nearer with each passing second. It resembled the roar of a truck, and as my memory pieced itself together, I rose to my knees.

They were returning to verify my presence. Would he be pleased by my survival or compel me into yet another deranged game? My eyes surveyed the clearing, only to recoil in shock at the sight of the colossal beast nearby. Motionless, it lay mere feet away, its fur matted from the relentless rain, as if it had been there throughout the night. I couldn't discern its species or even hazard a guess, for it possessed an abundance of fur unlike anything I had ever encountered. Yet, there it lay, lifeless and still. What had claimed its life? And why had it spared mine?

My gaze lowered, assaulted by the metallic tang of blood that permeated the air. My stomach churned violently, and I retched dryly as the realization struck me: my sodden attire was stained with blood and mud. The approaching engine continued to growl, drawing my attention backward. The truck came to a halt, and an unfamiliar man emerged from the driver's seat, attired in a suit that mirrored William's age but not his piercing green eyes. Instead, this man possessed eyes of deep brown.

William, clad in a distinct suit of his own, stepped out from the passenger side. A moment of stillness ensued as our eyes locked. "Do you know what that creature is?" he inquired, his voice laced with an undercurrent of fear. I shook my head, too petrified to form words. "How did you bring it down?"

"Me?" I gasped, my gaze flitting between the corpse and William. The driver approached, shaking his head, and prodded the lifeless beast. "There's no way I could have killed it."William arched an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on me. "Cohen?" he inquired.
The man pivoted and nodded solemnly. "Dead. The rain has washed away her scent, but it's unmistakably dead."
My jaw quivered, and I shook my head vehemently. "I... I couldn't have killed it. I didn't."
The muscle in Cohen's jaw twitched as he stepped closer.
"I suppose the Moon Goddess hasn't forsaken me after all," I murmured, relief washing over me, causing me to sag slightly.
I had never been one to believe that she watched over me, or even that my own mother did. After everything I had endured, it was hard to fathom anyone looking out for me. But I was wrong. What else could explain this if not the grace of the Moon Goddess?
William scoffed and gripped my chin tightly, his pinch so forceful it threatened to leave a bruise.
"Ow!" I cried, fighting the urge to pull away from him.
"You've already lied to me once, little girl," William narrowed his eyes, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "Consider yourself fortunate to have avoided the miserable fate of those who deceived me."
"I'm not lying to you!" I protested, the emotions of the night surging forward, crashing over me. His jaw clenched, and I didn't bother to plead. "I am telling the truth."
A tear slipped down my cheek, and I slumped forward. "You... You promised me sanctuary... I passed your test. You said..."
My head spun, the world growing dim. Gasping for air, I fought to stay conscious. William pulled me close, his touch grounding me. The world blurred, but I felt the gentle graze of his fingers against my skin. Clutching onto the fabric of his jacket, I sought solace in the warmth of his body. His scent enveloped me, lulling me closer to sleep.
He lifted me effortlessly, the sound of leaves crunching beneath his feet. I felt weightless and secure. Was this truly the same man who had cast me into the unforgiving woods?
"You promised..." I whispered as my consciousness slipped away. Forcing my eyes open, I could have sworn his lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile.
The cruel alpha king was smiling? Could it be that I was hallucinating?

#Chapter 3

This evening marked the welcome-back dinner at Noble Academy as the new year commenced. 

While many attendees were not primarily focused on education or self-improvement, their attire resembled that of celebrities walking the red carpet, with layers of makeup enhancing their appearance. The shimmer of their jewelry and their meticulously maintained figures captured the gaze of many male counterparts embarking on the academic journey alongside us. While some displays of opulence were tastefully done, much of it seemed like a gratuitous flaunting of wealth.

Imogen and I chose a quiet corner away from the rest of the tables, uninterested in mingling with the others. Our underdressed attire made it clear that we didn't belong, but we were content with each other's company. Imogen, being the daughter of the Full Moon Pack's Secretary of State, possessed an inherent importance that transcended mere appearances. Her beauty, reminiscent of her mother's, coupled with her genuine kindness, drew people to her. Despite her popularity, she remained humble and grounded.

Imogen once credited my spirit for her newfound openness, but I knew deep down that she was the one who had rescued me from my self-imposed isolation. Reflecting on everything that had transpired since I escaped the clutches of the Wolf Fang Pack, I couldn't help but smile.

Within the confines of Noble Academy, I had become somewhat of a legend. Fainting in front of the Alpha King's car four years ago turned out to be the turning point of my life, an unexpected blessing in disguise.

As the announcements concluded, the music swelled, drowning out the chatter in the room. People cast curious glances our way as they mingled, yet no one dared to approach.

Abruptly, the music came to a halt.The music blaring from the speakers was hardly worth listening to, so I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. However, something caught my attention when I glanced over at the DJ's booth. He appeared to be fixated on someone in the crowd. Whispers began to circulate throughout the room.

"What do you think Ryan's up to?" someone wondered aloud.

"Good heavens, he's not going to ask the girl he's head over heels for to be his girlfriend, is he?"

"Is it Imogen? Or maybe that plump girl? What's her name again?"

Imogen, concerned, approached me with worry-filled eyes. "Are you alright?"

I almost rolled my eyes at the gossiping crowd. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Imogen hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "You'd think they'd realize we can hear them."

I shrugged, dismissing their lack of consideration. "I don't think they care. Thankfully, we're on the same page."

Imogen laughed and relaxed. "That's Ondine," a male voice interjected. "I mean, she's not unattractive. She's just a bit overweight."

"Did you hear about Ondine's new living arrangements...?"

I tuned out the idle chatter as I noticed a man approaching us. Ryan, undoubtedly the most handsome man in the room, caught my eye. Tall and fair-skinned, there was no denying his allure. His blue eyes held a captivating sadness that I remembered from the first time we met, revealing a vulnerable side to him.

But beyond his physical appeal, Ryan held a unique status as the second son of the New Moon Pack's alpha, one of the top three packs in the region. The Full Moon Pack, led by William, held the highest rank, followed by the Red Moon Pack and then the New Moon Pack. And of course, there were many other packs, including the Wolf Fang Pack.

The Noble Academy was located in the capital city of the Full Moon Pack, exclusively admitting heirs from various packs regardless of their size, as well as the children of notable figures. In this crowd, Ryan wasn't particularly exceptional in terms of rank, but he possessed an air of nobility and mystery that drove women wild.

Despite his charm, I didn't harbor any romantic feelings towards him.Imogen and I didn't expect the glares of envy that turned towards us as Ryan approached our table. It was no surprise when he said the words I had anticipated, "I like you, Ondine. I've been really attracted to you since the first time we met. Will you go out with me?"

His voice held sincerity, his eyes filled with earnestness. It almost made me wince. Murmurs erupted throughout the room. People gasped and stared, their jaws dropping in shock and disbelief.

"Is he serious?" a woman's voice rang out, almost shrill. "Her?"

"What does he even see in her?"

"I'm sorry," I said, meeting his gaze. "I appreciate your feelings, but I don't feel the same way. I can't go out with you."

His smile vanished, his eyes widening in shock. Gasps rippled through the room at my words.

"B-But why?" Ryan stammered. "You won't even give me a chance?"

There were countless answers to that question, but before I could speak, another voice cut through the air.

"Miss Ondine."

I smiled and turned my head towards the entrance of the banquet hall. A group of men entered, all sporting badges of the Full Moon Pack's security. Excitement filled the previously silent room as they made their presence known. It was rare for the Full Moon Pack to make such an appearance. Imogen and I attended Noble Academy, but we never flaunted our connection to the pack.

It was Allan, as authoritative as ever, striding across the hall towards our table. He wore a suit much nicer than his usual attire. The whispers around the room shifted from insulting to curious and gossipy with each step he took towards me.

I glanced behind him, expecting William to follow, but he was nowhere to be seen.

What was going on?

"Allan, why are you here?" I asked, unable to contain my grin. His presence brought me joy.

If Cohen was here, then William couldn't be far.With a gentle smile, he assured me, "I am only here to pick you up. The Alpha King is waiting for you outside." As we walked past, a whisper curled its way to my ears, dripping with disdain. "Seems like the rumors are true," it hissed, maliciously aimed at Cohen's back.

Cohen remained oblivious to the rumors that swirled around the school about my relationship with William. Admittedly, there was some truth to the whispers. I had been desperate when William offered me sanctuary in his home, willing to give him anything he desired. But he hadn't wanted my body.

Now, it was disconcerting to witness people assuming that he would be interested in me, especially considering I was not yet an adult. However, I chose to ignore their baseless gossip. People always found reasons to talk about William, his reputation as a murderer fueling their inclination to believe the worst.

A low growl erupted from behind us, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "Shut your mouth," Ryan snarled, his voice filled with protective rage. "I love Ondine, and if you speak ill of her, you're insulting me too."

The declaration hung in the air, causing a ripple of confusion and curiosity to sweep through the room. All eyes darted between Ryan and me, trying to make sense of this sudden outburst. Ryan was known for his calm demeanor and impeccable manners, making his display of anger both surprising and perplexing.

My gaze shifted to Imogen, who stared at Ryan with a look of adoration, as if he were the hero in a fairytale. A small smile tugged at my lips. At least Imogen was in good hands. I turned my attention back to Cohen, who led me towards the exit of the building with urgency. He opened the door of the luxurious car, and I eagerly climbed in, greeted by William's familiar face.

"This is a pleasant surprise," I greeted him, my voice laced with genuine delight.

William nodded, his eyes filled with warmth. "There's just one thing," he began, his tone tinged with concern. My brows furrowed, worry creeping into my heart. "The alpha of the Wolf Fang Pack has invited us to his birthday party tonight."

My heart skipped a beat, terror coursing through my veins. I felt a wave of sickness wash over me. The thought of seeing my family again, the ones who had hurt me so deeply before, was unimaginable. Would they try to inflict the same pain upon me once more? The fear gnawed at my soul, threatening to consume me whole.

#Chapter 4

A protest surged within me, but I suppressed it, straightening my posture. I was now a member of the Full Moon Pack, no longer Ondine of the Wolf Fang Pack for the past four years. There was no reason to fear a small pack that posed no threat to me or my current pack.

So, I settled back and nodded, mustering a hint of playfulness. "I hope you didn't choose an orange dress."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Of course not."

The dress he had selected for me was a dazzling combination of nude and white, hugging my figure in all the right places. It felt as if it had been tailored specifically for me, which wouldn't have surprised me coming from William. I vowed to myself not to succumb to fear. From the moment I got dressed to the moment we stepped into the car to make our way to the banquet hall across the capital city, I maintained a brave facade.

Yet, nerves churned in my stomach, threatening to overpower my resolve. As we arrived at the venue, I emerged from the car alongside William, gazing up at the grandeur of the banquet hall. In the past, my father would never have been able to afford such opulence. It seemed that either the pack was thriving or they had formed an alliance with a wealthy pack, pooling their resources. Regardless, I looped my arm through William's and followed him inside.

The crowd swirled around us, their conversations hushed as they caught sight of William, their Alpha King. Despite his usual low profile, his striking appearance and commanding presence ensured that he stood out from the rest. 

"Alpha King," Ava's voice dripped with feigned admiration. "What an honor for you to grace us with your presence."

I turned to face her, taking in the subtle signs of aging etched on her features. It seemed that the weight of her past misdeeds had taken a toll on her. Ella stood beside her, her eyes burning with envy as she scrutinized my figure before shifting her gaze to William.

A dazed expression washed over her, similar to the countless women who had fallen under his spell. It almost brought a smile to my lips, witnessing how quickly she had forgotten our own differences when confronted with William's irresistible charm. She stood no chance of capturing his attention, and for once, I felt as though I had emerged victorious in some small way.Ella's gaze fixated on William, her longing evident, while I stood at his side. Our connection was not one of romance, but rather that of a leader and protector, with me as his ward. Despite my role, I still held significance in his life, while Ella meant nothing.

After years of her belittling me, this moment felt like poetic justice. Whispers spread through the crowd as they recognized William, a mixture of fear and intrigue filling the air. It was rare for him to attend such events, even though he received countless invitations.

Observing the women in attendance, it became clear that many of them were captivated by his presence. I shook my head in disbelief, only to have Ella approach me, grabbing my hand with an uncomfortably tight grip.

"Oh, Ondine, it's wonderful to see you!" Ella exclaimed, her eyes filled with malice and hidden intentions. "It's been far too long. I've been worried sick about you."

At first, I was taken aback, my gaze shifting towards Ava. "Yes, you certainly managed to cause quite a scare when you vanished," Ava murmured. "You should come home more often and visit your father."

I forcefully pulled my hand away from Ella and took a step back. Their feigned smiles did nothing to erase the memories of the torment I endured under their roof.

"Don't pretend to care," I retorted. "Do you honestly believe your act fools anyone?"

Ella's eyes widened in confusion. "What do you mean—"

"After all you've put me through," I interrupted, glaring at Ava before turning my attention back to Ella. "After all the hurtful things you've said, did you really think I would forget who you truly are?"

They were despicable, cruel individuals who cared nothing for my well-being. The woman who held my father's adoration and the one who had replaced my mother. Why should I ever pretend to be civil with the woman who attempted to end my life, or her daughter who reveled in tormenting me?

Ella glanced towards William, her confusion evident. "I don't understand—"

"Don't play innocent!" I hissed, sneering at her. "You're only pretending to be a good sister to impress him, but he's not impressed. No one is fooled.""That's—" 
"Shut up," I snapped at Ava, my glare piercing through her. "The mere thought of you speaking to me makes me sick." 
"You little—" 
"It makes me want to rip your hair out." 

In Ava's eyes, I caught a glimpse of a moment from my past. It was the day Ella had pushed me down and kicked me, her gaze cold and disdainful. 
You look so much like that wench... She had said. It makes me want to rip your hair out. 

Silence settled over the area, and William, true to his nature, remained quiet. I didn't expect him to defend me. 

"Ondine!" My father's voice, Arlo, boomed across the scene as Ella took a step back, feigning tears and covering her face. "How dare you speak to your sister like that?" 

It was just his voice and his frigid expression, but it spoke volumes. I knew he had always favored Ella. 
No, he never loved me. If he did, he wouldn't have tried to force me into a marriage with a man old enough to be my grandfather, all for his own gain. 
Did he even consider how desperate his daughter would be to escape a marriage with a man covered in age spots? To avoid being forced onto a bed and subjected to his unwanted advances? 
My stomach churned, and the sight of my father made me sick. 
How could I hold back the tears of humiliation when his stern and terrifying face blurred before my eyes? 

I should have anticipated this, but I wasn't prepared. As he approached me, it felt like I was transported back in time. He seemed larger than life, possessing all the power while I was left helpless. 
It didn't matter that I was covered in bruises. It never mattered if Ella shed tears. I was always the one in trouble. 
First came the shouting and anger, followed by the pain. Would he grab something to strike me with, or would he simply slap me to the ground as he had done when I was younger? 
I trembled, bracing myself for the impact, frozen as my past engulfed me. 

"Ondine, what's wrong?" William's voice cut through the turmoil.

#Chapter 5

"Don't be afraid," he murmured, his words slicing through the air like a balm for my troubled soul.

Tears welled up in my eyes at his simple yet powerful statement. It felt like a lifeline, pulling me back from the depths of my past. Without hesitation, he wrapped his strong arms around me, providing a comforting shield against the world. Leaning into his embrace, I took a deep breath, desperately seeking solace and a respite from the chaos around us.

The grand banquet hall buzzed with activity, the sights and sounds assaulting my senses. In an attempt to escape the suffocating atmosphere, I averted my gaze from my father. The man who had caused me so much pain, so much suffering. But now, with William by my side, everything felt different. Safe. 

Gazing up at him, my heart swelled with gratitude. With William, I would never have to endure that torment again. His presence was my sanctuary, my protector against the darkness that had haunted me for far too long.

"I'm fine," I managed to choke out, forcing a smile to mask the fear that still lingered within me. My hand clenched tightly, concealing the telltale tremors that threatened to betray my composure.

But Arlo, my father, was not so easily deterred. His voice, laced with frustration and determination, broke through the silence. "I'm not done—"

The tension in the room escalated as William stepped back, his grip on my waist tightening protectively. A silent battle of wills unfolded before me, their gazes locked in a fierce showdown. Memories flooded my mind, echoes of conversations I had shared with William over the years. Arlo's attempts to reclaim me, to drag me back into that suffocating darkness.

But I had been spared from witnessing those encounters. William had shielded me, bearing the weight of my father's persistence on his own broad shoulders. He had informed me of Arlo's visits, recounting the venomous words that dripped from his lips. Yet, I never had to face him myself.

The truth was painfully clear—my father didn't care about me. Each visit only left him more frustrated, his attempts to assert control thwarted by William's position as Alpha King. Helpless, he had no choice but to leave empty-handed, his facade of a concerned parent shattered.

In fact, I couldn't help but wonder if it was Arlo, Ella, and Ava who had fueled the rumors surrounding William and me. The whispers of a tyrant king obsessed with a young, overweight girl. A mere plaything, nothing more.

Arlo's strained voice cut through the air. "Your Majesty, it has been a long time..."

I stood there, enveloped in William's protective embrace, my heart heavy with a mixture of relief and defiance. No longer would I be a pawn in their twisted games. With William by my side, I had found my voice, my strength. And together, we would forge a future that defied all expectations.Ondine seemed to have conveniently forgotten the weight of her family's responsibility resting on my shoulders. It was clear as day. But I couldn't let her get away with it. 

"No," I shot back, my voice steady. "She hasn't forgotten at all." 

Arlo's eyes widened, caught in the middle of our silent battle. He glanced between us, his words trapped in his throat. Without a word, he grabbed Ava's hand and made a quick exit. Ella threw me one last venomous glare before following her parents. 

I remained rooted to the spot, finding solace in William's protective warmth that always enveloped me. 

"We can go," William offered, concern etched on his face. 

I shook my head, pulling away gently. "I'm fine. Besides, it'll do you good to mingle with the other alphas and get a sense of their packs' well-being."

William's eyes narrowed, considering my words. I held his gaze, silently pleading for him to understand. I didn't want to be chased away like before. Running was no longer an option. 

I refused to tolerate their abuse any longer. I would demand the respect I deserved, whether they wanted to give it willingly or not. William never allowed anyone to disrespect his pack members without consequence. 

"Fine," he relented, his voice firm. "Come with me."

I followed William to a group of alphas, their eyes grazing over me with curiosity and thinly veiled judgment. They didn't hold me in high regard, but they were intrigued by our relationship. The conversation faded into background noise as I found solace in the crowd, grateful for the temporary shield it provided. My eyes scanned the room, searching for an escape.

They continued to stare, whispering among themselves about the confrontation I had with Ella and Ava. I tried to push the thoughts away, not wanting to dwell on their opinions. 

I turned my head, intending to distance myself from the tension. But before I could take more than a few steps, Ella materialized before me, a glass of red wine in her hand.

"You fat, useless thing," she sneered, her words dripping with venom. "You should have just died."

I shook my head, realizing there was no one around to hear her cruel words. It was only a matter of time before her true colors seeped through. The jealousy burned bright in her eyes.

"I'm younger, sexier, and more beautiful than you!" she hissed, her voice laced with bitterness."I should be on his arm, not you," Ella spat, her voice dripping with venom.

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of my lips. "Shouldn't you be speaking to him about that?" I quipped, relishing in the opportunity to provoke her. "Maybe he doesn't like skinny girls."

I knew my words would only fuel the rumors circulating about us, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Seeing Ella seethe with anger, her entitlement and reliance on our father's status failing her, it felt like a small victory for all the torment she had put me through.

Her growl was cut off as she realized the attention we were drawing. With a mocking smile, she raised her glass in a faux toast. To the onlookers, it appeared as harmless banter. Conversations resumed around us, the crowd oblivious to the brewing storm between us.

"To you," Ella sneered, her voice laced with false admiration. "For being so persistent."

I rolled my eyes at her absurdity and turned to make my way back to William's side. But Ella blocked my path, a sinister glint in her eyes. I tried to sidestep her, but it was too late. A blood-curdling scream escaped her lips as she crumpled to the ground, shards of glass scattered around her. Gasps filled the air as all eyes turned towards us. The deep red wine stained her once pristine blue dress, her hand bleeding where it had grazed the broken glass.

She clutched her wounded hand, looking up at me with a facade of a bullied girl from a movie. It became clear that Ella wasn't just a vicious, spoiled brat, but she had inherited some of her mother's cunning over the years.

"Why did you push me?" Ella whimpered, her eyes welling up with tears. "Do you truly hate me that much, Ondine?"

The simple answer was yes, but I didn't need to voice it as she continued to play the role of the victim. Her performance was so contrived and pathetic that I fought the urge to applaud her.

Whispers rippled through the crowd, their voices carrying judgment and sympathy.

"How could she do that?"

"Honestly, it's obvious she's just jealous."

"Poor girl. Her dress is ruined..."

"How could she do that?"

Fury coursed through my veins as I glared down at Ella. She peeked through her blood and wine-stained hands, a cruel smile dancing on her lips.

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