A Slave for the Alpha King

Chapter 7

ALIYAH

The icy wind whipped at my face as I ran and stumbled along the muddy path. Tattered clothes covered my body, and my hair was dull and matted. Yet I had to keep going despite my appearance, thirst, and hunger.

Even when I closed my eyes, I still could see my grandmother’s dead state, and it was killing me every passing moment. I couldn’t help but recall how she took care of me as I grew up. She was the one who stood as my mother. She was my best friend and the one who truly understood me. Now, I was struggling to comprehend that she was a werewolf, just like the others! Regardless, my love for her didn’t change. If she had told me about her actual nature in the first place, I would have accepted her with all of my heart. Now, all I could think of was thinking of the possible person that would harm her.

As I came to a sudden stop, gasping for breath, my mind was flooded with unanswered questions; Who am I exactly? Who would assassinate my grandmother? Could it be Brayden? After all, he was a monster himself! How stupid of me for trusting him and his damn pack. They put me down and made fun of me. I will never forget the looks on their faces! If only we hadn’t moved into that cursed place!

The forest was cold and dark, and the silence was too much to bear. There were shadows in front of me and the way they were shaped was messing with my eyes. Abruptly, a far-off howl reverberated across the woods and sent shivers down my back. I crouched and became as small as possible. Now that I was aware of what they could do, I had to stay hidden away from their sight.

“Don’t be afraid, child. Look at me.”

A soft voice called out from behind me. So, even though my body could hardly move as I trembled, I slowly stood and stared at the sound. Who could that be and how come an angelic voice lingered in the middle of this nightmare? Perhaps I was dead.

As I scanned my surroundings, I stumbled on a log and fell backward. Looking up, a blinding light filled my vision, and a magnificent white wolf appeared before me when it faded away.

The wolf stopped a few feet away and stared at me with fierce, golden eyes. It bared its teeth in a snarl, and I could feel its breath on my skin. I was frightened, but I refused to show it. I held my chin high and waited for the wolf to make a move. “Are you… are you going to kill me now? Did Brayden send you?”

The white wolf stared at me with piercing blue eyes, and I felt a connection as if the wolf was trying to reach out to me.

“Go back. Meet your mate.”

I clutched my head as the voice penetrated through my skull. How could I understand her? “What do you mean? Why would I have a mate when I’m just a human?”

“Because you are the chosen one.”

Before I could comprehend her statement, the wolf stepped closer and tapped my forehead with a paw. The touch felt like electricity, and I felt a strange sense of peace. “I have chosen you to be the mate of the newly crowned Alpha. It is your destiny. You must go now to meet him.”

“M-mate?” My heart raced just at the idea of me having a mate. “W-wait, is it possible? But I’m a human.”

“Your purpose is important. Do not be afraid. Everything that has happened and everything that will happen serves a greater purpose. Your fate has already been written. Trust it.”

As the wolf spoke, a strange calm settled over me. But still, I doubted whether to believe it or not. Was it even possible for me to have a good fate? My life has been nothing but a lie since I fell in love with Brayden. He had just proven that even those who claim to care had the tendency to betray. “Now I have nothing, so what kind of future can I expect?

“You still have him, and he is enough.”

“Him?”

The wolf’s golden eyes narrowed. Before I could make sense of what happened, the next thing I knew, I was transported to another place where I could feel the sturdy ground in front of a three-story building. I gulped as I noted the brown sandstone exterior and the dark blue windows. The light of the sun highlighted the weathered brick and the towering oak tree in the front yard.

If I hadn’t had a faulty memory of this place, the warm scent of the earth and the tangy sweetness of the nearby flowers could have been more anticipating. But that wasn’t the case!

“I’m... I’m back in the Connors’ house?”

I clenched my fists as I stepped back. How did I return to this place? I needed to get away as soon as possible!

“A lost sheep has wandered into our territory!”

My shoulders stiffened just at hearing that mocking voice… Brayden’s voice, to be exact! I once loved the sound of his voice, but now it only filled me with resentment. There was no way I would let him see how weak I was. He was the one who committed evil things to me! So I took a deep breath and mustered up all the courage I had left. It was time to confront him and finally find closure.

Brayden stood in the doorway as he scanned me up and down with a sinister smile. As if on cue, his friends moved closer to him, forming a circle around us as if preparing for an entertainment show.

“I thought you had left? What are you doing here? Missed me already?” he sneered, and the crowd erupted in laughter behind him, spitting out insults.

“Never will I ever have affection for a monster who killed my grandmother!” I spat it out, pushing him away with both hands. “Don’t think that you are above the law for being a savage beast, Brayden. You will pay!”

“You mean the rogues?” He clamped his large hand around my jaw. I reached out, but he was quick to grab both of my wrists. I couldn’t believe how strong he was. No wonder he was being followed, even if he was still not in the alpha position. “Oh, please do not insult me. It would be a waste of effort to dispatch one insignificant slave of ours. I would much rather savor using my killing skills while hunting.”

“L-let me go, you beast! Am I your only match?”

The entire ground heaved with anticipation as he pulled away from me. All eyes were on us as he spitefully turned away from me and said, “Go directly to the kitchen and make yourself useful. I have an important visitor, and I want grilled lamb on the table when we return.”

“W-what?” My mouth went dry as I swallowed down my frustration. How could he just walk away while I confront him about my grandmother? I stood there, stunned. The arrogance of his dismissive response only fueled my rage to uncover the truth about my grandmother’s death. But before I could make another move to rush after him, someone from the crowd pushed me aside, causing me to stumble. I quickly regained my balance and glanced around, and my heart dropped to see it was Brenda.

“You shouldn’t have returned,” she said, baring her teeth. “This is not a place for you. Believe me, Aliyah. You don’t want to get involved in this. It’s dangerous, and you won’t find the closure you’re seeking.”

“What do you mean?”

I could see the worry etched on her face as she hesitated before speaking. “There are secrets here, Aliyah—dark secrets. The more you dig, the more danger you put yourself in. Trust me, it’s better to let go and move on.”

Brenda was not like her jerk brother. She might be silent sometimes, but she was one of the few people who cared for me in this pack. I was actually treating her as my best friend, but I couldn’t ignore the warning in her eyes. “Please tell me what it was, Brenda.” I took a step toward her, ignoring the criticism from the pack. “My grandmother has been murdered by your brother; you know that? Why don’t you just help me report him to Alpha Theon? I know your kind don’t just kill someone because they are slaves. I need justice!”

Before I could make another step, some of the pack members grasped at both of my arms.

“Let go of me!” I shoot them a defiant glare, struggling against their grip. “I won’t rest until my grandmother’s killer is held accountable. If you won’t help me, then I’ll find justice on my own.”

“Beta Brenda has already declared your banishment. So there’s no other choice but to leave!” one tall man said, dragging me out of the gate. “Your pursuit of justice for your grandmother’s death goes against our pack’s principles. We cannot condone vigilante actions, especially when they involve our own kind. It is time for you to go and find your own path.”

“Then curse your principles, monster—ah!”

The next thing I knew, I was being thrown out of the pack territory, landing hard on the ground. The pain seared through my body, but I tried to stand up. My sobs shook my body as I leaned against the massive gate. Recalling what the white wolf had said, I couldn’t help but question her words. Why had she dumped me back into this place? Why did I still believe her to begin with?

As I mulled over my thoughts, I heard twigs snapping and quiet puffs of breath. It sounded different than a human panting and more like the heavy exhales of a predator. Fear gripped me as I realized I was not alone.

I whirled around and saw a colossal figure. His jacket was an unassuming olive green that clung to his muscles like a second skin. My eyes widened as he advanced; his movements were as agile as those of a wolf.

“What are you doing here in the woods?”

I had to arch my neck to get a glimpse of his face. His sharp features were etched with intensity, and his piercing hazel gaze seemed to penetrate deep into my soul, making me feel vulnerable and exposed.

“I, uh...” My words died on my lips as I took a step back. My body craved to run away, but something in me held me rooted to the spot, unable to break away from his tug.

His eyes narrowed as he smiled. “It’s not safe for a girl to roam these woods alone. Come with me, and I’ll guarantee your safety.”

I gulped, looking at his hands that he extended towards me. “No!”

“Why?” He tilted his head, and his broad brows contracted. “Do I look like a bad guy to you?”

“I don’t know you,” I snapped, stepping away as I curled my arms around my chest. “I’m done trusting people I don’t even know. You are all the same!”

“Ashton!” Brayden burst onto the scene, a bright grin splitting his face as he hurried towards us. He then turned to the other man. “So, more interested in hunting slaves than deer this time, huh?”

"It seems so." The man he called Ashton studied me with inspecting eyes before letting out a cold chuckle. “May I keep this one?”

I blinked as I tried to process Ashton’s words. What did he mean by keeping me? Did the Connors sell me to him? I stared at Brayden, wondering if he had any involvement, but he seemed just as baffled as I did.

My panic grew as I shifted my gaze to Ashton. “W-what do you mean?”

“I require a caretaker for my mother. She’s getting older and needs constant care.”

A caretaker for his mother? Why would he choose me, instead of simply hiring someone? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I thought he wanted to keep me as a slave, but I was relieved that he had no intention of imprisoning me. Anyway, he didn’t look dangerous. In fact, despite his towering height, he had a gentle demeanor that put me at ease.

Would I consider his offer? Could I trust him enough because he seemed like a caring person? My only concern was his association with Brayden. Wait, was he a werewolf too? More so, a high-ranking one?

“Y-you mean keeping me as a caregiver for your mother?” I confirmed.

“Yes, that’s correct.” Ashton nodded with a genuine smile that stopped me from breathing for a moment.

“You know the rules, Ashton. No one keeps slaves without permission from the Council.” Brayden protested as he put his hand on Ashton’s shoulder as if to remind him of the consequences. “And I highly doubt they would grant permission for an Alpha to have a human caregiver, especially one as powerful as your mother.”

Alpha? So Ashton isn’t just a high-ranking werewolf, but an Alpha of their pack?

I stared at my feet, feeling instantly mousy and insignificant in the presence of such powerful beings. No wonder he always looked so confident and in control. And surely he would insist on taking me with him, which I preferred, instead of staying with the Connors.

However, my heart sank as Ashton said, “Okay.”

“If you want a slave, you can choose among the omegas. I’ll give as many as you want, but Aliyah is exclusive to me.”

My body tensed at Brayden’s possessive tone. How dare he talk about me like I’m a piece of property to be owned? The smug expression on his face as he glared at me made my heart race faster and faster.

“Aliyah wouldn’t make a perfect companion for your mother. But she’s good at something else,” Brayden said and turned to me, grinning that made me clench my fists at my sides. “What are you waiting for, Aliyah? Go back to the Omega house. Your expulsion is ineffective since I’m here, you know that?” He winked and that made my blood boil.

“You have no right to claim me like I was just some object!” I took a step forward, standing tall and meeting Brayden’s gaze head-on. “You have to kill me first before you make me your slave, murderer!”

Brayden‘s face twisted into a snarl, and I knew I had gotten to him. But I don’t care if he wasn’t used to being defied like this. He was a killer, and he didn’t deserve my respect.

“Watch your tongue, woman!”

“It seems that there’s an ongoing lover’s quarrel between the two of you.” Ashton’s inspecting gaze shifted between me and Brayden until it fixed on me. “But I must say, I admire your boldness, even if it means fighting someone like Brayden.”

“I’m telling you, Ashton. You’re going to lose patience if you deal with a woman as feisty as Aliyah.” Brayden gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing at me.

“Well, then I must leave and give you privacy,” Ashton said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the tension between us. “But remember, sometimes it’s the feisty ones who bring the most excitement to our lives.” With that, he turned and walked away.

I followed Ashton’s receding figure until he vanished around the corner. I wanted to stop him and tell him he couldn’t leave me with this man.

But before I could utter a word, Brayden grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him. I struggled against him, trying to break free, but his strength was too great. I looked up into his eyes, seeing nothing but malice and hunger. The stale scent of sweat on his skin and animal blood on his jacket made my stomach churn.

“Don’t worry, babe. You’ll soon learn to love being mine. Don’t you want to resume our little secret affair?”

“No! Not with a lunatic murderer like you!”

Brayden drew me closer, and I winced as I felt his firm grip on my bruising wrist. “You’re going to come with me now!”

He dragged me into the forest, ignoring my desperate pleas for help. The trees zipped past us in a blur of green and brown, and I stumbled along with my legs tangled in roots and branches. The fear coursing through my veins only intensified as Brayden’s grip tightened, leaving me no choice but to comply with his demands. I was unsure of where we were going or why, and I had no way to tell if this was real or some twisted nightmare. I could only bite my lip as the branches scratched my skin and the mud squished between my toes. Regardless, my senses were dulled. I saw nothing, heard nothing, and smelled nothing.

We kept walking and walking until the trees started to thin out. That’s when I realized that we were heading towards a small cabin hidden deep in the woods. It was a crude thing, barely standing, but it looked like home to him. He opened the door and threw me inside. I couldn’t help but sob when the pain shot through my body as I hit the hard wooden floor. The dusty air made me cough as I stood up, but it didn’t mean I would allow myself to be defeated. “I would never lower myself to that level. I am not your plaything!”

Brayden laughed as he pulled me up. “Oh, babe. You have no idea what pleasures await you.”

“I have no interest in your filthy pleasure. Keep it hidden in your pants!” I screamed, struggling to break free from his grip. “You are diametrically opposed to your family. Alpha Theon must be insane if he still chooses you to replace him!”

Brayden gave me a cold, uninterested expression, as if my words had no effect on him. “My father has no other choice, babe. He’ll introduce me as the next alpha whether he likes it or not,” he bellowed, banging the wall, which made me startled. And then he placed his face near my ear. “Doesn’t it seem like you have no choice but to submit to me now? So, if you don’t obey my commands, I’ll make your life a living hell. You’re now in my den, and you must obey me because no b***h fights an alpha!” He hauled me to the bed, tossing me into the rough covers that felt like nails.

“We still have lots of bases to cover, babe. I’m not letting you go until we’ve gone the whole nine yards. I don’t care what you do, but you better give me what I want.”

I resisted him as hard as I could, but it was futile. He was far too powerful for me to overcome. My tears were stinging my eyes like acid as I pleaded with him to stop, but he refused. I desperately attempted to close my eyes, drowning out the overwhelming anxiety. But even in the darkness, I could see his wicked face, which made my entire body shake, including my soul. I lay there, helpless and afraid, wondering how I was going to get out of this nightmare. I’d been running around the forest for three days only to end up in his hands. No matter how much I tried to stay strong, I could feel that my energy was degrading until blackness crept across my eyes.

I struggled to stay conscious, but it was a losing battle. The last sound I heard before passing from this world to the next was the thunderous growl of a wolf. However, it appeared that the sound was not coming from a single wolf. There were two wolves!

But then I felt a sharp pain sink into my neck, and I knew no more.