The 5th Mate

Prologue

Prologue

It was her eighteenth birthday and her marriage with Lucien Grey was just announced by her step-father, the man who took care of her for thirteen years after her father's passing.

Whispers of his cruelty have long spread and Anna was well informed of the kind of man Lucien Grey was, he was a terrifying monster who lived among the wolves disguised as alpha.

Anna didn't know which one was worse anymore because staying with her mother was obviously not a good idea. She turned her head as a knock came on her door, her gaze flickered as the door slightly pushed open.“ Are you asleep?” she signed after hearing her mother's voice.“ Do you need something?” Her mother peered through the door before stepping in.

“ I was hoping to talk to you.” The guilt on her face made her assume why she was in her room.

It was obvious she wasn't the only one who got surprised by the sudden announcement of her step father.” Let's talk about the marriage.“ She paused and Anna sat on her bed, still in her white dress she wore for the celebration.” I swear I didn't know Alpha Lucien was the man you are going to marry. “ She explained but Anna looked away, her eyes sad as she tried to hold back her tears.” You knew he was going to announce my marriage?” She asked, hoping she would say no but her silence shattered the little hope she had.

Her mother's love and care were obviously not with her even though she didn't want the cruel reality before her.

Thirteen years ago she used to have a happy home and a perfect family, she had everything she ever wanted, a loving father, a caring mother and a lively home but none of it lasted.

As they say, good things barely last. Her life turned upside down. The peace and warmth she has known for years suddenly collapsed, every good thing she ever experienced turned into a hallucination.

Her father was attacked by rogues and her mother changed overnight. As if losing her father and mother's love wasn't enough she has to squeeze into a house that was never meant to be her home.

Alpha Xavier and her mother married a few days after her father's murder, No one bothered to investigate what happened to her father or why he was murdered.

It was as if no one cared, her mother slowly drifted away from her. It felt like she lost both her parents but in reality she only lost her father.

“ I didn't know who the man was.”

“ But you knew.” She demanded, her long black lashes wet as she looked at her mother. The same woman who used to treat her like she was the most important thing in her life.” What changed, mom?” Her sudden question made her mother turn her back to her.” You used to love me more than anything.” She sniffed, forcing her tears back.

For thirteen years, she has watched her mother from the shadows while she smiles and enjoys her life with her new mate forgetting about her existence.

“ You were never like this before, why did you suddenly change, did I do something wrong?” It has been thirteen years but she still couldn't figure out why her mother stopped loving her.

It happened suddenly that for the past thirteen years she has always felt alone. She has always felt unwanted especially when Xavier's two sons wouldn't stop harassing her.

“ You treat them like you used to treat me, you love and care about them but what about me, your daughter?” Those two assholes get to experience it all including her love while she was left with nothing, absolutely nothing.

For the past years she has never felt like a part of this family even though she lives in this huge mansion with them.

It was Xavier who began to notice her after her sixteenth birthday but it didn't take long before she saw through his mask.

Just like his two sons, he was lusting after her body as if he didn't know how much she hated him for taking her mother away from her.

“ Don't blame anyone for your misfortune, this is what life has for you.” She turned to look at her with a stern expression in her eyes.

Life has for her?

“ Love is nothing but a weakness, don't you think so?” She took a step closer, Anna's eyes watered as she stared at her once loving mother.” Don't beg others for love in the future.” Her tone was more like a warning.” You think I'm begging you for love?” How did yarning for her mother's love be the same as begging?

“ You have a funny way of replying to a question, Luna Georgina.” She wiped her tears, her tone dripping of sarcasm.

“ I guess I have been hoping for nothing from all these tears.” She whispered, smiling bitterly.

“ I knew about his plans to marry you off but I didn't know it was Alpha Lucien. Don't worry, I will talk to him” she said but that wasn't what she wanted to hear.

“ I never begged you to do that.” Georgina turned to look at her.” I have made up my mind, I will marry Alpha Lucien.” She said in a determined voice, what was the point of saying no?

She has no home anyways. Marrying alpha Lucien was obviously a bad idea but it was the best choice at the moment.

” Are you crazy, don't you know who Alpha Lucien is?” She questioned, the shock in her eyes evident as daylight, her strong expression masking her worry.” It's better to be the devil's next meal and be useful than living in this hellhole and rote alive.” Anna said calmly as she glared back at her surprised mother.” Alpha Lucien isn't the man to give love, you will surfer in his hands before he finally kills you.” She tried to talk her out of her decision.” It's better than living with you, your mate and two beloved sons.” Her reply made her tremble.” Anna, I know you are angry so I will give you time to think it over. “ She turned to leave.” I have already thought it over and I'm not going back to my words.” Anna's words made her stop by the door, her hand clenched to the door knob but left the room without looking back.