CHAPTER 1 : A Twist
CIARA
I stood at the edge of the gathering, my eyes scanning the area with a discomforted look. It was so obvious that I disliked the fact that I was standing here. What the hell was I doing here ? I shouldn't be here when I still have a lot of chores to finish up at home before Jezebel, my aunt descends on me once more and helps in feeding my corpse to the vultures.
I glanced over at Racheal, my best friend who had succeeded in dragging me to this boring gathering where the Alpha's mate was to be chosen. I hardly attended festivals like this because I was literally of no use to it, no special powers, no wolf strength, just a useless weak omega.
She placed her hands in mine as she shook nervously. She has been crushing on the Alphas for a really long time now and she pleaded with me to come with her just in case she got chosen. I agreed because a part of me wanted to witness the occasion but still I felt bored just standing and watching the ladies giggle endlessly.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Isabella, my aunt's daughter approaching as I instantly pulled Racheal along with me as we walked away from that spot. I couldn't let her see me or else she was going to make a big issue out of it and I wasn't ready for any humiliation.
She gave me a questioning look as I pointed towards Isabella and she understood at once. “I wish I get chosen..!” She mumbled, her eyes beaming with excitement and hope. I almost scoffed out, I sometimes wonder what they all saw in the Alphas, was it their aura?..or their fame or their looks that made them so attractive and wanted?
Or was I the problem ? Maybe it's because I've shut my mind from the idea of mating because I couldn't possibly get entangled with any guy without getting traumatised.
Soon, loud screams and gasps rented the air as the town crier announced the arrival of the Alphas with their large entourage.
I felt Racheal's hold tighten on my hand as a smile crept to my lips. I patted her arms slowly as she turned to stare at me, I gave her a reasurring nod as she smiled back. I could tell she was really nervous about this whole thing.
As they finally walked into the gathering, their guards accompanied them as they helped to part the way for the triplets. I watched as jaws dropped and some girls couldn't help but faint on seeing their appearance.
I scoffed as Racheal made to faint also but I threw her a death glare as we ended up chuckling. I wonder what they found so intriguing about them that they were all drooling. Hundreds of girls drooling on just three normal guys.
“But you do know that they are not just any guys!” Racheal reminded as I gave her a hard stare. “How many times have I warned you not to snoop in on my thoughts?” I asked with a playful sneer as she chuckled, her eyes screaming mischief.
“I can't help it bestie…” She mumbled as she turned her gaze back to the Alphas who were now seated on their respective thrones. I could see excitement beaming in her eyes.
I glanced over at one of the triplets and for a moment, I thought he was staring at me. I blinked to be sure this was no joke but he was actually staring at me. In confusion and embarrassment, I looked away as my body heated up in anxiety and tension. Why was he staring at me? I wasn't even looking attractive in any way? I wore a shabby dress, a dress Isabella dumped in the thrash, I had no choice but to pick it up, since I had no other clothes to wear.
I glanced back at him but this time, his gaze was somewhere else as I exhaled in relief. Maybe he wasn't really staring at me. But why did I seem to like the fact that he noticed me ?
“Attention people…let the ceremony begin!” An elders voice rang out, slicing into my thoughts.
All the ladies began arranging themselves, forming a single file line, where the elders were to rotate the staff around them thrice. If it glows, they become the chosen mate but if it doesn't, they aren't the chosen one. Racheal and Isabella also joined the long line as I just watched on boringly. Inwardly, I silently prayed that Racheal got chosen because I knew how much it would hurt her if she isn't chosen.
Few minutes passed by and the staff was yet to glow. When it got to Isabella's turn, the staff still didn't glow and some people began to loose hope. It soon got to Racheal's turn but it still didn't glow, sadly she walked back to me. Tears brimmed in her eyes as I enveloped her in a hug, patting her back soothingly.
“Why not you give it a try?” She suddenly blurts out and I thought I misheard. “Why…no way!!” I said with a shrug as she narrowed her gaze at me.
“Common Bae…just give it a try….” She urged but I shook my head, maintaining my stance.
“I can't be the chosen one, there are so many qualified ladies from this pack as well as other neighboring packs. How do you expect me to compete with sophisticated ladies of high status?” I asked, totally downgrading my self esteem.
“Don't say that…status doesn't have anything to do with this.” Racheal urged, her persistence drove me to the single file line, as I joined the queue, which was getting shorter.
I'm doing this becuase Racheal wants me to, seems that was the only way she could feel better. Deep down, I knew that it was impossible to be their chosen mate so I wasn't even having any hope.
Soon, it got to the lady in front of me, I silently prayed that the staff should suddenly glow on her but it didn't as she burst out in tears and ran away. I scoffed as I shook my head, her reaction was hilarious causing the crowd to laugh out in mockery.
I thought I miscalculated time when everywhere suddenly went silent. Gasps soon rented the air as I stared around in confusion. What was going on? I noticed Isabella seeming as shocked as ever, jealousy and rage written all over her.
“She's the chosen one!” A lady cried out in a loud voice as the gasps increased.
