Bound by Lies

chapter 2

Isla

The pack members buzzed with excitement as the messenger's voice rang out, clear and commanding.

“Hear me, members of the Silver Moon Pack! Alpha Zane Ashford, our leader, will return from the human world in three days. He has decided to pick an Omega to be by his side as his bride and future Luna.”

The phrase caused ripples of whispers to spread through the throng. Omegas past and present gazed at each other with feverish glances while fluffing up their hair and fiddling with their clothes. It was, for all but a very few, an opportunity out of the blue. However, for me, it was just another indication of how invisible I was.

As if I'd ever get near an Alpha, I mumbled to myself.

I repositioned the basket on my arm, filled with wilted vegetables and leftover market produce. My stepmother had sent me out with just enough cash to buy nothing but table scraps. It was for “teaching me how to manage money,” she said, but I realized it was just another means of humiliation.

While I moved through the market, I overheard bits of conversations about Zane.

“He’s so handsome, I heard,” one Omega gushed, blushing. “And strong! They say he fought an entire rogue pack alone.”

“And don’t forget he is rich!” another added. “Can you imagine? A Luna with all that power?”

I stayed put and concentrated on my work. I could never get the things I wanted, so I used to daydream about owning all the things I couldn’t have.

“Hey, give that back!”

The sudden shout snapped me out of my thoughts. I let my eyes wander and caught sight of a boy running through the market with a fresh loaf of bread clutched tightly in his fists. The shopkeeper ran after him, face red with rage. Instinctively, I stepped into the boy’s path, extending my arm in an attempt to halt him.

“Stop!” I said firmly.

The boy tried to escape me, but I grabbed hold of his wrist.

“Let me go!” he cried, struggling against my grip.

“Stealing is wrong,” I said, softening my voice. “If you’re hungry, I can—”

“Got you, you little thief!” Before I could finish, the shopkeeper reached us and grabbed the boy by the collar.

“Please, I’m sorry! I was just hungry,” the boy begged, tears streaming down his face.

“Let him go,” a low voice sounded, piercing the air like a blade.

Everyone froze, including me. I turned to see a tall man standing a few feet away. He had dark hair, piercing green eyes, and an aura of authority that silenced the entire market.

The shopkeeper stuttered, “Alpha Zane… but—”

“Do not make me repeat myself.” His tone was calm, but there was no mistaking the command in it.

The shopkeeper released the boy immediately, bowing his head. “Of course, Alpha.”

The boy looked at Zane with wide eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you, sir.”

“Go home,” Zane said gently. “And stay out of trouble.”

The boy nodded and ran off into the crowd. Zane turned his focus to me, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“I—I’m okay,” I muttered, my voice trembling.

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. “You shouldn’t be out here alone. It’s not safe.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. No one had ever cared about my safety before.

Zane glanced at my basket, his brow furrowing. “Let me walk you home.”

“Oh, no, that’s not necessary,” I said quickly, but he was already gesturing for me to lead the way.

As we walked, I felt painfully aware of how out of place I looked beside him. His clothes were immaculate, his bearing perfect, while I looked like a beggar in rags, clutching the remains of a partially eaten meal.

When we reached the pack mansion, my heart sank. I knew what was waiting for me inside.

As we stepped through the door, Lena’s voice greeted us.

“Isla!” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “What are you doing with him?”

I flinched, but Zane didn’t seem fazed. His eyes flicked to Lena, and his expression remained unreadable.

“She was in the market,” he said simply. “I escorted her home.”

Lena’s eyes narrowed. “She’s not supposed to be wandering around. Someone like her—”

“Lena!” Celeste’s voice cut through the air, sharp and warning. She materialized from the sitting room, a mask of fake cheer upon her face.

“Alpha Zane,” Celeste said, bowing her head slightly. “Welcome. I apologize for my daughter’s rudeness. Isla is a bit of a troublemaker, but we’re doing our best to guide her.”

I bit my tongue to keep from protesting. Any argument would only make things worse.

Zane didn’t respond right away. He glanced at me, then back at Celeste. “I’ll be staying in the pack house for a while. And I look forward to talking about the future of the pack soon.”

“Of course, Alpha,” Celeste said smoothly. “We’re honored to have you here.”

Zane gave a curt nod and turned to leave. As he walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of loss, as if something important had slipped through my fingers.

The moment he was out of sight, Celeste’s smile vanished. She pulled me toward her, her nails digging into my flesh.

“What did you say to him, you little wench?” she spat harshly.

“Nothing,” I said quickly.

“You better not embarrass this family,” she snapped. “Stay out of his way, do you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

She released me with a shove, and I stumbled back, clutching my basket tightly. Lena smirked, clearly enjoying my humiliation.

Just then, the front door swung open, and my father came inside, halting my escape to the safety of my room. He looked tired, as always, but his presence still carried the weight of authority.

“Victor,” Celeste said, her tone suddenly sweet. “You’re home early.”

“I heard Zane is here,” he said, his eyes scanning the room. When they landed on me, his expression hardened. “What’s she doing here?”

I froze, dread pooling in my stomach. Whatever came next, I knew it wouldn’t be good.