Breeder For The Cursed King

Pain shot through Athena’s stomach as she forced herself off the cold floor. Every breath reminded her of what Alpha Lucas had done to her last night. Her ribs ached, her body screamed for rest but omegas didn’t get rest. The beating had been cruel. She had to keep moving. If she didn’t start preparing the pack’s breakfast before sunrise, another beating would be waiting. Gritting her teeth, she shoved the pain aside and made her way to the kitchen. “Oh, look who’s still breathing,” Lily’s sharp voice sliced through the room the moment Athena walked in. She was dating the beta, who happened to be the alpha’s brother. She’s the pack’s golden girl. Athena’s daily nightmare. “Good morning,” Athena said softly, forcing herself to ignore the venom in Lily’s tone. “What’s good about this morning when I have to see your ugly face first thing?” Lily sneered. Athena didn’t answer. Talking back only made things worse. She focused on the pots and pans, chopping vegetables, stirring the soup, kneading the bread dough. Her hands moved fast, almost on autopilot, while her mind went numb. The smell of roasted meat soon drifted through the air, and the first pack members began filing downstairs. Laughter bounced off the walls of the dining hall as Athena carried tray after tray, setting plates in front of wolves who looked at her as if she were nothing. “Why are you walking like that?” Alpha Lucas’s deep voice made her freeze. “Stand up straight! You move like a broken dog!” Laughter erupted around the room. Athena swallowed hard, forcing herself to straighten and walk normally. Every step stabbed through her stomach, but she didn’t stop. Ryan sat near the Alpha, his brown eyes once warm now cold and hard. He looked at her as if her very presence was disgusting. Athena dropped her gaze immediately, turning away. Her life was hell. She was the pack’s omega, the weakling nobody respected. When the pack finally finished eating, Athena scraped the leftovers into a bowl. Her stomach growled, and she ate fast, desperate to get something inside her before anyone noticed. “Athena!” The sharp sound of Luna Becca’s voice made her freeze. Her heart hammered as she hurried to meet her. “Yes, Luna?” Athena asked, bowing quickly. Becca’s eyes scanned her from head to toe with pure disgust. “How many times must I tell you? I don’t eat large portions anymore. And I’m vegetarian now. Are you deaf?” “I’m sorry, Luna—” “Sorry for yourself,” Becca snapped, grabbing her plate and dumping the leftovers over Athena. The food splashed across her dress, dripping down her arms. Alpha Lucas caught Becca’s hand gently. “Don’t upset yourself over this filth, my love,” he said, calm and even. Becca scoffed, sitting back down but still glaring at Athena. “If you had broken her bones properly last night, she wouldn’t have forgotten.” The words hit harder than any strike could. “Go make me something light. Oatmeal. And be quick about it,” she ordered. Athena nodded and hurried back to the kitchen. Her hands shook as she grabbed the ingredients. Tears burned behind her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Omegas didn’t cry, not where anyone could see. Her wolf stayed silent inside her, quiet as it had been for years. Afraid, maybe. She healed slower than anyone else. Every bruise, every broken rib took weeks. She stirred the oatmeal carefully, forcing herself to focus. Tonight was the full moon, and the festival night for initiated female wolves. Athena would turn twenty tonight, the night she was supposed to meet her mate. Will my mate even accept me? she wondered, a pit forming in her stomach. Her wolf rarely communicated with her, and she didn’t shift like the others, but she could feel the wolf inside her, quiet and restless. I hope my mate accepts me… she thought. Then maybe I can finally leave this hell of a pack. She dished the oatmeal onto a plate and carefully served it to Luna Becca, who looked at her with those same cold, hateful eyes. Athena forced herself to meet her gaze for just a moment before looking away. — Night fell quickly, the moon rising bright and full. Athena studied her reflection in the mirror. Her dress was faded and worn, but it was still manageable. She tugged at the hem nervously, wishing it could somehow make her feel stronger. Lily appeared in the doorway, a sneer on her face. “You look really ugly right now. Hope you know that,” she said. Athena didn’t respond. “Are you deaf, mutt? I said you look ugly!” Lily went on, stepping closer. Athena let out a slow sigh, locking eyes with her tormentor. “I know. There’s no need to remind me.” Lily’s eyes widened in surprise, then she scoffed. “Such a sharp mouth for something so weak and pathetic.” She leaned in, her voice dripping with cruelty. “Anyway, I’m sure your mate will reject you on the spot. You’re so ugly… ugh.” Lily turned and walked away. Athena exhaled heavily, a tear slipping down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly and stepped out into the night. The festival grounds were filled with wolves scattered in small groups, chatting and laughing. Athena’s eyes wandered, seeing pairs of newly bonded mates embracing. A girl squealed as she clung to her mate, and another laughed as she hugged her own. Athena’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. Then a sudden scent hit her, sharp and undeniable. Her wolf, silent for so long, let out a piercing, excited squeal. Mate… mate… mate… Athena froze, her pulse racing. Her mate was near. She moved quickly, heart hammering, desperate to see who it could be. Ryan came into view, looking around as if he were searching for someone. The scent grew stronger. Athena’s stomach dropped. Ryan’s eyes narrowed, and he muttered under his breath. “No… no… no…” Oh no… Ryan is my mate, Athena thought, frozen with disbelief. “You can’t be my mate,” he growled, his voice low and furious. “Ryan—” she began, but he held up his hand to silence her. “You… of all people? Never!” His growl shook the night air. A small crowd began to gather, sensing the tension. Ryan threw his head back and laughed, a cruel, scornful sound. “How can a weak thing like you be my mate?” he spat again. “Wow… she’s his mate?” someone murmured, astonished. “Pathetic,” another whispered, laughter following. “I—Ryan, brother of Alpha Lucas and beta of this pack, reject you as my mate,” he growled, his words sharp and cutting. Athena’s knees gave way. Tears slipped freely down her face as the laughter of the pack echoed around her. Her world blurred, spinning in a cruel, unrelenting whirlwind of shame and heartbreak. Ryan turned and marched away, his anger radiating, leaving her standing alone. Athena whirled on her heels and ran, the cold night air biting at her skin as she fled, every step a mixture of pain, humiliation and disbelief.