ALPHA REDEMPTION PATH

Diana's POV "What is going on?" I asked, pushing my way through the excited crowd. The market was bustling with activity, especially the dress shops. "Don't you know?" A random lady said, turning her head to me. "The blood moon is in three days." "Oh, Thank you." I replied and walked away. It was getting late and I had to get back to the building. The small bag that was held tight to my chest had enough bread to last me three days if I could manage it enough. I sighed heavily, perhaps tomorrow I would go back to the market for some jobs I could do. It had been two weeks now. And I could safely say I hadn't seen any of them. I knew it was the right thing coming to moon crest pack. At least for now, I would be safe. Even though I still had to look over my shoulder at every turn. I got deeper into the forest, closer to the abandoned barn that had become my home ever since I came to moon crest pack. It was dark and cold, but it was free from prying eyes. It was late by the time I got 'home' I kept the bag of bread and some water inside the barn and went outside. There was a small river close by where I took my baths. I had to be quick before anyone saw me. I bathed quickly and rushed back to the barn. "Oh no!" I cried out, rushing inside. A small dog had found its way inside the barn and ate the bread. "Get out of here!" I shooed it out, chasing it away. The bag was empty, all my food for three days gone. I sighed heavily, slumping on the floor. The day's work was wasted. I felt tears prick my eyes as I stared at what was left of the crumbs. "Why does this always happen to me?" I sobbed. That means I'll have to sleep hungry. I stared out of the ceiling with parts of it missing. The moon was almost full, and the tears rushed down my eyes. All I ever wanted was a life free from suffering. A life where I won't have to run all the time. Was that too much to ask the moon goddess for? *** "What do you mean? The pack house?" I asked the woman in front of me. The woman glared hotly at me. "Didn't you hear what I said?!" She grabbed a basket of bread and thrust it into my arms. "We're supplying the pack house for the ceremony! Get to work!" It felt like a dream. The next day, I went out in search of work. I found some meager jobs washing vegetables but at least I had food for the day. The next day was the same thing. But I had forgotten that today was the blood moon festival! I went out to look for a job as always and I got accepted by a bakery to help with some delivery. I didn't know the delivery would be to the pack house. I stared at the basket of bread in my hands. It was freshly made and smelled very appetizing, my stomach growling in hunger. "Hurry up!" The boss shouted. "Follow the other girls! The ceremony is in mere hours! We can't be late, alpha Lucian hates that!" I turned my head, and sure I saw the other girls carrying the baskets of food. My heart was racing. In all the time I had been on the run, I had tried to make sure that I didn't attract attention to myself from the pack leaders. That included the alpha, beta and anyone of high authority. And yet now I was going to the pack house. "You're still here?" I heard the woman say, making me turn to her. "Girl, do you want to lose your...." My stomach's loud growling cut her off. I turned red, it had to choose the worst times ever! The woman blinked in shock. Then she sighed and took a paper bag and gave it to me. "Eat that " She said sternly. "And get walking!" "Thank you so much ma'am! I..." "Just move." She said with a dismissive wave. I nodded. I was eager to leave anyway. I followed the girls, keeping a distance between me and them. I could overhear their conversations, they talked excitedly about finding their mates. I wasn't interested in getting a mate. All I wanted was a normal life. But it didn't hurt listening to them and their dreams. We got to the pack house and my goddess it was magnificent. The main building was the biggest pack house I had ever seen, towering into the sky. There was other smaller building attached to it, but it was over all very beautiful. I wonder what it was like to live here, did they ever worry about kidnappers? I guess not. We were led by the guards into the main kitchens. It was huge, everything white and tiled from top to bottom. It was a hub of activities, so many chefs running around, shouting orders and preparing food. The aroma in the air was mouthwatering and I wish I could get a taste of the delicacies on display. We offloaded our goods, I held the papper bag and looked inside. There was a sandwich and a small bottle of water. I said a silent thank you to the boss, she was so kind to feed me. I took the sandwich and was about to take a bite of it when someone started clapping, calling our attention "Thank you all so much ladies!" A man's voice rising above the noise made me pause. I put the sandwich back into the bag and turned to the owner of the voice. "That's Beta Kane.." One of the girls standing beside me whispered to another. "Is he unmated?" The other girl asked. "Yes." "Oh my....I pray to Celeste that she mates me to him...he's so fine..." "Ladies please," Beta Kane called out, making the whispers die down. "Thank you so much for your work today. As you know, the ceremony is starting soon. Feel free to join the party." "We will, thank you!" One of the girls called out. The party? Yeah right. I wasn't going to attend that. I turned to leave. All I wanted to do was eat my sandwich in peace and go back home. "Hey," I heard someone call, grabbing me by the arm. I turned to see a girl of about my age? She was smiling at me. "Yes?" "Where are you going? There's a party you know?" I sighed. "I'm not going." Her smile faltered. "Oh, you don't want the free food? The chance to meet alpha Lucian in person?" I shook my head. She smiled and hooked her arm with mine. "Sorry! You're coming with me!" "But..." I started to protest but she was dragging me out of the kitchen. I sighed and followed her. "What's your name? I'm Eva." "Diana." I said. "I have a feeling we'll be best friends!" Eva said with a loud cheer. I doubt it. I've never had a friend. Mostly because I never stayed in one place long enough to actually bond with anyone. But I didn't tell Eva that. We joined the party, and thankfully we stayed away from the crowds. I wasn't interested in what was going on, but the time I had slipped away from Eva she found me and dragged me back. The mating ceremony started. All around me, people were getting their mates. The excitement and joy was palpable in the air. I wished I could partake in it. But I would leave here unmated. I was sure of it. "Oh my goddess! Diana!" Eva gasped, tapping my arm hard. "What?" I sighed. "Another mating? I've seen a lot of them already and..." I felt a wave hit me. A very intimidating aura filled the air, getting more intense and closer to me. This was the aura of an alpha! The crowd in front of us parted ways, and a man came into view. I felt my breath leave my lungs. The man was very tall, and his eyes....his eyes were so scary. "Alpha Lucian!" Eva gasped and went down on her knees. I couldn't move. Alpha Lucian got closer and closer, and my heart beat faster out of pure fear. Had I done something wrong? Did I take something? Did I.... "Mate." Alpha Lucian said, his voice deep and thundering.