The Alpha King’s Broken Mate

A good way to die

NAMIKO

Calling myself crazy was an understatement for blindly following a stranger to somewhere unknown to me, and not running out of these woods the moment I got the chance

Not because I couldn't, but because I saw no reason to, with the thought that my life might go extremely well if I successfully stay in the King’s pack, without anyone figuring out my lies. Due to the low chance of something bad happening.

But aside from that, I needed to survive, I needed bags of coins to get around here, lay low, and figure out what my future holds.

My feet came to a halt with a slight realization of my situation and the woman's words. How could I commit myself to the job of a healer without any actual payment for service? Her help and kindness would have been enough if I weren't desperate.

She noticed I had stopped, and slowly turned to face me, “Why have you stopped, child? Our destination is no longer further than you may think; we are almost at the alpha king’s residence.”

“Residence? Are we in the Red Moon pack already?” I asked, a jolt of panic surging through my veins.

Why I suddenly got nervous, I couldn't pinpoint. Maybe walking right into another territory to lie isn't the best way to change.

“We have been on the Alpha's property since you entered my cabin. It is only smart that I take you further in. Well, except you wish not to move any further, and go back to where you came from. The dam is the only way back.”

I raised a brow at her words, “You knew?”

“Knew what?” She replied with a question, clearly feigning ignorance.

“I am not taking the dress as payment” I blurted out. Standing on the change, I was trying to secure myself. This was a start.

“What do you want?” she narrowed her gaze at me.

“Pay me like you would pay a helping hand. You have seen what I can do. There's no denying the fact that you need me…” I paused to see her reaction.

“So if you want me to work for you, then you have to adhere to my request.” I continued, “I can repay you for the dress when I have made just enough.”

She shook her head, “No, keep it. It's your first day's pay. If you impress me, we will have a deal with some extra reward.”

“Thank you, um….” I trailed off, realizing I didn't know her name.

“Astrid.” She gave me a small smile.

“Thank you, Astrid,” I repeated, returning the smile.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We finally arrived at the Alpha King’s palace, and it was nothing like I had hoped to see. It looked heavenly, and majestic. Nothing like I had ever seen in my small clan.

I thought of what my life would be like if I lived in a palace like this, unbothered by my past and just starting afresh.

A fairy tale, that's what they are called, sometimes they come true, and other times, they don't. For me, it was never going to come true.

My plan remains simple: get enough coins to travel far and start my life again. As soon as I get my hands on just the right amount, the world will cease to know Namiko ever existed.

I looked at Astrid beside me, and she was staring right back at me, with the kindest eyes.

After everything I had been through, trust was the last thing I could think to offer, despite how generous she's been to me. It's unfortunate that I still see her as someone unworthy of my trust.

“Are you ready?” She asked and I nodded with a small sigh, “Yeah.”

She stepped forward, leading me into the magnificent structure that words could do no justice in describing its beauty.

Deep within, I couldn't shake off the fact that the Alpha of the Red Moon pack will be visiting my pack during the week that follows. That bastard, Nelson will finally get the expansion that he wants.

If only the Goddess would avenge the injustice done to me and aid The Alpha to see through my father's lies.

After a few turns in between corridors, we finally walked into a large hall, and the first thing that hit my nose was the strong stench of blood and sweat.

My stomach twisted, and I palmed my mouth to stop me from puking on the floor.

Astrid moved freely as though the sight before us wasn't already terrible. I have never seen a gory scene like this in my entire life. A room filled with naked, bloody men, with chunks of their flesh missing, some with missing limbs, and others with sickening claw slits.

My chest ceased and heaved from breathlessness, and my stomach twisted even more.

I shook my head, unable to stand the sight “No…” I paused, holding my throat to calm the invisible force threatening to push out everything within me.

“No,” I inhaled and exhaled, I needed air!

Astrid walked up to me, “Child, are you alright?” She asked to touch me, but I backed up.

She smiled, knowing fully well this wasn't a situation for smiles. “It's your first time, so I understand your fear. But trust me, you will get used to this as a healer!” she said, almost confidently, as she hands over a blood-soaked rag to me, “Dip in the cold water and get a grip, the maids need more hands”

“I can't.” I held my head, my vision swirling.

“Are you okay?” Astrid asked, her smile fading as worry replaced them.

I blinked to steady my vision, but it only got worse. I knew I couldn't stay here, not even for a second more.

“I am sorry. . . I have to go. . . ”

I dropped the drained rag on the floor and dashed out, running out of the palace and into the woods.

I failed on my first day, it's only day one, and I already messed up this badly. It was too much, and I just couldn't hold back.

Astrid must be really disappointed now, I wonder if she would take me back now. I mean who would need a weakling as their assistant healer?

The grass crunched under my feet, branches squeaking and scraping above me as I ran through the woods.

It should have scared me, but somehow. . . it calmed me, clearing my mind from the horrid scene.

My lungs burned with every breath I took, sharp and painful, but I welcomed it as I kept running as fast as I could until it felt like my chest might split open.

I stopped and crashed in the middle of nowhere, hearing pounding heavily in my chest, which almost silenced everything else.

I sat in that spot for a while before inhaling, using the ground as a support to get up and turn in the direction I came from.

Rather than taking a step forward, I froze. Something was off.

A strange, crawling feeling took over. I turned in circles, trying to figure out the path that actually led back to the palace. The woods suddenly looked darker, heavier. Panic crept up my throat. How was I supposed to find my way back?

Then I heard a snarl and my breath hitched.

I swiftly turned and my jaw dropped,

a wolf. The biggest wolf I had ever seen in all of my existence.

He stood there, still as stone, staring right at me. His fur was pure white, glowing under the full moon like fresh snow, and his eyes were sharp, icy-blue. Sealed onto mine. I forced out a shaky breath, but it did nothing to settle my racing heart.

A shiver ran down my spine. My heartbeat spun out of control, tangled between fear and something else I didn’t understand. Something that felt a little too close to excitement.

He looked like an Alpha wolf, I had never seen one this beautiful. So if this were my last moment on earth, I could brag a little about seeing an Alpha wolf.

He watched me, like he was testing me, daring me to run so he could chase.

I was terrified enough to run, but my body refused to move. Even if I tried, I wouldn’t get far. He would catch me before I made it ten steps.

No one would hear me scream. I had gone too far from the palace.

His teeth flashed, bright and sharp. A snarl ripped through the air, followed by the snap of powerful jaws that made my stomach drop.

And then he charged.

I screamed as my legs gave out, and I hit the ground. I couldn’t move, couldn’t look away. He was huge. . . beautiful in a wild, dangerous way.

If I weren’t about to be his next meal, maybe I would have admired him longer. But I couldn’t sense anything from him. There was no path to reading his mind because it was shut tight.

Maybe this is it. Maybe this is where my life ends.

I closed my eyes and prayed he would go for my head first. Quick, clean, and less pain.

I waited, but there was nothing.

He didn’t attack. He just snarled and paced around me, claiming the space like it already belonged to him.

I peeked up at him again. He was still staring, still stripping me bare with that look, like he could see every broken part of me.

And instead of shrinking away. . . I wanted him to see even more of me.

I liked it.

Why?

My hand lifted before I could stop it, brushing his fur, and a spark settled in the depths of my stomach that a small gasp escaped my lips. But the wolf didn’t react at all, remaining still like a statue.

He didn’t snap or flinch. The moment felt strange, like a mate. I had heard so many whispers about what it felt like. And something about this was closely familiar, except I am wolfless and it's impossible to feel the bond without a wolf.

Aside from being wolf-less, who would want someone like me? A damaged little wolf. The thought stung more than I wanted to admit.

A rustle behind him yanked me back to reality. I pulled my hand so quickly my fingers grazed where I had been holding. As several wolves, five or more, burst into the clearing.

Oh s**t!

He wasn’t alone.

I scrambled to my feet, my heart slamming around my chest.

Oh Goddess, he was waiting to share me with the rest of his pack, and I foolishly thought he was fascinated by me.

This should have been the perfect time to shift and run as fast as I could, but I couldn’t. I never could. I was cursed.

Still, I turned in the opposite direction, running as fast as my tiny legs could carry me.

I didn’t get far before something heavy slammed into me, knocking the world sideways.

My back hit the ground hard, and everything went dark in an instant.