THE OMEGA'S ASCENTS

Chapter One The first thing Eva realised when she opened her eyes was the perfectly decorated bedchamber she lay in. Earlier, her father had decided to marry her off to Erion's most hated villain—Alpha Lucas. He was nicknamed the Grim Reaper, because wherever he went, death followed. “Father actually sold me out for a place in his council,” she muttered to herself as she struggled to untie the rope binding her wrist. She had always known the Miles family was ambitious. They would do anything to gain more power and influence. But despite being born of low blood, Eva was still part of their bloodline. She was not some object they could simply trade away whenever it pleased them. “Finally!” she exclaimed when the rope finally loosened. Eva rubbed her sore wrist before carefully climbing out of the bed. She moved toward the door, keeping her footsteps as quiet as possible. Just as she reached for the handle, she heard voices from the hallway. She froze. Quickly, Eva stepped back and hid behind the heavy curtains beside the door. “Sir, what do you intend to do with your so-called bride?” a man asked. “Honestly, Devon, I don't know.” Lucas's voice was deep and dangerously calm. “I thought the Miles family would at least send me a suitable bride. Someone I could use as a sword whenever they decide to betray me.” There was a brief silence. “But instead, I'm stuck with a low-born omega,” Lucas added. “I suggest we send her to the North,” another man said. “She could be useful at the military base.” “Come on, Richard.” Lucas gave a low chuckle. “It's tough out there. A woman like that wouldn't survive.” He paused. “Besides, her ill fate led her here.” The hallway suddenly fell silent. Eva's heart pounded. Then— BANG! The door flew open. Eva flinched. Alpha Lucas was coming. She had heard countless terrifying stories about the man. Some even claimed he had killed his own father and exiled his younger brother just to secure his position on the throne. If he could do that to his own family, what would stop him from doing the same to someone like her? Footsteps echoed through the chamber. Slow. Heavy. Getting closer. Eva held her breath as Lucas entered the room, his footsteps deliberately slow as he searched for her. Then his voice came from somewhere in the darkness. “I know you're in here.” Eva's breath caught. She pressed herself further against the wall, silently praying that the curtains would conceal her. The footsteps stopped. For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then— “Do you really think a curtain can hide you from me?” Eva's eyes widened. Before she could move, the curtain was pulled aside. Their eyes met. Alpha Lucas stood before her. He was nothing like she had imagined. There was no blood on his hands. No murderous expression. No wildness in his eyes. Instead, he looked perfectly composed. His dark hair was slightly dishevelled, and his black shirt clung to his broad shoulders. His expression was unreadable as his cold gaze travelled over her. Eva instinctively stepped back. Lucas noticed. “You're afraid of me.” It wasn't a question. Eva swallowed. “Shouldn't I be?” One of his brows lifted. “You've heard the stories.” “I've heard enough.” A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Then you should also know that most stories about me are lies.” “Are they?” His smile disappeared. Eva immediately regretted challenging him. Lucas stepped closer. She refused to move back. Even though every instinct inside her screamed at her to run. “So,” he said, stopping a few feet away, “you're the woman the Miles family decided was worthy of becoming my wife.” Eva's jaw tightened. “Apparently.” He studied her for a moment. “You don't seem pleased.” “I was tied to a bed and delivered here without my consent. What do you think?” Something flickered in his eyes. Amusement? Perhaps irritation. “I see.” Lucas turned away from her and walked toward the table. Eva watched him carefully. He poured himself a glass of wine. “You know why your father sent you here?” Eva's fingers curled into her palm. “To get rid of me.” Lucas took a slow sip. “Partly.” Her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” He placed the glass down. “Your father wants something from me.” Eva already knew that. “A seat on the council.” Lucas's gaze met hers. “Exactly.” Eva's stomach twisted. “So he traded his daughter for political power.” “He traded an omega he never wanted for political power.” The words struck harder than she expected. Eva's face remained expressionless, but something inside her cracked. Lucas noticed. For the first time, his expression softened. Barely. “Did you think he was sending you here because he cared about you?” Eva looked away. “No.” “Then don't disappoint yourself by expecting anything from him now.” Silence settled between them. Lucas picked up his glass again. “As for you…” His eyes returned to hers. “You have two choices.” Eva slowly looked at him. “What choices?” “You can spend the rest of your life fearing me.” He took another sip. “Or you can learn how to survive being my wife.” Lucas set his glass down. “Before you start imagining what being my wife means, let me make something clear.” Eva remained silent. “I don't love you.” The bluntness of his words caught her off guard. Lucas continued, his expression unreadable. “I didn't choose you. Your father offered you to me because he wants a seat on my council, and I accepted because your bloodline is useful to me.” Eva's fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. “Then why marry me?” “Because I need the Miles family until I become king.” Her eyes widened slightly. Lucas walked toward the window, his hands clasped behind his back. “Once I take the throne, I will have complete control over this pack. I won't need your father's support anymore.” “And me?” “You'll remain my wife.” Eva frowned. “Why?” “Because a king cannot afford to look weak.” He turned to face her. “Our marriage will be nothing more than an arrangement. In public, we will appear to be the perfect couple. You will stand beside me, smile when necessary, and play the part of a devoted wife.” “And in private?” “Nothing.” The answer came without hesitation. Eva stared at him. Lucas's gaze hardened. “You will live by my rules while you are under my roof. You will not interfere with my affairs, question my decisions, or involve yourself in matters that don't concern you.” He paused. “And there is one rule you should remember above all others.” Eva waited. “Do not fall in love with me.” Her heart gave an unexpected beat. Lucas stepped closer. “And don't waste your time trying to make me fall in love with you.” His voice was calm, but there was no room for misunderstanding. “This marriage will end the moment I no longer need it.” Eva stared at him. For the first time since waking up in this strange room, something inside her settled. She had been sold. But perhaps she didn't have to lose herself in the process. “If that's all,” she said quietly, “then I believe we understand each other.” Lucas studied her face. “You're not going to cry?” Eva raised an eyebrow. “Would that make you happier?” For a moment, neither spoke. Then Lucas gave a faint, humourless smile. “Perhaps this marriage won't be as boring as I thought.”