The Vampire Twins' Breeder

Chapter 01 Aurelia’s POV “I'm tired of caring for a worthless child!" The words hit me as soon as I arrived at my family's front door. For a second, I could feel that pain of being hated by my stepmother, but I didn't let it get to me. At least she gave me food and a roof over my head and I was grateful she hasn't forced my dad to throw me out. “She helps with the farm," he replied casually and I winced. Of course my father's only concern was his large pig farm which was doing worse and worse by the day. He had over a hundred staff and I was one of them. It didn't matter that I was his first daughter, I worked and ate with the other servants. As I heard their voices from inside, I wiped sweat from my neck with the back of my hand and stacked the last basket of tools by the shed. I was exhausted to my bones but I told myself I was used to it. Most days, I even believed it. It did not matter that my step sister, Elira, wore silk and jewels while I worked all day. It did not matter that the pack bowed to her while they barely looked at me. I was an omega wolf and I didn't deserve better. “I have put up with her long enough!” I heard her snap and I immediately paused. Perhaps going in there wasn't such a good idea. She was often very violent when angry and I didn't want to piss her off. I stopped at the door and was about to turn back to the farm to find some work to do, when I heard her next words. “I’m telling you, Garrick, she is nothing but dead weight,” my stepmother hissed. “Eight years and not even a hint of a wolf. She has brought so much shame to this family.” My heart stuttered as I pressed myself against the wall and inhaled deeply. “She works hard,” Father replied reluctantly. “Maybe she can be sent to live on the farm with the rest of the servants.” “We can hire more servants. Let her leave!" I jerked up at her tone. She means business. “And the Choosing is tonight. What if she has a mate? We could wait for the next ceremony, just to be sure,” my father asked. Elira laughed and that was when I realized she was right there with them. “A mate? Father, please. She’s an omega. No wolf. No power. No Alpha would ever want her. You’re clinging to hope where there is none.” Mother scoffed. “Exactly. We have buyers already. People who need worthless girls like her. They’ll pay well. We tell her after the ceremony, so she doesn’t make a scene.” My ears rang. Buyers. Sold. The words felt unreal, like they belonged to a cattle, not a person. Father was quiet for a moment. Too quiet. Then he sighed. “If that’s what you both think is best.” Something inside me cracked. My heart split enough to let the pain seep in. “Oh, and don’t worry,” Elira said brightly. “I’ll make sure she comes to the ceremony tonight. It will be her last one anyway. Might as well let her enjoy it.” Their voices continued to talk about Elira and her perfect life and how she'd find her mate tonight. I did not wait to hear more. I turned and slipped back out the way I came, my hands trembling so badly I had to clench them into fists. I ran toward the ceremonial grounds without thinking, my feet carrying me through the familiar paths that led to the Royal Pack House. I told myself I wanted to watch, that I wanted to feel the energy of the pack one last time. The truth was simpler. I needed something to hold onto before everything was taken from me. The clearing was already filled when I arrived. Beautifully dressed maidens stood together in soft colors, their hair braided and adorned with flowers. They looked radiant, hopeful and very alive. I knew they were all betas and alpha bloodline. I wasn't accepted in their midst and so I stayed near the back, as always. Then the crowd parted as the Alpha stopped into the center of the podium. Alpha Kael Horace. I had seen powerful men before, but nothing prepared me for him. Each time I stole a glance at him, I was breathless. He was tall, handsome and powerful in a way that made me speechless. Dark hair fell over dark eyes and beautiful patterns of tattoos designed his strong forearms. The entire pack bowed as he stepped out. My chest tightened. Even I could not deny it. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. The ceremony began. One by one, maidens stepped forward. Kael touched their faces gently, searching, waiting for the bond to spark. Each time, nothing happened, and he moved on without a word. I told myself not to look. I knew he'd never take notice of a worthless girl like me. When he reached the center, his gaze lifted, sweeping over the crowd. For a brief, foolish moment, his eyes met mine. My breath caught. Then he pointed. “You.” The word echoed in my ears. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Me? A guard moved toward me, confusion written all over his face. “Alpha, she is—” “I said, you,” Kael repeated, his voice firm. “Come here.” My legs felt weak as I stepped forward. Every eye followed me and shame burned my skin. I was wearing dirty clothes straight from the farm. He stood before me, close enough that I could feel his warmth then he lifted his hand, hesitating only a second before touching my chin. His fingers were gentle and careful. That was when the world stopped. Heat exploded through my chest, wild and overwhelming. The bond snapped into place with a force that stole my breath. Power rushed through me, wrapping around my heart and my very soul. Kael’s eyes widened and his hand tightened slightly. “You,” he said again, softer this time. “You are my mate.” Gasps filled the clearing. I swayed, dizzy at his words. Could this be possible? Tears were streaming down my face. Me. Chosen?