Bound to the Billionaire Alpha

Elara's hand cracked across my cheek, sending a searing pain through my face. I stumbled backward, my eyes welling up with tears. "Get out of here, traitor's daughter," Elara sneered, her foot kicking my stomach. "You do not deserve our help you stupid bitch." I bent forward, trying to catch my breath. My thoughts snapped back to my reason for coming I needed to see Alpha Victor, to beg for help. My mother was bedridden. She had a terminal illness and needed urgent help. The hospital said treatment was possible, but expensive. Desperate, I came to the Alpha's house, hoping he'd grant me an audience. As I stood before Elara, I explained my purpose. "Please, Elara, I need to speak with Alpha Victor. My mother is dying. I need his help to pay for her treatment." Elara was the daughter of the ruthless Alpha of our pack. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like silk, framing piercing green eyes that sparkled with malice. Her lips curled into a nasty snarl everytime she looked at me. It was difficult to forget all the times she bullied me. I was mistreated by the entire pack but Elara was the queen of all the bullies. Silent tears rolled down my face. I quickly wiped them away, annoyed at my own tears. F*ck! Why was I this weak? Elara's expression twisted in disgust. "Your mother's fate is of no concern to us. Your father's betrayal sealed her fate." All my efforts to get her to see what I was going through were useless. "You are nothing but a worthless piece of s**t, Athena. And people like you don't deserve our mercy." Elara's hand clenched into a fist, ready to strike again. Alpha Victor's booming voice halted Elara's fist mid-air. "What is going on here?" he demanded, his gaze darting back and forth between Elara and me. My eyes met his and for a brief moment I felt a wave of relief. My shoulders relaxed, and my lips parted to explain. But Elara intervened, her voice dripping with venom. "Father, the traitor's daughter came begging for money to treat her useless mother." Alpha Victor's expression darkened, his brows furrowing. His eyes narrowed, taking in every single detail of my body I opened my mouth, but Elara's words had already poisoned the air. Alpha Victor's face twisted in disgust, his lip curling. "Athena, daughter of the traitor," he growled, his voice like thunder. "You dare come to my doorstep, seeking charity?" His words slapped me, and I felt my face burn with both shame and desperation all at the same time Elara's smirk returned, triumphant. Her eyes sparkled with mischief Alpha Victor's gaze lingered on me, his expression unyielding. "Your mother's fate is a consequence of your father's actions," he declared, his voice cold, detached. "You will not benefit from our pack's generosity." "How can he speak of my mother like that? Doesn't he understand?" The tears started to form again round the corner of my eyes. I knew this was the end for my mother. I felt like I was being pulled into quicksand and I was not fighting back. Why couldn't they understand? My mother did nothing wrong and now she is at the point of death "Leave now, Athena," Alpha Victor commanded, his tone final, dismissive. "Do not darken our doorstep again." Elara's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. As I turned to leave, Alpha Victor's parting words cut through me: "Your bastard father's shame will forever taint you, Athena. Remember your place." I turned away, my eyes heavy with tears. But I dared not cry, not in front of Alpha Victor. My feet carried me silently out of the Alpha's house, away from Elara's triumphant smile. The cold night air hit me like a slap, but i needed its chill. I walked staring at the ground, trying so hard not to cry. I tightened my jaw, swallowing up the tears. Not here. Not now. Not in front of them. My heart was pounding heavily in my chest. Almost like it wanted to tear its way out My mother's ever smiling face flashed in my mind. I had failed her. Walking away from Alpha’s house I felt swallowed up by the darkness. Somewhere in my heart I knew this would happen. I expected it. But I had no choice. My mother's fragile face haunted me. Her weak smile, her sunken eyes. I just could not bear the thought of losing her. All the pack members hated me, shut me down at every chance they got. I was an outcast, a reminder of my father's betrayal. But my mother... she was all I had. Why did it have to be like this? Why did my father's mistake define me? I thought of my mother's words, "You are not your father, Athena. You are strong, kind, and worthy." But the pack didn't see it that way. I quickened my pace, my feet carrying me toward the outskirts of our territory. The doctor's words echoing in my head "Treatment is expensive, but it's her only chance." Desperation clawed at my heart. I had to find a way for my mother. As I walked, my mind racing, I remembered Tina's words: "If you're desperate, Athena, I know a way." Tina was a friend. The only one who actually cared about her but even she could not risk being seen with Athena in the open. Tina worked at the Red Moon Club, a place where the pack's wealthy and powerful gathered. My stomach twisted, nausea rising just at the thought of it. Tina had hinted at a one-night arrangement with a wealthy patron. A single night, a hefty sum that would be able to save my mother But at what cost? My virginity. My self-respect. The thought made my skin crawl but what other choice did I have?My mother's face floated in my mind. I would do anything. Anything. Tears pricked at my eyes but I took a deep breath and made my decision. I will visit Tina at the red moon club tonight and seal my fate.