The Ruthless Alpha

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pack grounds, but I knew better than to let myself linger in them. Shadows offered no safety, no reprieve. For someone like me, there was no escape, not even in the fading light of day. I pulled the laundry from the line with trembling hands, my fingers aching from the morning’s beatings. My body was a map of bruises and scars, each one telling a story I wished I could forget. My wolf, once a vibrant part of me, had long retreated into the depths of my mind. I couldn’t even feel her anymore, not since the punishments and the endless whispers that I was too weak, too pathetic, to be part of the Silverclaw pack. “Move faster, mutt!” a sharp voice rang out behind me. I stiffened, my heart sinking. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was. Cassandra, the Alpha’s daughter, was the kind of beauty that stopped hearts, but hers was as cold as the winter winds. Her long, golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, her piercing blue eyes scanning me with disdain. She was the queen of this pack, and I was her favourite target. “I said move faster!” Cassandra snapped, striding toward me. Her heels clicked against the pavement, and the sound made my stomach churn. “Yes, Cassandra,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. I focused on the sheets in my hands, trying to avoid her gaze. “That’s Miss Cassandra to you, omega,” she hissed, grabbing my arm and yanking me upright. I bit back a gasp as pain shot through my bruised ribs. “Do you even understand your place here? You’re nothing. Less than nothing. If my father didn’t pity you, you’d be dead already.” I swallowed hard, my throat dry. This was my life. Every day was a fight to endure the cruelty, to avoid the worst of the beatings, and to survive another day. “I’m sorry, Miss Cassandra,” I whispered. She sneered, shoving me back so hard that I stumbled into the basket of laundry. The clothes spilt out, and I scrambled to pick them up, my hands shaking. Behind her, a few of her friends laughed, their taunts blending into the usual background noise of my existence. Cassandra leaned in close, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “You’ll never be anything more than a useless omega. You should thank me for keeping you in line. Without me, you’d have no purpose at all.” I didn’t respond. I’d learned long ago that silence was my only weapon. Around us, members of the pack stopped to look. They smirked and some even edged Cassandra on. The onlookers only added fuel to the flames. Two wolves snickered, hoping to see me punished. Eric and Ralph. They had been spectators to my suffering plenty of times. When she finally walked away, her laughter echoing in the air, I let out a shaky breath and pressed a hand to my ribs. It was nothing new, just another bruise to add to the collection. I forced myself to my feet and finished gathering the laundry. If I didn’t hurry, there would be hell to pay. As I carried the basket back toward the packhouse, I passed the training grounds. The young wolves were sparring under the watchful eye of the Beta, their movements sharp and powerful. Once, a long time ago, I’d dreamed of being out there with them, honing my skills and earning the respect of my pack. But that dream had died the first time I’d been thrown to the ground and told I wasn’t good enough. A sudden commotion near the Alpha’s office caught my attention. A young messenger, his face flushed and his breathing heavy, sprinted across the grounds. His urgency drew a small crowd as he burst into the building without knocking. Curiosity prickled at the edges of my mind, but I knew better than to linger. I wasn’t supposed to be seen, much less overheard. I ducked my head and made my way around the side of the building, hoping to avoid notice. The pack house was a maze, but I knew every nook and cranny. I knew how to sneak along the panels and avoid detection. Inside, Alpha Darius’ voice boomed, sharp and commanding. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?” “Apologies, Alpha,” the messenger panted. “I bring urgent news. Alpha Diego of Bloodmoon has died.” A hush fell over the pack grounds, even outside. Bloodmoon. The name sent a shiver down my spine. They were our rivals, a powerful pack known for their ruthless warriors and unyielding strength. The messenger continued, his voice trembling. “His son, Kane, has taken the throne. He intends to invoke the traditions of tribute.” My breath caught. Tribute. It was an ancient custom, one that allowed the new Alpha to demand something of value from each pack in his district. It could be resources, land... or people. Cassandra’s cruel words echoed in my mind: “You’ll never be anything more than a useless omega.” For once, I wished she was right. Because whatever Kane decided to demand, I had a sinking feeling it would mean more suffering for someone like me. Sahed’s voice grew louder, barking orders at his Betas and strategists. Whatever Kane’s plans were, it was clear my pack was already on edge. I clutched the laundry basket tighter, my heart pounding as I hurried toward the safety of the kitchens. At that moment, I didn’t know how much my life was about to change. I didn’t know that Kane’s demand would be the spark that would turn my world upside down. All I knew was that the shadows were growing longer, and the weight of the unknown pressed heavily on my chest. Tomorrow, everything would be different.