CLAIMED BY MY BODYGUARD

Lara's eye

Standing on the edge of the cliff, crying, the echo of Alpha Adam's harsh rejection reverberated in her ears, each word a dagger to her heart. A human, unworthy of being a werewolf's mate – that's what he had said and the pain was indeed unbearable.

Taking a step forward, she felt the void pulling her closer to the darkness below. But fate, it seemed, had other plans for her.

It had been less than a month since that fateful day when Selene, the head cook, walked into the kitchen where Lara and other omegas were preparing breakfast for the family. This was uncommon for someone like Selene, who believed she was above mingling with omegas.

Everyone's sudden attention shift made Lara glance in Selene's direction, who seemed to be inspecting their activities.

"Ugh, I'm so done with her being around," Ember, Lara's closest buddy in the pack, whispered frowning.

"Who isn't?" Lara responded as they both giggled.

Suddenly, Selene looked their way as if she overheard what they were saying. "Hey, Lara, follow me," she commanded.

Shocked by the sudden mention of her name, Lara couldn't help but ask her colleague beside her, "Did she hear us?"

Ember swiftly responded, saying, "Maybe, but you better hurry up or you'll be in more trouble." Lara quickly walked up to answer Selene, who just started walking outside, leaving Lara feeling more confident that her tongue had gotten her into trouble.

Selene continued moving forward, exchanging greetings with familiar faces in the narrow corridor while Lara's curiosity grew, wondering where they were headed. The pack always considered it a taboo for an omega to question a higher rank without permission. Yet, despite this, Lara couldn't resist asking her where they were headed.

Halting, Selene turned to her with a tired expression before responding, "I'm taking you to the council assembly chamber. Did that satisfy your curiosity?" She turned away quickly after saying this, wearing a proud look that conveyed a reluctance to engage in conversation with an omega, considering them the lowest-ranked members of the pack.

Her reply not only frightened Lara but left her confused about why Selene was taking her kitchen comment so seriously. She couldn't help but run up to Selene, gently grabbing her right hand, and pleaded, "Please, sis, you're taking what I said at the kitchen out of hand. I'm very sorry, it won't happen again."

However, Selene remained silent, staring at Lara with an angry expression with tears of anger gradually forming in her eyes. Lara realized she was in trouble for touching a higher-ranked member and slowly let go, smiling awkwardly and scratching her head with confusion about what to say next. Selene remained stationary, maintaining eye contact, while Lara tried to avoid her intense gaze.

"What have you done Lara?" she muttered to herself but suddenly, the massive council door swings open, revealing Dorian, the right-hand man to the pack's young alpha. He's surprised by the odd exchange between Selene and Lara, blurting out, "What's happening here, ladies?"

Selene casually responds saying, "Nothing that can't wait, Dorian. This is the Omega you inquired about."

Dorian nodded quickly, complimenting Lara, "Wow, she's even cuter than I imagined." But Selene looks away, with a disbelieving expression. "I guess I should head out," she added as Dorian smiles, replying, "Yes, I'll take it from here. Thanks again, Selene." Selene nodded in response and after a final glance at Lara, walked away.

Lara remained confused, as she still didn't understand what was going on here and what he meant by he'd take it from here. Turning to Dorian, she couldn't help but ask, "Omegas aren't allowed in the council assembly chamber unless they've upset someone. Why am I going there? What have i done?"

As Dorian doesn't respond, she comes to the realization that she was talking to the pack's alpha right-hand man, who would have been the beta if Adam's uncle had stepped down. She quickly covers her mouth with her hands, apologizing, "Sorry, sir. I tend to blurt things out..."

He smiles in response, replying, "Come on, follow me. We've kept him waiting long enough," and then opens the council assembly's door.

The council chamber loomed large as Lara and Dorian stepped inside. The fancy ceiling with its patterns, the cool tapestries on the walls, and the huge round table in the middle made the place look amazing. It was her first time here, and she was amazed by the surroundings.

In the midst of her astonishment, Lara's eyes widened as she spotted the Alpha, Adam, seated at the round table, his presence commanding attention. Beside him sat another elder from the pack, their expressions unreadable. Shock enveloped her as she realized she was in the same room with the object of her admiration, her crush—the Alpha himself.

Interrupted by these overwhelming thoughts, Lara almost forgot to move. Dorian, who had been walking ahead, noticed her hesitation and called her back to reality. "Hey, Lara, come on!" Flustered, she apologized politely, "sorry," her cheeks flushing with shyness, especially since her crush was present. It was also a shocker that Dorian actually knew her name.

As they approached the high table, Lara couldn't help but wonder why she, a mere omega, was summoned to such a prestigious gathering. The question, "What's going on?" Kept echoing in her mind and as they neared the table, Lara got an up-close view of the young alpha's face. This was the clearest view she'd ever had of him.

Happiness filled her as she smiled and stared, but as soon as he looked up, she quickly averted her gaze, overwhelmed with shyness. Dorian, observing her reaction, encouraged her to take a seat.

"But, I'm an omega. I can't sit on the council chair," Lara whispered anxiously, not wanting the alpha to hear.

Dorian reassured her, "Just obey for now. Sit down."

Although everything seemed weird, Lara complied, taking a place at the council table, her mind buzzing with confusion and curiosity.

Seated at the council table, Lara felt a mix of excitement and trepidation, like she was on top of the world. As expected, the three—Alpha Adam, the elder, and Dorian—continued their conversation without addressing her directly. This made her wonder why they hadn't finished their discussion before inviting her.

Remaining composed, Lara kept her eyes on the trio, determined not to offend anyone. She sensed that the unfolding conversation held significant importance, and she wanted to grasp every bit of information.

The elder, breaking the silence, looked at Lara and remarked, "You look great for an Omega." Lara offered a polite smile, acknowledging the unexpected compliment. However, the elder's next question caught her off guard.

"Do you know why you're here?" he asked, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and authority.

Lara hesitated for a moment before responding, "I honestly don't. I was brought here without much explanation."

The elder exchanged glances with Alpha Adam before turning his attention back to Lara. "You're here because you are to wed the pack's alpha," he declared, his words hitting Lara like a sudden gust of wind.

For a moment, Lara sat there, stunned, as if someone should wake her up from this dream. The enormity of the revelation sank in, marking the beginning of what she would soon realize was the worst moment of her life.