Unending bond with the toxic Alpha

CHAPTER 1 ATHLEA The woods was unusually calm. Except the random ruffles of dried leaves and the soft whistle of the wind through the trees on their branches, everywhere was silent. I tried not to make any sound as I moved surreptitiously. I sniffed yet again. Waiting for the perfect time, I finally struck with my arrow, hunting has been one of my favorite hobbies. Jumping down from the tree, I walked up to get the animal with a bland face. *** “What took you so long?” Beta Alfred asked immediately I walked in. Staring at the him, I tried to keep my retort at bay. I had barely spent fifteen minutes. It didn't come as a surprise. It had become a norm. They always had something to complain about. And just like I had been doing for the past few years, I ignored his words. He began saying something when a soft voice cut in, “Give her a break.” It was soft, yet firm. We both turned simultaneously to see a bubbly faced lady approaching us. "She isn't late, Beta." She said again, blocking the now fuming Beta from getting a view of me. The silence which ensued afterwards was thick. So thick, that I felt I could cut through it with a knife. “You know what to do.” He spat, not bothering to mask his disgust. And with that he moved away. It wasn't until his silhouette completely disappeared from my view did I let out the breath I didn't know I had been holding in. "Thanks." I whispered to Karina. She nodded in acknowledgement, and headed out. I dropped the carcass on a vacant table, once I stepped into the kitchen, and turned to leave. "And where are you heading to?" A cold voice questioned. I didn't have to turn, as I heard that so familiar voice. And once I turned, I locked gazes with Freda; the head cook. "I need to practice." I simply said, waiting for the albatross to erupt. I watched as she took calm calculated steps towards me. She had barely paused at my front, when she struck. The crisp echo resounded around the kitchen. The hushed voices of other servants present, wafted into my ears. Without flinching, I stared back at her. Perhaps I hadn't noticed. Perhaps it had been subconsciously developing. Or was I becoming thick skinned? Whatever it was, I knew their taunts no longer got to me. "Get to work, Athlea." She spat in annoyance, her eyes narrowed. "Let her go, Freda. I'd do it, please." One of the servants spoke up, making me throw a relieved smile towards her direction. Goddess knew I was minutes away from flaring up. I needed to get away, and into the woods as fast as I could. "And this?" I traced the direction where her slender fingers pointed at. My eyes widened, when I saw the puddle on the hitherto sparkling floor. In its stead was the blood that dripped from the carcass above. "I'd do..." The servant began saying again, when I cut in. "I'd do it." And without another word, blinking back the tears, I moved towards the mess. Growing up in the pack would forever be an unforgettable experience. My earlier memories had been bright. Or had they been? The dinner with other members of the pack. The parties, and all... Everything had changed when I had turned sixteen. Looking back now, I wondered where everything had gone wrong. Everyone had changed that night. Years later, I could still picture the scene. I still felt the horror, and pain... I had been the different one. I hadn't shifted. And just like that, my world had collapsed. I had gone from being a member of the pack to the most loathed position ever. An Omega. *** The sun had just set behind the mountains, and the sky had turned into a beautiful shade of orange and pink. The atmosphere was filled with bliss. As the night wore on, the drinking began. The members of the pack passed around large jugs of honey wine, which they drank from large gourds. The wine flowed freely, and soon everyone was feeling a little light-headed and giddy. The merriment continued late into the night, with people laughing and singing, and the drums beating in the background. I watched carefully from my hideout on a tree, in an obscure corner. As I had been doing for years. And as always, the tears slipped down my cheeks uncontrollably. Tonight was the shifting night, for yet another set of werewolves. And I was waiting for a miracle of some sort. Delusional as I was, I kept hoping that maybe seeing them shift would trigger my wolf. "Welcome, friends," I heard Beta Alfred say, and I subconsciously adjusted my position on the tree. He paused, roaming his eyes over everyone present. "Tonight we'd witness our young wolves as they fully shift." He smiled. Loud whistles filled the arena, and my skin crawled in disgust. It was all a mask. They'd never accept anyone who couldn't shift. An hour later, I disappointedly jumped down from the tree. I walked farther wandering into the forest. As I walked, the serenity which I could only find in the forest, enveloped me. I could never explain why that was the only place that offered me solace. Perhaps it was because there was no one to taunt me, nor make fun of my inability to shift. So engrossed in my thoughts was I that I didn't hear the steps. It wasn't until my heart began thudding against my chest, did I whirl around. "Who's there?" I called out. There was silence from the other end. My eyes darted back and forth from the entrance of the forest, back to the thicket. Taking cautious steps forward, I called out again, "Who's there?" "Relax." I heard a voice behind me, making me jump. I didn't get to turn, when I felt a full on my nape. As I slipped into oblivion, there was only one thought on my mind. Was I going....to die?