The Alpha’s desire

Ezra had been called many things in his life, but never by his name,the most common being “mistake”. Those were the words that followed him through the grand halls of the Blackthorn estate, whispered by servants, spoken openly by his brothers, and delivered coldly by the family that should have loved him. Born the only omega in a bloodline of feared and respected alphas, Ezra had entered the world already unwanted. At nineteen, he had learned how to survive by becoming invisible. He moved silently through the mansion, never speaking unless spoken to, never touching what did not belong to him, never expecting kindness where none existed. It was easier that way. Easier to lower his eyes, swallow his pain, and pretend their cruelty no longer reached him. Tonight, the long dining table glittered with silver and crystal as the Blackthorn family enjoyed another lavish meal. Ezra stood near the wall, waiting in case someone ordered him to fetch wine or clear plates. His brothers laughed loudly, boasting about business victories and training matches. Their voices filled the room with arrogance. Ezra stepped forward quietly when he noticed an empty water glass. Before his fingers could touch the pitcher, a sharp slap struck the back of his hand. He flinched. “Wait until your betters are served,” sneered his eldest brother, Jake. Laughter rippled around the table. “I was only getting water,” Ezra murmured. His father’s eyes lifted, hard and emotionless. “Then you were forgetting your place.” Heat rose to Ezra’s face. He lowered his gaze immediately. His mother clicked her tongue in disgust. “Why is he still standing there? Looking at him ruins my appetite.” Another wave of laughter followed. Ezra clenched his hands behind his back until his nails bit into his palms. He would not cry. Not here. Never here. Then a servant entered carrying a tray of medicine. “For Madam Evelyn,” the servant said nervously. Ezra reached for it at once. “I’ll take it.” His father waved a dismissive hand. “Go, then. At least the old woman still finds use for you.” Ignoring the laughter that chased him from the room, Ezra hurried upstairs. Only one person in this house had ever spoken his name with love. His grandmother. And behind the door to her warm, quiet room, Ezra could almost pretend the world outside did not hate him.