I am an Omega and the Alpha is my Mate

I stood firm, refusing to wince or flinch, determined not to show any emotion. Giving them the satisfaction of my pain would only encourage further cruelty. So, I remained motionless, mentally bracing myself for the impending blows. I had become a literal punching bag for them.

"You useless" punch, "worthless," kick "weak omega!" he screamed at me. For a moment, he studied my face, hoping to provoke some reaction, but I had learned not to give them that satisfaction. He spat on the ground and wiped the sweat from his face. "Hmph, you're no fun to beat," he said as he walked away.

This had become a routine for me, and it seemed to work. As long as I kept my pain locked inside, they left me alone. After he departed, I lay there for another 30 minutes, staring blankly at the ceiling, while one word echoed in my mind: "Omega."

I despised that word and the whole hierarchical system it represented. Just because others outranked me, they felt entitled to abuse and exploit me. I had been labeled an omega because I hadn't manifested my wolf at the usual age. Most people had their wolves by 18 and would eventually meet their mates. But for me, it seemed impossible.

I had always believed I was a late bloomer and held on to hope that my wolf would eventually appear. But it never did. I felt cursed, an outsider in a world where having a wolf defined your status and worth.

Many in the pack claimed my parents had betrayed them, which supposedly explained why I lacked a wolf. I refused to believe that about my parents, who had been wonderful people. They had vanished one day without a trace, leaving me behind. I searched for them tirelessly, despite receiving no help from the pack. But my efforts were in vain.

I never resented them for leaving me. I knew they must have had their reasons, perhaps to protect me from danger. I cherished the happy memories we shared and refused to let bitterness tarnish them.

About a month after their disappearance, some lowerranked wolves began targeting me, beating me mercilessly. Confused and desperate, I sought help from the Alpha and Luna, believing they could protect me. They offered some initial support, but they, too, were bound by the natural order of hierarchy. I was at the bottom, beyond salvation.

Time passed, and even the Alpha and Luna started using me as their punching bag and poison tester.

After what felt like an eternity, I stepped outside and basked in the comforting glow of the moonlight. The full moon was shining brightly above, and though others revered the moon goddess, I couldn't help but feel resentment towards her. It seemed she hated me too, denying me the gift of a wolf and taking away any chance of a better life. In truth, she hadn't bestowed anything upon me to begin with.

Making my way back to my humble abode, a small cabin in the woods, I noticed that my wounds had miraculously healed. Being a werewolf did have its advantages, but it couldn't mend the wounds of my heart and soul. The pack considered me unworthy, too dirty and weak to live among them, which was why I found solace in my secluded dwelling.

Starving, I realized there was nothing to eat, except for the occasional leftovers given by the pack house's cook, Miss Olivia, or when I managed to hunt. But today wasn't one of those days. Exhausted and drained on all levels, I lay down on my bed, refusing to shed any tears. This was the life I had come to accept, unless... No, I couldn't become a rogue, but was there truly any difference between staying and leaving? I knew either way, I would continue to suffer at the hands of cruel people.

Suddenly, my surroundings changed, and I found myself kneeling in front of a magnificent pond adorned with water lilies and moon lilies. The moon's brillEzekielce illuminated everything, and there she was—a stunning woman with long, lustrous black hair. Her graceful figure seemed to radiate power, and her captivating gray eyes met mine as she turned to face me. She wore a white silky dress that shimmered under the moon's light.

A sense of command in her soft voice compelled me to rise as she called me a warrior. I was puzzled to find myself clad in warrior's attire, and my confusion elicited a chuckle from the enigmatic woman. Her smile faded into an expression of loneliness.

"Rise, warrior," she said softly, and I obeyed her words, standing on my feet.

Momentarily, I noticed the garments I wore, confirming her address. However, before I could question her, her eyes filled with profound sadness.

"You must endure, Chloe," she uttered, and with those words, I was transported back from that mystical realm.

Blinking rapidly, I returned to my senses, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Who was she? What did she mean by "endure"? The experience left me with more questions than answers.

Raindrops pattered relentlessly against my broken roof and weary skin. The ongoing storm intensified over the past few days, making it nearly impossible to fix the damage. I tried my best to secure the loose fixtures, but the relentless wind undid my efforts.

This morning, a rare act of kindness from Miss Olivia lifted my spirits. She brought me muchneeded food, understanding the hardship of walking all the way to my small house from the pack house. The storm and thunder reminded me of painful memories—when my parents vanished and the first brutal beating I endured. Each strike seemed to resonate with the booming thunder, etching the trauma deeply into my mind.

Seeking solace, I closed my eyes tightly, hoping that the rain would cease when I woke up.

~

During the night, a stirring sensation awakened me. It was an unfamiliar warmth and tranquility that enveloped me. My heart raced with anticipation, yet I couldn't fathom the reason behind this restlessness.

Despite the cold rain still pelting my skin, I felt a strange heat building inside me—a surge of energy and newfound power. Restlessly, I paced around my small dwelling, trying to make sense of these overwhelming sensations.

Remarkably, I realized I could see clearly in the dark, my senses heightened to an uncanny level. The sound of raindrops and leaves dancing in the wind reached my ears distinctly. My sense of smell intensified too, allowing me to identify the scents of distant pack members. I could even differentiate Miss Olivia's cinnamon and sugary fragrance from Stewart's odorous blend of alcohol and mud—the very same man who incessantly beat me.

Confused and agitated, I heard a voice calling my name, but no one was there. The voice claimed to be in my head, telling me that we were one—my wolf. The revelation shocked me; I was already past the age when wolves typically manifested themselves.

The voice explained that it had been with me since childhood, though unable to reveal itself due to the Moon Goddess's restrictions. My wolf, a presence I had never known, acknowledged the difficulty of explaining the situation. Frustrated and puzzled, I pouted at the perplexing revelation.

In my head, I stuttered, trying to comprehend the inexplicable, "But how is this possible?"

The wolf replied with a knowing tone, "I'm afraid I don't know how to explain it either."

Lost in a whirlwind of emotions and revelations, I grappled with the newfound connection to my wolf, wondering what this meant for my life.

Tornadoes of emotions swirled within me as I tried to comprehend the extraordinary reality unfolding before my eyes. I wasn't just happy; I was overjoyed—I had a wolf. The realization that I wasn't wolfless anymore brought immense elation.

My wolf had instructed me to shift, but then a captivating scent interrupted the moment, filling my senses with its addictive freshness. I couldn't recall ever encountering this aroma before. Driven by an irresistible pull, I ventured outside into the pouring rain, paying no mind to the scrapes and discomfort my bare feet endured.

Curiosity and nervousness filled me as my wolf remained mysterious, refusing to explain the enigmatic connection. Following the scent, I eventually arrived at the imposing pack house, my heart pounding with anticipation. Somehow, I sensed that my life was about to undergo a drastic transformation.

The door swung open, and a tall, impressive figure emerged. His grasslike eyes locked onto mine, scrutinizing every aspect of my being. I couldn't look away from this stunningly attractive man who seemed to demand attention. His emerald eyes drew me in, captivating me, yet daring me to break the gaze.

Then, my wolf revealed the word I had never expected to hear—mate. Gratitude and joy swelled within me, as I envisioned a future free from suffering. But my elation was shortlived, as reality crashed down on me. The Alpha stood beside him, and my hope quickly faded.

My mate was an Alpha—a powerful figure in the pack.

And I was an Omega—a powerless and vulnerable member of the pack.

Sickness overcame me as memories of relentless beatings from my Alpha flooded my mind. He had subjected me to unimaginable cruelty, using silver and poisonous substances like wolfsbane. Fear replaced all other emotions, and my heart sank heavily.

"What are you doing here?!" My Alpha bellowed, and his command to remove me from his sight sounded like a death sentence.

I took a step back, my eyes still fixed on my mate. However, his once curious and examining gaze now appeared vacant, devoid of the connection I felt. Tears welled up as Beta Harvey descended the stairs, and I saw an opportunity to escape.

Without hesitation, I ran. The fear propelled me forward, fleeing from the potential danger that awaited me in the pack house. My heart raced, carrying me as far away as possible, seeking a semblance of safety in the unknown.

I continued running, feeling the surge of newfound speed coursing through me. In a matter of minutes, I reached my dilapidated house, my heart still pounding with the intensity of my recent discovery. The tears that flowed uncontrollably surprised me—I rarely cried, as I knew showing vulnerability only made matters worse. In this world, crying invites further pain and torment.

"I can't believe he's my mate," I told my wolf, who responded with a whine of understanding. She reassured me that our mate wouldn't hurt us, but I couldn't accept it so easily. I chose to build walls, keeping my feelings guarded, as she couldn't possibly grasp the depths of my fear and uncertainty. I needed her in my life, and I couldn't bear the thought of her hating me.

The emotions overwhelmed me, and I cried until I couldn't cry anymore. My mind finally quieted, and my wolf yapped happily, sensing my need for solitude. As I apologized to her for pushing her away, she suggested something unexpected.

"Why don't you try to shift?" she softly inquired, mindful of my fragile state. I couldn't believe she suggested it. Shifting? It was a dream I had never dared to entertain.

Letting my wolf guide me, the transformation began. The pain was excruciating as my bones cracked and my skin stretched. I fought to keep my eyes open, a tear escaping despite my resolve. The agony made me want to scream, but it emerged as a growl.

In the midst of the ordeal, the pain finally ceased, and I found myself in my wolf form. It was incredible—my senses heightened to a whole new level. I felt a sense of awe and happiness, though I could only express it as a purr.

My wolf urged me to go for a run, but something caught my attention and confused me. I spoke in my mind, "I'm a... grey wolf?" I had never heard of such a thing. Wolves were usually black (Alphas), had various shades of brown, or were hybrids of colors. White wolves possessed healing powers, but grey? It was unheard of.

"Chloe," my wolf whispered, and the name struck a chord within me. I had heard that name before.

Where was it? The name Chloe lingered in my mind, but my wolf remained silent for a while, choosing not to elaborate. Deciding to let it go, I agreed to go for a run, hoping to distract myself from the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me.

As I ran, the persistent pull of my mate remained, but I forced myself to ignore it. It seemed he didn't care much either, for he hadn't come after me to confront or save me. The thought brought a mix of relief and sadness, but I pushed those feelings aside, embracing the freedom I felt while running.

With every stride, a sense of liberation washed over me. In that moment, I didn't feel weak or powerless; I knew I could fight back if needed. I had my wolf by my side, providing a newfound strength I had never known.

However, the euphoria didn't last long. Suddenly, an unsettling sensation consumed me—his presence was near. Fear replaced the exhilaration as I tried to locate him. The oncepleasurable rush of adrenaline was replaced by apprehension.

I sensed him approaching, and my instincts shifted to a defensive stance, bracing for impact and expecting pain. My growls aimed to ward off the danger, but it seemed futile. His proximity seemed to warm something inside me, conflicting with my desire to remain guarded. My body seemed to betray my will, yearning to lower my defenses in his presence, but I resisted with all my might.

As he drew nearer, I felt a conflict within me, torn between wanting to flee and facing the unknown. Unable to decide, I started running again, hoping to escape from his reach. Fear enveloped me—I didn't want him to come after me, to notice my absence. I simply needed to be away from him.

I rushed back to my small home, my heart still pounding from the intense run. I quickly put on some clothes, but the feeling of being watched persisted. Could it be that he had followed me? Panic and uncertainty consumed me as I paced back and forth, waiting for his arrival.

The pull intensified, signaling his proximity. My wolf urged me to calm down, but how could I in this situation? I was about to face the Alpha, my supposed mate, and my emotions were in turmoil. Was he here to reject me? The thought sank into my heart like a sharp blade, causing pain to bloom.

"He's here," my wolf informed me, breaking my thoughts. The overwhelming scent of him wafted through the air, intoxicating me and weakening my knees. I had no strength to stand, so I sat down on my bed, trembling with anticipation and anxiety.

The door opened, and my head jerked towards the direction of the sound. There he stood, his golden eyes glowing as they locked onto mine. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt an inexplicable sense of shame about my humble abode. It was ridiculous; I shouldn't care what he thought of it.

We held each other's gaze for what felt like an eternity, but my insecurity pushed me to break the eye contact. My mind raced with thoughts of his possible rejection, trying to prepare myself for the pain.

"Why are you here?" I managed to ask, my tone was more accusatory than inquisitive. My wolf rolled her eyes at my attitude, knowing that I shouldn't antagonize him.

The glint in his eyes shifted, and I realized my mistake in tone. A smirk crossed his face, but it wasn't a happy one. The sight sent shivers down my spine; he appeared incredibly handsome yet terribly dangerous.

He seemed like someone not to be trifled with, and his muscles only reinforced that impression. I felt a mix of fear and fascination, unsure of what to make of this enigmatic man.

Instead of answering my question directly, his eyes roamed around my cabin before returning to meet mine. I struggled to decipher the emotions in his gaze, but one thing was clear—disgust.

Confused and hurt, I didn't know what his reaction meant. Then, unexpectedly, he uttered, "We leave tomorrow," before turning away.

Wait, he wasn't rejecting me? He planned to take me out of this place? But did he know I was an omega? I doubted it.

Before he could leave, I rushed after him, calling out, "Wait!"

Thankfully, he halted, but he kept his back to me.

"Why?" I inquired, my confusion evident in my voice.

"Unless you want to stay here, either way it's fine for me," he nonchalantly replied, seeming unfazed by my revelation.

"Don't you know I'm an omega?" I spoke up, hating the weakness that tinged my voice.

This time, he took a step towards me and turned to face me, wearing a sick, cold smile that contradicted his stunning features. "Exactly why I'm bringing you with me," he laughed, but there was no humor in it—only cruelty. "This trash in a place doesn't have the right to hurt you."

His approaching steps echoed like thunder in my ears, causing my heart to race erratically. I instinctively shied away from him, but it all happened too fast. Before I knew it, I was pinned against the wall, my arm held up firmly. Panic and shock filled me, and I tried to move, but his grip was unyielding.

As I looked up into his eyes, I was taken aback by the intensity of his anger. "Only I do," he spat bitterly, laughing sarcastically. "You? My mate?" He scoffed, tightening his grip, making me wince from the pain.

"Tthat hurts," I managed to say weakly, my heart aching as my wolf retreated in fear. I had expected him to hurt me, but I hadn't anticipated the excruciating pain he was causing. Was this really happening?

A sadistic smile adorned his lips, and I shivered with fear. His grip tightened further, his nails digging into my skin. I tried to resist and push him away, but it was futile. Tears threatened to form, but I fought to keep them at bay. I couldn't give him more reasons to hate me or appear weaker than I already seemed.

"Oh, sweetheart, this is nothing," he taunted before finally letting go. I quickly brought my other hand to rub the injured one, trying to alleviate the pain. But then, I noticed that my hand was bleeding and starting to turn blue. The pain came late, but it was just as agonizing.

My mate had broken my arm.

He turned around and began walking away slowly. Watching his back, I couldn't help but muster the courage to call out to him, needing answers.

"One question!" I shouted after him.

For the second time, he halted at the door and turned around to face me.

"Will you reject me?" I asked, my voice trembling, determined to hold back the tears. Don't cry, please, Willow, don't cry.

Morning finally came, but I hadn't caught a glimmer of sleep. My mate's words consumed my thoughts all night, but I realized that I didn't even know his name. I decided to go with him, at least for now, despite the uncertainty and fear that gnawed at me.

I packed a few pairs of clothes, the only proper ones I had, and waited in my small house. Should I stay and wait for him here, or go to the pack house and meet him? What if it was all a trick? What if he didn't take me with him?

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I didn't recognize the unfamiliar smell, but I could detect a faint scent of my mate. I hesitated before opening the door, revealing a man with combed back brown hair and hazel eyes that seemed to pierce right through me.

"Are you Willow Wright?" he asked. His deep voice sent shivers down my spine, but he reassured me with a smile, claiming to be just a regular wolf.

He walked past me, observing my small bag, and declared he would explain everything on our way. I was baffled by his intrusion and his demand that I follow him without a word. But as I stepped away from my house, a wave of sadness washed over me. Despite my hatred for this place, my little house had been my comfort and sanctuary. Now, I had to leave it behind, venturing into the unknown with no certainty of what awaited me.

The man called out softly, sensing my hesitation. He came over and spoke reassuringly about letting go. His encouraging smile prompted me to gather my strength and face this new world with resolve.

As we walked, I noticed we were heading in the opposite direction of the pack house. When we reached the edge of the forest, I saw a black jeep waiting. My companion activated the engine and opened the trunk, placing my bag inside. He then opened the passenger door for me, a gesture of kindness I had rarely experienced.

I got in and buckled up, grateful for the music he put on to break the awkward silence. We drove away from the pack gates, the guards saluting as we passed. My companion looked relieved once we were out, and he turned to me with a laugh.

"That was rough!" He exclaimed, puzzled by my silence. "Are you okay?"

"II'm alright," I replied quickly.

"By the way, I'm Archer, Moonwood Mill's beta. Nice to meet you, mysterious Willow Wright," he introduced.

"Well, I guess you already know me, but I'm Willow," I responded, trying to hide my apprehension as we continued on our journey to an uncertain fate.

He nodded with a smirk, enjoying my curiosity. "So, you're my Alpha's mate, huh? Well, he didn't exactly tell me, but why else would he take you away all of a sudden?" he chuckled to himself.

"I hope it's not much trouble, but can I ask where he is?" I managed to ask, trying not to sound disrespectful.

Archer turned toward me, a knowing grin on his face. "Missing him already? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but he's still in your pack taking care of business. He's an Alpha, you know. That's why I'm surprised that he's mated to you."

His words stung, though I could tell he didn't intend to be hurtful. My wolf complained in my head, clearly irritated by his comments.

"You know, it's such a rare thing to happen. Is that even possible?" he continued, displaying his talkative nature. "I mean, c'mon. He's an Alpha and you're a" The car stopped abruptly, and we both jerked. "I I didn't mean it that way. It's just"

And then, I laughed. It surprised me too, as I had anticipated a harsh reaction. But there was no punch or kick; just a shocked beta staring at me, followed by a proud smile.

"Hey, you've got a nice laugh," Archer complimented, further putting me at ease.

"Alright, so from now on, I'll tell you everything you need to know about our pack. So listen well, okay?" He declared, prepared to give me a full rundown of pack life.

I hesitated but mustered the courage to ask another question before he launched into his explanations. "Can I just ask one thing?"

He looked at me and nodded, curious about what I wanted to know.

"It might sound weird," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Just spill it."

"Okay, here goes. What's my mate's name?" I blurted out, feeling my cheeks flush.

Archer burst into loud laughter, and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. "Wow, and here I thought you were gonna ask me how to kill." He continued to laugh, making my cheeks warm.

Finally, he composed himself and answered, "Ezekiel. Ezekiel Evans is your mate's name."

As he said the name, I repeated it in my mind. Ezekiel.

We had been on the road for approximately three hours when we pulled into a gas station. Right next to it, there was a restaurant with eyecatching advertisements plastered on the exterior. 'Best Cheeseburger in the World Right Here!' and 'Value Meal at Only $4.99! Wow!'

As I read the enticing ads, I couldn't help but realize that I hadn't eaten for nearly two days. The thought of that cheeseburger made my stomach grumble loudly, and I tried to suppress the hunger pangs. Unfortunately, I didn't have any money to buy food.

Watching Beta fill up the gas tank, I contemplated whether I should ask him for some money. My wolf companion in my thoughts agreed with the idea, reminding me that I needed to eat. However, I hesitated, not wanting to burden him. I convinced myself that I could endure a few more days without food.

Archer went into the convenience store and returned with two bottles of water. At least I had something to drink, which slightly eased my hunger. As he started the car and prepared to hit the road again, I bid farewell to the deliciouslooking cheeseburgers.

But just as he was about to speak, my stomach betrayed me with an embarrassingly loud growl. I tried to play it off, pretending that I was fine and not hungry. Archer looked at me skeptically, pointing towards the restaurant, and offered to grab something to eat.

In a desperate attempt to avoid revealing my true hunger, I clumsily denied it, trying to sound nonchalant. My stomach, however, had other plans and roared louder this time. It was beyond embarrassing, and I wished the ground would swallow me up.

Inside my head, my wolf chided me for being stubborn and urged me to accept Archer's offer. I felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration, feeling like I was being punished for some unknown sin. Should I just give in and admit that I needed food? The internal battle continued as I grappled with my pride and my growling stomach.

My wolf was laughing inside my head, and soon enough, Archer's boisterous laughter filled the air as well.

"Hhey!" laugh "if you were so hungry," laugh "yyou should've just told me!" he beamed, and I couldn't help but feel my face turn as red as a tomato. I tried to hide my embarrassment, lifting my hand and waving it dismissively. "I'm fine, really. Llet's just go," I said, but he continued laughing, thoroughly amused by the situation.

After a while, he finally composed himself and parked the car right in front of the restaurant. Confused and embarrassed, I glanced at him, wondering what he was up to. With an amused smile, he turned off the engine.

"C'mon, let's go before I change my mind," he said, stepping out of the car. Cursing myself for being so stubborn, I reluctantly followed him. Stepping outside, I couldn't help but notice the unfamiliar scent of human territory. This was my first time being in this kind of place since leaving my old pack. The smell of gasoline annoyed me a bit, but I could bear it.

As I looked around, taking in the new surroundings, I took a deep breath and turned to follow Beta Archer. He was already holding the door open for me, and when our eyes met, he burst into laughter again. Oh great, he's definitely going to tease me about this later.

I managed to mutter a thank you as I went in first, appreciating the gesture as it was the first time someone had done that for me. A blonde lady, probably around my age, approached us quickly and offered us a booth by the windows, which we gladly accepted.

Once we were seated, she handed us the menus, and she seemed to be giving more attention to Archer, complete with a wink and a perfect smile. Archer responded with a flirtatious smile, and I couldn't help but feel awkward, so I hid behind my menu to avoid the scene.

"Hello, my name is Aria, and I'll be your waitress for today. I'll leave you some time and take your order, alright honey?" she said, emphasizing the last word while looking at Archer, before leaving us to decide.

Raising an eyebrow at Archer's reaction, I couldn't help but comment, "Gross," sticking my tongue out playfully.

He laughed it off and focused on the menu. I did the same, trying to distract myself from the awkward encounter. "Your mate would hate that," I said, teasingly.

He huffed before replying with a chuckle, "Well, too bad 'cause I haven't met her yet." I was taken aback by his nonchalant response. 'Too bad?' I shook my head, trying to shift my attention back to the menu and choose between the cheeseburger with fries or chicken nuggets and fries.

After a while, Aria came back to take our orders. I opted for the cheeseburgers since they were heavily recommended in the advert.

"I'll get the same as her, and add two milkshakes too. One strawberry and one chocolate," Archer said with his usual charming smile.

Once she left, I glanced outside and casually remarked, "So you assumed that I like strawberries?"

"What? No. The strawberry is mine. You look more like you like chocolates," he replied, shaking his head playfully.

As we waited for our food, I found myself lost in thoughts, particularly about my mate. Archer had mentioned his name is Ezekiel, and he's an Alpha. That's all I knew, and I wanted to know more about him – his personality, likes, and dislikes. But the situation seemed impossible, considering our initial encounters where he had broken my arm.

Unconsciously, I rubbed the spot where my arm had healed miraculously in less than an hour. Archer interrupted my thoughts, asking if I knew anything about his pack. I recalled it was something like "Pansomething," and I shook my head to confirm I didn't know.

With a hint of sadness in his smile, Archer informed me, "Moonwood Mill is unofficially considered a warrior pack. Most members are skilled fighters, and they detest weakness..." He looked directly into my eyes, conveying the message that they wouldn't be too accepting of my Omega status. "I wish you luck."

The conversation fell into an uncomfortable silence, leaving me unsure of what to say. I didn't want to reveal that I was Ezekiel's mate and an Omega, knowing they might see me as a liability.

Thankfully, the food arrived, and we began eating. However, Archer's earlier words lingered in my mind, and I couldn't fully enjoy the meal.

"What about my mate?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"He despises weakness above all else," Archer replied, and I felt my appetite diminished.

"Wow, thanks for that information," I said sarcastically, taking a bite despite the disheartening revelation.

Archer's demeanor brightened as he tried to lighten the mood. "But don't you worry, at worst, he won't reject you. After all, mates are supposed to strengthen each other, right?" He said cheerfully, attempting to bring some optimism back to the conversation.

I managed to smile and nodded. "Oh, right. If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me more about your pack and my mate?" I asked, hoping for more insight.

As we entered the pack's borders, I could feel the strength of the protective barrier surrounding it. Looking out of the window, I was captivated by the beauty of the territory. If they were truly the top pack in North America, the landscape spoke volumes about their power.

The lush green grass and tall trees were a stark contrast to my old pack's neglected surroundings. As we drove higher up the mountain, I was awestruck when I spotted a waterfall in the distance. My wolf expressed her excitement, and I couldn't help but share her enthusiasm.

However, my elation was dampened by Archer's words about the Moonwood Mill pack. I recalled hearing stories of their fearinducing reputation a pack that rarely allowed outsiders in, undefeated in countless battles, and known for their brutal nature.

As an Omega, the idea of becoming their Luna seemed impossible. I felt weak and unfit for such a prestigious position. I couldn't fathom how unlucky my mate must feel to be paired with an Omega, and I sympathized with the pack even more.

Archer's serious tone brought me back to the present. He instructed me to stay quiet and not speak to anyone until my formal introduction tomorrow. I nodded, acknowledging the importance of following his guidance.

Soon, we approached a tall gate emerging from the fog, and even in the darkness, I could see the glowing strength of the barrier protecting the pack. As we drove closer, I noticed Archer's surprise when he realized that I could see the barrier. I playfully rolled my eyes at his astonishment, comparing it to a glowinthedark stick that anyone could see.

Passing by guards who bowed at the sight of our car, Archer turned and parked in front of an enormous building that seemed to stretch on forever. The pack house was impressive, and I couldn't help but marvel at its size.

We reached the door, and I was about to step out when Archer stopped me, remembering something he had to tell me. His face showed an apologetic expression as he spoke, "Never tell anyone that you're Ezekiel's mate."

"Simple instruction," I replied, trying to brush off Archer's attempt to get a reaction from me. I was used to being treated this way – after all, I was an Omega, the lowest of the lows.

He stepped out of the car first, and I followed suit. As we made our way towards the backdoor, Archer started explaining various things about the pack house. He mentioned that currently, only staff and highranking wolves like the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma were residing there. Despite entering, he didn't give me a tour, leading me straight to the second floor.

As we walked through the hallway, I noticed the layout of the second floor, consisting of a small living room with a television and sofas, along with various doors that likely led to different rooms. We continued until we reached the very end of the hallway, where I spotted the last door, isolated from everything and everyone.

"You will be staying in this room," Archer said, taking out a set of keys from his pocket to unlock the door. I followed him inside, and the room appeared vacant, likely unused for quite some time. It had a bed, a nightstand, a wooden vanity with a chair, a small table and chair beneath the window, and two doors, presumably leading to a closet and a bathroom.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment with the cozy and comfortable appearance of the room, and a smile crept onto my lips as I looked around. Archer asked if I liked it, and I nodded, expressing my approval. His smile mirrored mine, and he placed my small bag of clothes on the vanity chair.

He suggested getting me something to eat while I settled down, but a thought crossed my mind, and I mustered up the courage to ask, "Can I come with you? I'd like to see the pack house as well." My excitement was evident, but his smile faded into a frown, and I knew what his answer would be.

"Han"

"No, it's okay. I understand," I interrupted, turning around to hide my disappointment. Pretending to be annoyed, I playfully rolled my eyes and added, "I'm hungry."

He nodded before leaving to get me some food. I did understand why they wanted to keep me hidden, not wanting anyone to know about me. This room was lovely, but the seclusion made me feel lonely already. Then again, I reminded myself, I had always been lonely and alone – having a mate wouldn't change that.

But my wolf reminded me differently, whispering, "I'm here."