When I awoke, the antiseptic smell of the Dublin Pack’s infirmary filled my senses, and a dull ache throbbed in my legs, forehead, face, and chest. Alpha Ezekiel sat at my bedside, his broad shoulders slumped, eyes closed, as if he were asleep. His Alpha aura, usually commanding and oppressive, felt muted now, but it still sent a shiver down my spine.
Once, he was the man I loved passionately, the Alpha I had dreamed of standing beside as Luna. But now, he seemed like a monster, his presence alone enough to make me want to flee. I struggled to sit up, the movement waking him. His dark eyes snapped open, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of relief—but it was quickly replaced by cold indifference.
"Don’t think your illness means we’re over the issues with my parents," he said, his Alpha tone sharp and final. "Once you’re better, we’ll settle the score."
I was too exhausted to defend myself. My wolf whimpered softly in the back of my mind, but I silenced her, turning my head away. Alpha Ezekiel looked like he wanted to argue further, but Lucas, his Gamma, appeared in the doorway, calling him away.
As soon as he left, I yanked out the IV needle from my hand and limped my way out of the infirmary. Just as I reached the stairwell, Ramona’s voice came from behind me, dripping with venom.
"Mina! How low can you go? You’ve been publicly dumped 99 times and still cling to Alpha Ezekiel!"
With him gone, Ramona dropped her act completely. Her eyes raked over my injuries, and she laughed scornfully, her rogue scent—sharp and bitter—filling the air.
"Well, well, well, look at Miss Omega all bruised up! So what if you come from a noble family? I still have you under my heel!"
I paused and turned to face her, my Omega status making her words sting more than they should. My wolf growled softly, but I forced her down. I didn’t have the strength for a fight.
"Ramona," I said, my voice steady despite the pain, "what do you think will happen when Alpha Ezekiel finds out it was you who made that last call to his parents, the one you lied about? How do you think your fate will differ from mine?"
Her face darkened instantly, her smirk faltering. "I don’t know what you’re talking about," she retorted, but the malicious glint in her eyes told me she knew exactly what I meant.
"You don’t need to trap me with your words," I continued. "If you had any proof, you’d have shown it to Alpha Ezekiel already."
Her lips curled into a sneer. "I’m going to take the title of Luna! I’ll make sure you forever endure Alpha Ezekiel’s hatred!"
With that, she rushed to the edge of the stairs and intentionally fell.
In the next moment, Alpha Ezekiel pushed me aside and rushed to Ramona, who was sobbing hysterically and trembling all over. Her tears were convincing, but I knew better.
"Alpha Ezekiel, she pushed me down the stairs because I was accused of ruining your wedding. She threatened to post indecent photos of me online if I didn’t leave you."
"I’m so sorry, Mina. Please, I beg you, let me go...."
Alpha Ezekiel’s forehead veins bulged, and fury simmered on his face. His Alpha tone cut through the air like a blade. "Mina, do you need a grave to cry? Are indecent photos your thing? Fine! I’ll make sure you get plenty!"
Lucas, ever the loyal Gamma, pinned me down, and I could only shake my head, desperately denying everything. "It wasn’t me! I didn’t even touch her!"
But Alpha Ezekiel didn’t believe a word. After ensuring Ramona was settled, he poured a white powder into my mouth, stripped me, and threw me into a car.
Soon, the drug took effect. My face flushed, and soft cries escaped my lips. A camera on the dashboard captured everything.
Alpha Ezekiel watched through the car window, his grin malicious. "Enjoy taking photos, do you? Today, you’ll get all you want."
Tears filled my eyes as I silently pleaded for his mercy, but he wouldn’t relent. After finishing a cigarette, he opened the car door and lunged at me.
"Mina, you’re such a tease even in a car! Wouldn’t it be a shame not to share this with everyone?"
I shook my head frantically, but Alpha Ezekiel ignored me, unbuckling his belt and violating my body. The warriors around the car laughed and watched as I was utterly humiliated.
At that moment, I gave up fighting back. My wolf howled in despair, but I silenced her, retreating into the numbness.
Later, Alpha Ezekiel seemed ready to hurl more insults, but he froze when he met my vacant, hollow stare. For a long while, he said nothing.
Finally, he spoke. "I’ll keep this video safe. Bully Ramona again, and I won’t let you off easy like this."
That afternoon, the video went viral. Ramona texted me: "Mina, everyone says you have a great body and sound wild. How much do you charge for a night?"
"You’re trash, and Alpha Ezekiel will never marry you!"
The comments below the video were filled with vile insults. I burst into laughter suddenly, but it transformed into gut-wrenching sobs as I curled up, trembling.
Fully disguised, I took a cab to the seaside. The driver looked at me like I was worthless. I was too ashamed to meet his gaze. I handed him a wad of cash and quickly got out.
At the beach, the wild roar of the wind filled my ears. I took one last look at my phone vibrating madly and then resolutely walked into the depths of the sea.
