Alexa
I stood behind a huge tree to hide my figure, as I glared in pure undiluted hatred at the pack that had cast me out to die. Luckily for me, I was saved and nursed back to health.
It's been days; no, weeks.
Weeks since my rejection, weeks since they... I clenched my fists tights, as my heart raced in pain, betrayal and anger.
For years, I had tried my best to keep the pack together, making it thrive and prosper. Because Norman was incompetent and lazy, I had to step in and do his job from the corners.
I had seen all of Norman's flaws and red flags, but I had chosen to overlook them since he was my mate.
And because of him and for vengeance, I chose to change my identity and appearance.
Yes, I have chosen to look different temporarily so I can gain an opportunity to deal with him and everyone else that has hurt me, starting from the Alpha King–that monster that took my sister.
"Proud pompous bafoon" I whispered to myself, "I'll make you pay when I'm done with that beast."
Ironic, it was the same reason his parents hated me. They feared that I was an outsider, and that I would overthrow their lazy son and rule.
I heard a twig snap, and I darted behind the trees, holding my breath.
“Come on, we have to hurry, else we'd miss them,” a male voice sounded as he passed with his companion, making me close my eyes to slow my breathing.
“I don't get why you are in such a hurry. The ceremony won't start now.”
“It will not, but we would miss the important part—the stripping,” the first snickered, “Imagine all those boobs and booty exposed for all to see.”
The man's companion calmly stared at him as they walked away, “You are sick.”
I couldn't agree more.
I listened as their footsteps faded, exhaling in relief.
Slowly, I moved from the tree, looking over at the pack's border before I swallowed the drug that my savior had given me to calm my grieving wolf.
There were only three guards on station as the rest were nowhere to be found, but I figured they had all gone to the selection.
The three guards sat under a shade near the gate, chatting away happily without a care in the world.
Carefully, I strode towards them.
"Hello" I calmly said.
They rose to their feet, pointing their weapons at me. “Who are you?”
Pushing the cloak off my head, I revealed my face. “I'm Alexandria, and I'm here for the selection.”
They stared at me for a while as the grips on their weapons tightened as one of them snarled at me, “Leave. You are not welcome here.”
'Why?" I innocently asked.
One of the guards walked up to me, "Because you are not welcome here, the maidens have already been...."
"Then I would like to speak with the Alpha," I calmly retorted.
“Let her speak with him, it's her life not yours!” The first guard growled, narrowing his eyes.
Ignoring the pang of annoyance that flashed through me, I swallowed. "Thank you."
I can't let my feelings get the better of me.
I can't.
The men looked at each other, their eyes glowing as they talked through the mind-link—one I had been exempted from due to the rejection.
“All right, wait here,” the lead guard finally said, turning to the youngest. “Nathan, go and inform the Alpha.”
Immediately, Nathan took a sprint, running off.
I gave the guard a grateful look, but he turned his head to ignore me.
I didn't blame him.
I lowered my head, staring at my toes.
Even though they knew I was defenseless and harmless, they still pointed their weapons at me, while I stood there sweetly staring at them.
I did not want to get the guards in trouble.
Not now anyway.
A few minutes later, Nathan, along with some guards, came into view.
Behind him, I saw Norman with his arms firmly wrapped around Xena strut towards us while Wade followed suit.
The two guards bowed their heads at the Alpha who barely gave them a glance, stopping a few meters away from me.
Norman stares intensely into my fake blue eyes for a moment as if he knew it was me behind the facade look I was wearing.
“Who are you and what was it you said you wanted?” Norman stared with a sneering scowl on his face. “Do you really wish to....”
“I am Alexandria, my Lord, and I would like to join the maiden selection,” I whispered, gripping the hem of my cloak.
“What?” Xena exclaimed along with Wade and the guards they had come with, their eyes widening in shock.
“Do you have any idea what you are saying?” Wade asked, a frown evident on his face.
Oh how I hated him, I felt like grabbing his sword and smashing it deep in his skull...
Norman's facial expression changed as he looked at me with mixed emotions of confusion and fascination.
“Alexandria?” He asked as he walked closer to me, pulling my cheeks roughly with his hands.
Thank goodness my wolf was down, if not I'm sure he must have been able to sniff the truth out instantly.
I subconsciously swallowed a lump of air, "Yes my Lord, I am Alexandria."
He stared at me, scanning my facial features, subtly sniffing the air around us.
"Hmmm, do your parents know you're here because it's odd that you'd come by yourself to be amongst those th..."
"I am an orphan, Alpha. I have nowhere to call home." I quickly interrupted him as I continued to lower my head, small whimpers flying from my throat as I felt the pressure of his eyes on me.
His stare lingered on my body as if he knew I wasn't who I claimed to be. “I will warn you, Alexandria, do not blame me for whatever happens to you.”
“What’s taking you so long, Normy? If she wants to join, let her join,” Xena’s voice suddenly cut in, and I felt the pressure disappear.
I took in a deep breath, my knees shaking and almost buckling in fear.
I was preoccupied by the feeling of being found out by him until another growl from Norman startled me as he walked away with Xena.
“Okay then, Alexandria, if it is your wish then so be it.”
“Thank you,” I stammered, feeling my knees go weak. “Alpha Norman.”
The moment his name left my lips, I felt his stare on my body.
No, not his.
It belonged to his wolf.
“Okay then,” Xena kindly intervened, pressing her palms soothingly on his chest. "I hope you know what you're signing yourself into?"
Wade walked up closer to me, inspecting me from a closer range. "And how are we so sure you're not a spy or a part of some plan set by our enemies to infiltrate our pack?"
My heart raced, but I hurriedly defended myself. “N...no, I swear. This is not a plan. I am in no cahoots with anyone.. Please believe me!”
“Even if this isn't a plan, why would the Alpha let you into the pack when we don't even know you?” Wade huffed. "Alpha, I feel we should arrest her."
I peered at Norman, locking eyes with him, desperate for him to believe, but he said nothing as he stared back at me.
My lips quivered, and water filled my eyes. "Please, I am no spy."
I plopped myself to the ground, letting my head touch the dirt. “Please.”
I know I had nothing to offer other than my pleas, but soon, very soon I will make you all pay.
I will make you pay for making me this way, for trampling on my pride.
I'll make every one of you pay!
“Babe, I think you should let her.” Xena blurted out, bringing everyone out of their daze. “Since she wants to kill herself then let her be. It saves us one important pack member.”
I subtly threw daggers with my eyes at the little tramp that dared to take my man away from me.
Norman gave it a thought, his eyes flashing in contemplation before he agreed. “Well, Wade does make a great point, but anything for you, my love.”
As soon as Norman said that, I raised my head , “Thank you.”
"Take her away!" Xena sneered, “I hope you can stand the heat, girl?"
I had no chance to think about what she meant because, in the next second, I was pulled to my feet and dragged inside.
Pulling me towards the pack center, my face paled in shock and horror as I saw the multitude gathered.
Standing in the center of the pack were ladies between the ages of eighteen to twenty-five, they were being stripped naked for every Tom, Dick and Harry to see.
From the corner of my eyes, I spotted my best friend and maid Nana, with her head down.
Before I could call out her name, I felt my clothes being stripped from my body.
“No,” I struggled, gripping my clothes. “Don’t!”
Wade stared at me in confusion. "You wanted this, didn't you? So why the pretence?"
I shook my head, struggling to break free.
I never wanted to go bare in front of everyone.
This wasn't the plan.
Just as I continued to struggle, Norman's deep growl cut in as he used his wolf voice.
“Wade!! Step away. I will strip her myself!”