Chapter 1 Chapter 1

[Arissa's POV] Heat pressed against my skin and the scent of desire filled my nose. The night that I dreaded had finally come, and the need to give in to instinct stirred. Lifting my arm, I examined the cuff that dug into my flesh. They made it tight enough to make sure I didn't break free. Cursing, I tried to ignore the throb of desire that rushed through me. I needed to escape before he came. Otherwise, I feared everything would be over. Around me, rattles and moans echoed from the others that were already lost. There was no stopping it once they gave in. "Come on," I gasped, as my core throbbed. "Come on." The sound of a lock clicking open and a door creaking reached my ears, sending a shiver of fear and expectation through me. Pushing aside the need to be satisfied, I reminded myself of how cruelly omegas were treated during mating. There wouldn’t be any gentleness if I wasn’t able to escape, only rough animalistic treatment that would leave me tattered and broken. They were here. Growls of lust filled the air as they surged forward, claiming their victim. Soon, the room was filled with moans of passion and the scent of sex. Beds creaked and some even broke from the sheer brutality of the reproduction process. "Arissa," a sweet and husky voice purred just to my side. Gasping, I increased my attempts at snapping the cuff holding me. "Don't be like that." He cooed, taking a step forward. I watched in horror as he came into full view. His golden eyes glowed with lust, and his mouth twisted into a vicious smile. His chest, which was bare, heaved with each breath of longing he released. "Gillian," I whimpered, fearful and desirous. "Please let me go.""Not until I've had you." He responded happily. My eyes grew wide as he dug in his pocket and produced a key. "It won't be fun to force you." He said this while unlocking my cuff. "So I'm going to make you beg." A shiver of pleasure at his words raced through me. I was beginning to lose to instinct. "Please..." I moaned weakly. "Don't. My body screamed for relief, but my head screamed no. Taking the chance, I surged forward, bumping against Gillian's side. The force of the hit managed to cause him to stumble, allowing me the chance to race through the room and burst outside into the night. Up above, the cursed blood moon shone brightly, beckoning me to heed its purpose. It was like a siren’s call, and my body wanted so desperately to obey. "No," I hissed, looking around. "I can't." Shaking off the need for the moment, I began to run, making my way into the woods just beyond the compound. The mating house was a specially designated area where adult omegas were brought days before the blood moon. It resided in the middle of the Calary Woods and was just a mile or so away from the New Moon pack grounds. I knew that the woods were dangerous and housed dark creatures, but I continued to run, determined to escape my stepbrother, who was desperate to mate with me. Branches scratched at my face and roots threatened to trip me as I raced through the darkness. The world around me was growing hazy, and my core throbbed painfully. Realizing that I couldn't resist any longer, I dove into a fragrant rose bush in hopes that it would mask my scent enough to keep me hidden. Biting my lip, I stuck my hand between my legs in hopes that being touched would be enough to calm me. However, that sheer touch sent me into a frenzy. I was losing control and, quickly, my instincts wanted so much more than just this. A silent moan escaped me as my eyes fluttered shut. My fingers kneaded against myself, sending wave after wave of pleasure. Realizing that this wasn’t enough, I slipped one hand beneath the tattered shirt they had placed me in and began to rub more urgently. Biting my lip, I tried to remain silent as the desperate need for relief became all-consuming. Just beyond my hiding spot, I could hear movement, but I was no longer able to hold on. I needed release, and I couldn't calm down till I got it. "Oh, Arissa," Gillian purred through the haze. "You smell delicious." As he spoke, the branches above me violently lifted and disconnected from the bush entirely. "Found you." He growled, reaching down and grabbing my neck. A yelp of shock escaped me as my body lifted from the ground and dangled. "N-no!" I panted, clawing at his wrist. "I don't want." "Liar." Smiling broadly, Gillian slammed me against a tree. Pressing his body against mine, he let a groan escape him. I could easily feel his bulge as he stuck a knee between my legs, letting it rub temptingly against my core. "Fuck," Gillian hissed, nipping at my neck. "I've longed for this for such a long time." Even though I knew I needed to fight, the need to be fucked rushed through me. Just the feel of his breath against my neck and his hardness pushing against my body drove me mad. "Let go," I tried weakly, increasing my attempt to break free. "I SAID LET GO!" Gillian's eyes grew wide as the words left my lips. His face paled, and his mouth fell open, blood exploding from it. The hand that was holding my throat loosened, leaving me to fall to the ground at his feet. Looking up, I tried to make sense of what exactly was happening. The front of Gillian's chest bulged as if something was attempting to break through the skin, and blood dripped from his back. Jumping up, I went around him to find an arrow sticking out. Realizing what was going on, I whirled around as more arrows began to rain down around us. The Hunters were here, and they had managed to severely wound Gillian. Fear washed over me as I ducked out of the way. What should I do? I needed to get out of here, but I couldn't possibly leave Gillian, could I? Looking at the unmoving man, I found that his breathing was becoming shallow and blood trickled along his lips. Would he even be able to make a break for it? I didn't think so, but if I did leave him here now, there was no way I could go back to my pack. Letting out a string of profanities, I jumped up and grabbed Gillian's wrist. I knew I could end up regretting this, but for now I wouldn't think of that. All that I needed to focus on was getting away and staying alive.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

[Arissa's POV] I began to pull the quickly weakening man behind me as arrows continued to fly towards us. How hunters managed to get into these woods was beyond me, but from the strong attack, I knew there were many hiding in the shadows. "Let me go." Gillian rasped, digging his feet into the ground. "I have to fight.""Are you stupid?" With Gillian's current condition, he would most certainly die if he attempted to take the hunters on. "Stop being stubborn and come on!" Giving a tug, I attempted to get Gillian to move, but he remained in place. My heart was beginning to pound, and fear was clawing its way through me. The hunters were closing in, and this fool was trying to act tough! "Dammit!" I growled, letting go and fixing myself in front of him. What the hell was I even thinking? Was I truly that afraid of being banished that I would put myself in danger for an asshole like Gillian? "Stay there," I commanded over my shoulder. "That arrow has silver on it, and one wrong move could end you." I didn't quite know what I was planning, but I needed to keep Gillian alive. Bracing myself, I looked around, trying to spot the well-hidden hunters. As I did so, I tried to think of a way to escape. "Get out of the way!" Gillian growled, grabbing my shoulder. My eyes grew wide as I flew to the side. An arrow shot straight at where I was standing and stabbed Gillian's chest. Blood exploded from where the weapon connected with skin, and Gillian's body jerked. "Gillian!" I screamed, jumping up and rushing forward as he fell to the ground. "No, hey, wake up!" His eyes were shut and he wasn't moving. His skin had already begun to take on the hue of the dead. He was gone. There was no mistaking that, and now I was really on my own with these hunters. "Stay back." I growled, getting to my feet. "Come any closer and I will rip you to shreds." I couldn't actually rip them apart since I didn't have a wolf, but I hoped they would buy my bluff. As I waited for the hunters to show themselves, I continued to look around for an exit. With the light breeze that was blowing, I could pick up on the scents of my opponents even if I couldn't see them. They were surrounding me, and it looked like my only way out was up. Clenching my teeth, I whirled and dug my nails into the bark of the closest tree to me and began to climb. I could hear the hunters bursting forward as they realized what I was up to, but I continued to climb. Breathing quickly, I clambered onto the nearest branch to me and pressed my back against the tree trunk. Looking around, I tried to figure out a path. I needed to make my way back to the packgrounds and not the mating house. Closing my eyes, I reached out, searching for the familiar aura of my destination. When I managed to find it, I began to move. The hunters gave chase below on the ground as I jumped from branch to branch, using the treeline as a means of movement and camouflage. Occasionally, arrows would whiz past, but they managed to miss me. Through a break in the treeline, I could spot the packgrounds and gave a sigh of relief. Just a little bit further and I would be safe. At least, safe from the hunters. Feeling a surge of newfound energy, I jumped forward and fell to the ground. Landing on my feet, I began to move, keeping my gaze fixed ahead. Behind me, I could hear the hunters yelling, but I didn't dare look back. There would be guards stationed where the woods ended and the packgrounds began. Once I was there, the hunters would stop. I continued to move until finally, I burst out into the world that was covered in red light from the bloody moon. Two men standing by rushed forward, stopping me with their weapons held towards my chest. "What are you doing?" One growled, placing the blade of his spear against my skin. "Speak.""I'm Arissa Armondi, stepdaughter of Alpha Isaac. I'm being chased by hunters! " As I spoke, the guard dug his blade deeper, cutting into my flesh. "Why would the stepdaughter of Alpha be dressed as a breeder?" The second guard growled. "Because I have no wolf." I sighed, feeling a surge of pain and annoyance rush through me. "Please call him and have him confirm it." Had I remained in the grace of my stepfather, the pack would be well aware of who I was, but that simply wasn't the case. Ever since discovering I was wolfless when I turned 8 years old, I was demoted to an omega and kept hidden away from the pack to not cause my stepfather embarrassment. "Please!" I begged, peeking over my shoulder towards the darkness where I was sure the hunters waited. The guards remained quiet, examining me as if I was a parasite before finally nodding. I waited as one seemed to disappear into his own head. The other, who kept his blade fixed against my chest, eyed the woods just behind me. "He said to bring you to him." The guard announced, returning to the present. "Come on." Nodding, I began to move forward, positioning myself between the two guards as they began to lead me forward. Neither spoke nor acknowledged me, and from their demeanor, you could tell that they were annoyed with having to escort me to the castle, where my stepfather waited. When we arrived, two more guards were waiting. Spotting us, they surged forward, grabbing me and placing silver cuffs around my wrists. Hissing, I tried to jerk away, but the painful metal continued to rest against my skin. "What is this?" I demanded, shooting a glare towards the guards that had cuffed me. "You're under arrest for running away from the mating house.""What?" I wasn't quite sure if I was hearing things correctly. My stepfather was actually arresting me? "Are you serious?" I asked, unable to process how quickly things turned. "Please cooperate with us." Knowing nothing I said would work, I simply nodded and allowed the guards to lead me towards where my stepfather waited to condemn me.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

[Arissa's POV] I sat on my knees in the middle of the large throne room, staring up into the cold, black eyes of my stepfather. His face held no signs of emotion, and his lips were pressed tightly together. Somehow, he already knew of Gillian's fate and had been ready to throw me to the dungeon the minute I returned. "I'm sorry," I whimpered, unable to stay quiet. "I tried to save him." I knew that nothing I said would save me, but I had to try. "Please, believe me." As I spoke, I kept my gaze firmly fixed on him. "Do you think your words hold any weight?" He asked, slowly leaning forward. "N-no," I stammered. "You let my son die." He continued standing. "Not only that, but you also left his body behind for the hunters to do what they please with it." Surging forward, my stepfather let his hand connect with my cheek, sending me sprawling to the ground. A loud crack echoed around the room as my head connected with the tiled floor. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here and now!" My stepfather snarled, grabbing my hair and pulling. "I have no reason." I responded weakly. There wasn't any reason for him to not kill me. I was always a sore spot for him, and this was the perfect reason to get rid of me without any question. "Insolent bitch!" A yelp escaped me as he pulled hard enough to lift me from the ground. "Death would be too good for you." With a loud growl of rage, he heaved, throwing me across the room and crashing into the wall. "Take her away!" He roared at the guards that stood by the door, keeping us in and everyone else out. "Be sure to chain her feet as well. Tell the caretaker he is not to feed her for a week. ""Yes, sir." The guards boomed together. Letting out a laugh, I collapsed on the floor and closed my eyes. It seemed that, after years of torture, everything was finally over and I could die in peace. Two Month’s Later… [Ivan's POV] I stared up at the large arena where voices could be heard cheering on whoever was currently losing their life. It was a disgusting way to entertain oneself, but it was my brother’s favorite. If it weren’t for the fact that I was in need of an omega to procreate with, I wouldn’t have even come on such an occasion. Grimacing, I made my way inside and towards where Isaac waited for me. He had invited me here to pick out an omega to take back with me. I needed to create an heir to get the elders off my back, and what better way than to get a breeder? As I made my way towards the steep stairs that led to the main sitting area of the arena, Isaac came strolling down. He wore a white button-down with the top buttons unbuttoned so you could see his chest hair beneath and a pair of black sacks. His long black hair was up in a bun at the top of his head, and it seemed he had grown out his mustache and beard. "Brother," he called, opening his arms wide. "I was starting to believe that you were going to blow me off.""Of course not." I responded. "I got stuck dealing with some matters.""Come, come," he continued, closing the distance between us and wrapping an arm around my neck. "The main event is just about to start.""Hurray," I grunted sarcastically. "You know how much I dislike this type of thing." It was quite boring to sit and watch criminals fight for their lives against wild animals. I preferred to hunt them like live game, but to each their own, I suppose. "Our first up is special." Isaac said, winking. "Come, Tania is waiting on us.""How is she, by the way?" I asked, allowing Isaac to lead me towards the top of the stairs and out into the much too bright day. "Same as always." Isaac responded. "I’m hoping that this fight today will brighten her mood." Brighten her mood... From what I knew, she just hadn’t been the same since her daughter was thrown into the dungeon for unintentionally killing Isaac’s son, Gillian. Though Isaac did his best to sooth her, she just wouldn’t come out of her slump. "Is this special fighter that entertaining?" I asked, lifting my brow as I spotted the woman in question watching us approach. She looked much older than the last time I saw her. Her pale skin held wrinkles and dark circles marred her undereyes. Her golden blonde hair, that used to always be fixed to perfection, looked lackluster and she seemed to have lost a lot of weight. "Something like that." Isaac said, taking a seat beside his wife and then motioning for me to do the same. Letting out a sigh, I lowered myself onto the stone bench and turned my gaze towards the middle of the battle ground, where a lion was currently ripping a man apart. "Poor fool." I hissed as the beast ripped the man’s head clean from his body. "Tell me again why you enjoy things like this.""Isn’t it enjoyable to watch criminals get their justice?" Isaac asked in confusion. "Hanging them or torturing them just isn’t the same as making them pay a bloody price." As Isaac spoke, I could see a slight mania behind his eyes. "Ah!" He said, snapping me out of it. "Here she comes now!""She?" I repeated looking towards where his gaze was. Squinting I made out a tiny figure being led out onto the grounds by two large guards that made her look like a child in comparison. Her long blonde hair hung in greasy knots around her body, and her frame looked to be nothing more than a skeleton. Her eyes that stared straight ahead were flat and held no semblance of humanity. Her skin, which was much too pale, was covered in scars and lash marks. She was nothing more than a walking dead woman, but somehow held herself with strength and poise. "Isn’t that..." I began as recognition struck me. "That’s right." Isaac beamed proudly. "It is Arissa." As the words left his mouth, I tried to put this girl with the one I knew from before. Back then, she was a mere teen that was just blossoming into a beautiful woman. How was it possible she ended up like this?

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

[Ivan's POV] I didn't quite know what to think about what I was seeing. From what I could remember, Arissa was a meek and demure girl. How was it possible she was now this cold and malnourished creature I was seeing? "I thought she was put to death for Gillian's death." I murmured, keeping my gaze fixed on Arissa. She seemed oblivious to the crowd that was screaming and cheering for her. Her blank gaze never wavered from where the beast she would be fighting would come from. "How could I let her escape her crime so easily?" Isaac asked. "She deserves so much more." So much more... well, you could say that this was definitely that. It was clear she endured regular beatings and the will to live was now completely gone. "Arissa…" Tania's feeble voice drew me from the arena. She was now leaning forward, her hand over her mouth. "She's alive." She breathed as her eyes filled with tears. "SHE'S ALIVE!" A pain-filled wail escaped Tania's lips as she broke into sobs. "Isaac, she's alive!""Of course she is, my love." Isaac murmured, wrapping an arm around Tania's shoulder. I didn't quite know how to take the scene in front of me. Sure, Arissa was alive, but how much longer? And if she managed to survive this battle, how many more would she have to endure? As I continued to ponder this, a loud roar ripped through the air, indicating that the fight was beginning. Silence fell all around. Screeching metal from gates opening was all that could be heard. Leaning forward, I waited while a large black bear made its way into the ring. Most would run in fear the minute they saw it, but Arissa remained in place, looking almost bored. "What will you do?" I murmured, growing increasingly interested in the woman who was once a disgrace. Arissa's body tensed and an aura of bloodlust began to surround her. Lifting her hands, she braced herself as the bear surged forward, mouth open. The two slammed together in the middle of the arena, sending dirt flying. Arissa clung to the bear's front paws while the creature struggled to break free. After a moment of struggle, Arissa gained the advantage, twisting until the bear's legs snapped. A loud roar of pain echoed through the air. The beast fell to the ground. Arissa wasted no time jumping onto it's back and biting down on the neck. Blood could easily be seen beginning to flow before Arissa yanked her head back, tearing the bear's flesh away. Standing, she wiped the bear's blood from her mouth while watching the life fade from its eyes. The fight was over just as quickly as it started. Two men quickly rushed onto the field, clamping silver cuffs on Arissa's wrists. She didn't fight or try to stop as she was led off the field while the crowd exploded with cheers. "Amazing, isn't she?" Isaac beamed, drawing my attention to him. "Two months of training and she is now a killing machine.""Amazing indeed." I agreed, continuing to watch as Arissa slowly disappeared. If you asked me, "amazing" was an understatement. She was miraculous and the perfect woman to make me an heir. "Brother," I said, my resolve solidifying."How much do you want for her?""What?" Isaac sputtered, his eyes growing wide. "You want to buy her?""That's correct." I came here today with the intention of buying a woman to help me make an heir. And after watching that battle, I knew that Arissa was the perfect candidate. "I need a strong heir, and that can be achieved with her help." It didn't take a genius to realize that Arissa was strong and agile. Not to mention, she was the daughter of an alpha, so she had the right bloodline. "But she killed your nephew." Isaac pushed back, unable to accept my request. "I'm sure one of my newer omegas would...""No," I snapped. "I want her. How much? " For a moment, Isaac remained silent, clearly unable to make sense of my decision. "Are you sure about this?" He said slowly, finally breaking the silence. "She is dangerous; don't regret it.""I have never once regretted a decision." I retorted. "Now, let's discuss payment." [Arissa's POV] Pain whirled through me as the guards led me back to my cell. Even though I had managed to take that bear down, it didn't mean that it hadn't done damage. Wincing, I looked at the long gash that marred my forearm and let out an annoyed sigh. It looked like I would be sporting another scar. "So, how is your day?" I asked conversationally, deciding to distract myself from the pain. "Arrest any interesting characters recently?" The guards ignored me, keeping their gazes fixed straight ahead as we descended a steep stairway that led to the high-security portion of the dungeon. a place I now proudly call home "Tough crowd." I grumbled, giving up on talking. Snapping my mouth shut, I let the guards throw me into my cell and slammed the door behind them after removing my cuffs. Instead of getting up off the ground, I just flipped onto my back and placed my arms behind my head. Fixing my gaze on the roof, I waited until they were gone before jumping up and grabbing my ratty blanket. Ripping off a piece, I began to wrap my wound until I heard footsteps making their way towards me. "You forgot something?" I called, stepping forward and grabbing my bars. "Or have you finally decided to answer my question?" I waited as the footsteps grew louder and louder before finally a man with raven black hair and blazing blue eyes appeared. Curiosity peaking, I took in his strong build and insane height. He looked familiar, but so foreign. Who was he? "Who are you?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. "Are you a burglar? If you are, I hate to tell you, but you've found your way to the looney bin and won't get anything here. " I waited as the man considered my words with a smirk. "I'm only here to take one thing." He rumbled, his smile broadening. "I'm here to take you."