CHAPTER 7: THE TIES THAT BINDS US

HAILEY

The light after the dark, soggy confinement of the dungeon was overwhelming. I blinked at the light as my legs staggered and I walked into the courtyard. I ought to have been thankful to be out of the constricting captivity, but Thomas's constant presence made me sick. He had growled, his hands too tight on my arm as he yanked me from prison, "You'll earn your shame." And Marissa will see to it. Do not forget that without this pack, you are nothing. Those words were still going through my head as I was ushered in to see Marissa inside the pack house. She stood in the big hall, directing a team of omegas to hang decorations for her three-day mating celebration. The sunlight pouring through the giant building sparkled on her blond locks. Through the tall windows, her dominance permeated the room. Her smile turned cruel as she looked at me. "Well, well. Our little dungeon rat cleaned himself up," she said, with her voice tinged with sarcasm. Rush up Hailey, you have work to do." I walked towards her, my heart pounding, as she sized me up like a piece of furniture. "You'll assist me," she said, putting a clipboard into my hands. "Since you've made it such a point to hang around without being noticed, you'll ensure everything is running smoothly.". Think of this as your comeuppance." The ceremony preparations were a blur of activity, and I was caught up in the midst of it. Marissa's every directive was sharp, her expectations impossible to meet."Those centrepieces are awful, Hailey. Get them fixed. "Where is the wine for the head table, Hailey? "Stop messing around, Hailey!" Her voice followed me everywhere I went, and although I did my best to remain composed, my feelings were in tatters. Amenia was furious, but I cajoled her into quiet. I was numb for a bit, concentrating solely on getting all my work done without a hitch. The unfairness of my circumstances, however, set off a fierce and bitter anger the next day. In the recesses of my brain, Amenia's voice was a grumble. "They'll be sorry," she snarled. "Our time will come." The air was electric with tension as the event loomed. A royal feast, crystal chandeliers reflecting overhead, and flowers arranged in a tumble of reds and golds—everything must be immaculate. Marissa's high-pitched voice pierced the mayhem, and she appeared to be everywhere at once. "Hailey," she called, pulling me close. "Yes, Marissa? " A goblet tray was shoved into my hands by her. "These go onto the head table. And I'll have you cleaning floors until you bleed if you spill them. Biting my tongue, I nodded and went to the table. The mood lightened as the guests arrived.". While everyone attempted to impress the Alpha King Ryan's pack guests, the noise level increased and laughter became artificial. Holding a tray of hors d'oeuvres, I remained on the periphery of the room, looking around the guests. Watching the guests and keeping the eyes down was my easy task. But the instant the regal doors opened with a creak, a ringing silence pervaded the room. Alpha King Ryan stepped in first, and his authoritative presence demanded notice. Predator-like, with accuracy, his dark eyes raked the group, measuring every individual.

His beta, a towering figure with broad shoulders, defined lines, and assured walk, belonged to his crew that trailed behind.

His eyes landed on Flora, and I immediately gasped when I saw his eye flicker. FLORA As we circled the room, I tried to blend in with the other omegas and keep a low profile. But no one could meet the beta's eye; they all averted their gaze from him, but when the beta's eyes met mine. His expression changed, with a flash of recognition and shock. He murmured, "Mate," in a voice so low I almost wondered if I'd imagined it. As he came nearer, the space between us shrank, and my heart pounded with excitement and terror. The space between us is shrinking smaller by the second. I was trying to get away, but my legs did not obey. His voice was deep but gentle when he came to me. "What is your name?" I stuttered, my cheeks flushing from his penetrating stare, "F-Flora." His voice softened as he informed me, "I'm Logan. You're also my mate." His words pierced through, and the world swirled on its axis. The connection between us was undeniable, though I wished to deny it and depart.

He takes my hand immediately and pulls me in for a long hug.

HAILEY I observed the exchange from across the room, with interest and fear churning in my belly. For a moment, Flora's big eyes met mine, and I saw the fear there. I pictured Amenia snarling. "Her fate has just been altered." But before I could understand what was happening, the piercing voice of Marissa disrupted the silence.

"Hailey! Return to work and cease staring. My mind whirling, I quickly obeyed. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the night wore on. Logan remained at Flora's side, showing his watchfulness at all times. But Alpha Thomas was eclipsed by Alpha King Ryan, whose keen eyes scanned the room as though in search of something—or someone. Then, when the night was almost over, Thomas approached Ryan with a mysterious face. "Alpha, you appear restless," Thomas remarked casually. "Is everything okay? " A fleeting smile crossed Ryan's lips but did not make it to his eyes. "Your pack has nothing to fear." They had a curt but passionate exchange, and the color of Thomas's eyes darkened as Alpha King Ryan departed. Although I did not know what they had talked about, I sensed that a tempest that would shift everything was brewing.". There was a strained quiet in the pack house as the last of the guests left. I stood in the shadows, fatigue pulling at me. But as I prepared to leave, I sensed it—a distinct, unmistakable presence. Amenia breathed urgently.

"Someone is watching us." My heart pounding, I spun around and met Alpha Ryan's gaze across the deserted hallway. And I realized then that my fragile life was going to be turned upside down.