Chapter 1 PROLOGUE KARA My eyelids slowly fluttered open and I groaned as I felt a sharp ache at the back of my hand. I tried to rub my head, but a sharp pain bit into my wrists that restricted the movement of my hands. The pain snapped me out of my half-conscious state and I hissed in pain. I huffed a tired sigh and looked around, but I could barely see anything. It was dark, but I could determine I was in a kind of barn or cottage, and it was occasionally wobbling to the left and right as if the wind was going to knock it over. My nostrils were filled with air that strongly smelled like the earth and I could hear rain falling heavily outside. I stood up and looked at the ropes used to tie my red, bruised wrist. They were soaked with Wolfsbane so they burned my wrists so badly at any slight movement I made. "Perhaps, we should find cover and wait for the rain to subside," I heard the voice of a man outside the cottage I was in. "We're so close already, we can't stop now and he is already in expecting us" another voice replied. My mind was being torn apart by confusion and curiosity. Not only was I having a severe ache in the back of my head and burning pains in my wrists and feet, but I also had no clue about what was happening. I had no idea where I was or how I got here. I took a few steps forward carefully, watching out for the rope that tied me to the wall of the cottage so I would not push its limits. There was a small window and I wanted to look outside. Just as I got to the window, I stretched past the full length of the rope and the pain from the Wolfsbane burning my skin with a sizzling sound almost made me cry out loudly, but I bit my tongue so I wouldn't make any sound and alert the men outside that I was now conscious. I slowly lifted my hand and carefully pushed the window open. I stuck my head out a bit and looked around to see rain falling in torrents on green fields and we were moving. Fast. My goodness. I was so shocked and I almost gasped as I realized I was neither in a shed nor in a cottage, I was in a moving carriage. And I had no idea where the destination was or where I was being taken, neither did I know who the men I heard earlier were. All I knew was that I had to run and escape. My eyes flickered around the carriage, scanning the floor until I spotted a piece of broken glass. Perfect. The rope binding me to the wall was too short for me to reach the broken glass so I sat on the floor and lay flat, stretching out my leg to reach for it. I grunted silently, using every bit of strength in me to reach for the glass. The carriage suddenly jolted me and tilted to the left just as my leg touched the glass, causing the glass to slide across the floor to the other side of the carriage. Frustration, I let out a silent sigh and turned to the other side, pushing out my legs away from my body to reach the glass. Finally, I grabbed the glass between my toes and pulled it towards me, a silent hiss escaping my lips as the glass pricked my large toe. I ignored the pain and kept pulling it closer until my hands could grab it. I hurriedly started cutting into the ropes tying my hands quickly, scared that anyone could show up to check on me at any time. The rope finally snapped and I tossed the glass away, standing and running for the door. Immediately, I pushed the door open and jumped out of the moving carriage without hesitation. I fell with a heavy thud to the floor, splashing in a puddle of water and grunting in pain. Thorns pricked my palms, bruising them, and the mud stained my dress. "She jumped out! Stop the carriage! Stop it now!" I looked over my shoulder as I heard the shout and saw a man poking his head out from the front. I immediately got up on my feet as the carriage stopped moving, and ran as fast as my legs could carry me while panting in the pouring rain. Continually glancing over my shoulder, I ran with a man coming after me. I got distracted by the looming danger behind me and I didn't look where I was going so I tripped over a root and fell to the ground. My palms cushioned me before I could face-plant the muddy water on the ground, but it still splashed on my face. I whiffed my head around quickly and crawled back as the man caught up with me. "Get up you bitch!" He yelled and grabbed my shoulder roughly with his nails digging into my skin through my thin fabric as he pulled me up. As I got pulled up, I packed a fist full of mud in my palm, and I suddenly threw it in his face to cover his eyes. The attack threw him off balance and in that momentary distraction, I pushed him and he fell over. He let out an almost funny sound of anger and frustration as he wiped the mud off his eyes, and I immediately picked up the pace to run away from him. All of a sudden, I heard something whizz right past my ear and I jumped a bit as I saw an arrow lodged itself in a tree. I froze immediately, it was so close and could almost touch my ears that it could have killed me "Alpha-" Someone stuttered behind me and I gulped nervously, slowly turning around as I knew there was nothing else, I could do if I wanted to live. I looked up slowly to see a man ride towards us on a horse with the hooves of the horse creating splash sounds in the wet ground. It was a young man with a tall dark hair and lips so red, they deeply contrasted his pale face. He was wearing a long silk purple rope and his green eyes glimmered so brightly. He had this beautiful, yet terrifying aura to him. He stopped the horse as he got close to me and he climbed down. A familiar feeling, I had not more than a day ago kicked into me and I felt a cold shiver down my spine. His bright green orbs were fixated so intensely on me and I suspected he felt it too. Although I hoped and prayed silently within me that he wouldn't, I watched as those four-letter words I once loved but now feared escaped his voluptuous red lips. "Mate."

Chapter 2 KARA THREE DAYS EARLIER It was the first time that the Pack Annual Mating Ball would be held in the Alpha's home. They were constructed to make me feel insecure and out of place so I was never at events like this. "It's fun and a time for enjoyment", they would say but to me, it only felt like a trap to get dragged through the mud. And people were good at it - they knew just how to make me feel weaker and insecure. As an Omega wolf, attending events like this was a big no. The odds of me leaving tonight's event with my mate were slim to none. The good thing about this year's ball was that the theme required every one of us to wear masks for anonymity. A frown pulled down the corners of my lips. It's such a cold evening, and I'd rather be anywhere else at the moment, but my father wanted me to be here. Just this morning, I had no dress for the ball and had no plan to attend, but my father suddenly showed up with a dress and mask that looked quite expensive. I gulped nervously and adjusted my mask as I scanned the crowd of masked faces. I realize I also wanted to be here. If I found my mate, the two of us could leave this pack together and go somewhere far away. A smile almost formed on my face as I imagined a fantasy scenario of what could be my future. The wide double-arched doors slide open automatically once we reach the entrance. Gemma linked my arm with hers, pulling my body closer as she brimmed with excitement. I didn't lie about wanting to be elsewhere. The hall was a masterpiece of design, adorned with intricate woodwork and adorned with lush draperies. Soft candlelight flickered on the tables, casting a warm and inviting glow. The long banquet tables were adorned with fine linens and sparkling silverware, while exquisite floral centrepieces added a touch of natural elegance. The soft murmurs of anticipation filled the room as guests took their seats, eagerly awaiting the feast to come. Gemma walks off, likely following her mate's scent. I laugh and follow Gemma deeper into the room. A man passes by with a tray of champagne glasses, and she grabs two, offering me one. I would decline, but my anxiety was killing me. Who would be okay with spending their entire lives with me? An omega, barely deserving of being identified as a she-wolf. I sip from the glass in my hand, taking in my surroundings. I walked to a table and sat down as waiters and waitresses began setting down all sorts of delicacies and drinks on the tables. Every second, it seemed that another waiter and waitress brought a new dish. This was in addition to the dozens of servers who circled, constantly refilling everyone's glasses. I was most mesmerized by Mozart, I didn't understand classical music, but it was obvious that he played with a passion and skill unlike any other. The man was on fire, music seemed to stream right from his fingertips. The doors to the huge halls were left wide open and people continually streaming in and out. "Did you hear Prince Braden might be here tonight!" "No way!" "Maybe he finally wants to find his mate." "He had a mate before who died." "I feel so sorry for him." "I'd give anything to have him as a mate." Someone giggled. Gemma stiffened beside me, and I turn to look at her as she stared at the ladies gossiping by the fountain. "The Alpha Prince?" I asked her. She turned to me with a small grin, "Yeah, Prince Braden. I doubt he's ever been to one of these mating balls." "Really?" I took another sip of my drink, "Why not? Isn't he, like, supposed to be the host or something?" I asked. "No..." She slurred, "His mother is. Plus, he's not really the type for social gatherings." "You know your facts well." I teased. She tapped my shoulder lightly, "It'd be a surprise if one didn't know about Prince Braden." "I don't." "Yeah, well, you don't care to pay attention to these things." True, but not for lack of interest. I simply avoid attracting attention to myself, and when you're mostly the topic of the conversation, you can't exactly chip in. The Omegas in the pack were few and far between. Many of them had thinned out during harsh times; the cold seasons, hunts. My family was one of the last before they were killed by rogues. No one in this pack acted like they cared about us. "Do you at least know what he looks like?" Gemma asked. "Yes," I lied. She gave me a playful shove, laughing. She took my empty glass from me when another server walked by, replacing it immediately. I took another sip. The alcohol was doing wonders for my anxiety. "Well, you can't miss him. He's like a Greek god fallen from Olympus down to earth" "A god, huh?" I could imagine what he'd look like. Blonde hair and blue eyes maybe? Perhaps green. Most wolves have darker features. "Yeah," Gemma replied with a nod, "He's got like shoulder-length dark hair, his eyes are---" A huge clock rang as it struck 5:00 pm and a set of double doors opened on the far side of the hall leading to a large ballroom. I got up and hurried with the crowd towards the ballroom. The ballroom laughed in the face of the hall. The grandeur of the room was unmatched; There was a massive fireplace, crystal chandeliers filled with burning candles that cast an attractive cascade of light across the polished marble floor, and gold mirrors on every wall, reflecting the light and making the room seem even bigger than it was. The walls were draped in rich tapestries, depicting scenes of noble conquests and historic events. The air was filled with the enchanting melodies of a live orchestra, their harmonies weaving a symphony of elegance that echoed through the hall. A sea of elegantly dressed guests swirled across the ballroom floor, their vibrant gowns and tailored suits adding splashes of colour to the scene. The room seemed to stretch infinitely, with towering pillars punctuating the space, adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf accents. Elaborate floral arrangements adorned every corner, filling the air with the sweet fragrance of roses and lilies. The ambiance was one of refined luxury and excess as if every detail had been carefully curated to create a feast for the senses. There was a sea of bodies all wearing masks. As the music began, I became nervous again and fiddled with my fingers. Mozart sat at the far end of the room, sitting on a small dais as he began playing the harpsichord. As he did, cellists and violinists joined in. It was an upbeat formal waltz. A set of four lines formed on opposite sides of the room and everyone paired off, grabbed each other, and waltzed in the wide circles. The music changed to a much faster one and the room transitioned into a new dance, one in which couples danced with each other and then, switched off; each person dancing with someone new every few steps. I joined in the dance, switching partners every three dance steps. There was always a new hand and, a new shoulder and every new person had an elaborate mask than the other. And with every partner I danced with, the hope of finding a mate here today slowly faded. I began to cross the dance floor, new music started up - a slower and more romantic one, and partners began pairing off again. Interacting with so many strangers slowly became exhausting instead of exciting and I tried to remain with each partner a bit longer, but anyone grabbed anyone they could find. With my partners being switched every few seconds, I was already on the other side of the room when it happened. As my hands touched those of my current partner, an electric chill ran through my spine. A fascinating thrill.

Chapter 3 KARA I froze as I came in contact with the man, an electric thrill flashing through me. I looked into his eyes beneath his golden mask and it felt like I was going to get drowned in a beautiful ocean of blue. I could barely take in more of him or even continue dancing when my dance partner was suddenly exchanged. My new partner caught onto my hands and I didn't even bother to look at him as I was distracted with trying to spot the gorgeous golden mask in the sea of bodies. I wasn't paying attention to the dance again and when my dance partner swirled me around, I tripped on his foot and nearly fell to the floor. He caught me quickly and pulled me up. I looked at the red hair apologetically, muttering, "Thanks." "You're a bit distracted I see," he replied in a cool manly voice and I caught a bit of an accent. "Yeah, I'm sorry," I replied and he held on to my hands strongly, pulling me away from a couple that came swirling towards us. As people switched up partners again, we missed the window so I was still with the red hair. "I'm guessing you lost someone?" He asked as he pushed his left leg back and moved to the left. "Yeah, it was quick and I'm not sure what I felt," I replied and took a look around again. The mask was golden and very unique, I would immediately recognize it. "But if I keep switching dance partners, I will never know," I replied and wanted to let go of him so I could grab another partner on hearing the music suggest so. He spun us out of the way and held on to me so I looked at him curiously. "Then, don't switch partners, and we'll dance around the room so we find your POTENTIAL mate," he replied with an emphasis on the last words. That would be very helpful but if he was stuck with me throughout the dance how would he find his own mate? "Thanks, but I don't want to reduce your chances of finding a mate," I replied and I saw a smile form on his face through his eyes in his mask. "I'm not going to find one anyway," he stated and my eyebrows etched in curiosity. "Why is that? Don't tell me I'm dancing with the curser of Endymion," I said and he chuckled lightly. "I'm here to keep up appearances, but I can't meet my mate in a traditional setting like this," he replied before leaning in closer to me. "Two guys can't particularly dance and meet at a ball like this," he whispered beside my ears and moved back. My eyes widened in surprise for a second as I realized what he implied. "Good thing I'm wearing a mask," he said as he spun me around and caught me in his arm. "No, I didn't mean to be rude, of course, I respect your personal choices and preferences," I apologized quickly and he nodded. "So, who are we looking for?" *** "I'm sorry we never got to find Mr. Golden Mask," Henry, as I've gotten to know his name said and he grabbed two drinks from a passing waiter. "Thanks." I took one from him and took a sizeable gulp. My nerves were firing so much now and I still couldn't help whiffing my head around now and then to check similar masks. "If it makes you feel better, it was nice meeting you," he said and I smiled. "Thanks," I replied. "There you are," Gemma said as she found me and she slipped her hands into mine. "Gotta go now." I nodded and watched Henry walk away. "Who's that?" Gemma asked curiously. "Henry." "Am I supposed to know the name?" "I met him now and he helped me to look for someone I thought could be my mate," I explained. "What????" Gemma sounded surprised and she pulled me away from the open space to a corner. "Yeah, I felt something with a dance partner, but I'm not sure what I felt before I lost him," I couldn't hide the bitterness in my voice. "Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't have let each other go if he was really your mate," Gemma said and somehow that didn't help at all. It only brought up questions like what if they didn't want me? Or what if the Moon Goddess changed her mind at the last minute? I sigh and take another sip from my glass only to realize it is empty. I squint, surveying the area for another waiter. Once I spot one, I tap Gemma's arm and tell her I'd be right back. By the time I returned with two more glasses of wine, Gemma was nowhere to be found. I rolled my eyes with a sigh and decided to wait for her. The bright blue eyes beneath the golden mask remained printed on my mind. I take off my mask and stand off to the side, drinking myself silly so I don't cry. I knew I shouldn't have come. I heard a soft snicker beside me and I half turned to the sound, straining my ears when I heard, "How pathetic." My spine stiffens, and I risk a glance in that direction. A group of ladies whisper among themselves, gazing at me through their elaborate masks. As I turn to meet their eyes, not a single one of them looks away. "Poor lowly omega. No mate for you," one of them said mockingly. Her group breaks out in a fit of loud giggles and tears prick the corners of my eyes. I drop the extra glass I got for Gemma on the floor by a fountain and gather my dress in my hands, trying not to trip as I walked away from them I was a bit tipsy, swaying on my feet as I went to get outside for some fresh air. After all this time, after all these years of taunts and mockery, their words shouldn't hurt me, but the tears trickle down my cheeks anyway, blurring my vision. I wipe my eyes aggressively, hating myself for being so helplessly pathetic and weak and even more for crying. I stepped out onto the balcony, gripping the ledge as I tried to calm myself down. "Pathetic," I whisper, inhaling deeply through my nose. The air smelled...wonderful. It was a mix of fresh trees; a hint of cedar and sandalwood. I take in another deep breath, loving the smell of the outside. I should've come out here sooner. I leaned forward over the railing so I could get more of the scent into my nostrils. "You'll fall." I jumped and spun around sharply to the sound of the rough voice. The glass of wine tilted, spilling all over the man standing next to me. "Oh!" I shrieked, "I'm so sorry," I tried to dab his shirt, but I froze as a faintly familiar scent filled my nostrils. It's much stronger and more potent now, I can almost taste it. I raised my neck to meet his eyes- he's tall, really tall. My breath got stuck in my throat. It was the same ocean blue eyes except this time, they weren't hiding behind an expensive mask. His chiselled jaw highlights a stern expression, a muscle ticking beneath the light spotting of stubble. He observed me carefully, crazed bright blue orbs darting back and forth between mine. My mouth went dry and I couldn't bring myself to look away. The space between us thrummed with electricity, and the undeniable pull heats my skin, making my head fuzzy. It's the wine, it has to be. Because the other explanation was too crazy to consider. I shook my head lightly and blinked, taking a small step backward. He was still standing there like a... Greek God. Instantly, his hand reached out, halting my movements with a firm grip on the back of my neck. "Mate." He growled out, the sound reverberating through his chest. I could barely process the word before he pulled me into him and smashed his lips against mine.