Running away from my Mate

CHAPTER ONE:

Amelia looked outside from the small window in her room. Shadow Pack, one of the strongest packs, and her father was the king and leader, but she was treated like a slave. Her mother was a rogue; her father met her while on a mission. Her mother's last wish was that her father take care of her.

Today was the mating ceremony, a day every girl anticipated, where you get to meet your mate. As for me, I didn't know if I would get a mate. The ache in my bones, the tingling in my fingertips, the restless energy coursing through my veins - it all signaled the approaching transformation.

I paced back and forth in my cramped bedroom, trying to shake off the anxiety that had been building all day. My stepmother, Lucia, had been on my case nonstop since breakfast. Her sharp words and condescending tone still echoed in my mind, making my skin crawl.

"You're so clumsy, Amelia," she sneered. "You'll never amount to anything. You're just a waste of space."

I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar surge of anger and frustration. But I knew better than to let it get the best of me. Lucia reveled in pushing my buttons, and I refused to give her the satisfaction.

As the moon continued its ascent, my body began to shift. My senses grew sharper, my reflexes quickened, and my heart raced with anticipation. I welcomed the transformation, eager to escape the confines of my human form and the torment of Lucia's words.

But as I gazed out the window, I knew I couldn't stay in Shadow Pack. I was unwanted, a waste of space, and worst of all, a rogue whom everyone hated. I needed to get out, to run wild and free under the moon's watchful gaze.

And so, with a quiet growl, I slipped out of my bedroom and into the night, leaving the darkness of my stepmother's words behind.

I was about to jump out of the small window when a hand stopped me. A strong scent hit me.

"Where are you going to?" His voice stopped me in my tracks. I didn't know what to say, as his gaze was so intimidating. Maybe Lucia sent him to beat me up.

"When I ask you a question, you are supposed to give a reply," he growled, holding my wrist almost breaking it before he pushed me to the ground.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say, not minding the pain I was feeling all over my body.

"Filthy..." He said, walking away, making me sigh. I was still trying to pull myself up when my stepmother entered the room, angry.

"Even your mate hates you. I already told you that there's no space for you in this world," Lucia said, sneering at me.

"What mate?" I asked, surprised.

"Alpha Luke came here, saying that you're his mate," she said. My heart immediately shattered.

"I don't want to go; he obviously hates me. He should reject me," I said, not thinking about the consequences of his rejection.

"You think you're so special that he won't want to reject you? His father made him do all this," she said. "He already has a girlfriend. I'm happy your life is going to be more miserable."

She laughed, and for one of the few times, I saw her alive. Did my misery bring happiness to her?

"Time to go," she said, dragging me out, not minding the fact that my body was getting bruises from the hard ground. My mate was standing there, not minding my stepmother's attitude towards me.

"She's all yours; it's a shame she's your mate," Lucia said, giving him pitiful looks. My father, Benjamin, was acting like he wasn't seeing what was going on, as usual.

I was shocked when he started walking towards me. I tried standing up. "Father..." I said.

"This day, you are no longer a member of Shadow Pack. You are now a member of Ravens Pack," he said, looking at me with no emotion.

"She was never one of us," Lucia murmured, but I heard it, and I was sure Alpha Luke heard it too.

"This was the last thing your mother requested I do," he said, giving me a letter, then he left with Lucia, leaving me with Alpha Luke.

"You have at least thirty minutes to get your things; if not, I'm going to drag you out," he said, leaving.

The first thing I did when I entered my room was open the letter. The papers were already old.

To My beautiful daughter, Hazel:

If you are reading this letter, that means you have come of age, and your mate is finally.

To My beautiful daughter, Hazel:

If you are reading this letter, that means you have come of age, and your mate is finally here. Your name is Hazel because of the color of your eyes. Your dad loves you, even if he won't show it. I'm sorry that I left you early, but I didn't want to go, but for your safety, I had to. If you ever need help, go to the South side mountain; there, you will meet Cass. She was my friend, and she's going to help you. There is something she will tell you. Don't hate me, baby.

Alice

I couldn't help it; I started crying. I remember what Alpha Luke said.

I didn't have much, just some worn-out clothes and my treasure box.

"I'm ready," I said, making my presence known.

"Get in," he said coldly.

The drive was quiet and cold. I think I'm going to pass out because my whole body is aching. I don't know how long it's going to take, but I feel like it's going to be long.

"Don't even think of falling asleep on my car seat," Luke said, making my eyes open.

"My whole body's aching; I wanted to rest," I said slowly.

"Does the car look like a resting area?" he said coldly.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Whatever," he said, his eyes not leaving the road.

I have to keep my eyes wide open.