Sold to the Mad Alpha

Raven

"No! That's not what we agreed upon, you can't go back on your words now". I startled awake by the sound of my fathers raised voice. He seems really angry with whoever is on the other end of the call. I hurriedly checked what the time was on the table clock beside my small bed and saw it was on 6:00am in the morning, I hadn't overslept yet but why is my father up this early in the morning. Not to dwell into it further I took the opportunity to quickly brush my teeth and have my bath. Having my own space is the only good thing I've enjoyed in this house. After brushing my teeth and having my bath, I picked out a cream colored worn out gown, it's the most decent of all my clothes. No one would believe as rich my father was I had no clothes at all, all my clothes were worn out and patched up at different places. Well, I guess that's the price you pay for being an outcast. Tiptoeing down the stairs, I could see the shadow of my father close to his office pacing the room and his betas looking so scared and distraught that they have their heads bent down in submission. I wonder what's going on, it's so unlike them to behave this way. I guess things aren't looking good this morning.

I finally made it down to the kitchen and the sight I saw was something to behold. Dishes filled the kitchen, the floor was a mess, piles of bottles of alcohol on the ground with tiny bits of broken glasses scattered on the counter. What in the name of Selene happened here last night, I remember vividly tidying up this place before going to bed. So how and when did this happen? I cursed inwardly. Murmuring to myself, why can't this people just do their dishes themselves after using it? Guess I'm going to have a long day ahead of me. It seems my father is done with his call, I couldn't hear his voice anymore. That means I have to tidy up this place quick and make breakfast if I don't want to be on the receiving end of his fury.

Sighing, one day I know I'll be free from the shackles of this place and go far away where no one will recognize me. I can feel my wolf, I just don't know why she won't speak to me or come out. Still buried in my thought, Fernando strolls in, one of the pack's enforcers stepping on the floor which I was cleaning with soil under his boots like he didn't know. I prayed for patience this morning because I just couldn't deal with any drama so early in the morning.

"Hey latent" that's what I'm known as in the pack. It's either that or outcast. Not new to it so I didn't pay him heed and just kept on wiping the floor.

"I'm talking to you" grabbing me by my arm in a painful manner and I'm sure will leave a mark. Being used to being treated like a rag doll and servant I didn't show him any emotions at all.

"I heard you Fernando, what do want so early in the morning? I really don't have the time for all this, I have lots of work to do and the Alpha will be needing his breakfast very soon" I said taking my arm back from his grip.

"Wow, you have a mouth on you this morning, it seems it's been long someone finally showed you your place in this pack" he said sneering at me.

"You be careful little wolf, no one will care if the latent or outcast is missing" he smirked in my face and walked out the door, leaving me to wonder if he just threatened to kill me.

My insides were tangled in fear as to what Fernando just said. What could he mean by that? I know my family ever care about me, and my existence is like a disgrace to them but they wouldn't want me gone, I mean I'm still a part of their family. I know my younger brother loves me very much but even he is still young and can hardly do a thing.

Turing back to my work. I finished cleaning the floors and dishes, I was just about to start making dinner when I heard the clicking of heels and the smell of citrus and honey, I knew my mother was close by.

"What are you still doing slowing about, you still haven't made breakfast. Do you want to starve the entire house because you can't seem to move faster since you look like a round object" she said while scrolling through her phone.

Althea Blackwood, the Luna of Midnight pack, very beautiful with a great figure like that of the models you see, her straight long blonde hair and big blue eyes makes her stand out the more amongst other Luna's of different packs. I know I look nothing like the mother that gave birth to me except for the blond hair which we had in common. In fact I'm her opposite with her dark eyes, round stomach, round hips, small waist, big butt and big breasts, I look nothing like the model my mother wanted me to look like and she has always used it to taunt me saying I look nothing like her and maybe that's the reason my wolf won't come out because she's also too big and round. Althea is a lover of riches and fame, and anything that will bring down her prestige among the other packs she won't associate with it. For me. I'm one of those things. She never involves herself in pack business, always travelling around, going for gatherings where she can show case her wealth. She has never been part of my life ever since she discovered I was a latent wolf.

"Breakfast will be ready soon mother, I will come serve you and father very soon" I said inwardly rolling my eyes and not bothering to look at her.

"Whatever, just hurry it up, I have somewhere to be" she said walking out of the kitchen.

I quickly finished up on breakfast and went out to serve them the breakfast. My father was seating at the head of the table and mother at the opposite end of the table, each doing their own thing. My mother was filing her nails and my father was replying a text on his phone but on seeing me the expression on his face changed to disgust. I dropped the dishes and was about to serve them before my father's voice stopped me.

"Stop right there, what do you think you're doing?" he asked in a stern manner.

"I just want to serve your breakfast Alpha" I said looking down, I couldn't look him in the eye. I could feel my hands trembling as I spoke.

"I can do that myself, I don't need your presence to further sully my mood, you disgust me, you excuse of a child. Get out! I don't want to have a bad day today just by staring at your worthless face" he shouted.

Trembling so bad and not wanting to be on the receiving end of his wrath I hurriedly left his presence like my legs were on fire.

Nicholas Blackwood was not an Alpha you want to be caught in his bad books. Cruel and ruthless doesn't even begin to describe him. He always gets what he wants, very greedy and high for more power, he wants to rule all of Noire hills and take everyone as a slave under him. Relentless in his pursue for power he doesn't care about his family or what he has to do to acquire more power. Everyone is a puppet for him to use.

Still mussing over what had happened, I didn't hear when my brother came hopping in.

With a smile on his young face "Hey pretty bird" he called out to me.

"Hey little dragon" I said right back at him, with a smile on my face. My little brother Bryon was the only source of joy for me in this house. So innocent and playful, he is turning 18 in a few days now and he is very excited to finally shift to his wolf. I'm so happy for him and I wish he remains the same playful and innocent boy, I hope he doesn't begin to see the awful things and evil ways of our father. Father has never looked at his side once but now I have a feeling after his first shift, father will want to bring him in as his beta too, the same way he brought in Axton my older brother as one of his beta.

"Hey, I'm not a little dragon anymore Raven, I'm now a big dragon, can't you see my mighty roar" he said showing off his muscles and puffing out his chest in an imposing manner. I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous he looked trying to look scary for me.

"No matter how big you turn you will always be my little dragon, okay?"

"One day Raven I'm going to save you from this place and take you somewhere where your smile won't be painful and your beauty can shine bright". Bryon said while looking at me with unshed tears.

I didn't know what to say to that. I have always tried hard to shield my pain from my little brother, but I guess he figured it out. I felt so raw at that moment and didn't know what to say in reply to that so I just hugged him and whispered to him.

"I love you so much Bryon, never stop believing in your heart and what is true".

"So do you want something to eat? I made your favorite, egg, bacon and cheese sandwich"

"Wow! That's smells delicious. You're the best Raven". He said pecking me and hopped right out of the kitchen with his sandwich.

Rounding up on the chores left. I packed my hair up in a messy bun wiped my hands down my dress, picked up the basket and left the house. I needed to pick up some stuffs from the grocery stall. It's not like I needed any cash to buy things, one of the privileges of being an Alpha's daughter even though I was an outcast. On my way I heard someone shout my name.

"Raven, Raven". I looked back and saw Torren running towards me with a smile on his face. I couldn't help but smile back at him. Torren Sawyer, my boyfriend and lover, one of the few people who didn't look down on me in the pack. We've being together for 2 years now. Though, we've known each other since childhood. Most people don't know we are dating except Bryon, so it's easy for him to come to the house to see me anytime he wants.

"Hey Raven, I've been calling out your name for a while now. Where are you going?"

"Hey Tor, I'm good. I just wanna get some stuff from the grocery stall. What you up to this early in the morning" I said turning back and walking towards the stall. He fell in line with me as we walked towards the stall together.

"Nothing much. I've missed you so much my Raven bear" he said while placing his hands on my waist.

"Hmm, hmm, but you haven't come over to the house for a while now" I said while raising one of my eyebrow at him.

"It's really not what you think baby, it's just that with the way things are and with the Alpha foul mood of late, I didn't wanna be caught sneaking in to see you. That's why I waited outside your house for you to come out. I just knew you would come out this morning. You see baby, we are in sync with our body and soul". I just shake my head while laughing, Tor knew just how to butter me up and sweet talk his way out of things.

We got to the grocery stall and I could see the looks of disgust and disdain from the people, I knew if not for Tor by my side keeping me away from their snide remarks and gestures I would have been on their receiving end. Well, I'm used to it anyway, it's not like there's anything I could do to avoid it.

"Move out the way! You this witch". A young lad passed pushing me while spitting at me.

"Hey, watch it" Tor said standing up to meet the guy. At 6'2, he towered over the guy who couldn't be taller than 5'7. His green eyes bled to yellow showing his wolf, as a beta wolf he was much stronger than other wolf. I could see the guy scurry away in fear.

"Thank you Tor"

"It's nothing baby bear, I won't let this people bully you while I'm here"

After leaving the stall, Tor had to go do some pack business, he works for the foundation. An institute that trains young changelings into becoming an enforcer. He kissed me on the cheek and said he will see me tonight before going back. I took a stroll to the river banks to clear my head. It was so cool and the feel of the gentle breeze on my skin was so soothing, the sounds of the birds chirping and the faint howling of the wolves made the environment so serene. This was my safe place, a place I come to clear my head after everything. I sat on the rock, closing my eyes and listening to the sound of the water.

I remember the day it all changed. The day of my 18th birthday. I was so excited to finally change to my wolf and become a full member of the pack. My father had made preparations, different Alphas had been invited and people from other packs came to celebrate with me. On the night of the full moon, when it was time to change and nothing happened, I was so scared, the entire place went quiet and my father had looked at me with pain in his eyes. He had tried using the Alpha command on me but it didn't work, I could hear the murmurs from the people and taunts, the feeling of dejection washed all over me. I could see the feeling of betrayal, pain and disgust in my father's eyes, he was so angry I had disgraced him. He said I was worthless, a piece of thrash, useless and a disgrace to the Blackwood name. Axton had looked at me with contempt and disdain, my own brother couldn't stand the sight of me. That day broke something within me. I left there with tears in my eyes but I never could have imagined since then that the beginning of my suffering was from then on. The taunts, abuse and contempt from my family and pack. I've tried to end it all myself several times but I couldn't, I thought of my sweet. Innocent, younger brother and the love he had for me, I also thought of Torren, my childhood friend and decided to be strong for them. It's been two years since then and nothing has changed. I guess I just have to find a way to leave the pack and start afresh somewhere else.

I guessed I've been here for a while now, it's time to return back to the house and get dinner prepared before the Alpha comes back.

Asher

The sound of knocking on my office door brought me out of my thoughts, the smell of pine wood immediately notified me of the presence of my beta Derek.

"Come on in Derek" I said while trying to sort out the paper works on my desk.

"Alpha" he said bowing his head slightly as a sign of respect.

Derek Shale, one of my beta, a brother of mine, my loyal right hand man. Cold and calculating in nature, but not someone to be underestimated. Strong-willed and loyal compared to bus twin Dale Shale, my other beta, also a brother of mine, my left hand man. Fiery and hot-tempered in nature, a flirt and the packs playboy. Strong and loyal at heart too. Derek and Dale have been close to me since we were children, they are my childhood friends. We've been together since we were 5 years old, their father was my father, the Alpha, betas. We have grown up together and been so close like brothers. The death of our parents when we were just 10, brought a massive change into our lives. We have had to survive all on our own. Through the days of hunger, pain, homelessness. We built the Shadow pack together from the scratch and won't allow anyone or anything come in between us. We can sacrifice our lives for each other. We may not be brothers by blood, but we are brothers bound by our pain, suffering and loyalty to each other.

"It's time for us to leave for the council meeting" he said from where he stood by the door.

"Yeah, almost forgot about that. All these paper works and petitions took most of my time" I said standing up and following him out to where Dale was waiting for us by the car. The smell of cinnamon hitting me reminded me of his presence.

"What got you in such a sour mood today?" I asked Dale, seeing as he looked so gloomy and dull not his usual vibrant self. Something or someone is definitely bothering him.

"Nothing Alpha" calling me Alpha and not Asher says something is definitely up. Dale is the only one who dares to call me by my name, not that I have a problem with it or anything. Only he and Derek can call me by my name, but Derek only calls me Alpha out of respect. I looked at Derek's direction to see if he has any answer to what's going on with his twin, since they seem to have the twin telepathy thing but he just mouthed "later" to me and I nodded to it. It would seem this was a conversation we were going to have much after the meeting. Marcel was already at the wheel waiting for us to get in.

"Alright then, let's go and see what new thing the council has to say again"

The ride to the council hall was so quiet until Derek finally spoke up breaking the silence.

"What do you think will be the reason for this emergency meeting? I mean the meeting is always held after every full moon and we don't have a full moon till the week after this? Derek asked turning back to look at me.

"Hmm, I have my suspicion on what he could be. I think the other Alphas want to expand on their territory and will use this famine as an advantage to do so. An alliance is what they seek"

"Is that even possible? I mean everyone knows that the alliance is just a façade to overthrow the other Alpha then take over his pack." Dale said while twitching his blade in his hands. A habit he does only when he's nervous or something's bothering him. I guess we'll have to visit his matter as soon as the council meeting is over.

"Let's get this over with, I can't wait to hear what exactly they want". Stepping out into the warm serene environment where the council hall is located. The atmosphere seems so quiet and peaceful, the wind gently blowing and the tress swaying to the rhythm of the wind, breathing in the warm fresh air, I felt my betas take their positions beside me. Derek to my right and Dale to my left side, together we walked into the hall. The other Alphas were already on seat, it seems I was the one keeping them waiting. Taking my seat at the head of the table, flanked by my two beta, I finally addressed the members not before speaking to my betas through our mind-link.

"Stay alert, I can feel the tension in the air"

"We too Alpha"

"To what do this unprecedented meeting call for?" We weren't met to meet till the next full moon which is the week after, so what is so important that it can't wait till then". I asked looking at each one of them in the eye. I may be the youngest Alpha and heading the council have brought me some enemies but none of them could say it to my ears or look me directly in the eyes. No doubt my reputation precedes me, I fought my way here, my late father was also the head before he was killed and I made sure to avenge his death. Tearing apart the Alpha that killed my father bit by bit into pieces with my hands in cold-blood earned me the name "Mad Alpha". I made sure to make all my enemies pay in blood for their crimes. Some of the Alphas seated here today may not agree with me being the head but they have no choice in it. They don't have it in them to come challenge me for this position. Suddenly Nicholas Blackwood stood up, Alpha of the Midnight pack. He has always had an eye for my position, a very cunning and greedy man. All of his ways and his manner in which he runs the pack I'm well aware of.

"Greetings Alpha, greetings council members, I and some other Alpha discussed on the situation of the famine and how it's affecting out pack members. On behalf of them, I would like to make a proposition, if you will let me Alpha" he asked staring at me with a smug expression on his face. I have a feeling I'm not going to like what he has to say.

"What kind of proposition is it? Go on we will like to hear it"

"I would suggest that to solve the issue of the famine we should think about forming an alliance with one another". The hall was suddenly echoing with murmurs and whispering from the Alphas as regards to the issue of the alliance. I could feel the presence of my betas in my mind trying to speak to me.

"Who does he think he is to propose such a thing". This from Dale

"I knew this was going to happen. Alpha what are you going to do? Will you be agreeing to the alliance?" Derek asked.

"Hmm, I'm going to figure out what game he wants to play with me"

"Does anyone here also agree to the alliance?" I asked. Hands were raised and I could see the majority agreed with him. It would seem he has played a role in convincing them that the alliance would be a better option.

"Alright then. Alpha Nicholas which pack would you like to form an alliance with"

"Thank you Alpha, if you would permit me to say this, I would like to form an alliance with your pack, the Shadow pack". The entire room went silent at his request, some were stunned at his audacity, and others were scared I might just kill him here and end it all. I could see the questions on their faces and could see the look of dare in Nicholas eyes, daring me to refuse him. I sat up straight looking at him, I could see the quivering of his eye balls, guess he wasn't as immune to me like I thought.

"How dare he, who the hell does he think he is to be making such a demand" I could feel the anger radiating from Dale by my side.

"He is playing a game here Alpha, tread carefully" Derek advised, always the calm one.

"Two can play this game. Let's see how far he's willing to go with this"

"So you want to form an alliance with me right?"

"Yes Alpha, if you would permit me"

"Alright then, what's in it for me?" smirking at him, I could see the look of surprise in his eyes, he didn't think I would accept so easily. Guess he hasn't thought of what he could use to bargain with.

"Real... really, okay, okay. What do you want from my pack Alpha?"

"No, what can you offer me to interest me to form this alliance with you" I countered back. Raising his head up to meet my eyes, as a way of showing courage he said

"I have lands, a foundation that trains young changelings into enforcers that can be useful in times of war or disputes and in return you will provide us with food and protection we need"

"Okay, I agree". I could feel my betas tense beside me, no doubt they don't agree with the decision I made.

"But, if anyone breaches the contract, the person will pay in blood". I said in a loud and booming voice, forcing everyone to startle and shiver at it. I won't let anyone think I've become weak. With defiance in his voice, Nicholas agreed with me

"Deal, it has been decided and the other Alphas present serve as a witness to this day. Thank you Alpha for agreeing to it". He said, bowing his head.

"If that's all for today, I would like to take my leave"

"One more thing Alpha" Nicholas said addressing the council

"My last son will be celebrating his 18th birthday in a few days from now and will also be experiencing his first change. I would like to invite every one of us present today to attend this celebration." Excited chatter and murmurs filled the hall at his announcement.

"Alright, if everyone will be available, we'll meet at your son's celebration then". I said standing up and taking my leave. I didn't even bother looking back to see if anyone stood up or not, but I could feel the presence of my betas behind me as we walked out of the door and into the car. Marcel has already be waiting for us.