Captured By A Ruthless Vampire King
|2|~The Privileged~

Unedited.

Embry POV.

Wait! What? “No,” My words just fall from my lips, and my body acts on its own, as I snatch my hand away from my father. “He is not my mate.”

The wolves around us break out in a fit of whispers. No one tells an alpha, or a beta, No. No one! Not even one of their daughters.

My uncle and father growls bounce off the trees in unison, causing all of the lower level wolves to stiffen and take a step back.

“This is not up for debate,” the shock in his voice is evident. His now golden eyes are locked onto my own. His wolf is present. I know this. He may have the title of beta. However, he is still the second son of an Alpha.

“What’s done is done,” He tells me in a curt tone. “The Lycans have only agreed to fight for us if we bond our union. They have upheld their end of the bargain. You are the gift that was brought to us on our last Luna passing day. This is your duty. This is your fate. The union is fate.”

Fate! Fate!? He didn’t just accuse this traitorous act of fate.

I look into my father’s eyes. I can’t believe him. My world is spinning, literally. How can we give away his flesh and blood and blame it on fate? This is anything but, fate!

“My apologies, father,” I tell him. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your point of view on fate is messed up.” Opp! I didn’t mean to say that. Well, actually I did mean to say that just not out loud.

The crowd breaks out into another audible gasps. Okay! This is not good. I’m about to tell him I’m sorry, but it’s too late.

My father releases another ear-splitting growl, unleashing his Alpha aura and bringing me down to my knees.

His Alpha aura travels throughout my entire body, bringing forth tremendous pain. My heart feels like it’s about to explode. The power takes effect on my entire nervous system and then breaks through the protective barrier of my wolf. His power makes me feel like he’s snatching my wolf soul from my body and ripping her apart, demanding submission.

I am in tears. My entire body feels like it’s going numb and it becomes harder for me to breathe.

“Stop! You’re hurting her.” I hear Celine call out, but I can’t see her. My vision is completely blank. White noise is ringing inside of my ears. Then out of nowhere, he stops finally allowing me to desperately search for air.

I turn to face my father with golden eyes. How could he? My father has never used his Alpha aura on me. Never! Hurt and mental pain strikes throughout me, like lightning. He is my father. I am his blood! I am his daughter.

He pulls me up from off the ground. No emotions can be detected on his face.

My heart is shattered.

“As I stated before this isn’t up for debate. You will accept one way or the other. I’ll give you some time to decide which way you would like to accept?” He tells me, taking a step back.

I so desperately want to curse him, run away and never speak to him again. My father is dead wrong. However, two wrongs don’t make a right. I am better than that. I should have never disrespected him. All my father ever did was protect, shelter and take care of me.

I am not that she-wolf, who bites the hand of those who feed her.

I turn to look into the eyes of my people. Everyone is waiting to see what will happen next. They are on their knees, scared shitless. Due to the close range, every one of the lower level wolves was affected by my father's act of dominance and my selfish tantrum, including Kaya and her mate. They are both forcefully kneeling with their body drenched in sweat

Kaya's tear-stained face and stiffen pained body will haunt my memory forever. My sister's eyes lock with my own, pity. They tell the story that her words will never reveal. She doesn’t even agree with the traitorous act. Wolves will wait for eternity for their mates, their other half and they're promised. This union is not fate.

It’s forced. This is wrong and Farrah knows that. Then, my eyes lock with Celine’s she is being restrained by two warriors. She is begging me with her eyes for me not accept. I know she will fight with me against our entire family even if we will lose. I cannot allow her to suffer because of her undying loyalty to me. I can’t allow anyone to suffer because of me.

This union may be a forced destiny placed upon me but it is my burden, not there’s. We have been fairly good in the war because of the Lycans.

All of that will change if I place myself before my people. I can not do that.

This is why I must accept it. After, minutes of silence the Lycan Prince Ethel steps forward. His sea-green eyes stare into my own.

“Do you accept this bond and union,” he asks.

No. “I do,” I whisper. He nods his head in approval. “Good, our mating ceremony will happen within the next two moons. You shall be transported to the northern border at once where it shall take place. I have to return to my kingdom to make preparations. I’ll see you soon.” He says to me before, taking his leave.”

That’s it. He didn’t ask me if I was okay. He didn’t even care that I was just humiliated in front of my own people. This arrangement is nothing but an arrangement for him. I'am nothing to him.

I watch him walk away with no sign of remorse.

Each step he takes is a step over my heart.

The ride to Northern Village Quebec is dull.

Shortly after, Prince Ethel spoke his words Two Lycan warriors came to escort me and Farrah to a white truck with tinted windows. I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to, Celine, Aunt Elena or Kaya. They refused to even allow me to gather my belongings. My father or uncle didn’t even bother to say goodbye. They just allowed them to usher us away.

Alpha Luke was the only person allowed or even cared to speak with me. He apologized for the way I was handled and told me to stay true to myself no matter what happens. I attempted to ask him who else will travel with me, but the two Lycan guards said that was enough and continued to drag me away.

I’m not even sure if our brother is coming along. It’s tradition for at least two of the she-wolf intermediate family members to spend time with her before a freshly mating ceremony. Most wolves, in this day and time, don’t have that luxury due to the awakening.

So, I guess I’m supposed to feel lucky. I don’t feel so lucky. My father and Alpha Luke are most likely on their way back to the Western territory. I won’t see them again in my mating ceremony. I wonder how Alpha Luke really feels about this agreed mating.

He did just confess his interest with me two moons ago. I guess that all has changed.

I sigh. “Are you okay, Embry,” ask Farrah. She’s sitting across from me, possibly lost in her own thoughts.

“Yes, I’m fine,” I tell her, trying my best to form a smile.

Farrah gives me a soft smile back. It’s weird seeing her smile. “Your smile doesn’t quite reach your ears. Therefore it’s fake,” she calls me out. Wicked big sister of the west or not she still is my big sister, which means she knows me.

“I’ll be fine. It’s just, how can I bond to someone other than my mate? And how could dad do that to me?”

Farrah hazel eyes met my own. “You just have to do it, Embry. I don’t want to be harsh but you have to come with grips that maybe your true mates aren’t out there. I don’t necessarily agree with how dad handled you, but in his defense, you did disrespect him.”

She’s right! But a forced mating is unnatural and dad betrayed me. I was just caught off guard. I don’t know anything about Lycans, but what the typical wolf knows about them. I’m not even sure how a mating between a Lycan and werewolf would work. “Lycans force mate all the time,” Farrah voice ushers away my thoughts.

It’s true. Lycans are not granted with mates, beloveds, or a paramour, like other supernatural creatures. They are rumored to have promised destined, which is deeper than a mates or a beloved bond. But from what I heard it’s very rare for them to find them. So, they force mate with other Lycans. That’s how they typically keep their bloodline pure. Now, that I’m thinking about it.

It’s really strange that a Lycan! Especially, their prince would agree to mate with a she-wolf.

“But why with me,” I ask, Farrah out loud.

“Because you are a special wolf, born on the day of Luna Passing,” she answers.

I’m so tired of hearing that superstitious bull crap. Wolves and their crazy beliefs! “Plus, you are beautiful, worthy, and loyal.” She continues, gaining my attention. “He would be a fool if he didn’t accept mating to you.” I look at my sister in her now glowing golden eyes. Her wolf is present. She’s speaking from the heart.

“Thank you,” I say. “I’m sorry for cutting your time short with Beta Rendell.”

“Oh, don’t worry about him. I broke it off with him last night.”

“Now, why would you do that?” I ask, placing my attention onto my fiddling hands.

Farrah will always be Farrah.

“Because he is a beta and my mate,” she answers. My head snaps back in her direction.

“What? But his mate was given to the Moon Goddess?′ I say, and that can only mean one thing. Farrah would have to be Beta Rendell’s second chance mate and that can only happen if he is also her second chance mate. In order to receive a second chance mate, you would have to be rejected, and I’m almost certain that no wolf would reject my sister.

She is absolutely beautiful, and plus she is a Wilde wolf. It’s an honor to mate with a Wilde wolf in the world of werewolves. Don’t ask me why? It just is. So rejection is out the equation and that means...

“My mate was killed,” Farrah state my thoughts out loud. My heart drops. I look at my sister, I mean really look at my sister for what seems like the first time in centuries and suddenly it all adds up. My sister is hurting. That thought alone, makes my eyes water up. “Farrah I’m,”

“I don’t need you pity. Its life,” she says, putting her guard back up. “This is the life that the vampires forced us to live. Mates or even a second chance doesn’t matter at this point. It’s all about survival. If my mate was unable to survive into we met. Then, he was never worthy enough to be my mate in the first place and there is no need to cry over spoil milk.” She tells me, sounding like a cold-hearted bitch.

I hate to say that, but that’s exactly how she sounds.

“Farrah that’s harsh, even for you.”

“Life is harsh,” she tells me straight up. This time I don’t respond. There is no point in arguing with Farrah, you will never win. I can only hope that she doesn’t really mean that. I can only hope.

We sit in silence for a while, neither one of us, really knowing what to say. This is how our relationship has been for a while now. I hate it. We are sisters. I wish we were closer. I always have.

“Why didn’t you say anything,” I ask, just to start back up a conversation. “I mean, about Beta Rendell being your second chance mate. We should be celebrated your mating, not preparing for my funeral,” I say, attempting to lightening the mood.

“You aren’t dying, Embry and I’m not mating with anyone. Second chance mate or not, I’m not committing to a Beta,”

I lean my head over to one side. “Why not, sad is a Beta. There’s nothing wrong with mating to a Beta.′

“Dad is a Beta, with Alpha blood and he is a Wilde. Beta Rendell is just Beta Rendell,” she says placing her attention on the trees that’s covered with pure white snow. “Stop acting so naïve Embry.”

“I am not acting naive, you are. Farrah,” I warn. “A mate or even a second chance mate bond is a gift from the moon goddess herself. You should...”

“No one asked for your opinion, Embry,” she cuts me off. “You already have a lot on your plate. There’s no need for you to eat off of mine.”

She’s right! Plus, it’s not my place to tell her what to do. Farrah has a right to choose her own path, we all do. Plus, in her defense I know Farrah is petrified of committing to anybody. Behind, her mean-girl mask there is really a broken-hearted girl. My sister has lost everything she has ever loved. First, she lost mom. Then, she lost her best friend Patrice and now, I find out that she lost her mate.

Farrah refuses to love because she refuses to be hurt again. She refuses to feel the heartbreak of losing someone again. That’s the true reason why she sleeps around but she will never admit to it.

Every person is the way they are for a reason. Farrah is no different.

I turn to stare at the passing scenery as well. Nature has always soothed me. It’s my peace. I can’t help, but to think about how different it looks when you are riding past it, instead of running through it.

For example, the trees seem to be the ones running instead of standing still. My wolf loves how the snow feels when it lands onto my grey coat. I love to run. Spring is my favorite season. Who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of running in the fresh scent of rain? Winter is my second favorite, like most wolves. I may not be with the violence and bloodshed, but my wolf loves nature.

That’s another reason why I use to enjoy coming to my uncle's pack. It’s a long way from my home, which means plenty of quality time with Mother Nature. Regular wolves usually travel to other territories on four paws.

Only the privileged and the high maintenance have access to vehicles during this day and time. I guess it’s just another thing that I have to get used to.

After three hours of riding, dealing with my annoying big sister, and several of my own personal inner self-pity monologues. We finally make it to our destination.

The Northern Village Quebec is a nice little town that sits beside a nice little river. There is a huge snow-covered mountain, many rows of high steep hill, and a humongous forest that one can call enchanting. The town is absolutely beautiful. Any wolf would be honored to call this place home,

The only problem is it’s not my home.

Nowhere in the North is considered to be my home. I’m a western girl, use to the balmy weather of California. The sky-high palms trees and breathtaking beach scenery. I am used to bonfires on the beach while inhaling the intoxication scent of the sea. I am used to running through the Redwood forest with my sister, the only quality time that we ever spend together. I am used to laying on the sand late at night, staring at the stars and dreaming of sneaking into the vampire filled city of Los Angeles. I am used to home. My home.

That shall forever be in my heart, even if it will no longer be in my reach.

That’s just another thing that I have to get used to. The Lycans Palace is located in the Far North. It’s buried deep in the depths of what humans use to call Canada. That shall be my new place of residence.

I have two moons to get used to all of this. Two whole moons! The car doors are opened only to reveal my brother Amaruq. Ruq for short! His intense and brilliant blue eyes don’t give anything away.

He helps Farrah out of the car first. She takes his hand and walks away. Wicked sister of the west doesn’t even say thank you. She just struts over in the direction of our Lycan warriors, to properly introduce herself I am sure.

“Are you ready, Princess,” He asks, calling me by my nickname that he used forever but this time his tone is curt.

That reminds me, Princess is my new title. No, wonder why Ruq is in such a grouchy mood. Dad must have placed him on babysitting duties. They wouldn’t want anything to happen to their new princess. Now, would they? I take his hand as he helps me out of the truck.

I wonder if my brother agrees with this. It’s hard to tell what Ruq thinks by looking at him. He’s always serious and always in a bad mood. Blame it on the curse of the Wilde wolf.

“Thank you,” I say while taking his hand and climbing out of the car.

My brother stops to look me in my eye. “Don’t ever lose that side of you, Embry.” He whispers, so low I can barely hear him.

“I won’t, Ruq,” I respond. My brother's words answered my unspoken questions. He doesn’t agree with this mating either.

“I’m starved,” I say to him, just to keep our conversation going. My relationship with Ruq is no different from my relationship with Farrah. We are like night and day.

“You’re always hungry,” he responds with a smile. Wow! My upcoming mating ceremony just might actually be my funereal. That’s the only logical explanation that can explain why the hell my brother is doing anything other than frowning. Amaruq never smiles. He hasn’t in years.

I flash him the biggest smile I could muster as we make our way to the center of the village.

All of the wolves are present, bowing, and showing their respect. It’s a lot to take in. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this. Wolves bowing before me, people answering my every becking call, riding in cars, it’s a lot to take in.

That’s probably why my brother said what he said. He doesn’t want me to forget where I came from. I’m a Wilde wolf, respect was earned not given. My Lycan Prince, on the other hand, was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He doesn’t understand how it feels to struggle.

We are so different, but who am I to judge.

An older she-wolf makes her way in front of us. Her brown eyes hold century’s worth of warmth and her silvered hair tells that she has been on this earth way for a long while.

“Welcome,” says the older she-wolf. “My name is Koda and it’s an honor to prepare and host your mating ceremony in our little village.”

“Thank you. It’s an honor to be here,” I politely lie.

She gives me a soft smile and pulls me into her shaky arms, giving me a gentle hug. “You don’t have to lie to me, my child,” she whispers into my ear.

“Come, you’ve have had a long journey. Let’s go, freshening and fatten you up,” she requests why pulling away.

Fatten? She must be referring to food. I’m always down for a home cook meal.

The older she-wolf by the name Koda turns to face my siblings. “The guards will escort your designated huts and provide you with anything that you need.”

“Embry isn’t going anywhere alone,” Ruq tells her as the Lycan Guards walk up.

“She will not be alone,” responds the older she-wolf.

“The Princess charge is right,” says one of the Lycan warriors. I haven’t had the chance to ask him his name. “She must be guarded at all times.”

“If you would like, you’re free to stay on my porch,” the older she-wolf responds to him with no evident fear. “However, the Princess is hungry and needs rest. As the keeper of the town, it’s my duty to care for her wellness, as it is your duty to protect her.”

“She will not be going anywhere without me,” my brother intervenes. “Furthermore, you need to ensure that I am staying in the hut closest to Embry,” he demands. “My other sister Farrah will share a hut with Embry.”

The older she-wolf eyes glow bright yellow. “I understand that you are protecting your sister, my boy. However, you will not disrespect me in my home. I am the town’s keeper and only I have a say-so of where who rooms with whom.”

Ruq eyes flash golden and before he has a chance to disrespect her any further I speak. “Please, forgive my brother. He means no harm. It’s just I would really like to be placed close by my siblings.”

The older she-wolf give me another gentle smile. “Of course you would my sweet child,” she says. “First we shall eat. Then, we do everything else.”

She grabs my hand and pulls me towards a hut and I follow without any objections.

Rug wasn’t kidding when he said I’m always hungry. I am always hungry.

If food is there I shall follow.

The Lycan warriors and my brother tags right along behind us.

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