Chapter 1

Jacky's POV

"Open for me, gorgeous." His fingers grazed my thighs, parting them like he owned me, a low growl rumbling from his chest. I couldn’t see him—couldn’t place him—but the ache between my legs screamed his name, whoever he was.

"Tell me what you want," he rasped, his mouth so close it sent shivers down my spine.

"I want you inside me." My voice quivered, needy, as I clung to him like he was my lifeline.

"Then take me, love," he said, thrusting into me. My gasp was swallowed by his lips as he pinned me, his voice rough in my ear. "You’re mine tonight, and I’ll ruin you like you’ve always been mine."

...

I woke up gasping, my legs shaking, the sheets soaked beneath me. My skin burned where he had touched me, where his mouth had claimed me. My hands clutched at nothing, desperate for him, but he was already gone. My throat tightened. My body begged for something I couldn’t have, something I’d never seen but couldn’t stop wanting.

The dream ended the same way it always did—his hands on me, his body pressing me into the bed. Then nothing. I always wake up panting, my skin sticky and overheated, the sheets twisted around me. My fingers brushed my thighs, and the slickness there only made the ache worse.

I shoved the covers off and sat on the edge of the bed, trembling. I couldn’t stop shaking.

Every night, I experience intense dreams. My wolf is alive, my body in heat. Every night, a man comes into my dreams and touches me like he's known me for years. He makes me feel alive. He brings new feelings within me. I've never seen his face, I'm inclined to believe the moon goddess is punishing me for abandoning the sacred oath of a warrior. I have no mate, I'm lonely. But I look forward to the torture of closing my eyes every night and being able to touch the mysterious man that owns my mind. When I touch him, it's not foreign, not new. It's like I know him. Perhaps a past life, perhaps my wolf knows who he is.

Was he my mate?

---

AT THE DINER.

"Aunt Jacky, do you believe mom will win the trials?" Little Anna tugged on my arm, her shining eyes mirroring the hope I used to have before understanding the real essence of the Mate Trials. I look at her, momentarily drawn away from the TV show that captivated everyone in the cafe.

" Certainly, darling. Mommy will win the trials then come to get you." I held her little hand tightly, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue. "She'll take you somewhere safe, somewhere beautiful." The words felt hollow, but I couldn't bear to crush Anna's dreams.

Three years had passed since my sister Eloise entered the Mate Trials, three years since she'd left her three-month-old daughter on my doorstep with nothing but a hastily written note.

*Take care of my baby. I'm off to fight for my chance to give her a better life.*

The memory of that morning still burned fresh in my mind. I'd stood there, holding a sleeping infant and a piece of paper that would forever change both our lives. Initially, anger consumed me. How could anyone abandon their child to participate in what amounted to sanctioned murder? Eloise had assured me it would only last six months at most. We'd both been naive.

The trials had stretched on endlessly, with the Alphas growing more demanding, more bloodthirsty. They'd opened the competition to new contestants daily, forcing the original participants to face fresh opponents while already battle-worn and exhausted. It was like watching gladiators in an endless circus, except these warriors were our sisters, daughters, and mothers.

The betting had started naturally enough. People needed hope, needed to feel involved. It began with small wagers, but as the trials dragged on, it became an underground economy of its own.

I'd learned to use it to our advantage, managing the books to ensure Anna and I could survive.

"Two hundred gold coins on Eloise!" A gruff voice called out from the corner. I nodded, accepting the heavy pouch without comment.

"The odds are three to one," I replied , recording the bet in my ledger. My hands moved automatically while my attention remained fixed on the broadcast.

The familiar fanfare signaled an important announcement, and the café fell silent. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, everyone turned. "Citizens of the Allied Packs, we have breaking news regarding the Mate Trials!"

My pulse quickened as I pulled Anna closer. Something felt different this time.

"The council of Alphas have reached a historic decision. The trials will conclude in exactly six months!" The announcement seemed to shock everyone.

Six months. After three years of endless torture, they were finally setting an end date.

"Furthermore," the announcer continued, his voice cutting through the murmurs, "the gates for new contestants will close in three days!"

Then he appeared on screen – Alpha Roman himself. Even through the television, his presence dominated the room. Every wolf present instinctively lowered their gaze, generations of ingrained submission taking hold. I forced myself to watch, to study the man responsible for so much suffering.

"My loyal subjects," he began, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to all contestants who have shown such dedication in fighting for the honor of becoming my mate."

Bile rose in my throat. Honor. As if there was anything honorable about forcing women to kill each other for his entertainment.

"This is a sacred tradition," he continued, "one that ensures our future queen possesses not just beauty, but the strength and cunning needed to rule at my side. Each participant has shown remarkable courage, and I commend them all."

The café erupted in hushed whispers of disgust. I heard several wolves muttering curses under their breath.

"The leading contestants have proven themselves exceptional warriors." Roman's eyes gleamed as he began listing names. "Malia of the Northern Pack, Sarah of the Coastal Tribes, Rebecca from the Mountain Clans..."

I held my breath, waiting. Finally, he spoke the name everyone was anticipating.

"And of course, our longest-surviving contestant, Eloise of the Valley Pack."

Cheers erupted around me as my sister's image appeared on screen. Three years had changed her. The soft-spoken woman who'd left her baby on my doorstep was replaced by someone harder, someone who'd learned to survive in a world of violence. Yet somehow, she'd maintained her humanity. 

She was famous, not just for being the runner-up for the next queen, but for her mercy. For every contestant she was forced to kill, she'd apologize before hand, trying to make the kill as merciful, quick and painless as possible. She advocated for respectable funerals for every contestant who died. Not just that, but because of her, Alpha Roman was forced to make an appearance in person to console a grieving family each time a contestant was killed.

My sister was changing history.

But something was wrong. I noticed it immediately – the way Alpha Roman's eyes flickered toward Malia, the subtle nod exchanged between them. My wolf howled a warning, but it was too late.

The attack came without warning. Malia moved with speed, her dagger finding its mark before anyone could react. The blade plunged into Eloise's chest, and I watched in horror as my sister's eyes widened in shock.

"No!" The scream tore from my throat as Anna buried her face against me, sobbing. The café descended into chaos.

"That's against the rules!" someone shouted. "They can't allow this!"

But I knew better. There were no rules, not really. Only the whims of those in power.

The knock at the café door came sooner than expected. Three officials wearing the Roman family crest entered, their expressions grave.

"Jacky Williams?" The leader stepped forward, his tone formal but not unkind.

"Yes." My voice remained steady.

"Your sister has been gravely injured. As her family, your presence is required immediately."

Anna's grip on my hand tightened. "Aunt Jacky, I'm scared."

"It's okay, sweetheart," I assured her, though fear clawed at my own chest. "We're going to see your mother."

The facility where they kept injured contestants resembled a prison more than a hospital. Armed guards stood at every corner, they reminded everyone we were under Roman's control.

Eloise lay in a white room, machines beeping around her. The sight of her, broken and pale, shattered something inside me.

"Eloise!" I rushed to her side, Anna following close behind.

"Mama?" Anna's voice trembled as she reached for her mother's hand.

Eloise's eyes fluttered open, focusing first on her daughter, then on me. "My beautiful girls," she whispered, her voice weak but clear.

"Save your strength," I urged, but she shook her head.

"There's no time for that now, Jacky." Blood stained her lips as she spoke. "I need you to listen carefully."

"Mama, please don't go," Anna pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Eloise managed a small smile. "Sweet girl, you've grown so much. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to watch it happen." She turned her gaze to me, her expression growing urgent. "Jacky, you have to promise me something."

"Anything," I whispered, gripping her hand tighter.

"Protect her. Keep her safe from all of this." Her breath came in short gasps now.

"I promise," I vowed, meaning every word. "I'll keep Anna safe. ''

'And I'll make them answer for what they've done.' I said under my breath.

"Good." A ghost of a smile crossed her lips. "You were always the stronger one, even if you didn't know it."

The machines began beeping faster as her vitals dropped. Panic gripped me as I watched her slipping away.

"I love you both," she whispered, her eyes fixed on something distant. "Be brave."

Then she was gone, leaving nothing but silence and the hollow sound of flatlined monitors.

"Mama?" Anna's voice broke through my shock. "Mama, wake up!"

I pulled her close, my own tears falling freely now. "She's gone, sweetheart. I'm so sorry."

The moment Eloise's heart stopped beating, the air in the room changed. Even the guards stood straighter, their postures reflecting the gravity of what was about to happen. Alpha Roman entered with measured steps, it wasn't until our eyes met that I felt it.

It was like a spell, I went on my knees that instance. Overwhelmed by his presence, my body shook. My wolf awakened. "Mate.'' 

No. No. No, this is impossible.

He can't be my mate. Anyone but him.