Chapter 2 Aquamarine's POV Clinton's hands remained frozen on my waist as his twin brother , Clifford , approached . " Just sharing a moment with her , brother , " Clinton said , feigning innocence and smiling at me as if he hadn't touched me a few seconds ago . Clifford's brows furrowed , and for a moment , I thought he looked concerned , unlike Clinton's fake innocence . " Aquamarine , are you alright ? " 1 nodded , still feeling trapped and embarrassed . Clifford shouldn't have seen us , especially in this state . At least , not until tomorrow , when Clinton announces me . Clinton's grip relaxed , but his eyes flashed with a warning . " This doesn't concern you , Clifford , " he growled . Clifford's jaw clenched . " Actually , it does . Father's waiting for you . The Alpha's Council has arrived . " Clinton released me , adjusting his clothes . " We'll deal with this later , " he whispered , his breath cold against my ear . As Clinton walked away with Clifford , I released a breath I didn't know I was holding . Why c did Clinton's touch feel so wrong ? I ran as fast as my legs could take me through the darkness to my house without looking back . I sneaked silently into the house , hoping to avoid being caught by anyone . I took a deep breath as I quietly closed the door . But my peace was short - lived . " How dare you shame us like that ? " Sarah shrieked , " You're worthless , Freak ! " I opened my mouth to respond , but before I could utter a single word , her hand connected with my cheek in a resounding slap , causing me to hit my head against the door . " You embarrassed us today ! " Sarah spat . Her grip on my arm tightened , " Your pathetic display during the assessment was humiliating ! " Sarah's slap came again and again , each one more painful than the last . She snarled . " I should have gotten rid of you a long time ago ! " I stumbled back , tears flowing down my already hot cheeks as I tried to stand up . But my vision was too blurry , and I could feel my cheek swell . " Where did you run to ? " Sarah's voice cut , her eyes glowing red with fury . " Mother , I saw her with Clinton , " Fiona said , coming out of nowhere . " They were practically devouring each other . " Sarah's expression turned uglier . " You whore . You think you can have Clinton's interest ? " she scoffed . " You're just a plaything , bimbo , A temporary distraction . " " B - but Clinton's going to announce m - me as his mate tomorrow ," I whispered , even talking hurts now . Sarah's laughter sent chills down my spine as she walked away . " Clinton will never choose you . Even the Goddess wants nothing to do with you . " Fiona's laughter echoed , as she made her way to her room . " You need a reality check and I know just how to give it to you . " After the torture , I entered the store room , my makeshift bedroom . The space was very tight and narrow , the only way to sleep was by folding myself like a baby . Exhaustion overwhelmed me , and I collapsed , wincing in pain till I eventually slept off . The next morning . I heard fast and heavy footsteps coming towards my room , but I felt too weak to move . Suddenly the door banged open , and a tall person stood in the entrance . Hazily opened my eyes and immediately regretted why I decided to sleep more . 1/3 < - 10 Chapter 2 My father , Beta Liam , stood before me , his eyes red with anger . He raised his hand , and I flinched , anticipating the slap . But instead , I received a crushing blow , heavy to my head . I gasped as my legs gave out beneath me . I fell to the ground , struggling to catch my breath . I couldn't even see clearly anymore as I forced myself to kneel and bow my head . " W - welcome back , sire , " I whispered out of breath , trembling . I knew better than to call him father ; the last time I did , I couldn't move for a week . He beat the living daylight out of me , and all that's left are bruises . Beta Liam's gaze swept over me , his face squeezing in disgust . " I can't believe you're still alive , " he night . " growled . " After what you did last Sarah and Fiona appeared beside him , smiling like they had just won a trophy . I was very sure they told him about the assessment or maybe he heard from other pack members . His blow still stung , tears flowed down my cheek , and I quickly wiped it off . He hated seeing me cry , not because he cared . But because he believed a creature like me had no soul . Beta Liam turned to Fiona and Sarah , his expression softening into a warm smile of approval . Well done , Fiona , for covering up her shame during the Assessment , " he said , handing them a pouch of gold coins . " Use this to prepare for the Mating Season festivities tonight . " Fiona squealed with delight , clutching the pouch tightly in her hands . " Thank you , Father ! " she exclaimed . I knew she was already planning on the lavish dresses and expensive jewellery she would buy . Sarah smiled , patting Fiona's hair . " We'll make sure to find the perfect attire . She deserves to impress the Alpha's children and secure a great match . " As they left , Beta Liam turned to me , his smile transforming into a scowl . " And as for you , freak … " He spat the word , " The consequences of disgracing this family won't go unpunished ." His eyes narrowed . " After the ceremony , fly back here and pack up . " With that , he turned and stormed out , leaving me in pain and confusion . Pack ? Where was I going ? What did he have planned ? Fear clawed at my chest as different scenarios rampaged through my head . I left the store room , preparing myself for the mating season . I don't want to look too much like a maid by the time Clinton announces me as his mate , but my tattered and overly patched dress mirrors my shattered dignity . I looked worse than a slave . The market was busy with people laughing and shopping for dresses . It was the mating ceremony , so their excitement was valid . I walked through the stalls , and people stared at me with disgust . Some made faces , others whispered insults . A vendor even spat at my feet , disgust all over her face . I ignored them . In a few hours , I'd be publicly mated to Clinton , and all this torture would stop . I grinned at that thought . " Freak , someone whispered . At the seamstress ' stall , I bought a needle and thread , but instead of handing it to me , the seamstress threw the items at me like I was dirty . She didn't even let me pay . As if touching me or anything from me would taint her . Just as I bent over to search for the needle , I felt that pull again . The familiar scent that took over me last night , I could sense it . I was happy that Clinton , my mate , was nearby . My wolf was restless , and I couldn't help but smile . Could it be ? Was he searching for me , too ? I followed the scent , running through the stalls but being careful enough not to bump into someone . As I took a quick turn , I spotted Clinton from afar , but he wasn't alone A girl clung to his arm , and they went into an abandoned tavern 2/3 < -10 Chapter 2 I slowed down my pace . Who was she ? As I drew closer , the girl's face became clearer . Fiona ? Why was Clinton with Fiona ? I'd never seen them in the same space before , and according to her , he wasn't her type of man . She once told me she preferred rugged men who could manhandle her . Whatever that means . Out of curiosity , I followed them to the tavern and peeped through a cracked window . The scene inside drained all the blood in my skin . Clinton and Fiona were completely naked on a broken bed . Fiona was riding him , and Clinton was enjoying it . My heart sank . This couldn't be . Clinton was my mate . He would never cheat . Doesn't he feel my wolf ? That I'm here ? But the truth stared me in the face . It was like time had stopped , I was unable to move or look away . All of a sudden , Fiona's eyes snapped toward the window , and a sly smile spread across her face . She knew I was watching . Fiona's eyes never left mine as she increased her speed and leaned forward , her lips brushing against Clinton's ear while his the air . Clinton's hands grasped Fiona's hips , pulling her deeper into him . Her smile grew wider as she moaned his name out loud . The wolf within me screamed in anguish as if ripped apart by Fiona's actions . She looked me dead in the eye and mouthed a single , taunting word : " Mine . " groans filled 3/3