Chapter 2 87 ) 55 vouchers Chills ran down my spine as I felt the power radiating from the man before me . I had been taught to sense the strength of my opponent , and I knew he wasn't just some ordinary rogue . He was a predator , one I should flee from . And yet , my wolf pushed me toward him , as if she had a death wish . The man inched forward . " I'm waiting for your answer . " His low purr sounded much like a command . " What is a lonely omega doing here in the middle of the night ? " " I'm not an omega ! " I snarled , earning myself a cold laugh from him . My irritation sparked , and I moved closer , stepping onto the shallow water . " I am the daughter of― " My eyes drifted to my bare chest , and I gasped , lowering myself and hoping to hide from his sight . He shamelessly leaned closer , his gaze dropping to the crystal - clear water . I followed his line of sight and muttered a curse . With the moon illuminating the lake , most of my curves were quite visible . A low hum of appreciation sounded . " Then again , " he went on , " you may be here to seek adventure ... or clients . " My hands fisted into balls . First , he called me an omega , and now suggested I might be a courtesan ?! The mix of embarrassment and anger coiled within me . " How dare you ! " I hissed , lunging forward . I raised my hand , trying to summon my claws . He caught my wrist and pulled me through the reeds . I dug my heels into the lakebed , halting inches before his chiseled body . Dark amusement curved his lips . " My little mouse wants to play ? " he crooned . His grip wasn't strong enough to induce pain , but more than enough to keep me in place . I tried to free myself , but couldn't . Where did all my strength go ? I tried again , but he didn't even budge . " Let go of me ... " My voice came out weaker than I intended . " But you don't really want that ... do you ? " he whispered , and my body began to melt . " I can see it in your eyes . You like to play , little mouse . And you enjoy being caught ... " I looked into his dark sapphire eyes , then my gaze dropped to his full lips . What the hell was I thinking ? Did I want to kiss him ? Gods , I must have lost my mind completely ... He shifted his grip on my wrist , and his thumb began to stroke the sensitive skin of my palm . " It's dangerous to roam alone in those woods ," he murmured , pulling me closer . " What if you encountered a spiteful rebel ... or an assassin ? " His arm found its way to my waist , and another shiver coursed through me . " I'm a warrior ... I - 1 can protect myself ." Gods , my voice had never sounded more pathetically weak ! Amusement danced in his eyes . " I sense no strength in you , little mouse . Then again ... " His eyes dropped to my bare breast , and a low growl sounded . " I bet you could bring many powerful wolves to their knees with that body of yours . " I gasped at his shameless comment . " I'm not like that ! " Sheer mischief curled up his lips . " Of course you're not ... Why else would you be swimming naked in a lake with a stranger ? " 7:58 Mon , Sep 22 : 87 Chapter 2 55 vouchers Gods ! I wanted to punch him ... or kiss him ... or both . He pulled me closer , and for some dumb reason , I didn't resist . I wanted to melt into his warmth , his strength , his power . Every inch of me pulsed with need . My reason drowned in the depths of heat within me . I climbed to my toes as he leaned over , and- The sounds of horns echoed from the side of the castle , and everything within me froze . I turned toward the sound , barely realizing the stranger had released me from his grip . The pounding horse hooves and wolves ' howls followed . " The castle guards ... They're heading to the forest , " I mumbled . But why were they coming ? Had something happened in the castle ? " I have to get back to ... " My voice faded as I turned around and realized the spot where the stranger stood was now empty . Where did he go ? I squinted my eyes , scanning the shore , but saw no trace of him or the black wolf . How could anyone move so fast and soundlessly ? It was almost as if he had dispersed into the night's darkness . I clasped my cheeks , summoning my composure . I had no idea what had caused this commotion , but perhaps this distraction happened at the right moment . Those horns and guards had surely pulled me back to reality . Drawing a deep breath , I hurriedly climbed up to the shore . I barely managed to shift into my wolf form when another horn sounded . More guards entered the woods . Were they chasing someone ? A wave of anxiety clenched my insides. Had someone attacked our pack ? No. The Lumeria Empire was at peace , surrounded by weak tribes who wouldn't dare cross our borders . Of course , my father had enemies , like Alpha Varian Bretomosa from the Dark Shades Pack , but we were King's loyal subjects ; going against us equaled treason ... I stormed to the edge of the forest , shifted back , and hurriedly put on my undergarments and a linen tunic . I left my shoes and gown in the woods and ran toward the castle . I entered through the hidden passage , and a few heartbeats later , I was darting through the courtyard . The eerie silence welcomed me . More than half of the torches were put out , flooding the corridors with darkness . Swallowing hard , I spun around , restlessly scanning the countless alcoves and the nearby watchtowers . They were all empty . " Hello ? " I called out . " Is anyone here ? " No response . I tried using a mind link , but it felt as if something blocked it . My restlessness grew by the second . What could possibly block the pack's mind link ? I drew a sharp breath and ran to the ballroom . My heart thundered as I pushed the massive doors open and looked around . Empty . The ball was over . Everyone left , and nothing but a few decorations remained . Why had they ended it so quickly ? I hadn't been gone for that long , had I ? I spun around and headed to the stairs . This wasn't right . If someone had attacked the castle , the warriors should have been stationed at every corner . Yet there were none . I quickly ascended the steps and ran to my father's study . I was halfway through when the coppery scent hit my nostrils . My stomach churned . I halted before the study , where the blood stench was coming from . Swallowing hard , I opened the door , frantically scanning the dark room . My voice trembled as I called out , " Father ? " He didn't answer . My ribcage shrank , turning every breath into a struggle . Slowly , I walked inside the room 7:58 Mon , Sep 22 Chapter 2 and nearly slipped on a puddle of something warm and sticky ... 87 55 vouchers " Blood , " I choked out , hectically surveying the room . Cautiously , I stepped deeper , and tears coated my eyes . " Father ? " " O ... Orelia ... " A weak groan came from the corner , behind his massive desk . I lunged in that direction and fell to my knees as I saw my father with deep cuts on his chest and stomach . " Gods , " I croaked , surveying the wounds . " You're bleeding out ... " A tear slid down his cheek . " O ... relia ... " " Don't try to speak ." I pressed my hands to his bloodied chest , trying to summon my powers . I drew a deep breath , then another one ... Nothing happened . Panic rose within me . I looked at my hands , now covered with blood . " I ... don't understand . My powers ... Why aren't they working ? " Frustration and dread coiled in my stomach . This couldn't be happening . Not now ! Not when I needed my powers the most ! I pressed my hands again , inhaling sharply and trying to focus . " Please ... gods , please ..." A bile rose in my throat . " The ... poison , " Father choked out . " What poison ? " I could barely focus on his words , not when he was on the verge of death , and I was still pressing my trembling hand on his stomach . " Leave ... me , " he breathed . I shook my head . " Don't give up ... I'll try again ." I sucked in another breath , praying for any spark of my powers to appear . Nothing . " Orelia ... " I looked at the fading light in my father's eyes . He was dying , and I couldn't save him . I was failing him . Suddenly , Father drew a breath and locked his eyes on me . " Run ." AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!