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Melissa was nothing but a slave in the Crimson Pack-a weak, poor omega mistreated by everyone, including her mate, Alpha Kane, who refused to marry her and married another out of duty. The deception destroyed her, and one night, in a moment of despair, she found herself in his bed-only for him to cast her aside the next morning. Banished, broken, and carrying a secret within her belly, Melissa vowed never to return. Years later, she returns as a brave and strong she-wolf, hiding a child carrying Kane's blood. But this time, she isn't the same weak girl-she is back for payback. Kane, now tortured by regret and love, will do anything to win her back-but Melissa is no longer his to claim. As dark truths about her past unfold, Melissa learns her real origins-one that could bring the Crimson Pack to its knees. Can Kane redeem himself and fight for his fated mate, or will Melissa's thirst for payback consume them both?
Chapter 1 Betrayal and Rejection
Melissa's POV
The guards pushed me forward, and my knees scraped the cold stone floor. The scratchy rope that shackled my wrists burned on my bare skin. The golden carvings on the imposing doors of the Alpha's hall mocked my presence as they loomed ahead.
This isn't where I should be.
I was merely a slave, a punching bag for the group. I could only be punished if I was being pulled in front of him.
"Move!" My arm was pulled by one of the guards.
With a suppressed grimace, I bit my lip. The last thing I wanted was to give them the gratification of witnessing my suffering.
My pulse raced as I was flung onto the chilly marble floor when the doors sprang wide.
And he was standing there.
Kane Alpha.
My friend.
I once dreamed that this misery would be avoided by the man who would rescue me. But all I saw was venom when his sharp silver eyes locked with mine.
"You've brought her?" Kane's strong voice broke the silence.
Darius, the Beta, smiled and said, "Yes, Alpha." "Just as you commanded."
I scowled. Ordered?
"Kane?" My voice broke. "W-Why am I here?"
He moved closer, towering above me, and a sly smile appeared on his lips.
He scoffed and said, "Melissa," in a disgusted tone. "You're here because I have an announcement to make."
There were many people in the hall. All the members of the pack had assembled, their whispers humming like sour bees. The air was oppressive.
Kane turned to face them; the crowd was quieted by his commanding presence.
"I, Alpha Kane of the Crimson Pack," he said, echoing, "hereby reject Melissa as my mate!"
The room was filled with gasps. My throat tightened with each breath.
No. No, this isn't taking place.
I shuddered. My chest pounded with my heart.
"Y-You're lying," I said as I gaped at him. "Kane, please-"
"Silence!" he yelled out. His eyes grew gloomy. "Don't mention my name. Melissa, you mean nothing to me. A pitiful, helpless slave. You do not deserve to be my Luna or stand at my side."
The rejection tore through my spirit like a thousand silver razors, causing a stinging sadness to shoot through my chest.
"You can't do this!" I clutched my chest as I gasped. "You're my mate!"
Darius, his Beta, laughed behind him. "Did you truly believe that a poor slave could be a mate for an Alpha like Kane? How pitiful.
The group laughed.
Laughed at the pain I was in.
My eyes ached with tears, but I fought the need to cry.
"Why are you doing this?" I choked. "What did I ever do to you?"
Kane's face grew serious. "You? "You are an enemy," he snarled. "A disgrace to this pack."
I winced. A traitor?
"I don't understand..." I hardly spoke above a whisper.
"Take her away," said Kane icily. "She has no place here anymore."
A voice screamed out, sickeningly lovely before the guards could seize me.
Vanessa hissed, "Wait, my love," and moved forward.
I tensed up.
Vanessa. The Alpha's favorite. She had everything that I was never able to have.
Her crimson lips curled into a sly grin as she paused in front of me.
She cooed, "Poor little Melissa," "Did you truly think you were created for Kane by the Moon Goddess? That was an error.
I balled my fists up.
"You knew," I said in a tremulous murmur. "You knew I was his mate."
She shrugged. "Of course I did."
Her subsequent action broke me to pieces.
She turned to face Kane, stroking his chest with her fingers before enticing him into a passionate, long-lasting kiss.
My breathing stopped.
My body was torn apart by a searing ache that was far worse than previously.
The relationship between mates.
It was being ripped to pieces.
Vanessa withdrew, her eyes shining with victory. "You see, Melissa, Kane doesn't need you. I was his choice.
The group applauded.
My legs were hardly supporting me as my body shook. What was he doing?
Kane looked at me icily. "You are nothing," he said once more. "You will never be loved by me. And you're exiled now."
My arms were roughly taken by the guards.
"No!" I yelled as I struggled with them. "Please, Kane! You're not understanding!"
But he was already looking the other way.
I was no longer in his life.
My arms were bruised by the warriors' clutches as they pulled me through the forest. The numbness in my heart was far worse than the chill of the night air that pricked my flesh.
Banished. Betrayed.
"This is where you die, slave," a guard growled.
I felt a wave of terror. They were going to kill me, and they wouldn't let me leave.
Even while I fought harder, their hold simply got stronger.
"Please!" I pleaded. "I didn't do anything wrong!"
"Alpha's orders," smirked the second guard. "We have to get rid of the traitor."
Lies. I wasn't a traitor!
To ensure that no one would discover my body, they pulled me farther into the forest.
I tasted blood when I bit my lip so hard.
I couldn't pass away here.
I wouldn't pass away here.
Then my lower abdomen began to ache sharply.
I doubled over in shock.
There was a problem.
The guards scowled. "What's wrong with her?"
My breath caught as another wave of pain struck.
When awareness struck, my eyes widened.
No. It isn't possible. Not right now.
I trembled as I carefully caressed my stomach.
I was expecting a child. With Kane's kid.
As I looked at the infinite, dark forest, my heart thumped in my ears.
I couldn't allow myself to be killed.
I had to get away.
For me.
For my child. To exact revenge.
Would I live? Or am I going to die now?
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