Emma's POV

"Stupid Amber," I faintly cussed at my missing assistant, as I walked into the huge ballroom.

Taking a deep breath, I adjusted the mask on my face, mentally prepping myself.

Tonight was the annual pack gathering, which was hosted by different packs, and this time, it was the Dark Claw pack- a neighboring pack to mine that hosted it this time.

Being a masquerade ball meant I had no idea who was who and hopefully, I hoped no one would recognize me.

With my chin raised, I strode into the hall, the bright and heavy decor of the hall taking my breath away.

I stared around, my sight trained to the fancy chandelier hung above.

Too stunned to speak, I unconsciously clutched the gown I was wearing, cussing at Amber once more at the tacky gown I was made to wear.

Compared to everyone here, the plain blue dress I adorned was nothing to write home about.

Goosebumps pricked my skin as I felt a few gazes bore into my skin, making me lower my head.

I gripped the purse in my hand tightly, quickly striding to a corner of the room.

Despite this, my wolf, Ava, stirred restlessly in my head causing my nerves to tighten.

As an omega and the eldest daughter of my father Alpha Mathias, I was sure to attract unwanted attention.

And sure enough, a lady with a bright green dress and flashy mask walked up to me with a sneer, "Looky who we have here. Well if it isn't Emma Sinclair, I thought your father Mathias had given you up for adoption, but who would have thought an omega like you would be here?"

Snickers grew in the air, and I felt my face grow hot under the mask.

Shit!

Why was she here?

I glared at the lady, recognizing her as one of my sister's friends, Vivan, who had a knack for bullying me.

"Funny," I smiled, throwing a jab. "If you can show your face, then why can't I?"

"You...!" she growled, her face going bright red.

Vivian, like me, was an omega, but while she was pampered, I, on the other hand, was not.

"Just you wait! This isn't over!" She snarled before leaving.

Watching her leave, I sighed in relief, quickly dismissing her words.

From where I stood, I scanned around, my eyes falling on the lively ballroom as people walked passed with masks on their faces.

The sounds of chattering and classical music wafted into the air, as couples in two swayed slowly on the dance floor in tune with the music.

I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, my eyes trained on a figure I recognized as Hugo, my ex-boyfriend.

Although he had a mask on, I could tell from a mile away who he was.

With his arms wrapped around another lady, he laughed heartily at whatever she had whispered into his ear.

I gazed intently at him, wishing I could hit him.

Just three days ago, I had caught him sleeping with another girl, hence we broke up.

Perhaps my gaze was too hot, Hugo snapped his head in my direction and I quickly lowered mine.

I didn't want him to see me.

Despite having caught him, he still shamelessly pestered me wanting to get back with me.

Feeling his gaze boring into my skin, I squirmed, my wolf anxiously moving in my head begging me to leave before he could recognize us.

Unexpectedly, the host's voice cut through the air, "Presenting the future alphas of the Raven claw pack- Alpha Jayden and Alpha Kale Sutherland!"

Instantly, the air was filled with a buzz.

"Oh my gosh! They are here!"

"Help! Check if my dress isn't stained!"

"Look, they are heading over here!" Another lady screamed.

Unconsciously I craned my neck, to look at the commotion, but due to my height, I couldn't see anything.

Shaking my head, I decided to leave, only for me to stop. I frowned, feeling my wolf prance restlessly in my head.

Since the night had begun, Ava had been acting strange, but this time it was worse.

"Stop it," I growled, hurrying from the crowd.

I moved from the wall, heading towards the restroom, panting.

"Ugh," I groaned, holding my head as pain washed through me.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my orbs glowing between green and yellow as Ava tried to force control over my body.

"Stop!" I snarled, putting a mental block between us.

Closing my eyes and still reeling from the pain, I shook my head, wondering what came over my wolf.

Could it be that being among those high-ranking wolves had somehow affected her?

I pursed my lips, deciding it was best to leave.

I took my purse from the sink, striding towards the back exit, careful I wasn't seen by anyone.

Walking out, I massaged my temples with shaky hands, my frown never leaving.

Despite the mental block, Ava persistently scratched at the back of my head, causing sweat to form as I fought to keep in control.

"What's wrong with you!" I snapped out loud, my outburst earning gazes from passersby.

Ava whimpered in my head, but she didn't stop.

I crouched, angrily plucking a few grasses beneath my feet.

"Hey omega, you okay?" A teenager asked, stopping in front of me.

Despite the way he addressed me, I didn't say anything.

I caught a whiff of alcohol coming from him as he spoke, causing me to frown.

I raised my head to take a proper look at him, noticing how decent he looked. My eyes unconsciously strayed to some of his friends behind him who were drunk as well.

Seeing as I didn't answer, he continued, "If something is bothering you, then a drink would be the best solution, trust me!" He patted his chest boastfully.

His friends behind him chimed in, and although I shouldn't have, I decided a few drinks wouldn't hurt.

Perhaps the drink would knock Ava off a little.

Following the teenager, he led me to a bar that was down the street, chattering away as he did.

From his rambles, I learned his name was Fred, and his father was the owner of the bar.

I sat on the high chair, a glass in hand, as I downed alcohol after alcohol, not feeling the effect.

"Hey, omega," Fred called, "why don't you take off your mask? It's not like you are a celebrity or something."

True, I wasn't, but I shook my head against it.

If my father were to find out I was here instead of the ball, he'd be furious.

"I'm good," I said, smiling.

Just then, one of his friends excitedly rushed over. "Hey, man! You wouldn't believe who we saw outside!"

"Who?"

"It's the twins!"

"Wait, do you mean the twins from Raven Claw Pack?"

Hearing that, my heart skipped a beat, and I tensed up, praying it wasn't them.

"Yes! It's them!"

"Damn! What are they doing here?"

"I don't know, but your father is outside with them. I heard they are going to book the VIP room upstairs!"

"Really?!" Fred yelled excitedly, rushing off with his friends.

Sitting on my chair, I gripped the glass in my hand, my frown going deeper.

For some reason, knowing the twins were here, Ava started to go restless, and I struggled to keep my wolf in check.

"Ugh, it's happening again," I muttered.

"Hey gorgeous," a man's voice sounded as he plopped on the chair Fred had been sitting on.

"You alone?"

"No, so you better piss off," I said, not sparing him a glance, glad my mask was still on.

"Aw, come on. Don't be a killjoy, I just wanted to keep you company till your companion comes."

"Can't you take a hint?" I said with a frown. "Piss off!"

"Watch it, omega!" He suddenly growled, rising to his feet. "The fact that I lowered myself to talk to you was enough. A slut like you should know her place no?"

"W–what do you want?" I stammered, taking a step back.

"Heh, what do I want?" He sneered, his lewd gaze raking at me sending a shiver down my spine.

"If you can satisfy me, then I'll tell you what I want."

"F*ck you!" I spat, furiously dumping my drink in his face.

I was an omega, but I was no pushover.

Stiffled laughs came from around, fueling the man's rage.

"You little piece of shit!" The man roared, wiping his face. "How dare you!"

He lunged at me, but I swiftly sidestepped him, dashing upstairs.

"Get back here you omega!" He snarled, his voice bouncing off the walls as he chased after me.

My heart pounded in my chest, as I ran, pushing people out of my way.

"Omega, you better pray to the moon goddess I don't catch you!" He yelled, closing in on me.

"Help!"

I screamed, tears pouring down my eyes momentarily blinding me as I ran.

I felt a pull from my hair, and I winced, staggering backward.

"Where do you think you are going?" He growled, grabbing hold of my neck.

"L–let go, please," I begged, struggling to break free.

"You were so bold earlier weren't you?" he snarled, his claws digging into my neck. "Let's see how you escape now."