CLAIMING HAILEY

LEY

ows, casting long shadows that mirrored my reality in the background, always unseen. As I quietly prepared for my endless chores, I couldn't help but feel that even the lowest Omegas

ent to pick up a stray shoe someone had carelessly left in the hallway. It didn't matter who dropped it; if the Luna sa

y made things worse. No matter how hard I t

pected to "earn my keep." But it didn't take long for me to realize that meant enduring di

whispered whenever I

me-not even the kindest pack members. I was an easy targ

feast, and the air was heavy with the sour stench of leftovers. My hands trembled as I turned on the fa

stirred in the

voice soothing and fierce all at once. "Let me o

We can't," I whispered, barely audible

day she said it. "The world will fear what it doesn't

scorn, their cruelty, and their dis

n spotless, prepared breakfast, and swept the main hall. The

napped, her lips curling in disdai

mured, keeping my

dirtied as soon as I cleaned them. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues, I fi

ce was

ile

e. I turned slowly, dread curling in my stomac

, confident, and undeniably handsome. But his kindnes

ed, his tone leaving

nd cedar overwhelmed me, and with it came an unexpected sensation of

h hitche

, his expression dark

g with disgust. "You're my mate?

tightening as I nodded, hope

laying some kind of sick jo

e a dagger, but the

Quin, as my mate." His voice was cold

s. This was supposed to be the moment I found unconditional

ttle strength I had left. "I, Hai

the impact of the pain blinding me for a moment before fading into a dul

beg. When I didn't, he scoffed and walked away, d

silent sobs wracked my body and I mourned the loss of an experienc

Amenia said softly, her voice steady

ruelty, silence, and humiliation, but something shifted within me that ni

is place. I would find a way to escape, to break

ld all see the streng

I would