CHAPTER ONE

Catherine’s POV

“Mummy, can I stay home? My stomach hurts so bad”, pretending to be in pain, I let out a soft moan.

“Wake up and get dressed, I’ll get you some herbs on our way”, she coldly replied. I knew there was no way she would allow me to stay home but I just had to try my luck.

Walking under this scorching sun to look for mushrooms has always been my biggest nightmare and I tried escaping by coming up with this lame excuse.

The never-ending journey to the farm came to an end when Mum placed her basket down.

“Let’s get to work”, she instructed.

After picking up a few mushrooms… I slacked off to the river bank for some cool air as under the trees was very hot. I sat on the bank of the river while playing with my legs in the cooling water.

Ughh…

It felt so refreshing…

I fetched a handful and poured it into my hair. As the water touched my scalp and narrowed down my cheeks, I was tempted to jump in for a quick bath.

I know I’m an omega, not just any omega but a very weak one. I had little to no swimming skills but

“Would I ever master swimming if I didn’t practice?” I thought to myself, justifying the risk I was about to take.

I jumped in and started making movements with my legs and hands as I’ve been seeing the others do. Soon after this, my eyes were burning, my nose and mouth were filled with water and I couldn’t breathe properly.

I was drowning!

I gathered all the energy left in me to come on top and let out a loud yell for help

“Mummy!!”

“Catherine??!!”

I saw her running towards me, she hesitantly jumped in and pulled me ashore. I laid down a bit to gain composure but something made me sit up.

My inquisitive mother would have started scolding and questioning me by now, but I couldn’t feel her presence. I looked around me only to find her struggling in the water. I had forgotten my mom was bad at swimming as well.

“Mummy! Hang in there I will find help soon.”

I took to my heels and ran as fast as my legs could carry. I love my mother dearly, and I wouldn’t forgive myself if something bad happened to her. Luckily, I met two men coming, my way.

“Please save my mother”, I pleaded.

“She’s drowning…”, by the time I could finish my statement, they had already left for the riverside. I ran after them.

When we got ashore, my mom was nowhere to be found. The men hurriedly took off their shirts and dived into the river in search of her. I stood there, sobbing and shaking, hoping they found her alive. After what felt like an eternity, they found her.

Lifeless!

I crumbled on the floor, with regret drawn all over my face, I wailed and cried my heart out.

The news of her demise spread to the city like wildfire. At home, my brothers beat me to a pulp while my dad scolded me. The pain was too much to bear, so I ran away from home and spent the night in the bushes.

I passed a week without food, crying and wishing my mom would come back to life. No one bothered to look for me as I wasn’t of any use to them. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t go home. I headed out and made my way home after coming to accept the reality.

Upon my arrival, I saw some men gathered in front of our hut. Their uniform looked like that of the Alpha’s guards. I saw my dad sitting on the veranda by them, he had buried his face in his palm. To avoid being scolded, I buried my face in my bosoms and tiptoed to the kitchen.

“Catherine?” I heard my little brother call out. I clenched my fist and turned to look at him angrily.

“Daddy, she’s here”, he announced.

“Cathy…”, I was surprised at the mention of my name as that was the first time my dad called me affectionately.

“Pack up your things”, he continued, “You’re going to the palace.”

“Huh? But… But why do I need to send my things along?” I dared to ask.

The deadly glare everyone gave me after this question made me swallow my curiosity instantly. I headed to my room with several questions in mind. As I sat by the wardrobe to take some few items, a shadow engulfed all over me. I turned to see my senior brother standing by me.

“You’re being sold to the Alpha”. He announced with an indifferent smile. This statement sent a shiver down my spine.

“Which Alpha? A slave?”, I asked as if there were two Alphas on this land.

Before I could think twice I ran to my dad and held him by the leg as I pleaded for mercy.

“Daddy… Please don’t do this to me… I promise to be a good daughter. Please have mercy”. I cried as I held him tight, hoping he would change his mind.

“Who did you expect to pay off your mother’s debt?”, he asked with a cold face.

After this statement, he pushed me away and headed out of the house. My brother looked me in the eye as he threw my bag at me and commanded the guards to take me away.

My resistance made them drag me on the floor till I realized I had no option but to cooperate to avoid injuries. While on the way, I couldn’t help to contemplate how a father could hate his child to this extent.

Finally, we were at the palace. I was overwhelmed by the sight that welcomed me. People moved up and down, each one with a serious face, either washing, cooking, fanning, scrubbing, or running errands. No one had to tell me they were all slaves, just like myself.

“Good day Ma’am, this is Catherine Pearls, Mrs. Camden's daughter”, the head guard announced to a short plump lady adorned in beautiful jewels. She must be from the royal family, judging from the way she looks.

“Oh… so you're the troublesome one? Are you happy now that your mother is no more?”, she inquired as she gave me a deadly glare.

I dared not speak up to her, I buried my face in my bosom and followed her as we headed to the Alpha's quarters.

I’ve never seen the Alpha before, all that I know are the numerous scary stories about him.

We turned right from the alley and entered a huge room with all paintings and drawings of the late Alphas hanging on the wall. At the center of this room was the great Alpha sitting pretty on his honorable throne.

The plump lady announced our presence as we moved closer to the Alpha.

“Your majesty, this is your new servant, Catherine Pearls from the Camden household”. I got frightened as I made contact with his eyes. I bowed to show my respect.

I dared to raise my head to look at him once more and I must say, his beauty was unimaginable. His curly hair fits him perfectly and his body form is breathtaking.

“Why doesn’t he have a Luna yet?”

“If this pack allows this beauty to perish without getting a replica of his good looks, it’d be our second biggest loss”, I thought to myself.

Suddenly, something disturbed my lustful thoughts. I felt something ticklish between my thighs and feet. I tried hiding it but it became intense, I could sense a very strong scent in the opposite direction. My heart started pounding faster and harder, the friction I felt on my feet caused me to look down at the floor and I found the most beautiful yet, greatest shock of my life!