𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠

LAUREN ASTRID.

All my life I'd been trained and kept for these men. Since the day I took my first breath, I was told I would be the mate to the five sons of the alpha, That I would become their mate and bear their heirs, and boy, did that make me angry.

My mother always says I grew into myself way too early and I'm glad I did, because at least I'm not like every other brainless She-wolf on this land that's led by their lustful desires. My disdain for them only grew as we grew older.

Apart from the part that they ignored me like I didn't exist, I just hated the aura they gave off. Nonchalance at such a young age? What the actual fuck?

My father, Benny Astrid. Being the beta, Of course, went along with his alpha's wishes when I was promised from the womb.

"To keep the unity"

he always said.

The alpha was a pretty nice person Lucas Blackwood, With his Greying black hair that fell over his green eyes, The man was good-looking, but his Luna was radiant, Pearl Blackstone had fiery red hair a contrast to her name and character, and was always so gentle with me, Pushing me to make conversation with the boys when I'd pout and stomp.

The only reason I even know their names is because of her...and the hundreds of other girls who scream them every night. I screamed into my pillow as the moaning echoed from each hallway.

Fucking whores, The lot of them, always looking to get their dick wet; I wasn't jealous; I was just so angry! why could they run around and have fun when I was stuck as little Miss Virtuous?! I had to keep everything for them! My first kiss, My first time!

I sighed and turned onto my back, realizing I wouldn't be getting any sleep. I didn't understand why I had to share a house with them! Maybe the parents were hoping I'd get them to stop being whores? well, news flash, they don't even know I exist.

I curled around myself as a small whimper left my throat. When I was growing up, when I wasn't With the Luna or being forced to watch the boys run around the field with their friends, I'd be with my parents watching their beautiful relationship. I always wished for a love like that.

I'd have a house near the ocean, I'd wake up in the morning with the love of my life beside me, Only to see he'd be looking at me already.

His hair would be falling into his eyes, and he would just be so radiant, and my heart wouldn't be able to take it. I'd reach for him, and he'd pull me to his chest as he kissed me and told me good morning; we'd go down together for breakfast and dance to Taylor Swift or something.

If we had kids, they'd be babbling while we danced around the stove making breakfast; our house would be open and bright with the morning sun's glow. I'd be so happy, so full of love.

But with my 19th birthday being in two weeks, I realized I'd never have that, Those boys would never see me as nothing more than a duty, an obligation. and I Hated it, I hated them even more. The catalyst of all this, however, Is my parents... I can't hate them because they always wished the best for me.

I only wish my mom would stop telling me that they just don't realize their love for me because they see me as a little sister, Fucking weirdos then!

The moon shone through my balcony window and I sighed, dragging myself up and towards the light. I pushed apart the curtains and took a seat on the hammock allowing the breeze to blow through my hair and take all my pain and fear away, if only it were that easy.

I shut my eyes with a sigh, and after a while, I realized that the moaning had stopped. Now, it was the crying and begging.

I almost gagged; the girls should just leave, Hold up their heads, and walk out; there are better people in this pack than these five, I would know. My lips lifted in a smile at the thought of my boyfriend. My Ares.

He was everything I wanted and didn't even know I needed. People thought it was useless for me to have a boyfriend since I'd mate with the alpha's sons, But I knew it wasn't.

I wasn't going to mate with these men. My birthday is in two weeks, And Ares and I would run; he would reject his mate just like I would mine.

The moon goddess could suck it, She had no right to pick the people our souls would be connected to, and I'd already found mine in Ares, All sunset blonde hair and warm brown eyes, with a smile that made me want to pick him up and hide him from everyone. he was perfect and he was mine.

I saw the disappointed look Luna gave me any time she saw us together, but if she thought this would work between me and her sons, maybe she wasn't as smart as I thought.

Just the thought of Ares and the future we would build together had my heart thundering and the butterflies in my stomach fluttering. I Loved him so much, and it hurt to even think there'd ever come a day when I'd leave him.

I shook my head, chasing those thoughts away as I continued to daydream of him, soon enough I slept off with my hand pressed to my heart over the Crystal Ares had gifted me.

>>>>>>>>

My dreamless sleep was disturbed by the jostling I felt and the Rays of the sun shining on my face; I groaned as I planted my hands firmly on the hard surface I was suddenly met with.

"Get up, we're needed at the pack house."

His deep voice called. Asher, Of course, it was Asher, The perpetual bully, and the oldest of the Brothers

"Fuck you"

I groaned out as I dragged myself up using the wall. He was still there, bare-chested, with his messy brown hair falling into his cold blue-gray eyes.

"If we're needed so early, why aren't you ready?"

I asked, eyeing him from a safe distance; he narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

"They won't care if I'm late, You're not the alpha's son"

"yes, And

never

in a million years would I want to be"

I snapped, but I knew that was the wrong decision. Their wolves weren't used to me yet, and they were out of control, so immediately he stomped towards me. I bared my neck and shut my eyes. I could hear his harsh breathing as the wall beside my head cracked under his grip.

"Watch your fucking tongue, don't ever think you have the right to talk back to me or talk to me at all. we all know whatever this is, is a mistake. A mistake I plan to rectify —

Oh, thank God.

"We both know you aren't fit to lead, When I see you trip over air, how do you expect to lead a pack of over two thousand people?"

I knew that was true, but hearing him voice, my flaws made them even more painful; I just kept my eyes shut, keeping the tears at bay.

"I'm Sorry Ash—

He growled and I gulped.

"I'm sorry...Alpha"

That seemed to appease him because he stepped back sharply and I let out a breath as his cedar and pine scent left my breathing space. It didn't help that he towered over me, His 6'3 form could simply fling my 5'7 form off this balcony.

"You better watch yourself Omega."

Using my designation...Low blow, even for you Asshole. I thought as he turned away and slammed my door; I slid to the floor and shuddered, Trying to think positively. I wasn't perfect but I was Beautiful. Ares told me so, and anything Ares says, I believe.

That thought sobered me up. I quickly undressed and jumped into the shower, knowing I had no time to waste. I hastily washed up, holding my hair back to avoid getting it wet. After a swift rinse, I dressed in a simple blue sundress and slipped on a pair of brown Sandals.

I combed through my hair with my fingers, adding a quick swipe of strawberry lip gloss – a gift from Ares – before grabbing my handbag. I hurried downstairs, relieved to avoid any encounters with... them.

The way to the pack house wasn't too far, but it would've been easier if I was living with my parents; the house I shared with the boys was a bit far -for privacy - they said. I rolled my eyes as I walked swiftly to the pack house.

Around the Land, kids laughed and ran happily. Some waved to me, and I blew kisses back. I jogged up the stairs aiming towards the alpha's office.

Once I reached it, I was a bit out of breath, so I Took a few breaths before knocking; a muffled come-in was heard, and I placed on a small smile as I twisted the handle.

My smile fell, however, as I saw The five sons seated around the table along with the parents. I sighed and shut the door behind me.

"Welcome Lauren, We were just about to Begin"

Luna Pearl said, holding out a hand for me, which I took gratefully after sending a smile to my parents.

"I'm sorry, Alpha, Luna. I was unaware of this meeting."

Her brows furrowed slightly.

"But the boys said they informed you last night?"

I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth, I looked up to meet their hard unflinching gazes and I gulped

"Then, it must have slipped my mind. I'm truly sorry, I was reading up on history."

Alpha Lucas smiled widely shaking his head.

"Always the bookworm, Lauren dear. It's fine. We just called you here to discuss your upcoming birthday celebration "

My brows furrowed, the sixth of July was in thirteen days. which I voiced out and they smiled.

"Exactly, and that is the day your wolf will surface to find her mates."

Luna Pearl said and I nodded, still not understanding what she meant.

"I and your mother wished for this to be a private talk, But the men of course -such Busy bodies- had to know. What I mean, darling Girl, Is that Once Your wolf surfaces, Your mind will be split."

I winced, and I heard my parents chuckle. The boys scoffed, Okay, yeah, I'd shifted, but it was like I had a blackout each time.

"You shifted for the first time at 15, and since then, each time you shift, your wolf takes over. You don't know what you're doing while in that form. You just hand over the reins to her, and after the shift, it feels like she completely disappears?"

I nodded, and she smiled.

"But this time, when you shift, or if you shift, it'll be the last time she takes control, only to find your mates then after that, It's all your decision. You will begin to feel her more than ever. You will finally become one, but your mind will be your own, and she will have her mind."

I locked my lips, So that meant I could choose who my mate was!

"So, After I shift and find my mate...I mean...Mates—"

I Said sparing a glance at the men at the table.

"I will pick them of my own will?"

she nodded.

"And it will be even better if you turn out to be fated mates."

"That is very unlikely Mother"

Cormac said, Twirling a pan between his fingers, about eight dark bracelets sat upon his milky skin on each of his wrists and he slapped the pen on the desk, forcing my eyes to meet His icy blue eyes contrasted with the fiery red hair that sat upon his head in messy waves and stopped by his ears. My eyes, however, were drawn to the small scar on his chin.

"Cormac, I believe You'll be proven wrong"

Luna pearl said with a softly airy voice, almost like she didn't realize she was talking, She reminded me of Luna Love good sometimes. I shook my head at the thoughts in my head and leaned back into the chair.

"So after that?"

I asked.

"Well, after that, You consummate your mating."

I shot up.

"What?"

"Lauren"

My father called softly but with an undertone of warning in his voice; I gulped and sat slowly.

"It's not like we will force you, but your wolf, you will want to Mate them; it's just biology and History, Darling."

I groaned and I fisted my hair.

"Don't worry Astrid, we won't come within 15 feet of you if we can help ourselves"

Thane's deep voice said, and I clenched my jaw, refusing to look at him; I'm sure he had that stupid smirk on his face where his cheekbones lifted along with his thick brows.

I could feel his Grey eyes on me and I wished I could grip his hair and bang his head on the table, I wouldn't even be able to because he has a fucking buzz cut with a line running through his Silver hair, He looks so much like his mom yet he's nothing like her.

I gave the Luna a shaky smile and nodded.

"Okay, thank you for telling me."

She smiled softly and Tapped her husband's shoulder; he immediately turned to her, his eyes zeroed on her face like no one else existed.

I sighed wistfully and turned to my mom

"Hi cupcake"

I smiled at her.

"Hi, momma, I've missed you; how's Gabe?"

I asked; my little brother was off to college in a while in another country.

"He misses you. I think he's coming back for your birthday, but I'm not sure?"

I sighed.

"I hope he does, It'll make that day much more bearable"

She gave me a look, and I rolled my eyes; my dad just watched us with soft eyes before reaching for my hand, which I placed in his.

"Darling"

"Daddy"

He narrowed his eyes, and I stuck out my tongue; my mother chuckled.

"It's like I'm raising the two of you at the same time"

"Hey!"

We both exclaimed as she laughed.

"Benny, It seems as if this meeting is over"

The alpha called for my father as he stood, and my dad placed a kiss on my forehead, and my mom's before walking to the other man.

"Mirabel? I also think it's time for us to take our leave?"

The Luna said and my mother smiled.

"of course. Shall we, my Luna?"

Pearl smiled and walked out, my mother shot me a wink before shutting the door.

I pulled on my fingers a habit my father condemned- as I waited for one of them to speak.

"Listen—

Cormac began and i let out a breath.

"Me too, I'm so glad we could have this talk. Goodbye"

I stood up and walked towards the door, but I knew I'd never be that Lucky.

"Sit down, omega"

The cold feeling of his command seeped into my bones as my brain struggled to understand the ear between my will and the command, but unluckily for me, the command won and I turned to sit back in the chair.

Each of them had their eyes on me, and I wondered what Pearl fed them as children; we are the same things, but these men were built like trees, and it didn't help that they were built like fucking gods or something.

"Lauren Astrid."

Lucas' calm voice began, his amber eyes peering into my soul. His long chestnut hair was in a bun today, and the two diamond studs in his ears shone brightly.

"That's me"

I murmured, allowing my eyes to fall on each of them. so far, Only Kai hasn't spoken. but then again, he never really was a talker; just a look from him would have you obeying his every whim, but not me, though, never me.

"I should hope your aren't daft enough not to realize that we don't want you"

Not that they don't want

this

, they just don't want

me

. and it's

fine

because Its reciprocated!

I nodded

"I don't want you either—

"He isn't done talking omega"

Kai sing-songed and I gulped.

"Yes, well it seems you have nothing to loose. But we have everything, Our reputation, our name, Our hierarchy. and truthfully, you aren't fit to be Luna "

I straightened my spine and clenched my jaw.

"According to you"

I spat and growls erupted from each of them.

"Brothers, Calm yourselves, She is nothing but a hurdle in our way. a hurdle that will be taken out soon enough "

He growled out and I furrowed my brows, confusion filling me, taking over my anger, what did he mean Taken out? I shook my head and leaned back into the chair.

"okay then Mr. Alpha's, what would you have me do? Stay away from you? Oh believe me I would love nothing more, But it seems you forget that, It's not only my wolf that will be looking for you, But your  wolves will look for me too"

Kai scoffed, running a hand through his spiky black hair, The action made his earrings dangle seeing as he had up to eight.

"You are

not

our fated mate Omega, you are simply something out parents picked. Wrongly if I may add"

I scoffed as my heart squeezed painfully.

"Yeah, and you think you're some kind of Diamond in the rough for me?"

I spat, slapping my hands in the table.

"Listen, I do not want you! I never have and I never will! You've gotten to live your lives while I've sat in the sidelines unable to do anything I wanted simply because, I'm mated to the Alpha's sons, well News flash, I do not CARE! better keep your asses away from me on my birthday, I don't want anything ruined just because my wolf is a needy Little girl!"

I said grabbing my bag as I stomped out of the office, slamming the door behind me, The pack members that were situated outside stared at me with wide eyes, I just laughed nervously, my eyes darting around looking for Ares before I gave a small bow and walked away to find him.

I could feel the tears building up as I ran towards his house, From the lawn I could see him Watering the flowers and I couldn't hold in my sob, and almost like he could feel me he turned with a wide smile but it fell just as his eyes met mine.

He threw the hose to the floor as he ran towards me and wrapped me in his arms, Instantly my heartbeat calmed as I cried silently.

"Laur? Baby? What's going on?"

Ares asked, His tone held urgency as he cupped my cheeks and rubbed our noses together.

"I-i—

I broke off with a sob and hid my face in his chest. He sighed and ran his hands down my hips before picking me up.

"Come on baby, Let's get you calm hmm?"

I nodded as I hiccuped and tightened my hold on his neck, I shuddered at the warmth the enveloped me once we stepped into his house, I was sure he was walking to the couch and my guess was accurate when we buth sunk into the plush chair I'd picked out.

"Will you talk to me now Laur?"

He murmured as he rubbed my back, I sniffled and pulled back from his embrace, but his arms tightened on me and I smiled slightly.

"I... I just came from a meeting with my parents and the Alpha's family"

I saw his brows furrow and a snarl build up in his chest, He hated the sons, He knew they were terrible and that's the main reason why we'd run away a day before my birthday, when everyone was distracted.

"And what did they say Baby? unless you can't tell me?"

He added quickly and I smiled pressing our foreheads together, just breathing him in. There was just something about his citrus and honey scent that made me want to melt immediately.

"You smell good"

I murmured and he chuckled.

"You always say that, But now you're diverting, Is it something you can't tell me?"

He asked, His warm hazel eyes searching mine, His sunset blonde hair was up in a bun, which gave me no escape from his eyes.

"I always tell you everything Res."

He kissed my brow

"yes, but this time is it something you can't?"

I sighed and shook my head.

"I just... Why didn't you tell me my wolf will want to mate them"

He frowned.

"She won't want to mate them necessarily, She'll want to mate her Fated one, Which is me obviously"

He said wriggling his brows and tickling my sides making me giggled and squirm.

"Okay, okay but what if—

"Nothing baby, What if nothing. We won't even be here, we'll be far away, and we'll celebrate your birthday in the way you've always wanted to"

I sighed and leaned into him, My face pressed to his neck as his hands ran up and down my back.

"I love you"

I said, Just to make sure he knew.

"I know"

I pouted and smacked his chest as he laughed.

"I love you too baby."

With a satisfied smile I snuggled into him as he told me all about his day, He was just so...simple, He was the son of the Delta and yet he was just so....simple, always dressed in his ridiculous Beach printed shirts and khaki shorts.

He was such a surfer dude, I giggled at my thoughts and he narrowed his eyes down at me.

"Why are you laughing baby?"

"Nothing"

I Whispered, trying to hold in my laugh, suddenly I was pulled from his warmth and thrown over his shoulder as he twirled me round, I held on to his shirt and screamed for him to let me down, He just ran out of the house and round his back yard.

I laughed so hard tears poured down my face and when he finally put me down I pulled him down for a hug.

"Promise me, Promise me we'll leave"

I said, Something about the way pearl said I'd mate them didn't sit well with me.

"I swear on our first kid, all Brown hair and Green eyes, filled with freckles and a bad temper"

He said twirling me, I giggled as he placed his forehead on mine.