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My mate was Prince Griffin Thorne? How was that even possible?

“I’m quite capable of deciding what is worth my interest, and right now, there’s nothing I find more interesting than an entire pack ganging up against a lowly Omega without giving her a chance to defendherself.” His tone was hard and dripping with so much venom I could feel every wolf within a five-mile radius, including myself, shiver.

My Alpha took a small step forward.

“She’s been loads of problems to the pack, and this isn’t the first time she’s pulled something like this. She’s a desperate social climbing whore, and demoting her to breeder status is exactly what she deserves.”

His words stung a lot harder than I expected. It wasn’t the first time I was spoken of in such a manner, but this time it hurt differently. I felt a burning heat creeping up my neck and setting my face on fire. Tears pulled at the corner of my eyes, but I held them in, biting hard into my lower lips to distract me from the growing ache in my chest.

“Is it true?” My mate’s voice was soft and filled with something that sounded like hope. Despite the burning sensation in my throat, I could feel the butterflies in my stomach fluttering. This was the first time someone was asking my opinion and giving me the chance to defend myself. He didn’t believe Karl and his father.

My wolf rolled her eyes.He’s our mate. Of course, he knows we’re innocent.

“No. I did not disregard pack rules. I was merely defending myself and protecting my virtue for my mate,” I replied, keeping my eyes glued to the floor. I didn’t want him to see my wet lashes and think of me as weak. Being an Omega was already enough humiliation.

A moment passed, and I found myself dangerously close to a panic attack. What if he doesn’t believe me? I mean, who would believe the words of an Omega over that of an Alpha and his son? Then he finally spoke, and I almost snapped my neck turning to him.

“Get your things. You’re leaving.”

“Sorry?” I queried, not trusting my ears.

He cocked a brow.

“Would you prefer to remain here?”

“No.”

“Then say your goodbyes. My driver will be waiting at the entrance to take you to the palace.” He ordered in a soft but dismissing tone.

A cacophony of hushed gasps and whispers followed his declaration, and I found myself growing self-conscious under their hateful stares and comments.

“Why is the prince taking her to the palace?”

“She must be one of his whores. Why else would he want to take her?”

“She must’ve planned this to get his attention, desperate bitch.”

A cold look from the prince was all it took to quiet the hushed voices. Silence replaced sharp words, and fear slipped into hateful eyes.

He stretched out an arm to me, and I realized I was yet to move from the floor. I grabbed hold of his hand to lift myself and let out an audible gasp when our hands touched. Tingles erupted from my fingertips, growing into a burning heat as the sensation spread through me and settled deep between my legs.

He froze, his gaze trailing from our point of connection to my eyes and back. He felt it, too. It was evident in the way his eyes darkened and his nostrils flared.

He gently pulled away, rubbing his arms. “Go say your goodbyes. I'll join you after I’m done here.”

I nodded and headed for the little cottage I inherited from my parents. I packed twenty years of a bleak life into a duffel bag. Guilt ate away at my conscience with every step I took away from the pack. I had not only failed to visit my parents’ grave on their anniversary but I was also leaving without a goodbye. I shook off the feelings, hoping they would understand the reason for my actions. Besides, it was said we carried our loved ones wherever we went. So, technically, Iwasn’t leaving them behind. With one last look at my cottage, I pushed forward, taking large steps to a life that I hoped would be much better than what I was leaving behind.

*****

After almost five hours of a long, silent drive, the car slowed in front of a tall bronze gate flanked by equally high walls stretching far beyond what my eyes could see. The driver spoke into an intercom, and the gate slid open, revealing a path that seemed to go on for an additional five minutes before ending in the most magnificent stone fountain I’ve ever seen.

The palace stood proud with its dome partly concealed by the heavy cluster of clouds in the area. Two giant marble pillars held up the front porch, and floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows decorated the sides of the building, giving it the look of a mediaeval cathedral.

“This is Mrs. Anderson, the palace head matron,” the driver said, pulling me out of my daze. “She’ll help you settle in.” He gestured towards a middle-aged woman sprouting a full head of gray hair and a warm smile.

“Come o,n child. The prince said to get you all settled in and comfortable before he arrives.” Mrs. Anderson said, heading back in the direction she came.

The prince sent instructions for me to be made comfortable before he returned.