Krysta's POV
Today marks my eighteenth birthday, though nobody in this pack has any clue about the significance of this date. I never shared my real birth date with them, just like I never revealed anything that might connect me to Alpha Magnus and Luna Ximena's missing daughter or Alpha Lancelot's lost sister. But eighteen years have passed since I drew my first breath, and today signals the beginning of my carefully crafted revenge.
Nearly a year had passed since my arrival at Alpha Holt' territory when Sophia finally emerged. I felt the shift approaching, so I slipped away from the pack grounds under cover of darkness, venturing deep into the wilderness where discovery was impossible.
The transformation tore through my body with excruciating intensity, but Sophia's presence immediately soothed every ache. Under the silver glow of the full moon, we approached a secluded lake where I witnessed her magnificent reflection. Her coat gleamed winter white, exactly as I had envisioned.
The crushing loneliness that had consumed me since losing my family finally lifted. The misery and isolation that had been my constant companions vanished the moment Sophia filled the emptiness in my soul.
That night changed everything. I understood that solitude would never plague me again. Naturally, Sophia needed time to grieve for the parents and siblings she would never meet. We ventured as far as we dared from Alpha Holt's territory, and she released her anguish in haunting howls that echoed through the forest.
Extreme caution became essential after that evening. With Sophia's presence, my healing accelerated dramatically. My senses sharpened beyond any omega's capabilities, forcing me to suppress my ability to detect approaching footsteps or identify nearby scents. The constant pretense required Sophia's guidance, her whispered reminders keeping me grounded when I needed to appear oblivious to things I could easily perceive.
This morning, I escaped the pack boundaries once more, shifting into my wolf form to celebrate our birthday in freedom.
Birthday celebrations lost their meaning for me long ago. The pack provides a cake and some gifts three months after my actual birthday, but the gesture feels hollow. It resembles a bonus rather than a genuine celebration.
Most nights, I sneak beyond the borders, allowing Sophia to stretch her powerful limbs. She craves the exercise, and I treasure the liberation that comes with my wolf form.
As Sophia approaches the pack border on our return journey, her pace suddenly decreases.
'What's wrong, Sophia?' I question through our mental connection.
'The patrol voices are carrying. They're discussing something important,' she responds, dropping low to the ground and crawling through the dense undergrowth toward the sound.
"You're not joking? How many are we talking about?" one patrol member asks.
"From what I understand, they're all receiving invitations, so we're looking at fifty or more. And remember, wherever Alphas gather, their daughters usually follow," another voice responds, followed by crude laughter.
"You're all disgusting," a female patrol member interjects sharply.
"What's the problem? If some lonely Alpha female needs companionship for the night, why shouldn't I accommodate her desires?"
"No respectable female, Alpha blood or not, would lower herself to your level, Ronan. You're nothing but a mangy dog," the woman retorts. I recognize Evelyn's voice immediately. She's earned my respect over the years, possessing genuine courage without the arrogance that many pack members display toward omegas. Though I've noticed they're careful to hide their true nature around Alpha Holt, who maintains zero tolerance for mistreatment and would confine offenders to the cells for a week.
"Fifty Alphas, and you actually believe any Alpha female will acknowledge your existence?" another patrol member scoffs.
"Most Alpha females have already found their mates," someone else points out.
"Most, but not every single one," Ronan persists. Evelyn's assessment proves accurate. He truly is repulsive, and based on whispered complaints from the omegas he's manipulated into his bed, his performance matches his personality. He's been pursuing me relentlessly for at least two years. The mere thought sends revolting shivers through Sophia's frame.
I've deliberately avoided any romantic entanglements. This decision represents another reason I've remained in Alpha Holt's pack. He leads with honor and integrity, never permitting the mistreatment of his omegas and absolutely forbidding any form of sexual coercion. When I was twelve, a terrible incident occurred involving an omega who had been sexually assaulted. After Alpha Holt identified the perpetrator and confirmed the details with the victim, he didn't resort to imprisonment. Instead, he executed the wolf publicly in front of the entire pack, ensuring everyone understood that similar treatment would result in identical consequences.
My decision not to flee Alpha Holt's pack immediately stemmed from more than just my injuries and illness. When news of my family's fate reached me, I found an abandoned room where I collapsed in the corner and wept uncontrollably. Eventually, Alpha Holt discovered me there. He lifted me into his arms, holding me securely while I grieved. His embrace reminded me so powerfully of my father's comfort that I clung to him until my tears finally subsided. He rocked me gently, his soothing purr calming my shattered heart.
"I understand you've endured tremendous trauma, but I want you to know this place is your home now. You have safety here."
Every subsequent interaction with Alpha Holt only reinforced my initial impression of his character.
I signal to Sophia that we need to bypass these patrols quietly. If an Alpha gathering is being planned, Alpha Holt will be meeting with the omegas shortly. I need to learn the exact timing of this event. My original plan involved leaving the pack soon to begin my revenge, but if there's any possibility that Miller might attend, I can postpone my departure. I've been waiting patiently for nine agonizing years. A little longer won't matter.
When I sneak back into the packhouse, the Lead Omega seizes my arm firmly. "Where have you been wandering? Alpha Holt wants to meet with us immediately. Look at yourself! You're completely disheveled. Clean up quickly," she commands before rushing toward the kitchens.
I sprint to my room, frantically brushing leaves from my tangled hair and scrubbing dirt from my arms and legs before changing clothes and racing into the kitchen where Alpha Holt has already begun addressing the group.
"Thank you for finally joining us, Krystal," he says, his tone carrying mild disapproval. This represents the harshest discipline he ever imposes on his omegas. The pack omegas worship their Alpha, so even gentle scolding leaves them guilt-ridden for days.
Since I'm not truly an omega, I register his disappointment without the crushing emotional impact it would have on others.
"As I was explaining, we will be hosting an extensive Alpha gathering here in two days. We're expecting Alphas from all surrounding territories, including the northern regions. I shouldn't need to emphasize that this means extremely powerful Alphas will be guests in our packhouse," he continues, and my heart pounds violently against my ribs. The north. My homeland. Miller's territory. Could Nathan be attending as well? Perhaps I can eliminate both targets simultaneously.
This development requires careful consideration. I cannot allow their deaths to implicate Alpha Holt in any way. He's demonstrated nothing but kindness and integrity, welcoming me without knowing my true identity. I refuse to repay his generosity by framing him for the murders of two Alphas within his own territory. I need to devise a plan that ensures their deaths while protecting the man who saved me.
Two days. I have exactly two days to determine how I'll kill my brother's betrayers when they arrive on these grounds.