I awoke to a world bathed in sunlight, the morning rays streaming through the windows, banishing the shadows of night. The memories of the ball, of my forbidden encounter with the Alpha, came rushing back, and I touched the mark on my neck, a tender reminder of his claim. Rising from the bed, I wrapped myself in a robe and made my way to the bathroom. A steaming bath awaited me, and I sighed, sinking into the perfumed water. As the heat soothed my aching muscles, my mind replayed the events of the night before.

The feeling of his arms around me, his lips on my skin. The way he had filled me, his knot tying us together. The intensity of his gaze, the promise in his words. But it was the words, spoken in the heat of the moment, that echoed in my mind. "You are mine, my mate." A thrill ran through me, my pulse quickening as I considered the possibility. Could the Alpha from the ball be my mate, the one who was destined for me?

I had dreamed of meeting him since I was a child, and the prospect of finally finding him was both exciting and terrifying. What would my father say, my overprotective father, when he discovered his precious daughter was mated to an Alpha? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I pushed it away, choosing instead to focus on the present. For now, I would savor the memory of our encounter, and pray that we would meet again.

As I finished bathing, my maid entered, her eyes wide with shock at my appearance. The bruises on my neck, the scratches on my thighs, were evidence of our passion, and I smiled, a blush rising to my cheeks. "I need to get dressed," I said, dismissing her concern. "I'll tell you everything, but first, I must see my father."

As I stood before the Alpha, I couldn't help but think how much smaller he appeared than the one from the ball. Whereas my mate's presence seemed to fill the room, my father's felt diminished, his shoulders hunched, his gaze weary. "Esme," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I've been so worried about you." I nodded, the weight of his words heavy on my shoulders. "I know, father, and I'm sorry." His eyes, the same emerald green as mine, searched my face, and I saw the pain in them. "I thought I'd lost you, that the rumors were true. That you had gone off and mated with one of those wolves, against your better judgment."

His words stung, and I flinched, my fingers instinctively touching the mark on my neck. "No, father," I lied, the words bitter on my tongue. "I am not mated. But I must ask something of you." His brow furrowed, his gaze sharpening. "What is it, child?" "I would like your permission to explore the woods," I said, my voice soft, but determined. "I know they are dangerous, but I have a good sense of smell, and I can shift. I want to experience the freedom that others do."

My heart raced as he considered my request, his face impassive. "I want you to be happy, Esme, but I cannot allow it. The woods are a dangerous place, especially for a lone wolf." His words cut me to the core, but I stood my ground, my voice growing stronger. "Please, father, I need this. I am not a pup anymore; I can take care of myself." The silence stretched between us, and I saw anger paint his face, his clawed hands formed fists as he sat in his chair watching me coldly now. "Go to your room, Esme, and do not come out until I call for you."

As the door closed behind me, I couldn't help but feel like a caged animal, trapped and helpless. Tears stung my eyes, and I flung myself onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow. Anger, sadness, and frustration roiled inside me, and I vowed to escape, to seek out my mate and forge a new life. As the sun sank beneath the horizon, I devised a plan, my resolve hardening with each passing hour. Come morning, I would be free, or I would die trying.

I rose with the sun, the early morning light bathing my room in a golden glow. I dressed quickly, choosing practical clothes that would allow me to shift easily. My pack was already prepared, and I slung it over my shoulder, taking one last look around my room. The memories, both happy and sad, threatened to overwhelm me, but I pushed them aside, my heart already aching for my family. Taking a deep breath, I opened the window and stepped onto the sill, the cold wind caressing my face.

I had one shot to get it right, or I would find myself trapped in the tower once again, with no chance of escape. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I climbed down from the sill and watched as Fern came into my room, her face paler than normal. She bowed her head toward me and in a Hushed tone said, "Your Father has a suitor waiting for you downstairs, he insists you come, and dress pretty," her eyes looked towards the open window. "I'll keep him busy as long as I can, but hurry," she said and then rushed out of the room, closing the door behind her.

My heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking as I reached into the closet and pulled out a white dress, slipping it over my head. It was one of my favorite dresses, and it was sure to catch the attention of any man. I set my pack on my bed and caught a strong scent in my nose of tobacco, then a low husky voice startled me. "So this is to be my Little Wife Eh?" I jumped and turned around and standing in the doorway was a large man, with graying hair, and a full beard. He had an arrogant look to his face and I could tell he was the type of man who was used to getting his way. He eyed me up and down, licking his lips as he did so, and a chill ran down my spine.

"Who are you to invite yourself into my Chamber?" I spat taking a step back from this man. He had a scar running across his left eye and burns on his neck, his hands looked rough, possibly from years of working hard labor. "You'll know soon enough, Little Wolf," He took a step towards me, his gaze dark and hungry. "You're to be my wife." I scoffed when he gripped my hand in his, bringing my fingers to his lips. I yanked my hand away and pushed past him, that's when he grabbed me, and snarled. "Why is it that I can smell another wolf's claim on you?"

I tried to pull away from him, but he held me fast. "Unhand me!" I cried, his grip tightening around my wrists. "Did you think you could escape me, Little Wolf?" His eyes flashed with anger. "Did you think you could hide your indiscretion from me?" Fear and rage warred within me, and I struggled against his hold. "Let go of me! Fern!" I called seeking help from this man, from this animal. He hoisted me up over his shoulder and I punched at his Back. "Unhand me! Who do you think you are!?"

I shrieked and he carried me down the stairs to my father's Conference room, where not only was my father waiting there, but other suitors as well. Fern had her head down standing next to my father and I had tears in my eyes as my Captor dropped me to the floor. "What is the meaning of this?!" I growled. My father's face was unreadable, his gaze locked on me. "Esme, I have an important announcement to make," He said, his voice echoing off the walls. "It is with great joy that I present to you, Lord Rolf, the Alpha of the Ravenwood pack."

I stared at him, disbelief and anger coursing through my veins. "Father, what is the meaning of this? Why have you sent this Rolf to my Chamber?" Rolf's grip on my arm tightened, his gaze piercing. "I have come to take you as my wife, Little Wolf," he said, his voice cold and mocking. "To claim what is mine by right." I tried pulling from his grip, sickened by the way he smelled of tobacco and lust. My Father paid me no mind as he waved his hand to the rest of the room. Other suitors with smirks on their face, and eyes full of desire watched as I tried to pull away. "I must have a mate!" Rolf hissed.

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My Father held his hand up, quieting the room as they chuckled and laughed at my insolence. "My Daughter, these are the Alphas of the packs surrounding our own. I have decided to ally with them, but in return you will be their mate," I froze and looked at my father in fear. I counted four men besides Rolf awaiting my response.

"You've gone mad! You expect me to give myself to five men?" I cried, tears burning my eyes. Rolf's grip on my arm tightened as he pulled me close, his gaze cold and unyielding. "That is the price of your freedom, Little Wolf," he sneered, his breath hot against my ear. I spit in Rolf's face and yanked my arm away. He laughed and licked my spit from his lip where it had landed. Another Alpha laughed calling me a spitfire and another demanded he break me first. My Father held his hand up once more.

"It is not a matter of choice, Daughter," He said, his voice cold and commanding. "You will do as you are told, or face the consequences." shook my head, anger and despair raging within me. "You would force me into mating with strangers? You would sell me like cattle, Father?"

He stepped forward, his gaze hardening. "You will obey me, Esme," he said, his voice laced with menace. "To save our Pack, you will do as you are told!" "This isn't right, Father," I pleaded, my voice cracking with emotion. "How can you ask this of me?"

He looked down his nose at me, his lips pursed in a thin line. "It is the way of our kind," he said, his voice betraying no emotion. "It is your duty to mate and produce pups. Your selfishness has put our Pack at risk." The weight of his words hit me like a blow, and I reeled back, my heart breaking at the betrayal. "You would trade your own daughter's happiness for a chance at power?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He scoffed, his gaze full of contempt. "Power is all that matters, Daughter," he said, his tone dismissive. "Your happiness is irrelevant."

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut, and I stared at him in horror, the world crashing down around me. Rolf Growled and stomped his foot.

"There is the matter of her virginity! It would appear she has been in bed with someone else!" My cheeks burned with shame, but my resolve hardened. I would not be claimed by these men, and if I had to die, I would rather die in the arms of the Alpha who had given me a night of pleasure, than be forced into this unwanted arrangement. I looked at my Father, his face twisted with rage, and I knew what I had to do. Taking a deep breath, I shifted, and lunged for the door, knocking the guards to the ground.

My paws hit the floor and my lungs burned as I sprinted down the hall. My Father's furious roar echoed through the house, and I felt his Alpha presence trying to command me to return. I willed myself forward, ignoring his call, and burst through the front door, the cool air stinging my face. The sound of pursuit was close, and I pushed myself harder, my muscles screaming with exertion. The woods loomed before me, the shadows beckoning like an old friend. I plunged into the darkness, the branches snagging at my fur, but I kept going, my heart pounding in my ears.

My Father's voice grew faint, and I let out a howl, a call to my mate. "Where are you? Come to me!"

But the only answer was the sound of my own labored breathing, the pounding of my paws on the earth. My red fur was warmed by the bright sun and I panted, starting to run again. I could smell him, I charged down the muddy road and toward the town where the Ball was held. I stopped and looked around, I was close, I could sense him. His scent was all around me, and I knew I was near his den. But where was he? I had to find him, had to see him. A howl cut through the silence, and my heart leaped in my chest. I bounded towards the sound, my fur bristling with anticipation.

As I neared the source, a familiar scent filled my nose, and I skidded to a halt, my claws digging into the dirt. He was close, his presence palpable, and my pulse quickened. I had found him, and now, I would claim him. Another howl rang out, and I answered with my own, the sound reverberating through the forest. My blood sang with the primal call, and I felt my wolf's instincts rise to the surface. He was here, and he was mine. With a final howl, I surged forward, determined to find my mate. The trees seemed to bend towards me, as if welcoming me into their embrace, and I felt the forest's magic enveloping me. The scent of my mate was intoxicating, and I followed it, heedless of the danger. I whined at the smell remembering what it felt like to be enveloped in it, caressed by it.

My heart raced, and I let out a triumphant howl, reveling in the knowledge that I was close, so very close. As I rounded a bend, I caught sight of him, his fur a gleaming silver in the sunlight. His Maw was bloodied red, His eyes Sharp Blue staring at me. A growl escaped me, and he answered with one of his own. He was magnificent, and I knew without a doubt that he was my mate. With a wildness born of instinct, I charged towards him, the thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins.

I lunged for his neck, but he was faster, his teeth grazing my ear. We danced and played, chasing each other through the forest. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and I felt a surge of love and desire. I would be his, and he would be mine. His teeth sank into my scruff and he pulled me towards a stream, his eyes bright with amusement. As we splashed in the cool water, our playfulness turned to passion, and I felt the urge to mate grow stronger. He pinned me beneath him, and I relished the feeling of his weight on top of me. His musky scent enveloped me, and I felt myself growing wet with arousal. I nuzzled his muzzle, and he nipped at my ear, a sign of his approval. The feeling of his hot breath on my neck made my body tremble with need, and I whined softly, begging him to take me. He pressed his hips against mine, and I felt his hardness rubbing against my slick folds.

I gasped, and he growled, his teeth nipping at my fur. With a surge of strength, he thrust into me, his shaft filling me completely. I cried out, my claws digging into the soft earth, as he began to move inside me. He was my mate, my lover, and I knew that this was where I belonged. We were one, joined together in body and soul, and I would never let him go. The feeling of his knot swelling inside me was intense, and I howled in pleasure as he filled me with his seed. We were locked together, our bodies joined in a primal dance of ecstasy, and I felt complete, my heart overflowing with love. As the sun dipped below the horizon, and the moon rose overhead, I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey together. We would be mates for life, and nothing would ever come between us.

The moon's light bathed the forest in a silver glow, and I reveled in the beauty of the night. We had returned to our human forms, I was straddling his hips, held tightly against his chest. His hand stroked my hair, and his lips brushed my neck. "I am yours, my Alpha," I whispered, my heart racing with anticipation. He held a strand of my hair to his nose and inhaled, taking in my scent. I kissed his chest and rested my cheek over his heart. "My Father is cruel." I whisper, "He was throwing me to so many men, I was to mate everyone of them, He cared not for my freedom, my happiness."

He kissed the top of my head, and his arms tightened around me. "I will never let him harm you," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "You are mine now, and I will protect you." The warmth of his body seeped into mine, and I sighed, contentment washing over me. "Will you make me your Mate, officially?" I asked, my voice soft, and hopeful. He nodded, and placed his forehead against mine, his eyes sparkling with affection. "I would be honored, my little lamb."

We exchanged a tender kiss, and I felt the bond between us strengthen, a promise of a lifetime together. The forest whispered around us, and I knew that the magic of the night would never fade.

I would always be his little lamb, and he would always be my Alpha. And together, we would face the challenges ahead, no matter what they may be. As the sun began to rise, its golden rays bathing the forest in a soft light, I knew that we would be together, always. Our bond was stronger than anything that could come between us, and I would never let him go.