TIED TO THE ALPHA

I wonder why life is so unfair to me. Is it a sin to be different? I asked myself that question every single day.

To some, my dream was foolishness, but to me, it was the most important thing, even if it seemed impossible.

Tears slid down my cheeks one after another after soaring to the heavens and feeling like I was touching the stars with my hands, only to be yanked back down to hell in an instant. With a kick, I threw off the sheets and ran to the bathroom.

“Why?” I questioned with trembling lips as I entered the bathroom.

*Stop crying, Violet. He doesn’t deserve another tear,* I repeated to myself over and over, hoping to convince myself.

My back slid down the door after I closed it until my butt hit the cold marble floor, making me flinch. I jumped up almost immediately and began filling the bathtub. I needed to wash away any trace Aaron might have left behind. Though I knew it wouldn’t work, at least it would make me feel a little better.

Once the tub was full, I got in, and my tears kept rolling down my face, thankfully blending with the water.

“Violet,” hearing his authoritative tone made my heart race desperately, as if it were about to leap out of my chest.

I didn’t respond, staying completely silent, but I could already feel him inside the bathroom, approaching me.

“Can’t you hear me talking to you?” he sat on the edge of the bathtub, looking at me mockingly.

“Leave,” my voice came out low, but I was sure he’d heard me. “Why did you leave the bed like that?” he asked with strange gentleness.

“You’ve gotten what you wanted, Aaron. Now leave me alone,” I whispered, dragging out the words. I was filled equally with anger, sadness, and fear. I hugged my legs tightly, trying in vain to keep myself safe.

“Are you scared, little pup?” he asked mockingly, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at him. “The worst is over, cupcake,” he murmured without letting go. “Don’t call me that!” I slapped his hand away from my face. His expression changed, and he grabbed my soaked brown hair with hostility, though not hard enough to hurt me. “Why can’t I touch you?” Aaron asked with feigned innocence. “I’ll call you whatever I want, Violet. You’re my little cupcake.”

Aaron let go of me abruptly, stripping off his clothes and getting into the large tub with me. He pulled me possessively by the waist, sending a shiver down my spine.

Terrified, I screamed, trying to get out of the water, but struggling against Aaron was useless. His warm breath on my neck made my skin prickle at his touch.

“Listen carefully, Violet,” he murmured near my ear. “Because I’m only going to say this once, cupcake.” He was a wolf with fair skin and black hair like a moonless night. “I don’t want to see you with any filthy wolf, or worse, a human,” he threatened. “You’re mine, you stupid girl.”

“It’s not fair,” I sobbed.

“No, it’s not fair for you—I know that very well,” he stroked my wet hair. “And I don’t care. Unfortunately for you, you’re my mate.” My pulse quickened. “I don’t love you, but don’t think I’ll let some idiot take what’s mine.”

“Why do you have to be like this, Aaron?” I closed my eyes after asking, trying to stop my tears. “You said it yourself—you don’t want me. The only thing binding us is this d*mn bond you hate so much,” I continued. “So why are you punishing me like this?” I asked weakly, my head bowed.

“It’s your punishment for being a stupid girl. I should’ve let you drown in that d*mn river,” he kissed my neck, giving me goosebumps I hated to feel, but the sinking feeling in my chest was worse.

His words felt like daggers slowly piercing my body, embedding themselves in my flesh.

“Then you should’ve let me die!” I screamed furiously, my throat burning. I couldn’t take his humiliation anymore. If I had known saving my life would cost me so dearly, I would’ve preferred to die that day.

After those hurtful words, Aaron got out of the tub, leaving me emotionally shattered. Water dripped down his back, leaving traces in its wake.

I submerged myself completely, scrubbing my body to remove any trace of his scent. But no matter how hard I rubbed my already reddened skin, Aaron remained untouched in my heart.

꘎♡━━♡꘎

At just twelve years old, my peaceful walk was interrupted by a child’s scream. I ran toward the source of the cry and saw a small body being dragged by the strong current of the river. Without hesitation, I dove into the water to save the child.

“Hold on, I’ll help you!” All I could hear was fear and sobs coming from them.

With great effort, I grabbed the child and brought them to the surface, pulling them out of the icy water. Unconscious, I laid them down and tried to wake them up, but nothing seemed to work. In a quick motion, I leaned down and gave them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Suddenly, a pair of amber eyes, bright with tears, looked at me in astonishment, as if they couldn’t believe they were alive. I couldn’t deny that seeing those golden eyes sent a strange current through my body. My inner wolf went wild, ecstatic at the sweet scent emanating from their small body beneath mine.

“Th-thank you…” they stuttered in a faint voice, tears filling their eyes again. They lunged at me with open arms, surprising me. “I was so scared! I thought I was going to die!”

Instinctively, I returned the embrace, frowning in confusion.

“Hey, kid, what’s your name?” I muttered. They pulled back to look me in the eyes.

“I’m not a boy,” they hiccupped, still staring at me, completely confused. “I’m a girl. My name is Violet.”

“Violet,” I savored the name of the brunette in front of me. “You’re a foolish girl, you know that?”

“I…”

“How could you get caught in such a strong current? Something bad could’ve happened to you if I hadn’t shown up…”

I stopped short when I felt her cling to me again with all her strength. I knew she was scared—it was understandable after what had happened. But for some unknown reason, I didn’t like hearing her cry. That, combined with her sweet scent, made me feel different all over again.

Without thinking, I held her close, not wanting to let go, wishing she’d stay in my arms so I could protect her. I remembered my grandmother Genna’s words: *When all your senses reach their limit and your heart feels like it’s about to burst from your chest at the scent of someone unique, that’s when you’ll know you’ve found your mate.* At the time, I didn’t understand what she meant, but now everything was different. I wasn’t a child anymore, and I understood that she, without a doubt, was my little she-wolf.

Little Violet looked at me, and I froze, unsure of what to do or how to react without scaring her, especially now that my grandmother’s words filled my mind.

“Don’t ever do something so stupid again, Violet,” I scolded firmly. “From now on, I’ll be the one who takes care of you,” I declared seriously. “Take care of me?” she asked, confused by my words. I nodded, standing up and holding out my hand to her.

“From now on, I’ll protect you from everyone. And when I become the leader of the pack, you’ll be my moon,” I said. She looked at me with bright eyes—not from tears, but from something else—and stayed silent, clearly understanding the seriousness of my words.

꘎♡━━♡꘎

Annoyed, I punched the mattress, realizing how much my life had changed since I decided to save that foolish little girl with her sweet scent. The council would dictate everything—what I do, who I marry—and Violet certainly wasn’t part of my plans because of her mixed heritage. She would tarnish the Connor bloodline.

“I know I’m a son of a b*tch for torturing you,” I growled. “But I also know how much you deserve to be happy, cupcake. The mere thought of someone else laying a finger on you makes me furious, and I just want to kill them.” I ran my hand through my hair. “I don’t care how much you hate me. I won’t let anyone lay eyes on you. You’re mine, Violet Swan. You’ve been mine since the moment I saved you, and there’s no changing that.”

VIOLET SWAN. ꘎♡━━━━━━━♡꘎ Definitely, last night was one I’d rather never remember in my entire life. When I get home, the smell of bacon makes my mouth water.

“Ezra,” I call out, expecting a response, but there’s only silence. I enter the kitchen and find him sitting there, waiting for me with a very serious expression. “I thought you weren’t here,” I say automatically. Seeing what’s coming next, I take a seat across from my father, bracing myself for his words. *Just don’t tell him who you were with,* I think to myself, considering what I should say.

“I got a call from your brother, Violet,” he begins. “He’s worried because you didn’t come home.” I stay quiet and let him continue. “You know perfectly well that I don’t like you being out there alone. You said…”

“I already know what I said, Dad!” I snap, getting up from the table angrily. I don’t need him reminding me. “I’m not a child anymore, and I can take care of myself!” I look a