The Alpha's Prize

Cain POV:

We were at the ceremony; everything was going great, Freja looked absolutely breathtaking, and I thanked the goddess that she had granted me with her as my mate. I was dancing with Freja, enjoying this moment we were having, when Eve, mind linked with me, saying there was a problem that needed my immediate attention. Reluctantly, I left my mate on the dance floor; my wolf stirred frantically, not wanting to part with her.

I found Eve within seconds, leaning against the far wall and waiting for me. She was standing there, trying to look sexy, but she just looked desperate.

I approached her and begrudgingly asked, “What's the problem?”

"Cain, can we talk, please? In private?” She looked saddened and worried about something.

I hesitated and searched her face. “Yes, but only for a moment.” I had a feeling she was up to something,

She led me into a room near the back of the hall and slightly closed the door. Eve swayed over to me, shaking her hips seductively. My wolf huffed in annoyance, and I did too. This woman was wasting my time with her stupid games.

"What do you want, Eve? What is so important?” I wanted to get this over with and get back to Freja.

Eve pouted and batted her lashes. “I miss you, Cain; I miss us.” She said as she grazed her hand along my chest. My lip twitched in disgust from her touch, and I pulled back from her. The hurt etched on her face was priceless.

I straightened my suit “Eve, I will not tell you again. Freja is my mate, and we are done. So why is it you can't accept that?”

“Because I don't want to accept that. I love you, Cain and what we had was beautiful. I can't just let that go.” She appeared more and more desperate with each word.

I groaned in annoyance. “I don't love you anymore, Eve, and it's in your best interest to let things go and get over it. Find someone else and move on.” Finally, I was done with this conversation and with her. I tried to move past her to leave the room, but she blocked my path, placing her hands on my chest again.

Eve gazed into my eyes with lust and attraction. “Cain, make love to me one more time, and I promise I'll never bother you again; I'll find someone else and move on.” She begged me.

I arched an eyebrow. Was she fucking serious? Did she actually think that I would betray my mate like that? My face scrunched up in disgust.

She gripped my shirt tightly. “Cain, please just one last time? That's all I ask?” Eve whined as she clung to my shirt desperately.

I shoved her hands away from me, releasing my shirt from her grip. “No, Eve, I won't do it,” I said, becoming very annoyed at this point.

She cocked an eyebrow. “You haven't even marked her yet. So, there wouldn't be any consequences, and from what I've heard, she won't let you mark her.” Eve said arrogantly.

I grabbed her by the arms. “Who told you that?” I asked as anger coursed through my veins. Someone had been telling her things that were none of her business.

Eve waved me off. “It doesn’t matter, please just once more?” She pleaded again.

I let her arms go and looked down at her. Eve's features were so stricken with sadness and desperation; I almost felt sorry for her. Although I'll admit, at one time, I did love Eve; what we had was great, and at one point in our time together, I had thought about marking her and making her my Luna, as I thought I would never find my mate. But, that was all in the past now, I finally found my mate and my Luna.

Eve gazed into my eyes, then stood on her tippy toes and captured my lips with hers. I froze, shocked she did this, surprised at her boldness and bravery. She wrapped her leg around my waist, and on instinct, I gripped her leg to steady her and placed my other hand on her back. Eve deepened the kiss, drinking me in, and for a brief moment, I had lost myself within her, lost myself in the memories we shared together.

Suddenly, I heard a gasp come from the doorway. My head whipped towards the noise, only to see Freja standing there. She had just witnessed me and Eve kissing and having an intimate moment. Fuck! The look of betrayal on her face was evident and heartbreaking; she will never forgive me for this. Before I could do or say anything, she bolted from the scene. I called out for her, but it was too late, and she was gone. I looked down at Eve, who was staring at the doorway with a cynical grin on her face. Fucking bitch! So, this was her plan all along.

I gripped her arms tightly. “Was this your plan? Huh, Eve? To lure me in here in hopes of Freja catching us? So, you could destroy things between her and me in hopes of getting me back. You are fucking done. I Alpha Cain Ryker, hereby banish you from the Dead Pack.” I tossed her away from me before I snapped her fucking neck.

Eve's eyes widened. “What? Cain, no, please, I'm so sorry.” She said as she fell to her knees, tears now streaming down her stricken face. I ignored Eve and her hysterics as I bolted from the room, chasing after Freja, but she was nowhere to be seen, and her scent was faint among all the other wolves

I spotted my brother and rushed towards him. “Calyx, have you seen Freja?”

"Yea, she just ran out that door a minute ago, looking rather troubled. What happened? Is she ok?” He asked me with concern lacing his tone.

I didn't respond to him, as I needed to find her and explain things. So instead, I ran outside and dashed for the woods, her scent becoming stronger now. My wolf started to pace, wanting to be freed, but I knew it wouldn't end well if I released him in this state.

I kept running through the woods, following her scent. Finally, I stopped in my tracks when I heard voices. One of the voices was Freja“s, the other I didn't recognize. Who is she talking to?

I couldn't understand what they said, so I crept closer, not wanting to spook them. Then, suddenly, the voices ceased as I rounded the tree that blocked my view. That's when I saw Freja's limp body in the arms of the same vampire from the other night.

My blood began to boil. “Freja!” I roared.

The vampire looked my way, winked at me and then was gone. I immediately shifted into my wolf and began chasing him down, but he was fast and challenging to keep up with, despite my abilities My paws thudded heavily against the cool forest floor as I continued the chase, but soon, he was no longer in my sight, and his scent was nearly gone.

I had lost them and lost her; this was all my fucking fault; I should never have trusted that stupid bitch Eve. I mind linked with my brother and the pack warriors to gather in my office immediately. I needed to come up with a plan and collect myself. I have to find her and bring her home, alive! Freja POV:

I woke with a pounding headache; the smell of dampness and cold surrounded me. Where the fuck am 1? It hurt to open my eyes; my body felt weak and drained. I looked around the room, trying to move, but I was tied to a chair in the middle of a windowless concrete room. I was bound with silver, and I had some weird necklace around my neck. Fuck! What is going on? I wriggled my wrists, hoping to get free, but the silver burned my skin, causing me to hiss in pain.

I looked around for something to help me, but there was only another chair, a small table and a lamp in the room. Good job, Freja! What the fuck have you gotten yourself into now!

I sucked in a deep breath and began tugging at the silver chains hoping to slip my wrist out. I gritted my teeth and pushed through the pain. I tried to channel my wolf strength, but I couldn't feel my wolf or hear her; something was disrupting my connection to her.

I kept tugging and tugging when I suddenly felt a pop. I screamed internally, realizing I had just dislocated my thumb, fuck! I slipped my wrist out, took a deep breath and popped my thumb back into place. Thank fuck, for adrenaline or else the pain would have been worse, especially with no werewolf abilities at the moment.

I heard footsteps and voices outside the door. I quickly put my hands behind my back, making it appear as if I was still bound.

The door opened with a bang, and in walked Demetrius, with a sly grin plastered on his stupid face. He cocked a brow. “Oh, your finally awake, Mrs. Sleepy head.”

"Where the fuck am 1?” I spat.

Demetrius tsked at me and waved his index finger. “Temper, temper. I suggest you cool that temper before he comes to greet you; he won't be as kind towards you as I am.” He said in a severe tone.

I raised a brow. “Before who comes?” I asked hesitantly.

"Our coven leader, Lazarus.” He clasped his hands together. “He is absolutely dying to meet you.” Demetrius grinned.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Well, I'm not so eager to meet him, and he will just have to wait."

He tilted his head to the side. “Oh, and why is that?” He said with curiosity.

I leapt from my chair and darted towards Demetrius, but he quickly caught on and slammed me to the ground, knocking the wind from me. Demetrius then kicked me in the face and again in the stomach.

He laughed. “Nice try, sweetheart, but that lovely collar around your neck, makes you weak, vulnerable and renders your werewolf useless.”

He yanked me off the ground, causing me to let out a whimper of pain.

“Now, let's go. Lazarus does not like to be kept waiting.”

We left the room, and Demetrius practically dragged me down a dark hallway. I glanced around as we walked, trying to look for anything that could be a way out or something I could use as a weapon, but Demetrius was moving too fast. We finally arrived at a metal door, and Demetrius knocked.

A low, deep voice came from the other side. “Enter.”

We walked into the dimly lit room, where two chairs and a desk were the only pieces of furniture. One of the chairs was occupied by a man; he appeared to be relatively older, his hair was a dirty grey, he had rugged facial features, bright red eyes and a large scar that trailed down the left side of his face. But, of course, my big mouth just couldn't stay quiet.

I wrinkled my nose at his appearance. “Goddamn! Who fucked your ugly ass up?” I chuckled.

The man, who I presumed was Lazarus, rose from his chair and rounded the desk, coming face to face with me. He narrowed his eyes at me as his upper lip twitched and then slapped me across the face with so much force, I hit the floor like a sack of potatoes.

He glared down at me, snarling, “Get up! Sit down and shut the fuck up.”

I spit out a mouthful of blood. “You hit like a girl,” I said, laughing.

Lazarus grabbed my hair, almost pulling it out and brought my face to his. “One more remark like that, and you won't live long enough to find out who gave me this scar.” He sneered at me.

I snorted. “You're telling me I'll miss the most boring story in history?”

He gripped my throat tightly and lifted me off the ground. My breathing was now restricted as my lungs began to burn, and everything around me became blurry.

“Not so cocky now, are we?" He smirked.

Just when I thought death was coming for me, he released me, and I collapsed to the floor, gasping for air.

I coughed and cleared my throat. “Fuck man, you need to get laid,” I said, emphasizing the laid part. “You just aren't going to give up, are you?” He glared at me.

“No, not really,” I smirked. Lazarus could torture me all he wanted, but I wouldn't go down without a fight!

Lazarus shrugged. “Well, no matter, once your mate comes for you, I'm going to make him watch while I drain every ounce of blood from that pathetic body of yours and then I'm going to kill him slowly.” He grinned.

I broke out in a fit of laughter; tears welled up in my eyes as I continued to laugh like a hyena “You're an idiot! Do you actually think he will come for me?” I asked him

"He may call me his “Mate.” I said, making quotations with my fingers, “But I assure you, he fucking hates me and will probably thank you for getting rid of me for him. Cain doesn't want me; he wants some other bitch.” I said the last part through gritted teeth.

I put my finger to my chin, tapped it and cocked my head to the side a bit. “You know I'm curious, does being a vampire suck all of the intelligence out of your brain? Or were you always this stupid?” I smiled, like the cocky little bitch that I am.

He scowled at me. “What are you talking about?”

I clicked my tongue and cupped my cheek with my hand. “Oh, so sorry, let me put this in dumb, dumb terms. I am not his mate, and he doesn't want me. Cain will not come for me because he doesn't care about me. I was only a prize to him, nothing more.”

Lazarus snarled, “You're lying."

I shook my head. “Nope, sorry. He made it very clear to me tonight what I mean to him when I caught him making out with his bitch of an ex.”

He sighed and returned to his chair, casually sitting down.

“Nonetheless, I still have other plans for you. You said you wanted to know who gave me this scar?” I shrugged. “Yes and no. To be honest, I don't really care.” I pursed my lips.

Lazarus leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “Well, I'll tell you anyway. It was your father,” He smirked.

My brows scrunched together in confusion. “What? My father?” I snorted, not believing him.

"Yes, long ago, we were allies, and then he betrayed me, causing a war to break out between our species. Then, your father attempted to kill me, a man I trusted. I was going to get revenge on your mate first, but if what you say is true, then dear old daddy will have to go first, I guess.” His tone was ominous and severe.

I inhaled heavily. “Well, it's too bad my father didn’t succeed, and how did he betray you?" I asked curiously.

His eyes turned a shade darker. “He sold me out to Cain's father. Although rogue vampires had attacked the Dead pack, your father accused me and my coven of doing it. So, dear old daddy went to Cain's father instead of confronting me first and betrayed me. They teamed up against me, and your precious mate killed my sister during the fight.” He hissed. The anger and hurt were evident in his facial features as he told the story.

I nodded my head slightly. “Hmm, interesting story.” I rolled my eyes. Did he expect me to care? To feel remorse for him?

Lazarus snarled at me, “Story? So you think I'm telling you a bedtime story?” His voice grew louder with each word.

“No, I just don't find what you're saying very interesting, and as I've already said, Cain isn't my mate,” I told him through gritted teeth.

His lip twitched. “I am truly going to enjoy draining you dry.”

I clicked my tongue and batted my lashes. “Aren't you sweet.” I smiled.

He narrowed those beady red eyes of his on me. “Do tell, how has he not killed you yet?”

Just as I was about to answer, Demetrius barged into the room.

“Sir, I hav.”

I cleared my throat, interrupting him before he could say anything else. He whipped his head in my direction and scowled at me.

I raised both brows at him. “Excuse me, Demetrius, we were having a very lovely conversation, and you just interrupted us.” I scoffed at him.

A ferocious snarl came from beside me, I turned towards the noise, and that's when Lazarus backhanded me so hard, I flew across the room. I screamed out in pain as my back slammed into the wall. That was going to bruise.

“Shut the fuck up! You annoying dog.” Lazarus screamed at me. The air had left my lungs, my back throbbed in pain, and everything around me was now spinning in circles.

“Demetrius, please continue,” Lazarus commanded.

He cleared his throat. “Our informant has reported to me that Cain knows it was you that took her. He is gathering warriors as we speak and preparing to attack.”

"Good, we will be ready for him. Ensure everyone and everything is prepared and ready, just as planned. We cannot falter, my brother.” He said with heavy authority, lacing his tone as he slapped his hand onto Demetrius’ shoulder.

"Of course, I will see to it that it is done accordingly and immediately,” Demetrius said while straightening himself before turning around to grip the door handle. He was about to open the door when he paused. His gaze met mine, and he winked at me while smiling deviously.

“Thank you,” Lazarus said as Demetrius exited the room.

Insider? Someone in Cain's pack is working with these bloodsuckers and giving them information. That's how he knows so much. But, whoever this insider is, is going to betray Cain and lead him right into a trap. I need to get out of here!

Lazarus stalked over to me, gripped my throat and hoisted me off the ground, slamming me into the wall. I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut as my back radiated with pain.

“I can't wait to watch the life drain from your eyes as I feed on that pretty little neck of yours. But while we wait, I'll have a taste for now.”

He turned my head roughly to the side, exposing my neck to him. His fangs elongated and then barred down on my neck. It felt like I had been stabbed with two fiery hot metal prods; the pain was immense, and I couldnt fight or move. I wanted to scream, but nothing came out. Instead, I started to feel weaker and weaker, my vision becoming disoriented. Fuck he’s going to kill me! Then, just when I thought I was a goner, he retracted his fangs and dropped me to the floor.

Lazarus stood there, gazing down at my limp body. “My, my, that was absolutely exquisite. Your blood is like no other that I've ever tasted. I feel like a young vampire again.” He bent down, bringing my face to his, as he cupped my chin. "Hmm, I may just have to keep you as my personal blood bag. Your too tasty to give away or kill.” He mused.

I mustered up the last bit of strength I had and spat in his face, “I would take my own life before I became your pet!” I bellowed.

He wiped his face and snarled at me, then punched me in the face, causing me to blackout once again.

Cains POV:

She's gone! That fucking vampire took her, and it's my fault. I should have never gone into that room with Eve, and I should've known she was up to no good; she'll pay for this.

I finally reached the house and went straight into my office, where the others were already waiting for me.

I didn't waste any time updating everyone on the situation. “The vampire that breached our territory the other night has taken Freja,” I said through gritted teeth.

Murmurs and gasps filled the room, and I raised my hand, silencing them. “I pursued Freja and the vampire but lost them deep within the forest, and the scent trail has all but dissipated.”

Calyx looked at me. “What do you want us to do, brother?”

I paced the room, running my hand through my hair roughly. “I want teams of three to comb the area where I had lost them. There may still be a trace of their scent or something within the area. Where's Ryder?” I asked aloud. Ryder is my best tracker within the pack, and hopefully, he will be able to pick up on something.

"Here, Alpha,” His deep voice rang throughout the room.

“I want you to go through the area where he took her and follow the trail to where I lost them.” There had to be something for us to go on.

He gave a curt nod of his head. “Yes, Alpha. I'll find something.” And with that, he took a few other warriors before leaving the room.

I looked at my brother, my chest feeling heavy. “Calyx, I need to find her. I don’t care what it takes.” I said in a low and deadly voice.

He slapped his hand onto my shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. “I know, brother; we will do everything we can.” Calyx then left the room, with a few others trailing behind him.

I walked over to the remaining few. “Let's go.” I then stormed out of my office, with my men hot on heels as we proceeded to the woods in hopes of finding something that would lead us to her.