❝A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim.❞ -Maya Angelou

J o r d y n ✤ T a m e

I SAT IN my chair humbly looking around at the chaotic events playing out in front of me. Alpha Lexis had chosen me, and because of this, it was more than just me that was being affected.

"I-I can't believe I d-didn't get chosen..." Talia whispered as if her voice had left her body. Tears were prominently trailing down her face. Her mascara was staining her cheeks. She didn't even look at me, she couldn't look at me.

I couldn't answer her, I just watched as her mother tried to soothe her. Her father stood behind petrified not knowing how to help his daughter.

I felt this intolerable guilt. This had been her dream for as long as I could remember and I took it from her; accidentally, I took the dream away. Each and every girl who was selected took a piece of that dream away.

I took my attention away from the scene in front of me and peered over at my parents. My mother and father looked to be in an argument. I knew this would happen.

The only thing that could come from being chosen was chaos. I shook my head, watching as people passed by, offering their congratulations. Around me, the other human girls were already leaving with their Alphas, their faces glowing with smiles and wide-eyed excitement.

A contrast to how I felt at this moment.

After Lexis went out of his way to tell me he wanted me, he just disappeared. I even made an effort to look for him, but he was nowhere to be found. I couldn't tell if that was a relief or another complication—because honestly, I never wanted to be in this situation to begin with.

Suddenly, two tall men in black with dark shades approached me making my mother and father finally stop their arguing and turn to me.

"Miss Tame..." The one to the left mumbled. He had brown skin, dark hair with a shaped hairline, and facial hair. I couldn't see his eyes which intimidated me and as if he noticed my uneasy behavior, a sly smirk formed on his lips.

"Yes?" I said looking up at them with narrowed eyes.

The other, with olive skin and thick eyebrows, spoke up. "Alpha Lexis has commanded us to inform you that we'll pick you up tomorrow at three o'clock." He then revealed a black rose from behind his back. "From Lexis," he said, handing it to me.

I took it, and no matter how hard I tried to keep a straight face, a small grin broke through. It was strange—my life had flipped upside down in just 20 minutes—but the gesture, in all its simplicity, was oddly reassuring.

"Um, thank you." I said in response.

They nodded in unison before walking away. A hand suddenly rubbed my back. Expecting to see my dad trying to soothe me, it was shockingly my mother. She had tears in her eyes and her perfect makeup and hair that she always maintained was ruined.

"Honey, it's going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay—You know what? Why don't we go out for some dinner tonight?" My mother scrambled for words.

My dad groaned. "Karen, her curfew is in thirty minutes." He retorted.

My mother rolled her eyes before turning to my dad. "We can't just act like our daughter isn't going to be taken away from us in a few hours, John." She gritted out.

My father let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Well, believe it, Karen!" he shouted, drawing the attention of Talia's parents. "Of all days, you choose today to finally put our daughter first?" He groaned loudly before storming off to the other side of the building to cool down.

My mother bit her nails, a habit I'd noticed whenever she was stressed. "U-Um, don't worry, Jordyn. I'll go calm your father," she said, more to herself than to me, clearly unsure of what to do next. "Yeah, that's what I'll do..." she mumbled before walking off.

I sat there frozen, unable to feel emotions for some odd reason. It was like something went inside me and turned off any ability to express my worry.

"You know honey, you're more than welcome to stay at our place for the night if you think it will be too hectic at home." Mrs. Padamore, Talia's mom said before looking down at a still sobbing Talia. "Plus, I think Talia could really use your support."

I smiled softly. "I would love to—" but was cut off by my mother raising her voice at my dad. I turned to watch as my usually poker-faced parents unraveled into a chaotic mess.

I turned back to Mrs. Padamore. "But I think they both need me right now."

Talia's mom nodded understandingly. "You can always call if you change your mind."

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The weight of uncertainty about where my life was headed lingered in the corners of my mind. Every time I sought to distract myself, my thoughts inevitably circled back to... him.

A mere stranger, known to me only through his public notoriety, yet soon I would be expected to abandon everything I had ever known for him.

I remember the first time I had saw Lexis. It was Allegiance Day. When each and every human would go back to town hall and promise their allegiance to the Supernatural Union. Lexis, who was only a newly Alpha at the time had been chosen to be the Alpha of honor.

I remember how all the girls in my class were so intrigued by him. It wasn't a surprise—he was handsome, masculine, and reserved, the kind of unattainable type who seemed more focused on his responsibilities as Alpha than on any relationship.

The Liberation was created only two years ago. Each girl at the age of eighteen attended and prepared for their chance at the reigns of royalty. Alpha Lexis always attended the ceremonies but he wasn't required to choose anyone so another Alpha was put in to make the 20. This year was different. The silent Alpha had finally come to choose someone. That person was me...

He was feared almost universally and till this day, I still didn't truly know why. There was so much talk that surrounded the man—whispers of his ruthless decisions, his obsession with dominance, and the coldness in his eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone who dared challenge him.

Maybe it was his unpredictable nature, or perhaps it was because his pack was renowned for its unmatched resilience in war.

I opened my journal on the desk in my room and began to finish the shading on the hummingbird drawing I had started two weeks ago.

I groaned when I heard the loud commotion downstairs. They were at it again. I wish those two would shut up and realize they should be up here spending time with their daughter who will be gone in the next ten hours.

Just sleep and this will all be over.

I laid my head back down before closing my eyes gently forcing myself to drift into sleep.

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"Jordyn," I heard someone whisper. "It's time to wake up."

"But school doesn't start until seven..." I muttered, slowly opening my eyes to see my mother smiling softly at me.

"I just got back from withdrawing you," she informed me.

I shot upright. "What?" I whispered, my voice still heavy with sleep. "Mom, I'm eighteen! You should've at least talked to me before making this decision." I ran a hand through my tangled hair, frustration bubbling up. "I'm an adult, not a child who can't handle her own academic plans." The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I immediately closed my eyes, regretting the outburst.

She had been trying to work on her relationship with me as of yesterday. I didn't want to ruin that with my temper. She was trying. That's all that really mattered, right?

My mom nodded, regret evident in her eyes. "I know, sweetie, but Alpha Lexis' guards called earlier and said you should be withdrawn today,"

"Where am I supposed to finish school?"

My mother smiled reassuringly. "They have a facility at his pack house. They sent me pictures on my phone of other human teens who go there."

"It's classic use of deception, mom." I warned her.

For all we knew, those photos could have been staged, and by the time I arrived at his pack, any possibility of continuing school could be completely revoked.

My mother ignored my skepticism, prying the covers from my body. "Your dad made you breakfast."

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"You added too much salt, John," my mother snapped, rolling her eyes at the eggs on her plate.

"Quit being dramatic," my father retorted but his playful undertone was evident.

My mother scoffed, laughing. "Jordyn, didn't your father add too much salt?"

I took a bite of my eggs, cringing at the overwhelming flavor. Then, I grabbed my phone, trying to avoid blurting out my opinion, but knowing my mother, she wouldn't stop until she got an answer from me.

"Well? What did you think?" My mother questioned.

I looked up from my phone sheepishly. "Yeah, dad next time cool it with the salt."

My father laughed, while my mom smirked, knowing this was the first time I had ever sided with her.

"Have you talked to Talia at all since yesterday?" my mom asked, curiosity in her voice.

I shook my head. "Yeah, I texted her like five times. She's reading them but not responding."

My mom gave me a sympathetic look. "Look, she's probably still upset about what happened yesterday. She'll come around."

"Really? When? When Alpha Lexis' guards show up and take me away to who knows where?" I replied, frustration creeping into my voice.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and I released a groan. I didn't want anyone here today. I was busy—I hadn't even packed yet, and in just a couple of hours, it would be three o'clock.

"I'll get the door." My dad said leaving the kitchen.

My mom's expression shifted to one of worry. I gently took her hand and smiled at her. "Mom, everything is going to be fine," I whispered.

She gave a small grin. "Thanks, honey. But I'm starting to realize we only have a few hours to—"

"Jordyn! Karen!" My father's voice rang out, calling us both.

My mother and I exchanged a look before we headed towards the front door. My heart stopped when I see the guards that fell under Alpha Lexis' command.

They are here early.

My mother wrapped her arms around me protectively. "It's not three o'clock..." She acknowledged.

The same guard with thick eyebrows replied calmly, "We know."

He continued, his voice unwavering, "We've been informed that you intend to relocate your daughter before the time we were originally scheduled to arrive."

My mother furrowed her brows, her surprise obvious. My eyes widened, disbelief crashing over me like a wave. Where could've a lie like that derived from?

"Sir," my father began, his voice steady but laced with restrained indignation. "I don't know what you're trying to imply here, but my family and I have been nothing but cooperative since yesterday. We haven't planned anything. In fact, Jordyn was just about to pack her things."

The guard let out a low, sinister chuckle. "Oh, really?" he drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "Because a good friend of your daughter told us a different story."

He stepped aside, revealing Talia standing smugly behind him, her arms crossed and a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

I froze, my heart sinking.

Talia.

My best friend had betrayed me.

What was she trying to achieve here by tipping off the guards a lie? Did she want me to leave sooner because she was angry or she wanted to torture me because she knew I didn't want this fate? Was she that envious?

She of all people knew how dangerous it was to get on the bad side of the establishment—yet she lied on my family, inherently leaving me vulnerable.

The guard turned back to her, his tone smooth and condescending. "Thank you for your loyalty, Ms. Padamore. You may leave now," he said.

My body went numb, watching as the other guards nodded at her, their silent approval stinging more than words. Talia didn't so much as glance back at me—the friend she had just betrayed. She walked away, so easily, as though the weight of her actions meant nothing.

The guard with brown skin caught my gaze, his expression unreadable. "So," he added, his voice low, "Your attempted stunt earned you an early visit."

I looked up at my mom. She was crying. The look of clear distress brought back memories. Memories of our hidden struggle. She couldn't believe we've only got a few minutes to say goodbye now.

"W-What are you saying?" my father demanded, his voice breaking with desperation.

The ten guards standing in our doorway exchanged sly, mischievous grins, their movements eerily synchronized. "We're taking her early," one of them said, his tone smug and final. "His command."

Before we could respond, the guards stepped aside, their rigid formation parting like a curtain to reveal the Alpha behind them. My breath caught as he came into view.

He was tall, his broad shoulders and chiseled frame radiating authority and power. He wore a sleek dress shirt, rolled up a little at the sleeves, his polished attire a testament of his great wealth.

His sharp features were unreadable, yet his very presence seemed to consume the space. As he approached, his guards all lowered their heads in deference, a silent display of submission.

My pulse quickened as he stopped in front of me. Instinctively, I lowered my head as well, overwhelmed by the weight of his proximity. But before I could process what was happening, his finger brushed beneath my chin, tilting my face up.

Just as he had done before at the town hall. A single touch that raised bumps on my skin.

"You don't lower your head to me," he said, his voice firm yet impossibly gentle.

He dared me to do what no one else was allowed to do—to look him directly in the eyes.

My eyes widened in shock, meeting those hues of blue for the first time since yesterday. A strange mix of emotions flooded me—wariness and disbelief. His gaze was intense, studying me as though he could see through every barrier I'd ever built.

I barely knew this man, but his presence cracked a level of...something I didn't understand. Anxiety and peace warred within me, colliding in a way that made no sense.

"I'm taking you home."

To be continued...

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© All Rights Reserved(victoriapinkglitter)

Edited.