The wolf king Fated Mate

Zara's POV.

"Haylee is such a beauty to behold, take a look at her dress, it must have cost a fortune,"

"She's such a little princess,"

I stood by the corner of the hall entrance, listening to the group of girls drool over my sister; it was her birthday and of course, our parents hosted the fanciest birthday party just like they always did every year.

I was genuinely happy for her; for such affection she procured from our parents but as much as I tried so hard to stay that way, I couldn't help the cold jolt of pain that surged through me as the image of the loneliness I was subjected to during my own birthday flashed through my head.

Pushing the haunting thoughts to the back of my head, I exhaled deeply and walked fully into the hall; the least I could do was enjoy the party anyway, it was shocking that I was allowed to attend this time, other times, I was either locked away in my room till the party was over, or forced to join the housemaids to handle the house chores.

"And here comes the cursed wretch," they suddenly turned towards me, mocking smirks laced on their faces.

"Why is she here? Now my mood is entirely ruined," one of them added.

Settling a warm smile on my face, I gracefully walked past them.

I was already used to the ridicule, not only from the pack members but my parents as well. My only offense being that I was born looking different from others, with an unusual mark from birth. Many called me a witch while others referred to me as a curse but none of that mattered to me.

If for anything, their ridicule and disdain built me more stronger than I could ever be.

I had only one resolve, where I pulled the courage to endure my miseries. Merlin, my boyfriend. The strongest warrior of my pack. He was the only one who wasn't hostile towards me in the pack, instead, he showered me with so much love and constantly reassured me of our beautiful future together. He was my only source of happiness amidst my misery.

A wide smile suddenly broke out on my face as I sighted him standing few feet away from me, he was sipping a glass of wine with his back turned against me.

I hurried my steps towards him and wrapped my arms around him from behind.

"Haylee, aren't you supposed to be enjoying your party and leave this till later?" His next words sent a cold shiver down my spine.

Why did he mention my sister?

"Merlin," I called softly and he quickly jolted out of my arms, turning around to face me with a nervous look on his face.

"Zara, it's you," He pulled me into his strong arms.

"I have been expecting you for so long," he whispered in my ears, soothingly stroking my back.

"You mentioned my sister."

"That was not intended, it's her party and she's been all over my face, I got confused," he replied swiftly.

"Let's forget about that, you are here now, and that's all that matters to me," I couldn't hold back the wide smile that spread through my face as he caressed my cheeks softly, flashing me the warmest smile.

"I hate to interrupt the beautiful moment but I need your help, Zara," Haylee's voice came from behind and we turned around to face her.

"Happy Birthday Haylee," I blurted.

"You've said that earlier, but thank you," she smiled.

"Here," she passed a wrapped package towards me. "It's a gift from Beta Ezra, I need you to help me pass it to Father in his chamber."

My jaw tightened as she mentioned him, he was my worst nightmare and I dreaded being in his presence, but it was Haylee's birthday and I couldn't afford a gift for her. The least I could afford was to do whatever she asked.

"I'll be back in a minute," I said, turning towards Merlin and he gave me a reassuring nod.

Grabbing the package from Haylee, I hurried towards father's chamber.

My hand was halfway through the air to place a knock on the door when I heard Mother's voice. "She can't continue to stay here, I can't bear seeing her face any longer,"

"She bring nothing but shame to this household and the entire pack, it's time I did something about it," Father's voice followed suit.

I didn't need to be reminded that I was the topic of the discussion. They are plotting to get rid of me.

I placed a soft knock on the door regardless.

"Who's it," came his reply.

"Alpha, I have a package for you from Haylee," I tried so hard not to let my voice quiver.

Yeah, that's right, I wasn't allowed to address them as my parents, rather, Alpha and Luna just like every other pack member.

"Pass it to any nearest guard," he replied coldly.

Swiftly, I turned around and ran all the way back to the party in search of Merlin. He was all I needed at the moment to keep me sane.

Since they want me out, I'll leave before they even ask, Merlin is capable of taking care of me and I'm moving in with him immediately.

Surprisingly, I couldn't spot him among the crowd in the hall.

I was about to head out when my gaze landed on a dreadful sight at the far end of the party hall. Haylee was in Merlin's arms and he stroked her cheeks the same way he did mine.

"What's going on?" I thundered as I rushed towards them.

They turned slowly to face me, not a slight remorse evident on their faces.

"Zara, you are here, just the perfect time to break the news to you," Haylee croaked out a smug laughter.

"What news?"

"Merlin and I are mates,"

"What? That's not possible, Merlin is mine,"

She bursted into laughter. "You really thought that he loved you? Stop dreaming, no one would ever want a worthless piece of cursed garbage like you, he was only with you to get closer to me." Her words pierced through my heart like a sharp dagger.

"Merlin," I whispered through tears turning towards him, hoping that he'd pull me into his arms and tell me that it was all a joke.

"I'm sorry Zara, but Haylee is the one I truly want," he mumbled, sending stabs of pain through my already torn heart, slicing it into a million tiny pieces.

That was it, I lost the only thing that I cherished the most to the cruel hands of the Blue Moon pack.