Belle woke up to bright sunlight streaming through her window. Today was her birthday, and despite her attempts to downplay it, the Alpha King had planned an elaborate celebration. Her stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves.
A soft knock at her door revealed a smiling maid. "Miss Belle, the Alpha King has arranged for your full beauty treatment today. The car will arrive in thirty minutes."
"Thank you," Belle replied, still not used to such attention.
Lilly arrived just as Belle was finishing breakfast, bubbling with excitement. "Birthday girl! Ready for your makeover day?"
The day passed in a whirlwind of pampering—manicures, hair styling, and makeup. Belle couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed so much as she did with Lilly.
"So," Lilly wiggled her eyebrows while getting her nails done, "lots of unmated wolves are coming tonight. Think you'll find your mate?"
Belle blushed. "I doubt it."
"You never know," Lilly sang, not noticing how Belle's eyes drifted away, her thoughts on a certain Alpha King.
Later, Belle stood transfixed before her mirror. The woman staring back wasn't the weak omega who'd arrived months ago. The white fabric sparkled with thousands of tiny crystals, hugging her curves before flowing out gracefully from her knees. She hardly recognized the woman in the mirror. Weeks of proper nutrition and training had transformed her once-frail body. Where bones had protruded, subtle muscles now curved. Her face was fuller, healthier, and the makeup enhanced her natural beauty rather than masking it.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the bathroom.
Lilly gasped, hands flying to her mouth. "Belle, you're absolutely stunning!"
Belle twirled self-consciously. "You think so?"
"You're going to make everyone's jaw drop," Lilly assured her.
Lilly herself looked beautiful in a forest green dress that hugged her waist before billowing out in princess fashion, the color making her red hair look like flames.
A maid appeared at the door. "Miss Belle, the guests have arrived."
Belle and Lilly walked hand-in-hand to the grand staircase. At the top, Lilly squeezed Belle's hand and stepped back. "This is your moment."
Taking a deep breath, Belle descended alone, carefully watching her steps. She was so focused on not tripping that she didn't notice Alpha King Kael stood there in a perfectly tailored black suit, his broad shoulders filling out the jacket impeccably. His dark hair was styled away from his face, highlighting his strong jawline. His arm was extended, waiting for her.
When she reached the final step, Belle looked up. Their eyes locked, and something electric snapped into place deep inside her. Her wolf howled: *Mate!*
"Mate," Kael whispered, his smile radiant. "Mine."
They didn't get time to speak when people came to greet them, thanking them for the invitation. Belle couldn't concentrate. She was excited that the Alpha was her mate, but scared he would reject her. Even though she had grown stronger and had a moon-kissed wolf, she was still an omega.
Then she spotted her old Alpha Drake, Luna Eliza, their daughter Tara, and Beta Marcus. They weren't happy to be there—the looks on their faces showed they still hated her. All the memories of abuse and bullying came flooding back.
They walked up to her, and Tara spoke first. "You still look as weak as ever. No matter how much makeup you put on, you'll always be a weak omega."
Beta Marcus added, "You should be ashamed, still sniffing around the Alpha King like a desperate whore."
Luna Eliza chimed in, "He's only using you to keep his bed warm until he finds a strong female or his true mate."
Belle couldn't speak. She started hyperventilating—a panic attack taking over. She knew the Alpha King would reject her. They were right. She was weak, and he was the Alpha King. He needed a strong mate.
With tears streaming down her face, she ran outside. Her beautiful dress got muddy, and branches scratched her face and arms as she ran deeper into the woods. She didn't feel the pain of the cuts—only the tight ache in her chest. Finally stopping by the lake, Belle collapsed. Her hair was a mess, blood streaked her face and arms, and tears continued flowing down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, the Alpha King had been trying all night to reach Belle. Pack elders and other alphas kept stopping him. He scanned the room anxiously when Tara approached, thanking him for the invitation.
He interrupted her, "Have you seen Belle?"
"You don't need her when I'm here," Tara purred. "I'm an Alpha's daughter. I'm stronger. I can be your chosen mate—no need for that weak omega to warm your bed."
The Alpha King was shocked. His wolf howled in his head: *Kill her for disrespecting our mate!*
Struggling to control his wolf, he grabbed Tara by the throat. "You are nothing compared to her. Where is she? I know you know."
His Alpha King aura burst hot around them. Tara couldn't resist and whispered, "She ran toward the woods."
The alpha burst through the tree line, his powerful legs carrying him swiftly as he tracked Belle's wildflower scent. The rain had dampened the forest floor, but couldn't wash away her unique fragrance. With a growl, Kael shifted, his muscles contorting as his massive black wolf form emerged. His clothes tore away, forgotten as primal instinct took over.
A thunderous howl echoed through the forest as he activated the pack mind link.
"Everyone search the forest for my mate," he commanded, his mental voice urgent and sharp.
Alex, his beta, responded first. "You found your mate?"
"Yes, it's Belle," Kael replied, unable to hide the pride in his voice despite his worry. "I need every guard and my gamma out searching. Now." He severed the connection abruptly.
Focusing on their bond, he followed her essence, letting it pull him forward. Then the scent of blood hit him – her blood. His heart hammered wildly.
"Why do I smell her blood? Is she hurt?" he growled aloud.
His wolf, Onyx, rumbled within. *We will find her. She will be fine.*
"She better be," Kael muttered, pushing faster through the underbrush.
Finally, he spotted her by the lake, huddled and small. Moonlight revealed cuts across her face and arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. Approaching slowly to avoid startling her, he shifted back to human form, unconcerned with his nakedness.
"Belle," he said softly, kneeling beside her. His fingers hovered over a particularly nasty cut on her cheek. "What happened? Why are you all cut up and crying out here alone?"
His wolf howled within, demanding to find whoever had hurt her and tear them apart.
panic suddenly flooded through Belle. This couldn't be right. She wasn't meant for someone like him—an Alpha King needed a strong mate, not someone like her. What if he was disappointed? What if I fail him?
To Kael's shock, including her own, Belle took a step back, shaking her head.
"No," she whispered, trembling. "There must be a mistake."
Kael's smile faltered, confusion and hurt flashing across his face. "Belle—"
"I can't be your mate," she said, louder now. "I'm not strong enough. I'm not—I'm nothing."
Belle felt dizzy with the realization, joy, and terror mingling in her chest. This couldn't be happening. It wasn't possible. He was an Alpha King, and she was...
"I, Belle, former omega of the Ridge Pack, reject—" she began formally, her voice trembling as she tried to do what she thought was right for him.
But before she could finish the sentence, Kael closed the distance between them. One strong hand cupped her face while the other wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. His lips captured hers in a deep, meaningful kiss that silenced her rejection and sent electricity coursing through her body.
Belle's heart raced when they finally pulled back. His eyes were glowing with alpha power, his expression intense.
"Don't you dare reject me," he whispered against her lips.
Belle's knees felt weak. "But I'm just a weak omega," she whispered. "You're the Alpha King."
"You will not reject me," he growled, his voice husky.
"You're mine, Belle. And I am yours. The Moon Goddess herself has blessed us."
Kael cupped her face gently. "You're my mate. My equal."
"I never thought..." Belle started.
"I knew it was you," Kael interrupted. "From the moment I saw you."
Kael had scooped her into his arms, his naked form warm against her cold skin. Despite her protests that she could walk, he'd carried her all the way back to the castle, his eyes never leaving her face.
"You're safe now," he had whispered as they entered the castle grounds. "I won't let anyone hurt you again."
The tenderness in his voice had made her wolf whimper with longing.
Lilly squealed from the door. "Oh my goddess! You're the Alpha King's mate!"
Belle blushed as Kael wrapped an arm around her waist. "Tonight isn't just your birthday celebration anymore," he whispered in her ear. "It's our mate announcement."
"I don't know how to be a queen," Belle admitted.
Kael kissed her forehead. "You'll learn. I'll be with you every step."
He turned to address the crowd, his voice commanding attention. "Tonight, I present to you my mate, Belle."
Cheers erupted around them. Belle noticed some faces weren't as happy, particularly a group of females in the corner who glared at her.
"Not everyone's thrilled," Belle murmured.
"They don't matter," Kael replied, pulling her closer. "Only you do."
The orchestra started playing, and Kael led Belle to the center of the ballroom.
"Ready for our first dance, my queen?" he asked with a smile that made her heart skip.
As they moved across the floor, Belle realized her life had changed forever. The weak wolf who once struggled to survive was now mated to the most powerful Alpha in the country.