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Chapter 1 — Cold, Hungry, And Utterly Alone
Dora's POV
I dragged my feet up the steps to my apartment, exhausted after another failed day of job hunting.
"Come on, Dora, you need to find a job quickly or you won't be able to afford groceries or pay rent," I scolded myself. "Get out there and keep applying - something will turn up soon if you stay persistent."
With no job on the horizon, I worried about how I would pay for necessities like food and housing if my unemployment stretched on much longer.
It had been a month since I was let go from my job at the diner, and my savings were completely dried up. Being an orphan, I had no family to turn to for help. And since moving to this town right after high school, I hadn't made many close friends either.
As I unlocked my apartment door and stepped inside, my stomach let out a loud growl.
"Gosh, I'm so hungry," I said aloud to myself. "It feels like it's been forever since I've had a good meal."
I walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge, frowning when I saw how barren it was. Just a few condiments and a sad, limp vegetable or two. My cupboards were equally bare.
"Well this is just great," I grumbled. "There's nothing to eat in this place!"
I sank down onto the faded linoleum floor, fighting back tears.
"Open the doors now!"
I jumped at the loud bangs on my door, flinching and almost knocked my head on the cupboard.
"Coming!" I called out, glancing at the clock on the microwave - 9:37pm.
"Who could that be at this hour in the middle of a thunderstorm?" I wondered aloud as I wobbled to the door on sore legs.
As I peered through the peephole, my stomach dropped at the sight of the portly Mr Jenkins, my landlord, waiting impatiently on the other side.
His bushy mustache did little to hide his permanent scowl. Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the door with a forced smile.
"Rent's past due again," he said gruffly, inviting himself inside. He glanced around my dingy apartment with a look of disdain. "I gave you plenty of chances but I've had it. You're out. Start packing your things."
"I know, I'm sorry. Please Mr. Jenkins, just give me another week. I had some interviews today and I'm sure I'll have a new job soon." I said, staring at the floor as my cheeks burned with shame.
But Mr. Jenkins would not be swayed. "That's what you said last week. And yet here we are again."
He held out his hand expectantly. "Shoulda thought of that before letting it go this long. I got bills to pay too."
"Please, I don't have it yet, but I will soon, I promise."
"Enough excuses. Pack up your things, you're out of here."
"No, please! Just give me until the end of the week!" I begged as panic rose in my throat.
"You've had enough chances. I want you and your stuff out of here in one hour." Mr Jenkins said tersely. And with that, he turned and left, slamming the door behind him.
I sank to the floor, tears stinging my eyes. "How did I let things get this bad?"
Ever since I lost my job, it had been a struggle just to survive. Now I was facing homelessness.
Wiping my eyes, I slowly packed my meager belongings into a couple of bags and boxes. Most of what I owned were donated or scavenged items anyway. Thirty minutes later, I had everything ready. Taking one last look around what had been my home, I hauled my things downstairs.
The landlord was waiting impatiently by the curb. The second he saw me, he called over two men who grabbed my stuff and dumped it on the sidewalk.
"Time's up," he said coldly. "I better not catch you hanging around here anymore."
I watched as he turned and went back inside, leaving me staring helplessly at my boxes on the dirty pavement. Just as I lugged my suitcase down the steps, the sky opened up. Fat raindrops pelted down, instantly soaking through my thin coat.
"Of course," I thought miserably. "My luck couldn't get any worse."
I sat on my largest bag, wondering what to do next.
"With no money for a motel, I would have to find somewhere to sleep outside for the night."
The rain was quickly soaking through my thin jacket, making me shiver.
Passersby began to take notice of the pathetic girl surrounded by her boxes in the rain. Some openly gawked, a few whispered behind their hands. One man even had the audacity to laugh right in my face.
I slowly made my way down the empty streets, unsure where to go. I passed by a group of teenagers who snickered at my bedraggled appearance. One even called out,
"What's the matter, homeless lady? Did you forget your cardboard box?"
I kept my eyes down, humiliated and increasingly desperate, I started dragging my soggy belongings down the sidewalk with quickened pace. The rain picked up into a downpour, drenching my hair and clothes right through. My boxes were disintegrating in my hands.
"Watch out!" Someone shouted.
I jerked to the side as a car suddenly drove by and hit a huge puddle, splashing dirty water all over me and my things.
"Crazy b*tch!" The driver honked and yelled out the window as they sped off.
I hugged myself, sobbing.
"This is absolutely rock bottom." I had never felt so cold, hungry and utterly alone.
Eventually I came upon a narrow alleyway sheltered from the worst of the rain. Shivering uncontrollably, I decided this would have to do for the night. At least I would be partially dry. As I began unpacking my suitcase, I heard voices approaching from the other end of the alley.
A group of scruffy looking men stumbled toward me, reeking of alcohol. One of them leered at me, swaying on his feet. "Well, well, what do we have here boys? Looks like this alley is already occupied."
I stood up quickly. "I'm sorry, I'll get going. Was just trying to get out of the rain." I went to grab my suitcase but one of them blocked my path.
"Not so fast. We want to have a chat first," he slurred.
My pulse pounded as I backed away slowly. Their intentions were clearly malicious. One of them lunged for my suitcase.
"Stay away!"
I let go and made a run for it, leaving my belongings behind. Heavy footsteps pursued me as I fled blindly through the streets.
I ran flat out for three blocks, shoes splashing through deep puddles, before daring to look back. The men were gone.
"I hope I lost them for good."
I wheezed, breathing hard as I took stock of my surroundings. In my haste to escape, I'd left the duffel and umbrella behind. At least I still had my backpack with my ID, my charger, and portfolio of resumes.
The rain still poured down in sheets. I needed to find shelter fast. I hurried down the unfamiliar streets, jamming on doors.
"Hello?" I called, banging on the doors, but all of them were locked at this late hour.
Exhausted and lost, I finally paused beneath an awning to catch my breath. Suddenly I noticed bright lights and loud music pulsing from a building half a block away. It appeared to be some kind of party.
As I stood there shivering and unsure, the thumping bass seemed to call to me. Without thinking, I gathered my things and hurried towards those promising lights. Maybe I could find refuge there for the night, get warm and dry off.
Reaching the building's front steps, I hesitated nervously. The cars arriving looked fancy and expensive, nothing like me. But I was desperate. Taking a deep breath, I slipped inside.
The foyer was all gleaming marble and crystal chandeliers. Chattering voices and ice clinking in glasses echoed from the rooms beyond. I dripped rainwater on the polished floors, feeling utterly out of place.
But it was warm here. My damp clothes already felt less clinging. This had to be better than the dangerous streets in the downpour.
Setting down my sagging bag, I crept farther inside, towards the lively music and voices. I would just sneak in, get out of the storm, then slip away once it ended. No one would even notice I was here. It was perfect. The night had taken the most bizarre turn.
"But at least I was safe for now, right?"
I muttered as I walked through the arched doorway and came face to face with the bouncer. His piercing gaze landed on me and my eyes widened in surprise.
"Shit, I'm fucked."
Chapter 2 — Crashing The Gang's Party
Dora's POV
"Shit, I'm fucked." I blurted as I rounded the corner, coming face to face with a hulking bouncer.
He had to be over six and a half feet tall, with bulging muscles straining against his black t-shirt. But it wasn't his size that made my heart skip a beat - it was the large silver fang dangling from a heavy chain around his neck.
I had heard whispers about the notorious Silver Fang gang that controlled this part of the city. They were a secretive bunch, identifiable only by the fang accessories and tattoos that marked their allegiance. I had never laid eyes on one before tonight. Just my luck to stumble across one now.
"I...I was just..." I stammered, taking a few steps back. The instinct to flee was overpowering my craving for warmth and a hot meal. Nothing good could come from engaging with a gang member.
I pivoted to hurry away, but collided with a solid wall of muscle.
"Oww," I groaned, looking up, I saw another hulking figure, this one with a gleaming silver fang earring in one ear. His piercing green eyes looked me over with interest.
"Hey there, sweet thing, whatcha doing out here all alone?" His voice was deep and smooth. Objectively, he was an attractive man, with sharp features and long dark hair pulled back from his face. But the fang accessory meant he was dangerous. Membership in the Silver Fangs was for life - the only way out was death. Or so I heard.
When I didn't immediately reply, he grabbed my arm in a firm grip. "Why don't you come inside and get warmed up?"
It wasn't a question but a command. Unease rippled through me, but I was also desperate to escape the cold rain. I nodded mutely and let him usher me into the building, my instincts screaming both for me to run and to get out of the downpour.
Nerves tangled my stomach into knots as I followed him inside. The heat hit me like a wall, thawing my icy skin. My eyes watered as they adjusted to the light. I took in the tables packed with men and women, nearly all adorned with fangs.
"Of all the parties to crash, I just had to pick the Silver Fang hangout." Unease gnawed at my gut.
Inside was bustling with activity. People crowded the tables and booths, while servers wove expertly through the throngs. My escort steered me towards a severe-looking woman I took to be a waitress or manager. He called out to the tough-looking woman with a pixie cut,
"Hey Rochelle, look what I found!"
Rochelle gave me a scrutinizing once over, her eyes lingering on my threadbare, drenched clothing. "She's got a mate yet, Derek?"
"Fresh meat for the pot, sweetheart," he said with a wink. "Take care of her."
The woman gave me a scrutinizing once over, eyes narrowed. "Claimed or unclaimed?"
Derek laughed. "Unclaimed of course. This little dove looks ready to bolt at the first chance."
He leaned in close to the woman and exchanged a few hushed words I couldn't make out. With a sharp nod, she dismissed him and turned her shrewd gaze back to me.
"You have a mate here, girl?"
I shook my head mutely, still confused and overwhelmed by it all. The woman clicked her tongue in clear annoyance.
"Follow me," she ordered brusquely, already striding away. I scrambled to obey, not wanting to lose sight of the one semi-friendly face here.
She led me to a small bathroom and thrust a bundle of clothes at me.
"Get changed and cleaned up. Can't have you tracking mud and rain everywhere." Her tone made it clear she thought I already sullied her pristine space by just existing.
I hesitated, but she had already stepped out and closed the door sharply behind her. I gazed down at the ivory silk dress clutched in my hands. It looked expensive, and far too fine for the likes of me. But I was desperate to get out of my soaked, grimy rags.
Once under the hot spray of the shower, I scrubbed my filthy skin and hair until I nearly felt human again. I squeezed the water from my long, dark tresses and slipped the silky dress over my head. The fabric clung softly to my subtle curves.
"Finally warm again."
Catching my reflection in the mirror, I almost didn't recognize the doe-eyed girl staring back at me. The gleaming white dress complimented my dusky complexion, making me appear almost ethereal. A far cry from the bedraggled street rat who had stumbled in from the rain.
Stepping back into the hall, I murmured my thanks. The woman merely pursed her lips. Her sharp eyes assessed me critically.
"No mate, no pack, no family?" she questioned. I shook my head, shoulders hunching under her scrutiny. She was suspicious, but I had nothing to hide.
"Just looking to get out of the cold for a bit," I mumbled. "I can work, earn my keep."
"You're not marked so I know you don't belong to any of the packs here. Just looking for food and shelter?"
I nodded mutely. Her eyes narrowed further.
"Not much of a talker are you? No matter. I need to know if you're spoken for or if you're...available. So I'll ask again - you belong to any of the males here?"
"No," I managed to rasp out. My voice sounded hoarse and creaky from disuse.
She studied me a moment longer before handing me a silver badge engraved with a wolf emblem I saw other women wearing. "Wear this. It means you're unclaimed. There's hot food in the dining hall. Go get yourself a plate and take a seat with the other girls."
"Other girls?" I glanced around curiously as I followed her instructions, accepting a loaded plate from the buffet table. The dining hall was filled with long tables, each one populated exclusively by young women around my age.
They all wore similar white dresses and badges. They shot me curious looks but said nothing. We all looked oddly similar - bedraggled and wary, wearing borrowed finery like children playing dress up.
My stomach growled loudly as plates of hot food were delivered. I devoured every morsel hastily, not knowing when I might eat again.
"Even if I die tonight, at least, I won't be hungry."
I couldn't help but notice the strange mix of clientele around me. Along with regular folk were those I now recognized as Silver Fang gang members, with their fang markings and wolf insignia. Others wore elaborate wolf masks that obscured their faces. Some roamed the room freely while others stayed close to particular women wearing collars and leashes.
"An initiation rite? Some cult ritual?" Unease stirred in my gut.
As I sat there contemplating my fate, I felt eyes on me. Glancing up, I noticed two men at a nearby table staring in my direction. Their gazes lingered on me in a way that made my skin crawl.
"Pretty little cub." One mouthed.
Suddenly self-conscious, I looked down, letting my limp hair form a curtain between us.
When I had arrived, cold and soaked to the bone, my bedraggled appearance must have hidden my looks. But now, cleaned up with a full stomach warming me from the inside out, my youthful beauty shone through.
It dawned on me that, despite my wariness over this place, I had blindly accepted their help, letting them clean me up and clothe me nicely.
Before I could dwell on it further, an eerie silence descended on the room. The scrape of chairs and clatter of dishes ceased. All eyes turned towards the front of the room. The hair on my arms prickled. Something was happening.
A mournful, bone-chilling howl echoed through the hall, raising the hairs on my neck. The assembled crowd threw back their heads, joining the cacophonous howling in a frenzied chorus.
"What have I gotten myself into?"
Chapter 3 — Paired With The Gang's Boss
Dora's POV
I was focused on clearing my plate of food, not paying much attention to my surroundings, when a bone-chilling howl suddenly echoed through the hall. The music and idle chatter ceased immediately. My heart hammered as I took in the group entering with domineering strides.
"What the hell?"
At the front were five powerfully built men, taller and broader than anyone else in the room. Black leather ensembles and ornate wolf masks obscured their features, but their commanding presence left no doubt - these were the gang's leaders. Silver fangs glinted menacingly at throats and earlobes.
My eyes were drawn to the central figure, clearly the top boss. Though I couldn't see his face, there was an air of lethal grace surrounding him that appealed to my baser instincts.
"Stop staring unless you want to die!" A girl beside me whispered, elbowing me to the guts not so gently.
I tore my gaze away and kept my mouth shut.
The rest of the crowd instantly parted for the new arrivals, bowing subserviently. "The Alpha King approaches! Clear a path for our exalted leader!" The warnings came from all sides.
Another jab had me shooting to my feet, not wanting to attract negative attention by remaining seated.
As the procession passed my table, hushed whispers broke out among the other girls.
"The Alpha King remains mateless...he must be here to choose his Luna!"
"Imagine, being mate to the most powerful wolf in the city..." The girls sounded eager, rather than afraid. I suppressed a shudder.
So this imposing figure was the true leader of the Silver Fangs? The one I had heard terrifying rumors about? No wonder he exuded such dominance - he was likely used to absolute obedience from his gang.
The Alpha King and his entourage ascended to a raised platform holding a carved wooden throne and arranged themselves lazily on sumptuous cushions and chairs. The Alpha's black wolf mask surveyed the room imperiously before he nodded to an attendant carrying an elaborate staff.
At an unheard signal, the young women around me sprang into action. Forming a line, they presented themselves for inspection to the newly arrived gang leaders. I froze, unsure what to do, until the chatty girl from beside me grabbed my hand and tugged me into place.
"Hurry up! This is our chance to be chosen!" she urged. I focused on keeping my breathing steady and not bolting for the exit. Every nerve was screaming at me that nothing good could come from catching the eye of these dangerous men.
Yet I couldn't stop myself from sneaking glances at the imposing figure on the throne. The Alpha King seemed tense, his fists clenching. I had the uncanny sense of his eyes following me, even though his mask hid them from view.
A strange, shimmering light filled the hall, mesmerizing in its beauty. It swirled languidly around certain girls, who gasped in delight. My table mate gave a small shriek as the light caressed her skin.
Immediately, several of the gang members leapt to their feet and approached the illuminated women with long strides. With grand gestures, they dropped to one knee before their chosen lady.
"Stella, the mating bond flares bright between us. I pledge myself as your mate - do you accept this union?" The question was delivered in a deep rumble, but the awe in the man's voice was clear. So Stella was her name.
"Yes, Vincent, I accept you as my mate!" Stella cried joyously. My stomach turned. Were these women so eager to chain themselves to criminals? But they all seemed overjoyed at being selected, except one. As I mauled over the strangeness of the situation, a certain commotion got my attention.
"No! I reject you, Noah!"
A pretty blonde yelled, shoving away the man reaching for her. "I refuse!" Anxious murmurs broke out at this defiance. I prayed I would not be forced into a similar choice tonight.
"So we're allowed to refuse?" That's a relief.
The whispering rose to a crescendo when the shimmering light danced before me.
"No, no, no! This could not be happening."
I took an instinctive step back, only to be brought up short by an iron grip on my arm. One of the lieutenants, a dangerous-looking man with a fang tattoo curling up his neck, yanked me forward.
"Where do you think you're going, little lamb. You cannot resist what is meant to be," he purred. Revulsion rose in my throat.
Before I could react, an enraged snarl cut through the room, sending chills down my spine. In a blur of movement, the Alpha King bounded from his throne and tore me from the lieutenant's grasp.
"Mine!" The Alpha's guttural claim rang out clearly in the silence as he wrapped me in his embrace. I froze, overwhelmed. His burning heat surrounded me, chasing away the chill from my rain-drenched body. This close, his earthy, masculine scent made my head spin.
"What was happening to me?"
The Alpha moved with sudden determination, pulling off his mask to reveal chiseled features and intense blue eyes that drank me in. My lips parted in surprise. He was young, and dangerously attractive. The intricate fang chain around his strong neck marked him as a man of power and violence, but I could not make myself afraid. Something foreign stirred inside me, wanting more of his touch.
Gently, he grasped my chin and tilted my face up, breath mingling with mine. "No other shall have you, little mate. You are destined for me alone," he murmured before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.
My eyes fluttered shut and I unconsciously leaned into his hard chest. My hands came up to grip his leather jacket as desire coursed through me. His firm lips moved over mine expertly, teasing a reaction I did not know I was capable of.
Too soon, he raised his head, eyes glowing with satisfaction at my dazed expression. "The mating bond has called us together, as I knew it would from the moment I saw you," his deep voice wrapped around me. "Accept our union, little Luna. Take your place by my side."
The spell his touch had cast over me shattered at his words.
'No, I could not let this criminal bind me to him, no matter the confusing longing his nearness created.' This was some twisted ritual that would strip me of my freedom and identity, I was certain.
"I...I cannot accept you," I forced out through a tight throat, avoiding his intense gaze. Gasps echoed my defiant words. An ominous rumbling came from the man holding me.
"You dare refuse our bond?" Alpha's voice had gone cold and razor sharp. "You are mine. That cannot be changed."
His grip tightened to the point of pain. Terror gave me the strength to shove away from him. Before he could seize me again, I did the only thing that came to mind - I slapped him hard across his arrogant face.
"I reject you!" My scream rang out clear over the shocked murmurs. Without waiting to see his response, I whirled and bolted for the exit. Angry snarls followed my retreat, but I did not stop running until I had put multiple blocks between myself and that dangerous hall.
Leaning against a damp wall to catch my breath, I scrubbed a hand over my still-tingling lips. What insanity had I stumbled into tonight? And why did part of me wish I was back in the Alpha King's embrace?
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