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It was my birthday. 18th birthday, if you want to get specific about it. I woke up at 4 am, same as every day. That may seem early, but it was the prime time to sneak out of my pack's borders.

Before leaving, I got dressed in black leggings, a black long sleeve shirt, boots, and my trademark black cloak. I pulled up the black mask up to right before my eyes opened, which effectively covered half of my face. The whole getting dressed process was very methodical, as is everything I do.

I drank a smoothie made of 4 raw eggs, kale, and wolfsbane. After the little incident four years ago (Yes, my tongue was ripped out by the rogue, and one of ear was broken) I came up with an idea. I noticed that when he whipped me with wires soaked in wolfsbane, that my body started adapting to the feeling of it slightly. So, I decided to start building up my immunity by drinking a little bit of it each day.

I obviously couldn't tell anyone about that. Wolfsbane is extremely poisonous, and they would think I was crazy for trying.

My parents were murdered when I was a baby by rogues. Luckily, since my dad was the Gamma, Alpha Wilson took pity on me and let me live in the Pack House, and he took me under his wing. He had a son only a few months younger than me named Sebastian, who would be taking over his father's role as Alpha when he turned 21. It was customary as per pack tradition for him to step up and be the Alpha once he turned 21, unless he challenged his father for the title early. Obviously that wouldn't happen, but it's worth mentioning. I only became the Gamma after killing the former Gamma when I was 13 years old. I don't regret it. Pack positions are able to be won by a duel to the death, and being Gamma was in my blood. He only got the position because he was the Delta when my father died and no one bothered to challenge him for it. That is, until my 13th birthday, when I challenged him knowing that I could win. Alpha Wilson was the one who encouraged me to challenge him, as he knew I was capable enough to beat him. After all, I had trained my whole life for it.

Everyone was surprised when a 13 year old girl beat a 30something year old Gamma, and it was the first time a girl had been inducted as the Gamma.

Naturally, news of my victory spread around not only our pack but other packs, and some wolves came to challenge me for my position. I killed all of them, and no one has challenged me since I was 16.

I had a feeling the current Delta of our pack, John was plotting to challenge me for my position. He was one of the few that had a problem with me being a Gamma. I'm assuming that he thought someone else would have been able to kill me for the position, but 5 years later, I still hadn't lost a challenge.

Initially, many people in the pack were opposed to me getting the position, but when they saw my fighting abilities, they had not doubt that I was the only one for the job. Not to mention, my Gift of summoning weapons made me quite literally perfect for being the Gamma, since Gammas are responsible for the training of the pack, and in charge of guards.

I was called in my pack and by others as "The Grim Reaper" due to my black cloaked attire and the way I had no issues slaying anybody. This reputation left me lonely, which was honestly how I preferred it.

I reached the Pack House just in time for the meeting. All of the other leaders were already waiting for me at the round table in the conference room where we discussed pack meetings.

John gave me a sour look as I sat to the left of the Alpha, with Beta Samuel on his right. "How nice of you to join us, Ares." John said, obviously annoyed.

I gave a pointed look to the clock on the wall, and looked down at my wrist at my imaginary watch.

"It's 8:00 a.m. and the meeting was scheduled for that time exactly. If you would like to be here early that is your prerogative, John. Let's not punish the girl for being on time, hmm?" Alpha Wilson rebuked him gently.

John didn't dare roll his eyes, and simply said "Yes, Alpha", his voice slightly strained.

It should do you well to call me by my title the next time you address me. It's Gamma Ares to you, John. Let's remember who's the Delta here and who's not. I mind linked him, letting him know I was not to be disrespected so blatantly.

His knuckles got white from clenching his fists so hard, but he dared not retaliate in front of the Alpha. Luckily for him, none of the other leaders noticed this exchange.

Alpha Wilson began, "As you all know, we have been having many of territory issues with the Blue Moon pack. It likely will end up resulting in a war within the next few months, unless they agree to a treaty. In preparation for a war, I have decided to ask the Blood Lake pack for help."

At his words, the Beta and John began talking at once, asking questions and panicking.

Alpha Wilson held up one hand. "One at a time, in order of rank. Samuel, your opinion?"

Beta Samuel cleared his throat. "With all due respect Alpha, the Blood Lake pack are barbarians. They live extremely old-fashioned and out-dated. They have no organization in their pack life or in their armies. Why would we form an alliance with them?"

"They are the second largest pack in the continental United States. Despite how feral they may appear, their armies are extremely effective because of their savage ways of battling. Any pack on their bad side is sure to face mass amounts of destruction. Hopefully, by merely making an alliance with them, the Blue Moon pack will be too scared to go to war in fear of facing Blood Lake." Alpha Wilson continued, "Surely you all of heard rumors of how violently and savagely they live. If we have heard those rumors, so has Blue Moon. Ares, what is your input?"

I paused, thinking before I mind linked them: It is quite risky involving the Blood Alpha in any conflict. He makes any situation a thousand times more violent. However, I agree that an alliance with him would likely stop a war from happening to begin with. Historically speaking, the Blood Lake pack has never lost a war, which would deter other packs from joining an alliance with Blue Moon. However, why would he agree to an alliance to begin with? He won't give his aid for nothing in return.

The leaders listened thoughtfully to what I had to say. Alpha Wilson answered my question with, "I am prepared to offer him 10 warriors in return."

Everyone audibly gasped. That was 1/5 of our warriors. Our warriors were arguably the most well-trained warriors out of all of the packs, mostly due to the extensive training I conducted.

"I know it is not ideal," Alpha Wilson explained, "However, that amount pales in comparison to the amount we would lose if we went to war. At least this way, even if the warriors have to relocate to Blood Moon, they will be able to stay alive with their mates, and won't be slaughtered in the battlefield."

I was the first to speak. I agree. We would lose many more warriors in a war.

Beta Samuel nodded. Even fat cow John nodded, albeit begrudgingly.

Alpha Wilson smiled. "Then it's settled. Alpha Cain of Blood Lake will arrive next week."

I had a bad feeling about doing business with the Blood Alpha, but I didn't see a better option.

One Week Later

The week had gone by quickly and uneventfully. The pack members finally started growing bored of the duel, and the amount of stares and whispers when I walked by decreased to the normal amount.

Today was the day the Blood Alpha was supposed to arrive. Of course, we were under strict instruction not to call him that. We were also ordered by Alpha Wilson not to look him directly in the eye unless he spoke directly to us. Apparently, eye contact was seen as disrespectful according to the old pack etiquette the Blood Lake pack followed.

For some reason, I had been extremely on edge all day. I wasn't scared of the Blood Lake Alpha, after all, he wouldn't kill me if I just sat there and shut up, but for some reason, my heart felt extremely heavy.

Right now, the Pack Leaders, including newly appointed Delta Omar, sat in the conference room, waiting for the Blood Lake Alpha and his men to arrive. He likely brought above 10 men with him, his pack leaders and a few warriors. Not that anyone was dumb or suicidal enough to attack him. Everyone had heard enough rumors about his psychotic, violent tendencies to steer clear of him.

I had heard that when a rogue trespasses on his land, the Blood Alpha will torture them for weeks in his prison, and then nail their bodies on to a wooden post on the outside of their territory. But I will admit, it proved very effective for warding off rogues.

I could hear Alpha Wilson's heart racing a little bit faster than normal. As a matter of fact, so were all of the other leaders' hearts, except mine. What a bunch of pussies.

Alpha, Blood Lake has just crossed through our border. We have 10 warriors walking them to the Pack House now. They should be there soon.

"Remember, please do not provoke Alpha Cain. We have to get him to agree to be an alliance for us in the case of a war with Blue Moon. Ares, he may request you to take off the hood of your cloak and pull down your face mask, as it may be seen as a threat. Please do not fight him on that if he requests it." Alpha Wilson looked pointedly at me.

I rolled my eyes. I wasn't taking off the hood of my cloak no matter what. What I looked like remained a secret to most other packs, and I preferred it that way. The last thing I wanted was some rando Blood Lake dogs staring in disgust at my scars, bite marks, and missing flesh.

3 rapt knocks on the door was heard. Alpha Wilson breathed in deeply, and left the conference room to go greet Blood Lake, while the rest of us stood around the long, rectangular glass table, waiting to greet Blood Lake.

I could hear Alpha Wilson open the door, and could hear him greeting Blood Lake. In response, I heard a deep voice thank him for inviting him, and request to start the meeting immediately. Upon hearing the deep voice, I got butterflies in my stomach. What?

My wolf was going insane at the sound. I don't know what got her so riled up.

I could hear steps walking through the house, getting closer and closer to the conference room.

First, Alpha Wilson walked in. He was followed by an extremely tall figure, probably around 6'6 feet. He was extremely muscular, to the point where I could see the definition of his muscles through his dark dress shirt and black slacks. He was extremely tan, and his dark hair was tousled in a messy sort of way. His dress shirt was rolled up to his elbows, and I saw tribal tattoos swirled around his skin like another shirt. Tattoos even climbed up around his neck, poking out around his collar.

The most alarming part about him? His dark eyes, which were frantically looking around the room, until they settled on mine.

A jolt of electricity went through me as his eyes set on mine, and he growled out what I already suspected.

"Mate."

As he called me his mate, for the first time in my life, I froze. Impossible. I was certain the Moon Goddess would punish my cruelty by not giving me a mate.

His eyes darkened even more as he began taking long strides towards me. At his advances, I quickly snapped out of my stupor.

I jumped over the table on to the other side, where I was further from the door he walked through, and put the table in between us.

He snarled, continuing to stalk towards me. I moved in the opposite direction he approached me from, making sure we were always directly across from each other, on opposite sides of the table.

The other wolves stared at the events unfolding before their eyes in shock. Beta Samuel and Delta Omar has wide eyes and their mouths were agape. Alpha Wilson even looked shocked, and like he wanted to say something, but didn't know what.

Alpha Cain must have left his warriors outside of the pack house, because only 3 other men followed him into the room.

"Stop moving away from me Mate." He growled, his eyes narrowing at me as I continued to move away from him.

"Should we grab her, Alpha?" One of the men, presumably the Beta based on his large size asked.

"Nobody touches her except me." He snarled out in response, sounding more animalistic than human.

Oh no. I was not about to become this his object. It was no secret that Alphas were incredibly possessive. If I accepted my role as his mate, I would never see the light of day. I would be locked, only being allowed to see him. Worst of all, I wouldn't get to go rogue hunting.

Without thinking, I summoned a dagger in each hand. There was a collective gasp from my pack members, and growls from Blood Lake.

"Don't, Ares! What are you doing?" Alpha Wilson didn't use his Alpha command tone, so I wasn't listen.

I can't let him take me. I'm sorry. I mindlinked him, without ever taking my eyes off Alpha Cain.

I threw both daggers at Alpha Cain, and sprinted out of the door before waiting to see where they landed. I was positive they both hit him; I never miss.

I ran out of the conference room and out of the Pack House, although I could hear footsteps following after me. Good luck. I was the fastest one in my pack, besides the Alpha.

I darted out of the Pack House, passing by confused looking Blood Lake warriors.

I continued sprinting until I was deep into the woods. I didn't dare to shift into my wolf form. It would be easier to hear me if I was in my wolf form, and if I was caught, I would be forced to shift back into human form, leaving me naked. The last thing I wanted was for Alpha face to try claiming me.

I could hear various men shouting throughout the woods, and I quietly crept through, deeper and deeper. I hoped that they assumed I wouldn't go so deep into the woods, and would turn around.

I could feel various pack members trying to mindlink me, but I blocked them out. Strangely enough, the Alpha didn't try mindlinking me. He probably knew that there was no changing my mind. I'd rather be a rogue than forced into being a prisoner at Blood Lake.

All of a sudden, the forest was quiet. Eerily quiet.

I was tackled, and based on the heavenly smell, I could tell it was by my mate. I was surprised he had been able to sneak up on me, but I guess I shouldn't underestimate one of the strongest Alphas that has ever existed.

He didn't bother being gentle about it, and I was slammed into the hard ground. I could feel my head bleeding from a small rock that had "cushioned" my head from the fall.

He pinned me down, his heavy weight crushing me.

His eyes darkened deeper than I had ever seen, and I could tell his wolf was fighting for control.

"Got you, mate." He whispered, leaning his face in closer to mine. I spit on him, and he growled. "I like the fight in you, pup. Too bad you're no match for an Alpha."

I continued to struggle underneath him, but it was no use. He was right. I was no match more him. All of my years of training couldn't have prepared me to take on the Blood Alpha.

"Submit." He commanded, squeezing my throat tighter.