The Alphas prize

I peered down at Cain, my eyes taking in his exhausted features. Cain wasn’t wearing a shirt, only a blanket covering him. I slid the blanket down, revealing his once muscular physique and seeing him in such a withering state made my chest ache. My hand glided along his skin, stopping above his heart, and I could feel his weakened heart slowly beat against my palm.

I reached down for the powder and opened the bottle before sprinkling the yellow substance onto his chest. Then, just as Helena instructed, I grabbed the moon rock next and placed it on top of the powder, in the center of his chest. I closed my eyes for a beat and sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm my frazzled nerves. Next, I repeated the words she told me. “Death be no more and life come forth,” I said aloud, my voice cracking slightly.

I then sat back and watched him curiously. My eyes frantically searched Cain’s statuesque frame for any movement, but there was nothing. His chest began to rise and fall heavily, then suddenly stopped. My brows furrowed in confusion, and I placed my fingers on his neck, feeling for a pulse. However, I couldn’t feel his heart beating; there was nothing. I put my ear to his chest, listening intently for the sound of his thumping heart, but it was eerily quiet, Cain was no longer breathing, and he was dead.

I jumped up from the bed, moving away from him, as I realized that he was gone and that I had failed him. My lip began to quiver, my chest heaving and tears welled in my eyes. I nearly collapsed from the heartbreak I felt; it had only been a few weeks since I had met Cain, and I had fallen in love with him in just that short amount of time. I had been slowly getting to know the monster himself, the King of rogues, the feared Alpha of the Dead pack. Yet, I was privileged enough to uncover a side to him that others didn’t see, and as a result, strong feelings had manifested each day for him. I was Cain’s prize, but little did he know that he was my prize too.

A quiet sob came from behind me, and I looked over my shoulder to see Rose standing there and crying. She caught my gaze, and her expression turned into one of sympathy.

Rose lowered her hands. “Oh, Freja.” She said, her voice shaky. I shook my head and raised my hand, silencing her, before turning my attention back to Cain. I walked back to the bed and leaned down, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. Tears were now streaming down my face, and I wiped them away as I stared down at his face. I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep, shaky breath, then covered Cain’s body with the blanket.

I turned back to Rose, who was now distraught, tears soaking her supple skin. I couldn’t handle all the emotions; I couldn’t fully comprehend the situation, the fact that he was truly gone and to be honest, I didn’t want to; I didn’t want this to be real. So, without saying another word, I walked out of the room. As I walked out and down the hall, I could hear Rose sobbing, but the immense pain I was feeling was greater than my need to comfort her. So I continued through the halls, not sparing anyone a glance or saying a word.

I reached our room and hesitantly opened the door, unsure if I wanted to be in here without him, in the room where we had created so many memories together, where we had gotten to know each other and given a piece of ourselves to one another. Although it was now empty, his scent lingered throughout the bedroom, everywhere I looked reminded me of him, and all I had left of Cain were the memories we had created in such a small amount of time.

I walked over to the bed and sat down on the plush mattress, pinching the bridge of my nose while trying to think of where I had gone wrong. I had followed Helena’s directions, did everything as she had instructed, and yet, I had failed. I couldn’t save Cain, and now he was gone; I had lost him before I even had the chance to tell him how I felt.

Suddenly, a knock came at the door, I looked up and sighed, not in the mood for company, but apparently, that didn’t matter as Gunnar entered the room. I put my head down, knowing if I looked at him, my walls would come down, and my emotions would come out.

Gunnar walked over to the bed and sat beside me. “I heard what happened, and I’m sorry, Freja.” He said solemnly.

I didn’t respond, only pursed my lips and nodded my head lightly. He placed a heavy hand around my shoulders and pulled me into him, holding me firmly against his side. We stayed like that for a minute, silently, as Gunnar attempted to console me.

Gunnar released a heavy sigh. “Freja, don’t blame yourself for any of this; you did everything you could, and it's not your fault that it didn’t work. I know you wanted to save him, to get him back, but at times, things happen that are out of our control. As much as I disliked Cain, I do know he loved you and cared for you.” He said in a meaningful tone, his words tugging at the strings of my heart.

I bit my inner lip, trying to hold back my tears. “I know, I just…wanted so badly to save him, to get Cain back and yet, he was stolen from me. Our future was taken from us before we even had the chance to create one together. All of this happened because of me, Adela, Erik, it’s my fault, and now Cain’s gone, for good.” The tears finally fell, streaming down my face now, as my chest heaved erratically.

Gunnar wrapped his other arm around me, pulling me flush to his chest and holding me close. The tears continued to fall, now soaking his shirt, as Gunnar consoled me. I didn’t want to believe this was true, that anything of this had happened. Within the short span of a few days, I had lost family, friends, an enemy, my wolf and now, my mate. I couldn’t deal with this; I didn’t want to deal with this; I just wanted the pain to go away.

I reared back from Gunnar, sniffling and wiping the tears away. “I’d like to be alone for a while, please,” I said quietly.

Gunnar sighed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea; you shouldn’t be alone right now.” He told me, worry in his tone.

I closed my eyes. “Please, Gunnar, I need to try and deal with everything on my own. I also need to have a shower.” I told him, hoping he would just give me some time to myself.

I looked up at him, and he was sitting there silently, fighting with himself to give me what I was asking for, but he reluctantly agreed, “Fine, I’ll leave you be for a while, but I’ll be back later on, to check on you.” Gunnar said, his tone holding promise.

I nodded my head. “Thank you,” I replied, glad that he was respecting my wishes, just as he always did.

Gunnar stood up from the bed and stared down at me intently. “If you need me or anything at all, just holler; I’ll be just down the hallway. So, don’t hesitate to call for me; I don’t care what it’s for, understood?” At the moment, he reminded me of our father, and I chuckled inwardly at the resemblance.

I nodded my head. “Yes, thank you,” I told him, giving him a reassuring smile.

He turned on his heel and walked to the door, hesitantly opening it. Gunnar shot me one more glance before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Once he was gone, I laid down on the bed, letting more tears stream down my face again. I screamed internally at the anger and grief that was consuming my mind and body.

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm myself and decided to have a shower. I got up from the bed and started walking to the bathroom but stopped, my eyes drifting towards the balcony doors. I walked over to the doors, whipping them open and stepped outside. There was a storm brewing in the sky, and it was now raining. I stood there, the rain soaking my body, and I fell to my knees. As I rubbed my hands down my face, feeling more overwhelmed and distraught by the second, I looked to the sky and asked why?

Just as I expected, I got no response, no answers, and I felt more lost than I ever have in my life. I closed my eyes and slowly stood to my feet, wrapping my arms around myself. I walked back into the bedroom, kicked the doors closed, then went into the bathroom, took my clothes off, and turned the shower on, allowing the water to flow.

As I stepped under the stream, the water was warm, easing some of my anxiety. I sat on the cold tile floor, bent my legs up before wrapping my arms around them, and then rested my head on my knees—the warm water cascading down my body and wrapping me in its warmth. I stayed like that for a while, just letting the dark emotions wash away, even for this short bit of time.

After what felt like an hour, I decided to get out of the shower. I wrapped myself in a towel and reached for a bathrobe, drying myself off first before putting it on. I walked out of the bathroom and over to the bed, staring down at it apprehensively, not liking the emptiness. I took off the towel and put on a shirt, as well as some underwear.

I laid down on the bed, covering myself with the blanket and facing his side of the bed. I stared at the empty space, missing his big ass, hogging the bed. I attempted to shut off my thoughts as I closed my eyes, but that was pointless. My mind continued to race as I thought about everything that had happened recently, and it was all too much.

Suddenly, I heard the bedroom door open, and I sighed, knowing Gunnar was checking up on me again. I didn’t move, not having the energy to do so. “Gunnar, I told you I wanted to be alone for a while,” I said, but no response, only the sound of soft footsteps approaching the bed. I groaned internally at his shitty listening skills, then the bed dipped down, and I could feel him sitting next to me now. Growing irritated with him, I went to roll over, only to be caged between two strong, muscular arms and shivers coursed through my body as I stared into those familiar alluring, green eyes.

He stared into my eyes, and a smirk spread across his face. “Did you really think you would get rid of me that easy, love?” Cain said, and I didn’t know if I wanted to slap him or kiss him. Instead, I reached my hand up, caressing his cheek softly, and Cain closed his eyes, leaning into my touch before a low growl rumbled from his chest.

Numerous emotions started to rise within me, sadness, happiness, anger, love and lust, all of them consuming me. Then, without thinking, I pulled my hand back and slapped him across the face. “I thought I lost you. Don’t ever fucking do that to me again.” I shouted, angry at him for sacrificing himself as he did.

The impact of my slap had caused his head to turn to the side slightly. He turned his head back in my direction, grinning mischievously, and I rolled my eyes at him. Cain then gripped my wrists tightly and pinned them above my head.

He bent down, his lips brushing against my ear. “Now, now love, don’t be so feisty or do I need to teach you a lesson so soon?” Cain whispered, his voice deep yet soft.

Cain pulled back and stared into my eyes before engulfing my mouth with his, kissing me tenderly and passionately. I melted into him, embracing this moment I longed for before pulling back to gasp for air. “You scared me; I thought you were dead. Why did you sacrifice yourself?” I told him honestly and asked the question that had been heavy on my mind.

awake; the nurses checked me over after I calmed down and said I’m fine now. Rose then told me how upset you were, so I came straight here.” Cain cupped my cheek, his features softening. “Freja, I know what happened scared

his lips gently rubbing against mine before he froze. He reared back, his brows furrowed, and Cain stared at me

happed, fearing his reaction.

eyes roamed my face. “I can’t scent your wolf.” Cain’s tone was clipped, and I could see it in his eyes that he

my chin and turned my gaze back to his scrutinizing stare. “Freja, what the fuck happened?” He demanded

then someone told me that there was a cure. So, Gunnar and I travelled to the forest of the damned and

abruptly standing to his feet. Cain started to pace around the room, making me anxious, and I wondered what was going through his mind. I sat up, my

down on the wooden piece of furniture, then hung his head. His whole body tensed. “How could you do that?” He asked through gritted

and I agreed on the decision together. She and I wanted to save you, and we were willing to do whatever it took.” I told him, proud of the decision because

his full height. “What if you had died?”

“But I didn’t.” I had known the risks and that there was a chance I wouldn’t make it, but Cain was worth

clear that he was pissed with my decisions. Cain turned around, facing me now and stormed towards me. He gripped my wrists firmly, then spun me around before bending me over and burying my face into the bed. Cain laid on top of me, his hard cock pressed

the lust for him grew. “Yes, I do,” I whispered, and Cain released a satisfactory growl before nipping my ear. He reared back, then flipped me over and onto my back. Cain straddled me, careful not to put his full weight on me and then ripped my shirt in half. I wasn’t wearing a bra, and he seemed pleased with this, as a smile spread across those plump lips while he cupped my breasts in his hands and rolled my nipples between his

before flipping me back onto my stomach. Then,

from my juices, as the desire to have him was stronger than ever. Once he was finished tying me, he rubbed his hands down my body, sending shockwaves across my skin. Cain ripped my underwear off and pulled the fabric out from under me. My ass was now bare to him, and

as I could, giving him better access. His fingers slid down my wet folds, then gently rubbed my

core, stroking my clit and pumping his fingers inside of me with skill. His thumb rubbed against my asshole, gently and my eyes widened, wondering what he was doing. Then, Cain slowly slid his thumb inside of me,

beneath him. “Cain, what….” He didn’t

and covered my mouth with his hand. “Shh, be a good girl and

my heart racing, my breathing erratic, and my legs began to shake at the immense pleasure building within me. Then, abruptly, he stopped, rearing back and pulling his hand away from me, leaving me to sit there on the

the bed before stripping his clothes off, revealing his muscular and toned body. He was naked now, his cock hard

back onto the bed and rubbed his tip against my wet folds, causing a jolt of raw ecstasy to rocket throughout me. I gripped the fabric wrapped around my wrists, holding onto it like a lifeline. Next, Cain gripped my hips firmly and held me in place as

his sweet time, and it was now becoming agonizing,

hips. “Stop being a tease and fuck me,” I shouted, getting

not give me orders; I’ll do as I please, and you, my love, will be a good little

need you, Cain,” I whined, needing to feel him inside me and

Cain tilted my head back and nipped on my neck as he pulled out slowly, only to slam into me once again. I gasped at the mixture of pain and pleasure. He straightened himself, gripping my hips tightly and started thrusting into me with a gentle force. His pace picked up, fucking me harder, faster and deeper, pushing me

slid along my sensitive skin, reaching beneath

to keep silent,

from me, freeing me from my restraints. Cain then pulled out before flipping me over and onto my back. The look in his eyes was carnal and hungry

along my sensitive skin. Cain leaned down, and his supple lips kissed my stomach before trailing upwards. Cain squeezed my

me again. Cain bent my legs, and his hands slid under my ass, causing him to go deeper inside of me. This new position sent me into a frenzy, feeling every inch of his hard length inside me now, and I couldn’t get enough of it or him. Again, Cain thrust into me furiously, driving me over the edge. My insides constricted, and my legs shook as my orgasm finally reached its peak.

skin as he held on for dear life, pumping into me at a rapid pace.

thrust, reaching his own climax at last. Then, Cain’s arms wrapped around me, lifting me up and pressing our bodies together. He

my face and gazed into my eyes. Cain’s eyes held so much emotion, and I

were given a chance to

love you too, Freja, but you shouldn’t have done that. I have done a lot of bad and fucked up things during my time on this earth. Giving my life for yours was

and I understood where he was coming from, but I still stood by my decision. “I stand by my decision, Cain. I did it for all the right and wrong reasons, you might not like my choices, but you will have to learn to suck it up. I’ve never felt something so deep within

within my hair, gripping the strands

the cool sheets, flat on his back and pulled me into him, wrapping his arm tightly around me as he yanked me closer to him, leaving no space between

each other's arms as the heavyweight of sleep wrapped around us. This moment almost felt surreal, like everything was a dream. Cain had nearly died, I had almost lost him, and I could’ve died,

didn’t know where Cain was. I jumped out of bed, frantically looking around and noticed a letter on the back of the door. Walking over to the door, I ripped the paper from where it was placed and read it. “Something came up; it's important. I’ll be back later. Love, Cain.” Great! I just got him back, and already he is running off. I threw the paper on the floor and walked into the bathroom. Just as I was finishing up, a knock sounded at the door. I walked over to the door and

me, automatically thinking the worst. I fully opened the door, furrowing my brows. “What’s

the room and turned to me, straightening herself, “I’m sorry to tell you this, but Samara is

chest tightened. “What? When? How?” I frantically fired off questions, my eyes searching her

sorry, Freja. I know you were close to her.” Rose walked up to me and hugged me, and I froze in

with Calyx because of me; it was my fault that she was dead. I felt sick at the thought of losing someone so special and dear to me, especially when their death was because of my actions. I had never meant for her to get hurt

back from Rose, needing some space. “Will there be a funeral?” I

of course. Tomorrow there will be a final goodbye, and she will be given back to the earth.” She told

scrunched my brows. “What do you mean, given back

they are given a final farewell before being buried in the ground. Once again, becoming one with the earth, just as we are before being born.” She informed me, and I found

then send them off on a handcrafted pyre, which was lit on fire by the member's spouse or closest relative. The smoke, carrying them up to the moon goddess.” I

guess I would have to assume that each pack does it differently. Each pack having their own traditions and ways of saying goodbye.” She said, giving me a small smile,

where and what

gave me a curt nod. “Of course I will.” Rose then hugged me again, squeezing tightly, before releasing me and walking out of the room.

I had just lost another person. Was I cursed to continue losing people? Was everyone around me doomed to die? I rubbed my hands down my face, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Finally, I laid down on the bed

that, time to get up, my dear.” She thundered, making me groan at

tired than I had thought. I covered my head with my arm.

smacked my foot. “Too bad, you need to get ready, and we don’t have much time.” She scolded me, and now I was

at her.

stare. “The Alpha has requested your presence and has asked me to help you get ready. Now, come on,