The Lycan Prince's Fallen Mate

Chapter 1- Calista

Calista

I wake up to the stench of old boxes, and rotting wood on a thin mattress lodged in the corner of this god-awful attic which I call my bedroom. This is my room because it’s the worst they could find in this huge pack house but it’s my sanctuary. I have added a few details and cleaned it, and I like it here. It is away from my parents’ room which means I am away from their wrath. Kevin is the only one who used to come here willingly and spend time with me.

I pull my cracked phone from underneath the pillow and check the time. It was a usual routine where I woke up before my set alarm of 5 am, turned it off, made my bed, and made my way downstairs to awaiting chores.

I moved through the dimly lit corridors of the pack house with a practiced efficiency born out of necessity. I knew every nook and cranny of the old building like the back of my hand, having spent countless hours walking around, completing each and every responsibility, chores, and degrading work thrown my way. Sometimes, it was more because of my need to hide from being passed around like a punching bag of the pack house. I have found hidden corners to be in shadows and escape to my room as soon as possible.

First on my list was the kitchen, where I set about preparing breakfast for the entire pack. I woke up this early to avoid everyone and make sure all the work was complete before anyone woke up, that’s not enough but at least I don’t miss school this way. The kitchen was abuzz as I sliced vegetables, cracked eggs, and brewed pots of strong coffee. The scent of sizzling bacon filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly baked bread.

Next, I made my way to the laundry room, where I sorted through piles of dirty clothes with practiced ease. With deft hands, I loaded the washing machine, added detergent, and set it on the timer while I moved on to other tasks. From there, I moved on to the common areas, dusting and straightening furniture, sweeping floors, and tidying up stray belongings.

The sun has started to rise, I took a moment to admire the beauty of nature. Every day I wake up with the same hope and sleep with losing the same hope. I took a deep breath and rushed back inside the house. I worked quickly and efficiently, pausing only occasionally to catch my breath or wipe sweat.

Despite the enormity of my workload, I have found solace in the rhythm of my chores. It was a welcome distraction from the chaos and tension that often pervaded the pack house. The morning was the only time I had the independence to move around freely and I welcomed that even if the chores tired me out for the rest of the day.

By the time the sun began to peek over the horizon, I had completed my tasks with time to spare. I was about to make my way to the attic to take a quick shower and get ready for school. But as I was about to climb up the stairs, I heard the chatters coming from down the hall. With a resigned sigh, I turned away from my intended path and followed the noise to the dining hall.

As I entered the spacious room, I found it already bustling with everyone starting their day. Pack members of all ages filled the long tables, their voices mingling in a cacophony of conversation. All the conversations came to a hush when the leaders of our pack entered the room. At the head of the room sat the alpha and luna a.k.a my dad and mom, their regal presence commanding the attention of all who gathered.

Without a word of acknowledgment, I slipped into the kitchen to retrieve the breakfast I had prepared with such care. Platters of steaming food lined the counters, as a pang of resentment welled up inside me.

With practiced efficiency, I began to serve the pack, moving from table to table with a forced smile plastered on my face. Plate after plate was filled and passed along, but not a single word of thanks was uttered in her direction.

Far be it from anyone thanking her, nobody even asked her to join the table as was her right as the daughter of Alpha of the pack and member of the pack. Omegas of the pack helped her but even they were treated with thanks and respect.

As the pack members dug into their meal with gusto, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment wash over me. I had worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone had a hot, nutritious breakfast to start their day, yet my efforts seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. This is my story and this was a recurring event since the age of 11…

Everyone was busy eating their breakfast, I stood at the side. I have learned to quickly sneak food when I am preparing it. I tried to find an opportunity to excuse myself and rush to my room so I won’t be late for school as always.

“Calista!” A voice boomed from the head of the table. “Bring me more juice.”

“Yes, father.” I glanced at the already-filled glass of juice beside his plate. I brought the bottle and filled another glass. I stood silently not daring to leave again. There were many fleeting moments in the past when I considered speaking up and demanding the rights I deserved. But then I was shown my place in the pack hierarchy numerous times with various methods, and I have come to accept the fact that I am nothing but an omega. As the last plate was served and the last morsel of food consumed, I was finally allowed to retreat to my room.

As I rushed up the stairs to the attic, my heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of anxiety and anticipation coursing through my veins. I didn’t want to be late again for the school. The school was a good break from home, it wasn’t the best as the school had its own share of troubles from me but I could handle it. It doesn’t hurt to be harassed by strangers as I am so used to taking it from my own people.

The small bathroom beside my room welcomed me like an old friend, its familiar confines offering a brief respite from the chaos of the pack house below. I quickly shed my clothes and stepped into the warm spray of the shower, letting the water cascade over my weary body. With each drop that fell, I felt a sense of cleansing wash over me, washing away the exhaustion of morning.

As I lathered soap into my hair and scrubbed away the dirt from my skin, I couldn't help but steal a glance at my reflection in the fogged-up mirror. The image that stared back at me was one I had grown accustomed to – rusty eyes, dull hair, features that seemed to fade into the background.

I had been called ugly more times than I could count, the words like a constant refrain echoing in my mind. And the sad part was it was true, people didn’t know me and my outer appearance was definitely ugly. But deep down, I knew there was more to me than met the eye. Hidden beneath the surface, buried beneath layers of doubt, insecurity, and judgment of my pack.

I could feel it stirring within me, a primal energy waiting to be unleashed. It was a part of me that I had suppressed since my 16th birthday, a side of myself that I had been instinctually keeping hidden away. But as I stood there in front of my reflection, I couldn't help but wonder – what if I dared to embrace it? What if I allowed myself to be more than just an omega?

With a determined shake of my head, I banished the thoughts from my mind and focused on the task at hand. I have to learn to accept my limits, I can’t even dream of flying that high, I mean how far can a wolfless omega reach?

As I stepped out of the shower and began to towel off, my phone buzzed with a message from Kevin.

I am taking you to school today. I am downstairs, Hurry up!

Excited to see my brother after months, I rushed to put on a top and ragged jeans. I carried the old bag on my shoulder and rushed downstairs. Kevin is going to be the Alpha of our pack, he is a year older than me and we used to go to the same school. But Dad wanted Kevin to be trained in a school in Tallahassee, especially for the future Alphas. Kevin was adamant about staying here as he knew he was my only protection here but I insisted him to go.

I couldn’t hold back my brother when he was the only one who ever looked out for me. And it was only for 2 years after that he would be back and take the role of Alpha. I could hold on till then.

As I descended the creaky stairs, my heart leaped with joy at the sight of Kevin waiting for me at the bottom. His familiar grin spread across his face as he caught sight of me, and I couldn't help but return the smile.

"Kev!" I exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop him in a tight hug. It had been months since I last saw my brother and his presence was like a balm to my weary soul.

"Hey, Cal," he said, returning the hug with equal warmth. "Missed me?"

"Of course, I did. You have no idea." I replied, pulling away to look up at him. Despite being only a year apart, Kevin seemed to tower over me, his broad shoulders and strong frame a stark contrast to my own slender build. My eyes were filled with tears at the sight of him.

“Hey, hey, I am here. Come on!” He wiped my tears.

As we made our way to his car, Kevin told me all the stories of his time at the school in Tallahassee, sharing tales of his training and the challenges he had faced.

“Cal, you have no idea, the people are so good there. I wish I could take you there with me.” I smiled. I listened with rapt attention, hanging on his every word as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Despite the distance that separated us, Kevin had always been my rock, the one person I could rely on no matter what.

As we drove to school, the familiar sights and sounds of our hometown whizzed by outside the car window. It felt good to be back in Kevin's company, if only for a brief moment in time.

“Do Mom and Dad know you are here?”

“Not yet,” he replied stiffly. “I will see the later.”

As we pulled up to the school gates, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye once again. But as Kevin turned to me with a reassuring smile,

“I will be at the game tonight and then we will go for dinner.” He promised me and we sealed it with a pinky promise.