ALPHA OF DARKSTONE

CHAPTER THREE

The next morning at Ranch del Romance...

(Lucy's POV)

“LUCY!”

I was concentrating on the woods in front of me when I heard my stepmother's shrill voice.

"Oh, freaking hell!" I groaned as I almost cut my toes in surprise. "What does she want this time?" I was in a hurry for I still have many chores to do yet, I dropped down the ax I was holding and scurried inside the house.

My body's still crying from the punishment I received yesterday and I have no plan to be whipped again.

I searched for Aunt Selene and found her in the front yard with Katrina wearing elegant dresses that made me almost blurted a 'wow'. They looked glamorous like a Queen and a princess while a shining car was behind them and the chauffeur on his polished uniform was waiting for them.

"Aunt Selene, you were calling for me?" I asked my stepmother while my eyes scanned the red silk dress flowing perfectly on her body. Small stones were adorned on the soft fabric which made it more eye-catchy.

Are they going to attend a party?

They looked so stunning that my chest tightened as I felt a little envious for I was only wearing worn-out clothing for servants.

I clutched my hands together and bit my lower lip.

I've been dreaming to wear something like that too. To experience going to a gathering with those in the higher ranks like when my father was still alive. He always bought me dresses and brought me with him to some parties.

I was his princess until he died and left me in the care of his second wife.

"Lucy!"

I flinched when my stepmother's screeched snapped my mind back to them. "Are you listening to me!"

"Yes, Aunt Selene, I am." I automatically responded. "I was just mesmerized by your dresses! It looks good on you, stepmother."

And I meant it. Even if she's an old she-wolf, she still has a good taste in clothing.

My stepmother hummed and a small smile formed on the corner of her painted in red lips not expecting that I'll compliment her but then, being a natural villain, she immediately composed herself and snorted. "Are you wishing to own a dress like this, my dear stepdaughter?"

My face brightened up as I instantly replied. "Yes, Aunt Selene! Will you buy me one like what Katrina's wearing right now?"

My stepsister was wearing a blue cocktail dress that has flower imprints on it and reached the middle of her thigh. I loved how simple but dramatic it was. It's almost perfect but Katrina who's the opposite of her mother has an odd style as she painted her face with heavy dark make-ups that didn't match her dress.

I mentally winced and just focused my attention back on my stepmother. Hope filled me that she'll reward me for serving them for ten years. However, I was disappointed when Aunt Selene and Katrina both laughed aloud as if to taunt me.

"Oh, mother! Is our Omega daydreaming?" Katrina cackled and gave me a look full of distaste. "Oh dear, stepsister. Wake up!" She strode towards me and muttered, "You're not the princess of this villa anymore! You belong to that dirty kitchen so stop asking for too much, you ambitious b***h!" After she spat those words, she suddenly shoved me and I squeaked as I lost my balance and fell to the ground.

My wolf growled and I felt my blood rose to my head but Aunt Selene's spoke up which made Sky whimpered and stepped back.

"We're going to the city and be back tonight," she informed me not giving a s**t of what her daughter did to me. "A plumber man is coming and I expect that you help him fixed all the pipes in the house or you'll get punished again. You hear me, Lucy?"

Still on the turf, my hands fisted as I answered in a small voice not looking at her. "Yes, stepmother."

She huffed before finally walking towards the car. The chauffeur assisted her and Katrina inside and as soon as they sped away, I pushed myself up and patted the ashes that clung to my clothes.

I felt tears forming in my eyes but I quickly wiped them. I heaved a deep breath, looked up at the sky, and mumbled, "Moon Goddess, please send me my mate already."

My father told me those witches are my family but I am almost at my limit. If I meet my mate, maybe he'll take me with him and I don't have to endure the mistreatment of my stepmother and stepsister anymore.

___________

DARKSTONE CENTRAL CITY

ALPHA'S BUILDING

(Third Person's POV)

THE corner of Zacria's mouth twitched as Magnum Sasha pushed a folder in front of him while he was working behind his office table.

"Lucy del Romance. Eighteen years old. Daughter of the deceased wealthy businessman; Edward del Romance. After her father's death ten years ago, she became an Omega," the beta reported to the masked Alpha.

Zacria shook his head and leaned back on his warm seat. “You sure I still need to open the folder or?”

Magnum Sasha grinned widely at him. "Sorry, bro. I was just a little curious when Smithly told me small details of her. I took a little peak on the report that's all." The Beta sat on the wooden chair in front of the Alpha's table before he looked up the ceiling and scratched his jaw. "Anyway, the red-haired girl is rich yet she's an Omega? That's f*****g strange."

Zacria breathed deeply and decided to open the folder. He too became curious about what he heard from his nosy second in command. He began reading Lucy del Romance information in silence.

Name: Lucy del Romance.

Birthday: February 14, 2003

Age: 18 years old

Parents: Edward del Romance and Anastacia del Romance

Zacria frowned as her mother's name sounds familiar to him but after few seconds, he continued reading.

Status: Single

Occupation/Rank: Omega at Ranch del Romance.

Additional Information: Living with her stepmother, Selene Clayton (Edward del Romance’s second mate), and stepsister, Katrina Clayton.

The Alpha's brows furrowed more deeply. "Daughter of a wealthy businessman but serves as an Omega in her household? Is she stupid?"

Magnum Sasha snickered, “Seems like another Cinderella story, bro.” He talked about a she-wolf in a werewolf fairytale book.

Zacria dropped down the folder on the table and tapped his fingers on the wooden surface. He fell into silence for another few minutes when he suddenly stood up, took off his mask, and threw it to the surprised Magnum Sasha.

"What the-" The Beta clutched the leather mask and asked, "What am I going to do with this, bro?"

The Alpha walked to the big shelves on the right corner of his office and grabbed an old history book. As soon as he pulled it out, the door of a hidden closet was opened.

New clothes, firearms, and bottles of suppressants were revealed in Sasha's eyes but he was not shocked even a bit about the secret closet for he knew what those things inside were for.

Zacria looked back at the second in command and smirked meaningfully. "You know the drill, Sasha. Take my seat while I'm away."