The remnants of the past

As Lily Dawson laboured diligently over a wounded warrior's arm, the tiny, poorly lit infirmary was filled with the aroma of herbs and antiseptic.

A rogue's claw tore open the deep gash, and even though the bleeding had stopped, infection was still present beneath the skin.

Even though she was exhausted, she worked quickly with her fingers, making a fine paste out of fresh echinacea and rosemary.

She had not slept for two nights now. Lily was relieved to be exhausted. She did not have time to think when she was busy.

did not have time to recall the sarcastic remarks, the disdainful glances, and the sympathy of those who believed she lacked the strength to endure in their world. She was an Omega.

The lowest of all the lows. Nobody gave a damn about a wolf unless they were in need. Her own partner had deserted her. rejected before they could even form a bond.

She should have been broken by it. And perhaps it had, in certain respects. But even when others would not do the same for her, Lily had learnt to push the pain deep inside and concentrate on healing and helping others instead.

She had put in more effort than anyone else to become an expert in the use of human medicine, herbs, and potions to heal, earning her position as the pack's healer.

She had hoped that perhaps, just possibly, her rank would not define her value. She had been mistaken. She was reminded of her position as soon as she left the infirmary.

A voice that was familiar sneered, "Are you still playing doctor, Omega?" Lily gritted her teeth and spun around to confront Beta Eric and two of the Alpha's best guards.

His muscular frame was tense with contempt as he towered over her. She stated calmly, "I do not play." "I cure." Eric grinned. "Perhaps. However, when you are the one in need of saving, nobody will give a damn.

Lily did not flinch as he moved closer, encroaching on her personal space. She had long since discovered that displaying fear only made matters worse.

Refusing to give in, she maintained eye contact. After a moment, Eric said, "Alpha Damien has summoned you," in a tone that was tinged with something she could not quite make out. "You should avoid keeping him waiting." Lily felt a knot in her stomach.

She was only ever called upon by Alpha Damien to remind her of her position. Nevertheless, she became aware of a change as she followed Eric around the packhouse.

With warriors lining the hallways, their shoulders squared and their faces tense, the entire place was tense. Something was going on.

Lily hardly had time to process the scene when they arrived at the main hall before her knees almost gave out. Here was the Alpha King. All the wolves bowed their heads in submission, and the room fell into a deadly silence. All the wolves minus her.

She was not sure whether shock or defiance held her firmly in place. Standing in the middle of the room, the Alpha King's presence was overwhelming.

He was taller than she had anticipated, with broad shoulders and dark clothes that only added to his air of authority.

Her wolf stirred uneasily as his golden eyes pierced her, evaluating her with such intensity.

He was the type of Alpha described in legends. The sort who, with one look, could control a whole room. He was also looking directly at her. Lily felt her heart race.

She had been disregarded, disregarded, and ignored all of her life. But here he was, the strongest wolf on the planet, observing her as though she were the only thing in the room.

Damien, Alpha, cleared his throat. "You have been selected as the Alpha King's mate, Lily Dawson." The words struck her like a blow to the body.

Lily blinked. The room swayed a little, and she briefly believed she had misheard.

However, all of the wolves in the room were now looking at her with a mix of surprise, jealousy, and indignation on their faces. Her partner? Was she mate with the Alpha King? No. This is not possible.

It had been a long time since she had believed in mates. She had already experienced rejection, humiliation, and being abandoned as if she were nothing.

A weak Omega like her was not wanted. So why-why was she being claimed by the Alpha King? Lily started to say something, but the air's smell changed before she could.

They were surrounded by a subtle, flowery scent that was potent and enticing. The Alpha King's golden eyes narrowed in perplexity as he tensed up.

Lily turned slowly, her stomach churning with fear. Amelia. She was, or had been, her best friend. Amelia was now standing next to her, her head lowered, her face unreadable.

However, she smelt stronger than she should have. Too powerful. Lily's blood froze. Her aroma.

Her scent had been taken by Amelia.

The Alpha King's face darkened with uncertainty as his eyes darted between them.

Then he turned to Amelia before Lily could say another word. Like she was his partner.