FATAL CLAIM

Chapter 1

MIA

I sneaked in through the back door. I tip toed to my room as the rays of sunlight made their way through the windows.

I shut the door silently, heading towards the bathroom. I washed the dirt off my hands and face. I changed into my night gown, quickly messing up my bed to make it look like I'd been in bed all night. I slid under the covers as I breathed deeply.

That was close. I should have never gone near pack territory. Mason will kill me if he finds out I went out again. He was father's little patsy, with an extra large mouth if you ask me. His mate is going to be one unlucky girl. I thought of the man I had come across tonight. He had a powerful aura, he wasn't Alpha but he had a high ranking for sure. My hand reached out to my neck aimlessly but I didn't feel my necklace. I sat upright as horror began to make its way through my body. Oh no. What have I done?

I took a calming breath and decided to check in the bathroom. It wasn't there! I rummaged through my clothes I had worn, damn it! I must have dropped it somewhere in the forest on my way out. I slumped down against the wall. That was supposed to be my way out. It was the ashes of a burnt tree, a warlock had given them to me. I was meant to use it in my time of need when I was to escape from here.

I heard footsteps coming down the hallway and quickly got into bed. There was a soft knock on my door. I stole a glance at the clock on my side table. It was 6 a.m.

Someone entered the room and I shut my eyes tightly.

"I know you're awake," my mother sighed. I could practically hear the disappointment in her voice. I clenched my jaw but continued to stay still. She lightly tapped me, I groaned in response and buried my head in the pillow.

"Your father has decided for you to be betrothed to the boy from that southern pack," I sat upright at what she said, I frowned at her.

"Mason has something to do with this doesn't he?" I fumed.

"Your brother wants what's best for you," she defended causing me to seethe.

"Did you not tell him my answer?"

"Mia, how long are you going to live alone? You need someone," She tried to reason but I shook my head.

"I'm not marrying anyone!" I snapped.

"I know Liam's death-" I cut her off before she could say another word.

"Keep Liam out of this!" I snapped. "That boy you want to marry me off to will find his mate someday and I don't want to get in the way of that!"

"He's ready to marry you."

"Well I don't want to marry him, or anyone for the matter," I slumped back into my bed and turned my face away from her.

She sniffed quietly and I swallowed painfully. I didn't want to hurt her.

"I can't watch you waste your life away," She whispered hoarsely.

"Mother," I turned around to face her, "I'm happy with my life," I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Your father has gotten an invitation for a wedding from the black crescent pack; we'll all be going," She said with a soft smile. I knew she was trying to change the topic.

Just my luck. That's the pack I had tried to get through today, but they really had too much security. I was supposed to scout the area to find possible routes to get through but that stupid man got in my way.

I forced a smile as I nodded my head. I'm sure he won't recognise me. He'll never expect the thief he came across to be the daughter of an alpha. I just hope he is that dumb. But I was actually looking forward to it, I'd get a chance to check the forest for my necklace.