You're next (Annabelle)

The warrior assisted me willingly, and I knew I needed to repay him once I cleared my name.

However, I hadn't considered how to do so, and Alpha Zion's mention of it added to the complexity of the situation. "I honestly haven't thought about it," I replied, to which he scoffed.

"Don't be naive. He will expect something in return. Even I wouldn't help you for free."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, especially the way he looked at me but I appreciated his honestly.

Indeed, he wouldn't help me without expecting something, but what could he possibly want from an omega?

"I have nothing to offer, Alpha Zion. I'm just a fatuous omega. My strength is all I can provide. Treat me like any other omega, and I promise my services will be exceptional. Let me handle the beautification and cleanliness of the pack," I pleaded earnestly.

With my level of speed, those works were nothing to me and though I can't withstand bullying, I will try my best to behave. After all, aside from a few slaps and punches, there wasn't much I could do to bullies.

Tribe rules protected everyone including omegas so the only ones we could kill without being reprimanded were enemies during wars.

Leaders could also punish misbehaving subordinates. Desperation colored my words, but my priority was to survive and clear my name.

His expression shifted, indicating surprise at my request. "Do you truly wish to remain an omega for the rest of your days?"

Despite my disdain for being an omega, it was my only path to survival. The Crimson Moon tribe seemed to be the only place where omegas had a chance to rise to full tribe membership. For the rest, it was the same old tune of once an omega, always an omega.

"If there is a better way, I might reconsider," I said, earning a smile from him. However, I soon regretted those words when his hands intertwined with mine.

"Bella, I haven't found my mate yet, but if you agree to marry me, I won't care about my mate when I find her," he said unexpectedly, causing confusion in my mind. "What?" I quickly withdrew my hands.

What could he possibly see in me to want to marry me? As tempting as it sounded to marry him and have his protection, a contract had already been signed for me to be joined to another Alpha.

Now that my virginity is gone, I don't know if he would still accept me. But as long as he hasn't rejected me, I still belong to him. At least for saving his life, he owes me, and I won't feel like a beggar.

"I'm sorry, but marriage is a serious commitment. Additionally, I fear that I may be unfaithful to you if I were to find my true mate in the future," I nervously expressed, worried about the consequences. "All I wish for is to be an omega and show my gratitude for saving my life."

Disappointment clouded his expression, casting a heavy silence over the grand study. Places like this were typically off-limits to someone like me, but thanks to Alpha Zion, I had the opportunity to be there.

"Please, Bella, take a seat and carefully consider my proposal. If you agree to marry me, you will become the Luna of this pack, and I will protect you from Zach. I have already banished him, ensuring he will never set foot here even if he discovers your presence," he disclosed, making the offer more enticing. However...

"I'm truly sorry, but..." I began, only to be interrupted by him. "Take your time to think it over. There's no need to rush."

For some reason, there was no need for contemplation when I had yet to meet the Alpha I was destined for. No, Alpha Zach, I have made my decision. Allow me to repay your kindness by being an omega and serving this pack with my strength," I said seriously. He swallowed tightly, and his Adam's apple moved up and down.

"Is this what you want?" Sometimes, I feared because of how he resembled Alpha Zach, but marriage wasn't something I ever considered. The contract was already registered in my mind, so I never had a plan B.

"Yes, Alpha Zion, that is all I want." Pain briefly shone in his eyes, but he blinked, and it was gone.

"You will reject living in this house and instead live among the shacks for life with those lowly omegas?"

For a moment, I had forgotten that the other tribe omegas lived in shacks. Living in the attic was better, but I didn't have a choice.

"Well, you have no idea the life I have lived. There is still a bed in the shack, and that is all that matters."

Whatever he saw in me to want me to be his Luna only made me afraid. Out of all my confessions, I left out the part about the mysterious man I slept with. What if he found out later?

Being an omega was better for me because no one would judge me if it came out that I had slept with a stranger.

"Go wait for me in the hall," he finally said. I hastened outside, heaving a sigh of relief. Being close to him made me so nervous, and I couldn't tell if it was because he was an Alpha or simply because he looked so much like Alpha Zach.

"You have to take the membership covenant," I heard Beta Madai say. I thought he was referring to me and was about to respond, but when I turned in his direction, he was actually talking to his mate, Apphia.

They both walked past me into the study, and a few minutes later, he came out carrying Apphia in his arms.

She looked weak and pale, leaving me wondering what had been done to her. When he reached where I sat, he stopped and muttered, "You're next." My breath hitched instantly.