Tauren's POV

My name is Tauren Knox.

And today is not only Eric Girbaud's eighteenth birthday, but also the day he will become an Alpha through the power transfer and will claim his mate.

As promised to my "ever-loving parents and brother (note the sarcasm)," I'm currently in my attic of a bedroom keeping quiet while eating my provided snacks made lovingly by Anissa. Of course, it also meant that I wasn't going to be seeing much of her or Elisse since they too were going to be helping with the preparations for the big house party at my home. "As much as we would love to keep you company, Eric dictated that we were to help out with getting things ready," my sister had explained over breakfast (she bringing some McDonalds after I wisely fed the breakfast that Mom left me to the waiting rats). "But Francis and a few of the warriors are going to stop by and check in on you. You'll also have a good bath and a change of clothes to help you for tonight."

"Thank you," I replied gratefully, deciding that now was the moment to give her the letters. "I wrote these last night after the revelations from yesterday, and I want you to promise me that you, Elisse and her parents, and even Eric and his allies read them to the letter. No matter what happens, make sure that you and everyone read my words to you. I have a feeling that tonight will be-"

"I know," Anissa cut me off. "When Eric and Trenton take over, you'll be put down like a rogue. And of course, I'll make sure that your final words are read to everyone."

She wrapped me in a bear hug before leaving my bedroom for what would be for the last time.

The day was now coming to an end as I was now freshly-showered, dressed in a form-fitting all-black outfit, and I was enjoying the last of the party food that one of the warriors snuck in when he visited me alongside a small vial of calming potion that he gained from the pack doctor (another one of Eric's loyal followers). I was going to need it in case the inevitable pairing was to take place...which would automatically lead to me being rejected and killed all in one night.

I wasn't afraid.

I wasn't going to cry and beg for my life.

After a lifetime of being the punching bag, whipping boy, and designated stress reliever for the bullies and my family; I was going to meet my end with a calm heart and a sound mind and soul. And when I do take my final breath on Earth, I was going to greet Artemis and Horus with a smile on my lips and a curtsy to Aurora when she would guide me to the ultimate judgment for my soul.

"Tauren?"

I snapped out of my thoughts to greet the human seer known as Francis Deveraux as he and his parents (his dad being the mayor of Stillwater while his wife was the professor of economics at Oklahoma State University) came into the room. "Hey, guys," I greeted them. "I take it that you're here for Eric's party."

"Had to come here and pay respects as well as give Eric my blessing for his future reign and him to mate with Liz," Francis replied crisply, eyes narrowing at the mention of his duty. "Believe me, I don't want to do this and watch you die, but my hands are tied. It won't matter anyhow because after tonight, my family and I are resigning from our duties. We can't be involved with a pack with no respect for you or any Omegas at all. Even the loners and sane rogues are done away since Eric wants no one who's considered a weakness in this pack. I feel sorry for all the pups who will be coming of age under his rule."

"You and me both, but you guys don't have to leave on my accounts," I told him. "The three of you-"

"Are going to leave, by orders of both Cronus and Rhea," Mr. Deveraux interrupted.

"What?"

My friend sighed. "Yeah, T. Our time here in this pack is all but finished and it's time for us to make our exodus out of this world," he said sadly. "Once I fulfill my orders, we're taking our final breaths on Earth and will see you on the other side."

I couldn't help myself. I stood up and walked over to the Deveraux family, giving them a giant hug. "Does the governor of Oklahoma and the state senators know as well as the council?"

"They do, and they agree with us on how you're being treated," Mrs. Deveraux commented. "They and all of the packs and covens in this state see you as a patron saint. It's just not right with how you're dealt with all of this."

"But it's fated, Mrs. D.," I told them. "At least I won't be alone in the afterlife. And you guys are going to get places of honor for being kind to me. You had every chance to turn your backs on me, but you stayed around and became my friends. For that, I am eternally grateful. May the gods grant you peace."

"May the gods grant you rest and peace, Tauren Knox," Francis said, stifling a sob. "And may the starts drench your skin with the blessings from Rhea and Cronus. But most of all, may the gods have mercy on the souls of the wickedness in this pack while granting guidance to the faithful and true."

We broke apart from the hug just as the clock downstairs struck six. One hour left before the party begins. After bidding farewell to the Deveraux family, I grabbed the vial and drank the contents in one gulp.

The pieces of the puzzle were in place. After tonight, there was no going back.

******************

The party was now in full swing, but I remained in my room as I bid a silent farewell to the memories of abuse, apathy, and hatred that were aimed at me- all for being an Omega who couldn't shift. I took a look out the window to see more and more guests arriving and ready for a good time. I already had my fill of visitors for my final moments on Earth and I was ready for the inevitable.

The clock struck nine downstairs and everyone was cheering out loud with the power transfer being completed. Backing away from the window, I sat down in a nearby chair and braced myself as shouts and footsteps emanated from downstairs.

Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six.

This was it, ladies and gentlemen.

Five. Four.

The footsteps grew louder with growls following.

Three. Two. One.

The door slammed open, my head remaining low as I heard Eric's heavy breathing. "Mate," I heard him grunt.

I looked up slowly to face the red eyes of one Eric Girbaud, his wolf almost in full display with claws and fangs.

"Alpha," I breathed, curtsying low.

"I, Eric Girbaud, reject you, Tauren Knox, as my fucking mate and Luna and order for your execution," he boomed angrily.

I felt my skin prickle and heat in pain, the mating bonds shattering in millions in pieces. Yet I kept my composure and remain silent.

"Eric, what have you done?!" I heard Mr. Girbaud yell furiously.

"Something that needs to be done, father," Eric spat angrily as he menacingly approached me. "If only he ate the poisoned foods that came his way, I might've been lenient with his death. But no. He was too wise for his own good. Fuckin' Artemis and Horus, demanding that I mate with this rat!"

He was two inches away from me. "Now, runt, any final words?"

I looked up into his eyes, his wolf also showing me contempt and hatred for being paired with me. "I do," I replied. "I, Tauren Knox, happily accept your rejection and accept my immediate death with open arms. Live well, Alpha, and may you reign this pack in your own way."

"Tauren!" I heard Elisse sob as I saw her in the doorway with her parents and mine, the latter group smiling wickedly.

"Kill him, Alpha!" Dad boomed.

"With pleasure," Eric said. "Goodbye, Tauren Knox!"

And on the night of August 29th, 2018; I, Tauren Knox, would take my final breath as the Alpha slashed my throat, killing me instantly.

At long last, I was free.

Don't even think about going anywhere just yet, folks! We'll hear from the new Alpha as many of the sympathizers take their exile from the pack and the Deverauxs make their supernatural exodus from Earth. Boy, you can't afford to miss out on this!

Dedication: SoyRosaMari  (to all my Spanish-speaking Wattpadders, check out her ONC story today because it's a treat!). Song: "Maldicion" by Rosalia.

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