Looking up through the diaphanous veil, I stared at my future husband's handsome face, to have my soul shudder in fear.

He had a deadly look plastered on his face, those cold grey eyes were fixated on me, simmering with nothing except hatred.

And I shrink under it.

His hatred was justified. If there was any other man in his place, I bet he would detest even looking at me, let alone agree to make me his wife.

He lost his dear wife and mate just 2 days back. He has killed 200 men in the last 24 hours , without an ounce of remorse.

Blood is what feeds his regret of not being able to save her.

And my blood is going to be his favorite. Because it belonged to the very daughter of the man who killed his mate.

"Do you, Sierra Winters take Xavier Hunt as your lawfully wedded mate and husband?"

My gaze stopped at my parents who were looking at us with apprehension. And the desire to say no to this. Becomes stronger. This was my father's doing. I shouldn't be the one paying for it.

But then my gaze drifts to the thousands of my pack members behind them.

And my clenched fists, unclench.

How can I see all these innocent people die? If I go back now, Silver Moon warriors will turn this place into a blood pool. And my blood will be the first one to shed.

Closing my eyes, I let out the words.

"I do."

Cheers and claps echoed in the room and the first teardrop leaves my eyes. Great. Celebrate my doom.

Cheers to a loveless marriage and a long life!

Because I have a feeling I am not going to live long.

Until I am bound to him.

And that was forever. If only there was an eternity in real life.

....

The car jolts as it crosses a bumpy road and I adjust myself on the seat. I sneak a peek at the man sitting beside and I find his face morphed in stone-like coldness. Eyes closed, jaw firm, and nose scrunched in disgust.

Was something stinking here?

I wondered and next I knew he lowered his window to inhale fresh air. A few more minutes pass and the creases on his forehead don't soften. He was still disgusted by something.

Deciding to mind my own business, I look down to play with the hem of my dress. When his heavy voice cuts through the silence of the car.

"Pull over"

The driver abides and the car comes to a halt. I look at him in confusion. Wondering what business could he have on a deserted road.

"Get out. "

I blink. I looked at him in confusion to find his eyes closed and head leaning back on the backrest.

Who is he talking to?

When neither the driver nor I move. He opens his eyes to look at me and I gulp.

"Are you hard of hearing? Get out."

I open my lips to protest when he beats me to it.

"Your scent is making me nauseous. Will you do it yourself or do you want me to drag you down?"

The tone of his voice stays neutral, but the threat weighs a ton. Gulping. Deciding to protect the little self-respect I had.

I push open the door and get out.

He leaves without bothering me a glance and I hug myself as freezing winds hit me like pointed spikes. My mind goes blank as I stare at his retreating car, driving down the road.

So the disgusted thing was me huh?

Why am I surprised? I should get used to this.

Walking down the empty road at 11 o'clock at night. I try to rub my palms to generate some heat, to no avail. The veiled net dress wasn't helping either.

Distant howls pierced the silence of the forest and I shivered. My heart thumped and I tried to fasten my pace.

There were a few times I wished I was like other werewolves.

And today was one of them.

If only I could shift. I would reach the mansion within minutes.

An hour passed and the moon goddess was not showing any mercy. It started raining cats and dogs. By the time I reach the huge gates of the gigantic mansion. I was drenched and numb. My breathing was rugged, my lungs protested and my fingers pale white.

My sore legs stumbled as I gripped the iron door to support myself.

Looking up at the mansion. I feel my throat turn dry. It was huge, this looked nothing less than a castle. I am going to live here?

My gaze stops at the silhouette of a man standing and staring down at me from the window. And I hear my heart thud again.

Those eyes. I can identify them among millions.

The coldness in them is distinguishable.

"Reveal your identity!"

I hear a man shout behind me and I turn around to look at him, when a heaviness settles in my head.

He was a guard, pointing a sword at me.

Struggling to keep my heavy eyelids open, I battle to speak. My pale lips shivered.

"I...I..am Sierra Win....Hunt. Wi...fe of Alpha-"

Disbelief becomes evident in his eyes. He looks at me from top to bottom. And then lowers his sword.

Bowing.

"Luna. I am so sorry. I didn't realize-"

I could no longer hear what he was saying. All the strength in my body seemed to leave on its own. And next, I know my grip on the railing loosens and my body slumps down to fall with a thud.

"Luna! Luna!"

The guard's terror-stricken cries follow and I lift my closing eyes to see the silhouette still standing at the window.

Starting blankly. Doing nothing.

His cold grey eyes were the last thing I saw before darkness engulfed me in its embrace and my unconscious body fell on the cold pavement right outside his castle.

I wake up with a sneeze building up in my throat. Letting it out, I smudge my nose with the back of my hand to look around.

Where the hell was I?

It was a small room with the only light entering was from a little ventilating window at the top. The room was crammed with used stuff and I could see spiderwebs hanging on the walls.

Probably a store room or an attic.

Just great.

I press my palms to get up when I see that I am lying on a crud mattress that hasn't seen the face of a detergent or light in years. I pat it to only find dust particles sprawling in the air.

I cough. Covering my mouth to get up.

Gosh. It even stinks here. Did some rat sneak in and die somewhere here?

I was still collecting my thoughts when the old rustic door was pushed open and I was welcomed with the face of an old woman.

Throwing a black and white dress on the mattress. She groans in disgust. Covering her mouth.

"Gosh. You are really filthy. Just get changed and get down to work. "

Filthy?

Work?

What was she saying?

"May...may I know who you are? I don't think I know you. "

She rolls her eyes at me as if talking to a subordinate. Placing her hands on her waist, she moves closer to me. Her tone was blunt.

"Listen you little bitch. If you think this 'I am so innocent' facade is going to work here? You are mistaken."

"Everyone here hates you with the deepest of passion, including our master. "

"You disgusting little thing have our Luna's blood on your hands and look at you standing here with so much pride. "

"But don't worry..."

She scoffs to smirk and I blankly stare at her.

"Our master will make sure to break that backbone of yours, along with that pride."

"He loved Luna Beatrice more than his life, and he will make sure to hate you, till your last fuc*ing breath. "

"You can never be her! So don't you once think you will even get food here....let alone respect. "

The hatred in her voice made the room seem even smaller, but I have learned the hard way to not care about what others think of you.. Closing my eyes. I try to control my heavy breaths.

Relax. I have to relax.

I can't let everyone's words get to me.

I am not a murderer. I didn't kill their Luna. I don't want to replace anyone.

"You are mistaken. I-"

"Enough! Get your pathetic ass moving. I don't have all day. Change your clothes and report to the kitchen. "

"You work as a maid this day hence."

With this being said, she turned around and left. Leaving me alone in the now silent room.

I stare at the closed door, blankly.

Maid?

I turn around to look at the black pencil skirt and white blouse. And a strange knot twists in my stomach. Did he really expect me to work as a worker here?

He married me. No matter he acknowledged it or not. I was his wife.

How can he expect me to work as a servant?

His actions last night come flooding in and I clench my fist. If he thinks he can treat me like shit. He is mistaken. I believe one has to respect themselves for others to respect them. And I didn't lack in it.

Looking down at my soiled, white wedding dress. I decided to change into the maid outfit for the time being.

I have to talk to him.

..

•Knock*

"Come in"

His gruff voice made me gulp. Pushing in the huge oak wood door, I step in to be only met with a spacious wooden interior office. In the centre laid a long mahogany table, and behind him sat he.

My husband.

His face was dipped lower and those eyes were concentrated on the papers he was signing.

I softly close the door behind me and step in on the velvet carpet.

I stood there awkwardly, Shifting my weight from one leg to another. Pulling on the hem of the skirt which was too short for my liking.

I waited for him to acknowledge my presence. But he sat there, engulfed in his own world.

Ignoring me.

5 minutes pass. None of us said anything. My legs started aching because my body was still recovering. Unsure, I step forward to settle on the chairs opposite him.

I sighed, relaxing into the comfort of the cushions when a low cold voice made my back straight up, stiff as a rod.

"Did I ask you to sit?"

I gulp. Those grey eyes looked murderous. Scurrying back on my feet I question. Unable to veil the bitterness in my tone.

"I wasn't aware I needed permission to even sit. "

His eyes narrow into slits. The pen in his hands stops writing and I see his jaw harden.

"Come here "

He looked mad.

Clenching my fists, I match his stare. Not saying anything. I wasn't a dog he could order around like that. He needs to give respect if he wants it in return.

His perfectly shaped brow lifts in surprise, he wasn't expecting this. But he doesn't say anything. Next I know he pushes back his seat to step towards me and my heart races in my chest.

What is he going to do?

My body shivered in anticipation and that's when I felt him circling behind me. His aura enveloped me, trying to choke me in its dominance.

"It seems you weren't taught how to respect your husband. If there is one thing I hate the most. It's a woman not knowing her position."

"Kneel"

He growls in my ear, resting his huge hands on my shoulder and I step away from him. Turning around to face him.

"To me, it seems like your mother did a shitty job teaching you how to respect a woman. Go learn it yourself first!"

I expected him to fume with anger. To get violent. To push me back on the wall or something. But I am surprised when he leans back on his table to smirk. His hands folded in front of his chest.

"A fierce one. Interesting. I just love a challenge."

His eyes cloud. Signifying he mind linked to someone and next I know the door opens and in walks his Beta, Ronnie.

"Yes, your highness."

Looking up at me he sighs to speak. His tone sounded bored.

"Ronnie your new Luna seems to be having a bit of a problem understanding her real position here in our pack."

"Take her to the public assembly and tie her up. I want all the pack members to be present for the show. I will be there in an hour."

"Understood, Your Highness.'

My blood ran cold. No. He couldn't be serious. My eyes snap to the half-open door and before Ronnie can grab me, I enter into a sprint. I was running through the hallways like crazy, crashing with people. My mind was blank. When next I know I am grabbed my rough hands. I thrashed in the guard's grip but it was no use.

Dragging my body like a rag doll, they take me outside and my heart constricts in my chest.

I breathed heavily to placate my crazy heart. Looks of disgust came my way as I stared at thousands of eyes surrounding me. They were whispering, pointing fingers at me as I stood on a pedestal. Tied like a prisoner.

My wrists were tied behind my back, and my back was pressed to a wooden pole behind me.

I wrench my wrists to break free,to only have the ropes to cut my skin. A hiss escapes my lips as I feel them burn.

Adjusting my weight from one leg to another. I feel my thighs aching already.

It's been an hour since I was tired here like an animal. Everyone was here.

What is the meaning of this?

What is he planning to do to me?

I looked up at Ronnie to find him standing in front of me. A blank look covered his features.

Should I ask him?

Even though I doubt he would answer.

But still, let's try.

"Beta Ron!"

The crowd was so loud that my voice was not audible. I try again, to only stare at his stiff back.

"Beta-"

My words die down as suddenly the loud voices settle down to a hushed silence. I look at everyone in confusion. When I see the reason.

The center of the crowd parts and everyone bows.

He walks in proud, not bothering to acknowledge anyone.

His aura is distinguishable and strides long and confident.

Walking up the pedestal those cold feet eyes spare me a quick glance. His eyes scan my tied body and I clench my fists behind my back.

No reaction. Nothing except impassiveness.

"Good evening everyone "

He speaks in a stentorian thunderous voice and a loud chorus response follows.

"Good Evening Alpha!"

"I think all of you are aware of the identity of this woman?"

Resting his hands in his pant pockets, he speaks rather casually. Like he was giving a boring speech. And I felt a shiver travel down my spine.

Everyone's hatred-filled eyes bore holes into my soul.

"For those who don't know. She is Sierra Winters, daughter of David Winters. The Alpha of the Red Moon pack."

"The very man who kidnapped my mate and your Luna. The very man who sent back her severed head to us. 7 days ago"

This can't be good. I feel the aura of the place shifting. If it was hatred earlier, he was fueling these people to wind it into rage.

"As per the council's order. I was offered to settle with a barter with Redmoon, instead of their blood. "

"I couldn't afford to lose any more of our pack members."

"So I agreed. "

"In exchange for our loss, this woman was offered to us as a peace offering. I married her yesterday and brought her here."

Walking around the pedestal, he stops behind me and I feel my nerves wrecking. Is he going to kill me?

"She is a beautiful little thing...."

He gently lifts a column of my hair and I shiver involuntarily.

Sniffing it, he inhales deeply and I go stiff as a board. What is he doing? Next, I feel his hot breath fan my neck and I revulsed.

"And from this day hence. She belongs to us. To Silvermoon. "

"Not as a Luna. But rather as a slave. "

His words grip my heart in an iron grip and I see the crowd going crazy. Cheering.

They were celebrating this. Hooting. While I felt my heart drop deeper into an infinite pit with every passing second.

It would have been better if I had died.

Why did Dad do this?

I know he never loved me. But I still had his blood in my veins. How could he do this to his child?

"You can treat her however you want. No one is going to stop you. "

"She is yours to seek your revenge. "

"No..."

I lowly whisper to him, and he rests his chin on my shoulder. A smirk forms on his lips.

"Break her pride, shatter her soul, puncture her self-respect. Let her pay for her father's sins. "

I start thrashing in the ropes. Starting at the anger building in everyone's eyes. And he only rubs his palms up and down my shivering arm.

"Redmoon severed your Luna's neck, you rip apart this girls very heart by breaking her every day. "

"And I promise you, you will only get rewarded. "

"However. Let me make one thing clear. "

Lifting his eyes, he looks at the crazy crowd darkly. And a shiver travels down everyone's spine.

"You are not allowed to touch even an inch of her skin. "

"Break her emotionally. But when it comes to.....this?"

He presses a kiss on my naked shoulder and I shiver to plead.A deadly silence follows. All the cheering dies down. And I twist my head to look at him.

His eyes were already fixed on me.

"It's mine to ruin."

The first teardrop leaves my eyes and my heart jumps to my throat.

No. He can't be that evil!

Xavier's POV

Monsters are not born. They are made.

And I was made one with the grace of one man ,David Winters. My so called father in law. Leaning my back against a tree with a cigarette pressed between my lips, I enjoy the show of his daughters humiliation.

Sierra Winters.

My doll.

To break, reconstruct, fuck and discard.

Taking a long whiff, I lean my head back to find my pack people degrading her with the worst words a person can use for a woman. Slut, whore, murdered. Her beautiful innocent looking brown eyes had tears in them and she holds in her gag when a bucket of garbage and slime is disposed off on her head. Those pretty lips open to gasp, searching for air but all they got was stink and shit.

Poor soul.

What an ill fate. She must be cursing the day she was born to that bastard man.

An hour passed, people were bored of her lack of response and submissiveness. And soon they started leaving. My view gets more clear and I took her in properly.

Her petitite twig like arms were tied behind the wooden pole. Her body was literally hanging, with the ropes support. That defying proud head from an hour ago was dropping forward as another vomit gags up her throat and spills on her own clothes.

She looked worse than shit.

But isn't that what she was? I was merely giving her a reality check.

David and his entire family will cry tears of blood. And I just started with his dearest brown-eyed daughter of his.

I will rip that innocence out of her soul and fill her with so much darkness that she chokes in every breath of her life. Those shining doe-like eyes will lose all their light, to be lifeless. Just like my dead mate.

And then that bastard David's soul will shudder on seeing her again. He will feel what I felt on seeing my mates dead lifeless eyes.

Walking towards her lifeless figure. I order Ron to open her ropes. As soon as she is unrestrained. Her shuddering body drops to shatter on my feet.

A strange feeling roots inside me as I look down on her.

My hands flinched to help her and grab her to my arms.

But then I remember my mates dead eyes and pity was the first thing that left me. No. Don't be fooled by her innocent eyes. She has that bastards blood in her veins!

A toy. That's all she is. She doesn't deserve to be treated like a human!

I thought struggle has left her, but I was mistaken. Grabbing my collar, she stares into my eyes to ask her crime.

If only she had asked this to her father.

If only she had shown this little bravery to her dad.

"Dispose her off into her room.”

I order Ron and left her to her pathetic state.

I believed in Karma.The old me would go to any extent to save an innocent. But her father murdered that old Xavier. The only thing left now is this soulless man who had just one life purpose left.

Revenge.

And I can go to any extent to achieve it. Anything.

...

I walk into the castle to pin drop silence. Dragging the head chair, I slumped my body on it.

"Martha. Food. "

I groaned. Rubbing my temple. A headache was flaring already. How many hours since I last slept? More than 62 perhaps.

Soft footsteps echo and I see the maids rushing in. Within seconds the entire table was filled with delicacies. Straightening up I was going to serve myself when I felt a pair of eyes on me.

My eyes snap up. And there she stood.

My Doll.

Of course. Who else would dare to meet my eyes except her? Standing among the line of maids, she stood out.

I must say she cleaned up well.

There was no denying the fact that she had a beautiful face. I bet with her princess title and that angelic face, suitors must have begged for her attention. How much lovers did she had before me? How many men did she fuck?

The questions made a strange feeling churn in the pit of my stomach. Did she moan other men’s name? What all had she tried?

Snap! Before I even realised, the fork held in my fingers bent to break.

Taking a deep breath and dropping my hands on my lap. I lean back to look into her brown eyes.

"You. Come here."

Her fists clench. Eyes lower and feet shuffle. I guess the first punishment in the public hall did had a lasting effect.

Closing her eyes, she lets out a deep sigh when one of the maids standing beside her, nudge her.

“Go! Hurry up!”

She finally takes a step, after forever. And thump. She stumbles forward to fall on her face. Right at my feet.

My eyes move up to catch a giggle from the maid who nudged her earlier.And it didn't took a genius to know that she had stuck her foot out.

She was tripped, deliberately.

The maid shuts up as soon as I look at her and a deadly silence follows.

“I have told you. She is mine to ruin, touch and fuck.”

“I’m sorry, Alpha.” The maid kneeled down immediately with her head down. I turned my gaze to my doll.

Blood seeping from her knee to taint the marble floor, her breathing was rugged but she did nothing to acknowledge the pain.

"Serve."

I groan starting at her lowered eyes and she gets to work. Her hands trembled, her teeth assault her lips and beads of sweat dripped down her neck.

What a drastic change.

She turned submissive within 48 hours.

I was expecting more fight from her.

What a let down.

Once she is done. She turns around to leave but I was not anywhere done.

"Have you eaten something?"

I knew she hadn't. Martha has been given strict orders to make sure no drop of water let alone morsel of food enters her lips. Moistening those chapped lips. She whispers a low.

"No. "

"Would you like some?"

I quirk. Raising my brow. Picking up glass, I fill it with cranberry juice and offer it to her. Her eyes shift between the glass and me in uncertainty.

She had her doubts. I could see.

"Come on. I don't have whole day. "

Opening and closing those thin lips, she forwards her trembling hands to hold it. As soon as her fingers brush against mine. I take back the glass to splash it on her face and chest.

She gasps. Lifting her hands to hide her face. But it was too late.

She was drenched in juice. Her hair, face and top was all red. And I couldn't deny how perfect she looked.

She was Red.

In my dead mate's blood.

The only difference was that this is juice. Not blood.

I hear the maids chuckling behind and I do nothing to step them. Cracking my neck to a side, I ask bored.

"Will you like some more?"

I look up for a split second. Tossing a cherry into my mouth. When I see her eyes rooting into mine.

Those innocent eyes were red in tears and rage. Her fists clenched. And next what happened, caught me off guard.

I thought I had flickered off her spark.

If only I knew, it had already set fire to an explosion.

In a matter of just 2 seconds, she grabbed a knife and leapt on me…

Taking edge of my alpha stealth. I grab her wrist, inches before it could hit my heart and turn the tables.

Pushing her back on the table I pin her under me with the knife inches away from rooting into her eyes.

Those brown orbs widen in fear and I press our chests together to whisper in a low dangerous voice.

"Stupid move ,doll."

Her eyes widen in horror. And before she could even realise what happened I turn the tables within a second.

Gripping her wrists, I push her back to pin her on the table. Rooting the knife an inch away from her eyes, right into the teak.

Our faces were inches away. Chest touching.

I could hear her pathetic heart, ready to push out of her chest.

We stare into each other's eyes and I see her expressions changing. The bravado gets extinguished in thin here now with her pressed immobile under me.

Vulnerable and...beautiful.

"Pl....please."

The girl begged, thrashing in my grip. My beast roared in my chest.And I couldn’t help but focus too much on her face that didn't realize when my grip became deadly.

"Alpha!"

"Stop!"

Vague and distant voice came while I stared closely at the girl.

A mind-numbing blow landed on my cheek and I was thrown back to reality. My grip drops on the girl and I stumble a foot.

"What the hell is wrong with you!"

A loud familiar voice roars at me andI am surprised to see the person who stands beside me, breathing heavily. His fists clenched and his eyes fixed on something in front of me.

I follow his stares to see the girl heaving on the table.

Her hands claw her neck as she struggled to breathe. Her eyes were red, tears strained. Face flushed.

She rolls over the table to fall, bringing along the dishes. And I stood there, staring at her struggle.

Ron rushes to help her, but it is of no use.

She wheezes and withered like a dying fish out of water.

Her body trembles and a strange feeling hits my insides.

Why did I lost control before? Why did I care now?

"Snap out of it, Xav!"

I rub my neck to look up. Letting out a deep breath.

"Hello, brother. "

I speak in an emotionless voice, not much fazed by the rage and disappointment shining in his eyes.

"Ron. Get the doctor. Quick. "

He starts ordering but I don't stop him. I’m too confused by my reaction before and want to leave the girl as soon as possible.

Ignoring the doctors rushing in, I make my way towards my office.

I had barely calmed down when the door was kicked open and in walks my big bro.

"Hey, bro! Welcome home! Come have a seat-"

"Don't bro me Xavier! What has gotten into you? Do you have any fuc*ing idea what would have happenedif that girl had died at your hands today?"

"You would be stripped of your title!"

I just shrug my shoulders. Taking another swing casually.

"You seem to like her brother. Tell me. Do you want her for a nigh-"

I couldn't complete it. Another smack lands on my cheek and I bite back my smirk.

His eyes were hardened. Head shaking in disbelief.

"Just look at yourself in the mirror. You look like a fuc*ing monster!"

I chuckle darkly. Earning another flabbergasted look from him.

"This is my revenge. And if anyone interferes with it. I will burn them along. Brother or not!"

He gulps. His eyes soften for a second but he says nothing. Dominic being the elder son was supposed to be the Alpha, but he was too mushy and kind-hearted to take over this role. He hated bloodshed while I lived on it.

“Hope you won’t regret it.”

With these being his last words he turns around to leave when I speak, sobering up.

"Have you found the gifted one? "

His back stiffens and I see his fist clenching.

The gifted one is a prodigy born in 100 years. Bloodlines of the Alpines have been awarded with this special power. One child in hundred years is born with it.But one never knows what power they may be awarded.

The person is said to be very special. The history has been proof that the pack in which this prodigy agrees to reside, becomes undefeated.

Dominic has long dedicated into finding this one.

"No." he answered.

I scoff.

"Still not good at lying? Brother. When are you going to learn it?"

He smiles at me. Placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Even if I know something. I will make sure you are not informed about it from now on. "

"Seeing this side of you today. The gift will be ruined if it reaches your hands. And I will never allow it. Ever. "

Slamming the door shut, he was gone after giving me a meaningful look.

What the hell did he know.

Serra's POV

Clearing my vision with the shoulder of my sleeve, I try to concentrate on my work, but who was I kidding. I felt like dying.

I still couldn't digest the fact that he was going to kill me. I guess my doubts were cleared now. He hates me more than anything in this world. I can't escape this place, living here is hell. What am I supposed to do?

My thoughts are interrupted by Martha's stern features enter and I gulp. This doesn't look good.

"Follow me."

Martha speaks in disgust and I blankly follow her. She knocks on his door and my body freezes when he speaks in a frigid voice.

"Come in."

The door is pushed open by Martha and I keep my eyes rooted on the carpet. Grabbing my wrist in a deadly grip, she tugs me in to almost have me stumble.

A gasp leaves my lips as I balance myself. And Martha seethes in my ear.

"Fuc*ing stand straight! "

I feel her iron grip leaving a bruise on my wrist but I keep my trap shut. Not complaining.

Who knows he may even complete what he left unfinished earlier.

I don't want to die young.

"You can get out now."

His words were for Martha but I felt my soul shudder. She leaves without any word. And I feel the walls closing in.

I was alone with him.

There is no one to protect me.

Will he kill me?

A minute passed with neither of us saying anything and I lifted my eyes to lock them with his.

He was staring at me, all this time. His back was leaning on his desk and his hands folded on his chest.

Those grey orbs were like a black hole, sucking me in. And then I see his eyes trailing to my neck.

The place where his fingerprints remain.

The smirks get replaced with a dark sinister look.

"It looks good. But it can still look better. "

He whispers walking towards me and my eyes widen. What...what does he mean by that? Is he going to choke me again? Turning around I rush towards the door to pull it, to only find it locked.

No! Dammit!

I pull on the knob frantically, my eyes tear. And then I feel it. His presence was right behind my back.

And I go still.

"Calm down doll. You need to save your energy for what's going to happen tonight. "

His hot breath whispers in my ear and I feel a shiver travel down my spine. My body shivered and he noticed it.

Fuc*!

Moving aside my long hair to one side. I feel something cold touch my neck and when I look down, my mind goes blank.

It was a gold chain with a pendant.

Letters XK are studded with diamonds. Wrapped around my neck. And it felt more like a collar than a chain.

A collar to remind me of his dominance over me.

And who I belonged to.

I felt it tug on my neck and I gasped.

"The fingers that dare to remove it will be severed by my own hands, doll. Understand?"

I nod.

To only feel him pull back the chain, tugging on it again. Making my head to fall back.

I told you he is going to use it as a collar to tug me around like a rag doll.

"Words. "

I grit my teeth.

"Y- Yes"

I hear a click followed by his fingers wrapping around my forearm. Pulling me along, he starts walking down the stairs.

And I see the staff gathering around to look at us. Those two maids who lied were smiling amongst themselves.

And I ignore them.

I will never steep low to their level.

I tripped over one of the steps but he didn't stop. Gathering myself, I was able to cope when he pulled open the car door.

And next, I know I am hurled in and the door is slammed shut behind me.

He comes in the driver seat, ignites the engine and skids off to god knows where....After 20 minutes of silent uncomfortable drive. The car came to a stop and when I looked outside my blood ran cold.

I see a woman wearing revealing clothes, roaming outside a huge building. With countless men lurking after them. There was a queue to enter and I gulped to look at my side.

"Get down doll."...

"You are going to spend your night here"

And I freeze. No. He wouldn't. No!

All my life I lived as a prisoner in my own house, my parents never allowed me even to step out. I was kept in the dark about the world outside.

But right now standing in the middle of this place, looking at what's going on around me, I guess it was for the best.

I flinch when I see a werewolf with a huge frame, pinning a fragile girl under him. I expected her to cry, and ask for help but she was enjoying this.

How...how can she like this?

He was doing wrong with her. And when I saw that band on his finger. My mind went blank.

He was married and mated, yet he was with another woman here?

My eyes snap to another corner and my heart thuds. A man was sitting on a lounge sofa with girls surrounding him. One was offering him a glass of alcohol, another was sitting on his lap, and the third one was kissing him.

What's wrong with people here?

His blue orbs open to look right at me and I feel fear hit each and every cell of my body as he scrutinized me from top to bottom. A smirk forms on his lips and he tilts his head to a side to get a full view of me.

I veer my gaze away from him immediately, my hands instinctively clench around the hem of Xavier's tuxedo. He suddenly stops and my head slams on his back.

"Aghh"

He looks back at me. His eyes trailed to lock at my hands clenching his coat.

"What have I said about you touching me?"

Technically I was touching his clothes, not him. But I knew better not to speak it, here.

Lowering my hand, I gulp to ask him.

"Why...why did you bring me here? "

He doesn't answer. Making dread to take permanent residence in my stomach. And then he looks at someone behind me.

"Alpha. What a pleasure to have you here. How could we serve you today? "

I look at a man stepping forward to bow at Xavier and I realise he may be the one managing this place.

His eyes cloud, signifying he has a mind link, and a smirk forms on his lips as he takes notice of me.

What did Xavier say to him?

"Don't worry Alpha. You won't be disappointed. We will take good care of her tonight. "

Before I could understand what was going on, I saw that man, showing me the way.

"Shall we?"

I turn around to look at Xavier to find him already leaving. His back was to me and I pushed through the bodies to reach him.

"Alpha wait!"

He doesn't stop.

"Xavier!"

It was too crowded here. He was already at the door and then suddenly he stopped. Turning around he looks at me over his shoulder.

Those grey eyes were dead as they stared at me.

And then nothing.

Just like that, he walks out. Leaving me alone in this hell of a place.

Not caring who I was hitting. I shove aside people to reach the door. Thrusting it open I step out to only have my exit barred.

Men wearing black stood outside, with arms extended.

I look at the emblem on their broch to curse.

Dammit!

These were Xavier's men, he had ordered them to stop me from leaving this place. I try to push past them but who was I kidding? They were way stronger than me.

My eyes trail to the luxurious car drifting off the empty street and all my hope dies.

A strange kind of fear enters me.

How...how can he leave me in a place like this? I didn't even say all those things to those maids dammit!

"It's not that bad here sweetheart. Come, let me show you the real fun. "

A voice whispers behind me and I turn around to look at the same man whom Xavier ordered before leaving.

"Ask them to let me leave."

He sighs to look back at the guards and then he snaps his eyes back at me.

"Alpha's orders sweetheart. "

"Damn it!"

Pushing past him I walk back inside to be only welcomed by an even more crazy atmosphere. My hands rub my shoulders as I feel bodies touching me in this overly packed place. People were pushing each other around, dancing, and getting drunk like it was the end of the world.

A woman in barely any clothes, climbed up to dance around what looked like a pole. Flashing their assets, they were winking and passing over flying kisses to the men hooting for them.

Sneaking in through the crazy crowd, I felt suffocated. Foreign hands were touching me, as I tried to push further. And then it happened.

I feel a hand on my bottom. And I freeze.

"Nice boot. Little girl. "

I turn around to look at a drunk man giving me a smirk. And my fist clenches.

"Did you just touch me?"

I groan only to find myself getting pushed forward by someone behind. I stumble to fall on the man's chest and he rests his hand back on my bottom.

"Yes, little girl. Didn't you like it?"

"Fuc* off!"

I tried to push him to have him get off me but he was way stronger. And then suddenly I don't know what happened but he backs off.

A strange look clouds his eyes. Fear? But why? Not giving it much thought I take this opportunity to turn around and spurt out.

Reaching a deserted dark corner, I breathe heavily. My clogged throat felt like sandpaper. How am I going to survive the entire night here?

Minutes passed, and an hour passed.

I never left that corner. Hugging myself I tried to make myself look as invisible as possible. The music was throbbing in my ears. A headache was at its flare.

Water...

I need some water.

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

I turn around to find one of the waiters standing there. And hope ignites in my chest.

"Water. Can I get some water?"

"Right away ma'am. "

He returns with a bottle of water and I open it to gulp it greedily.

Another half an hour passed and suddenly the voices started fading away. I was feeling lightheaded. Holding the wall behind me for support I get up to look down at the empty bottle in my hand.

And my stomach churned.

There was something at the bottom of the bottle, a wet powdery substance as if something was mixed in it.

I look around anxiously.

Why? Who could have done it?

Through my hazy vision, I feel a pair of eyes and me and when I look up, I see the same blue-eyed man who was surrounded by girls earlier walking toward me.

Shit!

How can I be so stupid?

He drugged my water.

Holding the wall, I try to run from him with my leg starts faltering. It was like all the strength was leaving my body. A strange heat travels to my core and I was I involuntarily shuddering.

I looked back and he was coming closer.

A smirk lingered on his lips.

I push my legs further. Reaching an alley, I was seconds away from twisting open the washroom door when a hand muffles on my lips and I pulled back into a room with my scream muffling to silence.

"Shhh. It's all going to get over soon. "

I feel foreign lips on my neck and I thrash to no avail. My eyes tear and I try to kick him, only to have my legs pinned by his thigh.

"Trust me, you are going to love every second of it. It's the strongest eros potion ever known in the world. "

A strange fire lit in my core and I felt my mind going blank. No. Why am I feeling like this? My body, why is it so hot? Why isn't it disgusted?

My strength to push him away was fading with every second and I felt myself getting laid on a bed, right at his mercy.

His lust-filled eyes stared into mine, as he hovered over me and I just closed my teary ones.

Hoping for this to get over soon.

"Who..who are you?"

I open my eyes to see that lust in his eyes from earlier replaced by something else.

Fear?

Dread?

But why.

"I asked who are you, dammit!"

He roars at me, and my mouth opens and closes. Unable to concoct a sentence.

"I...I am...I..."

"Aren't you one of the whores of the King? He left you here, right? But then this pendant.. "

He stares at the XK pendent Xavier gave me, and I gulp to speak.

"I..am his wife-"

"Fuc*!"

He staggers back from me like he has seen a ghost. Toppling over the bed, he hurries to get up. And next, I know, he sprints from there like death was chasing him.

The door is slammed shut, and I breathe heavily to clear the tears streaming down my eyes.

My body was still feeling strange, the fire that lit in my core no way near extinguishing. If anything, I was burning.

Eros potion.

What..what does it do exactly?

Scrambling up, pressing my palms on the floor, I try to get up, only to stagger on my foot. My vision was hazy.

It felt like the world was moving on its axis, and I was standing in the fire of hell.

Hot..too hot.

My nails dig into my neck, scratching the place where he kissed me. I felt disgusted. Yet strange...like I wanted someone to touch me.

Minutes pass. I wait for the feeling to wash away.

But it didn't.

I was heaving, sweating and breathless without even doing anything. Strange wetness pools between my thighs, and every inch of my skin gets alive.

The very floor, my clothes touching my skin, was torture.

Tears continue to stream in my eyes.

"Stop...it someone...please..."

I begged. I could do anything to escape this feeling. Anything. My hands tug on my clothes; removing my shirt, I throw it aside to get a little respite.

The aching between my thighs only intensifies, tugging on my joggers. I push them down. Leaving me only in my underwear.

Fuc*! What am I doing?

What if someone were to come in and see me like this?

No.

Holding the wall, I walk towards the door. Latching it closed, I took a deep breath, but it was short-lived.

"Open the door, Luna!"

One of the guards bangs on the door, and I panic. What...what if someone else tries to force themselves on me? No. Staggering back, I look around for escape.

And that's when my eyes stop at a clerestory window at the top of the wall.

It can be challenging. But I could fit in.

Looking around for furniture to get onto, I ignore the banging outside to push the tables and chairs under it.

"Open, or we will be forced to call the Alpha!"

Dread settles inside me. Not him. He can't come here. I need to hurry.

I got on top of a table and then on top of a chair I placed above. I open the window to pull myself up. My feet dangle in the air, and my upper frame slides through it.

Its narrow width marred my shoulders and waist with cuts and bruises, but I didn't care.

Toppling over, I land into a mesh of bushes and feel a thousand pricks of needles root into my body.

Dammit!

It hurts.

Ignoring the pain, I sprinted from there into the vast jungle. I needed to figure out where I was going.

All I knew then was to run till my feet supported me.

To push out the strange feeling inside me by replacing it with adrenaline.

And to escape Xavier's men before they catch and force me, just like that man did.

I don't know how long I ran or where I was. All I knew was that my body was giving up. And then, right when my legs were ready to give up.

I hear distant howls and thudding footsteps approaching me in the forest, and my heart stops.

No.

Don't... Don't tell me I have crossed Xavier's border. Or rather, I have entered his adjoining territory.

Fuc*!

I turned around to run back, but it was too late. I see five pairs of eyes looking at me with lust shining bright in their eyes.