CH. 2: Draco

I stood outside the Devilclaw Castle, feeling a mix of fear and anger. My father, the disgraced Alpha of the Talon pack, had brought me here against my will, as a tribute bride to the Alpha of the Devilclaw clan.

He hoped to restore his honor and gain an ally in the powerful Devilclaw clan, but I didn't want to be here. I wanted to be back home in the forests and mountains of my pack, where I had grown up running wild and free with my pack mates.

I was stubborn and didn't like the idea of being a pawn in the game of power between two clans.

As I stepped through the massive wooden doors, I was met by a group of guards dressed in black armor. Their faces were obscured by helmets, but I could feel their eyes on me, watching my every move.

I wondered what they thought of me, this outsider who had been forced into their world.

Logan had left me with the guards, smirking as I gave up struggling and walked quietly. My father was royalty, but here I was, answering to mere omegas.

Captain Thorne, the leader of the guards, stepped forward and greeted me with a cold and formal tone. "Welcome to Devilclaw Castle, Natalie Talon. I am Captain Thorne, and I will be your escort during your stay here. Please follow me."

I felt a pang of fear in my chest but followed the captain, trying to take in as much of the castle's layout as I could. I knew I needed to be prepared in case I needed to make a quick escape.

As we walked, I noticed the imposing interior of the castle. The high ceilings and shadowy corners made me feel small and insignificant. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to live in such a place.

We eventually arrived at a grand hall, where I was met by the Alpha of the clan himself, Draco Devilclaw. I had heard stories of his fierce strength and ruthless tactics and had pictured him as a monster with sharp teeth and blood-red eyes.

But the reality was much more unsettling. He was tall and handsome, with chiseled features, dark hair, and piercing blue eyes. I couldn't help but feel a pang of attraction as I looked at him, but I quickly pushed the feeling aside, reminding myself of why I was here.

Draco looked at me with a cool gaze, assessing me. "Natalie Talon," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Welcome to my castle. I trust your journey was uneventful?"

I bristled at his condescending tone but kept my expression neutral. "Yes, thank you."

Draco nodded, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Very well. Captain Thorne will show you to your quarters. You will be given some time to settle in before the ceremony tonight."

My heart sank at the reminder of the ceremony. I had hoped to find a way out of it, to convince my father to take me back home before it was too late. But it seemed like I was trapped here, at least for the time being.

As I followed Captain Thorne through the castle, I couldn't help but notice the guards stationed at every turn. They seemed to be watching my every move, making me feel even more trapped and alone. I wondered if I would ever be able to escape this place and return to my pack.

•••

Later that night, I was brought to Draco's bedchamber for a private meeting. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew I had to be on my guard. The guards stationed outside the door made it clear that I wasn't free to leave at any time.

As I stepped inside, I was struck by the opulence of the room. The walls were lined with rich tapestries and ornate furniture, and the air was filled with the scent of burning candles and incense.

Draco was seated on a throne-like chair in the center of the room, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me.

I felt a twinge of fear but tried to keep my composure. "What do you want from me?" I asked, my voice steady.

Draco's gaze flicked over my body, making me feel exposed. "I want you to understand your place, Natalie," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You are not here to be a warrior or to fight like a wild being. You are here to be my bride, to make your skin sweet and supple for me."

I bristled at his words, feeling angry and humiliated. I had always been a fierce fighter, trained from a young age to protect my pack and defend our territory. I didn't want to be reduced to a mere object for his pleasure.

"You can't control me," I said, my voice rising with anger. "I won't let you turn me into some weak, submissive woman."

Draco leaned forward, his expression hardening. "You are not in a position to make demands, Natalie. You are here because your father brought you here, and you will do as I say. I am the Alpha of this clan, and you will respect me."

I felt a flicker of fear at the intensity of his gaze, but also something else. There was a hint of sweetness in his tone, a vulnerability that I hadn't seen before. I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, even as I fought against it.

"I'm not going to be your obedient little bride," I said, my voice softer now. "But maybe we can come to some kind of understanding. Maybe I can help you in some way."

Draco's eyes narrowed, as if he were considering my words. "What could you possibly offer me, Natalie?"

I took a deep breath, trying to think of something that might appeal to him. "I know how to fight. I could train your guards, teach them some new techniques. I could help make your clan stronger."

Draco's expression softened slightly, and I saw a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. "You're a stubborn one, Natalie Talon. But I suppose your spirit could be useful in some ways."

I felt a spark of hope at his words, realizing that maybe I could find a way to make myself useful here, to prove that I wasn't just a helpless bride. Maybe I could even find a way to earn his respect and admiration.

As I left his bedchamber, I felt a mix of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, I was relieved to have avoided his wrath, to have found a way to make myself useful.

But on the other hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was drawn to him, that there was something about him that made my skin tingle and my heart race.

I didn't know what to make of it, but I knew that I couldn't let myself be consumed by these feelings. I had to stay focused on my mission, to find a way to escape this place and return to my pack.

A loud horn blared in a distance, followed by the sound of rushing feet. I jumped down and eyed the room. Something was wrong. My wolf senses were raging wild.

"Draco?"

I was suddenly alone in this large room. Or was I?