Chapter 1

“Sylvia! Where are you, little mouse?”

His thunderous voice startled me so bad. I dropped the mug I was holding. Coffee and broken pieces scattered all over the kitchen floor. I had just cleaned. Goddess, he will probably beat me for it.

“Why the hell don’t you answer when I call?” He glared at me with those red eyes, sneering. His bulk filled the door frame, blocking the light. His wolf was always present. I didn't believe he had a human side. No, I couldn't find anything human in Alpha Drake of the Black Crescent Moon.

I gulped. No matter what I did, he was always annoyed. “I umm…. You startled me, Alpha.”

He turned his attention to the mess on the floor. “Clean this shit up and bring me some coffee and a sandwich. Make it snappy, little mouse.”

I hurried to get a mop and a bucket. All the while I felt his eyes on me, making a shiver run down my spine.

Please just leave, please just leave. I repeated in my mind, hoping he would go to his office or anywhere. I knelt down to pick up the broken pieces.

“Come to my office when you’re done. I have a present for you.” Then he turned on his heel and left.

A present? Drake never gave presents.  There will be a catch. I knew it. And it scared the hell out of me. 

****

“Enter.”

He sat behind his desk, a pile of letters before him. He barely glanced at me. I put the mug and the sandwich down, careful not to spill anything. Then I waited, unmoving. I knew if I did, he would probably grab me. I detested his touch.

Eating the sandwich in two bites and watching me, a strange smile appeared on his face. The scar on the left side of his face lifted with his grimace, making him appear more wolflike. I grabbed onto the side of his large desk to steady my wobbly legs. 

“This was good, little mouse. Are you eager to see your present?”

He came towards me and it took every ounce in me not to retreat. His hand on my cheek had my skin crawling in disgust.

“So beautiful.” his lips grazed the side of my mouth. “And you are all mine, aren’t you, little mouse?” he growled in my ear.

I didn’t want to say it. For four years he’s been abusing me, torturing me. I wanted to save myself for my soulmate, but he took it away from me. He took everything from me. My family, my friends, my pack and even my wolf.

The grip around my throat tightened. “Say it!” he snarled; those red eyes boring into mine. “Say it, Sylvia.”

“Yes, Alpha Drake.” I managed to croak. He shoved me against the wall.

“That’s not what I said. But never mind.” Drake released me. “You need to be taught a lesson, don’t you? A lesson in obedience.”

He went over to the where he kept his whips, chains and dog collars hanging. Oh please, no! I shook all over, feeling the tears spilling over on my cheeks. I fell to my knees, crying.

“Please, Alpha Drake, please not the whip. I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

He grabbed one of the spiked dog collars from the hook on the wall. Grinning like a demon, he twisted my hair behind my neck. I whimpered in agony as he snapped the collar around my neck.

“That’s it, my disobedient bitch, stay on all fours like a good little dog.” He laughed and slapped me so hard on my bottom my teeth clacked together. He clicked a leash on the collar and dragged me to the couch. I had to crawl fast lest I ended up on my face.

He motioned to a gold-colored box on the couch. “Open it.”

I got up. Big mistake.

“Did I say you could get up, dog?” He pulled on the leash and I fell at his feet, hitting my face on his knee. I tasted blood.

“Now open it like a doggie, with your teeth.”

I tore at the silk ribbon covering it. Nudging the lid open with my nose, I found a dress inside, a ball gown. I couldn’t help but gasp as I looked at it. He pulled it out of the box, red satin and lace flowed through his fingers. It was gorgeous. I've never had anything so beautiful. 

"Alpha?" I gawked at him in surprise. What was I supposed to do with this?

“So, what do you say to me, dog?” He lifted one of his heavy eyebrows in expectation.

“I… I… Thank you, Alpha Drake.” I said with my head bowed. Oh, please, please, don’t let him expect something else from me.

He grunted. “Fine, that’s good enough for now. You can show me your appreciation later.” He took the collar off, nudging me back with his booted foot. "Don't just stand there, go get dressed. You and I are going to the Spring Moon Banquet held by King Lucien of the Blood Fang pack."

He grabbed me by the arm and shoved me out the door. "Don't make me wait."

In my tiny room I held the gown to my body, wondering if this was a dream. Never in all this time has he taken me anywhere except to his bedroom or his torture chamber. I shivered. Could it be a trick? Some kind of elaborate way to hurt me? 

I showered quickly and dressed. The gown fit perfectly. It hugged my body like a glove, the satin skirt flowed in soft folds to the floor. The bodice had a short-sleeved lace overlay, decorated with tiny sequins that glinted in the light. I brushed my shoulder length chestnut hair until it shone. Having no makeup other than a lip-gloss and some mascara, I had to make do with it. 

Drake loomed in my bedroom; arms folded over his broad chest. He undressed me with his penetrating eyes. Even dressed as he was in a formal grey suit, his long black hair combed back in a low ponytail, he looked more feral.

“You look perfectly edible, little mouse.” Rough fingers caressed my back. “You can thank me later for your surprise.” His voice sent fear spiraling through my insides.

I can imagine what he would do to me and it will not be pleasant. Except for him it will be - he gets off on hurting me.

***

We arrived at King Lucien’s territory at twilight. Amazed at the magnitude of the palace I could hardly keep my mouth from dropping open. There were so many people, all dressed so smartly. Some of them were staring openly at Alpha Drake and myself. He kept a firm hand around my waist. I wondered what possessed him to bring me when he should have taken Victoria or one of his mistresses.

Backing myself into a niche beside a huge potted plant while Alpha Drake made conversation with another alpha, I took the opportunity to watch the elegantly dressed women. They looked stunning, making me feel self-conscious. I tried my best to hide the bruises Drake left on my neck using my hair. The gown had an open back and mine was covered in scars.

Drake loved using his whip whenever he felt I was being disobedient. The slightest thing could set him off. I tried to be careful not to annoy him, but he made me so nervous; I ended up making mistakes.

“Sylvia!” His voice boomed out over the chatter.

I jumped, nearly capsizing the plant next to me. “Alpha?”

Roughly he grabbed me by the elbow, dragging me along. I stumbled after him. “I need something to drink. Shit, I hate these social gatherings. Meaningless conversations with unimportant werewolves.” He grabbed two glasses of wine off a waiter, handing me one. “Here, drink up. It may make you less frigid. You’ll need it for what I have planned for you, little mouse.”

Just then there sounded a fanfare and the massive golden doors to the hall opened. King Lucien and his family made their entrance. Everyone in the room bowed down. I did too, not daring to look up. I heard the Alpha King welcoming all the different packs. Still, I kept my head down, awed by the presence of the royalty. King Lucien busy with his speech suddenly fell silent. Footsteps approached in our direction.

My heart beat out of my chest for some reason. People all around me started moving away. What is happening? Too anxious to move I stood frozen on the spot, head down. I saw a pair of black shoes right in front of me.

Alpha Drake muttered something incoherent. Ohhs and Ahhs rose from the crowd.  A large hand lifted my chin. My eyes flew open. I drowned in golden brown pools staring at me.

My mate? Could it be? His scent, a mixture of citrus and musk filled my senses and I staggered back. Dear Goddess, this can’t be happening! Was this a dream?  He smiled at me, making my knees weak and I felt sparks all over my body when he touched my hand.

He was the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Long blonde locks reached his broad shoulders, his face seemed as if it were carved out of marble.

“Mate. I’ve finally found you.” His deep masculine voice sent dangerous vibrations to my core.

“WHAT!” Alpha Drake stepped in front of me. “What did you just say?”

The young man glared at Drake and for a second his brown eyes flashed red. “Get out of my way, Alpha. She is my mate and she is coming with me.”

“Like hell, she is! Sylvia is mine. She is my slave.” Drake growled at the younger man, their noses almost touching. Both men’s fists were balled at their sides.

I started to shake. Drake will kill him. I just found him and Drake will kill him. I couldn’t dare go with him.

“Sylvia? Is that your name?” He turned to me, ignoring Drake. “Come with me, don’t be frightened.” He held out his hand to me.

I shook my head. My mouth refused to form words. I cringed when he tried to touch me. His eyes – they were turning red – just like Alpha Drake! He will hurt me! My knees gave out and I sank to the ground.

He frowned and went down on his knees beside me. I closed my eyes, waiting for him to hurt me. Instead, he gently held my face and I opened my eyes.

“Why are you so afraid, Angel?” He looked concerned. It was not something I was used to seeing on a man’s face. “I’m Hunter, Hunter Slater. You can come with me.”

Alpha Drake pushed him aside, grabbed my arm and pulled me upright.

“Enough! We are leaving.” Alpha Drake’s nails punctured the soft flesh of my arm. He dragged me away from Hunter.

Hunter leapt forward. He got hold of my wrist.

“I will rip you to shreds, Alpha Drake! Let go of my mate. NOW!” his voice boomed through the banquet hall. A tense hush fell over the room and all eyes turned to the scene enfolding.