Chapter 4

Ezio:

I watched as Iris works to satisfy the beta who has done nothing but insult her all day. Her eyes which were fixed on the ground broke my heart. Seeing as the beautiful Alpha’s daughter, one who was once strong and proud, mopping the ground all day as someone kept yelling at her, discriminating her whenever she saw her. 

The beta’s screams fill the air as she chose to either lose her temper, yell at the maids, or throw a bunch of orders, and seeing as Iris chose to stay quiet; I wondered how much longer she would last before she ended up losing herself to her anger. Hell, I might end up losing myself long before she did. However, I forced myself to focus on working, keeping myself busy as to ensure that I didn’t do anything stupid.

I watched as the other slaves worked around the house, those who were new here, training them myself as to avoid catching anyone’s attention. The poor girls broke my heart, I had to admit that and despite wanting nothing more than to set them free, sending them back to their families; I knew that it was almost impossible.

“I want neither one of you slacking. Otherwise, I will be sure that you’re all punished, and believe me, you don’t want to deal with my punishments” I snapped glaring at the women who didn’t pay attention. Their eyes avoided my own as they went back to scrubbing the floors, windows, or dusting the shelves “next up, I want these books dusted. Each group would be organized by the author and alphabet. One mistake and there would be no supper for any of you. Therefore, be sure to get everything done properly”

I crossed my arms over as the beta walked out of the room where she had been yelling at the other slaves, Iris was one of them. She smiled when she saw me and I had to fight back rolling my eyes at her, but forcing myself to smile back, I nodded at her in greeting.

“I see that you’re training the new slaves well” she said crossing her own arms, watching as each woman worked on the task given to her “I’m surprised that you couldn’t do the same with the other woman. Anyhow, I want this room dusted and cleaned before the Alpha arrives from work. He would be exhausted and would want to see things clean and tidy”

“Yes, Beta” I said looking down at the slaves who stopped to look at her, both admiring and fearing her. Not bothering to spare her a second glance, I glared at the women who were completely lost in whatever thoughts they fell into “you heard your beta! Get back to work!”

The women jumped upon hearing my voice, quickly going back to work, some dropping the brooms which were in their hands making me shake my head. I was just thankful that they didn’t break anything in the process of being as reckless as they suddenly became. 

The Beta stood on her toes beside me, her hot breath hitting my cheek. Her voice just above a whisper as she spoke, not wanting the slaves to hear what she was going to tell me, her voice sending shivers down my spine as she spoke.

“Call me Miley”

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I wrapped my arms around Iris, hugging her tightly when I walked inside her bedroom.

Having caught my scent, she was already standing, waiting for me when I walked inside. 

She took a step back when I slid my arms down her waist making me frown in confusion. I took a step back to look at her, my eyes widening when I noticed the fresh bruise on her cheek, neck, and arm. I didn’t know where else she was injured, but judging by what I saw, the woman was badly hurt.

“Iris, what…?”

“Don’t worry about it, Ezio”

“Iris” I snarled, stopping her. 

“We have more important things to talk about Ezio. You worrying about these bruises won’t stop them from coming, okay?” Iris cupped my cheeks, forcing my eyes to remain on hers, I waited for her to continue whatever it was she was going to say “there’s a ball coming next week. The Silvermoon pack’s leaders will be there, and I have to attend…”

“Need I ask why you have to attend?” I asked, stopping her from completing her sentence “we’re already in the Alpha’s house…”

“Please, Ezio. We have to be there. This Alpha has to see me somehow, he has to trust me, but judging by how this beta is acting; there’s no way he’ll spare me a second glance” Iris said, taking a step back. She pulled me toward the bed, the two of us sitting on the edge of the bed as I waited to hear what the hell was on her mind this time. 

“And how do you plan on attending the ball?”

“We need to get on Miley’s good side. She has to be the one to allow me to go” I shook my head at the madness of the idea, but I didn’t bother opening my mouth as I waited for whatever it was Iris was going to say “you’re going to invite her to dinner tomorrow”

“I’m going to do what?” I asked wide eyed. Iris couldn’t be asking me to do what I think she was, right?”

“Ezio”

“Iris, I said it once, and I’ll say it again, my loyalty is yours and yours alone. But there is no way in hell that I’m going to invite that bitch for dinner” I said, stopping Iris from saying whatever she was going to say. 

“Can you at least let me finish whatever I’m going to say?” Iris asked, clearly enjoying my reaction. 

“No, I would rather die than invite a slut like herself for dinner…”

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I cleared my throat as I reached Miley who was giving her orders to Iris. Yelling at her might I add, raising her hand as to slap her. The woman put her hand down upon seeing me, her eyes widening in surprise “Ezio?”

“Everyone to work, I want these windows cleaned and the chandeliers dusted, am I making myself clear?” I said glaring at the women who nodded. My eyes met Iris’s, and following my gaze, Miley glared at her.

“Didn’t you hear him? GET TO WORK!” Miley yelled, ‘asserting’ whatever dominance she believed she had. It sickened me how she believed that she could act, but I wasn’t here to make her pay yet. Therefore, letting her boast her own ego, it would be taken care of later, I just watched in silence as she threw in her ‘orders’. 

Iris nodded and lowered her gaze before picking up a mop and a bucket. Miley’s eyes were fixed on her, and taking that as my chance, I took her hand in mine, catching her attention. The woman froze and I could hear her heart racing against her ribcage as she turned to face me, her attention now focused on me “I was wondering if you would do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?”

“What?” Her eyes were wide as she processed my words. Iris’s eyes were fixed on us as she listened in on the conversation, and despite it being her idea, I could already feel her rising anger. 

“Just the two of us? You know, if you have nothing better to do…”

“Yes, I mean” she blushed as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, trying to play harder to get. I smiled, my smile charming her as I pulled her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckle.

“Meet me at the garden back garden at eight”