Chapter 3

Esme's POV

It's been three days since I came here but the Alpha has never even spoken to me once.

Forget about speaking, I've not even seen him. I certainly didn't enjoy my life as a slave in my own Pack but I still feel like it's unfair that Alpha Ethan claimed me as his mate and brought me to his Pack but doesn't give me the time of day.

I feel like a wife who's husband is absent and despite all the luxuries I've been provided, many of which I've never experienced before and so I'm grateful for, I can't seem to take my mind off my mate.

For the past three days, I've been fed so well, pampered beyond measure and dressed in the best clothes, a healer even comes daily to heal my wounds. It's almost like a dream, one I fear will end soon.

I was told by Ms. Rachel, the lady in charge of the palace duties, not to leave my room until I was sent for. She seems nice and has only been kind to me but I can't help the feeling that she's hiding something, everyone is.

Each maid I try to ask about the Alpha just outright ignores me or tries to change the subject, almost as if they're afraid to talk about him, to let something slip.

If this goes on any longer, I'm afraid I'll have to take matters into my own hands. No matter how fearsome he is, I'll have to develop the courage to go up to him for a chat.

I want to know why he didn't reject me and if he was telling the truth back in my Pack and has truly accepted me as his mate, why haven't I been allowed to see him?

A knock suddenly comes to my door, startling me.

Despite the fact that I'm not a slave anymore and I don't have to worry about being abused daily, old habits die hard.

"Come in." I permitted and the door opened, revealing that it was Ms. Rachel.

I quickly stood up to acknowledge her.

"You really don't have to do that my lady, you're the Alpha's mate, the Luna of this pack so you're the one who needs to be respected." She said and gave a small bow, making me feel embarrassed.

"You really don't have to bow to me, please don't." I pleaded and she gave a small smile.

"You've been restless the past few days and I understand why. Thankfully, everything will be cleared today." She said and I threw her a puzzled look.

"What do you mean by that?"

"The Alpha has demanded an audience with you and wants to speak with you about an urgent matter." She revealed, causing me to have mixed feelings.

I know that I've been eager to see the Alpha, primarily because I want answers but now that the opportunity has finally come, I feel reluctant.

I suddenly can't stop thinking about how scary he is.

"Um….Now?" I managed to voice out.

"Yes, your presence is needed now." She replied and I gulped, straightening out my dress before following her out of the room.

As I walked with her through the hall towards the throne room, my heart accelerated with every step.

"Will you calm down Esme or are you waiting to get a heart attack?" Solar teased.

"Don't mock me, you and I know you're afraid of him too." I fired back.

"That may be true but not as much as you. He's our mate after all, I love and respect him but I'm also expected to fear him." She replied and just then, we arrived at the throne room.

This is the first time I'm seeing him in three days, I have to admit that he looks really handsome.

He's deep in conversation with a man who I suspect to be his Beta and he doesn't seem to notice our presence until someone announces it.

He ends his conversation quickly and orders everyone else to leave the room, leaving the both of us alone. My anxiety once again rises at this.

He looks at me slowly while I keep my eyes glued to the floor, his scrutinizing gaze almost makes me feel naked.

"Come closer." He ordered and I hesitated a bit before complying.

"You're afraid of me." He stated, the side of his lips twitching in a smile.

I didn't want to anger him by answering sincerely but I didn't want to lie so I kept quiet.

"I can smell your fear and it feels oh so delightful, the rising of your heartbeat with every breath sounds like a melody." He said, completely catching me off guard.

I looked at him strangely for a split second before returning my gaze to the ground.

"How do you feel?" He asked.

"Uh…..Me? I….I feel great." I replied, trying hard not to stutter but failing miserably.

"Your injuries seem to be healing quickly and you seem fit enough to travel." He observed.

"What is your name?" He asked.

"My name is Esme, Esme Lamanie." I replied quickly.

"Esme." He repeated, my name sounding so sensual on his tongue. Heat rushed towards my cheeks at my unholy thought.

"I've prepared a great amount of wealth for you, if you use it wisely, you can survive comfortably on it for a few years." He said and I couldn't hold back my surprise.

"What?! What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is, you're leaving this Pack right now. I'll send a few warriors to escort you safely towards the border. You can go anywhere of your choice from there, you'll be provided enough to live comfortably, far away from me and this Pack." He spoke, his voice sounding harsh at the end.

I don't know why but the last part stung, causing my heart to constrict in pain. He didn't reject me but now he wants me to leave his Pack and stay far away from him? It doesn't make any sense.

"I don't understand, did I do something wrong? I deeply apologize if I did, just tell me what I did so I'll never repeat my mistake again. You can even punish me if you like." I found myself saying.

I'm still afraid of him no doubt but I'm afraid to leave this pack. What if I come across the Alpha of my former Pack again, what then?

"You didn't do anything wrong. This isn't about you, it's about what I want and I don't want you around me or this Pack. You might be my mate but I don't want you living with me." He replied, puzzling me further. He still refers to me as his mate but he wants to send me away.

"Why didn't you reject me then?" I lashed out, annoyed.

"I didn't reject you because I didn't want to. You're my mate and it would be a big blow to my pride if my mate is a slave so I had to take you out of there. I did you a favour, you should be grateful." He spoke conceitedly.

"Really? Thank you, then. Thank you for saving me. But have you ever stopped to think how I would feel after hearing this?

For a moment, I…. I had actually thought I could find happiness. That I could have a mate who would love and care for me but I was wrong.

I feel like a toy being passed around. You can accept me as your mate when you feel like it and then send me away the next minute." I said, tears falling down my cheeks.

I could have never expected any of this. Why is life so cruel to me?

"Think whatever you want, I don't see any reason for the tears and the unnecessary drama. You asked a question and you got your answer. If there's nothing else, it's best you get ready to leave." He said and stood up, ready to leave but I couldn't let it happen.

I rushed towards him, holding his hand. He stilled. 

"Why are you sending me away?" I asked the question in my mind.

"I already answered that, I don't want you around." He reiterated.

"Why is that? Do you have a problem with me?" I pushed.

"I'm not answerable to you. Let go of my hand now or there will be consequences." He threatened and I finally let go of his hand.

"You accepted me in front of everyone, I deserve your love and protection as your mate." I snapped.

"No, you only deserve what I give you. If you're afraid of getting into trouble with the Alpha of your former Pack, that has already been sorted out. I'll make sure that no one is able to lay a finger on you and you'll live comfortably in any pack you wish. Once you settle down, you can marry anyone you wish, I don't give a fuck.

I made a promise to you in your pack, which I'll fulfill by giving you provision and protection but aside from that, I have nothing left to give." He concluded.

"Have I no right to your love?" I enquired, a fresh tear trailing down my cheek.

"No. One can only give love if they have a heart. Don't trouble me anymore with these useless arguments, I've done the best I possibly can for you. If you don't leave on your own, I'll have you thrown out forcefully and that certainly won't be pleasant." He warned.

Seeing no other choice, I had to give in.

"Fine, I'll leave." I answered defeatedly and he left the throne room, not bothering to spare me as much as a second glance.

He truly is a beast, the bloody conqueror. I was a fool to hope for anything.