Chapter 6

I froze when the words filtered into my ears and registered in my brain. Mates.

Does that explain the tingling feeling I get when he is close? But my human self, the rational one of me would rather be far away from him as he was an abuser.

"You don't seem too affected by it."

"Does it change anything?" I asked. "You wouldn't want an omega as your mate."

He chuckled, "You are becoming bolder. I love it." He kissed my cheeks, slowly moving towards my neck as I bit my lips once again.

Adrian's words hung in the air like a dark omen, and I couldn't deny the truth in them. Despite my fear and reluctance, my body had betrayed me with its involuntary response to his touch.

"Wanting you, It's not intentional," I stammered in response, my voice quivering as I tried to explain myself. "We haven't seen each other since that first night and you… reminded me of your presence everyday with gifts. My body, my wolf even though it's lowly, recognizes that, but me… the human still fear you. And still hate you."

Adrian's eyes bore into mine, intense and unyielding. "When you first came here, I didn't touch you," he continued, his voice lowering to a seductive murmur. "I gave you time, my darling Selena. But that time is over, and you better mind the way you speak to me… pet."

Before I could react, his lips were on mine, and his hand wrapped around my throat.

The kiss was possessive and demanding, leaving me breathless and overwhelmed. I knew I didn't want this, but my body seemed to betray my desires, responding to his touch with a shameful eagerness.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the cruel truth of my existence here. I had been sold into this nightmare, my purpose reduced to that of a breeder. Adrian's desires were my prison, and there was no escape from the fate that had been thrust upon me.

Adrian's words hung in the air like a sentence, and I couldn't escape the terrible reality of what he had just declared. Tonight, he intended to take what he believed was his "price" – me. Panic surged through me as he pushed me down onto the bed, his strength overpowering my feeble attempts to resist.

"No, please, no!" I begged, my voice quivering with fear and desperation.

Adrian's response was a chilling chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine. "You're only making it worse, and sweeter, by struggling," he murmured, his words laced with a disturbing hunger.

I felt like a trapped animal, helpless in the face of the predator that loomed over me. There was no escape from this nightmare, no sanctuary from the cruelty of the man who believed I belonged to him.

As Adrian leaned in closer, his intentions clear, I closed my eyes and prayed for the strength to endure whatever horrors this night held in store for me.

I could feel him touch me. And slowly, I gave in to his forbidden desire.

****

Months had passed, each night bringing with it the same dreadful routine. Adrian would enter my room, taking what he believed was his, and then leave me, broken and empty.

I had lost count of how many nights I had endured, how many tears I had shed, and how many pieces of my soul had withered away.

But now, as I touched my swelling belly, I was faced with an unexpected reality.

A life was growing inside me, a tiny being that was both a part of me and a part of the man who had tormented me. I couldn't change the circumstances of this conception, but I could choose how I would face this new chapter of my life.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I whispered a prayer, a plea for strength and love. I wanted to be a good mother, to cherish and protect this innocent life that had been thrust upon me. I couldn't allow myself to hate the baby for the sins of its father.

It was during one of these moments of introspection that Lila entered the room, her presence a comforting distraction from the haunting memories of the past. She offered me a bowl of soup, explaining that it was meant to aid in the healing of my bones and spine as the pregnancy progressed.

"Thank you," I whispered, accepting the bowl with a faint smile. My body was indeed going through changes, and I couldn't help but marvel at the wonder of it all, despite the circumstances.

Lila sat beside me, and I felt a glimmer of camaraderie with her. "Werewolf pregnancies are different from most human pregnancies," she explained gently. "They progress more rapidly. You'll carry the baby for just six months."

I nodded, absorbing this new piece of information. The brevity of the pregnancy brought both relief and trepidation. I would soon face the challenges of motherhood, and I was determined to provide a safe and loving environment for my child, no matter the circumstances of their conception.

As I took a spoonful of the soup, I couldn't help but wonder about the kind of life my child would have.

Would they inherit their father's darkness, or could I somehow protect them from that fate? It was a daunting question, one that weighed heavily on my heart.

Lila's gentle voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned my attention to her as she began to speak

. She informed me about the upcoming mating ball, an event I had heard whispers about during my time in captivity. I couldn't help but ask, "Is it a must for me to attend?"

Lila nodded solemnly. "Yes, it's expected. As the Alpha King's mate, you should be present."

My heart sank at the thought of attending such an event, especially in my condition. I hesitated for a moment before voicing my concern. "But I'm pregnant," I pointed out as if that fact alone should exempt me from the obligation.

Lila, however, surprised me with a smirk. "Don't you want to leave this room, and get some fresh air? You've been inside for months, Selena."

Her words resonated with me, and I couldn't deny the truth in them. I had become a prisoner in this room, my world confined to its walls. The prospect of stepping outside, even for a short while, held a strange allure.

With a sigh, I finally relented. "Fine, I'll go."

That evening, I was dressed in a gown that concealed my pregnancy, a flowing dress of deep midnight blue that draped elegantly over my growing belly. Lila had chosen it for me, explaining that it would both conceal my condition and enhance my beauty. I couldn't deny that the dress was lovely, but it felt like a mask, concealing the truth of my situation.

As I descended the stairs of the grand estate, the atmosphere in the ballroom was electric with anticipation. The room was adorned with opulent decorations, and sparkling chandeliers casting a warm and inviting glow over the scene. The air was filled with hushed whispers and curious glances, and I couldn't help but feel like a caged bird on display.

Lila walked beside me, her presence a reassuring anchor in this sea of unfamiliar faces. We moved through the crowd, the chatter growing louder as we passed by, and I overheard snippets of conversation about me.

"She's the Alpha King's mate, isn't she?"

"I heard she's pregnant. Does that mean she's already chosen?"

"Why would Alpha Adrian host a mating ball when everyone knows he's already mated?"

The questions and speculations swirled around me, leaving me feeling like a puzzle with missing pieces. I clung to Lila's arm, seeking comfort in her steady presence.

Despite the confusion and curiosity surrounding my presence at the ball, one thing was clear: the expectations were high, and many assumed that I would be the chosen mate.

The reasons behind Alpha Adrian's decision to host this event remained a mystery, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it than met the eye.

Adrian's commanding voice cut through the chatter, signaling that he had an announcement to make.

The crowd hushed, and all eyes turned toward him as he ascended a grand podium. The anticipation was palpable, and my heart pounded in my chest as I waited to hear what he had to say.

With a regal air, Adrian spoke into the microphone, his words resounding through the ballroom. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight at this mating ball. It's an opportunity for all of us to meddle and find our mates."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, and I watched as people exchanged glances, eager for what might come next.

Adrian continued, his voice unwavering. "I, too, have met my mate."

My heart skipped a beat, and I leaned forward, straining to hear every word. Could it be possible? Had he finally chosen me as his mate?

But then he spoke her name, and it was like a dagger through my heart. "Isabella."

Isabella… The name hung in the air, and my mind struggled to process what I had just heard. I thought it was some cruel joke, a misunderstanding, but then I watched as Adrian and Isabella met in the center of the room, their lips locking in a passionate kiss.

My world shattered at that moment. The man who had taken away my freedom, who had caused me so much pain, had found happiness whereas I… I was still stuck in his loop of desire.

It felt like a betrayal that cut deep, and though I tried to suppress it, I couldn't deny the hurt that welled up inside me.

As the crowd erupted into applause and celebration for the new mated pair, I felt like an outsider in a world that had turned its back on me. I turned away from the spectacle, tears stinging my eyes, and made my way toward the hallway.

But before I could retreat to the solace of my room, Adrian appeared in front of me, his gaze piercing. "Who allowed you to leave early?" he demanded, his tone harsh.

I blinked up at him, my confusion and pain warring within me. "I... I thought the announcement was over," I stammered, unable to hide the tremor in my voice.

Adrian's expression remained stern, and I could see the anger in his eyes. "You will remain here until the end of the ball," he ordered his words leaving no room for argument.

"Why do I have to stay? Do you enjoy this?" I couldn't hold back the question any longer, and it burst from my lips before I could stop it.

Adrian scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he regarded me with cold disdain. "Oh, the pet finally speaks," he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.

My frustration and anger boiled over, and I growled lowly, unable to contain my emotions any longer. But before I could react further, Adrian's hand struck out, his palm connecting with my cheek in a stinging slap. The force of it sent a jolt of pain through me, and I gasped, my hand flying to my throbbing face.

"Pregnant or not, no disgusting omega dares to growl at me," Adrian hissed, his anger palpable. "Now get out."

I stared at him, a mixture of pain and defiance in my eyes. I couldn't let him see the tears that threatened to spill, not now. With trembling resolve, I mustered my strength and spat out words that I knew would infuriate him.

"This is why all the women you've been with have miscarriages," I retorted, my voice shaking with rage. Then, without waiting for his response, I turned and walked away, my heart heavy with the weight of my own words.

As I made my way back to my room, each step felt like an eternity. The pain in my cheek throbbed, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. I had challenged Adrian and lashed out at him, and I knew there would be consequences.

But as I rounded a corner, I spotted Lila, the maid who had shown me kindness and compassion. Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed her shoulder, my desperation evident in my eyes and voice.

"Lila, help me escape. Please.”