Chapter 3

I gasped and quickly clamped my arms over my bare chest, trying to cover myself. Why the hell did he just barge in without knocking? I couldn't wrap my mind around it. His eyes darkened as they roamed over my body, lingering in a way that made my skin tingle. I had always been complimented on my beauty, but the way he was looking at me now was different—intense. Yet, in a strange way, it made me feel desired.

He took a step toward me, and I gulped, instinctively stepping back. The expression on his face made my heart race. “I wonder why Father is treating you so kindly? You trespassed into our territory, and yet he shows you so much hospitality,” Axel said bitterly. I couldn’t help but wonder, what did he have against me? We hadn’t even met before, so what was his problem? Zarek didn’t seem to like me much either, but Axel was a complete asshole.

“What is your problem with me anyway?” I asked, my voice trembling as I summoned all the courage I had. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Before I could react, Axel closed the distance between us with lightning speed, his hands wrapping around my waist. He pulled me close, my naked chest pressing against his body. I gasped at the sudden impact. Having him this close was not something I had anticipated. His eyes roamed over my face, and I could feel his breath against my skin. My wolf growled violently inside me as I stared at him, confused by the magnetic pull between us. Was this the mate bond?

He was way too close for comfort, especially while I was completely naked. Yet, instead of pushing him away, I found myself frozen, allowing him to stay there. His gaze moved over every inch of my exposed skin, and I could feel the heat radiating between us.

"I see you like to talk," he growled low in my ear, his hand sliding down to grab a firm handful of my ass, the grip gentle yet possessive. I fought the urge to react, my body betraying me as the heat between us grew. What the hell is going on? And why am I letting it? His breath was hot against my skin as he leaned in closer. “You have invaded our sanctuary and still have the audacity to be our mate. Do you think you can handle that? You are so weak,” he taunted, his hand wandering to places I hadn't expected, his touch waking up something inside me I couldn’t ignore. His lips grazed my ear as he whispered, "Do you think you could handle it if I acted on what this mate bond is making me feel right now?" His voice sent a shiver down my spine, his lips barely brushing my earlobe.

I closed my eyes, the feeling taking over me, my wolf stirring violently inside me. He stared at me, waiting, daring me to respond. Without thinking, I shot back, my voice steady but filled with a boldness I didn’t know I had, "I am not as weak as you think. There’s nothing you can throw at me that I can’t handle." His smirk was cold, chilling, and then, without warning, he spun me around, pinning me hard against the table. My body collided with the surface, a gasp escaping my lips. Why am I letting him touch me like this?

“Are you sure about that?” he teased, his fingers trailing down my body. I gasped again, my breath hitching as his hand slid between my thighs. I had never been touched like this before, and the feeling was more intense than anything I had ever imagined. One hand kept me firmly against the table while the other gently found my clit, rubbing slow circles that made me gasp. "I expect you to answer with words," he commanded, his voice deep and rough as he pushed one finger inside me, drawing another gasp from my lips. My walls clenched around him, and he growled in approval. 

"You are so tight. Have you never done this before?" he asked, his voice filled with amusement. I whimpered softly.

"No," I whispered, my body reacting to his every touch. His thumb continued to tease my clit, building up something I couldn’t control, something that begged for release.

"You have never been touched like this?" he asked again, just to be sure, bis voice filled with arrogance. 

"Yes..." I barely managed to get the word out, my body trembling, but then, without warning, he withdrew his fingers, leaving me gasping in frustration. I craved more, desperate to know where this was going to lead. He spun me around to face him, his eyes raking over my naked body, and I swallowed hard, my wolf howling inside me. I wanted him—no regrets, no second thoughts about what an asshole he was.

He cupped one of my breasts, his fingers skillfully playing with my nipple, making me shiver. He pushed his slick fingers into my mouth, forcing me to taste myself as he muttered darkly, "You will leave by tomorrow unless you want to die. I can't keep you here." His voice was low, dangerous, as he pulled his hand away and gave me one last lingering look before leaving the room. Only then could I breathe again, my wolf finally settling. 

Why did I let that happen?” I had no answers, only the memory of his touch, replaying it over and over in my mind as I lay awake that night, unable to sleep. Axel haunted my every thought.

___________

The next morning, I expected to be kicked out. Axel had made it clear I would be gone. But instead, I was woken up by a maid who informed me that the Alpha requested my presence for breakfast. What the hell is going on? Why was the Alpha of the Grey Moon Pack inviting me to breakfast? Did he know who my father was? Was this all a trap to kill me? My mind swirled with questions as I got ready, feeling very uncertain at that very moment.

I took a shower and changed into the small dress one of the maids had provided. Following her downstairs, I entered the dining room and saw Alpha Cormac and the twins seated together, having breakfast. My nerves spiked instantly, especially when Axel’s eyes locked with mine, causing my wolf to stir with desire. At that moment I couldn't help but think she was such a whore for only being active around my mate. My gaze shifted to Zarek, who somehow looked even more handsome than he did the previous day. I couldn’t help but wonder how it would feel if he did to me what Axel had the night before.

“Nice of you to join us,” Alpha Cormac’s voice broke through my thoughts, catching me off guard. I met his eyes, and he gave me a polite smile, which I returned. When people spoke of this Alpha, I expected to see a ruthless beast, but he seemed to be the complete opposite—more of a gentleman. “Sit,” Alpha Cormac growled softly. I quickly obeyed, sitting down as the maids began serving food. The silence was tense, especially with Axel’s gaze constantly on me, making the air feel heavy. I tried to focus on my meal, devouring it since I hadn’t had such a luxury in a long time.

“The mating ceremony is in a few days. Since neither of you has found your mate, why don’t you choose one to mark?” Alpha Cormac said suddenly, making me choke on my food. I quickly grabbed a glass of water, drinking it down as the twins exchanged glances, their attention shifting to me.

“Are you okay?” Alpha Cormac asked, his voice with concern. I nodded, forcing a smile as I tried to regain my composure. They haven’t told their father I am their mate?

“We aren’t particularly interested in mates, father,” Zarek said coolly, taking a bite of his food. Axel added with a smirk, “Mother’s been gone for a long time, no one would judge you if you took a new mate.”

An uncomfortable silence filled the room. I kept my head down, eating in silence, trying to process everything. 

“I have decided I will be choosing a mate this year,” Alpha Cormac finally said. Whoever the woman was, she had to be incredibly lucky. You could tell he was a good man, and being mated to such a powerful Alpha would be an honor.

“Really? Who?” Zarek asked, curiosity creeping into his voice. “Have we met her?”

Alpha Cormac placed his fork down, took a sip of his wine, and said, “Indeed, you have.” The twins exchanged confused glances, clearly not understanding, and then he added, “I plan to pick my mate at this year's ceremony, and she will become my partner.”

“Who is this person you are going to Mark, father?” Zarek pressed, his voice cold yet curious.

Alpha Cormac turned toward me, his expression calm. “Our guest over here.”

I froze, fork mid-air, wondering if I had heard correctly. Was I imagining things? But no, his next words confirmed my worst fears.

“I shall be marking Lunette as my mate…”