Anastasia's POV. The tension in the air around where I was seated with the two other captives was high. None of us had uttered a word since we were asked to stay in this isolated box. I wonder when this queen of of all traders gets here. Shifting on my seat uncomfortably, I glanced at the little girl on my right. Her countenance was stale, like there was no life left in her anymore. Where was she from? Was she from around here or was she also dragged from another continent? Sigh…I had no clue. My gaze flew to the other captive but the only male with us was already staring at me. He didn't make any attempt to swerve his gaze away so I might as well just stare at him back. His eyes held no expressions to them, I couldn't guess what he was thinking. But one thing I knew about him was that he was no werewolf, just human. The staring contest went on for a while. I had no intention of losing to him. I'm guessing the little girl was now looking at us in confusion. Suddenly, he barked and
Anastasia's POV. “Don't let him get away!” Amidst the vastness of the thick fog, I heard the kidnappers’ leader, Bron bellow. Various footsteps followed. It seemed the men were trying to look for the runaway captive. I could only stand rooted to the spot, unable to do anything. I was sure Lady Luxina would have been hurled back into her wagon by her guards. Of course, me and the little girl were the least of anyone's worries but we dared not try to escape right now. A scream suddenly echoed through the thick mass of fog. There were several grunts and groans that followed. Did they catch him? Slowly and to my relief, the fog began to clear out. My vision was restored and I was glad to see the normal day’s colour again. I gazed at where the witch had run to and saw him being dragged back by some of the men. He had a minor cut on his right temple and a deep frown was etched on his face. He was apparently upset that his plan of escape had blatantly failed. But one could not deny
Anastasia's POV.“Not this clown again.” Lady Luxina groaned, dropping her book by her side and running her hand over face in a frustrated manner.“Come on now, aren't you dying to see my face after your long months of travel?” The male voice outside asked. I couldn't see a silhouette of a man standing just at the entrance to the wagon.Muttering disgruntled words inaudibly, Lady Luxina slowly turned and opened the drapes. A broad smile instantly filled her face.“Hmm, if it isn't the one and only gamma Gordon.” She said as she alighted the wagon. I had a split second view of the man in question. He was a tall built man with thick black hair. I couldn't take in the rest of him before the drapes obstructed my view.“I know you're not pleased to see me.” Came the voice of the man from outside.According to Luxina, he was the gamma of this pack. Usually, even though they are third in rank of the werewolf hierarchy, they still had a significant amount of power in each of their respective
Anastasia's POV.I was busy watching the coming and going of various people going about their own business while following Lady Luxina behind. Their mode of dressing was different from the way people were dressed in the Westlands- something that shouldn't be a surprise.The castle’s compound was filled with various fancy wagons and exotic horses. All of which were being tended to by different women. There was a part of the compound that had a large fountain, it was so large I initially thought it was a geyser.Another corner of the massive compound was the training ground where I sighted bare chested men sparring with each other while some others watched from different angles.The whole compound was blooming with activities, it was so lively.I was soon deprived of gazing around when we entered the castle itself. Believe me when I tell you it was like entering into a paradise. It was like the ceiling would never end but it did, only that it was just so high up.Beautiful chandeliers h
Anastasia's POV.As I was told, once I left the Alpha’s chambers, I headed straight for the storeroom where Lady Luxina had met with Sheryl earlier. But when I arrived there, I met no one. Oh now what do I do? I had no idea where else she could be. This part of the castle alone was like a giant maze to me. I could easily get lost in it! Even though I knew she was in charge of the kitchens, I knew not where that was located.Maybe I should ask around? A thought seeped into my mind. That should be the most logical thing to do in this situation. But I had cold feet, what if I get ignored or laughed at? Damn, why are you doing like this, Ana? I reprimanded myself as I sucked in some courage and walked out of the store room.The hall was like a public market, lots of people were roaming about, all busying themselves with various activities. I took a deep breath and walked towards a young female who was busy scrubbing the floor with a brush.“Excuse me,” I called politely, hoping she'd retu
Anastasia's POV.These ladies were bad news. I could tell just by the way Ginny was glaring daggers at them. Although, deep in her eyes, one could still notice the hunt of fear that lingered within.Bullies. Why do they always have to exist in every pack I come across? Especially in the workforce like this. Back in my home pack, I was bullied, in Nightshade pack, I was also bullied. Now here, I haven't even spent a day here yet I was already encountering them.No. I refuse, I refuse to be bullied again. I do not have to always be at the bottom of the food chain.“I think I have already been welcomed by Mistress Sheryl. Ginny and I will be going on our way now.” I said, hoping to dismiss them and cancel whatever was to ensue in this meeting.But as I grabbed Ginny’s wrist and took a few steps forward to leave, my path was obstructed by one of the ladies.“We're afraid this welcoming is customary as well as compulsory.” She said with a smirk spreading on her lips. She crossed her arms a
Anastasia's POV “Let me go!” I yelled amidst my struggles to get out of their grip. They were all holding me tightly, pulling me somewhere I didn't know.“In this castle, sugar, there are factions we do not like,” the redhead sneered contemptuously. She watched as the other two ladies pulled me.“Let her go, she has assignments from Mistress Sheryl.” Ginny whimpered, only brave enough to stand a distance away while watching me being hurled away.“Oh since you really want her around you, why don't you just join her?” The redhead said with a snort. She lunged for Ginny and immediately grabbed her arm.“No, let me go!” The timid maid shrieked as the redhead pulled her to where I was being pulled to.That's it, I can't take this anymore. Where were they even taking me?With a grunt, I yanked my arms out of their grip with my werewolf strength. I may not have a wolf, but I still possess some of my race’s abilities.I made a turn at a corner, intending to escape but I was easily cornered t
Anastasia's POV.“You clumsy low-life!” A growl reverberated through the corridors of the halls. I fought to stand up as my breath hitched in my chest. I was inhaling more air than I was exhaling.There were two figures standing before me; one I recognized as the Alpha from earlier and the other...he must be the Beta, they are always by the Alpha's side. There was also a guard present, though I was sure it was unnecessary for them.“Are you blind?” The same voice barked as the beta advanced towards me pugnaciously.I took weak steps back as my heartbeat increased and adrenaline rushed through my veins, forcing a glob of saliva down my dried up throat.The Alpha's arm, though, remained in his path, preventing him from advancing towards me and potentially eliminating me on the spot.“She must be punished, Alpha!” The Beta's gruff voice muttered.The Alpha kept his stern gaze on me. I couldn't tell if he was going to just let me go or go ahead with what his beta suggested.“Forgive me…Al
Anastasia’s POV.I woke up early today, and I hated that I did. Ever since Alpha Mathias had decided to treat me like …well, unlike a maid, Madame Sheryl had seemed to reduce the workload I get. I wasn't on morning dining duties like before anymore. My chores would only begin from early noon.I guess waking up early has just been a part of me. But now I have nothing to do for the next five hours.Well, I could use that opportunity to rest and take my medications. I stood up from the bed and walked to the table. There was a jug of water there which I drank from.I looked at the door, hoping Dane wasn't there to listen to me. I went to the small shelf at a corner of the room and opened it. There were a bunch of clothes there ; clothes I did not personally own but were given to me.Moving the clothes aside, I unearthed the medicines I had hidden there. Going back to the table, I began to take them according to how they were prescribed.I still haven't decided what I was going to do about
Mathias' POV.I can't deny that I actually felt a bit nervous calling her. I mean, I know that I'm the Alpha and I shouldn't fear anything but…sigh…I don't know why anytime she's around, my heart raced multiple times. It's like a chain reaction, one that connects her presence or the thought of her to my heart directly.Even now, as she opened the door to my chamber, I could feel my heart skipping.I tried to remain calm as she shut the door behind her. The way she interlocked her hands in her front and looked around the room gave her a cute ambiance. She really looked so innocent and delicate. Someone I wouldn't dare break.I saw that she didn't see me where I was. I was sitting behind a thick curtain in my study across from the door. I decided to announce my presence.“How are you?” was what I could come up with as I stood up. Luckily, I hadn't startled her. The smile that spread on her face made my heart jostle with exhilaration. I decided not to show my reactions.Walking around th
Anastasia's POV.“Bring them over here, Ginny.” I said, making way for her.I watched as she struggled with lifting the large wooden crate of vegetables on the cart. We were supposed to transfer about twenty of them to the kitchen store this morning and we have only carried two. I can't blame us though; here I am, a helpless pregnant maid who isn't even meant to be seen doing strenuous work and Ginny, well, her arms are just too slender.“Here, let me help,” I said as I approached her.“What? No, Anna, you're…” she objected, cutting herself off. Her eyes darted around to check if no one was within ear’s reach. “You're pregnant,” she whispered with concern etched in her tone.I shrugged, “Pregnant, not helpless or lazy. Come on, let's lift this thing.” I said dismissively as I crouched to lift the crate.She opened her mouth but closed it back and sighed, “If you say so,” she crouched also and on a countdown, we lifted the crated with our joint strength, unto the cart.See, not so bad.
Anastasia's POV. Clicking my tongue as I paced around the room nervously, I didn't know what to tell the guard I was going to do. I am having second thoughts about telling him I was heading to the infirmary. What if he decides to come with me? Then it will be discovered that I am pregnant, and then everyone will know and ….sigh….calm down Anna. I sat on the edge of the bed, thinking over my options. You know what, I’ll just go, I don't need to think about it. I stood up with a new wave of courage and walked towards the door. I moved my hand back from pulling the doorknob before releasing a long breath and walking out. He was right there, standing like a warrior he was. I pretended like he wasn't there, walking past him towards the stairs. I didn't hear him say anything and so I thought I was good to go. Not until I began to hear pounding footsteps behind me. I swung my head around and saw him sternly walking after me. With raised brows, “What is it?” I asked. He raised a brow
Anastasia's POV.“You won't tell us. Then it's a shame because we are here to rip you of your undeserving privileges.” She spat, her voice dripping with contempt. The trio dropped their trays on the desk and began to advance towards me.Oh Goddess…I stumbled backwards as they drew nearer. My eyes darted around the room but I found no way of escape. I looked at them, the malice in their gazes. They weren't going to stop.“Stop!x” but I said anyway.“We can talk this through .” I tried to negotiate.Swetlana shook her head, a wide grin playing on her lips. “There's nothing to talk about, only to your ancestors” stepping over the stool.Okay okay, I shouldn't panic. I'm a werewolf, they are just normal humans ..I hope so. I should have a bit of an advantage over them, even though I have no wolf. I swallowed a lump, waiting for them to get close enough.Swetlana, a grin spreading over her lips, “Frana, bring out our gold price,” gesturing to the fat one on her left.My eyes narrowed as F
Anastasia's POV.My face flushed as the memory of how the Alpha had me in his arms rushed into my mind. His touch was electric and it sent unknown waves throughout my body. For the first time in my life, I felt …safe.It was peaceful, so calm, so…loving.I remembered the confession he made to me a week ago. With what he did tonight, was what he said true? Did he really feel that way towards me? I was feeling so insecure even with him. I didn't want to be rejected again.It was also still unclear to me why he wanted me. I was merely a slave – although now a worker who earns wages – and nowhere near his class. He was a freaking Alpha! The peak of nobility in every pack. We were two different worlds apart, I doubt he would really want me. I would only be used and tossed aside…like before…I pushed the thoughts behind my mind and scanned the room I was in. It greatly contradicted the one that the Gamma had locked me in.The lack of foul stench was the first thing to be thankful of. And th
Mathias' POV.Four hours! That was what it took for Orice and I to rescue Nadine, take down Zandor's guards and return to my castle. Yes, it wasn't such a big deal.That punk really thought he could strike a deal with me. I had to remind him who he was dealing with.“Open the doors.” I said to the guard stationed at the door, who was looking at us quizzically.I ignored his apologies and walked into my castle. Ahh, home sweet home. This castle may have been built hundreds of years before I was even born, but it still felt like mine.Of course it was, I'm the Alpha.“Orice.” I called and turned around abruptly, bringing Orice and Nadine, who were behind me, to a stop.“Yes Alpha.” He answered respectfully. Sometimes, this man makes me forget we were best friends.I gestured to one of the guards nearby. “Let him show her to her room, she's welcome as a noble here.” I said. I noticed the glance from Nadine, her eyes filled with gratitude.Orice and I watched the guard escort her away and
Anastasia's POV.I groaned as another shot of hunger panged the centre of my stomach. I rolled on the dirty floor in pain. This wasn't my first time going days without food but that was when I was still at my Grandfather's pack. Back then was when I might not see anything to eat for three days straight.But the last few weeks I have been here, I have been eating accordingly. It may not be the best diet but at least I haven't gone a day without food for weeks now. And that was why it was somehow strange for my stomach to experience lack of food so suddenly again.“Shit!” I cursed under my breath as another wave of hunger attacked me. I am surely going to die here…My mind screamed the Alpha's name. He was the only one that seemed to be able to save me now.Where had he gone even? I have been to three different packs to be sure Alphas don't need to sneak out of their own castles if they had any urgent things to attend to.Another wave of pain shoots through my stomach, interrupting my
Anastasia's POV.“What? Why…what's going on?” I snivelled but my words landed on deaf ears.I was dragged down the hallway, my legs hitting the debris on the way. They didn't even let me stand upright.They dragged me around a corner into a dark corridor.“Where are you taking me?” I asked, panic slowly filling up my heart.I got no response as they continued to drag me down the dimly lit narrow corridor. Soon, they stopped but didn't let go of me.I heard the sound of locks and creaking of doors before I swung around.My ass landed on the hard ground with a thud and I groaned in pain. I sat up on the floor, wiping my sweaty face before looking around at where I had been tossed in.It was a small room; very dark and smelly. There was nothing but an old dirty jug in a corner of the room.I heard the door creaking again and I immediately crawled towards the guards.“Wait!” I wailed, kneeling before them and using my hands to hold the door. “What have I done? Why am I here?” I asked urge