CHAPTER TWO (Slave)

Selene

Agonizing in pain from his words, I completely forgot about the burning sensation I had felt from the fall.

I felt someone lift me up, and I looked up to see Imogen's face. As she helped me to my feet, she bowed slightly to the Alpha, apologizing for my misconception, while I stared at her with a scowl etched on my face.

“Let’s go” She whispered, pulling me away, my wolf whimpering from being separated from our mate. As we walked away, I felt his piercing stare slashing my back and a wet sensation on my cheeks; I realized I was crying, but I quickly wiped them away to avoid appearing weak.

*******

“What were you thinking?” Imogen half yelled as I settled into the shabby cloak spread out at the edge of the cottage; unfortunately, that was the only bed I owned.

"He is my mate, I sensed it," I insisted, rubbing my buttocks. I had finally begun to feel the aftermath from the fall.

"This does not look good; did you notice the look of contempt he gave you?" Imogen said, exasperated.

"I saw it and expected more; I am certain he will not hesitate to reject me," I muttered sadly.

"You can not be so sure; it may not be the case." Imogen spoke softly, almost as if she were persuading me to stay positive.

I laid down and waved at her, saying, "I know what you are doing, but we both know the truth." It felt as if I had been struck by a hard rock because the awakening was so overwhelming.

"I would get you some food and cake from my coming of age party tomorrow, do not think too much about this," she said after giving me a long, meaningful look. 

“Sleep well.” She mumbled.

"Okay, goodnight," I said softly as she walked away. I tried to stay awake, but it felt like a force was pulling me to the other side of the world, and my eyes drifted slowly into sleep.

*********

As dawn broke, I awoke sweating and panting, having had another of my many nightmares. I know you are probably thinking I am such a bad luck.

Rubbing my head I tried to subside the pain I felt but I knew it wasn't going to go away. That is what I get for never having to sleep in a proper bed. I struggled to my feet and stretched my entire body.

After having my bath, I went out into the market brushing away the thoughts of what transpired between I and my mate yesterday. I often work odd jobs to make ends meet.

After putting in a lot of overtime, I was exhausted and decided to head home to rest. As I approached the cottage, I noticed a seductive figure patiently waiting for me.

"Imogen," I exclaimed with excitement and hurried over to her.

“Careful” She laughed heartily and gestured to a stone near my legs.

"When did you get here?" I asked, taking a quick peek at the basket she was gripping so tightly.

"Not long," she said, opening the cottage door. I flinched at the noise it made as she giggled and followed me inside.

We sat on my bed, and Imogen took out a cake from the basket. "Happy coming of age," she exclaimed excitedly, as I looked at her gratefully.

"Thank you," I said as she fed me a piece of cake while I reciprocated. I then proceeded to plate the food she had brought and consumed it.

Amidst the laughter, there was a loud knock on the door as Imogen was cheerfully telling me about her party.

Pausing “Are you expecting anyone?” Glancing toward the door, she asked. With a shrug, I moved toward the door.

When I opened the door, I saw three enormous figures watching me like I was their prey. Based on their appearance, they seem to be employees of the royal family.

“Yes, how can I help you?” I stepped back a little and asked. To be honest, I was afraid of their overbearing presence.

"The alpha sent us; you shall pack your belongings and move into the royal house." One of them spoke confidently. I wanted to refuse, but no one defies the alpha's commands, and there she was (my wolf), whimpering happily at the mention of our mate.

Coughing I tried not to sound desperate as I said, "I would arrange my things and come when it is convenient for me."

"I am afraid it is not possible; please come either subtly or firmly." With a completely emotionless expression, the mean-faced man said.

"How cruel," I thought, looking perplexed.

"I will be back soon, I need to gather some belongings," I told them, acknowledging my fate.

“Is anything the problem?” Imogen bombarded the moment I walked back in.

“Well, it seems your Alpha wants me to live in the royal house” I blurted while Imogen frowned.

“I know right, that was the same look I gave when I heard that. I don't have a choice,they are waiting” I moved around the space gathering a few things besides I don't have much properties.

I was tying my belongings with a cloth when I noticed Imogen’s quietness and I waved my hands in front of her. "To earth, ma'am," I mocked, jolting her out of her reverie.

"You seem quiet; what is the problem?" I asked while scanning her.

“Nothing, I am excited at least we would be closer now” She said smiling, I could swear that her smile didn't reach her eyes but I brushed it off.

I finally left with those men after gathering my belongings; my thoughts were preoccupied throughout the journey. Something was off; I knew the alpha would not suddenly want me as his mate, and I was curious as to why he wanted me in the royal house.

We had arrived at the royal house, but I was asked to wait because the alpha was meeting with his subordinate. I sat restlessly, waiting for him to finish.

“The alpha will now see you” One of the servants said, ushering me inside as I marveled at the beauty of the place: it was called the royal house for a reason.

I was led into what appeared to be a study, and as we got closer, I could smell the strong scent of wood pine and minty leaves. He was sitting majestically in his royal chairs, his jaws sculpted as if they had been measured with a ruler before creation. I was so caught up in his charm that I forgot to greet him.

Snapping out of my reverie, I said, "G...good evening Alpha," bowing my head.

"You must have been overjoyed to hear that I had invited you over. How stupid of you," He mocked.

I scoffed internally at his sense of pride, flashing a sly smile. "I was not excited, curious is the right word Alpha," I joked, and saw his brows scrunch up into a fine line.

"You would be a slave here until I made up my mind about what to do with you." He waved his hands indifferently.

My ear quirked when I heard what he said. "A slave, I am better off the way I was," I exclaimed.

"No one refuses my orders." He growled, clenching his hands around his chair, and I twitched a bit.

I bowed my head, cursing my helplessness and saying, "I am sorry, I accept my fate, Alpha."

“You don't have a choice” 

With a gentle tap of his hands, a servant entered.

“Take her to her room and assign her work to her, you shall resume work immediately and if you fail to follow orders, you have yourself to blame” He gave me a chilly glance.

I was taken to my room, I glanced around it. There wasn't much difference from my little cottage, only that it had a somewhat good bed.

I slumped on the bed "At last, a comfortable bed," I groaned as the bed felt silky.

“Lyra, you heard our mate” I teased my wolf and heard her howl sadly.

“Doesn't she talk?” I thought, shaking my head.

As I embarked on the journey of being a slave, I faced obstacles, pain, and an unfulfilled longing for love that always seemed just out of reach.

On this particular day, my life took an unexpected turn, with events unfolding that promised to change my life in ways I could never have imagined.

“Is this the freedom I crave for?” I pondered gazing at the moon, a single tear tracing a path down my cheek.