Chapter TwentyHunter’s POVAs the door slammed shut behind Caleb, I stood there, fists clenched, struggling to maintain my anger.His defiance irritated me, but there was something else that ate at me… a feeling I refused to acknowledge.He had no right to interfere, especially not when it came to my business. And yet, I couldn’t shake off the anger that continued to boil inside me, not just at him, but at myself.I turned my gaze back to Faelen, who was standing there, trembling slightly, the handkerchief clutched tightly in her hand.Her long red hair covered most of her face, and those gorgeous wide eyes of hers… always so full of fear, always making me feel… something I didn’t want to feel.Her presence there weakened me, more than I cared to admit. “Why do you have to make things so difficult, huh?” I muttered under my breath, more to myself than to her.My words came out louder than I intended, but I didn’t care. I needed to regain control, to stamp back my dominance and remind
Chapter Twenty-oneFaelen’s POVAs I finished the last bite of bread, I felt a strange mix of relief and confusion. Hunter had been watching me the whole time, his expression unreadable, but now, he seemed to have lost interest.He turned away, his eyes distant, as if I wasn’t even there anymore. “Take the plates with you and leave,” he ordered, his voice cold and distant.I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of the sudden change in his demeanor. But then I bowed lightly, as I had been taught to do, and gathered the plates.My hands were still shaking, and I had to force myself to focus, to not drop anything. As I made my way to the door, my mind was racing, trying to understand what the hell had just happened.Why had Hunter suddenly changed his mind? Why hadn’t he hurt me like he had last time?I could still remember the cruelty in his eyes, the way he had taken pleasure in my humiliation. But today, he had been different. Distant, yes, but not cruel.Not in the way I ha
Chapter Twenty-twoFaelen’s POVI left the kitchen with Caleb’s words still echoing in my mind. I knew he was right… I couldn’t trust Hunter. Not after everything he’d done.But something about the way he had acted today… it had shaken me. I had expected cruelty, and instead, I got confusion. It made no sense, and it made me uneasy.As I walked back to the servants’ quarters, I couldn’t help but replay the events of the day in my head. Hunter had dragged me to his room, and I was certain I was about to endure more humiliations.Today he had done nothing but offer me food and then sent me away. Why? What was he playing at? What was even more troubling was the stupid attraction I felt towards him.It was stronger now, and no matter how much I wanted to deny it, it terrified me. I couldn’t afford to be attracted to him. I couldn’t allow whatever childish imaginations of a connection forming between us.When I finally reached my small room, I collapsed on the bed, staring up at the ceilin
Chapter, Twenty-threeFaelen’s POVAs I stood trembling before Hunter, he gazed at me with those pretty, but menacing eyes that cut through me more than anything.I knew I had to think fast, but my mind was blank with fear and the shock of unexpectedly bumping into him. “I said… what are you doing here?!” His voice rang through the empty hallway, not minding if he woke others in the estate.There was also an anger in his voice that sent chills down my spine. He wasn’t going to let me leave until I answered him, he already made that clear. Even though I was scared to death of him, I knew there was no way I could tell him the truth. I’d be as good as dead if I dared open my mouth about the truth of it.But then, I could see that he was ready to drag the truth out of me by force if necessary, so I thought hard for a suitable lie. “I-I couldn’t sleep,” I stammered, trying to steady my voice to sound convincing. “So I thought I’d get some chores done, to make myself… useful.”Hunter’s e
Chapter Twenty-fourHunter’s POVAs the sun illuminated the sky the next morning, I turned in my sheets, but then stood up and walked straight into the bathroom.I didn’t know how to shake the uneasy thoughts that had plagued me all night. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my jaw clenched so tightly I could hear my teeth grinding together. The image staring back at me was a mess, a man who had spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to get a moment’s rest.Dark circles revealed beneath my eyes, and my hair was disheveled from running my hands through it over and over again. I could still feel the ghost of Faelen’s lips on mine, the memory burning itself into my mind. No matter how much I tried to shake it off, it wouldn’t leave me.I hated it… hated her for making me feel this way, for dragging me into this mess feelings. But more than anything, I hated myself. How had I let it get this far? I should have put her in her place the moment she leaned in. I should hav
Chapter Twenty-fiveFaelen’s POVAs I rose from the bed that morning, I could still feel the weight of what had happened last night pressing down on me.My body ached with exhaustion, but it wasn’t just physical… it was emotional, too. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Hunter’s face, his fury, and the kiss that had sparked it all.Why had I done it? Why had I let myself get so close to him? I had been so careful, so focused on my mission, but in that moment, all of that had fallen away.It was like something had taken over me, a pull that I couldn’t resist, a force stronger than anything I had ever felt before. And it had led me to a place I knew I shouldn’t have gone.I paced the small room, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t control. Hunter was the Alpha, powerful, dangerous, and I was just a servant, an outsider here with a mission I couldn’t afford to fail.But none of that had mattered in that instant when our lips had touched. The memory of his kiss lingered on my lips, wa
Chapter Twenty-sixFaelen’s POVAs I sat there in the safety of the quarters, the panic began to subside, slowly replaced by a deep sadness.My heart still pounded in my chest, and my hands trembled uncontrollably, but my thoughts slowly started to come together.I replayed the scene over and over in my head… Hunter’s face, twisted in anger, the shattering of the tea set, and his voice, thundering through the office like a storm.How had it come to this? Just a day ago, I was a simple servant, blending into the background of the estate, doing my best to stay out of sight and fulfill my mission.But now… now I was marked. I felt. Hunter’s anger was like a brand of hot metal burning into my flesh, and I knew I would never escape it.I could still feel the sting of his eyes on me, a reminder that I had crossed a line that should never have been crossed.I tried to steady my breathing, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw him. I had kissed him, yes, but he had kissed me back. No matter
Chapter Twenty-sevenHunter’s POVI paced back and forth in my office, unable to shake the frustration in me. The shattered pieces of the tea set on the floor reminded me of my outburst that morning.I hadn’t meant to lose control like that, but already raging about the killings at the site, the sight of Faelen had triggered something inside me… something dark and uncontrollable.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to focus on anything else, but it was impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her terrified expression, heard the shatter I caused against the wall. I knew it wasn’t just the rage of the killings that bothered me… it was the awkward situation with Faelen last night.I had intended to crush her spirit when I’d caught her snooping around when she shouldn’t be, but it had turned into something else shockingly.It felt like it was her who had broken my spirit, and not able to remain with her there, I’d stormed off like a frightened little girl.I felt embarrassed about
Chapter Fifty-twoCaleb’s POV Hunter had been gone for hours. Not that it was my business to know where he went, but I could easily come up with a guess.It wasn’t hard to see the signs every time the Alpha tried to run from his problems. I’d watched him do it before.He would lose himself in a bottle until the anger and guilt he carried became numb enough for him to Ignore.Tonight wasn’t so different.I stood by one of the estate’s windows, staring out into the darkness, the moon shining a pale glow across the grounds.My thoughts spun, still replaying the scene I’d stumbled upon earlier. I’d tried to push it out of my mind, but it kept coming back, like a wound that wouldn’t stop bleeding.My jaw clenched as I remembered the way they’d looked at each other. Hunter’s raw, possessive gaze… so unlike him… and Faelen’s mix of shyness and shock.It wasn’t just a casual fling or a meaningless encounter. There was something more there. Something deep.The estate front doors creaked open,
Chapter Fifty-one Hunter’s POV The moment Caleb left my office, the silence that settled in the room was suffocating. I stood there, staring blankly at the door for what felt like forever.My mind spun with thoughts and emotions I could hardly make sense of. There was still the faint scent of Faelen lingering in the air, a maddening reminder of what had just happened.No. What I’d let happen.“Damn it,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair and tugging at it in frustration.This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. None of it. I was supposed to be in control… of myself, of my feelings and the whole situation.Yet, every time I was around Faelen, it was like I lost my grip on everything. And now Caleb… my best friend and my Beta, had seen me with her. Her, of all people. A servant. Someone I should have no business getting involved with, yet here I was.Guilt, anger, confusion… all clashed inside me, fighting for dominance. And beneath it all, the relentless tug of my emotion
Chapter FiftyFaelen’s POV I had bolted out of Hunter’s office with my face burning with humiliation and my chest tight with shame.Caleb had been standing right there by the door, but I couldn’t even look at him. I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, focusing on the sound of my own footsteps echoing down the corridor.I felt like I was suffocating under the weight of his silent judgment. How had I been so stupid? So reckless?Now outside the estate, I rounded a corner and didn’t stop until I was well out of sight, pressing myself against the cold stone wall.My breaths came in harsh gasps, and I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the tears that wanted to spill out.But it was no use. The embarrassment of what had just happened, the shame of being caught like that by Caleb was too overwhelming.I sank to the floor, curling myself as the sobs came in wave over my body.What must Caleb think of me now? He’d always been so kind, so and… different from the others. He had looked at me like I wa
Chapter Forty-nineHunter’s POV As soon as I heard the door open and saw Caleb’s figure standing there, every muscle in my body tensed.The heat and passion from just moments ago vanished in a wave of shock and embarrassment.I looked at Faelen, her cheeks flushed, lips parted in surprise. My mind raced as the reality of what had just happened settled over us.The look of horror was plastered on Caleb’s face as he registered the scene he had just witnessed.“Shit…” I muttered under my breath.Caleb’s eyes shifted between us before he quickly turned away silently. He took a step back, the door swinging shut behind him.I could still feel his presence on the other side, no doubt rooted to the spot, waiting for… something.Faelen scrambled to cover herself, her hands trembling as she reached for her scattered clothes.She looked so vulnerable that moment, and all I wanted to do was pull her back to me, and protect her from the mess we’d just gotten ourselves into. But I hesitated, torn
Chapter Forty-eightHunter’s POV I had my face buried deep between Faelen’s shaky thighs, my tongue doing wonders to her clit and entire womanhood.I’d gone out to fetch something from the library, and returning, I’d found her in my office. She seemed to be looking for something on my desk, but the sight of her both surprised and excited me that I didn’t bother why.When asked why she was here though, she’d lied about it. I’d known immediately that she was using the excuse of bringing me wine to see me, and somehow, that had made my heart leap with joy.Faelen let out soft moans as I ate her out, then gasps which came with heavy breaths… and mentally, I added those to the list of my favorite sounds in the world.Her hand was placed on top of my head as I worked my magic… one hand at first, then with both hands, she grabbed handfuls of my hair as I upped my tempo.Her whole body vibrated and convulsed with excitement as I went on, her head tilted backwards, completely lost in ecstasy.
Chapter Forty-sevenFaelen’s POV It had been days since Hunter and I had slept together in his private chambers, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation that hung over me.I had expected him to summon me, to call me back into his world, but nothing had happened. The only connection we seemed to have now was through brief glances across the estate, moments that felt electric but ended in silence as he turned his face away.It was as if I was a ghost to him, someone he couldn’t quite face after our shared secret.Every time I caught his eye, my heart raced with hope, only for it to sink when he shifted his gaze. He seemed angry, and I didn’t know how to reach out to him.He was the Alpha, after all, unless he summoned me or needed something, I wouldn’t dare approach him.I kept praying for him to call on me though, not only because I wanted to see him, but also because I needed to gather something useful to share with Raven upon her return.It was getting harder to reconcile
Chapter Forty-sixCaleb’s POV A few days later, Hunter’s control slipped again, this time in front of the council members during a formal dinner.Faelen and the other maids were serving, moving silently around the table as the men discussed various matters.I noticed Faelen out of the corner of my eye, carrying a tray of wine glasses.She was about to serve one to Alex, one of the older councilmen, when he leaned forward slightly, his voice low and teasing. “You’re new, aren’t you? What’s your name?”Faelen hesitated, glancing at him in an uncertain manner. “Faelen, sir.” She answered.“Faelen, huh?” Alex repeated, giving her a friendly smile. “A pretty name for a pretty girl.”I saw it happen in slow motion… Hunter’s hand tightening around his wine glass, his gaze turning cold as he watched the interaction.For a moment, I thought he was going to shatter the glass in his grip. But then he spoke, his voice surprisingly calm, but with a sharp edge.“Faelen,” he said, drawing everyone’
Chapter Forty-five Caleb’s POV As soon as we were far enough from the garden, Hunter’s pace slowed down, but I could tell from the stiffness in his shoulders that he was tense.He hadn’t said a word since we left the garden, and I wasn’t sure what was running through his mind.The silence stretched between us, until I couldn’t take it anymore. “Hunter?” I asked cautiously. “Are you alright?”He stopped abruptly and turned to face me, his eyes dark and unreadable.For a moment, I thought he was going to dismiss my question or brush it off like he usually did when something bothered him.But instead, he glared at me, his jaw clenched so tight that I thought he might crack a tooth.“What were you doing back there, Caleb?” he demanded.I frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”“You know exactly what I mean,” he shot back, his eyes narrowing. “Helping her. Talking to her like that.” He took a step closer, his gaze piercing into mine. “What the hell are you playing at?”I blinked, taken ab
Chapter Forty-fourFaelen’s POV The sun blazed high in the sky, its heat beating down on me relentlessly as I tried to lift a bag of soil.It was heavier than I’d expected, and I struggled to keep my grip.Sweat trickled down my neck, soaking through the back of my uniform and making the fabric stick uncomfortably to my skin.My arms trembled with the effort as I tried to maneuver the bag to the side of the flower bed. The gardener, a stout man in his late fifties, stood nearby pruning the hedges, offering no help or even a glance my way.The head maid’s orders had been clear… “help out in the garden”…but I knew what it really meant. Punishment.A reminder that I wasn’t anything special. She hadn’t even looked me in the eye when she’d said it, her tone cold.I could hear the sneers and barely concealed giggles of the other maids behind me.I adjusted my grip on the bag, lifting it higher and then almost losing my balance.My foot slipped on a loose stone, and I lurched forward, bare