Chapter SixteenFaelen’s POVAfter the man who had introduced himself as Caleb left, I just stood there, frozen in place, trying to make sense of what had just happened.Caleb, the pack’s Beta, Hunter’s right-hand man, had actually apologized for the way Hunter had treated me.It didn’t make any sense to me at all. These men were supposed to be the strongest, the most ruthless, and here he was, showing kindness? No, it had to be a test, a way to see if I’d let my guard down and disrespect the Alpha. I finished cleaning the dining room, pushing thoughts of Caleb and Hunter out of my mind.I had to stay focused. My mission was all that mattered to me. Whatever Hunter did to me, however he humiliates me, it’s nothing compared to the success of my mission.I would make my Alpha proud. I had to.I wiped away the tears that had started to trickle down my cheeks. This wasn’t the time for weakness. I shouldn’t be stupid enough to get distracted by a few kind words from Caleb.Hunter’s cruelt
Chapter SeventeenFaelen’s POVAs I walked, I couldn’t help but replay the encounter with Caleb in my head. Caleb hadn’t seemed angry or suspicious, but that didn’t mean I could trust him.He was still Hunter’s right-hand man, and I couldn’t forget that. The letter weighed on my mind, and I knew I had to figure out a way to make the information to Alpha Zodd.But how?I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts as I made my way to the kitchens. I resolved that I may have to allow myself get a little distracted by Caleb, by his apparent kindness. And perhaps also turn Hunter’s cruelty into an advantage. I made my way back to the head maid, hoping she had not asked of me while I was gone. Fortunately, there wasn’t any sign she did, so it was a good sign. The head maid just handed out remaining tasks for the afternoon to us there, then told us we had one hour to rest before starting lunch preparations.I nodded absentmindedly, barely listening to her words as I thought of how to get t
Chapter EighteenHunter’s POVI rode through the forest, my horse thudding his hooves on the undergrown bushes. The trees stood tall and thick, their branches forming a canopy above.This was the southern border, the very edge of our territory, where the earth had revealed its secrets a few weeks ago… gold, and plenty of it. The recent letter from the Steeprock pack had been annoying. A warning and hidden threat, no less, about activities encroaching into their land.They seemed to think they could intimidate me with threats and letters. I had always found such attempts laughable. Their Alpha, like the rest, was weak compared to me.The only reason I took the letter seriously enough to visit the site today was to ensure that the operation remained under control and to plan the next steps in securing the gold without any interference.As I approached the site, where I had my most trusted men on the job, I could see the machines at work in the distance, and the men working tirelessly.
Chapter NineteenCaleb’s POVAs I stepped out into the courtyard, a commotion caught my attention. Two of Hunter’s guards were dragging someone roughly toward the estate, and it took me a moment to realize who it was… Faelen.Her tear-soaked face was overwhelmed with fear and pain, and my heart raced at the sight. What in the name of the moon had Hunter done now?I rushed over, my pulse quickening. “What the hell are you doing?” I barked at the guards as I reached them. “Why are you dragging this girl like that?”The guards barely looked at me, their faces hard and indifferent. “Alpha’s orders,” one of them grunted. “He commanded us to bring her to his chambers.”I felt a rush of anger at their casual response. “Why?” I demanded, trying to keep the anger out of my voice, though it was almost impossible.The other guard shrugged, his grip on Faelen not tightening even harder. “We don’t know. We’re just following orders, sir.”I clenched my fists, my frustration mounting quickly. It wa
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 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
Chapter Forty-threeFaelen’s POVSunlight pierced through the kitchen windows as I busied myself with my daily tasks the next morning.But my mind was far from the duties of cleaning and cooking. It was beyond even the present.The meeting with Raven last night had stirred something inside me. At first, seeing her had filled me with unease.Her sudden appearance made me seriously question my own position. Was she here to replace me? Or worse, expose me?But after she left, those fears had faded, replaced by a strange sense of purpose. If her story was to be believed, then Alpha Zodd hadn’t forgotten me after all.He still needed me. And that meant something.I scrubbed the kitchen countertop harder, my hands working automatically as my thoughts circled on Alpha Zodd.It was almost amusing to think of him as the person who had my loyalty. He wasn’t the kindest, or the most compassionate of persons. To the world, he was a power-hungry and ruthless Alpha. I’d seen the way he treated his