ALPHA ADRIAN

Fear was too much of an understatement to describe how Amelia felt. It was bone-chilling, spine breaking and bike crunching fear that seeped into her very skin and wore her like clothes.

With trembling hands, she counted the blue patterns on the skirt of her Sunday dress. It was the only good thing she owned. The rest of her clothes were either worn out or ripped at the seam. And before she had left for Alpha Adrian's mansion, her father had warned her to wear her best dress and smile. After that, he shoved her and her luggage in the carriage and bid her ridden.

Amelia leaned back on the soft carriage seat, trying so hard to relax her stiff joints but the fear wouldn't let her.

Her exhale came out as a shaky breath and she blew hot air into her palms. It was becoming chilly all of a sudden.

“We're in Alpha Adrian's territory.” The coachman announced to her.

Suddenly, the sound of a thousand raindrops hit the leather rooftop and Amelia was compelled to look outside.

She had heard rumours about the Devil's Castle. The mere existence of this place defiled the laws of nature. When it snowed, it was a blizzard. When it rained, it was a tornado and I'm the summer, the heat is as hot as hell. Amelia never knew Alpha Adrian lived in the Devil's Castle but then again, she was told he was evil itself.

“We're here!” The coachman called out amidst the outpour.

Ahead, the metal looking gates parted, grating passage to the carriage. The coachman was skillful enough to maneuver the horses into the shed provided for carriages.

He stifled a sneeze and jumped off his seat. “Lady Amelia?”

“I’m here.” Amelia replied quietly.

He held open the door and their eyes met. It's easy to read the gears registered in her innocent eyes but he knew deep down that there was nothing he could do to help.

“I apologize, ma'am, but,” he looked around the place. “There's no umbrella.”

“We’ll take it from here!” A woman's loud voice called out.

Both Amelie and the Coachman squint their eyes to make out a woman running towards them.

She gave one umbrella to Amelia and cupped her knees to catch her breath.

Then she stood erect and smiled. “Welcome to House Moonclaw, Madam Amelia.”

Amelia was startled. “You know who I am?”

“Yes,” The woman smiled in return. “We were informed of your return 3 days ago.”

“Oh, right.” Amelia realised it has been 3 days since Alpha Adrian visited their villa back home.

The strange woman turned to the coachman and bowed. “Thank you for bringing the young lady here but I'll take it from here.”

“Alright.” The coachman nodded. He looked at Amelia and reached his hand to hers, giving it a squeeze. “Stay safe, kiddo.”

Amelia was helped off the carriage to the main house. While the horses prodded up the muddy tracks, she suddenly wished she would've returned with him.

“Please, feel free to change into these clean clothes. I will inform the Alpha that you're here.” The woman said with a bow.

As she turned to leave, Amelia caught her wrist.

“Is anything the matter, ma'am?” She asked.

Amelia was tongue-tied. Her brain knew what to say but her mouth couldn't.

She wanted to scream and cry that she wanted to go home but instead she said : “What is your name?”

The woman’s eyes lit up. “My name is Emily.”

“Nice to meet you, Emily.” Amelia said shyly.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Emily smiled.

Suddenly the patting of the rain against the roof ceased and sunlight escaped through the white curtains. Amelia was stunned by the sudden transformation. Earlier, it was dark like the evening and now, it was bright as day.

“If you think this place is lovely, wait til you see the garden. It's even more beautiful at night.” Emily smiled.

“Oh okay.” Amelia managed to say.

“Help yourself to the bath and fresh clothes. I'll inform Alpha Adrian.” Emily turned to leave.

From his office, Alpha Adrian could hear Emily's hurried footsteps and racing heart.

She knocked quietly on the door still breathing loudly. “Sir..”

“Come in.” Adrian replied in his usual nonchalant tone.

The door clicked open and Emily entered. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes lit up like a thousand Suns.

“The last time you were like that, someone asked you out to the mating ceremony.” Adrian said not lifting his head from the papers he scribbled on.

“Wrong, sir.” She smiled and he lifted his head. “Your bride is here.”

She awaited his reaction - a smile, grin or even an irritating look but none came. His face held no expression whatsoever.

“She came here in the rain?” he threw his gaze back to the papers.

Emily looked down as she recalled the confused look in Amelia's eyes as she helped her off the carriage.

“Yes, sir.” She finally answered.

He pinched the skin between his eyes. “What kind of sick family does she even - -”

“Madam Emily, I'm out of the bathroom now.” Amelia spoke in a quiet voice.

Emily stiffened when she realised Amelia was right outside.

“Uh…Ma'am, you need to- -” she had barely gotten a word out before Alpha Adrian cut in.

“Come inside, Amelia.” He said in his deep, commanding voice.

A shiver ran down Emily's spine as he spoke those words. She knew that the same had happened to Amelia because the girl didn't move or speak.

“Come inside her, Amelia!” Adrian thundered and she yelped.

“I'm sorry.” The door clicked open and Amelia entered the room.

She was shaking from head to toe but she managed a bow. “I - - I’m sorry it I I - upset you, s - sir.”

Adrian slammed his fountain pen on the desk and she yelped again. “How long are you going to bow!”

“I'm sorry, sir.” Amelia lifted her head and her mouth nearly fell agape. It was Alpha Adrian.

Ardriam scrutinized the woman standing before him. She was more pitiful than a rain soaked puppy. Water dropped from her wet hair, her form was weak as she shivered from head to toe, her face was red and her hands too. She was cold.

“Aren't you cold?” He asked.

“N - no, sir.” Amelia shook her head.

He curled an eyebrow before replacing it with a neutral expression.

“Listen up, Amelia,” he began. “You know who I am?”

Amelia hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Y - yes. You are my husband.”

Adrian pushed back his seat. “ Leave us, Emily.”

Amelia felt as though the very air had been kicked out of her lungs. She couldn't survive there alone. Adrian's mere presence dominated hers.

She kept her eyes down when she heard Emily's retreating footsteps, not daring to look up.

“Who am I, Amelia?” he repeated.

Amelia stuttered. “Y - You're - -”

She heard his approaching footsteps and shriveled back in fear. Her back hit the door and she froze.

‘I’m going to die,’ she told herself.

She felt two hands on either side of her head, trapping her in place.

“Open your eyes and tell me!” Adrian roared.

“You're Alpha Adrian MoonClaw, head of the MoonClaw household!” Amelia announced in a trembling voice.

“See? That wasn't so hard now, was it?” Areiam said, tilting her chin up with his finger.

Now, Amelia was forced to look at him. Her stomach churned and she nearly screamed. His eyes were blood-red.

“I am also called Adrian the King of Hell.” He went on. Amelia trembled under his touch and he relieved her fear.

“I thrive in bloodshed. Even my enemies cower in fear at the mention of my name.” He leaned closer, his jasmine and sandalwood scent filling her nostrils.

“You will be mine. You will be terrified, damned and devoured by my very darkness. I will claim you, body and soul, Amelia. Now…,” Adrian leaned closer till they were nose to nose. “Do you still want to be my bride in the depths of the Devil's Castle?”

Amelia’s eyes rolled into the back of her head and like the water dripping from her wet hair, she fell to the floor.