"I said I do not want this! What is wrong with you!?" Odessa yelled, shoving the serving tray of sauced vegetables to the floor.The maid had the upper part of her body lowered, her hands clasped in front of her as fear drained the color from her face.It was the second meal Odessa was being served. Yet, none of it seemed to be what she wanted. "I apologize, Mistress Odessa. Please, forgive me." The maid said, sinking into a deep curtsy.Odessa was beyond angry. She stomped her foot on the floor before stalking to her ornately carved dresser, leaving the maid to mop up the mess."You need to calm yourself," Her mother's voice came from behind with a weary resignation. "Do not tell me to calm down, mother!" She snapped, her eyes glaring daggers. Looking at the mirror, she itched her face irritably. Why in Hades will it not stop itching?"I wanted them to suffer. He overrode the Luna's order for her sake. How could he!?" Her hands dropped from her face as she frantically searched her
Sheera didn't have enough time to comprehend what was going on. The pain from her body and suddenness from Keegan's actions clouded her reasoning. Her ragged breaths echoed in the stillness, each one a desperate plea for calm as her gaze ascended to the vast canvas of the sky.Next thing, Keegan dipped into her field of view. Rough hands cupped her face, then a disconcerting sensation – the press of fabric against her eyes, blotting out the light.What?Sheera's brows pulled together in a frown as he tied the blindfold to the back of her head. By the moon! Was he going to...She wouldn't deny her naked body had continuously ached for him even while he stroked her. Caused her pain. She felt slick moisture between her thighs and was irritated with herself for being so aroused for a man as cruel as he was. How could she feel 'anything' for him even while he caused her pain?Trying to hold onto the grudge in her heart, she attempted to blindly move away. But firm hands gripped her thigh
His voice filled her with nothing but dread. He delivered one particular thrust that seemed to touch the very doors of her womb. Sheera's cry was different this time, her hands reaching out to hold onto anything. Expectantly, the only thing they could find were Keegan's clothed shoulders. He wasn't completely undressed.Yet, there she was, completely naked and blindfolded beneath him."Where should I touch, Sheera?" The question came again. She moaned deeply, not knowing if it was an effect from her name on his lips again. His hand moved along the surface of her sore skin again, threatening to press. "This?""No, please...!" She shuddered. "Then, show me."Another tear rolled out from her blindfold. What was he doing to her? Why...She feared he'd torture her wounded skin if she didn't provide him with an answer. Panic turned her blood to ice, then sent it boiling hot with a surge of adrenaline.Shallow breaths escaping her, she withdrew one of her hands from his shoulder and gui
Sheera's brows crinkled in surprise. "Why?"Suddenly, Elke smiled, letting go of the necklace. "Never mind, my dear."She rose to her feet with her bag and other belongings. "Do not forget to heed my advice. And if you need anything else, your friend knows where to find me." She glanced at Tabitha who acknowledged with a nod. Letting a smile, she vacated the room. "You should lay down," Tabitha assisted Sheera who did so with a grunt. She took a deep breath. "I think you should care less for Kalaril. He stood back with the others and did nothing while the Alpha led me away." Her voice was tight with grudge. "He is not different from him."Cold washed over Tabitha at the mention of the name. She waved it off as quickly as she could with a nervous laughter. "There was only so much he could do, Sheera. The Alpha's decision can never be argued," she muttered. "They are the same. The Alpha said him and Kalaril use to have other victims when he was prince. They are both as dark as the
Odessa was restless. The day was about to come to an end. Keegan's journey was the next day and she couldn't help but worry he'd want to go with Thessaly. The very thought sent a tremor of outrage through her.She couldn't allow the machinating crone get such satisfaction. Perhaps, she could try to convince the Alpha to go without a female companion. She set off for his chambers but found only Kalaril in, standing before a table and sharpening a Wic'ca blade against a whetstone. Kalaril only paused for a second to regard her as she stormed in. He returned his attention to the blade."Where is the Alpha?" Odessa's angry eyes looked around as she removed the veil from her face. "Not in - obviously," Kalaril muttered, not sparing her a glance. Odessa huffed at his arrogance. Despite being the Alpha's first Mistress, Kalaril had never offered her an ounce of respect. Hell, he had no respect for anyone other than Keegan! Man was as blunt as a butcher's cleaver, and she disliked that
"What brings you here, brother?" He asked with a furrow between his brows, standing in the doorway.Keegan proceeded into the room, forcing Malkar out of the way as he brushed pass his shoulder. Malkar grunted his disapproval, then shut the door.The flickering torchlight cast long, grotesque shadows across the richly furnished room. Malkar was clad in a loose silk robe. But with the goblet on his table, Keegan could tell he'd been drinking before his arrival."Is there something you require of me?" Malkar's voice was laced with icy politeness, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within him.His brother had never spared him a 'friendly' visit. The very few times he'd come to his room was when he was there to confront him. And right there, Malkar had a hint on what tonight's confrontation was about."You're out of wine, it seems," Keegan said in a grumbling tone when he picked up the goblet and discovered it was empty."I am sure there is plenty where that came from. All you have
Kalaril reached Keegan's Chambers and after a while, they headed for the South wing where the horses as well as the others waited. "Are you alright?" Keegan suddenly asked. He'd noticed the difference in Kalaril's demeanor the instant he stepped into his chambers. His Beta was often a man of a cold demeanor - like himself. Still, Keegan could tell when he was being different."I'll be fine," Kalaril muttered under his breath. It was clear to Keegan he didn't want to talk about it. And well, he knew how to respect issues like that. As they reached the south wing, the bustle of activity greeted them. Horses snorted, pawing the ground impatiently, while Keepers hurried to and fro.Keegan reached for his big white horse, double - checking the reins and all but paused when his sight fell on something unpleasant. Ahead of him was Sheera and Ulric - walking side by side while talking and laughing about what-not. Keegan could not comprehend the disgust he felt in that moment. What was s
Once, Keegan glanced at her before looking away. "She's my companion, Jenger. Enough about her." There was a hint of impatience in his voice. Sheera swallowed tersely. She wondered if Keegan reacted that way because he was possessive or simply because he was too embarrassed to discuss her. Jenger flashed a warm smile at her - which she shyly returned. "Let's get you settled in. I've had your rooms prepared."Taking the lead, he walked them into the central hallway. ....High above, on a secluded balcony overlooking the courtyard, stood Prince Gareth, heir to Alpha Rivan, one of Jenger's guests.His hands were holding onto the railing as he leaned forward, his friends beside him. "Keegan brought someone new today. Who is she?" He asked thoughtfully.He'd been watching her from the moment they dismounted their horses. "Never seen her before," One of his two friends replied. Gareth was a year older than Keegan. And bad blood had always existed between them long before Keegan becam
"Have you been relieved of your duties?" Those were the words she heard that jerked her around to see him striding towards them. Her eyes widened like saucers as she regarded him. Kalaril followed closely behind him. Sheera's heart resumed it's usual drama. Seeing him made her weak in the legs, in a way she couldn't explain.His long gold hair wasn't in braids today but fell freely on his shoulders. His silver eyes had her frozen in place. How could a man be so unnaturally handsome? Sheera would never stop to wonder. "Welcome, Alpha," she lowered her head, thankful her voice didn't crack under the weight of his presence.Keegan's eyes bore the cold, hard edge of steel. "I believe I asked a question," he said in a tone that was hard enough to cut through rock. It effortlessly caused Sheera to shiver. "N...Not exactly. I've been...""I asked her to join me," Ulric interrupted, stepping forward. "I plan to inform Livia about it later."Keegan's eyes, hard as ice, never left Sheer
The room was thick with the sound of impassioned moans. Laboured breath mingling with the sound of flesh meeting fresh filled every corner of the room. When their bodies were well spent, Morshella climbed down from the man's body, laying next to him with her head on his chest. "I must confess, Wystan, you do not act your age at all," she was still breathing heavily, drawing an invisible line on his chest. He laughed with satisfaction. "Well, what can I say? Your body is very tempting, Morshella.""And it's going to be yours for a long time. As long as you please, actually."A moment passed. "Do not get me wrong, but I'm afraid you'll have to leave now. My mate only wanted to roam round the woods for a short time. I think she'll be back soon," he said, but Morshella made no move."You know, if only you'd taken my suggestion and agreed to go somewhere far with me, we'd have spent this night together, undisturbed. But you insisted we did it here," he added. Smiling, she lifted her h
The first light of dawn crept into the room, casting a gentle glow on Sheera's face. The warmth of the sun stirred her from sleep. Her forehead crinkled with perplexity. Something didn't feel right. She sat up, touching her face. The dream from the previous night surged back into her mind with startling clarity.Keegan had been with her. His touch lingered on her skin like a shadow, his kiss as vivid as the breath she now drew.Gods, it felt so real...She left the bed and crossed the room, her thoughts a tangled mess of confusion. She sought out Elke who she found in the second room, busy at work with a mortar and pestle, grinding herbs into a paste."Oh. You're awake. How're you feeling, girl?" Elke swept her eyes over her. "I feel better," Sheera replied, though her back still hurt a lot, it wasn't as severe as before.Sheera knew what she was about to ask was silly, but she didn't have a choice. "Um... Did someone visit me at any point, Elke?" Elke paused, her hand stilling ov
"Release her," his voice was low and taut as he gave the command. "Take her to Elke." He turned to Odessa, his gaze as cold and sharp as ice. "With me." Odessa swallowed hard, the fear of what awaited her eclipsing her rage at seeing Sheera set free. She hesitated but then hurried after him, her cheeks burning with shame under the watchful eyes of the gathered crowd. Once inside his room, Keegan moved with binding speed. He seized her throat, and with a force that knocked the breath out of her, he slammed her against the wall. The impact rattled through her bones, and a strangled gasp died in her throat, her eyes widening in shock and pain. His grip tightened, iron-hard fingers digging into her delicate skin. She struggled to breathe. Her lips parted, wanting to plead for his mercy, but no words escaped—only the faintest, pitiful wheeze. "How dare you?" He gritted through clenched teeth, his face inches from hers. "How dare you do that to her?" Odessa wa
Her vision blurred with red, and she felt herself teetering on the edge of something dark and dangerous. She wasn't sure what she might do next if not for the sudden interruption. "Greetings, Mistress Odessa," the maid bowed in respect as the imposing figure of Odessa stormed in, flanked by several stern-faced Keepers.Only then did Sheera snap out of her illusion. She sucked in a painful breath as if emerging from deep waters. Good Hades! What was wrong with her!? What had she almost done!?She was breathing heavily, fear prickling her skin. Something wasn't right. The last time she'd felt that way was when that Keeper had tried to force himself on her months ago, in his room. Back then, she concluded she'd been triggered, but now, she didn't even know what to think anymore. She was so lost in her frantic thoughts that she didn't notice Odessa striding towards her, fury blazing in her eyes. She only snapped back to awareness when a sharp slap struck her cheek, sending her reeling
Otis led Zarek through the winding hall, the scent of damp stone and the faint aroma of meat wafting from the chamber ahead. As they approached, the murmur of low voices ceased. Otis pushed open the door, revealing a room and a table untouched food and goblets of wine. Albany Sebastian and Cyrus Rose on their feet as the two Alphas entered. When news of what had transpired during the Peace Treaty reached Zarek's ears, he sent a letter to Sebastian, seeking a team up. He couldn't see a more befitting partner than a man who was as hurt as he was. Their pleasantries were brief, their formalities clipped and hollow, before they shifted the conversation to what truly mattered. "I should have listened to Laycoan when he warned me not to go for the Peace Treaty," Sebastian began, his jaw tight with the bitterness of hindsight. "Now, he mocks me for my blindness, and I think I deserve it. Keegan took something very dear to me - my most precious possession. He never intended to make peac
Sheera was equally surprised when the Alpha took her to his chambers. She'd expected somewhere far worse, somewhere terrifying. As soon as she stepped into the room, her muscles twitched involuntarily. This room... Being away from it for so long made her realize it was her favourite place. It felt as if her lungs forgot to breath as her eyes darted around on their own. Everything was just like she remembered. The air was thick with his rugged, earthy scent, the very scent she's missed.She was lost, staring at the room and wasn't prepared for being hurled against the wall with such force that her head spun. Her eyes squeezed shut from the impact, and pain shot through her bones. When she opened them again, Keegan stood before her, towering over her like a dark tempest ready to consume her whole. His hand was clamped around her throat - unyielding and merciless.She closed her eyes again, the grunts of pain and protest stifled in her throat. She rekt the walls of her lungs constrict,
Keegan went towards her, his steps heavy. His aura was oppressive. "What were you looking at?" Sheera kept her head bowed, praying to the moon she wasn't the one he was referring to. But who was she deceiving?He stepped into her space and grabbed her jaw, forcing her to meet his gaze?"I asked you a question," he hissed through gritted teeth. "Have you no idea you're not supposed to look me in the eyes?"The raw fear in Sheera was palpable. She wondered if he could feel her trembling as he held her jaw, if he could hear how hard she swallowed. She tried to speak, but the words died in her throat."I'm... I'm sorry..." She finally managed to stammer. She didn't know what else to say. She was terrified. For a while, Keegan glared at her. His face was twisted maliciously, his nails biting into her skin. He thought of so many words he could hurt her. So many ways he could make her weep. She had no right to be in his head. With a rough shove, he released her, sending her stumbling ba
It was late at night when Malkar knocked on Thessaly's door. The Mistress opened up and was taken aback to see the Prince standing before her. She was dressed in her night robe, a sheer, transparent garment that left little to the imagination."Prince Malkar?"He chuckled lightly. "Come on, let me in."He attempted to step inside, but Thessaly stood firm, barring his path."I'm sorry, but it's late. Do you need something?"Malkar looked around, uncomfortably. "Come on, Thess, someone might see us. Let me in."Worried that indeed, someone might see them and misconstrue the situation, she allowed him into the room. However, she stopped him at the door, refusing to let him venture further inside."What is it?" She demanded, her voice husky.Malkar drew a long breath, taking in ev