A Volunteer For The Alpha Beast

Alexa

“I, Norman Reedus, Alpha of Bright Claw Pack…" His voice echoed through the halls as he stared at me, “Reject you, Alexa Grey, as my Luna and mate from now till eternity.”

I dropped to the ground, clutching my chest, revered with teary eyes while I stared at the man who was supposed to love and protect me—my mate—while he stood in front of me, unbothered by what he had just said or done.

Beside him was the pack's slut, Xena, with her arms proudly wrapped around him, flaunting his mark on her neck.

"Norman, is... is... Please tell me you're playing games with me... Please tell me this isn't a tr... ahhhh!"

A kick slammed to my side—Wade.

"How dare you speak to your Alpha in that manner?” he shouted as he sent another forceful kick to my rib, making me wince in utter pain.

I laughed silently to myself as I muttered, loud enough for them to hear,

"Who would have thought that the man who couldn't meet my eyes an hour ago would kick me so easily now?"

“Alexa!” Norman snarled as he walked towards me, yanking me by my hair. “I don't have time for this shit, so let's get this over with. Say the words!”

Wincing in pain, I clutched my hair, trying to pry myself free from his painful grip.

“W-what did I do wrong?” I asked. I could feel my voice trembling—not from fear, but disbelief. My pride was crumbling, but I refused to show weakness.

“Don't ask me bullshit if you don't want a beating,” he growled, aggressively planting his free hand on my face before pushing me to the floor.

He slapped me. Norman slapped me. The hands that were once meant for my protection—all because of that bitch. I gulped down my tears. No, not now, not here.

“Arghhh!” I screamed, feeling a hot, sticky liquid run down my nose.

“I won't repeat myself, Alexa,” he warned. “Accept the rejection. Now!”

I touched my face as I carefully brought myself to my knees while wiping my nose.

Raising my head, I stared into his eyes once more. I sensed something strange in them.

What was going on? Why was he adamant about rejecting me? And what is wrong with his eyes?

As far as I am concerned, Norman's my mate, and the moon goddess only blessed you with one. So why was he trying to throw away something so sacred?

I knew his parents never had an atom of love or respect for me, but still, he had proven to care about me regardless. Or were they forcing him to do this? Is this about his title?

If it was about the Alpha title, then we can leave it. Run away and start a pack of our own. Together.

“Do not have any stupid ideas, Alexa.” Norman coldly cut me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with disgust. “I know you better than you think I do, so know this—I chose to reject you. I am tired and bored of you.”

My heart clenched as I felt my wolf lurch forward.

Bored of us?! my wolf repeated, as I stared at him in disbelief.

My wolf tried contacting Venom, Norman's wolf, but she was blocked out.

“N–Norman,” I started, only to be interrupted by Xena, who spoke, rolling her eyes.

“What is taking you so long? It was supposed to be a simple rejection and then I would be Luna.”

“Sorry, babe. I'll handle it now,” Norman hurriedly coaxed.

As if on cue, I felt a strong grip on my shoulders, pulling me to my feet.

“Give her a beating. It seems her brain is lagging,” he sighed.

Wade and the head warrior, Dan, wasted no time in following their Alpha's orders, and in an instant, a blow landed on my stomach, and heat seared through my body.

I gagged, winded, and lurched to cover my abdomen, but another one quickly followed, and another, as I continued to scream in pain and in agony.

My throat cracked from the amount of shouting I was doing.

“I–I accept! Please stop!” I cried, just as the last blow hit my abdomen.

“What is that?” Norman mocked, as he signaled them to release me. “Could you repeat it so my mate can hear you?”

I flopped onto the floor, blood and spittle mixing alongside the pain I felt as the men left my side.

“I accept,” I finally croaked as they beat me. But it wasn't surrender—it was my means to survival.

"Good!" he responded, and immediately, a hot searing pain shot through my body like a wave, causing me to scream.

I gripped my hair, writhing on the ground, as the pain of rejection tore through me. My wolf howled in pain—not because we loved him anymore, but because the bond itself was scarred.

A groan broke through my scream, followed by a pained howl, but it wasn't my voice—it was...

“G–get her out of my sight,” he hissed, clutching his chest as his orbs glowed, and he staggered, with his Beta and lover quick to catch him.

Which meant his wolf didn't want this either? He must have been forced to do it.

My screams were broken to my ears, appearing distant as I felt myself being dragged off while Norman was escorted back to his chambers.

“Please stop, you're hurting me!” I kicked, struggled. I wasn't going down quietly.

“Shut up!” Wade snarled, and I felt his claw dig into my flesh.

I struggled under their grips, trying to get away, as they dragged me deeper into the forest.

Suddenly, my body was flung to the ground. I stifled, feeling my vision blur as my head hit a tree trunk.

“Can we have a go at her?” I heard one of the men speak, making my already broken heart miss a beat.

“Are you crazy?” Wade barked.

“No!”

“We can have fun beating her up as per his orders, but we will respect our Alpha.”

The air seemed to go silent until one of the men agreed. “Alright, but no one touches her pretty face.”

A broken sob escaped my lips as I caught sight of their sharp claws glistening under the sunlight.

“Help! Moon goddess, please!”

Slowly, they moved towards me, and without hesitation, their claws met my flesh.

Blood gushed out from my wounds as multiple cuts and blows were made to my body.

I screamed as I tried my best to lift my weak body to run, but a punch sent me back to the ground.

With every cut, I felt a thousand ants crawl over and under my skin as my wolf tried her best to heal the wounds as fast as she could—only to be cut again.

Tears poured down my eyes. “Let me go! Please. I beg of you... ahhh... Stop!”

I thrashed about, kicking and failing, as adrenaline coursed through my body in an attempt to escape.

"Leave... me... Please, I'll go away. I'll go away, please," I begged between tears, but it fell on deaf ears.

Slowly, my body grew numb, and eventually, they grew bored seeing as I stopped struggling.

“Remember what you said, mutt,” Wade spat. “Stay away from the pack!”

I closed my eyes. My ears buzzed as I heard their footsteps fade away.

I was weak, and my wolf was on the verge of dying.

It was starting all over again.

Alone.

Rejected.

Tears welled in my eyes as the memories I had been trying to hide came crashing down on me.

Why was I like this? Why was the moon goddess punishing me?

What wrong did I ever do, to be cursed like this?

First, I lost my pack, my parents, and then I lost my sister. And now? It was rejected by my mate and here I am, left to die in no man's land.

I have no idea as to how long I stayed sprawled up on the cold hard ground, but it seemed like forever.

Suddenly, I heard rustling sounds from the direction Wade and his men had left from, and I tried to open my eyes.

I cried silently as leaves crunched under the weight of something.

A rogue?

Wild animals? Probably.

My blood could have attracted some wild animals.

I prayed silently as the sounds grew closer.

Please, moon goddess, don’t let this be my end. I need my revenge.

My heart raced at the possibility of death—or worse, taken by something sinister. But, as always, my prayers went unanswered as I could feel consciousness start to give in to the weakness.

Moon goddess, please, I muttered with the last strength the beating left me with.

Just then, a calm voice sounded above me. “Hmmm, what do we have here?!”

Alexa

Due to my blurry eyesight, I couldn't see who it was, but the voice was oddly satisfying.

“Do you need help, young lady?”

I just stared at the blurry figure, too weak to answer or move a muscle.

“Alright, I'll help you. I'll help you take revenge on those bloody bast**ds who left you here to die," he calmly said as he crouched down next to me. "But it comes with a tiny little condition. Would you like to hear it?”

Feeling on the verge of passing out, I blinked hurriedly.

The man lowered his head, his hot breath falling on my ears, making goosebumps form on my battered skin as he whispered,

“Kill the beast!”

***

I stood behind a huge tree to hide my figure, as I glared in pure, undiluted hatred at the pack that had cast me out to die. Luckily for me, I was saved and nursed back to health.

It's been days; no, weeks.

Weeks since my rejection, weeks since they... I clenched my fists tight as my heart raced in pain, betrayal, and anger. "They will pay. Every single one of them!"

For years, I had tried my best to keep the pack together, making it thrive and prosper. Because Norman was incompetent and lazy, I had to step in and do his job from the corners.

I had seen all of Norman's flaws and red flags, but I had chosen to overlook them since he was my mate.

And now because of him, and for vengeance, I chose to change my identity and appearance.

Now I'm free.

And I'm back.

Yes, I have chosen to look different temporarily so I can gain an opportunity to deal with him and everyone else that has hurt me, starting from the Alpha King—that monster that took my sister.

"Proud, pompous buffoon," I whispered to myself. "I'll make you pay when I'm done with that beast."

Ironic—it was the same reason his parents hated me. They feared that I was an outsider and that I would overthrow their lazy son and rule.

I heard a twig snap, and I darted behind the trees, holding my breath.

“Come on, we have to hurry, else we'd miss them,” a male voice sounded as he passed with his companion, making me close my eyes to slow my breathing.

“I don't get why you are in such a hurry. The ceremony won't start now.”

“It will not, but we would miss the important part—the stripping,” the first snickered. “Imagine all those boobs and booty exposed for all to see.”

The man's companion calmly stared at him as they walked away. “You are sick.”

I couldn't agree more.

I listened as their footsteps faded, exhaling in relief.

Slowly, I moved from the tree, looking over at the pack's border before I swallowed the drug Brad, my savior, had given me to suppress my wolf. That bitch who was literally my wolf was still grieving. And I needed to get through the gate undetected.

It turns out the only way for me to leave this palace was through in, and I was willing to do anything for that.

There were only three guards on station as the rest were nowhere to be found, but I figured they had all gone to the selection.

The three guards sat under a shade near the gate, chatting away happily without a care in the world.

Carefully, I strode towards them.

"Hello," I calmly said.

They rose to their feet, pointing their weapons at me, but I didn't flinch.

“Who are you?” one with the most scars asked.

Pushing the cloak off my head, I revealed my face. “I'm Alexandria, and I'm here for the selection.”

They stared at me for a while as the grips on their weapons tightened. One of them snarled at me, “Leave," he said, "you are not welcome here.”

I didn't beg. I just tilted my head. "Then let your Alpha tell me that to my face."

"Are you crazy? His Majesty might kill you," one said, though he didn't look like he was bothered by my death...

“Let her speak with him," the first guard interrupted. "It's her life, not yours!”

Ignoring the pang of annoyance that flashed through me, I swallowed. "Thank you."

I can't let my feelings get the better of me.

I can't.

The men looked at each other, their eyes glowing as they talked through the mind-link—one I had been exempted from due to the rejection.

“All right, wait here,” the lead guard finally said, turning to the youngest. “Nathan, go and inform the Alpha.”

Immediately, Nathan took a sprint, running off.

I gave the guard a grateful look, but he turned his head to ignore me.

I didn't blame him.

Even though they knew I was defenseless and harmless, they still pointed their weapons at me while I stood there sweetly staring at them.

I did not want to get the guards in trouble.

Not now, anyway.

A few minutes later, Nathan, along with some guards, came into view.

Behind him, I saw Norman approaching with Xena draped around him like a serpent, while Wade followed suit.

The two guards bowed their heads at the Alpha, who barely gave them a glance, stopping a few meters away from me.

Norman stares intensely into my fake blue eyes for a moment as if he knew it was me behind the façade look I was wearing.

“Who are you, and what was it you said you wanted?” Norman stared with a sneering scowl on his face. “Do you really wish to....”

I cut in immediately, so he wouldn't guess otherwise. I really needed to leave.

“I am Alexandria, my Lord, and I would like to join the maiden selection,” I whispered, gripping the hem of my cloak.

“What?” Xena exclaimed along with Wade and the guards they had come with, their eyes widening in shock.

“Do you have any idea what you are saying?” Wade asked, laughing mockingly.

Oh, how I hated him. I felt like grabbing his sword and smashing it deep in his skull...

"Then let me make my own mistake," I said, my voice calm. I wasn't the same deadbeat Alexa they once knew.

Norman's facial expression changed as he looked at me with mixed emotions of confusion and fascination.

“Alexandria?” he asked as he walked closer to me, pulling my cheeks roughly with his hands.

Thank goodness my wolf was down. If not, I'm sure he would have been able to sniff the truth out instantly.

I subconsciously swallowed a lump of air. "Yes, my Lord, I am Alexandria."

He stared at me, scanning my facial features, subtly sniffing the air around us.

"Hmmm. Do your parents know you're here? Because it's odd that you would come by yourself to be amongst those th—"

"I am an orphan, Alpha. I have nowhere to call home." I quickly interrupted him as I continued to lower my head, small whimpers flying from my throat as I felt the pressure of his eyes on me.

His stare lingered on my body as if he knew I wasn't who I claimed to be. “I will warn you, Alexandria, do not blame me for whatever happens to you.”

“What’s taking you so long, Normy? If she wants to join, let her join,” Xena’s voice suddenly cut in, and I felt the pressure disappear.

I took in a deep breath of relief. Finally, she said something that made sense.

“Okay then, Alexandria, if it is your wish, then so be it.”

Inside, I screamed to strangle him. Outside, I bowed. "Thank you, Alpha."

The moment his name left my lips, I felt his stare on my body.

No, not his.

It belonged to his wolf.

“Okay then,” Xena kindly intervened, pressing her palms soothingly on his chest. "I hope you know what you're signing yourself into?"

Wade walked up closer to me, inspecting me from a closer range. "And how are we so sure you're not a spy or a part of some plan set by our enemies to infiltrate our pack?"

My heart raced. I died down my defiance, as I needed to play the part now. “N...no, I swear. This is not a plan. I am in no cahoots with anyone... Please believe me!”

“Even if this isn't a plan, why would the Alpha let you into the pack when we don't even know you?” Wade huffed. "Alpha, I feel we should arrest her."

I peered at Norman, locking eyes with him, desperate for him to believe, but he said nothing as he stared back at me.

My lips quivered, and water filled my eyes. "Please, I am no spy."

“Please!”

I knew I had nothing to offer other than my pleas, but soon—very soon—I will make you all pay.

I will make you pay for making me this way, for trampling on my pride.

I'll make every one of you pay!

“Babe, I think you should let her,” Xena blurted out, bringing everyone out of their daze. “Since she wants to kill herself, then let her be. It saves us one unimportant pack member.”

I subtly threw daggers with my eyes at the little tramp that dared to take my man away from me.

Why was I still thinking about that? I mentally face-palmed.

Norman gave it a thought, his eyes flashing in contemplation before he agreed. “Well, Wade does make a great point, but anything for you, my love.”

As soon as Norman said that, I raised my head. “Thank you.”

"Take her away!" Xena sneered. “I hope you can stand the heat, girl?"

I had no chance to think about what she meant because, in the next second, I was pulled to my feet and dragged inside.

Pulling me towards the pack center, my face paled in shock and horror as I saw the multitude gathered.

Standing in the center of the pack were ladies between the ages of eighteen to twenty-five. They were being stripped naked for every Tom, Dick, and Harry to see.

From the corner of my eyes, I spotted my best friend and maid, Nana, with her head down.

Before I could call out her name, I felt my clothes being stripped from my body.

I gulped down, fighting to stay cool and not give in.

I didn't cry.

I accepted the humiliation.

I fought back—not just physically, but with fury in my eyes.

Wade paused.

"You wanted this, didn't you?" he mocked.

I said nothing, as I turned my gaze to Norman, my eyes gleaming with hate.

I never wanted to go bare in front of everyone.

This wasn't the plan.

But if this was the price I had to pay... then so be it.

It seems he caught my stare, and immediately, his voice thundered in the pack.

"Wade!! Step away. I will strip her myself!” he growled.

Alexa

I stood, my arms shielding my exposed chest, refusing to break under their gaze.

Norman had taken the last bit of dignity I had left in me, and the memories of the selection ceremony weighed on my chest.

He stripped me of dignity, but he would never strip me of spirit.

I locked eyes with Nana, who was also naked.

“Hi,” she whispered, peering into my eyes and gesturing with her fingers, and I slowly nodded. “Are you okay? I'm sorry, it's just that you seem so familiar and I feel like I know you," she gestured again, slowly and very discreetly.

"Oh, my dear Nanny," I gestured back to her as I stared at her ever-smiling face, which wasn't so smiling given our present state.

She stared at me in shock and disbelief, trying her hardest not to cry as she saw me call out her name the way I had loved to—using sign language.

"Luna Ale... Alexa?" she gestured back to me through her hand movement, and I calmly nodded.

I had expected her reaction, but I didn't think I would get this emotional. She stared at me with her eyes filled with tears, but knowing where we were, she quickly comported herself.

“All right, round up!” Diana, the pack's official healer, snapped, as we pushed to line.

Twenty women. All weak. All offered as sacrifices.

I scoffed under my breath as Norman narrowed his eyes. "Something funny?"

"Nothing," I said flatly.

Wade growled. "She's mocking us."

Norman approached. "Step forward."

I did, my head held up high, ignoring the cold that froze my tits out.

"What’s that your name again?" he asked.

"Alexandria," I replied, voice calm.

Just then, a strange scent filled the air, causing everyone to freeze.

I turned my face as I stared in the direction everyone was looking.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Norman's features tense slightly, a growl rumbling through his chest as the hair on his skin shot to attention.

“Oh, hush you little puppies.” A man with a cane strode in with a group of mean-looking guards, a playful grin directed at Norman and Wade. “I am only here to inspect the goods for this year.”

Hearing that, everyone backed down, fear clouding their expressions as they realized who this was.

The man was dressed like a butler, but his aura was dark and corrupted, making me wary.

I lowered my head just like everyone else, inching towards where I was once standing so as not to appear out of place.

My heart pounded like a drum. I wanted this over and done with soon.

“Hmm, what do we have here?” the man chirped, using his cane to lift my hair off my breasts.

I wanted to bite him.

But I endured, my hands balled into fists.

“She’s beautiful,” he muttered.

The man's eyes swirled as he stared at me lewdly.

Slowly, he brought his hand up to cup my boobs, not caring for the crowd around.

I tensed as I felt his disgusting cold hands caress my body down.

Eventually, he lost interest and left my side.

The man stared at Xena as she walked into the place we were gathered, and Norman immediately spoke up, “This is my Luna. Please, let me introduce you to her.”

The man looked bummed at the fact that she was taken, and Norman's actions sent a stake to my chest.

“Since that's the case, then don't bother,” he sighed, then turned to look at us. “Get them dressed so we can leave.”

Wade nodded. “Yes, sir!”

We were shoved into old-looking dresses made of sacks.

I hissed, biting my lower lip hard enough to leave a cut as the fabric roughly scratched my skin.

Once we were all clothed, the man wasted no time.

He yelled, stamping his cane on the ground. “Move out! The palace awaits!”

Guards lined every side, leading us away, ensuring we didn't run, while I continued to feel Norman's eyes on my back even as we walked farther away.

We walked through the dense forest and up the mountain located close to the pack on bare feet.

Rocks and dirt stuck to the soles of my feet, the sharper ones leaving a nasty cut and a trail of blood.

Tears threatened to fall as I stumbled forward, but knowing what would happen to the pack in my absence—Brad—he had promised to destroy the Pack. I also felt happy when I discovered Nana was selected; at least we get to watch the Pack burn from afar.

I felt a wave of ecstasy wash through me as I stealthily removed the pupil lens I had on.

The dye I had used on my hair would soon wear off, as well as the fake freckles I had drawn on my cheeks.

I lost the drugs I was given the second I was stripped of my clothes, which meant my wolf would be awake any time soon. I threw a quick glance at Nana and then at the guards around us.

I felt no regrets.

Reaching the top of the hill, my jaw hung as I stared at the huge palace before us in awe and dread.

The eerie sounds of crows flapping their wings as they circled above were like death notes to my ears as we approached the gates of the palace.

“Come on! Move it!” the guard beside me huffed, pushing me forward.

Hurriedly, we were marched into an underground room, which smelled of moss and a wet floor.

As we walked into the room, an old woman stood still, waiting for us.

She looked sternly at us. “You are welcome to the palace; to your new home, but first, you all need to be bathed.”

Without waiting for our consent, the female workers next to her took it upon themselves to strip us naked, leading us to a large bath that was already prepared for us.

I let myself still, as one of the female workers scrubbed every inch of my body, including my private parts.

I pursed my lips as I stared at Nana, who seemed so uncomfortable by the actions that were rendered on her body.

I passed a worried look at her, stiffly shaking my head at her not to protest.

We weren't in the pack anymore, and we had no idea what they could do to us.

After being bathed, we were clothed in transparent gowns and led to a huge receiving hall, which had a throne in the middle.

“I am sure you all know where this is and what is about to happen next,” the old stern woman announced, her chin raised in the air as she stared at us like insects beneath her shoes.

“In case you are not aware, I'd state the reason you are here. Your job is to attend to the king in bed.”

I flinched at the harsh words thrown at us, but she wasn't done.

“If you feel like you cannot go with that, then we would be free to let you go.” She paused, squinting her eyes.

“Permanently!”

Fear gripped us all, eliciting a few whimpers from us.

“Everything you do will be monitored, and if you make a mistake, there will be punishments,” she said, causing me to stiffen. “Am I clear?”

“Yes, ma'am!” we chorused.

She could blab all she wanted. But that wasn't why I was here.

After talking to us, she walked to stand silently in the corner of the room.

I looked around, my heart thumping as I thought of my sister.

Was this what she had to face when she was alive?

Oh dear Moon Goddess, had my sister been killed because she refused?

I gripped the hem of my gown as I thought of all the horrible ordeals my little sister must have endured.

I must avenge her.

No matter what it takes.

“Here comes His Royal Highness, the King!” the old lady shouted, breaking me out from my line of thoughts. “All bow for King Kendell Swat, the Fourth!”

Bending my back in a bow along with everyone, I clutched the metal I had picked tightly, fearing I'd drop it due to my nerves.

Footsteps rang in the hall as the king approached, my wolf suddenly whimpering along with my sudden racing heart.

I frowned, eyes flashing as my wolf surfaced, and a certain sweet scent wafted through my nostrils.

I whipped my head up, not caring for the harsh reprimand that would follow, searching for what had decided to make my wolf go frenzy.

And I saw him—the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life.

His silver hair was hanging down on his shoulder, his tall form towering even over his guards.

He was dressed in a regal coat that was adorned with gold and diamonds, as he stood proudly beside the throne, his aura radiating with sheer dominance.

His eyes glowed as he sniffed the air, golden orbs locking with mine.

I felt my eyes flash, and he released a growl in sync with my wolf.

“Mate!”

Alexa

Mate?!

How?

I stared at the huge man in front of me, shaking my head in shock mixed with disbelief.

His orbs locked onto mine, flashing with a dangerous glint that sent shivers down my spine.

“Mate!” he growled loudly, taking slow strides towards me.

This can't be!

It is not possible! Why him? Why is he of all people, my second chance mate?

Why even a mate when I was rejected once?

“Stop!” I yelled as I picked up the fork on the table. “Don't dare come any closer!” I warned, despite how hard my hands shook.

I am supposed to kill him.

How dare he be my mate?

“Alexa!” Nana screamed in terror.

“Mate!” his eyes flashed with a deep red hue. “Drop it!”

“Nooo!” I yelled, backing away.

My heart grew frantic as I scanned the huge halls, looking for an exit.

A growl snapped my attention back as I noticed the distance between us growing thin.

The maidens backed off quicker than I could anticipate. They parted like a tide as he walked towards me with a menacing snarl on his lips.

The sound elicited purrs from my wolf who wanted to submit to her mate, but I growled at the protest, conjuring a mental wall between me and my wolf.

When he did it again, my knees wobbled, barely supporting my weight.

“Submit, mate,” he cooed, stopping a few meters away from me, wanting me to acknowledge him.

Too bad.

Gritting my teeth, I stared back stubbornly at him, taking note of the huge doors located to the right with my eyes.

“I refuse to be mates with a beast,” I said.

My actions were so bizarre, they left many eyes wide in shock.

By the time they had come to their senses, I was already bolting out of the room, which made him smirk at my stubbornness.

“Get back here!” I heard a loud growl in my head as I ran.

Adrenaline pumped in my veins as I sprinted down the halls, pushing every door so I could at least hide, but unfortunately, they were locked.

My heart raced as another snarl echoed in the halls.

I looked back, my heart missing a beat as I locked eyes with his terrifying ones, which dangerously glowed.

He was enjoying this?

Tears poured down my eyes as I lurched forward, pushing at every door in sight.

“Open up!” I screamed, pushing another door, but it was locked.

“Please!”

My heart slammed in my chest as I stumbled on a carpet edge, almost sending me to the ground.

“Ugh,” I groaned, running nonetheless.

I grabbed onto a door's handle, latching and pulling like my life depended on it.

“Come on, come on... please open up!” I cried in repeat, tears streaming down my face as I hit the door in frustration.

Yet, it stayed shut.

Quickly, I ran down another bend, surprised at the lack of guards I hadn't met so far, but I chalked it up at the back of my head.

Another dead end.

My heart throbbed as I shakily looked around.

There has to be another way. Somewhere I could hide.

Then my eyes caught a door adjacent to where I stood, and I ran towards it without hesitation.

The door was huge; it was different from the other doors I had tried opening. It stood majestically with an ominous aura.

Another growl broke through the air, causing me to gasp as fear and goosebumps crept up my skin like tiny spiders.

I quickly held the door, giving it a push. Relief flooded in as the door opened on my first try.

I swiftly entered and bolted the door behind me, breathing heavily and looking around.

Luckily for me, there was a bed in the room, big enough for me to hide under.

“Thank you, Moon Goddess,” I whispered underneath my shaky breath.

Like a kid afraid of dark spooky caves, I quickly hid under the bed, letting out a breath of relief.

Just then, the door began to shake along with growls. “I know you are in there.”

His thick, surreal voice sounded through the door, causing my heart to race faster than before.

A sob threatened to escape, but I stifled my mouth shut with my hand.

First, it was Norman, and now it was this beast.

Why was I so unlucky in life?

Was he going to kill me like he killed my sister?

With a few shakes, the door was finally opened.

From under the bed, I saw two boots come into my line of sight, causing my breath to hitch.

My heart thudded loudly in my ears.

Slowly, he walked to the bed and sat on it, releasing a dark yet charmingly sweet chuckle. “Would you like to come out yourself, or do I need to drag you out?”

Shit!

He knew I was here!

Tears poured down my eyes, but I refused to answer him.

My breath grew heavy and loud to my ears, but I couldn't stop it.

Silence reigned in the air until he moved.

His boots squeaked on the floor as he calmly stood up from the bed.

And I immediately felt a hand on my ankle, and a scream left my lips as he yanked me out from under the bed.

My vision spun as I yelled, grasping at nothing in particular as my body suddenly landed on the soft mattress.

A smirk hung on his lips as he stared at me while I was under him, squirming. “If I knew you were this eager to get on my bed, I wouldn't have gone through the stress of following you around, my mate.”

“Wh... what?” I stammered, confused at his words.

“Aww, didn't you notice where you are right now?” he sarcastically said as I stared at him, and then it hit me.

This was his mansion. Of course, he knew everywhere.

He led me here.

No wonder he didn't struggle to catch me.

I glared at him. “Let me go!”

His smirk grew wider as he leaned in closer to me, his breath hitting my neck. “Why would I do that when I just found you, my mate?”

“Don't call me that!” I spat, wriggling my wrists. “I'd rather be mate-less than be with you!”

Stunned by my words, his eyes flashed for a brief second.

He raised a brow. “Oh, really? Do you think you can escape the bond?”

“Yes, you beast!” I cussed. “I'll just reject you and get it over with. It's not like I feel it anyway.”

I was lying, and I knew he knew that too.

It was taking a lot of guts to speak to him like this. Not with my wolf whining in my head and forcing me to acknowledge the bond.

I watched as my mate stiffened at my words, his pupils going slack as they turned into a mixture of gold and red.

“Say that again,” he growled, his voice calmer than before, yet more deadly. It made my wolf and me whimper.

I bared my neck, my heart pounding as I realized his wolf had surfaced.

“Let me go!” I said. I can't allow myself to bear the mark of the beast.

“You want to reject me? Us?” he snarled, his teeth elongating. “Was that what you said?”

I breathed heavily. My defiance was breaking slowly.

“No… Yes. I don't want it.”

I struggled, knowing he wanted to mark me.

“L–leave me,” I said, my voice louder than I had expected. “Not again!”

“Submit!” he commanded, his voice laced with so much authority that it made my mind go blank, and my wolf stirred with force.

My body slackened, and the wall I had with my wolf crumbled.

Instantly, sparks flew from where he held me pinned, and suddenly, the urge to mate and acknowledge the bond between us burned me.

And he knew.

“Did you just say you want to reject our bond?” he spoke as he grazed my skin with his teeth, making my body quiver in delight.

“Please,” I muttered, unconsciously lifting my body to meet him.

“What do you want, mate?” he asked, trailing cold kisses around my neck.

He slowly released my hands, taking my thighs to wrap around his waist while grazing my skin with his fingers, sending zaps of current all over my body.

My head reeled, the air intoxicating.

And the worst happened when I quickly grabbed his neck, as another gasp left my lips.

“Mark me,” my wolf begged, while my hands tugged at his shirt to bring our lips closer, but he avoided my lips, which led to a whimper too.

“No!” I screamed ashamed of what I had just let my wolf do.

His smirk faltered. “No?” his face inched closer to mine, as he drew my body to his, “But you looked like you were having fun a minute ago.”

Rage erupted in me, and with a sudden cry, my hands shot to his chest and pushed with everything I had.

“I will not intentionally have anything to do with you," I yelled, trying to free myself from his grip.

A low growl rumbled from his throat—as he flipped me over on his bed.

“I. Am. Not. Yours!” I scream, my eyes blazing.

His eyes darkened, and before I could say anything else, I felt a sudden rush of pain on my neck, his elongated fangs glowing with blood—My blood.

My vision blurred, as everything started to rotate.

“You shouldn't have marked me,” I whispered, a bitter smile forming on my lips.

“Why?” he rasped.

His reflection was in a thousand pieces, such that I wondered where he truly was, but I knew I was looking at one of his reflections right in the eyes.

“Because now I remember what I came here to do...”

Kendell

“Mark me,” her wolf growled sweetly into my ears, sending my wolf and me into a frenzy.

I balled my fists above her head, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Moon goddess.

My mate was a beauty.

Just looking at her made me want to fill her with my pups.

“No!” she declared, her aggression returning, making my wolf and me more eager to claim her.

I leaned close to her, taking a whiff of the wonderful smell I had come to love now— flowers and honey.

It was a weird mix, but coming from her, it somehow became perfect.

Who would have thought that I, the rumored beast, would have a mate of his own?

My gums ached as they grew longer, and I stared at her neck in hunger to mark her.

To devour her.

This was my first time meeting her, but I could already tell I was in for a lot. I thought to myself ignoring the rubbish she just spilled.

Eleven years ago, I didn't know if I could have a mate.

Being mate-less and at the age of twenty-nine had already set my wolf and me on edge.

We were on the brink of madness.

Every ten years we hosted a sacrifice, but it was to look for a potential mate, or my fated mate.

As the Alpha King and the most dominant in the royal family bloodline, there was a secret we never wanted to let out.

A secret that related to our mates.

That was why no one in the palace could freely tell we were looking for mates, not sacrifices.

“Mate,” I whispered into her ear, and I wasted no time, sinking my fangs into her neck.

I felt her body go slack as she purred from delight, but I was far from over…

She was mine. She wanted me, but why was she stopping herself, her wolf wanted us also... I saw how she gave in to mine, but Alexa here was something I couldn't comprehend.

Her anger, it was a form of old. Something was wrong somewhere, but why so much hate?

She alone had answers to my questions, and I will make her confess to me.

...

It has been three days already, and she still hasn't woken up.

Was my mark too strong for her to bear?

Panic rose in my heart at my next thought, "Did...did I kill her?"

A deep exhale left my mouth as I stared at the mountain of files on the table of my office space, my eyes briefly meeting that of my Beta's before resting back on the papers.

Due to finding my mate, I had left the palace for George, my Beta, to run, and I came back to meet him.

I dropped the paper I was holding onto the table, pursing my lips at him.

“It is not my fault, okay?” He raised his hands innocently, “This came in immediately after you left.”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I felt the urge to strangle him and if he weren't my brother, I would have.

I rubbed my temples, closing my eyes, on important matters, “Is it done?”

George sat straight, the playfulness in his eyes vanishing. “Yes, but the council wants an explanation.”

I let out a sneer, “Why should I? It's not like I say anything when they do it.”

Just thinking about it makes my heart boil, and I wish I could do it myself.

The audacity that the wolf had to touch my mate.

“Don't agitate your wolf, man,” George explained, “It is not worth it since he is dead.”

“You do not understand,” I said with a frown. “As much as I'd like to mutilate him for touching my mate, Francis’ actions show something. He’s been doing that for years. And right under my nose.”

George went silent, as he got what I implied.

It was just like ten years ago.

When I had just clocked eighteen. Like every other wolf, I had been waiting for my mate to stride in until that elder. Because of him, I lost my parents, and I was labeled the beast.

“Do you think it has something to do with him?” George inquired with worry on his face.

I didn't reply.

Francis was horrible.

He had taken some of the maidens and sold them to brothels and raping a few.

“Since we have no clue let us focus on another issue.”

George dismissed, changing the topic. “What about your mate?”

Mentioning my mate, my wolf jerked and I looked at George with a frown.

I knew he was just curious, but I couldn't help the growl that left my lips. “Respect. Refer to your sister-in-law and Queen with respect.”

George’s eyes flashed as he realized his mistake. Hurriedly he replied, “Yes, your majesty.”

“She's fine,” I huffed out, trying so much to convince myself and him, seeing as he wasn't putting up much of a fight.

I couldn't help but let my mind wonder again... She has been asleep for three days now, and that bothers me a lot.

Was it because she was weak compared to me? Was that why she was in a coma?

While I thought, I felt a stir in my mind. I raised a brow, recognizing the link as Rose’s.

‘What is it?’ I answered, slightly irritated.

‘Your Majesty, her Highness is awake,’ Rose informed me.

I straightened my back, my heart gladdened, ‘How is she?’

I had gone to visit her a few times, but she was still sleeping.

Hearing she was awake already, my wolf was now fighting for control.

I ignored George's curious glance at me.

Unfortunately for him, he was out of town when I found my mate, and like me before, he was mate-less.

‘Her Highness is okay. Would you like to meet her?’ her voice cooed.

‘Yes. Have her ready and meet me at the dining hall. I will be waiting.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty.’

I cut off the link, standing to my feet.

“George, I have pressing matters to attend to.”

“Is Her Majesty awake?” he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I paused in my steps, shaking my head in a nod, “Yes.”

With that, I strode out of the office and to my room.

The maids had already picked out my clothes for me, so after a bath, I changed into a new set and went straight to the dining hall.

This time, I'll have a proper discussion with my mate.

Who knows what she might spill out this time.