The pain in my wrist increased. I frowned and turned to Melissa to tell her about it, when I saw the glare that she couldn't hide in time directed at me.
Melissa suddenly pushed me behind her, stepping between Enzo and me when he tried to get closer to me.
Enzo furrowed his brows, looking a little unpleased.
Michael smiled and introduced, "This is my-"
"My name is Melissa. I'm my father's only daughter. Hello, Alpha Enzo." Melissa interrupted Michael before he could finish speaking.
I stood behind Melissa, a little confused for a moment.
I saw Enzo blink, and he gave her an awkward yet polite smile.
He turned to Michael and asked, "And the lady behind this young lady is...?"
"She's-"
"She's my family's slave," Melissa interrupted once more.
I shot Melissa a shocking look. This person was my best friend?!
She never allowed me to call myself a slave, yet here she was, revealing my identity in full view of everyone present.
I saw the astonished looks and regretful sounds from the people around us. Even several people present were both friends of Melissa and mine. Their eyes are filled with shock and sympathy, even contempt and mockery.
After seeing the way they examined me, I could no longer lift my head.
The crystal crown on my head was heavy, and it made my neck sore. The gorgeous gown on me even became suffocating for a moment...
Enzo's voice came from above me after that, "Slave?"
Blood instantly rushed to my cheeks at that moment. A burning feeling pierced through my skin and right into the depths of my soul.
This was the first time in my life that I felt humiliated.
I wanted so badly to bury myself in a hole and not be standing here in front of so many people. Especially not in front of Alpha Enzo.
"Yes. But she's also a good friend of mine, so I let her wear my dress to this welcome party. However..."
Melissa turned her head to me and smiled.
"My slave... No, my friend doesn't seem to fit in either way."
I shuddered, feeling like the gorgeous gown on me was the greatest irony.
Melissa continued, "I don't blame you. It's your first time at a party, after all. It's difficult to adapt, so perhaps it's better if you return to the kitchen."
She seemed to be reassuring me on the surface, but in fact I knew that she was asking me to disappear instantly.
I looked at Melissa, wanting to find a hint of reluctance on her face, but I only saw a smile that was so different from the cheerful, beautiful smile that I remembered.
I couldn't say anything, and I didn't know how to leave the scene without further embarrassing myself. So, I could only bow to the crowd, apologize, and then awkwardly fled the scene.
As if all misfortune chose to befall me that time, my heels broke suddenly, and I fell to the ground.
My arms were bruised from the fall, and dust stuck to my chin. Even the crown had fallen off my head, making me look like an absolute joke.
I heard shrieks and giggles coming from the crowd, and my mind went blank.
Again, I felt like burying myself in a hole to hide my body, my exposed weakness, and things that I could be bullied for.
My nose and eyes were sore.
I braced myself against the ground as I tried to get up to leave this place as soon as I could.
Suddenly, a shadow fell above me, blocking the hot and blazing sun temporarily.
I raised my head slightly and found Alpha Enzo bending over with a hand held out to me. There was concern in his eyes that he couldn't hide.
"Are you hurt?"
His deep voice drifted into my ears along with the breeze. The sound rang through my beating heart, and it felt like fireworks had exploded in me.
The cold scent of wine wafted into my nose, becoming mellow and thick. It was sweet and tempting like sin.
I felt my blood boil rapidly, making me want to recklessly pounce on him in the next second to taste him.
In the end, I managed to rein myself in as logic won over. I clenched my fist tightly, suppressing the impulse that screamed at me.
I lowered my eyes, trying to hide my feelings, as I shook my head quickly to indicate I was okay.
His hand came closer to me, and I couldn't stop myself from wanting to touch his broad, firm palm.
However, the image of Melissa's jealous glare entered my mind, and I gave up those thoughts.
My fingernails dug into my palm as I clenched my fist harder before getting to my feet. Then, I lifted my skirt a little and ran towards the villa.
As I ran past Enzo, I felt my curls brush his opened palm.
He seemed to close his fist as though trying to hold something, but in the end, all that was left for him was air.
I didn't dare look behind me, nor did I dare to look at Enzo's face.
Escape was the only thought in my mind.
I returned to my room and changed out of the custom-made gown, putting on a t-shirt and jeans that I wore for my daily work.
I tied my curly hair back up into a ponytail, finally returning to my original appearance.
Only then did I snap out of my wretched state.
I put on my apron and went to the kitchen, which was already filled with several busy cooks.
After I went in, the confined space seemed to get smaller.
One of the cooks pushed me. "Shoo! Get out of the way!"
I fell on the kitchen counter, and the boiling oil that spilled out burned me.
I held back the pain and didn't make a sound, then went to the corner to start preparing today's dessert from the menu.
When I finally calmed down, my brain seemed to start working once more.
I couldn't understand why Melissa, who was supposed to be my best friend, would do that to me. I also couldn't forget Enzo's look when he had bent over me just now.
I recalled the smell from his body and felt a subtle change in my own.
Judging by the way things were going, I probably didn't need to take Melissa's place in this marriage anymore.
I put the mixed cake batter into the mold, then set it inside the oven. Then, I started to whip the light cream.
I was doing everything methodically until someone at the kitchen door called my name.
"Andrea."
I turned to meet Jesse's eyes.
He tilted his head and raised his eyebrows, studying me beneath his chin.
I glanced at him, then turned away and continued whipping the light cream.
"I'm talking to you! Can't you hear me, slave?!"
He was using my status to remind me that I should be showing him respect. After all, he was a civilian, a position several notches above me.
However, I didn't think I needed to. I didn't even bother lifting my head.
Suddenly, someone gripped my wrist. Then, he took the pot from the stove and dumped the entire content over my head.
Gasps came from around the kitchen, but the others soon returned to work.
No one came to help me nor spoke a word to defend me.
Cream smeared into my eyes, and I could only use my apron to wipe the cream off my face and hair.
I frowned at the girl who gave me a hard time. It was a girl with a high ponytail and a black bustier dress.
She was the daughter of one of the Pack's warriors. Her name was Molly, and she was once a good friend of mine and Melissa.
I briefly recalled the time I spent with Molly. As far as I could remember, I have never offended her, so I couldn't understand why she was giving me trouble.
But she immediately explained the reason for her actions by taking Jesse's arms and shooting a smug smile at me.
I initially wondered how Jesse, a commoner, could attend such a party. Now that I saw Molly with him, I understood.
As the boyfriend of a warrior's daughter, it was apparent he could stand proudly here.
But I had no interest in their affairs, and I just wanted to get my cake done.
I headed towards the kitchen exit, planning to change in my room before coming back to work.
However, Jesse blocked the doorway and wouldn't let me leave.
I raised my head to look at Jesse, and his shoulders shook.
Although I was a slave, in truth, I still had an Alpha's aura, which made me intimidating in front of civilians.
After a brief trance, Jesse regained his composure. He grinned mockingly at me and said, "Didn't you say you were marrying Alpha Enzo? Why aren't you with your fiancé at the party, hmm?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "fiancé."
Molly patted Jesse's arm and said sarcastically, "What are you talking about? How can a slave marry an Alpha? She must have been dreaming!
"I always thought she was Alpha Michael's adopted daughter, but she's just a slave! What a liar!"
Molly shoved at me. "Why don't you speak? Didn't you used to think highly of yourself? Following Melissa around like a kiss-ass, acting like you were someone great!"
Then, Molly laughed. "Oh, I forgot that you're mute and can't speak!"
I calmly looked at them, thinking that they were childish.
Both of them were acting like kids who had gotten candy in kindergarten and showed off to the others.
I tried to pass them once more to leave, but Jesse suddenly grabbed my collar and dragged me out of the kitchen.
I suspected they wanted to drag me to an isolated corner and beat me up because I could feel Jesse's anger.
His grip on my collar was bruising, which revealed that he wanted to teach me a lesson to get his revenge.
I tried to loosen his grip on me and get away, but it was all in vain.
I knocked my knee into the corner of a table and let out a muffled shout.
The pain awakened my wolf. She urged me to fight back in my mind.
But I knew I couldn't do it. This was a party for two Packs, and I didn't want to draw any attention. I didn't want to ruin everything.
"What are you doing?"
A stern voice interrupted this scene.
The next thing I knew, a firm hand passed my chin and landed on the hand that gripped my collar. I heard a sharp crunch, and Jesse's hand was twisted at an incredible angle.
"Argh!" Jesse screamed.
Molly covered her mouth in shock.
"A-Alpha Enzo...!" Molly called out in a trembling voice.
Enzo raised his brow as he shook off Jesse's already crippled hand and snorted, "What, are you guys slaves in this house too?""What?!" Molly exclaimed.I could sense that she hadn't said that out of anger, just shocked and confused, as though she didn't understand Enzo's words.After all, Enzo was a murderous, bloodthirsty devil in the rumor.Enzo pulled a napkin from the side table and carefully wiped his hand that had touched Jesse's hand. Then, he sneered, "If you're not slaves, what are you doing here?"Jesse raised his chin and said, "This slave provoked us first. We were just-""I'm sorry, Alpha Enzo. This was our fault," Molly said and covered Jesse's mouth just in time.She was shaking so badly, as though she was terrified of Enzo."Since it's your fault, apologize." Enzo's voice was soft, but it was intimidating.Molly stiffened.After a few seconds, she gave me a forced smile, blinked her reddened eyes, and said, "I'm sorry, Andrea. Forgive my rudeness."Then, she tugged on
I tried to keepsome distance with him, but his voice was just enchanting."I'mnot talking about the cream. I was talking about your scent."My scent?What scent?I sniffedand only smelt whipped cream. His warmscent came closer, created a soft comfortable cage that I can’t and don’t evenwant to escape.He pressedhis lips on my lower cheek making me shiver. His breath was just on my rightear. I felt hishands on my waist, holding me hard not letting me go. His one hand reached outunder my cloth, rubbing the side of my waist, and going up.I started totry to hold back a moan feeling helpless on this strange pulse. I froze on thetingle between my thighs and my panties’ wet.His eyebrowsflew up higher at my actions.Just then, ascream suddenly rang out from the kitchen."Whatis that smell?! Who burnt the cake?!"I winced andrushed back into the kitchen, leaning over the door frame to peek inside andfound a cook holding a blackened cake on a plate, staring blankly at it.I
Enzo's POVShe was mymate!The nasty‘real daughter’ of Alpha Michael was nobody but she just scared the hell out ofmy little innocent mate!She wasglaring at my mate in a highly hostile manner, and I immediately realized herhostility was because of me.I blockedAndrea from Michael's daughter's view, frowned at the latter, and asked,"Is something wrong?"Michael'sdaughter took her eyes off Andrea, then took a few steps towards us, "Myfather is looking for you.Afterconfirming that my mate was in this Pack, I had told Beta Kyle Larson to findout my mate's relationship with this family.Now that Ihad the gist of the situation, I could return to the party without worry andcarry out my duties as the Cold Moon Pack's Alpha.I nodded."Alright. I'll be right there."Michael'sdaughter flashed me a familiar smile, of one on the face of every woman whowanted to climb into my bed.However, Ididn't like those kinds of smiles. Hated it, even.It's just ashame that Andrea hadn't ev
Andrea’s POVI wasembarrassed to see everyone in formal dress, and I was in maid’s apron.I thought Iam used to be the slave in the pack. I was not in front of Alpha Enzo. He wasdifferent.Slaves werenot allowed to have any eye contact with masters and guests. I didn’t even knowhow taunting he would be seeing me doing my slave job. He must behappy that he was not marrying a shameful slave like me."Andrea,"Melissa called me suddenly.I had a badfeeling instantly.I walked toher side, and my head was still bent low. I didn’t dare irritate her in thissituation."I wantto drink that wine," Melissa said, pointing to the wine on the otherside of the table.I nodded,then walked around the table to bring the bottle of wine over. Then, I bentdown to pour a glass slowly for Melissa.Unexpectedly,Melissa brought her hand up to touch the stem of the wine glass, then seeminglyswept the glass off the table unintentionally.The glasscrashed to the ground and shattered into pieces
Andrea's POVI wasshocked. What was he talking about? He reachedout to touch my hair, I frowned and leaned back away from me. Iwithdrew my hand hesitantly and instead said, "Can I stay with you? Do youwant me to stay with you?"I can’t sayI don’t. I wanted him to stay."I canturn into a wolf. I definitely won't do anything to you in that state."Mywolf's name is Ethan. It's very docile."Isthat okay?"I heard himsay. He was so patient, so comforting. I didn’t refuse.He startedto undo his shirt and tie. I was astounded to see his sun-tanned bare chest andperfect abs, didn’t know what to do.My eyeswiden at him loosening his belt, held my knees tighter to my chest. Usually,Alpha Michael undressing himself means he’s going to beat me with his belt.That hurts."No,wait! Because turning into a wolf will shred my clothes... I didn't mean tostart taking them off in front of you! I..."His voicereminded me that I was safe now. And I was a little embarrassed now looking at
Andrea's POVMybiological clock always woke me up at half-past five every morning, since I hadto get up to clean the house and prepare breakfast for Alpha Michael's family,Today, whenI got up from the mattress, my leg brushed against something soft and furry.I rubbed myeyes and saw a solid black wolf tail. I quickly remembered what happened lastnight and tried my best to hold back a shameful scream."You'reawake?"A low,hoarse voice floated into my ear, and I jerked around to meet thosegolden-brown, cloudy eyes.The giantwolf had also woken up, seemingly tired.He got upfrom the ground and walked over to me. He circled my back, then reached out torub my neck like it was the most natural thing. Then, he wrapped his bodyaround my waist and placed his head on my thigh."Goback to sleep..." he said blearily.I wasstunned speechless.I wanted topush him away and run, but he simply licked the back of my hand with his roughtongue and said, "Stop it.""..."Why did thiswolf
Instead of wearinga tie and suit like he did yesterday, Enzo wore a white shirt and had casuallyrolled up his sleeves to his elbow. The top two buttons of his shirt were alsounfastened, and even his hair was brought back behind his head casually.Hisappearance was obviously messy, but I thought he looked handsome.I forcedmyself to look away again, trying to ignore his presence as much as possible.I needed tohave the entire villa cleaned spotless by seven in the morning, and thenbreakfast ready by eight.I had toprepare two extra portions for breakfast today. One was for Beta Kyle from theCold Moon Pack, and one was for the man beside me.Others fromthe Cold Moon Pack were visiting, but only Alpha Enzo and his Beta lived here.I startedcleaning the stair's railing while Enzo leaned against it to watch me.I tried toignore his eyes on me, but it was tough.Why did hehave to stand there and stare at me? Didn't he have things to do? Was it fun orpleasing to watch me work?
I could feelthe Beta aura from him. He must be Enzo's Beta, Kyle Larsen."That'sa pity," Kyle said as he sighed. "Enzo was just talking about howmuch he was looking forward to eating it. Me too."I wasstunned, and I looked over at Melissa.Melissa'spretty eyebrows knitted together, but she smiled at me after a few seconds."Better make those blueberry pancakes then. Since Alpha Enzo wants them,of course, we'll make sure he gets them."Then, sheturned around, nodded at Kyle, then left the kitchen.Kyleinclined his head and greeted her. After Melissa left, he winked at me beforemouthing, "No need to thank me, alpha sent me here."I gave him agrateful smile, then let out a relieved sigh before going back to my work.Duringbreakfast, Enzo had changed into a casual outfit that was surprisingly similarto what Melissa was wearing. One could mistake them for being a couple'soutfit, even.I've neverbeen a sensitive person, but the man who gave me a night of accompany ismatching