The Duty

AZALEA

Evening comes sooner than I expected, and I'm in my room with the Luna Queen, whom I now know as Jenna.

She's doing a great job reminding me of who and what I am in this place.

"You're just a surrogate in the making."

"A breeder owned by Alpha Andras and the entire Moonheart pack."

“Consider yourself fortunate to have been picked. Most female werewolves your age would take this offer without hesitation."

'Most female werewolves would take this offer without hesitation?' The ironic comment makes me scoff internally. An offer for which I will receive nothing in return but suffer the most? I respectfully disagree.

I attempt to remain calm as she speaks, but her words and the rude attitude accompanying them irritate me! And I can't stop screaming in my head. 'I understand my role. I fucking understand it. I don't need you or anyone else to remind me!’

One thing I must acknowledge, though, is how gorgeous Jenna is, even if her face looks awful when she frowns. I wish she would smile more. It would look better on her face and enhance her beauty. But, of course, I don't believe that happens very often.

While servants swarm around the room, preparing me for God knows what, she keeps talking about the surrogacy deal.

Their hands are all over my face, hair, and legs, and I'm just standing in my panties and bra, feeling quite uneasy. I hope again and over that everything around me is a dream, but it isn't.

While this strange preparation is taking place, my mind goes over the events of the previous few hours. I was taken to one of the castle's rooms after the maid, whom Jenna had referred to as the one in red rags, escorted me in. The bed in the room was well-made, with a golden embroidered bedsheet, and the lights were dimly lit, giving the room a pleasant vibe, which I appreciated.

I didn't have a reason to smile before, but seeing how wonderful my room was made me smile big time. The maid had noticed my happy face and had lowered her head humbly to the ground for a minute before lifting her head and stretching her lips into a full smile. She was also attractive, albeit her clothes did not do her justice. I was about to question why she was dressed so strangely when the Luna Queen, Jenna, entered with another maid, whom I surmised was her personal servant.

"Do you like your room?" She'd asked, and I'd replied by darting my eyes shyly over the four corners of the well-arranged room. "Yeah, I guess."

"You guess?" I instantly corrected myself after she arched her brows as if displeased by my response. "I like it."

"Great. I don't want a grumpy werewolf as a surrogate. If you successfully conceive, your bitter and annoying attitude may be passed on to my child, which is not in the books."

She'd continued speaking, but a chill ran down my spine, and a lance of pain shot through my chest as I replayed a word in my head. 'Her child,’ she’d said. I'd never felt so possessive of something or someone as I did now, but the mere notion of a potential offspring made my fists tighten.

I nearly muttered magical curses, wanting to do something risky. But I restrained myself.

Returning to the present, I watch her walk from the door to the bed. She sits on it and motions for me to join her. She has a wicked smile, and while I oblige - I can't precisely say no - I try not to show my discomfort.

Jenna breaks the awkward silence between us, and the next thing I know, she's asking me strange things.

"So tell me, have you had any wild nights? Have you had any previous partners?"

"Previous partners?"

"Oh, don't be ridiculous. Should I repeat it?" She pauses before continuing. "Have you had sexual partners? And how many men have you had sexual relations with? Were you previously mated or…”

Her last question lingers, reminding me of my mate's bond with Landon and the spontaneous rejection shortly after. My cheeks flush as I recall that I've never been with a man, and I open my mouth to respond, only to close it again. I doubt she'll take the news of my virginity well. But I suppose I can't lie, can I?

Without thinking, I blurt out. "I'm a virgin."

"What?"

"I haven't been sexually adventurous in any way."

"Really? You haven't slept with a man? You don't have a mate? You're not taking any drugs, herbs, or anything else to avoid babies?"

‘Pills to avoid babies?’ Is she insane? Why would I take such medications when I'm not actively trying to get pregnant in the first place?

I force a lump down my throat. "Nope, none of that."

"How about your monthly cycles? Are there any irregularities?"

"No. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a regular cycle."

After I answer the last question, another hush falls, and when I look at her squarely, she's judging me in a way that pierces my skin. It seems as if she doesn't believe what I'm saying.

"So you think I'll believe you're a virgin? In this day and age? Seriously?"

"Yes. I know it's unusual, but that’s the way it is. Would it be a problem?"

I attempt to remain calm, but deep down inside, I'm wondering if my virginity will cause an issue with this shady surrogacy transaction I've gotten myself into. That would be an excellent escape route! Though I doubt I'll ever leave Moonheart Pack, at the very least, I get to maintain my virginity and give it to someone more deserving—someone who would adore and love me for the rest of his life.

But that ideology is implausible. I've already rejected my mate, and the notion of second-chance mates is a lie—a myth. My wolf has only felt a bond with Landon...and Alpha Andras. Which is odd, considering he has a mate who is also married to him. He is taken, so why…

“Your virgin state won't be a problem to this surrogacy agreement." Jenna finally responds, breaking me out of my thoughts, and all my dreams and aspirations are dashed.

I shrug my shoulders tiredly and stare at her blankly, wondering what the next inquiry might be. But it's not a query; instead, she delivers shocking news.

"The royal doctor will arrive tomorrow morning to examine you for any medical issues."

“Okay.”

“However, before that-"

"Before what?" I quickly say, and she gives me a stern look.

"You are to meet with Alpha Andras in a few minutes. Your duty starts tonight."