KNEEL BEFORE ME

ALINA

I stood against a tree decoration, hiding the mark on my back. One look, and everyone will find out my true identity. Despite that, my gaze shifted to Lisa. A tight smile glinted on her red lips, waiting for me to shatter.

“Let me help you, Luna,” Lisa stepped closer, yet I stopped her with my palm.

“Stay where you are!” My voice ordered her.

“Luna.” She furrowed her brows. “Your dress is drenched. Let me help you. It is my fault for accidentally spilling the wine on you.”

“Don't come closer. This is an order.” My wolf growled within me. She was protective.

“Luna, if you keep acting like this, everyone might think you're hiding something.” She spilled the venomous words. It was enough to make the guests whisper.

I noticed Julius rushing towards me, cutting through the crowd, carrying a shawl. Suddenly, a dark blazer reached for my skin from the side, I slightly moved from the tree, and the blazer covered my stark shoulders.

When I looked up, my eyes met Felix’s. Instead of glancing at my back, he pulled me into his warm, masculine arms.

“Are you okay?” His deep voice whispered.

“Thank you.” My lips whispered back.

Pulling back my gaze from his brown eyes, I turned to Lisa, who was now standing frozen. Her plan flopped, after all.

“Apologize, Lisa Hawthorne.”

Her face was drained of color as if she were lying in her coffin. Kyle instantly rushed over to us, standing next to her.

“It was a mistake, Luna. Must she apologize in front of everyone? This is humiliating. Lisa even offered you her help.” He spoke for her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders.

“Your wife refused my order twice. She even accused me of hiding something. Is this your problem, or are you pretending to forget it, Alpha Kyle?”

His face hardened before he uttered the next words. “Why did you stop her, Luna?”

“You saw the state I was in. As the Luna of the Alpha King, my dignity is everything. With my back practically transparent, I couldn't risk being seen, especially not by a stranger at a party. My position demands strength, not a display of my vulnerable moments.”

The answer shut his mouth.

“Now…” My feet slowly stepped closer to Lisa. “Apologize to me on your knees.”

“On knees? This is too much, Luna.” She clenched either side of her dress. A fury dancing in her vengeful eyes.

“Lisa Hawthorne.” Felix’s voice startled her.

“Are you again refusing my wife's order?”

Kyle slowly removed his arm from her shoulders, dropping his hand to his side.

“Apologize to my wife, now.” He didn't shout. His voice was calm, yet intimidating. I noticed Lisa gulp. She was anxious.

“Apologize to her, Lisa,” Kyle whispered.

Swallowing her pride, she slowly knelt on the floor in her expensive dress. I never wanted the war between us to start this way but I couldn't allow her to walk over me again.

“Forgive me for disobeying you, Luna. It won't happen again.” She mumbled.

“Let's go.” Felix held my hand.

We turned our backs and left her there, crumpled on the floor like a discarded coat. The muffled sound of music and the low hum of chatter pulled us back toward the party. I kept my chin up and my eyes fixed on the lights ahead, refusing to give her even a glance.

Shortly after Kyle and Lisa left, the party started to feel more lively. Nothing major happened, just greeting the guests and chatting. Julius was relieved. For a second he thought my identity was going to be exposed.

As we came back to our bedroom, Felix closed the door and hugged me from behind. The warmth of his breathing caressed the bare skin of my neck, evoking my wolf.

“The elders were speechless. You were exceptional at the party, Serena.” He muttered softly. Julius had already taught me that Felix Night craves power the most. He was superior to all the six packs in Somerland but the elders were untouchable, the rule makers. As long as I helped Felix with his reputation before the elders, he would be pleased.

According to Julius, Felix's nature was rebellious, ruthless, and everything worse. He was never on the same page with the elders. Bowing to someone was not something he knew.

Originally, Serena was chosen by the elders since Felix couldn't feel his true mate. He had to accept the decision forced upon him. Initially against Serena, he learned she was useful to build up his reputation in front of the elders.

Before Serena, the elders were always plotting behind Felix to throw him out of the Alpha King's throne. He accepted the marriage to Serena to keep the elders in check. Later, they genuinely fell for each other.

He placed a soft kiss on my neck. A gentle shiver ran through me. With a light touch on my waist, he spun me around, and we were face-to-face. As our eyes locked, he pulled me tight against his chest.

“I am only disappointed with one thing.” His fingers tucked the loose strand behind my ear.

“What is it?” My brows furrowed.

“You didn't wear the dress I chose for you.”

“I told you it was slightly torn…” He didn't let me finish. Instead, he stepped back, releasing my waist from his grip. Without a word, he walked over to the wardrobe and took out the dress.

He held the dress up, searching for the flaw. His eyes traveled slowly down the length of the dress, scanning every fold until they landed on the tear at the bottom. It was the exact spot I had ruined earlier.

“Hmm...” With a sharp motion, he hooked his fingers into the fraying threads. Instead of fixing it, he yanked. The sound from the silk filled the quiet room as he tore the opening higher and higher, transforming the accidental rip into a bold, daring slit.

I was startled.

He perched on the bed, holding the dress, then looked straight into my eyes.

“Wear it for me. Now.”