Chapter 5

Milena~

“The devil and the angel finally meet again.”

His voice. That deep, creepy tone. One I’ve wished never to cross paths with. I’m hallucinating. My circumstances must have led me to start hearing things. But his scent is familiar. A scent I can never forget, however, it’s been years.

“Unblindfold her,” the creepy voice commands, confirming my fear.

It’s him— the white braided hair monster— the second grandson of the Ryders. But why is he here? Or why am I in his presence?

Out of everything I’d imagined to be a difficult part of my life, meeting this beast again has never been one of them, especially in my vulnerable state.

Never.

“Try to behave,” murmurs another baritone voice while undoing my blindfold. I flinch as warm breath stings my neck. “She smells nice, Alpha.” He chuckles, spinning me.

My lashes blink, taking in my environment. First, my sight falls on the face of the masked man, then a pale-skinned handsome Beta with a high bun white ponytail, then in the direction of my worst fear.

Our eyes lock.

I bite my tongue hard, controlling to stay still as my heart pounds in my ribcage at the sight of him. The one man I almost took his life years back. Alpha Dragomir of Duskwarren pack. The cruel younger brother of Alpha Vladimir.

A bad nightmare.

Alpha Dragomir’s head leans, his piercing green eyes rubbernecking right into my soul with the most soulless expression I’ve ever seen. That’s him. Has always been him. The dark smile written across his face stretches as he locks his hands behind. “You came back to me, little Lena. Tell me, is Karma not a beautiful slur?” His voice calm, but sinister like he’s questioning me.

Should I respond, or not? The last time I stayed mute while he spoke, the monster rained his wrath on me. My life is already hell, and I can’t add to it.

Bowing to him, however, it’s something I despise, my lips part, “Alpha—”

“You speak when commanded,” the Beta interrupts, and I swallow my words, my stomach knotting aggressively.

“Are you not excited…” Alpha Dragomir scoffs, “to finally be where you rightfully belong?” His thick brow hikes dangerously alongside the side of his lips as his scrutiny is unwavering.

My hands tremble, clutching my dress. Those gazes. I understand them better than anyone. They’re the same as the ones that night. Cold and harmful.

But why him? I don’t want to agree with the little voice in my head whispering thoughts. Phrases I forbid. Remarks explaining the reason I'm standing before this man.

What arrangement did my so-called mate make with his evil brother? I’ve never offended Alpha Vladimir. Why is he punishing me so hard?

“He is your buyer. Your new Master,” the masked man responds tenderly as if listening to my thoughts, confirming the whispers of the tiny voice. He undoes his mask, revealing his short, stylish brown hair and fitted, pointed nose with perfect lips.

Bowing to Alpha Dragomir, he adds, “The order is for her to be cared for, and no one lay—”

“This is my pack, and I make the rules.” Alpha Dragomir groans. “The girl is mine now.”

“Forgive me, but that’s not the agreement.”

“You dare to question my authority?” A low rumbling glow breaks out of Alpha Dragomir’s chest as he clutches the man’s neck. “You are a Gamma, Zoran. With a snap of fingers, your life is mine.” He lets go, and casually strolls toward the dressing table like he didn't abuse a man. “Leave before I change my mind.” He picks an apple and throws it at Gamma Zoran.

“Alph—” Gamma Zoran catches the apple.

“Now.” The thunderous sound of Alpha Dragomir’s command makes me flinch. Tears build up as I watch Gamma Zoran bow and storm away without looking at me.

For some unknown reason, I felt protected around him, and now he is gone. What am I to do around this nightmare?

Through the unknown journey to this place, I made a promise to myself not to shed more tears, but now I know who my buyer is… heavens, why are my tears not stopping? Why can’t I control them?

“Lena. Lena. Lena.” Alpha Dragomir returns to me. Leaning in, he brushes a drop of tears off my cheek with his thumb, moving the thumb to the side of my lips. “Save the tears,” he breathes while stroking my bottom lip, “because you are mine now. My. Slave. And no one is coming to save you, not even your mate.”

Mate? Once again, I’m reminded of the root of my misfortune.

Growing up, my dislike of the Ryder households stemmed from normal circumstances. But now… right now, I can’t describe how much my dislike has grown to hatred.

This household is running my life. First, it was Alpha Vladimir. My supposed cruel mate who sold me off for a reason I’m yet to understand better. Now, Alpha Dragomir; a terror who will make my life more miserable. I can’t achieve my goals under his wings. The demon will break my bones and drink my blood because I’m now a slave.

I’ve heard terrible things he did to Omegas and Rogues who were sold to him. None survived the second month.

What will be my fate? Will I survive a night here after what I did to him years back? He vowed to make my life a living hell if we ever crossed paths. And he will.

Does my father know I’m being sold to Alpha Dragomir? Will he come for me? At least, save me from my mystery.

“Lena.” Alpha Dragomir leans intimately our temples touch. He inhales, sniffing my hair like a male wolf studying a new territory.

I cling and take a step backward, but bump into the Beta. The Beta grips my shoulders, tightly pain radiates down my spine.

I whimper in a low voice, struggling to get my balance.

The Beta chuckles dryly, pushing me back into the body of Alpha Dragomir. I try to flee, but Alpha Dragomir tugs my hair, twisting it twice before pulling harder.

Hotter tears rain down my cheeks as my scalp burns like a brim of fire.

Alpha Dragomir sneers, obviously enjoying my pain. He jerks me further, and my boobs slam against his hard chest. Still in pain, I try to dart away again, but his arm wraps around my waist so fast I’m unable to move.

“Be still,” he commands, and like the calmest of sea, I stilled.

He strokes my lips again, this time harder than the first. With a finger, he lifts my chin our eyes can meet. I try to look away. Trust me, I tried, but I know the consequences of trying to act stubborn with a Ryder man. So, I let things be and gaze back into his green eyes.

I wish I could plead for this monster to let me go, but I understand better than anyone.

“Tonight, my beautiful Lena.” His grip around my waist tightens, and he strokes my hair with his other hand. “Not only shall you grace my bed, but you shall pay for preventing me years back,” he says beaming, but it doesn't reach his eyes. “Have all the rest you require,” he mutters against my lips, smiling harder.

I tremble as his utterance rings in my head, sending fear to my veins. He will have me tonight. This Alpha will break my purity. Heavens… I don’t want to imagine the inhuman things waiting ahead.

Best he ends my life. I rather take my last breath than let a man have my body. That’s worse than death.

Alpha Dragomir chuckles wickedly as he lets go of my waist. I stumble backward, bumping into the Beta once again. The Beta grunts like a varmint and tugs my arm like I'm his prisoner while waiting for the braided hair beast's command.

“Take her to the dogs' dungeons and lock her up. Feed her with leftovers. I want her weak when I return,” Alpha Dragomir orders, adjusting the hems of his white jacket before storming away.