Chapter 4

I weakly raised my head to look at the company of men who I suspected were my captors.

“What is your name?” He questioned as he squatted to my level on the ground. I tried releasing my claws, hoping to use them in scratching his face but it was of no use. The silver chain burned my wrist, making it impossible for me to use my werewolf powers.

“Doesn't she speak?” His voice echoed through the room as he turned to the two men who stood behind him. I recognized those men, they were the ones who attacked me on the road.

“She speaks.” One of them responded.

The man who squatted down to my level cupped my chin with his palm, tilting my face towards him.

“I ask for the last time, what's your name?”

My heart raced as I felt intimidated by him. He had fairly normal looks, but he still looked like one who could kill. I would never forgive the driver if I found out he was the one behind this.

I spat in his face, causing him to release his hand from my chin. He stood up from his squatting position and turned towards the other men, before looking at me.

My mind raced as I wondered what would be done to me. The frown on his face melted, and he turned to the men who were with him and bursted into laughter. That was something unexpected.

“I like this one. She is bold.” He came closer to me and looked at my wrist which was bound in the chain. He held the chain with both hands, and in a second, it fell down, broken to pieces.

His hand moved closer to the veil on my face, ready to yank it off.

“Please stop.” I pleaded, trembling as I held his hand.

“So, you can talk.” He said in a tone that sounded like it was mocking me.

His coarse hand caressed my face which was covered with my veil.

“I have a feeling that what's under this veil is going to be beautiful.” His statement sent shivers down my spine.

My breath hitched in my throat with each movement that his hand made against my face. I managed to mutter shakily, “Who…who are you?”

He pressed his lips into a thin line and an amused smile appeared on his face. The men who he brought along with him stood at the entrance. There was no escape route.

“Please don't.” I muttered once again, my voice coming out weaker than before. His hand reached towards my neck, and then slid to my waist. He pulled the veil off my face. It was only my face that was exposed, but I felt like my entire body was naked.

I shut my eyes and covered my face in my palms.

“Look at me.” He commanded and I raised my head towards him.

“They say the wolves from Veilwood are beautiful. What are your special abilities?” My breathing was ragged. I lacked the courage to speak or move an inch.

“I…I don't have any.” I said while trembling like a leaf.

“The females from Veilwood are priceless. You need to get me more of them.” He chuckled as he spoke to the men who had brought me here.

The men left the room, leaving me alone with this man that I had no idea who he was.

He kept moving closer to me. The closer he came, the more I shifted backwards. My back collided with the wall, and there was no longer space for me to move to. I had never been this close to a man. His hand moved around my neck and he caressed my face.

I lifted my veil to cover my face, but he pulled it away from my hand, causing it to fall on the dusty floor.

Was this the reason why females from our pack weren't allowed to venture outside? Were we really prey for some people?

He moved his face closer to mine and I could feel his hot breath washing over my skin. The next thing I felt was his fingers trailing along the thick fabric of my dress, until it came to settle on my chest.

I was sweating from underneath my clothes. He peeled the dress off my shoulders, until my upper skin was revealed.

“Please.” I pleaded with teary eyes, unsure of what he was doing.

“My lord.” A voice interrupted us. He turned away from me and I could see the flash of irritation in his face. My weak knees gave away and I fell to the ground exhausted.

I watched as he spoke to the woman who interrupted us, but I paid no attention to the details. The both of them turned to look at me and without saying anything else, he left.

The elderly woman, who looked like someone who should be in the age bracket of my mother, walked towards me with a stretched arm. I hesitated before placing my hand in hers.

She supported me to my feet and adjusted my dress which was almost removed from my shoulders.

“You need to get settled with the rest. That is the Master's orders.”

“Where am I?” I asked as I swallowed hard.

“You're somewhere that no one can save you. If you play by the rules, you'll be safe. Training starts by 5am tomorrow.” She said as she led me into a room.

It looked like my room at the packhouse, except that it lacked furniture. It was just an empty space, save for a bed and a table in the corner.

“What do you mean by training?” I asked, still feeling confused.

“You talk too much. Bath and sleep. Tomorrow is a long day.” I stared at the woman, wondering how she became an accomplice in a place where women were captured. She was a woman like me, how could she be doing this?

She left the room, leaving me lost in my own thoughts.

I scooped water from the bucket and used it in washing my face. The bag which I carried with me wasn't in sight. I scanned the room, the windows were guarded with silver panes, making it impossible for me to sneak out. I sat on the bed, burying my face in both palms. Hot tears found their way out of my eyes and I allowed them to flow freely.

I didn't know what this place was, but it felt like a prison.

“We can't give up now, there's still a chance of escaping.” My wolf, Aria said to me.

I peeped through the door, there were no guards in view. This could be a chance to run away. I could get caught or I might escape, but freedom is worth the risk.