CHAPTER EIGHT

I blinked rapidly as Kaelan pulled away from my neck, my fingers instinctively rising to rub the subtle imprint of his teeth on my skin.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, struggling to appear composed, but I was failing. My legs trembled, and my lips wouldn't stop quivering.

When I had first walked into the main hall and seen everyone dressed in black, shock had frozen me. It was as if they were celebrating my funeral, welcoming me to a world of death. I had been livid, almost unable to believe Kaelan would pull such a stunt, but I had underestimated him.

Now, feeling the weight of the signet ring around my neck and the phantom prickle of his bite, I felt truly trapped. He had bought my consent with the safety of my pack, and now he had sealed my soul to his with this death-marriage and its mark.

As I stared at his smiling mask, I knew I was doomed. Kaelan Thorne was out to make me regret my actions, and nothing would stop him.

"All hail the Alpha and Luna of Shadowcrest!"

The hails and greetings filled the hall, but they sounded distant to my ears. How do I get out of this tightly woven web?

Kaelan suddenly leaned in. I held my breath, bracing for his next move, but he only let his hot breath ghost over my skin as he whispered, "Guess your pack was too busy to give a final farewell to their Alpha's daughter."

I bit my lip. The words were cruel, but they were true. None of my pack members were here; none had come to bid me a final—

Wait.

"Final farewell?" I shot back, my voice a sharp whisper. "I'm not dying. Why would they bid me a final farewell?"

He scoffed. "Your confidence went into hiding when I marked you. But now, it's back in full force. That's no way to talk to your master, little wife."

"You are not my master," I snapped.

He chuckled darkly. "You're breaking the rules, darling. I would give you your punishment right here, but I doubt you'd be able to walk with your head held high if I ripped your wedding dress off in front of them. Would you?"

My cheeks flushed with heat. I glanced around, ensuring no one had heard him, then folded my arms across my chest, determined not to let him gain the upper hand. "Don't talk about final farewells. You don't own my soul."

"Now, that's where you're wrong, little wife." His voice dropped to a lethal purr. "I own your body, and your soul. I own every inch of you. You belong to me, wholly. Do you understand?"

My mouth remained shut, a silent rebellion.

His hand shot out, gripping the fabric of my dress. "Y...yes, I understand," I sputtered, quickly averting my gaze.

"Now, that's more like it," he chuckled, the sound devoid of warmth.

He turned away from me, his gaze settling on a couple approaching. I recognized the man as Sebastian, the former Alpha I'd met the night before. The woman beside him must be his wife.

"Congratulations to you both," Sebastian said, smiling. I forced a smile in return.

"Thank you."

"Congratulations." The woman spoke this time, her voice cool. I turned to her and muttered another thanks.

"My apologies," Sebastian said quickly. "This is Valette, my wife. Valette, this is Seraphina."

"I guess I've met her, after all. Not what I expected, but what can I say?" She shrugged, and I saw Sebastian tense at her bluntness.

"Do you have a problem with my wife, Valette?" Kaelan asked, his voice laced with a threat that made the air grow cold.

"Of course not, Alpha. I'm sorry if my words were misplaced. She's... a beautiful one," she amended hastily.

"If you'll excuse us," Kaelan said, not waiting for a reply. He took my hand in a firm grip and led me out of the hall.

He took me through a different gate, away from the main castle I had come from. "Where are we going?" I asked. He didn't reply, so I fell silent, struggling to match his long, determined strides.

My mouth fell open in awe when we stopped before a gate painted a brilliant silver. It was magnificent. I looked back at the main castle, now meters away. I hadn't known there was another building on the grounds.

The large gates swung open, revealing a stunning mansion. While the castle was larger, the ethereal beauty of this place was otherworldly.

"I don't owe you any explanation, but you should know this is my personal residence. The place I kept you before is the main palace of the Shadowcrest Pack," he said, releasing my hand before walking inside.

I hurried after him, stepping into the mansion. Rows of servants bowed, welcoming me into the beautiful abode. I couldn't hold back a gasp.

Just how wealthy is he?

"Welcome, Luna. And congratulations on your ceremony," a young, pretty maid said beside me. I managed a small, genuine smile. I wondered why she had only greeted me, and I looked beside me to find that Kaelan had already vanished.

A sigh escaped my lips. I supposed I should get used to him disappearing.

·

The maids helped me out of my wedding dress and prepared a warm bath for me. The pampering, however, couldn't distract me from the chokehold I now found myself in.

"All done," said the maid I'd met earlier. The others filed out, leaving us alone. I'd learned her name was Ivanna, and though I'd just met her, I'd already taken a liking to her. I guessed Tara's role had been temporary.

"My Lady, it's time to get dressed," she said.

I arched a brow. "Dressed for what? The ceremony is over."

Ivanna giggled lightly, her face flushing. "It's time to get dressed for your consummation night, My Lady".

My eyes widened.

Consummation night?

With Kaelan?

The thought had never crossed my mind. This was a contract marriage. Why would there be a consummation?

"Your cheeks are so red," Ivanna chuckled.

I blinked, stunned. "Let's go to the bedroom, my Lady.

The Alpha specifically picked out a lingerie set for you. I was so shocked. The Alpha must really like you," she said excitedly, delivering another blow.

Kaelan picked out lingerie for me? He'd already planned the consummation night? Heavens!

We entered the bedroom, and there it was: a red lace set laid out on the bed, a stark, violent contrast against the white sheets.

"Would you like some help putting it on, my Lady?" Ivanna asked.

I shook my head absently. "Okay, then. I'll leave you to it," she said, and slipped out of the room.

I stared at the lingerie as if it were a foreign object before picking it up. The towel wrapped around my chest was already coming loose, but I didn't mind. I was alone.

Is red his favorite color? The thought popped into my mind, and I quickly wished it away. Why would I care about his favorite color?

I traced the delicate patterns, clicking my tongue as I pictured how it would look against my skin. But that was as far as it would go. I wasn't wearing this.

He truly thought he could trap me like a prisoner and expect us to live as a true couple? He had to be kidding. I scoffed and dropped it back onto the bed.

"You might want to rethink that choice." A deep voice boomed from the doorway.

I jumped, startled. "K-Kaelan? What are you doing here?!" I shrieked, clutching my towel tightly.

"What am I doing in my own house?" he asked, amused.

"This is my room," I retorted.

"So?" he asked, leaving the doorway and walking toward me.

"So... you don't just barge in!" I said, refusing to be intimidated by his figure, now only inches from mine.

He didn't reply. He simply moved closer, and I moved back. "Wh-what are you doing?" I asked, taking more steps until my back hit the wall. I gasped.

His face inched closer to mine, and I froze when his arm curved around my waist. "It's our wedding night, little wife," he said, his voice husky.

His other hand reached for the end of my towel, and he tugged at it. His lips were a breath away from mine, and I swallowed nothing but air.

"Don't you think this should be..." he murmured, his eyes locked on mine.

"...off?"

He pulled the ends of the towel.