CHAPTER THREE: A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW

ASTRID's P.O.V.

I could feel my subconscious telling me I needed to return to the occasion and properly thank the alpha as I walked my way home. But then the moment I faced back, it was his image leaving the occasion with his guards that greeted me, and I knew it would be better if I waited for a calmer time to meet him.

Smoldering, lost in reverie, I trod my thoughts back home. On entering, it sent a rude shock, finding Mom and Dad, not to mention Scarlett, already huddled in the living room slicing cake while snatches of TV volume blasted-loud enough that snippets of it reached me-clearly newscast-of me choosing to become an alpha's concubine.

No one paid any attention to me as I entered; neither did I expect them to. Accustomed to the rejection, I vanished into my room without a word.

As I began to remove the dress and makeup, there was a voice deep within me that judged me for being a part of my family's evil plans. I knew Scarlett didn't really care about the alpha; he was her shortcut to wealth and power.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I opened it to find Scarlett standing in the hallway, her face twisted in a scowl.

"What do you want, Scarlett?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Scarlett's eyes narrowed. "You think you've won, don't you? You think you've somehow managed to steal the alpha's attention away from me."

I shook my head. "Scarlett, I

But she cut me off. "Don't lie to me, Astrid. I know exactly what you're thinking. You're thinking you've finally found a way to get away from me, away from our family's plans."

Scarlett's words oozed malice. "But you are wrong, Astrid. So wrong. You'll never, no matter how hard you try, get free of me.

A chill ran down my spine as Scarlett's eyes were boring into my soul.

"What do you want, Scarlett?" I tried, again, making my voice strong.

Scarlett's smile was cold and calculated. "I want you to remember your place, Astrid. You are nothing without me, and never forget that."

And with this, she swung around and stalked off, leaving me stunned and uncomfortable.

I closed the door behind her, my mind running a mile a minute as Scarlett's warning resurfaced in my mind. What did she have planned for me? And how could I protect myself from her wrath?

I lay on my bed and picked up a book to distract myself from what happened today. Just as I started reading, I heard some noise downstairs. I put aside the book and rose to see what was going on.

As I approached the door, my father came in and bumped into me. "Where are you going?" he asked in this low, urgent tone.

"I heard a noise," I said. "I was going to check if everything is okay."

My father's face darkened, and he clutched my arm, pulling me back into the room. "Stay quiet and still," he whispered. "Don't make a sound."

Taken aback by his behavior, I did as he said, waiting in silence as the commotion outside subsided.

Ages later, it felt like my mom and Scarlett finally came back into the house, and I gave them the "well?" expression, but Scarlett just grinned angelically at me.

"What was it?" I tried to ask casually enough.

Scarlett beamed up at me. "Oh, the alpha's messengers showed. They bore tidings with them."

I might have gasped. "What tidings?".

Scarlett erupted into scornful laughter. "You really do think you are somebody, don't you, Astrid? News that would involve the alpha's concubine, maybe?"

The malice dancing in her eyes gleamed brighter. "Let me remind you, Astrid-you are not the one the alpha has chosen. You're just a substitute, a poor imitation of me.

I pulled a face, but Scarlett, her tone dropping to venom, continued, "The alpha is requesting his concubine's presence in the chambers tonight, but since I'm still indisposed", She glanced down toward her ankle bound in its metal contraption," you must substitute for me."

"

Scarlett handed me a small vial. "Conveniently spice the alpha's water, without his noticing He needs to. sleep sound tonight."

I took the vial, filled with a growing sense of unease. What was Scarlett's plan?

As my parents exited the room, Scarlett's eyes turned cold. "Don't mess this up, Astrid. The alpha must not. enjoy himself tonight. Do you understand?"

I nodded, and a chill ran down my spine. And what would happen if I failed?

With one last warning glance, Scarlett turned and exited the room, leaving me to ready myself for the alpha's chambers.

I readied myself, my hands shaking slightly as I smoothed my dress. Taking a deep breath, I went to the alpha's chambers.

I entered the room, finding it empty. My heart racing, I looked around and found the water jug on the bedside table. I hastened to cross over to it, vial at the ready.

Just then, my hand hovered over the water as I heard the alpha's voice from behind.

"A big fan of books too?"

I spun around, panic-stricken, and flung the vial beneath the bed. I faced the alpha then and tried to gather my composure.

"Yes, I do love books," I said in as even a voice as I could muster.

The alpha chuckled; his eyes were crinkled at their corners. "Unusual," he said, gliding closer. "Most women wouldn't be caught dead with a book in their hands."

He pointed toward the bed. "Sit."

Hesitant, I walked to the bed and sat.

“Thank him!” The voice in my head snarled.

 As if stung by a scorpion, I stood up from the bed and bowed my head.

A low chuckle escaped the alpha’s throat.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“Saying thank you for choosing me. ” I replied

and lifted my head, my cheeks hot.

“Sit.” The alpha said, and tapped the spot next to him.