Taken Away

Lora's POV

"You should be thanking me. I actually managed to make your face a little less horrible. At least you might not be rejected on your first night at the palace," Sandra said while brushing more makeup over my bruises. The marks on my face were from her father's hands.

"It surprises me that you believe you will escape punishment for this," I retorted.

Her eyes turned cold. I could see she didn’t like what I said. She deliberately pushed the brush against my swollen lips on purpose, and I gasped in pain.

"I will allow your foul mouth today. Think of it as a gift from me," she smirked, smiling in the most irritating way.

I rolled my eyes at the mirror. There was no point arguing with her. She gave me a sharp look as if warning me, but I ignored it.

Growi g up as the only child of my father, I had always wanted a sister, someone to talk to, someone to play with and share moments with. So,when Alpha Alec adopted me, I thought Id finally got that chance. But I was wrong. What I hoped for became nothing but misery.

"I'm done!" Sandra said proudly. "Though honestly,it didn't change your face as much as I hoped . But it's good enough.”

"Maybe it is because you are not very good at makeup," I answered.

Her eyes narrowed. "Be careful, Lora. I am running out of patience."

"Is that supposed to scare me?" I asked, smirking a little just to annoy her.

"Don't you dare, Lora. I still have enough concealer left to hide another

bruises on that face," she said.

"I doubt you have the guts," I sneered.

The air around us grew tense. Our eyes locked and I could feel the strength of her wolf pressing close. Sandra had received her wolf just like the most daughters of Alphas. She could easily become the Luna of another pack. But I did not care. Even if she killed me now, it did not matter to me.

She was about to attack when her father’s deep voice broke through.

"Stop!! Sandra," Alpha Alec said firmly. "She is worth more alive. Put yourself together."

Sandra clenched her fists and stepped back, though I could see she hated it. "Yes, Father," she muttered.

"Come, Lora. Your ride is waiting," Alpha Alec turned to me.

He walked ahead, and I followed quickly, wanting to leave that house. Outside, a sleek red car stood at the front. From it came a tall, strong man dressed in dark clothes. His face was sharp and serious, and his presence alone carried authority that filled the air.

He didn't smile. His gaze moved between Alpha Alec and me, cold and accessing.

Is this the Lycan King? I wondered for a moment, then quickly dismissed the thought. The king would never bother coming for someone like me - a mere offering.

"Good evening, Alpha Alec," the man said in a deep voice.

"Good evening, Beta Ronan,” Alpha Alec replied smoothly. “I'm pleased to present to you my eldest daughter, Lora.”

Beta Roman's eyes scanned me from head to toe as though he was inspecting a product for sale. When he finished, he turned back to Alpha Alec.

"Are you certain about this?" Beta Ronan asked without showing any emotion, his face very serious.

"Of course,” Alpha Alec replied with that practised smile of his. “ She is my legal daughter, and by law, she is fit to be sent as tribute,"

Beta Ronan said nothing more. He walked back to his car and pulled out his phone. My heart started pounding as I watched him speak to someone. It had to be the Lycan King. I held my breath, silently praying the king would reject me

After a long wait, Beta Ronan returned, his expression unreadable and then he spoke the words that shattered the little hope I had left.

"His Highness sends his gratitude to the Silvermoore pack for keeping the treaty. He accepts the tribute," Beta Ronan announced.

Natalie and Sandra clapped with joy.

"No………no, this cannot be real," I whispered to myself.

"We will leave now, Alpha Alec" Beta Ronan said. "Escort her into the car,” he commanded his men.

"It is always a pleasure to work with you, Beta Ronan," Alpha Alec said smugly.

Beta Ronan’s eyes darkened. He ignored the handshake Alec offered, his look sharp with disapproval.

Alpha Alec quickly pulled back his hand, pretending not to notice the insult. I turmed to him one last time, silently begging hime to change his mind. But all I got i return was a smirk that froze my heart.

“Ma,” one of Ronan's men said politely, breaking the silence.

I sighed heavily and followed them. My steps felt heavy as I walked to the car, each one echoing the drumbeat of the terror of my uncertain future. Beta Ronan gestured at me to take the passenger seat, and I climbed in quietly. He took the front seat, while his men got in behind us.

I kept quiet the whole time. My mind was full of thoughts. I had believed the king would see through their trick, but I was wrong. Was this my fate now?

After some time, I realized we were not taking the road to the palace. My chest tightened as fear crawled up inside me. Something was wrong.

"Where are we going?" I asked with a shaky voice.

Beta Ronan did not answer. His eyes stayed on the road. My fear grew stronger that I could feel my hands trembling on my laps.

Have they seen through Alec's lies and now planning to kill me?

Was this the end of me?