Chapter Eight

Hunter

Frustration bubbled within me as I paced the room restlessly, the cup of wine in my hand untouched. The air in the room grew heavy with tension, and I muttered to myself, my thoughts a storm of discontent. On the bed, Lucia lay, her gaze tracing the edges of my bare back. She sensed my turmoil but couldn’t point out its source.

Suspicions brewed in Lucia’s mind. She hadn’t missed how my gaze lingered on the new servant girl we had acquired from the auction house. Her beauty was undeniable, and Lucia, my wife, knew me well enough to recognize the hunger in my eyes. The servant girl had become a silent threat, a symbol of what Lucia couldn’t provide—an heir.

Unable to bear the thought of another woman taking her place as my mate, Lucia mustered her courage. She rose from the bed, her silk nightgown rustling softly, and approached me.

“What troubles you, my love?” Lucia’s voice was gentle, her eyes filled with concern.

My frustration evident, I glanced at Lucia. “It’s nothing serious. Just some matters that need attending to,” I replied, attempting to brush off her inquiries.

But Lucia knew better. She had spent enough time with me to recognize when something weighed heavily on my mind. She reached out and touched my arm, a gesture of comfort and intimacy. “You can confide in me, Hunter. We share everything, don’t we?”

My eyes softened momentarily under Lucia’s touch, but my resolve held. I stepped away, leaving her hand hanging in the air, untouched. I set the cup on a nearby table and grabbed my shirt, slipping it on with a quick, fluid motion. The room’s atmosphere grew colder as I made my way toward the door.

“I appreciate your concern, Lucia, but I must attend to this matter alone,” I stated firmly, my back turned to her.

Lucia watched me go, anger and frustration bubbling up within her. She despised the way I distanced myself from her, especially now when she needed me the most. She couldn’t give me the child I so desperately desired, and it ate at her heart.

As the door closed behind me, Lucia was left standing alone in the room. Her fists clenched in anger and jealousy. The new servant girl had stolen my attention, and Lucia couldn’t help but feel a boiling hatred for her, even though she hadn’t had a close look at her yet. It was a hatred born of desperation, of fear that she might lose her place as the Alpha’s mate.

Tears welled up in Lucia’s eyes as she considered the emptiness of her own life. She had always been proud of being my mate, but now she felt inadequate, like she was failing me. The servant girl represented a threat not only to her status but to her very identity.

With a heavy heart, Lucia sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind filled with thoughts. She longed for the days when our bond had been unbreakable, when our love had been all-consuming. Now, it seemed as though we were drifting apart, and she didn’t know how to bridge the growing chasm between us.

The room remained silent except for the distant sound of clanging swords and shields out in the courtyard. Lucia knew that she had to find a way to confront her own insecurities and the looming presence of the new servant girl.

I emerged from the imposing fortress. Servants scurried about, tending to the gardens, cleaning, and attending to various chores. Soldiers, trained vigorously under the relentless sun, their sweat-soaked bodies glistening as they displayed their skills.

As I strolled through the courtyard, my thoughts were consumed by a singular vision—Amelia. Her beauty had struck me like a thunderbolt, a rare thing that had left me captivated. Though she was just a servant, her image had taken residence in my mind, a relentless obsession for her.

I couldn’t escape the enticement of her body, a charm that puzzled me. I had purchased not only Amelia but also other servants, intending to add them to the pack and perhaps select a mate among the females. But it was Amelia who haunted my thoughts constantly.

As I made my way towards the training ground, a vast expanse where the pack’s warriors showed their skills, I couldn’t help but notice the commanding figure of Jace. With a stature that exuded authority and an unwavering dedication to our cause. Jace stood as the guardian of discipline and training, diligently overseeing the soldiers as they engaged in rigorous drills.

Jace's role within the pack was of highest importance, serving as the alpha’s trusted confidant and second-in-command. His unwavering loyalty and steadfast presence made him not only an indispensable part of the pack, but also a symbol of loyalty and strength among the pack members.

“Jace,” I called out as I neared my friend.

Jace turned to face me, his piercing eyes locked onto mine. “Alpha,” he greeted respectfully.

“Gather all the new recruits, including the servants, in the long hall,” I commanded, my tone revealing no disobedience. I had something important to discuss with them.

Jace nodded, his expression showing understanding. “Of course, Alpha. I’ll gather them right away.”

I watched as Jace turned and issued orders to the soldiers, instructing them to cease their training and assemble in the long hall. My authority among the pack was unquestioned, and they followed my orders without hesitation.

As Jace’s voice carried across the training ground, soldiers and servants began to converge on the designated meeting place. My gaze lingered on Amelia as she joined the group, her presence drawing me in like a magnet. I tore my eyes away, knowing that I needed to address my pack.

The courtyard, once filled with bustling activity, gradually emptied as the pack members heeded the call to assemble. My heart raced, my thoughts a tumultuous swirl of concern about Amelia and the weight of my leadership.

With a deep breath, I prepared to speak to the pack, my voice echoing with authority and purpose as I addressed the gathered laborers, servants, and soldiers.

I stood up from my seat. My piercing eyes surveyed the assembly, and a wave of authority emanated from me. The time had come for me to introduce my new recruits to the entire pack, and I would do it with an air of authority that only an alpha could possess.

“Brookland pack,” I began, my deep voice resonating through the hall, “these are the newest servants and workers who will join in serving our pack. We are a family, and it’s important that we all know ourselves.” Members of the pack nodded in acknowledgment, their loyalty unwavering.

One by one, the servants were introduced, their names and assigned duties announced with precision. Among the servant girls stood Amelia, her grace and beauty a conscious presence amidst the assembly. I couldn’t help but steal glances at her, my gaze lingering on her. As I looked at her, our eyes met, and in that brief moment, an unspoken connection sparked between us, a silent interaction that needed no words.

Amelia, too, found it impossible to tear her eyes away from me. There was something magnetic about the alpha, an allure that tugged at her heartstrings. It was as though our souls had communicated in that moment.

With the introductions concluded, I addressed the assembly once more. “You all have your tasks and responsibilities. Serve the pack diligently, and you will find your place among us.” My words were firm, and my expectations clear.

As the new recruits dispersed to their assigned duties, I was left alone, deep in thought. I grappled with the dilemma of how to make Amelia my mate, a desire that had been growing stronger with each passing day. My need for a mate and an heir weighed heavily on my shoulders.

After much contemplation, I made a decision. I was the alpha of the pack, and I could claim what I desired. Moreover, the substantial amount I had paid for Amelia further fueled my determination. My mind was set on making her mine.

After having my mind preoccupied with thoughts of making Amelia my mate, the sun began to set, and the moon hung high in the sky as I made my way back to the bedroom where I had left Lucia earlier.

Lucia was surprised by my sudden reappearance after a short absence. Her inquisitive eyes met mine. “Are you okay?” she asked softly, concern etched in her voice.

I sighed, my weariness evident. “I’m fine, Lucia,” I replied, my tone carrying a hint of exhaustion. I knew that if she pressed further, our conversation would turn into a heated argument.

Lucia, knowing me well, didn’t press further with questions. She understood how I could react if she probed too much. Instead, she simply nodded and watched as I turned away.

Grateful for Lucia’s understanding, I poured myself a strong drink, the liquid glinting in the dim light. I downed the contents of the cup in a matter of seconds, the burn in my throat momentarily distracting me from my thoughts. Setting the empty cup down, I climbed onto the bed, my muscles tired and my mind heavy. Soon, the effects of the strong drink took over, and I drifted into a slumber.