Chapter 4

Adrian returned with what looked like a whip covered in thorns. My eyes widened at what was about to land on my body.

“Ma’am, please…” I started to plead.

“Shush!” she snapped.

“Strip,” she said coldly.

“Wh–what?” I looked at her in shock.

“You want to be a whore, right? Then strip.” She pointed at my clothes.

“Luna Grace, please. I’ll do anything… please, not this.” My voice shook, eyes filling with tears.

“Why? What are you afraid of? Them?” She pointed toward the quadruplets, scoffing.

“They don’t find you attractive, so don’t worry,” she said, brushing invisible dust off her clothes. “Strip now, Aria.”

“But Ma…”

Before I could finish, she rushed toward me with wolf speed, tearing my clothes and exposing my neck and chest.

The room fell silent. The air shifted. I heard someone growl.

I gasped, wide-eyed, trying to register that I was half-naked except for my bra. I quickly tried to cover myself with the torn fabric.

Someone whistled, and I shut my eyes in shame, tears streaming down my face.

“Pl–please…” I whispered.

“Would you do the rest yourself, or do you need me to help?” Grace grinned wickedly.

“Oh, for the moon's sake, speak!” she yelled, whipping me with the thorned cane.

I screamed, falling to the ground as the thorns bit into my skin. She hit me again, and again. Then her footsteps grew closer, and I felt her hands on my clothes, tugging, until..

“That’s enough, Grace,” Alpha Malrick’s voice cut through the air. “That’s enough punishment.”

“Hmph.” Grace dropped the whip, leaving me to my shame.

“Clean this up,” Alpha Malrick ordered no one in particular before turning and leaving.

The room stayed silent.

I slowly started to rise, wincing. I didn’t make it far before I stumbled, but strong hands caught me.

Axel.

A moment passed as he held me steady. His eyes flickered to my neck, and I quickly covered it, stepping back.

“Thank you,” I muttered.

I started for the door but glanced at Aiden. His eyes met mine. There was no mockery there…something else instead, something I couldn’t name. Whatever it was, I hated it.

Back in my room, I touched my bruised face and tried to see the wounds on my back, but it was no use. Everything hurt. I couldn’t even turn my neck.

I changed into new clothes, not bothering to clean the blood. It would heal anyway. I was about to sit on my bed when I noticed a folded piece of paper beside my pillow.

It said, “Meet me at our usual spot.”

Eli. It could only be him.

I glanced at myself in the mirror. I looked slightly better, at least.

Quietly, I climbed out my window, checking both ways before sneaking off. I walked for a bit, wincing with every step, until I saw his bouncy hair in the moonlight. Relief washed over me.

“Hey, Eli!” I said, trying to sound cheerful.

“Aria? What happened to you? You look pale,” he said, his tone full of concern.

“It’s nothing, Eli. It’s just… the usual,” I said, trying to look away.

He pulled me closer, turning me toward him.

“Look at these fading bruises…they haven’t even healed right,” he whispered.

I met his eyes. There was care there…something I hadn’t seen in so long.

I smiled weakly. “Eli, I’m fine. Trust me. I don’t even want to talk about it. You called me here.” I tried to change the subject.

He sighed. “Well, I missed you… and I got you something. For your birthday.”

“Oh, Eli, what did you do?” I smiled faintly.

“Shush. Close your eyes. Or wait…actually, there are two.” His tone turned playful.

“Okay, I’m listening,” I said, mirroring his excitement.

“I made a reservation for you at Nana’s,” he said.

“Nana’s? Why?” My eyes widened. “Oh Goddess, Eli, what’s the occasion?”

“Are you kidding? Your birthday! She’s going to glam you up.” He clapped his hands together in delight.

“Eli, you didn’t have to. I… they…” I looked down.

“Just because those bastards share the same birthday doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. You deserve to feel beautiful,” he said, gently lifting my chin until my eyes met his.

“Eli…” I whispered.

“I’d do anything for you, Aria. Please, let’s do this.”

“Okay,” I said, smiling through the ache. “A little makeup won’t hurt.”

He grinned. “Then for my second gift…here.” He pulled out a dress. “No need to close your eyes for this one.”

“Eli…” I covered my mouth with my hands.

It was a beautiful red backless dress. He knew how much I loved red. It had side slits and a deep V neckline. It was stunning.

“Oh, Eli,” I said, hugging him as tears filled my eyes.

“You’re the only one who cares about me. It’s just you, Eli. What would I do without you?” I sobbed.

“Shh, Ari. Stop. You know I hate seeing you cry,” he said softly, wiping my tears away.

We were so close I could feel his breath…warm, minty. I looked up, catching a fleeting expression on his face before it vanished.

I found myself staring at his lips. He reached for my chin again, brushing the busted part of my lip with his thumb.

“Aria…” he murmured.

What if Eli was my mate? What if the goddess would be so kind to grant me this wish of being loved?

These thoughts went through my head as I felt the pressure to press his lips on mine.

He looked at me intently.

It felt like we were about to kiss.