Chapter 1

Vera

“The Alpha wants you.”

The guard’s voice pulls me out of the little sleep I managed to get. My heart sinks. I already know what that means.

Before I can even sit up, three maids rush into my room. They always come the second Alpha Aiden sends for me. No one dares waste his time.

The maids pull off my clothes and shove me into a bathtub.

"Stay still, cursed girl," one of them says, scrubbing my skin so hard it burns.

Cursed. That’s what everyone calls me. I still don’t have my wolf. They say the Moon Goddess is punishing me. I stopped trying to defend myself a long time ago.

The water is so hot it stings, but I stay quiet.

When they finish, they dress me in a thin gown that barely covers my body. I would rather be naked. Then they spray perfume all over me and throw a robe over my shoulders.

I already know where I’m going. It's Alpha Aiden’s room.

After Alpha Draven died, his son came back to take his place. Outside the pack, he owns billion-dollar companies. Inside the pack, everyone fears him.

"Go," the head maid says.

I start walking without saying a word. Keeping Alpha Aiden waiting is something I can’t afford.

When I stop outside his door, my chest suddenly feels tight. Something pulls me toward him. My heart beats so hard it hurts.

"Come in." His deep voice comes through the door, my heart pounds even faster.

Because he is my mate.

Yes… My mate.

I quietly walk into his room and find him sitting behind his desk, writing something like I’m not even there.

For a moment, I forget how to breathe.

He’s unbelievably handsome. His dark hair falls over his forehead, and his sleeves are rolled up, showing his strong forearms. Everything about him demands attention.

My heart still reacts to him.

I hate that.

I hate him.

Alpha Draven spared my life. I know Alpha Aiden would never have spared me. If he wanted me dead, he wouldn’t think twice.

He finally looks up.

The bond in my chest tightens until it hurts. His scent fills the room, warm and rich, making it even harder to breathe.

Slowly, he stands. His eyes move over me from head to toe.

"Why are you staring, slave?" His voice is too calm.

I don't answer. I only lift my chin, holding on to the little pride I have left.

The corner of his mouth twitches for a second before disappearing.

His eyes turn cold again.

"Listen carefully. The next time I call for you, if you make me wait..."

He pauses.

"I'll use my whip and leave marks on your back myself."

Fear runs through me, but I don't let it show.

"Yes, Alpha."

He holds my gaze for one long second.

Then he gives one simple order.

"Strip."

My heart stutters as I stare at him, like he just said something impossible.

“Did you not hear me?” Alpha Aiden’s voice cuts through me. It makes my stomach twist.

“I… I heard you,” I say, swallowing hard.

He starts walking toward me, slow and steady, like a predator closing in. With each step, my heartbeat grows louder, pounding against my ribs.

Before I can react, he grabs my hair and yanks my head back. Pain shoots through my scalp, but I bite my lip, forcing back the tears.

I lift my eyes to his.

Cold. Empty. Full of hate.

I’ve heard stories about how his brother's death broke him. And also I was found at the scene that night. Everything about me reminds him of that loss.

That’s why he was sent abroad. 

Alpha Aiden never lets me forget it.

He believes I had a hand in his brother’s death—the girl found at the scene of the murder.

My fingers tremble as I reach for the knot of my robe. Slowly, I loosen it, letting the fabric slip from my shoulders and fall to the ground.

“Face the wall,” he commands.

A chill runs through me. I can feel years of hatred in his voice.

I turn slowly, just like he said. My hands press against the wall, my heart pounding so loud it fills my ears. Tonight feels different. Like something is about to break.

I sense him behind me before he even touches me. His body heat wraps around mine, making my skin burn. Then his hands grab my hips.

I can feel that familiar spark. The bond between us. A reminder that we are mates… but he doesn't feel it..

I feel his cock against me, and my breath catches in my throat. 

Then he pushes in.

I gasp as pain shoots through me, sharp and sudden. His movements are rough, short at first, each thrust hurt more than the last.

I cry out, my teeth clench so hard my jaw aches. My body presses against the wall, trying to escape the pain, but there’s nowhere to go.

His grip tightens on my hips as he thrusts harder, deeper.

Then he pulls out only to thrust back into me again, this time harder.

I scream, as my body twists, but his hold doesn’t loosen. He keeps thrusting, pushing me forward with every forceful thrust. The pain builds until it feels like it’s tearing me apart.

My cries echo in the room, raw and broken, but he doesn’t stop.

My whole body jerks with the impact of his final thrust. Then I feel he releases inside me.

And just like that… he goes still.

The room falls silent except for my shaky breaths.

He pulls out his cock. 

At that moment, my legs gave out. I stagger, then collapse to the floor, the pain between my legs is unbearable.

“Get out,” he growls.

His voice sounds different now.

I crawl on my knees, grab my robe with trembling hands and pull it around my body. Every movement hurts.

“Get out,” he repeats.

This time, his voice is low and strained.

I force myself up and move toward the door, holding myself together as best as I can while the pain follows me with every step.

My body shakes with deep, painful sobs. I can’t stop the tears as they fall down my face.

Now it’s real.

He didn’t take me as his mate… he took me like I was nothing. Like I belonged to him.

My body hurts. My heart hurts even more. I don’t even know which pain is worse.

Warm blood runs down my thigh, sticky and humiliating.

I barely step out of the door, closing it behind me, when—

Slap.

The sound echoes through the hallway.