Chapter 2

Blade’s POV

“What’s she like? Let me guess, she’s one of those wimpy weaklings, who break into sobs at the slightest provocation.”

I grit my teeth in annoyance, as I wait for my beta to fill me in on my new breeder. As expected, the cheeky asshole takes his sweet time with it.

“Actually,” he drawls, taking a sip of his whisky. 

“There were no tears in her eyes. She seemed quite composed. Stoic. That’s the word I can use to describe her.”

I snort. “It must have been an act. I bet she bursts into tears the first time I try to touch her.”

“Perhaps that wouldn’t be the case if you tried to smile more. While you’re at it, you could try to have a conversation with the girl first. Get to know her.”

“I’m not interested in that sort of shit,” I scowl at my beta. 

“You and I know why she’s here. Her father owed us a huge debt. I need a breeder. It’s a win-win situation.”

“I doubt Calla feels like such a winner right now,” Hector muses. He’s smiling that creepy little smile of his. 

I finish the last of my drink and pick up my stack of ledgers. 

“What? You’re not gonna see her?” Hector raises his brow in question. “I told her you were coming. She’s probably fidgeting in her room right now, waiting for you.”

“I don’t feel like it,” I sneer at him. “Next time, ask me first before you go making empty promises to strangers.”

“Oh wow. My bad,” he gives me a wry smile. “I’ll keep that in mind. So, about tonight’s buffet, that’s still gonna happen right?”

“Yes, it is,” I affirm. “As we discussed, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to everyone. It’ll also be the right way to dissuade mother’s ploys to hook me up with every werewolf heiress within a twelve-mile radius. I’m sick of those silly little creatures prancing around my home, batting their lashes and trying to impress me.”

“Yeah, we both know you’re not searching for love,” Hector grimaces. He seems to be contemplating his next words. 

“Forgive me, your majesty. I know I’m crossing the line here, but is there any chance you could try to be a bit nicer to your new… breeder?”

“Why?” I narrow my eyes at him. 

He shrugs. “She’s here against her will. The only home she’s ever known has been taken away from her. I don’t know. I just feel sorry for her. That’s all.”

“You’re right. You really are crossing the line with this one,” I drop the ledgers. Hector stiffens and it pleases me to know that my beta is still a little afraid of me.

Everyone that I know either wants me or is terrified of me. The only one who’s not afraid of me is Brynne. 

My twin brother. 

Speaking of fear… This new wimp, Calla… I bet she’d shit her pants once she catches her first glimpse of me in the flesh. 

She’d probably pass out when I try to put my dick inside of her. Scared little minxes have always pissed me off. I doubt this Calla would be any different.

I want to find out.

I don’t think I can wait until dinner time.

“Where are you going?” Hector calls after my retreating figure. I ignore him. 

At the breeder’s door, I knock twice before I barge in.

She’s there. Standing in the middle of the room. She’s holding herself unnaturally still, like a rat caught in a flashlight.

I was right about this Calla. She’s a frighty little mouse. Plain and boring. I hate her already. 

She’s nothing like Elsa had been. Elsa, with her bright smile and upbeat personality.

She had been the light of my world. And now, she’s dead.

Because she’s dead, I have to live with an overbearing mother, who tries to set me up at every turn. And because of my mother’s endless interferences, I now have to deal with a breeder.

“Y-Your m-majesty,” she stutters. She’s trembling but she still manages to offer me a bow. Her legs wobble and she nearly loses her footing.

So far, I’m not impressed with this Calla. I almost wish I could send her back home; to be done with her. But then, I think about having to put up with my mother’s antics, and just like that, I change my mind.

Realistically speaking, having a breeder is the easier option. At least this way, I can have the heirs I do desperately need without committing emotionally. 

I can confidently say that there will be no romance in me and Calla’s future. I can barely imagine myself holding conversations with her. 

What the fuck would we even have to talk about? 

“The next full moon is in a week,” I say as calmly as I can manage. Somehow, it still comes out harsh. 

“The mating will happen then. In the meantime, get settled in. I’ll have a maid assigned to you. There are also others, who will help you get used to your new life here.”

Calla squeezes her hands in front of her dress. She’s breathing deeply, like she’s on the verge of hyperventilating.

I can’t stand this shit. I need to leave. I can have Hector come deal with her. 

I don’t have to see her until dinner time. 

I turn away and walk out of the room.

I do not return to my study. Instead, I make my way to my bedroom. The first thing I see is the big portrait of Elsa. It’s sitting on the wall above the fireplace. 

As usual, I’m drawn to it. I fill a glass with whisky and drink it in seconds. I pour another drink and sip it more slowly. I’m staring at Elsa the whole time.

“I’m not replacing you,” I say to the picture of my dead mate. “That’s not what this is. This is merely a way for me to make a few heirs. Once I get as many pups as I need out of the breeder, I vow to rip her head off with my own two hands.”