CHAPTER 7: FORCED

McKenna's POV

Four days later...

"McKenna!" one of the handmaidens I didn't recognize called out. "The Queen sends for you," she added.

I did not give a response. I hung my apron and washed my hands before following this stranger. The Queen had not sent for me in months. Why now? After a short walk through the castle, I was face to face with the enemy, my once best friend.

"McKenna, it feels like it's been an eternity. You look like hard work has found you," she chuckled, taken in my worn appearance. "How can I be of service to you, your grace?" I asked, ignoring her egregious comment. "Hungry?" I asked, suddenly remembering I should bake a fresh batch of blueberry danishes before the king returns. "I need you to deliver the King's dinner in three days. He will be in late, and I am certain the rest of the staff will be gone," she said, pouring herself some tea. "Olga will get upset at me. It is usually her that runs those orders," I explained. "Well, I am demoting her and promoting you," she said. "My Queen, everyone would hate me. Olga has been in charge of the kitchen for over a decade. Please do not do that to her," I pleaded. "It is already done," she said, dismissing me.

If I did not know any better, she purposely tried to alienate me once again. First, as a handmaiden and now in the kitchen.

As the days passed in the kitchen, sadness surrounded me. Everyone began to distance themselves as expected. They of course assumed I begged the Queen to put me in charge. After all, we grew up together. No matter how I explained what happened, they were not trying to hear it. It made work hard and unbearable at times. I was miserable. I guess the Queen succeeded in her endeavor.

Three days later...

"Hang in there. I believe you. I know you would not do such a heinous thing for your benefit," Swan said, interrupting my mental pity party. "I cannot understand why the Queen hates me so. Why are you here so late?" I asked, realizing the time. "I just wanted to check in on you," Swan sighed, grabbing a danish. "I am holding up, but I am not sure how long I can keep up the facade. I want out," I confessed. "Have you considered speaking with the King? He fancies you," she giggled. "He does not! I am beneath his station," I said, biting my lip. "Just think about it," she said, taking her half-eaten danish out of the kitchen with her.

The truth is, I was flattered the Alpha King showed interest. I had always admired him, but then he married Antoinette. The young crush died, and I had not looked at him in that light ever again. I want my mate.

The realization that I would be turning twenty years old in a week slipped my mind. I rolled my eyes and dusted my hands on my powdery apron before heading toward the King and Queen's shared quarters. The Queen instructed me not to knock but only to come in so I would not disturb them in any way. I was to set up, be quiet, and go. That somehow disturbed me more than anything, but what could I do. If I disobeyed her, I would only end up in the dungeon again because she felt like it.

"McKenna, go right in," one of the guards said, noticing my food tray. "Thank you," I said before entering.

My eyes shot up from my tray at the sounds of moaning, Antoinette's moaning.

"AHH! YES! OH, MY GODDESS!" she cried out as the King seemed to be buried deep within her lady parts.

I nearly stumbled as her eyes met mine. She only smiled as I attempted to make my way out of the room. As if my luck could not get any worse, the door had been locked from the outside. The Queen kept her eyes fixated on me as the King's back was to me. He did not even realize I was in the room. I am sure the overpowering smell of sex and danish indeed covered my scent. It was not until what felt like an eternity they climaxed that I heard the door unlock from the outside. I hurried to leave with tears in my eyes. I had been traumatized after forcefully having to watch my King and Queen mate. I tried looking away only to have my senses flooded with their loud moans and groans. It only made matters worse running into my worse nightmare.

"What's wrong, McKenna? Do you want to talk about it?" Beta Vincent asked with concern, but I could not get past the mischievous glint in his eyes. "No, Beta. I am fine. I am just a bit tired," I said, storming down the hallway to my quarters and locking the door. "Let me in, McKenna! It would be best if you were not alone right now. You seem upset," he said, desperately knocking at my door.

I did not respond, which only led to a few unjustified days in the dungeon on orders of the Beta. The King had left that morning, and the Beta was in charge.

"You cannot seem to stay out of the dungeons, sweet child," Gertrude slithered from the back and spoke. "I hope you have been enjoying the extra loaves I have been sending down from the kitchen," I chuckled. "Yes, and those lemon treats you hide inside of the napkins are divine," she cooed. "I am so happy I could do something right," I sighed. "Do not let that rat bastard steal your joy. He wants to take what he could never have from you. Never let the Beta close," Gertrude warned. "What could he possibly want from me?" I asked. "Something that you are saving," she replied.

My eyes widened in horror. Why would he want my virginity? How did he know? He always assumed I got around, or so he chants. I knew in the middle of my rant just how he knew. The Queen was setting me up in all facets, and I had no understanding as to why. I have never done anything to her. She was a Queen, had freedom, and a mate. What could I have that she would be envious of? I was not free! I had nothing!

Five days later...

Olga being back in charge in my absence showed me how crappy she was at her job. We were barely fed yet again. I did not care who hated me in control because I was coming back with a vengeance. I will turn what that she-devil intended for the bad and transform it into something even I am proud of.

"The Queen has ordered you be cleaned up and brought to her chambers by dinner time," one of the Handmaidens, Margaret, said, interrupting my baking duties. "Sure thing," I said happily that I got out of the dungeons yesterday.

She rolled her eyes and pivoted to turn away.

"Are you coming or not?" Margaret asked with an attitude. "Give me a second," I said, purposely trying to piss her off. "We need extra time with you. You are a mess! So, if you could speed it up, that would be great," she scoffed. "I said give me a minute!" I growled, and that shut her up.

My inner wolf was an angry one, and I wanted to let her out in this situation. I slowly closed down the kitchen then followed behind Margaret, who suddenly seemed shook by my presence.

"Where is Marlin? I have not seen him in a while," I said, trying to begin a conversation. "He is visiting family in the countryside, from what I'm told," she replied. "Okay," I said, cutting off our very brief conversation.

We rounded the corner toward the hygiene hall. I went inside, thinking I would spot the Queen, but I did not, thankfully.

"McKenna, I will help you undress," Swan said once I entered the hygiene corner of the palace. "I think I can manage," I said, looking around at the flowers and inhaling the different scents of floral sweetness in the room. "I know, but I want to help," Swan said, bringing herself behind the robe with me. "O-okay," I said indifferently. "Happy Birthday," Swan smiled sadly. "Thank you. Why does it feel like I am headed for execution?" I nervously asked. "Look, the last she-wolf, Marlene we did this for ended up in the Beta's bed only never to be seen again. The Queen is behind this. Do not trust any of those bitches out there, either. Say nothing! Take this and protect yourself," Swan said, handing me a small letter opener. "I cannot believe this is happening," I angrily whispered. "You need to get far away from this place," she said, hugging me. "I know and will," I said determined.

I sat there as they plucked and tweezed every part of me. My water ran cold, and my skin pruned from sitting there so long.

"Is she ready?" Queen Antoinette asked, ignoring my existence as I did hers. "Yeah, my Queen. It was work, but she is ready now," one of the she-wolves answered. "She isn't perfect, but she will have to do. Follow me," the Queen ordered, and I followed pissed off.

Not like I have a choice in the matter. I wanted to stab her in the neck with the letter opener. Fortunate for her, there were too many guards around to witness.

"Go in this room and wait," she instructed, and I obliged. "Yes, my Queen," I bowed, feeling her free my hair from its bun. "You will give Beta Vincent yourself tonight. Do not dare act like it's a burden. It is your idea. Do you understand?" she growled. "No, I will not lie or give myself to any wolf that is not my mate," I snapped, surprising her. "You will, or I will pay a visit to your parents. Please do not underestimate me and my reach. You would never see them again in this lifetime because they will be dead. I have men in the woods waiting to strike on my command if you do not comply," she warned. "He is not my mate. Why would you have me do this?" I asked. "Do not fight this, McKenna," she said before walking away from me.

I heard the door close behind me. I was instructed to take the tunnels to a different room after an hour. The Beta did not want me to be seen coming to his quarters so late, especially after the King gave him an order to leave omegas alone.

I walked through the dark tunnels. I approached the door where I was instructed to go. Imagine my surprise when two strong arms and a scent I recognized appeared out of nowhere. It was rather intoxicating.

"McKenna, come with me," the King said, pulling me into the room where I was supposed to meet Beta Vincent. "My king, why are you here?" I asked. "My Queen arranged it all but not for you and me. I overheard her planning this with Beta Vincent. I could never let him take what I feel should be mine," he growled, crashing his lips into mine. "NO! I don't want this. I want my mate," I cried. "Let me make love to you, McKenna. No man nor wolf would ever stake a claim on you. Not even Beta Vincent," he said, caressing my cheeks. "I cannot," I sighed. "I promise I will be gentle. Your worries would be no more after we do this," he said, untying my corset. "It is not an order, McKenna. I fancy you for more reasons than one. How can you not feel waht we have?" he asked after finishing exposing my nakedness.

I was at a lost for words, but tears found themselves to my cheeks. I had feelings for him and he would protect me and my family, but I felt disgusted.

He made me lay down and spread my legs as he took in all that I had to offer. I lay there shameful and embarassed.

"You are so beautiful. There is no way I could let another have you," he said as his fingers danced around my lady temple. "Please, just get it over with," I begged continuing to feel the tears run from my eyes. "McKenna, look at me. I would never hurt you. I love you and always have. I know you care for me too. It should be me making love to you," he said passionately kissing me with everything he had.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach at his tone before I eventually melted into his kiss. Yes, I cared for him, but this was not right. My feelings for him laid dormant the moment he took Antoinette as his mate. I was an omega, and she was a daughter of an Alpha. I could never compete.

"I need you," he whispered as I felt the pressure of him at my entrance. "It hurts," I whimpered. "I will go slow," he said, trailing soft kisses to my shoulder to my ear. "Why can I not be free to find my mate? This unfair to him," I said, placing my hands on the King's very firm chest. "Because you are mine, McKenna," he whispered. "I am for no one," I rebutted. "I will never hurt you, my love. If you want me to stop, all you must do is ask," he said, gathering my hands in his before he eased himself inside me.

It stung momentarily as he broke down my barrier. He did not move immediately after filling me as if he was savoring this moment.

"Are you okay?" He asked, kissing my tears away. "Yes," I replied, feeling his hips begin to shift on top of me. "Try to relax, my love," he whispered as his hand found my left breast. "I-I am trying," I replied, feeling the pain intertwined with pleasure course through me. "There you go," he groaned, lifting my leg upon his shoulder.

He continued his slow assault on my temple until he released himself inside of me. It lasted so long that I felt raw to the touch. Alpha King, Lincoln caressed my skin as he laid behind my trembling body. I thought it was over, but it happened at least two times into the night. I could not take anymore, and it only seemed to fuel his need to be inside me. What am I going to do?

"How are you feeling?" He asked, kissing my forehead. "Used," I boldly admitted. "McKenna, regardless of what you may think, I would never dream of using you," the King said, making me face him. "But you took from me what I had saved for one man. I feel I have been robbed of my chances of finding my better half," I spoke up. "My dear, how can I prove that I care for you?" he asked. "Give me my freedom," I replied. "Then you would leave me," he sadly replied. "I cannot possibly stay here," I said, wiping tears from my eyes. "How about I give you more freedoms? You could visit your family under my orders. The Beta and Luna will not dare bother you," he promised. "Will I ever be free of this place?" I asked, but he only hugged me tightly and kissed the top of my head.