2. Between Devils

MAEVE'S POV

His predatory eyes gleamed and his lips curled up in a cruel smirk as he pushed Gretchen's mouth away and rose to meet me, not even bothered enough to cover his nudity.

"Maeve, you came at the perfect time. Come here." He commanded.

I couldn't say no, that would just make whatever he had planned more difficult than it initially would have been.

I stepped into the room cautiously, noting how the air was thick with the scent of expensive oils and something else I didn't want to identify. My eyes caught Gretchen who gave me a look like she was about to commit murder, her lips glossed with saliva and her perfectly styled hair now a mess.

"Seriously Caden? You pushed me away for her? For this dirty little rat?" She snapped.

I couldn't help but cheer her on internally. (YES! Please make him send me away.)

"Relax Gretchen, I already promised you the position as the Luna, just let me have my fun before being tied to this silly mating bond." Caden mused as he watched Gretchen make her way to his lush bed with its deep burgundy silk sheets.

She laid horizontally putting her knees together while plopping her head on her arms, her elbow digging into the mattress.

"Whatever, but I get to watch. I would love to see this worm squirm."

My heart pounding loudly, Caden has had his jokes, some more distasteful than others, but if he was going to do whatever I think this was, I'd rather strike my neck with my claws. But I kept silent…I kept calm.

Sometimes strength isn't defined by mass but by will. I learned early to swallow every insult, every pain…every struggle because I couldn't jeopardize my plans of escaping Grimwell Pack.

And today was "Selection Day," the irony. Everybody would be too busy trying to snag a promising mate but I would be fleeing. I had hidden my plan well, even from Nyla. Nothing was going to ruin this, not even Caden.

I stood face to face with him as I waited for his next course of action, the afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall windows casting shadows across his sculpted features.

"Turn around and face Gretchen," he says menacingly.

I took a deep breath and turned around to meet Gretchen's eyes which sparkled with anticipation.

I waited for what felt like eternity until I felt his fingers stroke lightly across my hands then to my neck and finally to my lower back.

I gasped as his hands grabbed my ass roughly, "Such a firm ass you've got." He purred while my skin crawled.

Then I snarled, or my wolf Lyra snarled.

"Ooouuu we're so scared," Gretchen taunted from her perch on the bed.

I willed Lyra to stay calm, hoping he'd lose interest in whatever this was and if he didn't, I'll find a way out like I always do.

His hands roamed across my body like he owned it then he came across the letter, "What's this?"

I sighed with relief as I took the opportunity to step back a bit. "That's why I'm here, Dalia sent it. She said you must get it before the Selection ceremony."

"Is she that dense? It would be fun watching the look of horror on her face when she finds out that she's been toyed with." Gretchen smiled wickedly.

I wouldn't say I was surprised by this outcome but I certainly felt a bit of pity for Dalia. Her mother controlled her every thought and now she was going to be getting a reality check on the day she has been anticipating the most.

Poor girl had spent days picking out the perfect dress, practicing her ordaining Luna speech. All while he was here getting his rocks off with Gretchen. The thought made my stomach turn and not just because of what I'd witnessed, but because I knew exactly how it felt to have your hopes crushed by people who saw you as nothing more than entertainment.

But, thankfully I wouldn't be here to pick up whatever pieces she had left.

"It was fun while it lasted with her and besides she's just an ordinary pack member. She should know there are some hierarchies you don't mess with." Caden said matter of factly

"Do not mention any of this to her, just let her know I've gotten the letter."

"Alright, I will," I said turning away as quickly as I can.

"Wait there," Gretchen called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.

"So, that's it. You're just letting her go untouched?" She sneered.

Caden moved to his wardrobe and put on a crisp white shirt without sparing her a glance, "I lost the mood to continue, I also need to get ready. The Royal Family isn't coming and I'll be receiving Prince Riven."

Prince Riven also known as the Shadow Prince. He keeps to himself, and is rarely seen. It was surprising he was coming for Selection Day when he had never participated before.

I wondered what had changed. Maybe the council was finally putting pressure on him to find a mate, though I couldn't imagine anyone being brave enough to approach someone with his reputation.

Probably the council was getting antsy that the next successor was a recluse and there was this rumor going around that he fancied men.

Not that anyone dared said it out loud, as much as he kept to himself he's always with his right hand man Valoric. According to the rumors the two are always attached by the hip.

It would be interesting to see a Prince up close but I'd be too busy making my way out. By the time he arrived at the ceremony, I'd already be long gone.

"Holy Shit! Was that why my father and Alpha Bastian have been running a tight ship since dawn? Damn I need to get prepared then." Gretchen said, springing up to her feet.

With quick steps Caden grabbed her, "So eager to throw yourself as always. I thought you wanted me?" He snapped, something flickering in his eyes.

Gretchen pried his fingers off her, "I already promised you I'd be your Luna, just let me have my fun." She said, throwing his words back at him as her eyes twinkled with mischief, leaving Caden speechless.

Caden kicked the plush chair, and it cracked as the weight of his foot hit it, the sound echoing through the spacious room.

"That Bitch!" He muttered under his breath.

I took this as my sign to leave quietly but before I could reach the doorway, I felt a hand crushing my throat, ceasing my breath.

The familiar taste of fear flooded my mouth as my airway closed. Not again. Please not again.

Caden was choking me, my hands desperately tried prying his fingers off but they didn't budge. His grip was iron, and spots were already dancing in my vision.

"You know what, since she's decided to play that game, I might as well pump you full with my seed and take Dalia as my Luna as payment for your hard work. What do you think Maeve?”