THE FIRST

My heart felt like it had stopped beating entirely as I watched him study me, his golden eyes narrowing in curiosity. Was this part of the torture? Were they planning to make my death slow and agonizing? My body refused to obey me; every muscle was frozen, leaving me shaking like a leaf caught in a storm. He was built like a Greek god—broad shoulders, sculpted muscles, and skin kissed by a perfect tan. Everything about him screamed danger. I had no doubt he could snap my neck with a single hand.I scooted back, inching away until my back hit the cold, unforgiving wall. He didn’t stop his approach, his gaze fixed on me like a predator toying with its prey. For a brief moment, I almost wished he would just kill me already. The fear of what he might do was far worse than death itself. My mind raced with all the horrible possibilities.He crouched down, bringing himself level with me. I screamed—an ear-splitting sound that tore through the silence, making my own eardrums ache. He moved sl

Everyone gasped. I didn't understand why. Maybe it was because I was about to die after doing the most ridiculous thing: coughing. Of all things, why did I have to cough? As he came closer, I realized just how massive he was. He had to be at least 6'4", towering over everyone around him. His presence was overwhelming. But what did he mean by "mate"? What was that supposed to mean? I looked at Jordan, silently pleading for him, or anyone, to help me. Tears streamed down my cheeks, blurring my vision. The large man was now standing directly in front of me, making me feel like a tiny mouse trapped in the gaze of a hawk. He watched me with cold, expressionless eyes, a void I couldn't read. He just stood there, and it made my skin crawl, every inch of me screaming to flee. In that moment, I wished I could vanish, sink through my seat, and disappear. Elijah appeared beside him, looking uneasy. "That is impossible, Alpha. She is my slave," Elijah said, his tone tense. For a split second, a

Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by them. They would not let us sleep or rest because our kind did not deserve to rest . I was on knees wiping the floor and I wasn't even half way done yet . I had two more large halls to go. After that we had to clean the dishes and that would take hours. It was torture and evil all at once and everyone was watching my every step even the other human servants. "Hi," a girl said as I finished cleaning the second hall room "can you make sure the basement in the kitchen is also cleaned up"I stood up and looked at her "couldn't you do it that wasn't on my list"She seemed offended by what I had just said as if expected to just take it. I wasn't going to be bullied by them as well my own kind hell no "I am a bit tied up that's why I asked""Did you ask everybody else or was it just me?" I grabbing my bucket and she didn't answer "I thought so ,well I'm a bit 'tied' up so I can't" I walked away who did she think she was . She stood there in shock and

"Why would the Alpha have them killed just for hurting you?" Lily asked in a whisper, her voice tinged with disbelief and fear.Anna folded her arms across her chest, looking thoughtful. "And don’t forget, the Beta saved you. Do you think the Alpha might have accepted you as his mate? Maybe he’s protecting you.""That's impossible," I snapped, pacing back and forth. "They’re not keeping me alive because they care. It’s to punish me, plain and simple."The tension in the room was stifling. I needed to get out. My head was swimming with too many questions and the heavy gazes of everyone around me. I was used to solitude; being the center of attention like this felt like being trapped in a glass box for all to see."I need some air," I muttered, stepping out of the kitchen. The relentless questioning was pushing me to the edge.I made my way to the garden, feigning interest in the plants just so I could have a moment to breathe. The sunlight warmed my skin, and I inhaled deeply, trying t

DAMON'S POVYear 1900 - 19th Century"Father has arrived!" Adam shouted, his voice full of excitement as he bolted outside. My heart leaped at his words. I dropped the book I had been engrossed in, its leather cover hitting the wooden floor with a dull thud, and rushed after him. It had been a full year since Father had left for the war in Russia. They called it the Boxer Rebellion, and Father had joined the Russian forces aiding in suppressing the uprising in China. His absence had left a void in our lives, and Mother, especially, had seemed almost lifeless, her once-vivid grey eyes dulled by fear and worry. As Mother set down the basket of clothes she'd been drying, her face lit up with a rare expression of joy. "Lucas!" she cried, her voice trembling as she picked up little Bella, who was just four years old. Elijah, at only seven, ran close behind her, his small legs moving as fast as they could. Father embraced Adam first, his eldest son, with a firm hug before sweeping Mother