Alpha Leonidas

For a long time, an uncomfortable silence hung in the air.

Then Alpha Gunner broke it with a low chuckle. “Why do I hate you? That's an excellent question.”

He paused, sipping his drink with an unreadable expression on his face. “I love beautiful and strong women. You're just not cut out to be my Luna.”

“T-Then,” I stuttered, wincing in pain. “Why hurt me at every chance you get? I understand I'm nothing more to you than a worthless slave but still, I don't deserve to be treated this way.”

Alpha Gunner approached me, hovering over me with his towering height.

“What are you talking about? I've grown fond of you since I bought you. Causing you great pains gives me a satisfying sense of pleasure I've never felt before. I enjoyed torturing you, so much Kylie.”

My eyes widened at his words. This man was a sadist.

He enjoys my suffering. It boosts his dopamine when I bleed and cry my eyes out.

“I don't want this anymore, Alpha Gunner,” I said, feeling tears rolling down my eyes. “It's best you kill me now. Just end my suffering.”

“I won't kill you,” he snarled, lifting my face with his index finger to meet his eyes. “I'll keep making use of you until I find my Luna. Then, and only then will your usefulness come to an end.”

Cruel.

Those were the cruelest words he had ever said to me.

* * * *

“Wake up! Wake up! Luna is coming.”

The servants quarters woke up in panic. Everyone struggled into their clothes and stood in a single file as Beatrice entered the chamber.

“Good morning, Luna,” we all greeted in unison.

Beatrice faced us, her eyes filled with arrogance. “I'm sure you're all aware of the forthcoming new moon festival. It's happening this Sunday. We have but three days to prepare for it. The four packs would all be in attendance.”

Silence.

No one was allowed to say a thing until Luna was done talking.

She continued. “The entire mansion must be sparkling clean. I would assign some of you to cleaning, some cooking, and others to decorations.”

Everyone nodded.

Beatrice's eyes then landed on me. “Kylie,” she barked.

I looked up. “Yes, my Luna.”

“You'll be responsible for washing all the important guests' feet. Just you,” she said.

I groaned. Feet Washing was a tradition in the south pack. When receiving guests, washing their feet was a kind gesture of hospitality.

It was a demeaning task, but who am I to complain?

I simply bowed my head. “As you wish, my Luna.”

* * * *

The new moon festival was celebrated every February.

Just as humans celebrate New Year's Day, we werewolves honour the New moon festival.

During this period, werewolves from the four Packs gather to worship the moon goddess, strengthen bonds between packs and feasts with one another.

Young cubs who have come of age made their first shift this season.

It's also the best time to find potential mates aside from mating seasons.

This year's Moon festival had a spike in attendance. The four Packs of the Republic were beginning to show up in Alpha Randolph's mansion.

It was a three-day ceremony.

All the guests' chambers had been occupied. Even the nearest hotels were filled up.

I dreaded this day because our Luna made my life a living hell. She carried a whip around with her for me.

If I wasn't quick with my task, Beatrice would lash the whip down my back violently while cursing me.

“Kylie! Why haven't you finished washing the White-Fur Pack's feet?”

“You lazy, fool. Get your ass into it.”

“How long does it take you to wash the feet of our beloved guests? I'll have you punished.”

In all this torture, I haven't seen Alpha Gunner since the night he rejected me.

He had been so busy attending to the guests, he never had the time to call for me.

There I was, kneeling at the entrance to the grand mansion, two large basins of water placed in front of me.

I've cleaned and dried over a hundred guests' feet.

I was tired, hungry, and sore, but I dared not take a break until I washed up the last feet of our guests.

The day was nearly over, and I was spent. The last group I would wash their feet were the Blood-Rose Pack. I couldn't wait to finish this chore and go to sleep.

As the sun started setting down on the horizon, the Blood-Rose Pack arrived.

Three 1970 Dodge Chargers pulled up in front of the building.

I was surprised.

Just three? Where were the other members of the Blood-Rose Pack?

One door opened, and that's when he stepped out.

Alpha Leonidas.

He took one step, and the atmosphere darkened like an eclipse.

He donned an expensive black suit, with a red rose pinned to his breast pocket. On his wrist, he wore a charm bracelet and a Rolex watch.

Alpha Leonidas walked up towards me, accompanied by his other companions—two betas.

I watched him approaching, my eyes widening and my heart racing.

His eyes were coffee black and soulless. Looking into those eyes were like peering into the abyss.

And I've never seen such long, glossy dark hair. They cascaded down his shoulders like waves.

He had a jade earring dangling in one ear. I could make out his tattoos peaking out of his collar and wrists.

This was Alpha Leonidas, the cursed Alpha. He wasn't what I expected. Most alphas I've encountered were bigger.

Hell, even Alpha Gunner was twice the size of Alpha Leonidas. Alpha Leonidas was leaner, taller and more shredded.

What made Leonidas stand out from the other alphas was his curse.

A cloud of darkness billowed around him wherever he moves.

This was his aura. It was so dark and intimidating. It makes everyone's skin crawl.

Alpha Leonidas stood before me, his eyes locked on mine.

I struggled to avert his gaze, struggled not to meet those soulless black eyes, but I couldn't resist the pull.

I stretched out my hand to him. “W-welcome, Alpha Leonidas. Please… rest….your…feet on my laps… allow me to wash them.”

Alpha Leonidas said nothing. He stared so hard at me I thought he would kill me.

His aura increased, and I could feel the darkness wrapping around me.

To my surprise, he squatted before me and took my face in his hand.

He raised my chin up, his countenance darkening. “Why the hell is my Mate washing feet?!”

My mind went dull.

I felt it too. The powerful pull between us.

Alpha Leonidas was my Mate. My second mate.