Chapter 4

Anastasia’s POV

The color red came into view as my eyes opened. I was looking at a vintage bed stand. I blinked a few times before my eyes roamed around the room. Taking in the decor, I quickly realized I was not in my coven’s infirmary but in a bed. Someone’s bed. Quickly, I sat up.

“You’re awake!” A woman’s voice pulled my attention.

She was sitting at the other side of the room. Her hair was shoulder length and resembled a strawberry. Her eyes were blue and were filled with curiosity. She was wearing a lab coat and she looked tall.

“Where am I?” Panic flooded my ribcage.

I exited the bed and moved further away from her, trying to create some distance.

“You’re safe. Don’t worry. You’re in better health as well.” Memories of me escaping and being attacked flashed in my head.

My hand shot to my side. The wound I once had was mostly healed and I was now wearing something entirely different. My heart was pounding rapidly in my chest. I had no idea where I was, who this strange lady was, and who the fuck changed me, but what I did know was that I need to get out of here now.

I tested my energy. I prayed it was strong enough for me to tap into my magic. I could feel natures properties all around me. There was wood everywhere and my fingertips tingled with its recognition but I wasn’t strong enough to get any of it to budge.

Shit!

The only thing I could do was grab whatever was closed to me. A lamp.

“Hold on, know! It’s okay!” The woman announced, lifting her hands to me.

“You’re safe.” She continued.

I lifted the lap, ready to hurl it at the woman when a man entered the room. He was huge. His body blocked the doorway and despite his dark clothing I could still see the imprint his muscles made through his shirt.

He stood there looking at me with a beautiful set of what appeared to be orange eyes. They were such an unnatural color and I couldn’t look away. I felt drawn to him. It was as if my body was trying to merge with his. I couldn’t understand it.

“Who are you? Why am I here?” I head my own voice speaking.

I could feel my heart beating in my throat now but it wasn’t from fear. No, it was from.. something else. I couldn’t quite place it. He moved closer to me and with each step, it was as if he was putting me under some spell. But no, he isn’t a witch.

He continued to move forward with his hand stretched towards me and I could feel my body’s need to react to him. He felt safe. He felt like home.

“You are safe, my love, I won’t hurt you.” It was as if his voice filled all of my senses.

It was deep and soothing, taking away any doubt I had. I trusted him. He was now standing directly in front of me, and I could see all that he was. He was a true masterpiece of a man. His bone structure was otherworldly, and his full lips curved into a reassuring smirk through his dark facial hair. He was truly beautiful.

But as I continued to stare at him, I realized what was happening. What I was feeling was a mate bond, and he was… a-

“No! Moon Goddess, no!” I spoke as I step back away from him.

Why would the Moon Goddess mate me to.. a wolf? What did I do wrong? I couldn’t accept a beast as my mate! I wouldn’t!

He stepped towards me again with clear concern in his eyes.

“Stay away from me you monster!” I yelled.

I tossed the lamp I had in my hand at him but he swatted it away as if it was merely a fly. I needed my magic to work. It was the only way I was gonna get out of this room alive.

Focusing on my energy I tried again. The hum of nature all around me vibrated through me. Yes! My magic! I tapped into the floor boards right under his feet.

“My love, what’s wrong?” With a slight bend of my index finger, the floor boards underneath him raised up, sending him flat on his ass.

Before I could wrap the floor boards around him, the woman yelled,

“Witch!”

My heart dropped as I watched her skin rip away as sleek red hair sprouted. It was nothing like the silver moon pack at all. Her bones cracked and a huge beast took her place. I had never seen anything like it.

The creature looked like a mutation of human and wolf. It’s canines were large and sharp and its finger grew long, sharp claws. It felt like I was standing in the center of a horror movie, and I was the prey.

On instinct, I extended my hands towards her preparing to use all of the wood around me to prevent that monster from attacking me. It lunged at me. I used the bed frame as a rope and tried to lasso the beast with it, but it was too quick and I missed.

“No!” The males voice echoed all around us and just as I thought for sure, the beast had me, I felt strong arms wrap around me.

Everything was moving so fast yet slow at the same time. For a moment, we locked eyes and my heart tugged at the clear fear he displayed in his. Why did he look at me like this? Surely he couldn’t care for me.

“Stand down Hannah!” He ordered to the woman and she immediately took her human form.

He turned to face her, his arm stayed on me protectively as he gently held me behind him, blocking me from the now naked woman.

“But, my king, she’s a witch!” She hissed.

King?

“No! She’s my mate! And your luna!” He growled.

I could feel his aura as it suffocated the room.

Who was he? And how on earth did I get here? I usually had blind faith in the Moon Goddess, but this? This was the first time I questioned her plan. Why would she mate me to a… whatever the hell that thing was and he’s also a king? None of this made sense!

The woman eyes grew big at his words and she immediately dropped to her knees and bowed.

“I’m sorry, your majesties, I deserve great punishment!” I continued to look around him at her. She looked genuinely scared.

But why? And your majesties? This was all too much for me.

“It’s fine, Hannah. Go change. I’ll speak with you later.” He dismissed her.

Hannah quickly stood to her feet and bowed before she exited the room. With her now gone, my heart began to calm down, but it quickly picked back up once I realized I was now alone with him.

He turned to face me, his hand never leaving my arm. It felt like a wrecking ball was tearing through me. On one side I wanted to run for the hills but on the other, I felt safe, and I only wanted to lean into him more.

“I’m sorry about Hannah. We haven’t had the best impression of witches.” The word rolled off his tongue as if it was an insult.

“Let me go.” I snapped.

There was no way in hell I would be mated to a monster like him. No matter how handsome he might be.