Chapter 8: Meeting The Alpha

DEXTERA

The same maid who had brought me the uniform earlier returned to my side as soon as Sansa left for some duty. She had a blank expression on her face as usual. Is it some kind of rule not to smile here? Ever since I arrived, I haven't seen anyone smile.

“The Alpha needs his maid.” Her words made my heart skip.

I blinked. “What? Now?”

She didn’t repeat herself. She didn’t have to. Her message sank in immediately, though my mind reeled with questions.

“What… what does he want me to do? Where am I supposed to go? I don’t even know where—”

“You’ll know when you get there,” she said, then glanced over her shoulder before stepping further into the room.

Her voice dropped, sounding more serious now. “But listen carefully, there are rules to your role.”

My spine stiffened. Of course there were rules and I could tell the rules regarding someone like Alpha Thor weren't going to some regular sort of rules.

“What are the rules?”

She sighed before answering me. “The Alpha doesn’t like noise. Speak only when spoken to. Don’t ask questions unless he permits it. Never look him directly in the eye unless he tells you to. Don’t stand too close. Don’t stand too far. Do not touch anything in his room unless ordered. If you’re given an instruction, follow it immediately.”

My stomach turned. Back at Bisclaveret, the rules weren't as tough as this.

“Also…” she hesitated, as if unsure whether to continue, “never turn your back on him when exiting. You walk backwards with your heads bowed and only turn around when you're outside already.”

“How the hell am I supposed to do that? Isn't that abnormal? I mean we're not in some ancient times...”

“If you love your life enough, you'll adapt.” She glared daggers at me, immediately interrupting my words. What's with the glare? I'm definitely not the cause of her misfortune.

She took another breath and said what I feared most.

“If you break any of these… you might not live to apologize.”

I froze, coldness seeping into my bones.

“You’re not just serving a man,” she added quietly. “You’re standing before the Alpha of Astrald. And if you make one wrong move, he won’t blink before ending you.”

My throat went dry and my heart raced. What kind of place had I been thrown into? I definitely didn't want to be here.

“Let’s get going.” she snapped her fingers.

We travelled there in a cab, driving along the almost silent streets. This pack was massive, far more powerful than Bisclaveret. I continued staring at the window, enjoying the view as the cab man drove by.

My eyes locked gaze with someone on the way. My companion to the Alpha's quarters noticed this and slightly pulled me back, my back resting on the cab seat.

“It’s better not to draw attention here.” she warned and I nodded.

“Thanks. What do I call you?” I asked. If I can't talk to her, I can as well know her name.

“Hannah.” she replied curtly.

The car soon halted in an inner courtyard, and Hannah stepped down from the cab with some discomfort. I wanted to ask if she was fine, but I trailed behind her instead, not wanting to overstep my boundar.

We continued walking till we crossed the entrance into the Alpha's mansion. The moment we crossed the entrance, we were greeted by a massive hall. A chandelier filled with small bulbs hung in the center, illuminating the spiralling staircases that seemed to stretch endlessly upward.

I was distracted for a moment, staring around when I heard the deepest voice I've ever heard. The voice that sent me trembling.

“Where is the damn maid!” He thundered. “I“m running out of time.”

Hannah panicked beside me. “Oh, no. This is bad.”

She told me to walk up to where he was and show my self.

“Are you leaving me here?” I asked.

“For today, yes. That's your duty for today.”

She didn't wait for me to say another word when she turned her back on me, walking away.

With no choice left, I scurried up the stairs, finding my way to what looked like the Alpha's room.

Oh, goddess! Asides been captivating and alluringly handsome, his entire demeanour screamed, I'm the damn master of everything here, the absolute ruler. He turned immediately he heard footsteps and I stared him in the eye.

The power radiating from him felt like it could suffocate you, crush your soul, and he wasn't even standing that close to me.

Our gaze locked for a long time, making it feel like we were the only two people in the room.

“I can see you lack respect.” His voice snapped me out of the reverie from the allure of his beauty.

That voice! It sounded like the scariest, yet sweetest voice I've ever heard. So masculine!

“I don't get you. What do you mean by that, please?” I asked innocently.

Only then did I look around the room, noticing another presence in the room. Deucalion was also present and he glared at me so intently I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me.

“Bow, Dextera!” Deucalion muttered the command in a low growl.

It took me a while before I processed the words and did as ordered. I lowered my head stylishly trying to view the Alpha sone more.

One step, two...the Alpha moved closer to me swiftly. Tilting my head, he pulled my chin up, my gaze locking with his once more.

“Ever since I assumed my role as the Alpha of Astrald, no one has ever dared to look at me straight in the eye without my permission. How. Dare. You?” his lowly growl made me so scared as his grip on my chin tightened while he moved his face close to mine like a dog sniffing a suspect.

I trembled under his touch and shivered at his nearness. Damn! So much effect he had on me.

I murmured, managing to utter a plea— if it could be called that.

“I’m sorry, Alpha Thor.”

He didn't respond for the next few seconds. Instead, he stared at me like he was sizing me up, observing everything my small, weak frame had to offer while he stood tall above me.

“Pardon my manners, pl..please...”

He shoved me hard away from his body like I suddenly became a pest he didn't want near him such that I fell hard on my butt, wincing in pain. I was expecting some more punishment or some form of torture from him, but he turned his back at me instead.

“Get me dressed.”

I didn't move an inch as I revelled in the unexpected pain that rushed through my lower back and right elbow.

“The Alpha doesn't repeat himself, young lady.” Deucalion walked up to where I was, with an expressionless face. “That’s his number one rule for you! One more mistake, you have yourself to blame.”