Chapter 3: Trapped

ALESSIA

“Have you lost your mind? I’m a doctor. My duty is to save lives—I can’t abandon that,” I snapped.

Strangely, I felt more like myself in their presence. I wasn’t shrinking back or staying quiet—I was speaking out my emotions.

“We are also lives you would be saving, doctor,” Asher added calmly.

Silence filled the room as I tried to think. Arguing wouldn’t help. I needed a way out of this without losing my life.

“Just one month, Alessia. If you can cure us, we won’t cross your path again,” Azriel said, his voice calm, almost convincing.

One month…

It didn’t sound long. I just had to treat them. But what if it didn’t work?

My gaze snapped to him. “And what if you’re still not cured after that?”

He chuckled softly. “As long as you do your job properly, doctor, we’ll all be fine. Right, brothers?”

They all nodded with faint, mocking smiles.

Cunning monsters.

Not like I have a choice. If agreeing meant I could walk out of here alive, then so be it.

“Fine.”

I turned to leave, but Axel exhaled and snapped his fingers. The door opened, and a man in a black suit walked in, holding a file.

He was slimmer than the others outside and less intimidating; I don't think he's a bodyguard.

He bowed slightly to them and handed the file to me.

My brows furrowed. “What is this?”

“A contract, beauty,” Axel replied. “This is our lawyer, Lucas. If you breach it before the one month is over… you lose everything. Including your life.”

My heart slammed against my chest.

A contract?

Had they planned this all along?

“You can refuse,” Asher added lightly. “You just have to send your final message to your loved ones…"

My eyes shut briefly, frustration and helplessness sweeping over me.

What kind of cruel fate is this?

One month. Just one month.

Without thinking twice, I grabbed the file and signed it. I walked up to the door and opened it without looking at them.

“See you soon, doctor,” Asher called behind me.

I walked into my office and collapsed into my chair, a loud groan escaping my lips as frustration clawed at my chest.

Why is my life like this?

I lost my mother at birth. My father died on my wedding day. My mate is unbearable. And now… I’m tied to those monsters.

My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my thoughts. I picked it up.

“Thank you so much, Alessia! They’re all satisfied with your treatment,” Mr. Blackwell said cheerfully.

Before I could respond, the call ended.

I stared at the screen.

Perfect. Just perfect.

Everything seems to be against me today.

****

The day went on as usual, just my mind racing because of my decision and the disgust of going home, considering what Liam said about using my mouth to please him instead, and I’m sure if I don’t, he might strip me naked and hit me with his belt again.

It took me almost a month to get rid of the scars he inflicted on me, and I don’t want any more.

I stared at my phone—it was already 6:00pm; my shift was over.

Almost immediately, Liam’s call came in.

My heart dropped as I quickly picked it up, rising to my feet and grabbing my handbag.

“Where the fuck are you, fool?” he yelled.

“Liam, I’m on my way. I’ll be home soon, please,” I pleaded, my voice breaking.

He hung up immediately.

This won’t end well.

I quickly rushed to my car and drove home, each street making my heart beat faster in fear.

Liam and I grew up together. My father was his father’s beta, so he always treated me like a younger sister.

Then three years ago, on my nineteenth birthday, I got my wolf—and Liam turned out to be my fated mate.

Both our fathers were happy and arranged our wedding for the next month.

But that same wedding night, we got the news—they were involved in an accident… and died.

Since my father was the one driving, sometimes I feel Liam has been cold toward me because he might blame my father for his loss.

He has never said it out loud…

But I feel it through his attitude after that day.

I arrived home and rushed upstairs. The maids were whispering, their faces filled with arrogant irritation as they saw me.

I ignored them and hurried to the room. Without hesitation, I pushed the door open.

Only to see another maid on her knees in front of Liam giving him a blowjob.

My body froze. It wasn’t even jealousy… It was the fact that I had rushed all the way here, to the point my heels were bleeding, only for him to already be busy.

I swallowed hard and stepped forward, stopping in front of him. He raised his head to look at me while holding the maid's head in place as he thrust into her mouth.

“Alessia, this is how it’s done. Seems like I’ll have to teach you too,” he mocked, a cruel smirk spreading across his lips.

I sighed, showing no emotion to his attitude or words. I was already used to it.

“Since you’re busy, Liam, I’ll excuse you.”

He scoffed. “Alessia, go to the bathroom and take your bath. You stink like a pig. When you’re done, come back. She’ll be giving you some lessons today. I’ll make sure you come tonight."

My hands tightened around my suit pants. I hated how powerless I always felt in front of him. I couldn’t even argue.

Sometimes I feel like he’s using his Alpha authority on me… or maybe it’s just the guilt over what my father did to his.

I stood in the bathroom, staring at my reflection in the mirror while their moaning sounds from the room continued.

I really am pathetic. Watching my mate with another woman… And now she’s going to “teach” me how to pleasure him.

“Alessia, we should run away,” Mira, my wolf, said softly. She had been hurting just as much as I had and had grown weaker.

A bitter laugh escaped me. "I'm useless, Mira, and powerless. No one is coming to save us."

Just then, my phone rang. From an unknown number.

I frowned and picked up.

“Hey, little doctor.” Axel’s voice broke out.

My breath hitched. How did they even get my number?

“You don’t need to worry. The old man gave it to us,” Asher added, like he could hear my thoughts.

“It’s time for our treatment, doctor,” Azriel cut in lazily.

I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. They’ve lost it.

“It’s 7pm. I’m at home. This wasn’t part of it.”

“Little doctor… you didn’t read the contract, did you?” Axel asked.

And just like that, realization hit me.

Damn it.

I should have gone through it carefully.

Why am I so careless?

“Listen, I’m married. I have to take care of my husband,” I said, keeping my voice low.

A thick silence followed. Then Azriel spoke, his voice sharp and cold.

“Alessia… you don’t know us well. If you keep us waiting, we’ll come to your pack. Your home. We’ll take you ourselves… and if necessary, we’ll wipe out everyone there.”

My entire body stiffened.

He wasn’t exaggerating. They could actually do it.

I’ve heard what they’re capable of.

It’s better I go to them… than let them destroy my pack. I can't let my pack suffer because of me.

That’s my duty as Luna.

I closed my eyes briefly, taking a deep breath.

“Fine. I’ll come.”