Chapter 4

_Astrid’s POV_

When I got dressed for the party, I made my way out of the room and straight downstairs towards the ballroom.

The moment I stepped in, I wanted the earth to swallow me in an instant.

The room came alive with the laughter, soft mucis and clinking of expensive glasses. The rich and powerful werewolf world filled every corner, and their presence was suffocating.

I forced myself to stay calm as I moved forward, my head held high even though I could feel the stares of the dozens of people in the room.

I was the only human here, it was normal to stare.

Also, the dress was the worst part.

Thin, barely covering anything, and way too tight. The red fabric clung to my skin painfully, the hem equally stopping at the upper thighs, making every step feel like a battle to stay decent.

I found a corner to hide myself in, but before I could make my way towards the place, I caught sight of Zarek and Zade.

They were both seated at a round table not so far from the stage as they shared drinks with their packmates.

I hurriedly lowered my gaze and prepared to run off, but unfortunately, Zarek caught sight of my small form before I could make a move.

“Astrid!" He called out loudly, a smirk on his face as I slowly whipped my head around to look at him.

He gestured with his hand, urging me to come forward.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, preparing to approach him. Deep down, I didn't want to adhere to his call, but I didn't want to be punished tonight.

When I reached the table, I bowed slightly, my heart beating faster than ever.

Standing before such powerful supernatural men, I could only wish the ground could open and swallow me.

Additionally, Zarek and Zade’s remarkable good looks left me wheezing. How could they look so good yet dangerous.

Zarek's gaze traveled from my face down to my legs. I subconsciously adjusted my dress to make sure I looked decent enough.

They all laughed at my sudden movement, of course except one man, Zade.

“You sure clean up so well, Astrid." Zarek quipped with an amused smile. He was referring to the fack that I wasn't reeking of dirty dishes water anymore. That bastard.

“Lord Zarek, who is she? She’s human." One of the men seated with them asked, a smile on his face as he licked his lower lips at the sight of my legs.

I subconsciously peered at Zarek, also waiting for an answer. He didn't buy me just to be his maid, right?

“She's our new play thing.” Zarek muttered and chuckled when he glanced at his brother's impassive face.

I clenched my fist in anger. Play thing? How dare he?

" Oh wow, can we perhaps have a taste of this new plaything as well?” The same man questioned again and I felt bile rose in my chest.

How despicable.

"No.” Zarek said at once and I let out the breath I never knew I had been holding.

The man raised his hand in surrender and released a forced laugh before minding his business. Without being told, I knew no one dares to mess with the twins around here.

I couldn't tell for how long I stood there, but Zarek's voice broke through my riverie the next minute.

“You look so stiff, pet," he drawled, tilting his head. “Take a seat and relax, Astrid. Have a drink." He ordered with his annoying smile. Once again, I wanted to reject his offer, but I dared not.

I took the nearest empty seat close to me and the next second, a glass was suddenly in front of me, filled with something amber-colored. The scent alone burned my nose.

“No," I instinctively shook my head.

The men around chuckled. A few of them muttered something under their breath and laughed again.

I clenched my fists in annoyance.

“Oh, come on. Don't be rude. I bought you, didn't I? The least you can do is drink when I tell you to." Zarek's smirk widened as he said those words.

I glanced at him, noticing the mockery in his eyes. He was clearly looking down on me.

I swallowed hard, reaching for the glass. My fingers curled around it, my heart hammering in my ribcage.

There was no point fighting in front of these wolves who saw me as nothing but a joke.

“Drink," Zarek added, his voice leaving no room for arguments or refusal.

I lifed the glass to my lips, forcing myself to take a sip. The burn was immediate, scorching my throat, and making my eyes water. But the moment I hesitate, Alpha Zarek's expression darkened.

“All of it," he murmured low in his throat, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Trembling, I tilted the glass back and swallowed. It burned all the way down, spreading heat through my veins like wildfire.

The moment I placed the glass back on the table, they all burst into laughter.

Zarek leaned forward, his voice filled with mockery as he murmured with a smile. “Good girl."

I wanted to slap that smile off his face. That goddamn bastard!

I wanted to runaway as fast as possible. What was I thinking? I would be turned into a dog if I stayed here with them.

He made me drink something that wasn't meant for humans, who knew what next he would ask me to consume?

I stood up at once, but the moment I did so, my vision blurred.

Oh no.

I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my head, but my body felt strange. It felt heavy and sluggish.

The room spinned out of control and the laughter in the background warped.

Werewolf alcohol was hitting me too fast.

Damn it.

I tried to stand straight, but my legs wobbled.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm, steadying me when I almost crashed to the table before me.

“Looks like the little human can't handle her drink." A deep voice rubmbled from behind.

I turned sluggishly, my stomach lurching in fear at the sight of a big man standing with his eyes half closed. He looked drunk.

His dark eyes roamed my body before he spoke again. “She looks like she needs some fresh air, Alpha." He turned to Zarek and said.

I knew where this was going, so I turned to Zarek for help. My gaze pleading.

I tried to push the big man back and get his hands off me, but my limbs were useless.

“Relax, little human. I’ll take good care of you." The man said and held me closer, bringing his face closer to mine.

I panicked at once, turning to Zarek again. “Zarek, help me!"

But of course, he wasn't a good person like I thought. He was worse.

He just sat there with his dark eyes as he watched that big man about to assault me.

This was the humiliation I knew I would face if I ever came to this party. I wasn't surprised now.

I tried to move, to shove that man away, but my strength was gone.

My limbs felt like they weren't even mine.

Instantly, I began to cry.

But then, a firm hand suddenly shoved the man’s hand off me and gripped my wrist, yanking me back.

When I turned to see who my savior was, I sucked in a breath at the sight of him.

Zade.

His face was unreadable, but there was something in his cold eyes. Without a word, he pulled me closer to him and glared at the big man.

The man frowned, “Come on, Alpha. We were just having some fun." He said.

But Zade ignored him. He didn't speak, didn't even look back as he lifted me from the ground and carried me bridal style out of the ballroom.