First step done and dusted

Chapter 4

SERAPHINA

I woke up to the rays of sunlight resting on my face as it illuminated the room. I groaned as I blocked the light with my hand. I rolled to the other side and my heart lurched into my chest and I expected the worst to happen, but the bed felt big and cold. Leone was not beside me. I sat up slowly. My eyes hurt from crying. My head throbbed painfully, like someone had gone through the stress of pounding my head with metal. I stared at the wall for a while. Then I stood up.

I walked to the window and looked out. The sky was gray. The garden looked empty. I stared back at the bed as realization dawned on me. I was the only one who slept in. Leone didn't return after his escapades with his mistress. So he preferred spending the night with his mistress than his wife?

I clenched my fist and gritted my teeth at the thought of being addressed as his 'wife' but isn't that what I am now. His wife. I made a mental note to search for a phone line in the house to speak to my sister. There was a lot of gist to be shared.

My stomach growled, bringing me back to earth. I changed into something simple without bothering to bathe, as I still smelled sweet. I brushed my hair and tied it back. I needed food. But I didn’t know where the kitchen was.

I opened the bedroom door and stepped into the hallway. Memories of the night clung to my mind, but I refused to dwell on it. I tossed it back into the box at the back of my mind and mentally locked it. The house was too big. Another mental note to give myself a tour. I didn’t know which way to go. I just started walking.

I passed paintings, vases, and doors. Everything in here looked expensive and dead at the same time. There was no warmth, love, just stone and silence.

My fingers ran through the paintings, they were sparkling clean. The servants here must really be working their ass off. 

“Seraphina is a gorgeous girl. I didn't know what she looked like when I was making the arrangement with Alpha Houston.” 

I stopped walking. That was my name and father's been mentioned. The voices were coming from the room ahead. I moved closer. I didn’t mean to listen but hearing my name wasn't something I was going to let go. So I stood still. The door was slightly open.

It was Leone and an old man; Grandfather Lucien. The bastard who had pulled the string and arranged this godforsaken marriage with my father.

The old man had a deep voice. “You’ve done well,” Grandfather Lucien continued. “You know, marrying the girl was the first step.”

Leone said nothing but from the look here, his jaw was set tight, his posture was stiff, and his fist were clenched tight at his side 

If the old man noticed all these, he clearly ignored it and didn't give a damn. Grandfather Lucien cleared his throat and continued. “The will is clear, Leone. You will have your inheritance fully, but you must give us an heir. That is the second and final step. Once she is pregnant, the inheritance becomes yours fully, but for now, it is partially hanging in the air.”

My heart stopped.

“She’s just a werewolf,” Leone snarled. “Haven't I done enough to get the inheritance by marrying a low-life werewolf? Must I couple with her?" His voice was laced with venom and hate.

“Maybe your cousin, Gabriel, will be glad to fulfill this last wish … Who knows.” Grandfather Lucien mused, caressing his mustache.

Leone growled ferociously and hit his hands on the table. Wow! Big boy isn't scared of his grandfather. “Don't you dare give my inheritance to Gabriel. You want an heir, fine, I will do it. She's just a werewolf, not worth my attention.”

I covered my mouth and shrunk back into the hall lest they caught hold of me eavesdropping on their conversation. So this was this? I knew something was amiss when Leone agreed to marry me. He was doing it to get his inheritance. And his grandfather had him in his grip, threatening to give it to his cousin Gabriel. Does father know about this? Even if he does, what was he going to do anyway?

“I know you do not love her,” Grandfather chuckled as he spat the words out. “But this is not about love. It’s about duty. Blood. Power. Get her with a child. That is all.”

I felt something break inside me. This is about Blood and power? What does that even mean, anyway? Why does he want a lycan seed in a werewolf? It had never happened before. News about a lycan marrying a werewolf hasn't been heard, let alone with pups? But Grandfather Lucien was making it happen? What is he up to? What power was he seeking? So many thoughts swirled around my mind. So many suspicions and mysteries were beginning to unfold. Was I a pawn in the game of Grandfather Lucien?

I turned and walked away fast. I didn’t want them to hear me. So that was it. I was just part of a plan. A tool. A piece in their game. I leaned against the wall and tried to breathe, but my throat burned. My eyes filled with tears again.

I wiped them away.

“No,” I whispered, pinching myself to reality. “They will not use me. I won’t give them what they want.”

I walked on staring at the ground, my mind carried away. I bumped into a rocky chest. I looked up to a tall man, glaring at me with cold, dark eyes. He sneered and pushed me away from him roughly.

“Watch where you’re going, Werewolf.” he said with a hiss.

“I’m sorry,” I babbled out. “I was looking for the kitchen.”

He crossed his arms and glared at him. “Not my job, Werewolf.”

Anger burned in me at the continual use of Werewolf. Why point it out? To spite me? Or scare the shit out of me?

“And my name is Seraphina, not werewolf.” 

He tilted his head to one side, assessing me slowly, and a maniacal grin spread across his lips. “I know your name, werewolf.” He dragged the words, smirking at me.

If he wants to play this game, then I'm in. “Okay, Lycan, how do I get to the kitchen?” 

He rolled his eyes but glared daggers at me. You asked for its asshole. “Servant!” he barked.

A girl came running.

“Take her to the kitchen,” he said and walked away without another word.

Sera, nice try. You've just gotten yourself an enemy. 

The girl nodded at me. “Please follow me, my lady.”

I followed her through more hallways. She didn’t speak, and I didn’t ask questions. My heart is still throbbing from what just happened.

Leone's POV 

“I need a full assessment of the goods arriving in the palace this afternoon. And also get me the list of all the werewolves packs and the names of their Alpha's. And I need you to start working on the violet project Grandfather assigned to you. And don't forget to give me feedback.” I rasped out the instructions to Philip after I found him in the kitchen torturing the maids for food.

But Philip wasn't looking at me, he was smirking at someone or something behind me. I whirled around to find Seraphina glaring at Philip. What the hell is going on? Have they met already?

“Philip, did you hear all I said?” I called his attention, and he grinned widely in response.

Seraphina cleared her throat. “Can I talk to you?” 

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. What does she want now?

“In private,” she added.

“Are you planning on raping my king, werewolf girl?” Philip cut in, furrowing his brows as his eyes flicked red between my face.

Seraphina's eyes widened for a while before her face twisted in what looked like the most disgusting look I have ever seen on anyone. “Ewww!” She wrinkled her nose at Philip. “No, I soon rather kill myself than make at with anyone of your kind.” She continued flatly.

Is the nerve for me?

“Take your words back.” Philip growled, stepping towards her.

She didn't even flinch at his reaction. Instead, she raised her chin high and gave him a daring look. “Make me, Lycan.” 

Philip stared down at her, horrified. Then he barked, a deep, hollow sound enough to scare the shit out of her. “You've got balls, werewolf. Let's see how long you can stay before you break.” He grinned devilishly.

She ignored him and turned her attention back to me. “It's important.”

“Say it here.” I snapped.

She blinked, shifting uncomfortably. “ I need a private room of my own."

I looked stunned. “No!”

“Please.” She pleaded, her voice breaking. 

The muscle on my jaw ticked. I had no idea why she needed a private room, but her pleading for it meant it was essential to her. 

"Fine,” I agreed to the dismay of Philip. If she wants a private room, fine, that won't stop me from coupling with her and completing the last step to securing my inheritance. “Go find a room, werewolf.”

Then I walked past her like she didn’t exist.