Emily laughed, which totally surprised Cole.

“There’s nothing funny, bitch!” he said and was about to raise his hand when she spoke again.

“You can’t do that. They’re here,” she warned.

She felt like she had overcome her fear by talking to Cole like this for the first time. The feeling is different yet satisfying on her side. At least.

Cole formed a sly smirk. “Do you think I’m afraid of him?” he asked.

Emily smirked, and it was unusual for her to do it, but seeing the bafflement in Cole’s eyes, she wanted to give more.

“You know what. I can foresee what will happen to you when we step out of this room.”

When deep inside, she doesn’t. She just wants to try if it will work for him.

However, Cole just laughed and dragged her out of the room.

“Stop talking nonsense, slut,” he said, gritting his teeth in anger. But with the idea that the guests are here, he can’t beat Emily.

While walking towards the dining hall, Cole suddenly smacked her butt, making her come to a halt.

She turned to face him, and Cole let out a devilish smirk. “It’s quite tempting. And what’s with the glare? Could you stop pretending to be feisty? I used to see and hear you begging, bitch.”

Emily smiled at Cole, which made Cole’s eyes widen.

“Didn’t I tell you that I can foresee what will happen to you today? Also, you made it worst because you touched me… again,” she said.

Cole crosses his arms in front of his chest. “Really? Oh, I’m frightened,” he said sarcastically. After that, he pushed her to walk toward the main hall.

Emily stopped when she saw her father and looked at Cole, then at his clenched fist.

She frowned when she looked up and met Amanda’s smile.

Amanda stood up and clapped her hands. She smiled at the person who was on the side.

The man’s height and aura intimidated her. And she saw the two more shadowy figures standing beside the man. They remained immobile, and she could only see their silhouettes.

As she stepped forward, she heard Amanda’s cheerful tune. “Here comes our daughter, Emily.”

Daughter?

Emily wanted to burst into laughter upon hearing it. Since when did Amanda treat her as her own?

‘She got to be kidding me,’ she thought.

“She was honing her skills in preparation for your arrival, Dillon,” Amanda added.

“How did she get bruised?” Dillon’s deep voice jolted Emily. She didn’t hear such a voice like that.

The fact that he asked for her bruises, Emily couldn’t help but feel frightened once again.

“Oh…” it was Amanda, fake shocking voice, and looked at Emily, “—you tripped when you were running to bring a gift to your father the other day, right, Emily?”

Emily caught a glimpse of Amanda and her father’s stern glances—a sign that she needed to ride on.

But who will believe that excuse?

In the end, she still did her best to play dumb. “Uhm, y-yes. Sorry,” she said before turning to face Dillon.

“Tripped?”

The man named Dillon does not appear to believe them. Just like what Emily expected.

Tripped? They’re funny. With violet and greenish bruises, just for tripping down?

Amanda flashed a smile at Dillon. “Well, let’s all gather and discuss a few—”

“No. Theirs is no reason for us to speak further. We already discussed everything over the phone,” Dillon said, full of authority that no one could defy.

Emily looked at her father when she heard him speak. “My wife prepared a small meal for you and your attendees. You must be hungry—”

“No.”

NO: One word, who put the hall in silence for a brief moment.

Suddenly, Dillon met Emily’s gaze and nodded at her. Emily didn’t make a move, making Cole growl and slap her on the behind, prompting her to leap. However, she lost her footing.

She closed her eyes when she knew that she was about to fall. However, she found herself in Dillon’s arms.

She stared at the Beta’s eyes, surprised and feeling grateful.

Dillon ensures her balance before releasing her.

“T-Thank you,” she whispered and managed to flash a smile, which she knew didn’t reach her eyes.

Dillon nodded and stated sternly, “You’re welcome, Miss.”

Emily bit her lower lip, mesmerized by the kindness of the guest when suddenly, she heard groans.

She turned to see it and gasped in shock when she saw Cole being beaten by one of the dark-alluding figures standing beside Dillon earlier.

“Stop it!” Amanda screamed at this point, making Emily look at her.

‘What’s happening?’ she thought.

“Beta Dillon, please!” Amanda begged, which is unusual.

This is the first time she heard Amanda say the word: please.

“Beta…”

However, Dillion remained calm and just watched his attendees beating Cole.

Cole took the thrashing blow to blow. At this moment, he was powerless against the man beside Emily. He shrieks, and his mother pleaded with Dillion in tears—the sight that Emily wished to happen as Amanda’s karma.

She didn’t know that it would happen this very day.

However, even if she despised them to death, she still feels pity for them. She tried her luck and faced Dillon. When their eyes met, she whispered, “please, stop.”

Dillon didn’t show any expression, but suddenly, he issued his command, wearing his authoritative voice, and said, “Stop.”

Emily was about to talk when Dillon spoke once again.

“Cut off his hand.”

Emily’s eyes widened upon hearing it and gasped when she heard Amanda’s scream blend with Cole’s.

She closed her eyes when she saw blood-drenched on the floor and Cole’s hand being taken off his body.

Then suddenly, Amanda started to blame Emily, making Dillon pull her closer to him.

Emily gasped and opened her eyes when she felt the Beta’s hand. She looked up, but Dillon darted his gaze to her father.

“Control your Luna, Alpha,” Dillon said.

Emily was confused seeing her father like a tamed beast as he stood up and apologized.

“My apologies, Dillon, for the behavior of my stepson. I will take care of it,” he met Emily’s eyes, “Emily… is my precious daughter, a stunning lady who is extremely obedient, and it’s unbearable to see her leave—”

“Liar!” Emily screamed as tears started to pour down her cheeks, blending with the booming thunder. How could he? He is a monster.

'I am her daughter; a flesh came from him. How could he treat me like this?' she thought.

However, Emily knew that all her questions would be useless. It was clear as the droplets of her tears. Her father loathes everything about her. Does he even love her, genuinely? She bet not.

“We need to go, and payment will be made once the Alpha sees her,” Dillon interjected as he gently pulled Emily, who was fuming mad at her liar father.

“Let’s go,” Dillon said flatly.

Emily met Dillon’s gaze and nodded. She has no strength to fight once again nor beg. It was clear that her father had let her out of his life.

“Pardon me. I assumed we’d receive it upon your arrival.”

Hearing this, Emily never dared to look back and see her father’s face once more. Because at this moment, she had lost everything.

Dillon stopped and turned to face Leo. “Do you want to talk with the Alpha?”

Emily couldn’t see her father’s reaction but heard his soft chuckle. After everything is done to this day, he still manages to laugh.

“No big deal. As an Alpha, I understand,” her father said.

Dillon nodded. “Also, do remember, Alpha Leo. Soon as Alpha Drake has taken possession of her, you will never be again her owner.” After that, Dillon dragged her gently out of their house.

“What happened, Dillon?” inquired the woman wearing a white lab coat.

“She hasn’t stopped crying since we parted ways with their pack. Then she passed out. Her body is far too frail. You need to check on her, and she needs to be healed immediately,” Dillon said as he placed the unconscious Emily on the white bed.

The woman approached Emily’s body and then shook her head.

“This isn’t good, Dillon.”

“Do your best to heal her quickly; the Alpha does not understand the concept of patience,” Dillon warned as he turned around.

“How come her body is covered in bruises?”

“She tripped on the floor,” Dillion replied flatly. After a brief moment of silence, the woman chuckled.

“Pardon?”

Dillon gave a sly grin. “It is a fabrication perpetrated by Miss Emily’s stepmother.”

“Did they treat her like an animal? She is the daughter of an alpha. How heinous are they?” Even if their Alpha is far more than cruel, the woman is not fond of slavery.

“The Alpha is significantly more lethal.”

“Then she is not capable of bearing a child, Dillon. You are aware of this.”

Dillon inhaled deeply. “All you have to do is your best. I’ll have a look at her later.”

“The healing process will not be simple. What if she is also emotionally or psychologically disturbed—”

“As a medical attendee, that is your responsibility,” Dillon stated before leaving.

“Emily…”

Emily fell into a dream in which her mother repeatedly called her name. She tried to shout her mom’s name, but no voice came out.

She opened her mouth and attempted again but was unsuccessful. She tried to shift her limbs, but they appeared stuck in place.

Her mother smiled at her and called her name once more, motioning for her to come over. However, she is immobile.

Emily’s tears stream down her cheeks as she notices her mother’s figure fading.

She screamed ‘no,’ but there was no sound. She moved eagerly, but nothing happened.

Suddenly, a small hole appeared in front of her, sucking her inside. Everything became dark.

“I will do everything I can to help her...”

Emily nudged and groaned, unsure of her whereabouts. Her body screams in pain.

She slowly opened her eyes and shut them back when a light beamed into them.

“Ugh...” she groaned.

This time, she knew she wasn’t in her room, lying in her bed, or their packhouse.

Her eyes remained fixed on the white ceiling, perplexed.

“Dillon, you’ve returned.”

“How is she doing?”

“She’s already awake.”

“Bring food for her to eat. She must be starving. In an hour, the Alpha will arrive,” Dillon informed.

“Hey, Lilac!”

“Hello, Mildred,” Lilac said as she entered the room.

“What brought you here, Lilac?” Dillon asked as she turned to the woman who had just come in.

“I’m holding a tray of food,” Lilac arched her brow. “So, Beta Dillon, what are your thoughts?” she asked, sarcastically.

Dillon made no response and simply walked toward Emily’s bed.

Lilac and Mildred exchanged shrugs, let out soft chuckles, and then followed their Beta.

When Emily overheard those conversations, she frowned.

The white curtain that had been draped over her bed suddenly flew back, revealing a woman with fiery red hair and a beaming smile.

After everyone had their eyes on her, her body tensed.

Emily could not move much and then looked down, realizing she was no longer wearing her dress.

“Emily,” the woman next to the redhead called her name, then smiled at her, causing her to relax slightly. “I’m Mildred, or you can call me Millie. I am your attended physician,” she added.

Emily locked her gaze on Millie and immediately recognized her voice. She was the first girl with whom Dillon had spoken previously. She then attempted to smile, but she was aware that it did not reach her eyes.

“You must be hungry, Emily.” Lilac approached her and smiled.

‘What is it about them that makes them smile at me?’ she thought.

Emily abruptly shook her head. She is aware of the fact that she has already arrived at the Blue Moon pack. As a result, she cannot trust anyone.

Lilac pursed her lips and gave her a pitying look. “You look pale,” she said as she sat beside Emily. “But don’t be alarmed; you’re going to be fine. Millie is our pack’s best doctor,” she added, smiling at her.

Then suddenly, Lilac saw unrecognition in Emily’s eyes. “Oh, my apologies; I neglected to introduce myself.” She chuckled softly. “My name is Lilac, and I am Dillon’s sister,” she stated.

Emily was taken aback when she learned that Dillon had a sibling. However, she was aware that their personalities were distinct. Dillon is cold and authoritative; he’s a Beta, after all, whereas Lilac is a happy-go-lucky one.

“We’re so relieved that you’ve regained consciousness,” Millie said as she assisted her in sitting up. “I’ll check your vital signs, and then you can eat, all right?”

Emily winced and backed away, but her entire body ached.

Millie glowed with a smile. “Do not be alarmed; I will not harm you,” she assured.

Emily then nodded and moved aside for Millie to check her. When her gaze met Lilac’s, the latter pushed the tray to the side of the bed. “Have some. It will aid in your healing process.”

Emily squinted. “I-I’m all right. I am not weak—”

“No!” Lilac and Millie spoke in unison, shocking Emily.

“You’re scaring her,” Dillon said and clenched his jaw.

At the moment, Emily doesn’t have any appetite, even if the food in front of her is appetizing. However, what if she doesn’t obey? It was clear as crystal that she was in the Blue Moon pack because her father traded her for money. It means to say; she doesn’t know what will happen to her at the moment.

What if they’ll kill her if she doesn’t obey?

Emily then reached for the tray, but her hand could not grasp it. She poured the bowl of food into the tray, and some of it strewn across the bedsheet.

“I-I’m sorry,” she said, her head bowed. She is averse to seeing their reaction; what if they are enraged? What if they are going to beat her?

She reasoned that she was already fine once she left the pack and her family; perhaps it was only her mind that was strong enough to accomplish anything, but her body did not appear to be.

Lilac sighed and cast her gaze toward her brother. “I will help her eat,” she said and turned to Emily. “Don’t worry. I’m here,” she added, her angelic voice calming Emily.

‘How come she is so kind to me?’ she thought.

“Go on. We must first prepare her. She must be strong enough before the Alpha takes her,” Dillon said, making Emily lift her head.

Her lips parted, and she wanted to ask about Dillon’s words. However, nothing came out of her mouth.

Emily is bewildered. Rumors claimed that Blue Moon wolves lacked empathy. However, this does not define their behavior toward her.

Although they claim that the Blue Moon pack has a bad reputation, it must be due to their ruthless Alpha.

Lilac is so gracious that it appears as though she is attempting to lighten the mood.

Despite Emily’s inability to comprehend their actions, she felt a spark of hope when she met them.

“Would you like to eat or rest for a while? Besides, the food spilled, and I need to get another—”

“Just get another bowl of it, Lilac,” It was Dillon.

Lilac rolled her eyes at her brother. “Yes, Beta,” she said, but sarcasm filled in.

“Uhm…” Emily piqued their interest.

Millie flashed a smile. “What is it?” she inquired as she scribbled the final detail she needed.

“W-What am I going to do here? My father traded me in exchange for money, right? Will I become your Alpha’s slave?”

One, two, three… seconds passed, but no one responded.

“I-I’m sorry for asking about it.”

Millie smiled. “It’s all right. We under—”

Millie abruptly paused in mid-sentence, making her eyes widen, and Lilac stood up and moved closer to her brother.

“W-What’s happening? Did I say something wrong?” Emily asked in a hushed tone.

Emily was perplexed by the sudden pause in the conversation.

Lilac appeared to be in a bad mood because her cheerful and upbeat demeanor had utterly vanished.

And the only difference between Dillon and Millie is that Dillon is standing up straight as he always does, whereas Millie, who was previously calm and easygoing, has adopted more professionalism, standing as if she is waiting for a command.

Then Emily became aware of approaching footsteps. She pulled the blanket with her trembling hands, and for the first time, she was able to accomplish what her mind desired. She was slowly pulling it up when the door opened.

A tall man walked inside. He has fair skin and jet-black hair and towered over everyone. His jawline was defined and emphasized the masculine characteristics he possessed. She had never seen a man move quite like him, gracefully but with an unforgiving glint hidden behind his piercing blue eyes.

Even though he was across the room, the aura surrounding him demonstrated the immense power he possessed, and she was frightened of what she saw.

She had come into contact with dangerous men. Throughout her life, her stepbrother Cole and even her father have shown her distress... However, neither of them possessed the same level of intimidation as this man.

He shifted his gaze to her.

The way his blue eyes seemed to pierce into her very soul was something she couldn't help but notice.

She was startled when she felt a banging in her chest and she could hear the booming rhythm of her heart.

'How could someone be both dangerous and attractive at the same time?' she thought.

What was it about him that made her feel drawn to him?

The three with her earlier were all looking down at the ground with their necks turned slightly towards him, which is a common sign of submission among wolves.

In her experience, wolves only acted in this manner on one occasion, and that was when they were in front of their Alpha.

When the realization dawned on Emily, she felt a pang of fear.

How could she be unaware?

He must be the Alpha of Blue Moon!

… And this was confirmed when Dillon called him. "Alpha!" and greeted the man with respect.

It takes only a simple nod from the enormously attractive man to acknowledge Dillon, an aura of authority emanating from him that was far greater than Dillon's own.

He turned to face Millie, who had already pulled out her report.

"Alpha, Miss Emily remains quite frail, but she should improve significantly within a month with adequate treatment," she explained.

Emily frowned. 'Am I that weak? But I'm just fine when Dillon fetches me. I have bruises, but I get used to it,' she wondered.

However, she realizes Millie was right; remembering what she did earlier, her hands couldn't perform correctly.

The Alpha's expression remained unchanged when he learned the news from Millie. But he moved, and he's heading in her direction.

Emily was utterly taken aback. She had never encountered a wolf as exquisite and quick as this one. He moved so swiftly as lightning struck on the land. The next thing she knew, he was already standing at her bedside.

She was surrounded by the faint scent of a musky odor. The earthy aroma reminded her of being in the forest on a rainy day, and it took the place of the sterile chemical smell that pervaded the room. It was chilly, but it had a kaleidoscopic quality to it—defining him.

Emily couldn't stop herself from lowering her head.

The man’s black leather shoes had come to a halt right next to her bed, with the toe of the shoe pointing in her direction, which she had noticed through the gap in her hair.

She could feel his eyes piercing at her.

"Look at me." His voice was deep and resounded in her ears, sending shivers on her spines and tingling up to her head.

Suddenly, the icy reflection of his silver cufflinks came into her field of vision. By this time, his hand had already reached out toward her face. His fingers were lengthy and robust, drawn in a perfect size and shape.

Emily grits her teeth when she doesn't like the thoughts that are running through her head.

His warm fingers pressed hard on her chin, forcing her head up.

Indeed, the Alpha of Blue Moon was not a patient man.

Emily's face was flushing, and she was thankful her long, loose hair still covered her face.

"Don't ever make me repeat what I have said."

Emily had no choice. She then looked at him. When she met his gaze, she felt pushed into hell.

The ward's cold white light cast a soft glow around him and viewed him like a king, a royally handsome one.

A crease ran between his sculpted, jet-black brows. He frowned as if he despised this world.

His piercing blue eyes locked on hers as he bent down.

She trembled, wondering if he'd swoop down and seize her, either take her up into the dark forest or throw her down the ridge mountains. She forgot how to breathe in his hands.

The disturbing rhythm of her heart was the only sound she could hear.

She caught a glimpse of his right arm moving. Her body quivered, and she winced, expecting a slap on the face, as her father would have done before, but she ceased because she remembered his warning not to close her eyes.

She wouldn't rebel. She then barely kept her eyes open.

Seconds passed, but she didn't feel a heavy slap on her cheek. Instead, he reached up and brushed her hair away.

Her hair brushed against her cheeks, and she could smell his musky odor again, engulfing her in a nest of softness and comfort.

He scanned her face with his piercing blue orbs as if remembering every feature.

Those blue eyes were like high waves in the sea, ready to take and end lives at any time. She noticed how evident and magnificent his eyes were when he stared at her intently.

His gaze absorbed her. Suddenly, her depression and uncertainty dimmed, leaving only his pure and wonderful color in his eyes.

However, Emily saw her reflection in them. She was a defenseless girl sitting on a hospital bed, forced to look up at her new master.

She felt like crying, but she knew nothing would happen if she chose to.

Suddenly, she had to stifle a soft howl as his skin touched hers again. She had never felt this before—this foreign feeling.

Then, as if certain, he let go of her face, stepped back, and turned around.

He was a few steps away from her when she realized that she needed to know something.

"Hey!"