“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!"

Emily was aware of her action. Calling out for the powerful Alpha just like that may lead to a punishment. However, she’s the girl who was used to it.

She needs to find something. She has to know something, and she will only get those answers from their Alpha.

There's no way that her father would trade her just like that. She understands about the money but there has to be a deeper reason. And she knows her role is to be her new master’s slave. She would serve him until he said so. But for how long?

“I-I’m sorry…” she whispered.

“A-Alpha.” It’s a little bit hard for her to say that title. Knowing the fact that she’s facing the most powerful and ruthless Alpha of all.

“As your new slave. I… I will do my best to serve you. Just let me go once you don’t need my service anymore.”

Emily did her best to catch his attention. However, he remained immobile. She couldn’t see his reaction because he never turned back. All she could see was his broad back.

She was on her knees in the hospital bed, willing to rush after him if necessary, demonstrating her fear of him.

It was an immense comfort when he turned around and raised an eyebrow at her. He appeared to be thinking about what she had said. She also doesn’t have to look around to see what everyone else is thinking. They may believe she is losing her mind, which is OK with her.

She’s too desperate to have answers and clarifications.

“A slave?” He pierced his eyes on her when he said that. In a swift move, he’s already near her, sitting on the side of the bed.

She unknowingly moved closer to him due to the sheer indentation left by his weight on the bed. Her body trembled in eagerness and anxiety as she came closer to him because of the proximity of his body.

Emily felt strange because, at this moment, she wanted to be closer to him. Her heart was thumping so fast, making her breathe rapidly.

Despair, interest, confusion, and yearning lingers inside her. And these emotions mingled and distorted her perception of the situation.

“Are you kidding me, woman?”

His deep, stern voice evaded Emily, making her tremble in fear.

“Who says I need a slave?” this time, his voice is gentle. Regardless of how delicate it may have appeared, her instincts told her he was not pleased.

Emily was baffled. She didn’t know what was going on. But seeing the Alpha’s reaction, it seems like she’s the only one who doesn’t see a thing.

‘Did my father hide something from me?’

All she knew was that his father loathes her and that he even traded her for money. She was their slave, so this could be the only reason why she’s here. Or she might be mistaken?

“Guess your father doesn’t even enlighten you about it?” He reached for her hair, covering half of her face, and brushed them off to the side.

Emily’s eyes widened; her heart thumped fast—it seemed like an electrifying shot jolted inside her the moment get contact with her.

He locked his gaze on her and said, “To clear things, your stay here is to carry a child of mine.”

“P-Pardon?”

Emily heard it clearly, before their distance together. However, she has to make sure. But her mind screams she doesn’t need to listen to it once again. It was clear enough that she had a new role.

A new role that she doesn’t expect.

Why?

Of all people, why does it has to be her?

To a girl like her—an Alpha daughter will only carry a child? Like every princess wanting a prince charming, Emily also wanted to bear a child only if she met her mate.

But for a person she doesn’t love nor is destined to be hers, claim her and make her carry his child? That would be a nightmare.

“N-No,” she gritted her teeth as she stared at the Alpha’s blue eyes, “I can’t be your breeder. There’s no way I will be your breeder!” she yelled.

The Alpha was unmoved, and his gaze grew colder. At that moment, he narrowed his eyes, expressing his displeasure.

She knew his mighty hand could easily sever her throat and kill her.

Every fiber of her knew that the best course of action would be to quit talking and pull back from this dangerous man, but she felt compelled to act—anything to keep her morals intact.

“I… I’m an alpha daughter, and mating is important to me. But will only give it all to my destiny. So, please…” she said, more of a beg. Even if Emily was sick of begging, she still tried it at this moment.

The blinding white light in the ward had been chilly and glaringly vibrant.

Emily roamed her gaze around the room, heart thumping rapidly, and saw that they were all standing there, not exerting any noise, afraid that he would slit their throat, watching her.

Despite the kindness they showed to her, they only took orders from their Alpha. They serve him with loyalty.

She has no one who will save her but herself. She couldn’t stay here any longer. She needs to get out!

‘You can do this, Emily,’ she thought as she took a deep breath and tried to move her body. She got off the bed, and the familiar coldness from the floor filled her feet.

She tried to run, but she just slumped on the cold floor.

The guards standing on the sides of the room stepped in and dragged her back to the bed.

Emily couldn’t let out a scream. She was sick of it. She didn’t speak for a moment and let them do their thing.

Her body is weak, and she cursed herself for making that reckless move.

‘What have they done to me?’ she thought.

Yesterday, she managed to step out of their packhouse, but when she woke up, she was lying in a hospital bed and couldn’t even move adequately.

Seeing Emily’s state, Lilac couldn’t help but walk closer to her amidst the cold gaze of their Alpha.

Lilac sat beside Emily and held her on her shoulder. She nodded as if she was calming her down. Afterward, she turned to face their Alpha, who was still sitting on the other side of the bed.

“You’ve seen her state, Alpha. She is currently unable to breed due to her long-term abuse.” Lilac drew a glance away from the Alpha, her bright eyes lowering. She turned to the doctor for help.

Millie sighed, looking at Lilac. “Alpha, please excuse me. I’m still waiting on some tests,” she lowered her voice, “However, from what I can see, Miss Emily is famished, exhausted, and abused severely. Some of the internal wounds appear worn. So please give me time to get her healthy. I’d hate to see her or the child suffer if she doesn’t fully heal.”

Lilac and Millie continue to defend Emily.

Emily was still confused and pain lingered inside her, physically and emotionally. Millie’s words are all true. However, she won’t let herself get even weaker. She needs to be strong. She’s an Alpha daughter, after all.

Maybe this was the moon goddess destined her to be. In that case, she will slowly accept it.

However, she had doubts about what she could do. A breeder? How can she possibly carry a child from the man she doesn’t love or her mate?

Emily couldn’t take herself to their conversations anymore, but she still heard their chattering when suddenly, she heard Dillon’s voice, silencing his sister.

Dillon’s derisive snort jolted Emily back to reality.

Emily looked up, and she saw how the Alpha furrowed his brows. She couldn’t help but question his devoid of emotion earlier.

His face was flushed with rage.

The atmosphere in the room had become tense like a storm was approaching.

Dillon’s rebuke was to protect his sister from Drake’s punishment.

“Alpha…” Emily whispered as sweet as chocolates, which led the ambiance into deafening silence. And she wasn’t expecting that she could draw his attention away from Lilac and Talon.

Now, he’s looking at her. His silence was terrifying, and the cold light in his eyes made her shiver.

At this moment, Emily knew that she would never escape, and she needed to be strong. Besides, she had already lost everything.

“I will stay and do whatever it takes. However, let me know the years of my stay and the money he makes by trading me,” she asked courageously. But her words do not point to being a breeder. It’s about her being a slave.

Alpha Drake just gazed at her, his eyes like a beam of light seeing right through her.

She blinked her eyes and felt a little bit dizzy. She saw how he arched his brows. His handsome appearance drew her in even in the terrible moment. Her heart jumped. But, of course, the Alpha was unaware of her feelings.

The Alpha just glanced at Dillon. “Tell her,” he commanded.

Dillon fixed his gaze on Emily. “I’m afraid your point will not going to happen, Miss Emily. Alpha Drake just saved your pack.”

Emily’s brows frowned. “W-What do you mean?”

“Your father has a large debt, and our Alpha gave him money, and it was your father’s will to give you. If your father can’t pay the person with whom he got a debt, your pack will be at stake. And Alpha Drake doesn’t need a slave.”

After Dillon was done, Alpha Drake stood up from her bed.

“Emily,” the way her name rolled off his lips sent shivers down her spine. He looked down and fixed his cuffs, “you have no choice. Not unless you want your pack to be gone for good,” he added. After that, he turned his back away from her and walked towards the door.

Emily spoke before he could step out of the room. “What will happen after the baby is born?”

Drake halted but never turned to face her. “Then, you’ll be set free. I will give you two weeks to prepare. Get healed.”