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.”

Set free?

A well-known ruthless Alpha king like him will set her free?

Emily has doubts about it. She can’t trust anyone even if she finds him attractive.

“Look after her, Lilac. I’ll follow him,” Dillon said before he exited the room.

When he left, the thick atmosphere loosened, and she could only see the bright smiles of Lilac and Millie.

“We will do our best to help you,” Lilac stated. “At the same time, you have to cooperate with us, okay?” she flashed a smile at Emily.

She pressed Emily’s hand and said, “you don’t have to be afraid. We’re not what you believe we are. Rumors about the Alpha might be true. However, you knew rumors will not always tell the exact truth,” she added.

Emily nodded.

“Alright, please get some food, Lilac for her, and I will run some tests on the lab,” Millie said.

Emily thought she couldn’t flash a smile after the encounter with their Alpha, but the two women with her kept the vibe back, and she somehow felt relaxed.

“T-Thank you,” her voice was gentle yet unlively.

Lilac and Millie looked at each other before meeting Emily’s gaze. “Our pleasure, Miss Emily.”

Emily shook her head. “You can call me Emily. After all, I am just a tool here.”

“Tool?!” Lilac and Millie said in unison.

“What made you think that you’re just a tool?! And what kind of tool?!” Lilac’s voice filled with a shade of anger and confusion.

Emily pressed her lips together and looked down. Silence filled in when suddenly she saw how a tear fell on her hand. She wiped it away and looked up at them again as Lilac was already standing up beside Millie.

“I will just be his bearer. A breeder. I will carry his child, and who knows what will happen to me once I delivered the baby? Knowing how ruthless he was… do you think he will really set me free?”

Emily saw how confusion lit Lilac’s eyes, and to Millie, she saw pity.

She let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t mind me. Don’t worry; I will not be a burden to the two of you, so as to Beta Dillon. I will do my best to cooperate and hope for a better result,” she assured.

-

AS the second in command, Dillon knew that Drake didn’t go with the plan. He was confused by what Drake said to Emily earlier.

Before he became the Beta, Dillon was Drake’s best friend. He pledged loyalty to him.

Dillon constantly witnesses what his Alpha has been through, and he is surprised by him, showing a slight emotion in front of a stranger.

He moved swifter to catch up with Drake, but the Alpha dashed swiftly towards the royal packhouse.

Dillon pushed the double doors and saw Drake walking up the stairs and stopped when he saw him.

Drake’s face was devoid of emotion, and in a blink of an eye, he swirled into the wind, and Dillon saw how his office door closed.

Dillon heaved a deep sigh and rushed towards Drake’s office.

“State your business, Beta,” Alpha Drake said, without darting a glance at Dillon soon as he stepped in.

“Alpha—”

“If you’re here to ask about my words, you already know the answer, Beta,” he said, wearing her cold voice. “The plan stays the same. Setting her free doesn’t mean not killing her.”

Dillon wasn’t really pointing out the Alpha’s plan to Emily. Yes, he needs clarification, but he could feel that something is bothering the Alpha.

“We’ve known each—”

“Focus on work, Dillon. I’m not acknowledging informality here. Go out and train recruits. Prepare our warriors for the battle,” he commanded. Still, his eyes were fixed on the newspaper that he was holding.

Dillon heaved a sigh. Guess he was mistaken about his sudden reaction earlier.

Drake will still be Drake. A ruthless alpha king.

Dillon exited the room and got back to the hospital on the other side of the royal packhouse to check for Emily once more before he ran errands at the training grounds and to the border.

-

“EMILY, don’t even think that Drake will kill you after you bear his child,” Lilac started while peeling some oranges.

“You don’t know. And he’s an alpha—not just an alpha but known as the most powerful of all.”

Lilac laughed and handed over the plate to her.

“Even the most powerful has its weakness. He must not have it right now, but who knows?” Lilac said, which led to Emily being confused.

“Drake, Dillon, and I were friends before he became our king. We supported him always. But if he will decide to kill you,” Lilac paused for a moment and met Emily’s eyes, “I don’t know if I let him do it.”

Emily smiled. “Don’t bother helping useless women like me. Don’t worry. I am used to being thrown out just like what my pack did.”

Lilac could feel Emily’s pain, making her hold her hand. “You have to learn how to fight for your right—” she didn’t finish her words when Dillon went in.

“What are you doing again, Lilac?” he asked as he walked towards Emily’s bed.

Lilac arched her brow. “Doing what? Can’t you see? I am helping her—”

“I heard you. If the Alpha hears about it—”

“What? He’ll kill me?”

“Lilac!” Dillon’s raging voice echoed in the four corners of the room. “How often do I have to remind you to stop defying orders.”

Lilac stood up and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I am not doing anything. Can’t you just leave us? Emily needs to take a rest.”

“And you think she’ll get one if you’re here?”

“Just get out, Dillon,” Lilac said, her voice seeming tired.

Emily bit her lower lip and looked up, meeting Dillon’s gaze. “I’m fine. And Lilac is a big help. I… I didn’t want to be alone, so I asked her to stay. I’m sorry.”

Dillon’s eyes brightened in sympathy. He then nodded. “If it’s your command then, I’ll depart—”

“Stop being formal, Dillon. It doesn’t suit you,” Lilac interrupted her brother, making Dillon shake his head.

“I’ll get going then,” he said and left.

Emily couldn’t feel but to get amazed.

“You don’t have to be rude to your brother,” she said, making Lilac arch her brow.

“And please don’t get intimidated by those males. We’re females and mostly the ones who are submitting ourselves to males, but hell, never! I won’t follow those rules. I am for who I am. So, I hope this enlightens you.”

Emily sighed. “I don’t know. Alpha Drake is…”

“Different?”

Emily bit her lower lip and nodded.

“Of course, he’s different. A ruthless king who’s hungry by blood and war, but I know there will be a time that his heart will soften, and if that will happen, I will really tease him to the bones and let him regret all what he—”

“You like him?”

Lilac’s eyes widened as she met Emily’s gaze. “Hell, No!”

Days passed so swiftly, and Emily staying in the four corners of the hospital kept her even better. She thought she couldn’t make it, but Millie and Lilac happily helped her with her fastest recovery. It’s a must. She was aware that they were preparing her until the Alpha claimed her.

Emily thought about these many times during the past few days. She keeps asking herself if she will do it or not. Part of her doesn’t want to, but she’s also afraid of him. What if he kills her if she disobeys?

For a moment, she also wished to have a peaceful life—she was seeking her freedom.

If only her mother had been there beside her, things would be different.

She’s looking for one reason to push through, and when she meets Lilac and Millie, it seems they gave her hope. They’re too kind for her. It’s been a long time since she met genuine people who show care and love for her.

“I’m sorry if you have to endure all of this, Emily.” Millie’s voice pulled her back to reality.

Emily let out a smile—a brighter one compared to her first day at the hospital. “It’s okay, Millie. I understand,” she replied.

As a doctor, Millie must ensure her fast recovery—by checking her vital signs every day, injecting some fluid into her, and more tests that she’s doing. At the same time, Lilac makes sure that she’s eating everything that she brought for her.

Sometimes, the three of them eat together, and at those times, Emily forgets about her past and what she’s been through.

She even regretted that she thought of them as cruel people like their Alpha on the first day, but when Lilac stepped in front of the Alpha and sat beside her, Emily knew that they were genuine enough for a stranger like her.

“Thank you, Millie.”

Millie smiled at her. “You’re always welcome, Emily. I will do my best to keep you healthy,” she replied and smiled at her.

Emily is a beautiful and kind girl that can melt hearts. She’s brave and tough despite her past.

Millie saw her cuts and scars. Some of it was deep, and some were not. It’s a sign that they enslaved her. She even wonders how Emily endure everything. And by looking at this, she knew that she can even stronger than she had ever imagined. She could also feel that the wolf hiding inside her was as brave as Emily.

“You’re tough, so don’t even try to overthink, okay? Lilac and I will always be here for you, Emily,” Millie’s soft angelic voice touches Emily’s heart, making her smile wide.

“There it is, the smile that I am looking for!” Millie exclaimed in delight. “You see, you’re a brave girl. And I know your wolf too,” she added and winked at her.

Emily shook her head and pouted her lips.

“What’s wrong?” Millie asked when she saw her reaction.

“I never let her out,” she replied as she pulled the white blanket and lay her back on the bed.

Millie walked closer to meet her gaze. “Why? How did you even control it? You’re already twenty-five.”

“My father banned me from letting her out. If I dare, I will face heavy punishment.”

Millie’s eyes widened in shock. “How cruel is he? Why does he have to do that? What if your wolf makes you a rogue? You have to—”

“I can calm her down, Millie. I don’t know, but one day, when she tried to come out, I talked to her—I always do. Until days… years passed, I managed to control her.”

“God! You’re the daughter of an Alpha! A future Luna. What the—” Millie didn’t finish her words when the door opened, and Dillon stepped in.

“Millie.”

“Dillon. Do you need something?” Millie asked as she turned to face Dillon.

Dillon glanced at Emily for a moment before meeting Millie’s gaze. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Millie nodded. She turned to Emily. “I will be right back,” she said and smiled.

Emily then nodded.

When Dillon and Millie went out, Emily stared at the ceiling and put into deep thought. Suddenly, the beautiful blue orbs of the Alpha of Bane flashed inside her mind. She knew deep inside her that she was attracted to him.

“Drake…” she whispered his name.

She doesn’t know, but her heart beats so fast when he’s near her, and her breath goes rapid. Her body trembles and a shiver runs down her spine.

‘You like him, Emily,’ Leia said. Her wolf.

She closed her eyes and ignored her.

‘Admit it. You like him.’

“Stop it, Leia. She’s ruthless,” she said softly as she stared at the ceiling again.

-

“IS there a problem, Beta?” Millie asked while they walked in the hallway.

“How is she?”

“She’s a strong girl. She’s doing much better… physically.”

“What do you mean?” Dillon asked. You could see confusion in his eyes when he glanced at Millie.

“She was abused for years. They treat her like….” Millie shook her head; she couldn’t say a word. Looking at Emily, she felt pity for her. Even if Emily is showing a stern expression, Millie knows that her heart is aching.

“What?”

Millie shook her head again. “I know that the Alpha needs her. However, she’s not ready for claiming yet. She needs to be mentally and emotionally stable.”

“We won’t like to feel the Alpha’s wrath, Millie. I know you’re doing your best, but the deadline will be over in a few days. She needs to be there.”

“But…”

“She should stay at the royal house, Millie. That’s the Alpha’s order.”

“Do you think she can take it when the Alpha claimed her? She’s a virgin….” Dillon coughed, making Millie frown but continued, “—after all.”

“That’s why she needs you, to make sure that she can make it, Millie. Also, Lilac will also be there.”

“How about you?” Millie asked.

Dillon sighed. “I will be watching the border and training the recruits,” he replied.

“Emily is still—”

“You’ve here the Alpha’s order, Millie. She wants her inside the royal house as soon as possible before the given deadline. Don’t make me repeat it.”

Millie lowered her head and stopped. “I understand, Beta.”

Dillon nodded. “You knew what room she would be in.”

“Yes, the royal guestroom.”

“No. The room next to the King’s room,” he said, and after that, he left.

-

AFTER a talk with the Beta, Millie got back to Emily’s room and told her about the Alpha’s order.

At first, Emily was anxious. She doesn’t know what will happen to her when she gets there. However, Millie ensures that there will be no harm.

The royal house is surrounded by warriors that ensure the King’s safety. Also, Lilac and Millie will visit and check on her every day.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of, Emily. You’ll be fine. He’s just next to you.”

“But that room is for your queen—the Luna of Bane pack. Why do I have to stay there?”

Millie smiled. “He needs to make sure that you’re in his sight.”

Upon hearing this, Emily’s heart thumped fast again. Anxiety and excitement filled in. She was anxious about what the Alpha will do.

Will he claim her every day?

She’s not dumbed not to know that if the Alpha wants her to carry his child, this means to say, they were going to do that—sex.

But the big question is… Does she want it?

“I don’t think I could do it, Millie,” she said as she met Millie’s gaze.

Millie smiled at her. “Yes, you can. But of course, you’re not fully healed yet.”

Emily shook her head. “Look at the bigger picture. I will do that with him—no attraction, no love….”

Millie pressed her lips together and couldn’t say a thing.

“Even if I was in the dark for how many years. I also wish that one day, I will find my mate.”

Millie heaved a deep sigh and nodded. She understands her. Guess she still has many doubts about it.

“I… I don’t want to do it.” I’m afraid to do it. She wants to add.

“The Moon Goddess has better plans for us. Be strong, Emily. I know you can do it.”

“But what if I fail? What if I can’t bear a child? What if we can’t—”

Millie let out a soft chuckle that cut off Emily. “Relaxed, Emily. You’re a daughter of an Alpha. Drake is an Alpha King. Your blood is powerful, and he is even more.”

“But why does he need a carrier—a breeder? Why can’t he just—”

“That’s not for me to tell, Emily. Like you, I don’t know either.” Millie smiled.