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.

The sun glimmered on the horizon, lighting up the blue sky; clouds were like dots in it, giving a perfect scenery. The wind swirls, making the trees sway as if they’re hailing Emily as their Queen. The expansive lawn was filled with green grasses as if it were pulling you to lay on it. A bed of different kinds of flowers surrounds the royal house.

Emily was delighted to see that the place of the well-known ruthless Alpha doesn’t describe who he is. The place is totally a royal one.

He is the king, after all.

Emily was brought to the royal house three days before the deadline. She was guided towards her room—the Queen’s room.

Her room was indeed made of unique creations. Details were added by hand, ensuring its shapes and every part. The bed, bedside table, chest, and wardrobe… it’s all inside. The room is spacious, boasting a large bed, and the wardrobe is of such dimensions that she assumes everything fits comfortably inside. The rich color of the walls reminds her that she’s not in an ordinary room like what she had in their house. The delicacy in the shapes and edges used on each part of the furniture in the room is paramount. They were contemporary pieces with a modern edge. The room absolutely exudes elegance that makes you impressed from the moment you open the door.

She couldn’t imagine what life she would have inside the royal house. And the fact that she didn’t even see him again after that night, she felt a missing part of her.

Why?

Why does she need to feel this way?

Part of her wanted to see him, and part of her wanted to stay away from him.

‘I’m telling you, it’s because you like that cold-hearted Alpha!’ her wolf screamed inside her again.

She pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head, ignoring her.

‘You like him—’ Leia didn’t finish it when they heard a knock outside.

She was about to climb down off her vast bed when the door opened and Lilac came in with a smile drawn on her face.

“Good morning, your royal highness; here’s your breakfast!” Lilac chirped, making Emily shake her head.

“Emily would do, and thank you,” she said faintly.

“I made it for you, so please eat them all. Also, feel at ease. You have Millie and me.”

Emily sighed as she got off her bed and walked toward the table near the couch. “I don’t know a lot of this place and also the people in here—”

“You have us, Emily. We will take good care of you.”

“What if…” she paused, “what if I am not his breeder. Will you still care for—”

“Of course!” Lilac cut in and approached her. They both sat on the couch. “You should not doubt us.”

Emily bowed her head and played with her fingers. “I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologizing, Emily. You’re not doing anything wrong.”

Emily could tell that Lilac was worried about her. She could feel that she was treating her as her friend, not just because she was an essential tool for their Alpha.

At this moment, she was a little bit scared that she would lose her… and Millie.

“Thank you, Lilac.”

Lilac smiled and hugged her. Her embrace keeps her warm—a feeling for a true friend.

‘Yes, she loves you,’ she heard Leia’s voice.

Lilac pinched her cheeks when she let go of the hug. “Also, Dillon will fetch you later.”

Emily’s forehead. “Why?”

“I don’t know. But he ordered me to deliver the message to you,” she said.

Emily nodded and started to eat.

“Oh! Wait up!” Lilac said and dashed outside the room, making Emily’s brows furrow.

“What’s wrong with her?” she whispered.

‘I don’t know,’ Leia replied.,

Emily smiled. “I am not talking to you, Leia.”

Her wolf didn’t respond, and suddenly, the door opened and closed again.

“Where have you been?” she asked softly as she drank the glass of milk.

Lilac raised the dress that she was holding and smiled at her. “You have to wear this. I’m sorry, but we didn’t buy you new clothes yet, so I think this will do.”

Emily was confused about why does she need to wear it. What is waiting for her?

Or is it a who?

Could it be Drake?

‘See, you like that cold-hearted, Alpha,’ Leia said once again, making Emily shake her head.

“Anyway, Emily…” Lilac caught her attention, “—you may not wish to be just a carrier of his child, but still, you must know that you will always be part of this pack when you deliver his heir,” she added and smiled at her.

Emily nodded. “Thank you, Lilac. But there’s still a part of me thinking, what if I failed him? Will he kill me?”

Lines knitted into Lilac’s forehead. “Why would he do that?!”

Emily shrugged. He was known to be ruthless—a killing machine.

“Drake only punished those impolite and his enemies who tried to get a piece of his land. He will never kill an innocent lovely girl like you. And it’s not that we let him. He will go through Millie and me first if he does that,” she said genuinely.

Upon hearing it, Emily couldn’t feel but touched, and suddenly, tears clouded her vision, and they fell into her soft cheeks.

Lilac sighed and walked closer to her. She reached for her hands and pressed them. “Stop worrying. We’re here, okay?”

Emily nodded.

Lilac then wiped her tears away and smiled. “No more crying, Emily.”

She let out a soft chuckle. “I can’t promise,” she replied.

Lilac shook her head. “Think about it. I’ll leave you for a while. I need to help Millie at the hospital and run some errands too. It’s an order from my brother, the Beta,” she said and rolled her eyes.

Emily smiled. “You have to obey.”

“No way. I do it in my way. I need to be extra careful, though,” she said and winked at her. “I need to go. Wait for Dillon here,” she added and left.

-

STANDING near the window while looking at the expansive lawn, Emily has been thinking about how to escape.

However, the Blue Moon pack is well-guarded. She’s aware of that. By looking at the tall trees surrounding the pack, she knew that she had no chance to escape.

The moon goddess did let her take this fate. If this was what the goddess wanted, she knew she couldn’t change nor alter it.

She blew the hair covering the side of her face and heaved a sigh. She closed her eyes and thought about it again. Would it be best for her to carry his child? Can she, do it?

Even she has doubts about herself. She’s a weakling. But it is not too late to fight, right? To make decisions on her own… to fight. There is still time for her to grow even better to fight for her right.

The thing is, she’s with the ruthless Alpha. How could she ever tame him and ask him to let her go?

A knock from the door blended with her silence. Then suddenly, it opened, and when she turned around, she saw Beta Dillon.

Dillon walked closer to her. “Let’s go,” he said.

Emily nodded and followed Dillon.

“How are you feeling?” Dillon asked while they were walking in the carpeted hallway.

“I’m feeling better. Millie and Lilac… they’re helping me out,” she replied as she wandered her gaze around.

She was brought to the royal house—their king’s den and so far, she was treated well. Millie and Lilac tried their best to make her feel better, calming her mind and her heart. Even him—the Beta.

Dillon always visits her, sometimes late at night with Lilac, and leaves after a couple of minutes.

“Good to hear that,” he said, and she just nodded.

Dillon took her down to the corridors until they stopped in front of the two large golden doors—this reminds her of all the colors of the doors inside the royal house. It’s all in the shade of gold.

Two warriors opened it, and Emily didn’t expect the man standing in front of her, and the person beside him.

“Father,” she whispered.

“My beautiful stepdaughter!” Amanda exclaimed, faking her reaction.

Emily couldn’t help but frown when she darted her gaze toward Amanda. Amidst what had happened, Amanda is still the same. Fake and irritating.

She glanced at Dillon, her eyes asking why her father was there, but Dillon moved backward and stood near the door. As if guarding her.

She gritted her teeth and faced the two again.

“Are you here to bring me back to the pack?” she asked, even if she knew that they would never do that.

Still, she was trying to see if there was a tint of pity left in her father’s heart.

But when her father shook his head, she knew that she was right.

Money is more important than his daughter.

But Emily looked at the bigger picture. Even if the Alpha of the Blue Moon is scary, they never treated her like how her father did.

“The Alpha summon me to convince you to proceed in carrying his child.”

Emily frowned. Why would he do that?

‘I made my decision already,’ she thought.

“Who are you again?” she asked. She tried to make her voice firm and cold.

She saw how shock filled in her father and Amanda’s eyes.

“Ah, the one who traded his daughter for money. Don’t worry. Your pack is already saved since the Alpha already gave you the money soon as I get here, right?”

Emily took a moment to talk, and even if she wanted to shout at him, she couldn’t. She was his father, whom she loved, but things changed the moment he pushed her away. She no longer has a father.

For one last time, she was waiting on how he would react—if he would show care for her, but she waited for nothing but Amanda’s applause.

“Great! This means you’re accepting the Alpha’s wants?” she asked, her eyes filled with joy, making Emily clench her fist.

“How thick-faced you are, Amanda. How could you show up here wearing a smile after what you’ve done to me?” she uttered, anger-filled in her voice. As much as she wanted to calm down, Amanda’s smiles made her blood boil.

Amanda arched her brow and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “We’re afraid you’re being stubborn here. That’s why we came in to help you make the decision—”

“Help me?” Emily scoffed and laughed sarcastically. She nodded twice and smiled. “Help me. Yes, that’s great. But I don’t need your help,” she added.

Dillon could feel Emily’s rage out of pain. Her body was trembling, and she was just controlling herself not to get wild.

He felt pity for her, but he was letting her deal with her father.

“You’re the Alpha. The strongest in the pack. The protector of all his subordinates, yet you failed to protect your own daughter.” Emily’s voice is filled with rage and pain; it’s stern and cold.

Emily keeps her body strong even if she knows her heart is already shattered.

Seeing her father with no reaction of concern, care or love broke her into pieces.

‘Don’t cry,’ she chanted inside her.

“Emily… we’re helping you—”

“Dillon,” Emily mumbled, making Dillon step forward. “I already told my decision to Lilac the other night, and you’re aware of it. Why does the Alpha need to summon them?”

Dillon looked at Emily’s father. “The Alpha will give the balance to your father. And our father wished to see you—”

“You mean to see if I am suffering?” Emily pierced her eyes on her father. “Even for the last time, you’re still lying and playing at me. Help me? Really? Don’t worry. The moment I stepped out of the pack. I no longer have a father nor a family.”

Emily turned around and left the room with Dillon, leaving her father and Amanda in shock.

Soon as she got back to her room, Dillon left, and that was the moment Emily let go of the tears that wanted to pour down when she saw her father.

She clutched her dress as she slumped on the floor, crying hard that shatters her heart. For once, she was lost, and something died inside her.