Tugging. The tugging at my body made my mind swirl.

What was going on?

As soon as I forced my eyes open, my heart almost jumped out from my chest with horror–Derek loomed over me half naked with a lustful smile. What was he doing to me?!!

Then I realized where I was… on my bed, and my clothes were all but almost gone.

“Ahhhhh!!!” I let out a scream in absolute horror, but he quickly grabbed me and covered my mouth with his hand so I couldn’t make a sound again.

“Um…!!” I pleaded with my eyes, but without avail.

He pulled me close to him and whispered, “Don’t look at me like you’re stupid, Rosalie. I mean, I know you’re a bit dense, but you and I both know you want me…”

I frantically shook my head, but that wasn’t enough to change his mind.

My eyes filled with tears as he stared down at me greedily.

Derek held me down with his knees and his hands began to touch every inch of my body. I tried to scream out and did my hardest to fight against him, but it was no use. Tears fell from my eyes as I struggled.

“Wow, Rosalie. You developed quite nicely, didn’t you?”

Nothing but disgust filled me.

As his mouth descended down, trying to capture my nearly-bare breast, I heard Isis’s heels coming down the hallway.

“Derek?” She called out, and for once, I had never been so happy to hear her voice in my life.

Derek let up just long enough for me to use all my weight to roll out from underneath him. I grabbed the only clothing that I could spot on the bed and ran towards the bathroom while Derek’s laughing voice could be heard from behind me.

Locking the door, I tried to control my tears and breathing. I had to stop hyperventilating, or I was going to make myself sick.

I listened as the door to my room opened, and Isis walked in.

“What’s taking so long?” Isis screeched.

“Just having some fun.” Derek replied.

“Where’s your f*cking clothes! Derek?!” Isis’ voice said angrily before she began to bang upon the bathroom door.

“How dare you seduce my son, you sl*t! You’re nothing but a f*cking wh*re! I can’t believe I ever tolerated your existence!”

How could she think I was trying to seduce him?

Inside the bathroom, I couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks as I crawled on hands and knees towards the shower.

The hot water cascading down over my body was a welcome release, and I made sure it was hot enough to turn my skin red.

and I was desperate to remove the feeling of Derek touching my skin. I want no trace of Derek’s hands upon my body to be left.

I tried to be quiet as I cleansed myself and as fast as I could.

Please make him leave, I thought. I need him gone.

Up until today, Derek hadn’t been able to do anything sexually agressive to me, thank the moon godess. His mother had been keeping a close eye on him. After all, I was too valuable to her. I was a meal ticket waiting to be sold.

And now, they found the perfect buyer – the murderous Alpha of Drogomor.

The tears ran until there were none left to come.

Outside, their argument continued.

“Are you kidding me?!” Isis raised her voice so I could hear it with the water in my shower running. “Stop f*cking around with this sl*t, Derek. Our distinguished guest is almost here, and we can not keep him waiting. Honestly Derek, I don’t know why you have such interest in this thing.”

Derek snapped back, “Mother why don’t you go find something to entertain yourself with, and stop worrying about what the h*ll I do. I’ll do

what I want with her.”

“Then feel free to explain to Beta Talon why you are late!”

Isis obviously knew exactly how to handle her son. This time Derek, did not say anything. At least, not something I could hear through the bathroom door.

I knew Derek didn’t care for what his mother, or even my father, had to say. He had no respect for anyone! It was just shocking to me that even a monster like him would not dare disobey the Alpha of Drogomor.

“Hurry up.” Isis scoffed before I heard the bedroom door close again.

Turning off the hot water I heard Derek tapping on the other side of the door.

“You got lucky, Rosalie. That luck will run out eventually though.”

I quickly made a point to pull the clothing over my head, zipped up the back, and fixed my hair as much as I could.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to still my shaking hands. Hopefully, Isis hadn’t gone far.

Please don’t let him touch me again. Please, goddess help me!

As I opened, Derek’s greedy eyes scanned my body. Now that I knew what he wanted from me, I couldn’t imagine spending a single minute more with him alone!

Before I could walk past him, Derek snatched me by the jaw and pulled me inches from his lips. I whimpered at the thought of what he was thinking.

“When the Alpha of Drogomor is done with you, you’re mine. I will make you beg me to let you have your release, little… sister.”

I was so disgusted that I wasn’t able to say a word.

“Look at yourself, Rosalie!” He said as his hand pulled me into the bathroom by my neck and forced me to look at my reflection in the mirror.

Only then was I able to recognize the beautiful white dress I was wearing.

The strapless design revealed my silky shoulder, on which my reddish-brown hair lay. The elegantly embroidered bodice flattered my small frame. The embellish diamonds sparkled under the dim room light, and the airy chiffon skirt drifted gracefully covering my slim legs.

I loved everything about this dress.

How could I not? It was a gift from my dear mother–the only thing I had left from her.

Mother prepared this precious dress for my come-of-age ceremony, for when I met my mate. When my father tried to sell it a few years ago, I begged and pleaded with him to let me keep it. I knew I would enrage him but I had to. I was able to keep it, but not without the most violent beating of my life.

Mother, I miss you more than anything…

As an Alpha’s daughter, I was supposed to have been respected, loved, and cherished. I would have been spoiled and treated like a princess, and one day, when I was of age, I would meet my mate in this dress, and he would see me as the most beautiful girl in his world.

Maybe my mate would be another Alpha who would declare me as his Luna. That would be something any father and mother would be proud to announce – their little princess becoming the queen she was always meant to be.

But here I was–the lowest of the low, not even worth caring for.

In the reflection, I could see the red marks around my neck. My skin was bruised and scarred from years of abuse. My crystal blue eyes were slightly red from all the crying. I looked like me…. and yet I didn’t.

I only saw a pitiful girl in the mirror.

Why did this have to happen to me? What did I do to deserve to be treated like this?!

Finally, I was able to put on this gorgeous dress. But it wasn’t for meeting my mate.

It was for greeting my new master – a ruthless stranger, and a dangerous man.

“This pure virgin body will soon be underneath the most ruthless of Alpha’s. Do you honestly think he will take one look at you as a maid, and not want to f*ck you and make you scream? I already want that, and I don’t know if I should let you go without trying you first.”

Derek’s words pulled me out of my memory.

He sniffed my hair and gave a slight moan. The tears again threatened to spill down my face.

“You can’t,” I said hoarsely. “You will get in trouble, and we don’t need to bring that here.”

I’d lost everything. I couldn’t let him take my virtue, too.

“Trouble… I am not scared of him, Rosalie.”

He laughed in a sadistic manner, but his behavior revealed his fear.

He stared at me before roughly shoving me away. “Now hurry up and pack your sh*t.”

It wasn’t like I had much to pack. The only clothing I had were the few work uniforms that had been given to me for my jobs, and then a pair of leggings I got from an old friend and a few band t-shirts. It wasn’t even enough to fill my small suitcase.

“I am ready.”

My words were barely audible, but Derek was watching me from the doorway, and I knew he understood me.

I had to find a way out of here. Derek was watching me to closely. I had to get away.

But Derek didn’t bother to say anything more as he stepped aside and allowed me to move past him.

Picking up my bag I walked towards the stairs—but not before he took the opportunity to smack my backside.

I stilled in that moment, and started half running away from him.

“Why are you running? So eager to see your new master, you wh*re? Slow down.”

Derek also picked up his pace, chasing after me.

He reached out his arm, trying to grab my shoulder. I tried to keep the distance and glanced from the corner of my eye.

“Derek… please don’t.”

He gave me a death stare that made my skin crawl.

He was going to hit me.

“You dare f*cking tell me what to do?!” he yelled.

I flinched in preparation for the blow, but it did not come.

Derek clenched his fists, yet with great effort, he held it back.

I was curious what made him stop when I noticed that our conversation had drawn the attention of the crowd downstairs in the foyer.

Within the shadows of the dimly lit foyer were my father, Isis, and a man that I couldn’t quite make out. He was very tall, and the feeling he gave off intimidated me. Next to him stood two others cloaked within the shadows. They didn’t move, and all I could see were the silhouettes of their figures.

As I took in the scene, I heard Isis’ lighthearted tune: “Doesn’t she look beautiful? She was taking her time making sure she was perfect for your arrival, Talon.”

The Beta in front of me didn’t seem to care what my step-mother had to say. His eyes did not leave mine from the moment I saw him.

“Do what she said.” The leader of the group directed his order toward Derek.

He wasn’t loud or rude, but everyone in the room heard him clearly, and I had the feeling that no one dared to disobey him.

“Why does she have bruises on her?” Talon’s voice was deep, and set my nerves on edge.

“She fell down the stairs earlier wearing those cute new heels, didn’t you, Rosalie?”

I gazed at Isis and my father and saw their stern glares.

“Yes, the stairs. My apologies…” I stuttered, before looking back at Talon.

Please believe the lie, I thought. Please believe it.

“Stairs?”

He didn’t seem to believe what we were saying, and, to be honest, I wouldn’t believe it if I were him, either.

“Yes, the stairs. Why don’t we all take a seat, and talk about a few things.”

My father was trying to get the conversation going, but from the look of the man in front of me, I doubted it would be a long conversation.

“No, we don’t need further discussion. We already discussed the situation over the phone.”

“Well, Isis prepared a small dinner for you and your accomplices. You must be starving from your trip here…”

“No. We will not be eating.”

Then Talon nodded to me, gesturing for me to come closer.

“Move,” Derek growled from behind me.

I hesitated to take the steps forward towards the newcomers. I was trying my hardest not to cry, and felt frozen on the spot. But I knew I had no choice.

A smack to my rear end caused me to jump a little, and at the same time I lost sense of my balance and went to tumble down the steps. I let out a cry.

How stupid I was, making such noises in front of the guests… I was done for.

I never hit the floor, though. Instead, I found myself in the main guest’s arms.

Before I could process what had happened, he quickly set my feet upon the floor. He made sure I regained my balance, gave me a nod, and released me.

He saved me?

“Tha… thank you!” I managed to give him a smile.

“You’re welcome, Miss Rosalie….” He did not smile, but I could tell from his tone that he meant no harm.

Thud!

I heard the cracking noise followed by Derek’s scream. “Arghhhhhhh!”

What just happened?

Turning around, I saw Derek at the bottom of the stairs. One of the dark alluding figures was beating him, and it seemed like it would be to the death. Blood covered the floor, and I heard another set of screams coming from Isis.

“Please! Beta Talon, please stop this!” she exclaimed, pleading with man next to me.

Talon,

the Beta of Drogomor, was unmoved.

Blow after blow, Derek took the beating that was being given to him. He didn’t stand a chance against this person. They were relentless.

Derek’s shrieks wer getting weaker, while Isis continued begging Talon in tears. No matter how much Derek rebelled against Isis, he was still her son.

I was mortified. I did not like Derek, but if they continued, he might die.

I looked towards Talon, not sure whether I should say something to stop them.

Luckily, before I could speak, Talon gave his order while he watched the scene unfold.

“Stop.”

The figure stopped momentarily, but only to wait for further directions.

“Take his hand.”

“NOOO—!! Please! Don’t do this to him. He will never touch her again. I swear!”

My step-mother was on her knees, begging for Talon not to hurt Derek further. He didn’t seem to care, though.

And my father just stood there watching.

A blood-curdling scream drew my sights back to Derek, and blood pooled around him. I realized his hand was lying on the ground.

Only then did the figure step back from Derek and make its way back to the its position next to the man who was supposed to be collecting me.

I moved one step away from him.

I couldn’t go with them.The fear that flooded me wasn’t like the fear I had when it concerned my father or stepbrother. I was terrified for my life.

There’s no way I would survive such ruthless cruelty. My father, he couldn’t be serious…How could he send me to them?

Isis fell on the ground, screaming. She then snapped around and charge toward me.

“It’s all your fault, you wh*re!! I’ll kill you!!!”

She tried to grab me but Talon stepped forward and blocked her way. However, she didn’t stop cursing.

“You c*nt! If it wasn’t for you trying to seduce my son, none of this would’ve happened!! ”

“Control your Luna, Alpha,” the man said slowly, his gaze turning to my father.

“Isis, take him to the pack hospital,” were the only words my father got out.

“Derek is your son, do something… Harland, you can’t just let them treat him this way!!” I had never seen my step-mother this desperate.

“ENOUGH!” My father cut her off. “Take him to the pack hospital. Do make me repeat it a third time.”

I saw Isis’s face turned from shocked to red, and then pale. She looked at my father with disbelief.

A few seconds later, she got up, picked up the unconscious Derek and his hand, and left the room with two of my father’s warriors without saying any more words.

Her eyes as she passed me said it all, without words even leaving her lips.

She wanted me dead.

“I am terribly sorry for the trouble, Talon. It seems that my step-son needs to learn his place. I will make sure that is taken care of.”

My father’s voice was completely different now. He seemed lighthearted and yet authoritative.

“Rosalie!” He called my name. The focus of the crowd was pulled back on me.

I lowered my head and could not look him in the eye.

Was he really my father? I thought he didn’t like me because I remind him of my mother, but what about Isis and Derek?

I heard my father continue, “As you can see, Talon, she is a beauty, and very compliant. She is such a joy to have around. It almost hurts to see my baby girl go, but she just wants this so much.”

He lied! I bit my lips and clenched my fists.

“Very well. We need to be going. The payment will arrive in a few days, once the Alpha has seen her.”

“My apologies… I thought we would receive it on your arrival?”

I looked at my father and could tell he was getting angry. But something in him was afraid, especially when Talon’s annoyed gaze turned to him.

He was trying to remain polite towards Talon. I couldn’t remember my Alpha father ever being polite.

“Yes, to my pack. Are you trying to renegotiate with the Alpha?” Talon said firmly.

My father quickly shook his head.

“No, of course not. Just a miscommunication. Trust me, I understand how it can be as an Alpha. Making sure the deal is worth it is always important.”

“Yes. Just a reminder, Hartland… She is Alpha Ethan’s property now. She no longer belongs to you, and never will again. She will never return here, ever. Alive or dead, she belongs to our pack.”

Alive or dead.

I looked at my father, and his eyes flickered to me with slight hesitation before he smiled.

“That’s fine.”

My father’s words took away my only hope.

“Good. We need to go, now.”

Talon turned towards me. “Do you need anything else? Is this all that you have to take with you?”

I knew I had no choice but to nod.

“Very well. Let’s go. We have a long drive ahead of us.”

Talon wasted no time before turning to walk towards the car. The two shadows next to him had moved to my sides.

One step, two steps…I moved towards their car, but every step I took, I became more scared and uncertain about my future.

Glancing back at the pack house from outside, I tried to save an image of a home my mother had once been a part of. She would be ashamed of my father.

“You will never return here,” Talon had said.

There was nothing for me to say, though. Nothing I could say would change anything, so what was the point? I stayed quiet and followed him to his car.

My life was no longer my own—nor would it ever be.

Beeping. Low, steady beeping.

Why did I smell chemicals?

I was trying to understand where I was, but my eyelids were too heavy to lift.

My hand rested upon my head. The throbbing was ever so present. It hurt to even think. The fatigue had finally set into my body, and even moving the slightest made me wince in pain.

Where was I?

I heard whispers in the dark. It sounded like two women were talking. I could barely make out what they were saying, and I didn’t recognize their voices.

“She isn’t good… No, I don’t think she can..”

“… she has to get better first… conceive…”

“… maybe there is a chance… Pregnancy…. I have a supplement that will help… It can carry…”

Who were they talking about? It sounded like a poor girl with tons of issues. May the moon goddess bless her, I thought. I hoped she got better soon.

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on their conversation. Deciding to give them their privacy, I thought back on everything that had happened.

However, for a moment, my mind went completely blank. My head hurt again. I still could not open my eyes.

But then the memory slowly flowed back to me…

That’s right, I was… the daughter of the Alpha. After my mother passed away, I did everything I could to help take care of my pack and my father. I knew my life was difficult and not the life I should have had. But it was still mine.

A few small tears escaped my eyes thinking back to the promise I made so many years ago.

Mother made my father and me promise to look after each other. I had done everything I could to care for him over the years, but… it seemed that I was never able to do enough to please him, and he just hated who I was.

And then… and then he sold me.

I took a sharp breath and clenched my hands. My heart ached so much with that thought that I could not breathe for a few seconds.

How could he? I was his only blood-related child. His daughter. And he sold me to an Alpha with a ruthless reputation, one who could kill me at any moment.

My eyes snapped open, and fear flooded back into me.

I had arrived at the Drogomor pack!

I remembered how I got into Talon’s car, my nervousness and fear coursing through me. Staring out the window, I had watched the shadows beyond the treeline dance about in my vision with the droplets of rain cascading down the window…

Then my vision became blurry, and I must have fallen asleep.

Why did I end up in the hospital, though?

“…she should be awake now,” one of the female voices said quietly.

I suddenly realized that “the poor girl” was very likely not someone else but me!

I held my breath. If they had been talking about me… what did they mean? Pregnancy… conceive… what did they want from me?!

My body started to tremble again, and as soon as it did, it hurt. Every move I made was throbbing. I knew that it was the pain from my beatings finally setting in.

“Talon, here you are! I was about to bring her some food. She has to be hungry.” I didn’t know who she was, but she sounded kind.

“Then do it quickly, Vicky. The Alpha will be here soon.”

The white curtain close to my bed flew back, and a woman with bright red hair stood there with a bright smile upon her face.

All eyes turned towards me, and I scrambled back in the bed.

I couldn’t move much. I realized I was still in my long white dress.

“Rosalie, It’s okay,” a brown-haired woman said as she stepped towards me. The smile on her face made me relaxed a little.

“I’m Doctor Leigh, but you can call me Estrella.”

I looked towards Estrella and recognized her voice; she was the one who mentioned “pregnancy” earlier. I tried to give her a smile, but I wasn’t sure whether I was successful.

Before I could say anything, the red-haired young woman jumped in, “Are you hungry?”

She was the owner of the other voice. Vicky.

I shook my head slowly. I was hungry at first, but now I was too concerned over what I overheard.

I felt like I had a knot in my stomach. The Alpha of Drogomor bought me as his maid, or at least that was what they had said.

What kind of maid… ?

“Poor girl. You look pale.” Vicky sat down next to me. “But don’t worry. You’re going to be alright. Estrella is the best doctor in our pack,” she tried to reassure me.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself,” she added. “I’m Vicky, Talon’s sister.”

I knew her name from their earlier conversation already, but I was surprised to find out Vicky and Talon were siblings because of their

different personalities. Vicky was a very cute girl and quite chatty, while Talon was quiet most of the time.

“I am glad you’re awake, Rosalie.” Estrella helped me sit up. “I just want to check your vitals quickly, if that’s okay.”

As she moved towards me, I flinched, and she held her hands up, trying to show me she meant no harm. I gave her a nod.

Seeing no further objections from me, she started to take my temperature.

Vicky looked at me with a soft expression as she touched the end of the bed.

“You really need to try, and eat something, Rosalie. You’ll feel so much better…”

I did not have any appetite, still wondering what they were going to do with me, but I wasn’t sure what would happen if I disobeyed her.

“…But If you can’t right now… just let me know when you’re ready and I will bring you food!” she finished her sentence.

I looked at Vicky with appreciation. Thank goodness she didn’t seem to be upset with my lack of cooperation.

I glanced over and saw Talon. He stood against the wall with his arms crossed, but his eyes never left what Estrella was doing.

The tense feeling within my body began to subside, and I was somewhat relieved.

They were merciless Drogomor wolves, yes. But, so far, they hadn’t been horrible to me. The awful reputation of this pack was probably all due to the rumors about their evil Alpha…

“This dress is beautiful on you. I can tell it’s handmade. Who made it for you?”

Vicky had changed the topic, and for some reason, I felt like she was trying to cheer me up. When was the last time someone tried to cheer me up?

“It was a gift from…”

I couldn’t finish my words as I felt tears start to well up again.

“Vicky… She doesn’t want to talk right now. Let’s not overwhelm her all at once.”

Talon finally spoke, looking towards Vicky. She hesitated for a second and let out a sigh before smiling back at me.

“He is right. I’m sorry, Rosalie. You need your rest….”

They were supposed to be killers, so why were they being so nice to me?

However, I knew I couldn’t rest.

“May I ask what kind of work am I supposed to do?”

I tried to lift the blanket off my body, holding back the pain in my body as I moved. My father had taken their alpha’s money, and I needed to work to pay off the debt. I didn’t want to be the maid of a dangerous and brutal Alpha forever.

No one answered me, and I looked up.

All of a sudden, everyone stopped talking. Estrella quickly finished up my vital check and put away the equipment, while Vicky moved closer to Talon.

Vicky seemed so uncomfortable all of the sudden. Her bubbly and happy nature drained away as she moved closer to Talon.

Talon himself was standing up straight like he always does. Even Estrella, who had just been relaxed and carefree, had taken on a more professional demeanor. She stood firm as if she was waiting for her next directive.

What was going on…?

I heard footsteps approaching. Two… maybe three people?

A tall, dark figure entered my dimly lit room.

He was a giant of a man with tan skin and jet-black hair. His jawline was strong and accented the masculinity he held. I had never seen a man move the way he did, graceful yet with a merciless glint that laid behind his gorgeous eyes.

He was all the way across the room, but even the aura that seemed to surround him showed the power he held, and it terrified me.

I had met dangerous men. My stepbrother Derek and even my father had shown me pain throughout my life… but neither of them held the same intimidation this man carried.

He glanced over me. I couldn’t help but notice how his blue eyes seemed to pierce into my very soul.

Thud, thud, thud.

I could hear my heart beating fast.

How could someone be so dangerous yet… alluring? Why did I feel drawn to him?

The moment he set foot into the room, it became eerily quiet. So quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

I was so captivated with his appearance that it took me a moment to realize the change in the mood from the others around me.

Vicky, Talon. and Estrella all had their eyes cast to the floor, and their necks were turned slightly towards him—a common show of submission within wolves.

There was only one occasion when I had known wolves to act in this kind of manner, and that was for…

Realization sunk in, and I felt myself begin to panic. It was clear as day, and I was so blinded by the sight of him that I didn’t notice.

This was him—the Alpha of Drogomor!