Emma’s POV

Mistress Ava looked at me, smiled and looked away.

“You are right, the last thing I want is for Ethan to take away our plaything,” she remarked.

Alpha Tyler matched her smile, “Good, start making preparations, I'll go around and ensure nothing is out of place. The Ethan I know, if very observant.”

“You can say that again, little wonders he found the traitor who sold out his father to Moonspring Pack Alpha.”

“I'll give her something to do that will keep her away for a long time.”

~~

Mistress Ava took me to the stable and instructed me to tidy it. This particular stable hasn't been used in a long time, it was totally unnecessary for me to clean it.

I sighed, took a rag and a bucket and began to clean it. I really don't have a choice, the Alpha’s and Mistress Ava’s wish it my command.

At this time I wished my wolf was still awake, she would have comforted me but sadly she is buried deep inside of me. Alpha Tyler made it a point to subdue my wolf and the wolves of other slaves. He thinks if we have our wolves working just fine, we would attempt to flee. Honestly, he wasn't wrong but that doesn't make it any better.

Some slaves are very weak without their wolves and each time they catch a cold or any minor sickness, they end up dying. At times I wish I could just get sick and die, at least it will put an end to all my sufferings.

I continued scrubbing, discarding all thoughts of my wolf, thinking about whether it won't bring her to life.

**

Ethan’s POV

“Your collection looks nice, especially that one, it's rare. I haven't seen anything like it.” I said, pointing at a very beautiful artwork hung on the wall of the Lunascent pack house.

“You can say that again, Alpha Ethan. It is indeed a very beautiful artwork, it is the only two piece in the whole world.” Alpha Marcel said with a smile, pleased that I was giving much attention to him and his artworks.

“Really? And how do you know so? Have you traveled around the whole world and searched for it?” I asked, I picked a biscuit from the tray the maid held in her hands and ate.

Alpha Marcel followed suit, he took a biscuit and also ate before responding. “Not necessarily, you see. My ancestors made this artwork, they give it to the one they love the most or trust the most or respect the most. It was passed down until it got to my mother, the former Luna and before she passed away in the war she told me the artwork is mine. I cherish it so much,” he explained.

I nodded my head, “You mother gave it to you so you should cherish it.”

“But what about your other brothers? Did they take the news that you are now the owner of your mother’s artwork?”

He hummed, “I haven't really thought of it but I guess I received quite a few words of hatred. And their attitudes towards me changed, especially my elder brother. It seems like I stole his legacy, his birth right or something when in truth, it was fate who brought these things to me.”

“Let's sit for a while, you must be tired of standing.” he offered, I agreed with a nod.

I liked him, he was honest but–

I took a seat directly opposite him. “Marcel, do you know the main reason I'm here?” I asked out of the blues.

He shook his head, pouring me a drink. He picked up the glass and stretched his hands, I gladly took the glass.

“I don't want to waste any more time, I still have other packs to visit so I will go straight to the point.” I told him, he nodded in understanding.

“Cole visited my pack a week ago. Guess what he wanted?” I asked, a smirk formed on my lips as I noticed the change in his facial expression.

“He came to ask for the alliance,” he answered correctly.

“I like you, you always think fast. You are correct, he wants my alliance and he is willing to do anything to get that.” I told him, my smirk was very much in place.

“And what did you say?” he asked, seriously.

“You don't question me, Marcel. Never ever try that in your life, do you get me? If you repeat it, I will end you.” I swore, meaning each and every word I spoke.

“I'm sorry, Alpha Ethan,” he apologized, bowing slightly.

“Good. So, what I said to him doesn't concern you, what you should be concerned about is how to prepare yourself for the upcoming war, your brother won’t relent until he takes the position of alpha or he is killed. Which would you like to consider?”

“Killing him. I’m not giving my birthright to anyone, least of all him.”

“Good, then you will need allies and only me can get you the allies you need.”

“If you are willing to help me, I will be forever grateful and indebted to you.” He said.

“Yeah, yeah. I could help you but there is a catch. Nothing goes for nothing after all.”

“Sure, what is the catch? I don’t think there is anything I can’t do.”

I smirked, my mother’s words ringing in my ears. “Get me the artwork, son, no matter the cost.”

“You will have to visit my pack in order for us to negotiate but as a peace offering I want to ask something from you. It’s the only thing I want and can accept so don’t bother asking what else I want.”

“Alright, so what is it?”

“I want the painting, the one you showed me minutes ago.” I said, deadpan.

Ethan’s POV

“The painting? But Alpha Ethan, th— the painting is not something to be taken likely.”

“Am I someone to be taken?” I questioned back.

“No. But, it has been in my family for ages, my pack wouldn’t be pleased to hear that I have it out.” He cried.

“The pack you talk about with so much pride will discard you the minute you are overthrown by your brother.” I pointed out. It was difficult to argue with this fact.

He stared at me, indecisive. He would probably think I’m heartless which isn’t far from the truth. There wasn’t anything to my taste in his pack and I would have left the same way I came, not taking anything If not for my mother’s love for painting.

“But—.” He began, I silenced him with the wave of my hand.

I drank the wine he had poured me and stood up, suddenly feeling impatient.

“I won’t hear anymore excuses, do as you please but mind you, you have just 24 hours to decide. If the artwork isn’t sent to my pack house by this time tomorrow, we will see what will happen.” I said, turned and walked out. My guards standing at the door also followed suit.

I shut myself from the outside word, knowing what was coming next. Either a scream or a plea and I don't have the patience for either of them.

I walked outside, and my car was parked closeby. I walked up to it and my guard was right on time to open the door. I got settled.

My guards occupied the front seats, they waited for my instruction.

“Take me to the next pack, hopefully they have something that'll excite me.”

“Okay, Alpha,” the one on the driver's side said.

I picked up a magazine on the seat to while away time but Roy chose that time to disturb me.

“So you just go around, disrupting people's life.” My wolf Roy said.

“I don't get what you are saying, I'm merely doing my job.” I told him. I flipped through the magazine as though I was actually reading it.

“What job? We both know this has nothing to do with your job as the Ultima Alpha. You are merely trying to–”

“Can you drop that already? I'm over her okay? I'm going to find my one true mate soon and the rest will be history.” I cut in, knowing what he wanted to say.

“If that is the case why are you oppressing these people? Marcel for instance is your trusted ally, if you snatch his most cherished artwork from him you will end up having him as an enemy.” Roy stressed.

“And since when did I care about having enemies? Just shut it, Roy. You have nothing important to say.” I chided my wolf.

He sighed.

“I hope you don't regret all these. That aside, where are we going next?”

“Crimson Shadows pack, I have business there.”

“Shouldn’t we head home instead? The Luna is having a feast, it’s the best shot at finding our mate.” Roy said.

“Our mate in not in the pack, I’ve check. She’s not in this pack either, my reason for going to the Crimson Moon pack isn’t just for business, this is another reason.”

**

“Numbers 26,69, 70 and 80, go over there and stand upright. When Alpha Ethan comes in you are to bow, do not say a word to him unless asked to, am I clear?” Mistress Ava asked.

“Yes, Mistress.” The chorus and moved aside.

“Numbers 50, 80, 17, and 107, go over there.” She instructed, she took the sheet of paper containing all the names of the slaves and ticked.

She looked up and found that only three of the slaves she called were standing in their assigned position. She frown.

“Who is the last person? I called out four of you, why am I seeing just three persons here?” She asked, striding forward.

“Number 17, Mistress. You asked her to clean the stables.” One of them replied.

Realization flooded her senses and she retreated, “That’s okay, number 41 join them to make it complete.”

She called out other maids and gave each of them a position and a duty, followed by instructions.

Few hours later a Delta entered the scene.

“Mistress, Alpha Ethan is here. Alpha Tyler told me to—.” He started.

“It’s okay. I know what you want to say. Everyone stay in position and act natural, if any of you fucks up, you'll be dead by sunrise.”

Emma’s POV

Still scrubbing, I thought about certain things about me; my life, how I came to this place and how I have been feeling lately. I thought about my parents,too. How they look, since I never knew them. I shook my head quickly when I started to feel a sting of tears in my eyes. I didn't want to awaken the wolf in me, I didn't want to disobey my master as well.

I was still pondering, but it was obvious my thinking bothered the horse,because it shot its poop on my dress. I jumped up so hard, I tripped and fell on the decorated cobwebs at the corner of the stables.

“Ahh!” I screamed and cursed at the horse. But I also had a re-think. It was not the horse's fault, it was that wolf of a man who called himself Alpha Tyler. I stood up, cleaned up myself, and went back to what I was doing. I had to get out of there, it gave me the creeps. Most especially, my phobia for spiders!

I cleared the pits, removed the old hays, and washed up the barns too.

Finally done, I stood for a second, twisting and turning side to side a little. I felt a snap in my waist. Although my body needed it, I was quite too weary to continue such exercise.

I sluggishly opened the doors and left the stables.

**

Ethan’s POV

“Oh, my favorite Alpha of all Alphas, you are welcome to my humble abode...” I watched him give me praises upon compliments. Although I was keeping a very serious face outwardly, within me, a certain smile swept me over. He really knew how to use his words.

“Alpha Tyler, I received your letter and I decided to pay you a visit,” I said as he led me to the inner porch of his dwelling.

“My highest Alpha,” he smiled,“Yes, I sent you a letter…you know, I don't like seeing our packs always snarling and scratching each other every single time, I need the both of us to settle our differences…”

One of his maids offered me a seat. Sitting down, I used my eyes to do a search party on his house, it was quite organized. His maids were at the exact spot they were supposed to stand. Steady, not falling in any way at all. I loved the arrangement. Very organized.

He was still talking when I interrupted, “A truce?”

He smiled, “Yes, Alpha Ethans.”

“I must say, you have quite a nice place, Alpha Tyler. I love how your things are in place.” I crossed my legs and relaxed on the comfy seat.

“Oh, thank you. It is of my greatest pleasure to see that you are happy, Alpha Ethans. So—”

“Alpha Ethans, you are here already.” Mistress Ava stepped in, stopping him from completing his statement.

She came and knelt before me, I placed my palm on her back, patting her. She stood up and went to sit close to her brother.

“Miss Ava, it is a pleasure to see you.”

“We thought you were not going to come,” she forced out a weird smile.

“Well, here I am. Anything for the peace and brotherhood between our packs, isn't it ?” I asked them, raising one of my eye brows.

They looked at each other before quickly turning to me, “Yes…sure.”

“Ermm…Alpha Ethans, Would you like something to drink ?” Alpha Tyler ushered, “We've got one of the freshest in town…you know, right from the source.” He said in a low tone, more like a whisper. They both laughed.

I only smiled. But not too much.

“ Of course, I will. Bring what you have in the house.”

“Alright.” she motioned one of her maids to go bring the drink from the place where it was being stored.

**

Emma’s POV.

I entered the mansion through the backyard, and sneaked up to the kitchen, the easiest route to the maid's quarters where I rest. I looked at my right and left, checking if I would see anyone standing by the corner, tip-toeing till I reached the quarters for maids.

When I got to the room, I wore the drab black dress I was instructed by my master, Alpha Tyler to put on.

After putting it on, I stood there for a while, using my eyes to scan the whole room, its four corners made it look like a dungeon. So small, so tight. I felt like a prisoner. I took a look at the cobwebs that anchored around, it made me want to throw up. I literally hated cobwebs. Sheesh!

I knelt down on the floor, bent my waist a little to be in a mid-air position and then stretched out my hands to pick up the broom that was lying under the bed. How I wished I was the broom, just to be used when necessary. I waved it around the room, clearing, and wiping every spider I saw. I flogged one so hard, it fell on my bosoms, it took all the strength in me not to shout because I went crazy, squashing it with my palms.

“Sorry, spider but we just can't be together…”I lifted it with one of its leg and I threw it off my body.

I flung myself on top of the small bed by the corner, but my heavy fall caused specs of dust to fill the whole small room. I coughed.

This place really irks me! I said to myself. I felt like screaming but I didn't want to create a noise or let anyone know that I was inside the room. I closed my eyes to take a nap.

I was about sailing into La La Land when I heard a knock from the oldest maidens in the pack. She swung it open after a while of waiting for me to open. Guess my luck didn't shine today.

“What are you doing here? ” She asked.

“Erm…erm…”

She didn't let me even finish, she was merely that less of a talker similarly.

“C'mon, take. ``She handed me a tray, “Go and serve the guests.”

“But—”

“No buts, go and serve them out there.”

I had no other choice but to accept the tray from her, she was the oldest amongst all of the maids.I carried it and went to the porch where my master, mistress and guest all sat, I could see the way Alpha Tyler glared at me, his look was really terrifying but something else felt so strange—the guest.