Chapter 1 Blood and Betrayal

CHAPTER ONE

Amelia's POV

The gunshot echoed in my ears as I looked up just in time to see my father fall, blood spreading around him.

I gasped, my heart pounding, as I saw him lying in a pool of blood.

It splattered across my face, but I barely made a sound, tears streaming down my cheeks.

Then I heard a sickening sound-the Alpha slashed my mother and younger brother's throats, their blood spraying out in front of me.

My heart burned with anger and bitterness as I watched my family being killed in cold blood.

"You, come here!" The Alpha ordered.

I walked slowly, my head down, my heart racing. My knees were shaking as I walked towards the cold Alpha.

My body froze when I felt his rough, calloused hand touch my face.

He had this sinister look that sent a chill down my spine. His piercing gaze felt like it was drilling into my soul, and I couldn't help but shiver in fear.

With a snap of his fingers, his men brought something wrapped in thick cloth.

My heart raced as the Alpha unwrapped it, revealing a pistol.

He loaded the gun and pressed it against my throat, preparing to fire.

Part of me hoped for a second chance, but I knew this was the end.

Fighting back tears, I clenched my fists, bracing for what was coming.

"Bang!"

That was the last thing I heard before everything went black.

I'm Amelia Moore, daughter of William Moore. My family and I had lived peacefully in the Crimson Pack... until now.

The death of the old Alpha sparked a power struggle, with other Alphas fighting for the throne.

And I just saw my entire family slaughtered by one merciless Alpha in the chaos.

I felt pain all over my body as I heard muffled voices around me.

"Try to wake her up," vaguely, I heard a familiar voice.

"Ugh," I groaned, struggling to sit up.

I looked around my surroundings, my brow frowning as I saw the demon standing before me.

Though I felt something different about him, I was convinced that he was the same Alpha who had killed my family.

Stubbornly, I shoved the hands of the Alpha away as he tried to help me to my feet. I didn't need a motherfucker's help.

"Seize her and bring her along with the other slaves," he roared.

Some soldiers caught up with me and bound my feet and arms, chaining me with other young girls as we were dragged to the palace.

We got to the palace at sunset and were kept in a room like yams in a barn, squeezed into the dim room with little ventilation.

The only source of light came from the small window above the rooftop. I tried so hard to keep myself awake but ended up sleeping off.

Morning came, and we were all called before the Alpha.

Unlike yesterday, we were now dressed in similar clothes to the palace maids.

The Alpha, whom I later knew as Zane Reynolds, addressed us and told us about the palace rules before leaving the floor to an elderly woman to address us.

My colleagues were all given a place of duty, leaving me alone in the large room.

"Come with me," a voice said, drawing me out of my thoughts.

I hastened my footsteps to keep up with the young man who walked so swiftly.

"Make yourself comfortable, Miss."

The young man turned to leave almost immediately, but I called out to stop him.

"Why haven't I been assigned a duty like the other maids?" I asked, trying to read him, but his face showed no emotion.

"The Alpha will be in the best position to answer your questions," he answered and hurried out of the room within a flash.

After changing into new clothes, I decided to take a walk around the palace. That's when I ran into a friendly maid who offered to show me around.

Eleanor was kind, but I couldn't help noticing one maid glaring at me with angry, narrowed eyes.

Nudging Eleanor by the side, I spoke softly to her.

"Why is that maid giving us side glances?"

"Ohhh...her! She's the chief cook and the Alpha's sex mate. I think she's jealous of how you're treated here in the palace."

I scoffed. I hated being treated differently, especially by the man who had killed my family.

I slumped onto my bed, exhausted, when the door suddenly burst open. Alpha Zane stepped in, his presence commanding as he walked toward me, his gaze fixed on me. A wave of unease washed over me, stirring in my stomach.

Fear gripped me at the sight of this demonic Alpha.

"What's your name?" he asked calmly.

"Amelia Moore," I stuttered with a lump in my throat.

"Amelia Moore....," He muttered repeatedly.

I jerked his hands off my face as he trailed his hands on my face.

My heart thumped wildly as Alpha Zane took long strides toward me and stopped before me.

I bit my lip and nervously fidgeted with my fingers. I gasped for air as Alpha Zane stepped closer, grabbed my waist, and pulled me toward him.

My eyes widened in shock as I bumped into Alpha Zane's firm chest, and my hands slid down his body.

He ran his fingers through my hair and tucked a strand behind my ear. My legs felt weak, and I melted in his arms.

"You know, I dislike stubbornness," he whispered into my ear.

"And I punish those who defy me, and I have the perfect punishment for you," he added softly.

Just when I thought I might escape his grasp, he tossed me away and ordered, "Take off your clothes."