Chapter 2 You're mine now

We walked in silence, only the soft rustle of our dresses against the stone floors echoed down the long hallway.

I kept my eyes on the floor, following the group of girls as the head maid led us deeper into the Luna's wing.

No one spoke until we stopped in front of a carved wooden door. The Luna's door.

One of the younger maids turned to Ma'am Cory with a tremble. "Why are we here?" She whispered, shaking.

Ma'am Cory didn't answer at first. But when she did, her voice was clipped and there was something sketchy in her eyes.

It made my stomach twist.

"Don't ask questions. Just do as you're told."

With that, she opened the door.

The room was pitch black, except for the pale silver glow of moonlight pouring through the high arched window. It bathed the room in an eerie light, falling directly on the Luna.

I didn't know what scared me more. The way she sat upright on her bed like an ice statue or how Ma'am Cory eyed us with pity.

Like we were lambs heading to the slaughter house.

She shuffled forward, bowing. "They're here, my Lady."

I swallowed hard. My feet were moving as I stepped into a straight line with the others, my throat suddenly going dry.

Luna Vera stood slowly, walking towards us with deliberate steps. She came to stand in front of us, her eyes were hard as they swept over every one of us.

When she spoke, her voice was tinged with distaste and fury.

"Strip."

For a long moment, no one moved. Instead, we kept throwing curious glances at each other, unsure if we'd heard correctly.

"I said strip!' Luna Vera snapped again, her eyes glowing this time.

The head maid stepped forward with a stern nod, "Do as she says now!"

One by one, the girls began to shed their thin nightdresses as it fell to the floor. My throat tightened. I hesitated for a moment before following suit.

My dress slipped off my shoulders and pooled at my feet. Goosebumps rose on my skin causing me to shiver.

Luna Vera walked in front of us, inspecting every one of us slowly. Her gaze was sharp as she touched them, squeezing their breasts and thighs.

I froze as Luna stopped before me. My breath caught but I couldn't move.

"Turn around," Luna Vera commanded.

I clenched my fist but obeyed, the chill biting into my back. She hummed low in my throat, a sound of interest.

"Face me."

I turned. The Luna's fingers closed around one of my breasts, twisting my nipple back and forth. She looked up and I swallowed,

"How old are you?"

"Twenty two."

"Have you seen your cycle?"

"Yes," I nodded, squeezing my fingers together. "A week ago."

I didn't know why but the corners of her lips twitched and she leaned closer.

"And have you ever lain with a man?"

My face flushed with embarrassment, but I forced the answer out.

"No, Luna."

She smiled, stepped back with a satisfied nod. "I choose this one. Get her ready and take her up. He'll see her once she's prepared."

The head maid bobbed her head, rushing forward to drape a heavy coat around my naked body. I didn't understand what was going on, even as I was ushered out of the room.

But for some reason, her words felt like a death sentence.

Ma'am Cory led me to an adjacent washroom that looked too regal to belong to the servants. I noticed they were other older maids there, the ones that worked in the kitchens and at the infirmary.

"Ma'am Cory?" I called even as I was being pulled into the dim room. "What's going on? Why am I here?"

She didn't respond, turning to speak with the other maids instead.

"Add enough rose to the water and use the herbs too. You know how much he likes them."

They ripped the coat away from me and different hands guided me to the water. I winced as they scrubbed my skin with herbs that stung.

"I said what's going on?" I yelled, grabbing Ma'am Cory by the wrist.

She froze and something flashed in her eyes. Something that looked like pity.

"You're doing a noble thing," she said softly. "What will happen tonight? It's for the good of the pack."

Her expression hardened again. She yanked her hand away. "So just keep quiet and do your duty."

My heart pounded as the women continued their work, slathering my body with scented balm and combing through my hair.

Something was definitely wrong. I could feel it.

What could be so good for the pack that it needed to be kept from me? And at whose expense?

They dressed me in silk. I had never worn anything like it in all of my life. It was a dress fitting for royalty, and not for a servant like me.

"Come on," One of the women nudged me once they were done. "It's time."

I couldn't resist, not when both of them held each of my arms in a vice grip. None of us spoke a word as we walked down a long corridor lit with torches.

The further we went, the more familiar the place became and I realized where we were when they stopped in front of large double doors.

This was the Alpha's wing.

A foreboding feeling crept in my throat, and I took a shaky step backwards.

Now it all made sense. The dress, the expensive silk dress, bathing me in rose and scented balms.

It was me. I was the sacrifice.

"No!" I cried out, thrashing and tugging for escape. "Please, no!"

They didn't listen. They pushed the door open and threw me inside.

Before I could spin around, I heard a resounding lock echo. I was trapped.

"No!" I screamed with all of my lungs, banging my fists against the door. "Let me out! Please, don't do this to me. Let me out!!"

"It will be useless to keep doing that."

My breath hitched, my fingers freezing around the silver door handle.

"Turn around, slave."

I was trembling, from my shoulders down to my legs. I quaked terribly but I slowly spun around to face him.

Raylor Kane. The Viking Alpha of Moondor pack.

I clutched the handle for my dear life, refusing to move an inch.

He staggered towards me and I noticed how uncoordinated his steps were.

My eyes fell on the flask in his hold. The sharp, pungent smell of whiskey filtering into my nose.

He stepped in front of me, the moonlight illuminating his giant frame. He was completely naked, and I determined to keep my gaze fixed on his face.

Maybe if I pleaded with him... Maybe if I begged, he would see reason and left me go.

"Alpha," the words trembled out of my mouth. "I don't want to do this, please."

Cold blue eyes peered at me and he grabbed my shoulders, "What do you say we have a little fun, hmm?"

"No." Tears ran down my face as I shook my head. "No, please."

His lips curled into a cruel smile, showing fanged teeth. "It's too late, slave." His arm wrapped around my waist and he pulled me into his naked chest.

"You're mine now!"