Forever bound.

# 1

She pushed open the creaky door to the dusty attic that served as her room. her eyes scanning the cluttered space that felt more like a prison than a sanctuary.

Exhausted, she collapsed onto the worn heap that passed for her bed. Her father had once again used her to pay off a debt, forcing her to spend the entire night working as a waitress at a club.

Her hand instinctively went to the locket necklace she wore, this was the only connection to her mother. She sighed, whispering "Mother" as a mix of sadness and longing washed over her.

Her father's descent into drinking had begun after her mother's death, and it only worsened when he remarried. His addiction to gambling led to trouble, and when he couldn't pay his debts, he'd pawn her off to do chores for his creditors until the debt was paid.

She longed for the life she once knew, and her heart yearned for something good to happen, something that would change her life for the better. Maybe, just maybe, she'd meet her mate, someone who would love and accept her for who she was.

A small smile played on her lips at the thought, but it was short-lived, as the venomous voice of her stepmother pierced the air, making her heart sink.

"Open up, Alexa," the woman spat, her tone dripping with malice. Alexa's heart sank, and she knew she was in for another long, difficult day.

Alexa's smile faltered as she hesitated. She slowly got up from the heap of clothes and blankets that served as her bed, her body aching from the long night of serving at the club. Her eyes felt heavy, and her mind was foggy, but she knew she couldn't avoid her stepmother forever.

With a deep breath, Alexa opened the door, trying to steel herself for the venomous words that were sure to come. Her stepmother, Victoria, stood in the doorway, her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed in disgust.

"You're finally back, I see," Victoria sneered. "I hope you made enough money to pay off your father's debt. He's been in trouble again, and it's all because of you."

Alexa felt a familiar sting of resentment and anger, but she bit her tongue, knowing that arguing with Victoria would only make things worse. She looked down at her feet, her eyes welling up with tears as she whispered, "I did what I had to do, Victoria. I didn't have a choice."

Victoria's expression twisted into a cruel sneer. "You've never had a choice, have you, Alexa? You're just a burden to your father and me, but that's about to change."

With that, she gave a curt nod, and a heavily built man stepped into the room. His attire was unmistakable - the black and gold uniform of the palace guards. Alexa's heart raced as she wondered what her father had done this time. Had he somehow managed to get into trouble with the palace? She prayed silently to the moon goddess, begging for her protection.

The man approached Alexa, his gaze assessing her from head to toe. "She'll do," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Victoria's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Great! Get dressed, we have an important appointment to keep." She said, before turning to leave with the guard.

Alexa's fear grew as she watched them leave. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. This wasn't the first time she'd been forced into a situation she didn't understand, but the palace was a new and weird development. She couldn't refuse, but she knew that compliance would only lead to more trouble.

As she changed, Alexa's mind raced with questions. What did they want from her? What had her father done?

"What's taking you so long?" She heard her father's voice and quickly rushed down.

She noticed them talking in hushed tones. She could only pick the words 'good money' as they stopped talking when they saw her.

"I'm ready," Alexa said, her voice steady despite the growing unease within her. Her father nodded, and they made their way outside to the waiting carriage. Before she knew it, they were standing in the grand throne room of the palace. The silence was oppressive, and Alexa's fear grew with each passing moment.

"Dad," she whispered, tugging on her father's hand, "what are we doing here?"

Her father's sinister smile only made her more anxious. "You'll find out soon," he replied, his voice dripping with an air of mystery.

Just then, Prince Allen, the younger brother of the king, entered the room. Everyone bowed in deference, and Alexa's father pulled her down into a curtsey. Prince Allen nodded graciously and took his seat beside the throne.

"Is this her?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Alexa.

Her stepmother's eager response sent a shiver down Alexa's spine. "Yes, yes, she's the one."

Alexa's confusion and fear boiled over. "What's going on here?" she demanded, trying to pull away from her father's grasp. But he held her firm, his grip tightening as he pushed her forward, nearly causing her to stumble.

"That's not a nice way to treat our soon-to-be Luna," Prince Allen remarked, his voice tinged with disapproval.

"I'm sorry, my prince," her father apologized, his tone not having a bit of sincerity.

Alexa's mind reeled as she repeated the prince's words. "Soon-to-be what?" she exclaimed, her voice rising in alarm. "Can someone explain to me what's really happening?"

"Silence, Alexa," her father's voice was cold and detached, sending a shiver down her spine. "You will learn your place soon enough. Prince Allen, please, continue."

The prince's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Alexa thought she saw a glimmer of kindness, but it was quickly replaced by a stern expression. "As you know, Alexa, the kingdom is in need of a new Luna, a mate for the future king. And after careful consideration, it has been decided that you will fulfill that role."

Alexa's mind reeled as she tried to process the words. "No, no, no! This can't be happening!" she exclaimed, trying to back away, but her father's grip on her arm tightened.

"You will do as you're told, Alexa. You will marry The king and become the Luna of this kingdom."

Alexa's eyes pleaded with him. "Wait, you're serious? You're marrying me off to the evil king?" She felt her world crumbling around her. Her father cannot be this evil. There's just no way.

The prince's correction was swift and merciless. "Selling you off, not marrying you off." He signaled to a guard, who handed her father a bulging bag.

Alexa's horror turned to despair as her father's words cut deeper than any knife. "No! I can't believe this! I'm your child, Father! Your blood!"

His response was a callous dismissal. "Not anymore." He turned and ran from the palace, leaving Alexa shattered and alone.

"Father, please! Don't do this to me! Don't leave me here!" she wailed, her cries echoing through the palace as the guards restrained her.

# 2

"Can you just hear me out, Valle?" Allen asked, his voice laced with a hint of frustration.

Valle's eyes flashed with anger as he turned to face his brother. "Know your place, Allen. We may be brothers, but I am still your Alpha. You will address me as such."

Allen let out a deep sigh, accustomed to his brother's outbursts. "Fine, my king. Can you hear me out?"

Valle's expression remained unyielding. "There's nothing to hear. I never told you I needed or wanted a wife, and yet you've gone behind my back and arranged for me to marry one."

Allen's pause was deliberate, as he carefully chose his words to avoid arousing his brother's suspicion. "You've not even heard the reason I did this," he said, his tone measured.

Valle's eyes narrowed. "Your desperation to have me marry makes it seem like you have something to gain from this, more than I do. Is that a lie?"

Allen's hesitation was brief, but telling. "I'm only doing this for you, my king. I know how much you crave power, how much you desire to conquer and expand our territory. Have you considered what having an heir could do for you? Right now, you're feared and revered, but without an heir, your reign will eventually come to an end.

The air was thick with tension as Valle's gaze bore into Allen, searching for any hint of deception.

"...if you marry and have an heir, it would solidify your position and ensure the continuation of our pack's dominance. You would be seen as a strong and wise leader, not just a fierce warrior. And I know you want that, Valle. I know you want to be remembered as a great Alpha, not just a feared one."

Valle's expression remained unreadable, but Allen could see the faintest glimmer of interest in his eyes.

"Think about it, Valle. With an heir, you would have a legacy that would outlast you. You would be able to pass on your knowledge, your power, and your vision to the next generation. And I've taken the liberty to find a very suitable match for you."

Valle's eyebrow shot up, his expression skeptical. "You've taken a lot of liberties, Allen. I'm not sure I appreciate your...initiative."

Allen took a deep breath, aware that he was walking a thin line. "I did it for you, Valle. For our pack. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to ensure our success."

Valle's voice was laced with suspicion. "And what do you get out of this, brother?"

Allen hesitated, knowing that this was the make-or-break moment. "I...I get to see you happy and fulfilled, my king. I get to see our pack prosper under your leadership. And I get to prove my loyalty to you, once and for all."

The silence that followed was oppressive. Finally, Valle spoke, his voice cold and detached. "Fine, let me see her."

Allen clapped his hands, and the door to the chamber creaked open. Alexa walked in, her head bowed in deference. She didn't raise her eyes, her gaze fixed on the floor. Allen opened his mouth to speak, but Valle raised a hand, silencing him.

Valle strode to Alexa, his movements deliberate. He reached out and gently raised her head, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they held a silent conversation, their gazes locked in a power struggle.

Finally, Valle spoke, his voice low and commanding. "The wedding will take place in a fortnight." He waved his hand dismissively, and the room seemed to exhale in relief.

"That's two days away, Va-my king, don't you need time to....

"My word is final. You may leave."

With a bow, they both exited his chambers. Allen quickly sent for servants and tasked them with the responsibility of transforming Alexa into a presentable bride, and arranging for the dreaded Luna – a night of forced intimacy, meant to seal their union.

She was given a room to stay for the night, work would begin tomorrow. As the doors closed behind the departing servants, Alexa felt the weight of her fate settle upon her like a shroud. She was trapped, with no escape from the prison of her own life. The thought of marrying the king, a man as cold as the stone walls that surrounded her, was suffocating. She felt like a pawn in a game of power and control, with no say in her own destiny.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she thought of her parents, who had sold her to Valle without a second thought. They had always been cruel and heartless, but she had never thought they would stoop to this. And now, she was to be married to a man who seemed to care for nothing but his own power and authority.

Alexa's eyes rose to the moon hanging low in the sky, and she felt a pang of desperation. She had prayed to the moon goddess for a better life, but it seemed her prayers had been ignored. Why had she been born into this life of misery and suffering? Would it not have been better to never have been born, or to be dead?

* * * * *

"Off with your clothes"

She didn't want to but she couldn't refuse. He was the alpha king and his voice came with a certain compelling force that no one could refuse.

With fear, she took off her clothes but what came next was not what she'd expected. The moment his hands touched her, her wolf went insane, her body began to burn with desire.

"Mate" Alena, her wolf said in her head

How was this possible? Just how? Did he know? Was this her happy ending? Did...

The cold tongue on her skin put a pause to her racing mind. She fought hard to not let the moan out but it came

As the alpha king's hands roamed her body, Alexa's wolf thrashed about in her mind, screaming "Mate!" over and over. The sensation was overwhelming, like nothing she had ever experienced before.

The king's cold tongue sent shivers down her spine, tracing a path from her neck to her shoulder. Her eyes snapped to the king's, and for a moment, they locked gazes. She saw a flicker of surprise there, but it was quickly replaced by a burning intensity.

The king's hands continued to explore her body, setting her skin aflame with desire. Alexa's wolf howled in triumph, and she felt herself melting into his touch, her resistance crumbling beneath the onslaught of her own passion.

Did he know? Was he aware of the bond forming between them? And what did it mean for her future? Would she find happiness with the last person she expected, or would this be a union of convenience, a mere power play?"

# 3

The night was quiet and peaceful, the only sound that could be heard was the soft rustling of the wind through the trees. The quiet atmosphere was shattered by a sudden, piercing scream that echoed through the halls of the palace followed by the sounds of struggling breaths.

Inside the Luna's chambers, the three midwives worked tirelessly to aid in the labor. Beads of sweat dripped from their foreheads as they focused on helping the Luna through her difficult labor. With one final scream, the baby came into the world.

At first, there was a shout of jubilation among the midwives as they welcomed the new life, but it quickly faded as they laid eyes on the newborn. It was a girl, and they knew that the Alpha king would not be pleased.

The eldest midwife, her face filled with worry, turned to the other women with her and asked in a hushed voice, "Who is going to tell the Alpha king?" There was a heavy silence in the room.

They knew what was at stake. Their lives. Slowly, their gazes turned to the youngest among them.

The youngest midwife shook her head vehemently, her eyes wide with fear. "No," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. "I could die. I don't want to die."

As they debated amongst themselves, the heavy footsteps of the Alpha king drew closer to the Luna's chambers. The midwives instinctively moved to the corner of the room, their hearts pounding with fear as the door swung open, and the Alpha king entered.

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, becoming cold and fearful. Upon seeing the baby, his eyes became darker. Like he wanted to kill someone. "What is the meaning of this?"

At first, no one dared to speak, the only sound being the scared sobbing of Alexa, as she laid exhausted on the bed. Finally, the eldest midwife, her voice shaky and her hands trembling, mustered the courage to answer. "It's a girl, my lord," she said, her words barely audible in the tense silence that filled the room.

The Alpha king's eyes darkened with fury, and a chilling silence descended upon the room as he processed the news. The midwives dared not make a sound as the king's gaze swept over them. It was obvious he was struggling with his emotions.

"Please leave the room, all of you," he said.

They couldn't be more happy. The midwives left quickly, glad that they were allowed to leave in one piece. The young maiden hesitated, watching Luna cry in pain, too weak to lift her head. She felt sorry for her, fearing that neither she nor the baby would survive.

The Alpha King, filled with anger, noticed the maiden and kicked her out, holding the baby. She cried in pain, blood on her lip. He shut the door behind her.

Alexa shook as he came close to the bed. She was in pain from childbirth and felt cold without her furs.

Sitting beside her, he gently placed the baby down.

"What nonsense is this, Alexa? I would really like to hear an explanation for this rubbish?" he asked softly, his anger ready to erupt. Alexa knew it was just a matter of time before his anger exploded and she would be in danger. One that she couldn't be saved from.

"You had just one purpose. All you had to do was bear me a male child. And you give me this? A girl?!" he shouted, making Alexa tremble. She instinctively drew her baby close for dear that the Alpha might harm her. Tears streamed down her face as she trembled in fear.

"Tell me why I should let you live. Of what use are you to me now?" he yelled, causing the bed stand to break. Alexa fell on the sharp pieces, her baby crying loudly.

"You're only here to give me a son!" he yelled, hitting the wall hard. It shattered like glass. "Did I ever touch you again after that night?!"

Alexa couldn't move, gripped by fear. She crawled back, not caring about the rocks cutting into her hands. Holding her baby tight, she fought back tears. She needed to stay strong to survive.

"I never touched you again. I gave you everything you wanted. So why a girl?! What good is she to me? I don't need a girl!"

He struck the wall again, creating a hole that let in the cold breeze. His eyes darkened, surrounded by mist, just like his brother Allen had described.

"This is how it gets whenever he is angry. He becomes something worse than a beast and the only way his anger is soothed is if someone dies and someone must die."

Alexa knew there was no escaping this. She would die. It would take a miracle for her to survive. 'oh dear moon goddess, do not let me die. Help me' she prayed silently.

"I do not know what you plan on doing with that child but I will have no part in it. Give me a son and if you don't, the goddess helps you because your head will go for this embarrassment you gave birth to," he sneered, turned away.

With two more strikes, Alexa realized she was alone.

The Alpha King had left.

Alexa broke down in tears, devastated by her fate. If she had only given birth to a boy, she wouldn't be suffering like this. But she had a girl and blamed herself.

It had been more than nine months since she discovered she was the Alpha King's true mate. As they mated in silence, she hoped he would change for her.

She endured his cruelty, holding onto that hope. But the Alpha King stayed the same.

Tears fell as Alexa looked at her child, her strength fading. She knew what she had to do to protect her child. She would fight. It is evident that she and her baby had no role in the alpha king's life. What was the point in staying?