Freya And The Lycan King

Hurry up bitch! You think I got the whole time in the world for this shit you are doing?"

That's Evelyn, my half-sister. Being a half-sister would have been like she treated me like a sister-at least half the time-but that isn't the case. So far, all she has done is yell at me, pull me by the hair, call me all sorts of names, and ditch around the phone. Her fingerprints are still on my left cheek for trying to talk back at her-what a stupid thing for me to do.

As a matter of fact, she lived to cause me pain. Every breath she took sent a shiver down my spine and her only source of pleasure was found in tormenting me; and it would be unfair to call her a half-sister.

But since I was adopted by some wicked parents who were no different from her-they are worse-there isn't any choice than accept the cruel card dealt on me by the moon goddess.

I rolled my eyes for what felt like the millionth time. That's the only thing I could do. Not much. In fact, nothing. Even at this, I still need to be careful. I wouldn't want to lock eyes with the contemptuous face she wore. My skin, although pale, was already littered with scars and bruises and I don't think it needs any right now. Besides, a few hours from now, I would be walking down the aisle with a complete stranger.

Yes. A total stranger because my good-for-nothing adopted parents didn't see it fit to break the identity of whoever I'm marrying.

But I have no problem with that. I am used to being treated like trash. Well, being a trash would have been better since they are left alone, and left to rot in the bins but that isn't my case. And Evelyn, rather than help me get ready for the unfortunate wedding, happening on an unfortunate day, all she has actually done is piss me off. But her words meant nothing to me unlike when they did some thirteen years ago.

Bitch.

I hissed and scowled at the face that carried two big green eyes. Damn. My hair wouldn't behave despite trying to subdue it. I sigh with frustration to the reflection staring back at me. Maybe a ponytail would be better but considering I'm going to a wedding, I shoved the thought aside. Perhaps it should just dangle. And I brushed a few more times to make my non-presentable face look presentable.

A wave of relief washed down my body. The hair looks good. So far, I look presentable. Evelyn kept talking to some goddamned lover on the other end of the line. Not like I cared by the way. I'm grateful she let me be, at least I got to do my thing without any fear of intimidation or control.

I managed to subdue the hair that wouldn't behave. I've been dragged by it some hours ago by the same lady who is responsible for seeing me ready. My green eyes stared back at me from the reflection.

Unlike when I was fifteen, they now glow more. It seems as if my age made all the difference.

And the last is the light blue gown that dripped down my slim posture, the only thing I got for my eighteenth birthday which happened a month ago. I am not entirely sure if this is my God-given posture considering the fact that I haven't tasted anything for the past twenty-four hours. Thanks to Mrs Rex, the Luna, and assisted by her good-for-nothing daughter, who made sure I did the dishes and mop the floors before anything else. I just finished mopping the floors when Alpha Rex walked in. Looking pissed as always, he then instructed his daughter who has always been a thorn in my flesh to make sure I get ready as soon as possible. Of the choices he had, and of all the ladies in Eastwood park, he saw it fit to pick Evelyn. And I think he did that on purpose.

"I think I'm good," I mumbled. My ears could hear the bitch talking on the phone with someone I guess would be Kylan, the guy who couldn't take his eyes off my body even though he is set to get married to a sexy devil. Thank goodness for my wolf who had appeared the night of the full moon after my eighteenth birthday. And I snarled to make him back off.

Even though it showed up late, I'm still grateful it did. At least now I have something to call upon whenever I'm locked up for making someone slip over as a result of my mopping, or when I get pounced on by Evelyn. I'm always her punching bag if she wakes at the wrong side of the bed, or if she had a rough day at school.

Evelyn was still doing her talking so I didn't dare interrupt. Her duty is to make sure I don't delay whoever is waiting for me. Although she must see me outside after, her presence made me choke. But there is still one thing missing when I glanced around my reflection

The bracelet.

It's the only thing that followed me to Eastwood. And the rag I wore on my body. And of course the two bare-footed legs that carried me down here. I smiled when my eyes got hold of a scar. The dark spot, visible like it happened yesterday. I picked up the bracelet and smiled once more. Even though my life is miserable, there were still moments I could smile upon. And the first day I saw Evelyn is one of such moments, which only brought back the bravery of my five-year old self. The brave girl who had stood up to Evelyn that very night.

The thing is, Evelyn has always been a thorn on my flesh from the very day I set eyes on her. I had wandered through the woods for hours when I stumbled upon a door that swung open. Someone had finished preparing dinner when I came into the kitchen. And my five year old self who hadn't tasted anything for hours did nothing but devour the food.

Evelyn snuck up behind me and attempted to swing a huge stick which would have left me dead. But my instincts were quick, and my left arm came in the way.

Even with the pain on my arm, I gave in, a fight that saw both the dishes and the other kitchen utensils flying around.

Starving, and thinking I was going to receive some sympathy, Mrs Rex came in and ordered the guards to lock me up, but that was after beating the unknown girl who had tempered her daughter.

I found myself in the dungeon where I starved for days. I later got to know that the food I devoured was meant for the alpha, and I was being punished for the delay. Perhaps, the alpha was also starving like myself. Who knows? But that seems to explain the cruel treatment I got within those stinking four walls.

But that was thirteen years ago. I smiled while hanging the blue thing on my check. I can only smile now but all those years of being locked up couldn't do the favor of taking my life. I should have been dead after all the beating and bruises but for some inexplicable reason, I'm still breathing. Perhaps the moon goddess had plans for me, which I'm about to find out.

"What the hell are you smiling at?"

I clipped when her voice rang out. I didn't even realize she was done talking on the phone. The memories must have carried me away, and I'm now back to her world-a world of pain and misery.

"Nothing. Nothing at all," my respectful tone came forth. This isn't the time to cause any trouble. Or attempt to start a fight if I must not ruin my dress. But if only she could look through my mind, I would have nursed some pain.

"Don't fool yourself around. Getting rid of you has always been our pleasure but I'm sure when he finds the lowlife he's been married to," she paused and swayed her waist to where I stood, "I bet he will kick you out," she yanked. She sounded more like Evelyn this time. I expect nothing less from the girl who hated me with all her guts. I don't remember stepping on her toes, nor do I remember getting under her nerves.

Just like her mother, she seems to hold me responsible for her lost-but-never-found brother.

I hissed silently, not minding her words. But the thing is, no matter how unfortunate they seem to be, I'm not about to apologize for some blurry events in history.

But Evelyn... Well, she is right. The funny thing about my situation is that I don't know who I'm getting married to. As a matter of fact, I knew nothing about the marriage, at least until last week's Annual Alpha's council meeting which I was made to serve. I shivered when Alpha Rex called me to the sitting room. All my thoughts hinged on some wrongs committed during the ceremony. The last I checked, I was careful enough to not bath anyone with wine. Neither did I accidentally step on someone's toes while serving nor mistakenly offend the wrong person.

But I felt relieved when they started talking about some marriage-glad that I'm not about to receive a beating.

They never disclosed the groom's name or the identity, neither was I given the choice of accepting or rejecting. But I knew getting rid of me was worth more to them.

Even though I turned eighteen months ago, I couldn't explain my feelings. I don't know the stranger that wanted a slave for a wife, and neither do I know if he is just blind. Of course there are other girls in the park. But why me? The question remains.

Maybe the stranger needed another slave, and he happens to have gotten a very cheap price to pay.

If there is one thing I've learnt in my thirteen years of being a slave at Eastwood, it is that it's always wise to keep my mouth shut-right or wrong.

This very act has saved me a lot of pain and beatings but when they do come, they always compensate for the normal days. 'Happy' would be the proper word but I don't remember being happy at Eastwood.

Perhaps I would be better off being a slave to the new stranger who wanted me for a wife. Anywhere but here, would be better. And I just can't wait to rid myself from this godforsaken park. My weightless body jerked forward when Kara shoved me from behind.

"Move! You should thank goodness someone saw you worthy to be a wife...at least for now," she taunted. My mouth kept mute as my ears listened to the shrill voice coming from the lady who enjoyed tormenting me. My wolf barked within but I managed to keep it down. This isn't time for trouble

The door swung open and my heels came to a grinding halt when a figure registered before my eyes. It's a familiar face, only that my spine aches whenever the dark eyes stare. Even though I can't see the hair, I knew it fell just below the shoulders. But none of that mattered when she barked.

"Get your ass out here! We've been made to wait for you!"

A shiver ran through my spine as usual. My palm became moist on a very cold winter morning and that's when I realized it's going to be a long walk. My trouble just got started when the real devil kept staring at me. By some luck, my nose and lungs functioned but her eyes sucked the life out of my soul.

I have no vivid memories of my mother. The memories were fuzzy whenever I tried to recall. I clearly don't remember her face or what she looked like and over time, I stopped trying. It's a bottomless pit trying to recall people who never truly registered in memory. Or maybe they did register and the years of slavery erased the whole thing. But the one thing I know for sure is that my mom-the woman who gave birth to me-is nothing compared to the devil trailing my footsteps.

A shiver ran through my knee when I took the first step.

Trouble. A ticking time bomb waiting to explode as she trailed behind. I, on the other hand, shuffled forward like a lost dog who just got found by its owner.

Well, I happen to be the lost dog in the case, and Mrs Rex, would be the owner.

"Move faster!" she yanked, spanking my back. I expect nothing from the woman who hated me with all her guts. Nothing but pain, which now coursed down my spine.

I asked on a few occasions the reason for her hatred. She did say something about her son who had gone missing over the years, but I never figured how I'm responsible for the sudden disappearance. But most of the time, all I got was yelling, barking, and if she has had a rough day, I did find myself in the dungeon.

Moments of regrets would follow, bothering me on why I ever asked.

Of course she had no reason. She just couldn't love a girl who isn't her daughter. That's the only explanation my brain could conjure up.

Her palms were soft, judging by the extravagant lifestyle she led, but strong enough to cause pain. I could feel her fingerprint even though I haven't touched the spot yet. I stretched my fingers and the pain followed seamlessly. My teary eyes decided to let go of the liquid this time. They've done their best and I guess my circumstances are just too much to bear.

I doubled my pace, scurrying like a child who had just been yelled at for spilling milk on the table. This isn't new to me. I shouldn't be crying. I rubbed my eyes to control the tears but nothing happened. The back of my palm got wet as a result, and that's when I knew the need to cry. Perhaps the pain would go away.

I wasn't particularly sure if the spanking caused the tears. As far as I could remember, Mrs Rex, the Luna of Eastwood Park, has been a thorn in my flesh from the very day I saw her. She had taken over from Evelyn that very night and had locked me up afterwards. I don't remember getting anything nice other than pain, and I'm sure it's not going to be different this time.

"Let me go! Let go of me!" I yelled as she pulled my ears. She pulled and my body dangled from left to right as I contained the pain. My other ear managed to pick some snickers.

Evelyn.

Only she would be delighted at my pain and I'm not surprised. In fact, I expect she laughs out loud. Perhaps she is scared to do it in the presence of her good-for-nothing mother.

"Stop it!" I snapped. My wolf snarled this time around even though I had done everything possible to stop it from getting loose. Evelyn froze on her feet. Her mouth, covered with both palms as her eyes flared wide open. She was damn surprised that I could talk back to her mother.

Well, I guess she underestimated me. And her mother on the other hand, took a few steps backward and away from the beast I became. Her left palm rested on her waist and the other, on her mouth-just like her daughter.

"How dare you talk back to me. How dare you talk to-" she grumbled and swung her arm at my cheek but I'm quick enough to dodge.

She missed, and I struggled to contain the laughter when I saw her fall to the ground. I started even though my fist was eager to throw some punches.

Good for you, My mate cursed within.

"Mom!" Evelyn dashed forward. Well, she better come help her mother. I'm not stepping anywhere near the devil. Evelyn helped her up but it wasn't long before I saw myself out, and away from their presence.

Fuck the wedding.

I found myself in our regular hideout. It's just a small wooden cage outside the park building. Though reserved for pets, Sonia-my best friend-and I, found it to be a safe haven whenever we want to avoid some chores. Although we ended up with beatings and bruises, we still enjoyed the time out.

"Freya!" a voice called out.

The only person who knew where I would be but is here.

Sonia

She must be looking for me and Mrs Rex came top on the list of people who would be responsible for the search.

"Freya! Everyone is looking for you and if-"

She paused but I knew her next words.

The thing about Sonia is this. We always look out for each other. I mean, that's what a best friend should do, right? But it sometimes comes at a price because whenever I go missing, like right now, she is sure to get beat up unless I come back with her. And I am not about to cause her more pain.

Sonia's story isn't any different or better than mine. The only difference is that I became a slave at Eastwood before her. Three years difference if I can recall, and every other thing about is pretty much the same. But she didn't see her park get razed down, or heard her parents had disappeared like I did thirteen years ago.

"Freya!" She called further, her voice becoming fainter with each call. Perhaps she doesn't want to disclose our secret hideout. Evelyn may as well be watching from a distance, and ready to take over from where her mom had stopped.

This wasn't the time to cause more trouble and I came out. There is still a wedding to attend. God knows how the unlucky man would feel knowing his bride had disappeared minutes before the wedding.

She gave me a hug and we both cried together for a while. We needed to cry, at least for being miserable. And soon, we found our way back to hell.

****

"Alpha Rex or whatever you call yourself, I hope they find her!" a voice echoed as I stood outside the hall. I listened further to know who it was but nothing. Dead silence.

In all my years of slavery, I've never heard anyone talk to the alpha like that. That sounds like a threat.

Is the alpha being threatened, and by whom? The stranger I was getting married to?

No way.

I dispel the thoughts and steadied myself for what is to become of me.

"You've caused more trouble lately!" The voice I despised, rang in my ears. I flinched when she took hold of my arm. I won't hesitate to punch her face if she tries anything stupid this time. I'm talking about Mrs Rex, the woman who made my life miserable.

"You this silly little brat," she cursed. I expect nothing more from Luna other than her cruel words. That's all she is good at.

"You call me silly?" I scoffed, and I saw the horror on her face when I said that. My confidence seems to grow with each passing second. Even my wolf is surprised at the moment.

Alpha Rex snuck up beside me and grabbed my arm a few minutes later. "Don't misunderstand this by the way. I take no pleasure in touching your filthy skin," he smirked.

I chuckled, and an angry face stared back at me when I looked at the man who said he took no pleasure in touching me. Then why do it? But my confidence knew no bounds this time.

"You take no pleasure, and yet you touch this filthy skin?" It's my turn to get back at him. His eyebrows furrowed as we walked through the door.

"Since your dad couldn't live long enough to do it, well, I have no choice," he taunted, but his words meant nothing to the scent that was filtering down my lungs.

Mate! My wolf squeaked.

But how? Is the moon goddess playing tricks on me this time, or is she blind?

I don't know, and I can't tell but the scent filled my nose and for a moment, I became lost in another world, waiting to be taken by him even though my eyes were still searching.

A black suited man as I scanned the hall. That must be him. My mate. Well, a girl like me got no bridesmaids, or friends-except Sonia-and no family except the cruel adopted ones who sat in the front row. The black suited man my wolf called mate didn't see it fit to bring his friends or family either. So the hall got filled with the scent of my mate.

Five people in total as I counted. Seated on the front row is Alpha Rex, the man who acted as my father even though every bit of his nerve wanted to tear me apart. His wicked Luna sat next to him by the right. And Evelyn, the girl who took every pleasure in tormenting me, sat next to her. She had this weird look, and I thought she was just jealous that I got to marry the handsome man . I bet she cursed under her breath the whole time.

Next is the tall suited man whom Evelyn couldn't keep her eyes off. To his side was an elderly man dressed in a rob. He seemed like a priest but his weird face said otherwise.

And myself, the lucky girl who gets to marry her mate. I haven't seen his face. My wolf, on the other hand, screamed to get out. But the moment our eyes met, I knew he was my mate. His eyes had a deep sense of gold that bore through my soul.

The priest cleared his throat and I looked away. The moon goddess must be blind to have given me this. His dark brown hair dropped just below his shoulder. Handsome. Despite wrapping himself around the tuxedo, it didn't stop me from seeing his muscular nature and for the first time, my emotions betrayed me because I wanted him.

"I will take it from here!" his deep voice came forth. The voice is low but still carries some power in it. I begin to wonder who the hell he is, and what he wants with me. Is he aware I'm a slave?

No answer. I guess they hid that part from him. And if Evelyn's words are anything to go by, he may as well kick me out when he finds out. But I will still consider myself lucky. At least I will have good memories to remember. Marrying a handsome man isn't an easy ride.

I shoved the thoughts aside as I anticipate what is to come. I'm thinking too much, and getting my hopes overly high. This thing may as well go the wrong way. I may as well end up being a slave. Yes. That's possible. Who will want someone like me for a wife. Maybe he needed another slave. That's another plausible explanation in my head. Perhaps he paid little-to-nothing for the whole thing. My feet steadied as I took the stage before him. The connection grew stronger with each second. I could feel his eyes piercing through my soul. A wave of emotions gushed forth when he took hold of my arms.

Shock.

A snicker cameforth, and the corner of my eye caught a glimpse of Mrs Rex. Only that her fingers are pulling Evelyn's right ear. Since Mrs Rex is doing all she can to comfort her good-for-nothing daughter, my guts told me the man my wolf called mate, the very man before my eyes, isn't a nobody. But my brain still couldn't catch the identity.

"Shall we begin?" The priest asked.

My mate nodded and I exhaled deeply.

It's now or never.

"Look, I have wasted enough time already. Just go straight to the point," he deadpanned. He struggled to keep his tone down as he spoke but that didn't stop the anger on his face.

Did I offend him?

Oh Yes. I kept him waiting the whole time, and he is pissed because of that but his not-so-cool tone is uncalled for.

A bolt of adrenalin shot through my spine when I saw his furrowed eyebrows. He looked pissed but still handsome. The priest cleared his throat and began. He looks uneasy. Drops of sweat sprinkled on his forehead, and that confirmed my doubts.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to bless this union. With God as our witness, we shall begin." He moved a step closer, and his face turned to me

"Do you, Freya..."

The words trailed off. The priest cleared his throat for a few seconds and that was when I got the whole meaning. He had no idea about my surname. But he should have been briefed by Alpha Rex, who planned the whole thing.

The priest shot his eyes at me. Not a single word. Well, as for my surname...not a goddamned idea did I have about it. I am just a slave and that's all I know. And that's all I can remember. Perhaps he should ask Alpha Rex directly. I won't be ashamed. The priest can as well say 'Freya Rex' That's the shity surname I bore in the shity school I attended.

Silence ensued for a while as the priest waited for my word.

"Do you," he began, hoping I would rescue him this time but he is sure to get disappointed because I still don't remember a damn thing except the fires that razed down my home, "Freya-"

"Dimitri!..Freya Dimitri!" a voice interrupted.

My eyes shot up when the names cameforth. I glanced at my adopted parents who looked particularly indifferent towards me-not like they ever liked me. My hopes were totally on alpha Rex and I want to believe he called the names. But it obviously came from none other than my mate.

Evelyn squeezed her face the whole time. I guess pulling her ears didn't go down well, and she thought a face with some furrowed eyebrows would do the trick.

What the hell

I wouldn't dare say that in front of this stranger. Well, I don't think I am a stranger to him because he appeared to know my surname.

But how the hell is that possible? Or maybe he just conjured up some random name.

I shoved the thoughts away when the priest continued. Maybe it's a coincidence.

"Do you, Freya Dimitri, accept this man to be your mate and husband?" the priest added.

'I do," I replied. But my wolf already said yes at the words before his words cameforth.

"And you accept that you've now been stripped of any rights as regards the Eastwood park?" This part didn't go down well. Did he just say rights? This priest must be kidding because I don't remember having any right in this damn park.

Anyway, I answered, "Yes, I do."

A wave of relief washed down my body afterwards. 'Happy' won't do justice to how I felt. I had no inkling of where I am being shipped to but it feels nice to have been relieved of a huge burden.

The priest turned to my mate. He was still pissed that the whole thing had taken longer than expected.

"Do you, Alpha Artemis Vasquez..."

My ears dropped dead when I heard the name 'Artemis' I'm getting married to the man who found pleasure in killing. I have heard the stories of how he tortured his victims and wiped out parks. Most importantly, I heard he kept records of his dead victims. Now I understood why Evelyn couldn't help but snicker when I took the stage. I bet she saw me in hell.

I pulled myself backward, freeing my arms but careful enough to not incur his wrath. I can't risk being torn to pieces on my wedding day even though it would have taken all the pain away. Running isn't an option because my feet were numb, glued to the ground.

My wolf only seems to get attracted to the murderer standing before me. And when the words 'I do' rang in my ears, my feet couldn't hold me anymore. I staggered a few steps backward before dropping to the floor.

Death would have been better. At least better than being mated to someone who would probably tear me apart in my sleep. But when I awoke a few minutes later and in his arms, I knew even death couldn't save me.

If anybody had told me the murderous Artemis would be my mate, I would have said it's a goddamn lie but life, they say, is filled with surprises.

"Are you OK, are you OK?"

The words seemed to be from a dream-that would be a bad dream-except it wasn't a dream even though I desperately wanted it to be. I just wanted to wake up and realized none of this is real.

This is all a dream.

But no. This ain't a dream. This is real because the words are from the murderer who now called himself my husband

Of course I am OK. But I'm not OK being alive anymore. I'm not OK with marrying a murderer. And I'm OK with someone who would probably kill me in myself. With the way he threatened alpha Rex, the dots are beginning to connect. This explains why Evelyn snickered the whole time. That's not bad. At least she will finally get a chance to be at my funeral soon, that's if my body is ever found.

I found my feet. My gown wasn't ruined and I guess my mate stopped me from falling to the ground.

"If you will excuse me, I have somewhere to be. I've spent longer than expected already," his stern tone came forth. Even though I haven't fully recovered, the tone in his voice jerked me back to my harsh reality-I just signed my death warrant.

What have I done this time? Maybe Eastwood would be a better place after all. We just left the priest's presence and I'm already seeing his other side-the murderer

Alpha Artemis strode down the platform, only stopping to shake hands with Alpha Rex. He murmured out some words which I couldn't make any meaning of but the whole thing seemed embarrassing. More like a 'nice doing business with you' vibe.

I trailed behind, shuffling my feet like a dog who is being chased by its owner, except I wasn't a dog even though I had just been transferred from one owner to another.

I didn't even get the chance to bid my best friend goodbye. Poor Sonia. I wish her all the best, and I pray she finds a better mate. But the thought of leaving my best friend, the girl who prayed I found a mate even though her prayer had turned out bad, still hurts and I just want to see her one last time.

"Can I see Sonia?" I quivered. Two black SUVs came to sight the moment we stepped outside the hall. My ears could hear the sound of engines and I guess he wants to get the hell out of here. But my brain didn't consider all that when I asked to see my best friend.

"Who is Sonia?" he demanded. The voice carrying the power befitting an alpha, a murderous one though.

"My best friend," I replied, burying my eyes to the ground. I can't seem to make eye contact with those golden eyes.

He sighed.

Was it a sigh of frustration at my request?

I couldn't tell but the anger on his face and the stare he gave, I knew his next words won't be in my favor. Perhaps I should have kept my mouth shut.

"I can't waste anymore time here. Your bags are packed and loaded already. So let's go."

"Sorry!" I mumbled. He looked offended so I apologized. Damn. What am I thinking? I should have kept my mouth shut.

"Alpha Artemis, everything is set and we are ready!" said a man who dashed towards my mate. He bowed slightly. The alpha nodded

"Good!" he replied and turned to my direction. My eyes are still on my feet the whole time. I guess they've become too shy to the man who just refused my request.

"If you would excuse me, I would like to get home sometime today if that's OK with you!"

His words jerked me once again to my harsh reality, a reality of being ordered around and told what to do and not do. Except he is not doing it directly this time. Maybe by some dumb luck, he is beginning to feel something for the slave he married.

My feet shuffled towards the two black SUVs. I screeched to halt as I contemplated which one should carry the new bride. My mate, on the other hand, hasn't moved an inch. I guess he wanted to see how foolish his bride would be but I wasn't about to give him that opportunity.

"Which one?" I inquired.

Finally, he turned on his heel and my doubts were confirmed. He wanted to see how dumb his bride was. A wave of relief and excitement washed down my proud self as he marched forward.

"Get in the front!"

Pulling the door open, I hopped into the back seat. Some two stern-looking men already took the front. They didn't even bother to open the door for the new bride. That's not a problem as long as I'm still in one piece. I didn't even realize he had already taken his seat, and was waiting for me to finish my somewhat awkward entry. Thanks to the skirt who got stuck at the door.

I shot the door. Sitting next to him is like hell. I Found it difficult to breath while seated amidst some three angry-faced looking men. The one at the driver's seat didn't bother to look at me but I managed to catch a glimpse of his heavy mustache from the passenger's mirror. The other was kind enough to say 'hello' but his face didn't extend the same courtesy.

And here I am, my slim posture tucked in the back seat. My mate won't stop staring at me. We've been seated for about five minutes and for an unknown reason, we aren't moving. I contemplated asking but then I thought there is another stern looking man whom we are probably waiting for.

Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes. Twenty minutes. But we're still not moving. And for some reason, the car has become too stuffy with the presence of the three angry men.

"Why are we not moving?" I asked. That took great courage considering the situation. He may as well order the men to throw me out. But I guess that would have been better instead of being glued to a seat.

"Your things," he jabbed a thumb over his shoulder, indicating a little backpack I recognized to be mine. "As soon as they get the rest of your stuff, we will hit the road." His eyes didn't care to look at me this time. They were fixed on his watch as he continued tapping his knee with a finger.

I looked at him quizzically. "What? That's the rest of my stuff."

He shot his eyes back and forth the backpack, looking confused. Well, I guess he didn't expect me to have only a backpack after all the thirteen years I've spent in this godforsaken park.

"You mean that's all your stuff? The confusion is obvious on his face this time.

"Yeah, I guess I don't have much." I shrugged my shoulders before turning away.

"You have nothing," he barked.

I shrugged again. Well, that's his business.

"Iris, throw that shit out!"

The man seated next to the driver pushed his door open, turned on his heel. The boot pulled open and the next thing I saw is my backpack, the only thing I acquired in my thirteen years of slavery, being thrown out.

"What! No." I pushed the door open and ran after the bag. The clothes were mostly rags, which I won't need anymore considering I just got married to an alpha but there is something more of value to me. My hand scrambled around and I quickly found my objective.

My necklace. The only thing that followed me to Eastwood park.

"Don't bother with that. I already told Iris to get you new clothes as soon as we arrived," he said.

"Yeah, I know, but this is kind of personal," I explained, an explanation he doesn't deserve by the way. I tossed the backpack away after grabbing my objective.

"What's that!?" he inquired.

"It's just something that belongs to me." I held the necklace up for him to see. The look on his face showed his irritation.

"You are better off without it I guess," he scoffed.

"Whatever!" I whispered, rolling my eyes as I slide back into the car

After settling the scuffle with the backpack, we hit the road. No need to bother myself with their chit chat conversation because it's boring. Hearing about some park troubles and the profits from some multi-billion dollar empire isn't any good to me. I rather focus on where I'm being hurled to.

The car screeched to halt about two hours later. A huge gold-colored metal gate immediately swung open and the cars drove in. Even though it's already dark, the well lit surroundings made it look like daytime. I stared through the window but all I saw were trees, carefully positioned at very few meters and making a circle around the entire space.

Amazing.

"Are you going to sit there and stare all night?"

Once again, his words jerked me back to reality and I hopped out the car, my necklace wrapped around my fingers. A huge swimming pool came to sight at the left corner but the four storey architectural masterpiece dazzled me the most.

Carefully decorated with marble at certain corners, it spanned along the length and breadth of the entire space and for a while I wondered if one man occupied the whole thing.

Two suited men bowed when the entrance door swung open. "Welcome Alpha!" they said while I shuffled my feet behind.

The inner part is even more breath-taking. My mouth dropped open the whole time, closing when he called my name.

"Freya! This is the first floor. On the left is the library, and on the right is the common area. The second floor is for my gamma. The third is for my beta, and the fourth is for us," he rattled while I listened closely. It would be bad to miss any detail or barge into a naked couple making it out. Of all the things he rattled, the 'us' part caught my attention the most.

Did you just say us.?You mean us?

The words replayed over and over in my mind. I snapped when he said, "If you would excuse me, I better head upstairs. It's been a long day and I'm tired."

Good. At least he is tired. Do alphas get tired? Well, It seems so.

I nodded. At least the tone in his voice is now bearable. A wave of emotions washed through my body as he found his heel toward the elevator. I struggled to contain my wolf who can't seem to stand the thought of watching her mate leave. Maybe she thought they could somehow make it out in the elevator because every bit of my nerve want to trail his footsteps. I swallowed and looked away as the doors closed.