The Alpha's Substitute Mate

A blast of cold water jolted Amelia from her slumber and she gasped, heaving for air.

"Go and make us breakfast! Now!" Linda's voice came in a loud yell.

Amelia quickly rose to her feet, her body dripping with water. "I - I'm so - sorry."

"You can't even make a proper speech without stuttering!" Linda hurled the empty bucket at her. "Mom said you should go and make breakfast."

Amelia looked down at her clothes. "B - but m - my clothes - -"

"Oh my gosh. I've had enough of your stuttering!" Linda cut her off mid-sentence.

"Come here!" She grabbed Amelia's wrist and pulled her along.

"W - wait... Linda, I'll fall." Amelia pleaded as Linda dragged her down the hall.

"Isn't it better if you fall? The ground is where you belong after all." Linda's lips curled into a smile and Amelia instantly knew what would happen next. Linda let go of her wrist and she slipped on the wet floor.

Linda held her belly as she laughed. "Oh my gosh. You look so pitiful like a heap of trash. I told you the ground looks better on you."

Tears stung Amelia's eyes but she dared not let them fall. She winced quietly as she helped herself up. Just then their parents arrived.

Alpha Donovan stared down at Amelia with a scowl on his face. "What are you doing there?"

Linda ran to her father with tears in her eyes. "Father, Amelia, did it again. I told her to make breakfast and she refused. She tried to splash water on me to wake her up but I moved away just in time."

"She did what?" Donovan's tone rose in fury.

"I knew this trash was up to no good," Mary turned to her husband. "I told you we need to get rid of her. She will kill my daughter the same way she killed her mother."

"I won't get rid of Amelia. She might be useless to me but she is still my daughter." Donovan inched forward and Linda unlinked arms with him.

Amelia didn't shrivel back or cower in fear as he approached her. The first time her father raised his hand on her, she was only 10 and had cried hours after he struck her. Suffering the same fate for 8 years made her get used to the pain.

She shut her eyes, bracing for impact and the slap came, throwing her off her feet to the floor.

"The next time you lay your filthy hands on my daughter, I will kill you." Donovan warned.

"I'm scared, mommy," Linda ran to her mother's side. "What if she comes after me?"

Mary put her arms around her daughter. "She wouldn't dare."

A whimper escaped Amelia's lips as she took to her feet.

She hung her head in a low bow and whispered. "I'm sorry."

"You better be," Donovan shit back. "In fact, I have the perfect punishment for you, you wench."

Amelia lifted her head with a gasp, praying it wouldn't be the same punishment as last time but it wasn't. They let her go instead. Paranoia sank in and she looked over her shoulder for the rest of the day in case of any incoming attack.

The following morning, Amelia was the first to wake up.

She made sure the gardens were tended to and made sure the compound was being swept.

A gentle wind brushed past her and she shivered. Her clothes were thin and torn. She decided she would have to mend them after sweeping.

As she swept, she heard an incoming bird whistle. Her heart fluttered as she looked up. It was Vincent.

"Vincent." She exhaled a sigh of relief.

"Won't you give your best friend a hug?" he spread his arms open for her and she ran into his embrace.

"I've missed you so much, Amelia." He rubbed circles on her small back.

They pulled away briefly and he cupped her swollen cheek. She shriveled away from the contact, thinking of which lie to tell him this time.

"I know your father hurt you." He said, startling her.

Her eyes went round and she stuttered shyly. "N - no. It was my f - fault."

"It wasn't." Vincent took the broom from her and dropped it to the floor. "Why do they treat you this way? I still don't understand."

"I'm fine, Vincent. Don't worry." She bent down to pick the broom.

"Amelia." he said with a worried look on his face.

Amelia turned in the other direction, resuming her sweeping. "I heard the war was successful."

"Don't change the subject, Amelia. You know I don't like that." Vincent took a seat on one of the benches by the water fountain.

Amelia smiled. "I hope you didn't sustain any injuries."

Vincent heaved a frustrated sigh and gave in. "Fine. The war was short-lived. Our enemies ran for the hills when they heard we allied with Alpha Adrian."

"Really?" Amelia gasped in surprise. How could the mention of a person's name send an entire army running? "Who is this Alpha Adrian?"

Vincent shook his head. "Trust me. You don't want to know. He's pure evil itself."

"Okay." As Amelia swept, she heard one of the maids call for her.

"Lady Amelia, your father wants you in the living room." came the shrill voice.

"I'm on my way.." Amelia called back. Then she turned to Vincent. "I'm sorry but I have to go."

"It's alright." Vincent took to his feet. As she turned to leave, he caught her wrist. "Wait, I got something for you in the nearby city."

He whipped out a golden bracelet and calsones it around her wrist. "It's beautiful."

Amelia shook her head. "Vincent, this is too much. Consider this my gift to you to wear at the next mating ceremony."

Mating ceremony. Amelia has never spoken those words ever since the day she failed to shift into her wolf. They became a thing of the past and she swore never to attend anyone ever again.

She unclasped the bracelet and gave it back to him. "I'm sorry I can't take this. I have to run. Bye."

"Amelia!" Vincent called behind her but she ignored his calls. He heaved a sigh and stared at the bracelet. "She didn't even hear me say 'I love you'."

Amelia ran like her life depended on it. She clutched her chest as she arrived at the door of the living room. Her eyes went round when she found Linda also standing there.

"Took you long enough." Linda said, rolling her eyes.

Then she pushed her door in and entered, Amelia following behind her.

"Ah, there she is." Donovan said in a pleasant voice that made Amelia furrowed her brows. Her father had spoken to her. Maybe it was Linda.

"Come here, my sweet Amelia." He said, extending his hand to her.

Amelia froze. She looked around, searching for the person he referred to.

Mary caught her arm and pulled her towards the fireplace. "Don't be a stranger, love. Aren't you our lovely Amelia again?"

Linda took a seat on one of the couches, her eyes trailing forward.

Amelia felt a sudden chill run down her spine as her stepmother walked her to the gentleman sitting with his back to them.

"Here is your bride, Your Highness." Donovan said with a wry smile.

No one needed to tell Amelia that they were afraid. All of them. Even the maids were trembling.

Mary let go of her arm as they faced the strange gentleman. "Here you are, Amelia. This is Alpha Adrian, your soon-to-be husband."

Amelia felt the ground slip from under her feet. "What?"

Fear was too much of an understatement to describe how Amelia felt. It was bone-chilling, spine breaking and bike crunching fear that seeped into her very skin and wore her like clothes.

With trembling hands, she counted the blue patterns on the skirt of her Sunday dress. It was the only good thing she owned. The rest of her clothes were either worn out or ripped at the seam. And before she had left for Alpha Adrian's mansion, her father had warned her to wear her best dress and smile. After that, he shoved her and her luggage in the carriage and bid her ridden.

Amelia leaned back on the soft carriage seat, trying so hard to relax her stiff joints but the fear wouldn't let her.

Her exhale came out as a shaky breath and she blew hot air into her palms. It was becoming chilly all of a sudden.

"We're in Alpha Adrian's territory." The coachman announced to her.

Suddenly, the sound of a thousand raindrops hit the leather rooftop and Amelia was compelled to look outside.

She had heard rumours about the Devil's Castle. The mere existence of this place defiled the laws of nature. When it snowed, it was a blizzard. When it rained, it was a tornado and I'm the summer, the heat is as hot as hell. Amelia never knew Alpha Adrian lived in the Devil's Castle but then again, she was told he was evil itself.

"We're here!" The coachman called out amidst the outpour.

Ahead, the metal looking gates parted, grating passage to the carriage. The coachman was skillful enough to maneuver the horses into the shed provided for carriages.

He stifled a sneeze and jumped off his seat. "Lady Amelia?"

"I'm here." Amelia replied quietly.

He held open the door and their eyes met. It's easy to read the gears registered in her innocent eyes but he knew deep down that there was nothing he could do to help.

"I apologize, ma'am, but," he looked around the place. "There's no umbrella."

"We'll take it from here!" A woman's loud voice called out.

Both Amelie and the Coachman squint their eyes to make out a woman running towards them.

She gave one umbrella to Amelia and cupped her knees to catch her breath.

Then she stood erect and smiled. "Welcome to House Moonclaw, Madam Amelia."

Amelia was startled. "You know who I am?"

"Yes," The woman smiled in return. "We were informed of your return 3 days ago."

"Oh, right." Amelia realised it has been 3 days since Alpha Adrian visited their villa back home.

The strange woman turned to the coachman and bowed. "Thank you for bringing the young lady here but I'll take it from here."

"Alright." The coachman nodded. He looked at Amelia and reached his hand to hers, giving it a squeeze. "Stay safe, kiddo."

Amelia was helped off the carriage to the main house. While the horses prodded up the muddy tracks, she suddenly wished she would've returned with him.

"Please, feel free to change into these clean clothes. I will inform the Alpha that you're here." The woman said with a bow.

As she turned to leave, Amelia caught her wrist.

"Is anything the matter, ma'am?" She asked.

Amelia was tongue-tied. Her brain knew what to say but her mouth couldn't.

She wanted to scream and cry that she wanted to go home but instead she said : "What is your name?"

The woman's eyes lit up. "My name is Emily."

"Nice to meet you, Emily." Amelia said shyly.

"The pleasure is all mine." Emily smiled.

Suddenly the patting of the rain against the roof ceased and sunlight escaped through the white curtains. Amelia was stunned by the sudden transformation. Earlier, it was dark like the evening and now, it was bright as day.

"If you think this place is lovely, wait til you see the garden. It's even more beautiful at night." Emily smiled.

"Oh okay." Amelia managed to say.

"Help yourself to the bath and fresh clothes. I'll inform Alpha Adrian." Emily turned to leave.

From his office, Alpha Adrian could hear Emily's hurried footsteps and racing heart.

She knocked quietly on the door still breathing loudly. "Sir.."

"Come in." Adrian replied in his usual nonchalant tone.

The door clicked open and Emily entered. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes lit up like a thousand Suns.

"The last time you were like that, someone asked you out to the mating ceremony." Adrian said not lifting his head from the papers he scribbled on.

"Wrong, sir." She smiled and he lifted his head. "Your bride is here."

She awaited his reaction - a smile, grin or even an irritating look but none came. His face held no expression whatsoever.

"She came here in the rain?" he threw his gaze back to the papers.

Emily looked down as she recalled the confused look in Amelia's eyes as she helped her off the carriage.

"Yes, sir." She finally answered.

He pinched the skin between his eyes. "What kind of sick family does she even - -"

"Madam Emily, I'm out of the bathroom now." Amelia spoke in a quiet voice.

Emily stiffened when she realised Amelia was right outside.

"Uh...Ma'am, you need to- -" she had barely gotten a word out before Alpha Adrian cut in.

"Come inside, Amelia." He said in his deep, commanding voice.

A shiver ran down Emily's spine as he spoke those words. She knew that the same had happened to Amelia because the girl didn't move or speak.

"Come inside her, Amelia!" Adrian thundered and she yelped.

"I'm sorry." The door clicked open and Amelia entered the room.

She was shaking from head to toe but she managed a bow. "I - - I'm sorry it I I - upset you, s - sir."

Adrian slammed his fountain pen on the desk and she yelped again. "How long are you going to bow!"

"I'm sorry, sir." Amelia lifted her head and her mouth nearly fell agape. It was Alpha Adrian.

Ardriam scrutinized the woman standing before him. She was more pitiful than a rain soaked puppy. Water dropped from her wet hair, her form was weak as she shivered from head to toe, her face was red and her hands too. She was cold.

"Aren't you cold?" He asked.

"N - no, sir." Amelia shook her head.

He curled an eyebrow before replacing it with a neutral expression.

"Listen up, Amelia," he began. "You know who I am?"

Amelia hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Y - yes. You are my husband."

Adrian pushed back his seat. " Leave us, Emily."

Amelia felt as though the very air had been kicked out of her lungs. She couldn't survive there alone. Adrian's mere presence dominated hers.

She kept her eyes down when she heard Emily's retreating footsteps, not daring to look up.

"Who am I, Amelia?" he repeated.

Amelia stuttered. "Y - You're - -"

She heard his approaching footsteps and shriveled back in fear. Her back hit the door and she froze.

'I'm going to die,' she told herself.

She felt two hands on either side of her head, trapping her in place.

"Open your eyes and tell me!" Adrian roared.

"You're Alpha Adrian MoonClaw, head of the MoonClaw household!" Amelia announced in a trembling voice.

"See? That wasn't so hard now, was it?" Areiam said, tilting her chin up with his finger.

Now, Amelia was forced to look at him. Her stomach churned and she nearly screamed. His eyes were blood-red.

"I am also called Adrian the King of Hell." He went on. Amelia trembled under his touch and he relieved her fear.

"I thrive in bloodshed. Even my enemies cower in fear at the mention of my name." He leaned closer, his jasmine and sandalwood scent filling her nostrils.

"You will be mine. You will be terrified, damned and devoured by my very darkness. I will claim you, body and soul, Amelia. Now...," Adrian leaned closer till they were nose to nose. "Do you still want to be my bride in the depths of the Devil's Castle?"

Amelia's eyes rolled into the back of her head and like the water dripping from her wet hair, she fell to the floor.

Her brows furrowed as she tossed and turned uncomfortably on the bed.

"N - no. Don't hurt me. Please.." she whimpered in her sleep.

A loud cackle echoed in her head. "Useless Amelia! Look at her, she can't even transform."

"How about we help her transform? Grab her leg!"

Amelia cried out. "No. Please, don't hurt me!"

The mocking voices went on. "Grab her arms... Ready? Pull!"

The sound of snapping bones echoed in her head and she screamed.

The sun was bright and she squinted. Her breath was cool as she exhaled and she hugged herself, shivering from the nightmare.

She heard a bird chirping by the window and for some odd reason, the morning song relaxed her.

She palmed her forehead and exhaled again.

Her eyes fell on the mattress and she frowned. "Where is this?"

Like a heatwave in summer, the realization slapped her square in the face.

She gasped loudly when she remembered. "I passed out when Alpha Adria was talking to me. This time he'll kill me."

She recalled his blood-red eyes and shivered. "His eyes scare me."

Almost without warning, she recalled one of her late mother's words : "The way through a man's heart is through his stomach. Even when your father and I argue, he apologizes the moment I say I won't cook for him anymore. It works like magic."

Amelia swallowed hard. "Will this even work?... Well, I guess I'd have to give it a try."

Amelia navigated her way to the kitchen. It was two times larger than her bedroom. Back at the villa, she slept in the shed with the maids. Just a bed and a little bag filled the room. There was hardly any room for anything else. She was happy to have seen such a large space.

"I take it that you like it here?" A female voice asked, interrupting her.

Amelia instantly froze.

"It's me, Emily." Emily laughed.

Amelia whipped around and truly, it was her. "Emily."

"Good morning, dear. How are you feeling now?" Emily crossed the room to meet her.

Amelia tried not to sound nervous but her own voice betrayed her. "W - well, I'm fine."

Emily pressed her hand on Amelia's stiff shoulder. "You're going to be okay. Alpha Adrian is a very nice man."

Amelia swallowed hard. If him scaring her till she passed out meant nice then she never wanted to be nice ever again.

Emily's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. "It'll be alright."

Amelia was forced to smile. Emily's such a nice woman and in a way reminded her of her own mother - they had the same brown hair and kind eyes. The only difference was their eye colour and age. While her mother's eyes were emerald-green, Emily's were black. Her mother had lived till her middle age but Emily was nothing more of a grandma.

"Okay." Amelia said with a nod.

Emily took off her coat and draped it on the rack beside the door. "You can go and rest in your room while I make breakfast, ma'am."

"N - no." Amelia protested.

Emily quirked an eyebrow. "No?"

Amelia grabbed an apron hanging off the wall and draped it on. "I - I want to cook for my husband."

Emily gasped. "Oh, forgive me, ma'am. That's such a wonderful thing to do, ma'am. Please, kitchen as you see fit."

"T - thank you." Amelia smiled. She had always loved cooking and was a perfect chef as Vincent would say. Vincent... that was a name she wouldn't say anymore.

With a determined look on her face, she grabbed a spatula and an empty, hoping to the moon goddess that her mother would be right about what she had said.

Adrian awoke at the smell of a delicious aroma.

He sniffed the air and sat up. "That smells really delicious."

He heard quiet footsteps and pushed back to the bedcovers.

"Good morning, sir," It was Emily. "Breakfast is ready."

"Hmm." He said as he slipped on his shirt.

Before Emily would step away from the door, he asked. "What is for breakfast?"

"It's a surprise, sir." She replied with a smile in her voice.

Now, he wondered what she was up to.

After taking his shower, he slipped into his uniform like he had done a thousand times. He adjusted his black leather jacket and stared at his reflection in the mirror. Unconsciously, he ran his finger over a scar on his wrist and he closed his eyes.

"You're a monster!"

"Kill him!"

Those words echoed in his head like a personal mantra. The knock on the door pulled him from it.

"Sir, breakfast has been served." Emily announced.

"Alright." He turned away from the mirror and walked out of the room.

The scent of perfectly grilled meat filled the air followed by the heavenly smell of his favourite mushroom soup. He knew Emily's cooking was skilled but never had he experienced something of this nature.

He entered the living room and the face he saw infuriated him.

Amelia stood by the table like a statue, her gaze fixed on the floor.

"What are you doing there?" He asked.

Emily answered instead. "Sir, Madam Amelia is the one that made breakfast. She woke up quite early this morning to prepare it."

"I believe I'm talking to you, Amelia." He said, clenching his fist.

Amelia looked at him. "S - sir?"

"Who told you you could make breakfast for me?" He asked.

Emily tried to cut in but he dismissed her immediately.

"Who gave you the audacity to cook a meal in my house!" Adrian thundered and Amelia yelped.

He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him but her eyes were closed. "I am angry and do you know why?"

"N - no, sir." Amelia replied with her eyes closed.

"You have broken my number one rule, Amelia. Emily is the only one permitted to cook while you just have to sit here and exist!"

A shocking gasp escaped Amelia's lips and she threw her eyes open. "

Adrian closed the distance between them, his gaze intense and daring. "You move when I tell you to. You breathe when I tell you to and you die when I tell you to. Do you understand?"

He felt Amelia tremble under his touch and a grin spread across his lips. He tightened his hold on her, waiting for her to faint at any moment. But she did not.

Amelia's eyes filled and tears rolled down her cheeks. "Y - yes, sir."

Adrian was taken aback. "What?"

Amelia sniffled softly. "I will do as you say. If you tell me to breathe, I will. If you tell me to move, I will and... if you tell me to die, I...I will."

Adrian was too stunned to speak, he let go of her and walked away. She was nothing like the previous brides and he liked that.