The Alpha's Third Mistress

Sheera's heart drummed in her chest as she stood beside the window, her eyes feeding on the crowd gathered just outside. It was as tho the entire pack members were present because the crowd was like none she'd ever seen.

The high position of her room gave her the advantage of a panoramic view of the unfolding scene. At that moment, she forgot all about her predicament and focused on the predicament of the one who had been found guilty.

Shortly, the Pack Keepers dragged the guilty young lady to the center of the gathering on the raised platform. She was roughly dropped on her knees, her hands bound behind her with Moly ropes.

Moly was their weakness. It was often used on her kind to weaken them.

The girl, barely more than a wisp of a thing, knelt on the raised platform, her crimson cloak a stark stain against the grey flagstones. Her unbound dark hair hung limp and tangled, framing tear-streaked cheeks. Shame and terror leeched from her hunched form, a stark contrast to the rigid keepers flanking her, their faces emotionless masks.

Sheera felt a tremor course through her. Fear, not for herself, but for the young woman who stood condemned in the heart of the frenzy.

A hush fell over the crowd as a cloaked figure emerged. Tall and imposing, his form was shrouded in a black robe that flowed behind him like a predator's cape. A black hood concealed his face, but the glint of a polished sword hilt protruding from its depths sent shivers down Sheera's spine. This, then, was Zandov, the executioner – a man whispered about in hushed tones.

Her gaze was riveted on him, her eyelids barely blinking.

The crowd gasped and murmured when he drew his two-edged sword from its sheath. He turned to the young lady who was whimpering on her knees, her head dipped.

"Today, we are about to witness the execution of an enemy!" Someone declared - someone Sheera couldn't see.

She figured he was standing on a part of the stage her eyes could not see. But in such cases, she heard the Alpha's Beta always did the talking.

"For centuries, we have guarded ourselves against the witches and will not fail now of all times. The North is no place for witches! It has no place for such foul magic. We do not care if you get rejected in every part of the earth. The North shall never be a place you call home!"

The crowd cheered in agreement.

"Nerfetiti, I shall give you one last chance to speak. Do you have any accomplices with you? Rest assured, they shall be sought after and executed just like you are about to."

The young lady didn't even lift her gaze.

A moment passed.

"Let the execution commence, then!" The Beta announced.

The crowd roared in approval.

The keepers went towards the lady and guided her head to the stake.

Zandov, his sword already in his hand, aimed it at her neck before lifting it high in the air. Sheera squeezed her eyes shut, unable to look any further. It'd haunt her if she did.

She knew the execution had taken place when a collective gasp, sharper and more final than the earlier one, washed over the crowd. Strength drained from her legs like water from a punctured bucket.

With shaky hands, Sheera slammed the window shut, the clatter barely registering over the roar of the wind and the chilling pronouncement that echoed in the room. She shut out the voice of the Beta, who had continued talking about the dangers of harboring a witch in the Pack.

She underwent a sudden wave of panic. She helped herself to the bed, sat with her hand on her chest, and took very deep breaths to calm herself.

It was her first time witnessing an execution. She'd never known a witch nor been in support of one, but somehow, she felt the world was a very cruel place for them. They were banished from almost every part of the earth, with execution being the penalty for anyone found. As a result, the witches were going into extinction.

Sheera felt terrible for them, although she couldn't exactly blame the wolves for making such decisions against them, considering the history they shared.

Fear danced a jig on Sheera's fingertips, leaving them weak and trembling. It wasn't until a while later, when she became calm that she realized she had her own problems. She'd almost forgotten the reason she was there - in the Pack Fortress. In that room.

She looked around, her panic taking a new turn.

She cast a frantic glance around the austere room, her earlier fear morphing into a new, prickling anxiety. She had only been brought in a while before the execution, and no one had come to see her yet. Someone like her was not supposed to set foot in the Pack Fortress. But it was different.

The sudden creak of the heavy oak door sent a jolt through her. A Keeper showed up first, his face a mask of stoicism. He stepped aside to reveal a figure who stole the breath from Sheera's lungs.

The Keeper stepped away for the Grand Luna, who walked further and stood in the doorway.

She had all the grace Sheera had heard about - eyes of fire, aura of fear. And above all, she looked as mean as they had said.

Unlike others, the grand Luna didn't need to fake 'kindness.' She was wicked at heart and carried it with pride.

She was heavily dressed and adorned with the best pieces of jewelry. She was almost like a wonder.

Sheera scrambled to her feet immediately, clasping her palms together.

As the grand Luna walked in, Sheera noticed two servants behind her, holding her dress from rolling on the floor. It was that long.

She lowered her head when the woman got close, looking so intimidating.

"Gr...Greetings, grand Luna." There was a tremor in her voice.

Luna Valkyrie gave a curt nod, her lips twisting in a sneer.

She circled Sheera like a predator inspecting its prey, her fiery gaze stripping away any semblance of composure. "Hm," she finally spoke, her voice a silken whip. "So, it is you."

Valkyrie stopped in front of Sheera, careful to maintain a distance. "You bear an uncanny resemblance to your traitorous father," she spat, the word dripping with venom. "If I had known, I would have brought you here as a servant rather than..." a flicker of disgust crossed her face, "...my son's plaything."

Valkyrie circled Sheera once more, the disdain in her eyes hardening into something akin to cruelty. "But this," she snapped, her voice dripping with condescension, "this should do. At least your body would never be respected by any man. You deserve it."

Sheera flinched the words, a fresh sting on top of the raw ache in her chest.

Relief washed over her in three seconds as Luna Valkyrie turned towards the door. But the Luna, as though sensing Sheera's fleeting hope, paused right in front of the door.

"Look at you," Valkyrie drawled, her voice laced with disgust. "All shaken up. You had best not be repulsive when my son, the Alpha, decides to do as he pleases with you."

She walked back to where Sheera was and yanked off the jewelry around her neck. Sheera gasped when this happened. No! That had been given to her by her mother, and she had gotten it with all the money she had because she wanted her to look good on her first day in the Fortress!

She looked at the queen painfully and wished she could demand for it.

The grand Luna regarded the necklace with a wrinkled nose, the silver glinting like a mockery in her hand.

"I shouldn't even be touching that," she muttered, tossing it dismissively to one of the flustered servants. "Never forget your place, girl." With that final barb, the Luna swept out of the room, leaving behind a suffocating silence and Sheera trembling with a wave of newfound anger.

Sheera exhaled deeply, succumbing to the weight of sadness as she plonked herself back to the chair. She should never have been born. All thanks to her father for betraying the late Alpha and making his family the most hated. Now, at twenty-three, she had been chosen to pay the price by becoming a plaything for a ruthless Alpha who had two mistresses.

Sheera wanted to scream. She had too much to worry about.

Out of habit, her hand reached for the only remaining necklace nestled against her skin. It wasn't much, a simple leather cord with a smooth, black stone.

She sighed in relief, grateful the queen hadn't taken that as well. She probably didn't, as it looked too cheap and dirty.

That was one thing Sheera couldn't let go of.

According to her mother, she's had it on from birth and was brought up to always have it on. Her mother always told her something terrible would happen if she ever took it off.

Sheera couldn't understand back then and had been curious. But now, she had gotten to fall in love with it and seemed to find solace in it each time her heart was troubled.

A creak on the other side of the door drew her attention. A Keeper, his face stoic, stood waiting. "Come with me," he instructed, a curt nod towards the heavy oak door.

Sheera rose, her chin held a little higher this time. She picked up her bags and followed him.

The Fortress was bigger than she had heard. People like her never get the privilege to walk through the Fortress gates unless you're a servant.

It was only on rare occasions when a major festival was being held that they could be in attendance. And well, Sheera's family had always been exempted due to her father's offense. They'd been neglected for too long.

Perhaps she should be happy that she was finally granted the privilege of staying in the Fortress. The only problem was she was no different from a slave.

The Keeper led her into a small room that had really small belongings. Sheera didn't need anyone to tell her it was hers. Just befitting.

"Stay here and await further instructions," the young man stated and left.

The Pack Keepers were men who worked for the Alpha and guarded the Pack. They were well-respected and feared by the Pack members.

Sheera looked around before settling on the bed. It wasn't too good for someone who was going to become a 'plaything' for the Alpha, but it was better than what she and her family had.

She clasped her palms together and prayed to the goddess of the moon, asking for her time in the Fortress not to be as difficult.

****†****†

The young Mistress Odessa only had a red transparent robe on and was lying on the Alpha's bed when the grand Luna swung the door open and walked in.

Odessa scrambled to her feet, a deep bow masking the simmering anger beneath her carefully constructed facade. She hated the Luna's habit of barging into the Alpha's chambers, especially when she was present. Imagine she and the Alpha had been intimate...

Valkyrie's cold eyes raked over Odessa from head to toe. The inspection was dismissive, laced with a disdain that spoke volumes.

"Where is the Alpha?" She asked.

"He was summoned to the court," Odessa replied, a slight frown creasing her brow.

"And if he's gone," Valkyrie pressed, her voice dripping with suspicion, "why are you here? Tell me, Odessa, doesn't the constant... intimacy with the Alpha grow wearisome? Especially since you have nothing to show for it. Don't you ever feel a pang of pain?"

Odessa couldn't hold back a scoff. The Luna's barbs were nothing new, but they stung nonetheless.

"I am sorry, my Luna," she said, her voice laced with barely concealed amusement. "But even Thessaly has been unable to conceive for the Alpha. We all know this."

Valkyrie rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut it!" she snapped, her voice sharp. "Perhaps you are both cursed then, unfit for this role."

Odessa dropped her head, fighting the urge to talk back at the queen. It was forbidden.

Valkyrie turned to leave, then paused as if struck by a sudden thought. A cruel smile played on her lips as she addressed Odessa.

"When my son returns, inform him that his plaything has arrived," she announced, savoring the hurt that flickered across Odessa's face,

With that parting shot, she swept out of the room, leaving Odessa alone with the bitter sting of humiliation.

His name was Keegan - the most powerful Alpha King that ruled the North.

Shouldered with the responsibility of leading the largest Wolf Pack ever, Keegan was one of the most feared and respected Alpha alive.

The eyes of 'common' people rarely saw him. And those who were opportune to always considered themselves lucky. To some of the wolves, he was a god.

He was as charming as you could imagine: His hair was long and gold in color. But most of the time, he had it in two backward braids. He had silver eyes - extremely pretty eyes that could charm their way into the heart of anything.

He had the body of a warrior - tall and muscular with scars that spoke of won battles that gave him his name. And when he walked, you could feel the fear from the people around him. At twenty-eight, he had so much to his name.

But besides his charms, he was known for his ruthlessness and arrogance.

Keegan was a man who derived pleasure in inflicting pain on people - especially those who were in his bad books. Nobody ever wanted to be on their knees before him because it was rare for such a person to leave with their heads.

...

He retired to his chambers from the courtroom, expecting to find his woman nestled on his bed. Instead, he found his mother.

Alpha Keegan always had that cold, sinister look on - like he was the devil himself.

The grand Luna was sitting on his chair but rose to her feet the moment he stepped in.

"Finally, you return," she said with relief.

The Alpha walked towards his study table. "Where is Odessa?"

"Well... she grew tired of waiting and had to attend to some pressing matters. I've actually been here before, but you were hard to reach." Valkyrie replied, her voice tinged with a practiced nonchalance.

Keegan said nothing as he took up some scrolls from the table. The grand Luna went closer.

"Um... Keegan," she began, a hesitant note creeping into her voice. "The lady is here. I was wondering if you..."

Alpha Keegan arched his neck and grunted, a sound that startled even his mother. "You brought her here? I thought I was clear, mother?" He looked at her, his gaze intimidating.

Even the queen couldn't help but feel embarrassed that she could sometimes be a little scared of her son.

"I... I apologize, Keegan," she stammered. "But that girl has to pay for her father's sins. She is her mother's favorite and should bear the burden. Taking away her dignity... it seemed a fitting punishment."

Slowly, she touched his arm. "This is your right, Keegan. Your father himself bestowed this judgment on them before his passing."

Keegan flinched at her touch, his arm snapping away like a viper recoiling.

The Luna took a deep breath.

"Have you considered getting a new mistress that could give you an heir?"

"Not another unworthy topic, mother. We're done with this."

"But you need an heir! Why can't you realize the gravity of the situation, Keegan? You've been Alpha for five years now. That shameless Morshella and her son might seize this opportunity to get the throne from you. You know what the rules are."

"Let them try. I am not acquiring more women who will fail to give me an heir."

"Oh. We don't know that for sure. Odessa and Thessaly might be the problem."

"Really?" He turned away from the table to face her. "You think it's a coincidence that both women have been unable to take in for me? Sometimes, you speak nonsense, mother."

He walked away from her towards his closet. The queen did all she could to gulp down his words. Her son has always been arrogant from birth. Still, she couldn't suppress how worried she was.

"I just want what's best for you, Keegan," she ambled towards him. "I'd want nothing more than to die knowing you secured the throne and your father's legacy."

Keegan said nothing and didn't even look at her.

He went into his closet, leaving her alone in the room.

****†****†****†

Sheera had fallen asleep along the line in the room. Well, when she had nothing else to do excect being kept in a room, it was only normal she got bored.

She was awakened by the sound of the door abruptly opening. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she watched a young lady walk in, cloaked in crimson silk that shimmered like spilled wine in the dim light, framed in the doorway, accompanied by a servant.

Sheera was perplexed. The lady didn't look familiar, but from the way she appeared, she could be someone important.

Odessa walked into the room, scrutinizing Sheera like she was an object. She kept her distance, looking at Sheera with disgust.

"Have you no manners?" Her voice, laced with disdain, echoed in the confined space. "Or have you simply not been taught the proper way to greet someone of higher standing?"

Sheera grew even more baffled. Slowly, she rose to her feet. "I apologize, but I do not know who you are."

A harsh, mocking laugh escaped Odessa's lips, a sound that sent a fresh wave of unease washing over Sheera. "Well," her voice dripped with condescension, "let me enlighten you. I am Mistress Odessa, the Alpha's first and only recognized Mistress and soon-to-be Luna of this Pack."

Her face beamed with pride when she finished.

Sheera's eyes widened a degree. She was in front of Odessa and had no idea?!

Sheera dipped her head immediately. "I... I apologize, Mistress. I completely had no idea it was you. Please, forgive my ignorance."

Odessa chuckled and walked around her, her crimson gown swirling around her ankles like a hungry flame.

Odessa was a little stunned by the lady's appearance. She had expected her to look like a slave. And yes, she did look poor, but her face was nothing like she had imagined.

She had the eyes of a goddess - round, sparkling, with blue balls. There was just something about her eyes that made it difficult to resist. A forget-me-not kind of eyes. Odessa had never seen anyone with such pretty eyes before.

Her hair was ebony black, thick and lustrous, and flowed freely on her back. Her face was oval-shaped and seemed so flawless. Skin was just like porcelain.

For a moment there, Odessa felt a pang of jealousy. How could anyone be so perfect?

Sheera had heard a lot about the Alpha's first Mistress; a lot of people had. She was his favorite and the one person he could do absolutely anything for. Nobody wanted to get on her bad side because she alone had the favor of the Alpha. She was fortunate.

Circling her, Odessa stepped away.

"So," Odessa finally said, her voice regaining its sharp edge, "I heard you're his new plaything." She paused, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "I suppose I can tolerate that, considering you'll likely be serving him from a kneeling position. However," she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a low growl, "burn this face into your memory, girl. It is the face that can grant you mercy and the very same face that can bring about your doom."

Sheera lifted her gaze to meet hers. Was she threatening her?

"I hope your stay here is very, very short. Trust me, it'd be good for you." Odessa added, smirked, and left.

Sheera could barely believe her eyes. She heard about the Mistress being cruel and all, but she never expected it to be to that extent. Was her life going to be in danger at the Fortress?

****†****†

The following morning, Sheera spent a long time in bed, not knowing what to do.

Afterward, she went into the bedroom, freshened up, and found something new to wear. How was she going to get something to eat?

It was so difficult being in the middle. She wasn't a slave, wasn't a servant, neither was she royalty. She was just there - stuck in the middle.

She decided to take a walk, hoping she'd get lucky along the way.

As she walked down the hallway, she gave a thought to her family. How was her mother and sister coping? She's never had to be away from them for so long. They resided there in Howling Ridge Pack. But commoners like them were hardly allowed into the Pack Fortress.

Sheera soon got out to the balcony and continued walking down on it. That way, she could easily see the activities taking place down there.

The Fortress was extremely large and beautiful. She had been too gloomy to notice the previous day.

She took intentional, slow steps just so she could have a proper view of the place. Then, suddenly, she saw him.

Sheera came to an abrupt, motionless halt, her heart seeming like it'd split into two. She'd never laid eyes on the Alpha before, but right there, seeing him in all his glory, she could swear it was him. It was impossible to miss.

He was riding in with four Keepers trailing behind him, the rhythmic clatter of their horses' hooves sounding through the air. There was a bow in front of him, indicating he had gone hunting.

Sheera was left breathless as she watched him. He embodied every rumor she had heard about him - strong and statuesque, with a savaged handsomeness that was unmistakable.

Sheera fixed her gaze upon him as if in a trance. Never before has she been so captivated by a man's appearance. He looked almost like a god. She could kiss his feet if he asked her to.

Still, at a standstill, she watched as he halted his horse and dismounted it. His Keepers caught up immediately, following after him as he walked away.

As he walked by, everyone stopped walking and kept their heads down. Some even went on their knees.

He walked with such regal bearing. An aura of greatness enveloped him, akin to that of a demigod walking through the mortal realm for the first time.

Sheera was perplexed. Never had she thought a man could look so good. Indeed, she was at a loss for words.

"You. Looking for something?" She heard a sonorous male voice in front of her.

She shuddered in shock as she took a look and found a strange man before her. He was clad in a trouser and top made from expensive fabric. Sheera could instantly tell he was no common person.

"Uh...no. Greetings," She dropped her gaze.

The young man flashed a thin smile as he looked down from the balcony and saw the Alpha walking away. He fixed the puzzle instantly.

"I see. You are one of my brother's admirers, are you not?"

Sheera's jaw dropped slightly with surprise. He was the Alpha's brother?!

The Alpha had two stepbrothers. Sheela was certain the one in front of her was Malkar.

"Greetings, my prince." Her head went lower.

He passed a scrutinizing stare. "You didn't know who I was initially. And... I do not think I have seen this face around here. Who are you?"

Sheera bristled under his scrutiny. An unpleasant chill snaked down her spine. There was something about Malkar, something dark and unsettling that lurked beneath the surface of his youthful charm.

"I am...I am actually new here. My name is Sheera."

"Hold on!" He clicked his fingers. "I have definitely heard of you! The Alpha's toy. Am I correct?"

She didn't respond. How many others knew of her? And was that all she was known for? The Alpha's toy?

"Well..." he went closer. "You can call me Malkar. And... I must say you're too good to be a toy. What do you say about having tea with me?"

Sheera's heart made a thud. She lifted her head and saw two maids coming before her. They looked at her suspiciously, greeted the prince when they got to where he was before walking away.

"I appreciate the gesture. But I have to go now. Thank you." She bowed her head and ran off as quickly as she could, not wanting to hear any more from him.

.....

Sheera hadn't gone too far when she met another maiden who seemed to stand in her way.

She reined in her haste, forcing her hurried steps to slow to a measured walk when she noticed the maiden was still in her path, . The only thing that kept her at ease was the welcoming smile she had on her face.

"Wise were you to to avoid him. Prince Malkar can be very cunning," She said at last, stepping out of the way.

Sheera regarded her without knowing what response to give. She didn't want to say anything that'd get her into trouble.

The maiden noticed Sheera's unease. "I was asked to bring this to your room. I'm Tabitha, by the way." She smiled.

Oh...food at last.

"Thank you," Sheera bobbed.

Joining the lady, they started towards her room.

"I take it your stay in the Fortress hasn't been too pleasant." Tabitha said as they walked.

"Why would your think that?" Sheera quirked a brow.

"Isn't it obvious? Who would be happy to be here as a toy?" She scoffed. "But I get it, tho. It's the Alpha we're talking about. Not everyone gets the privilege to be touched by him. You're lucky. Only difference is - it gets worst when he's through with you and sends you back to your place. You might have a hard time finding a partner."

Anguish ripped through Sheera's soul. It wasn't until Tabitha saw the glum look on her face that she realized she may have spoken out of point.

"Oh, my! By the hunts, I'm so sorry. I am so careless with words." She seemed genuinely sorry.

Sheera managed a faint smile. "It's fine."

A lull fell between them for a brief moment.

"You know, you might just become lucky and find your mate. It'll make everything easy for you." Tabitha continued the conversation.

Sheera nearly rolled her eyes at that.

"I don't think it's possible." She scoffed.

Centuries ago, after the great war, the wolves were cursed with the loss of their mate's scent. They couldn't tell their mates from the other wolves, making every one of them to seem the same. As a result, the wolves only got mated to who they chose and were attracted to. Only a very very few could still find their mates. In those cases, it was considered a miracle.

"You can't be so sure. Some people are born lucky." Tabitha shrugged.

If Sheera had been anything, it was unlucky. Her father's history with the late Alpha had put her family through a lot, they had to be their own friends. The only time Sheera got attention from people was when men 'lusted' after her which was very common.

It was very rare for any man she came across to go by without lusting after. She couldn't explain nor comprehend why they seemed to be so attracted to her beauty. While her sister always teased her saying she was blessed, Sheera felt it was a curse.

"Did you witness the execution yesterday?" Tabitha asked.

She seemed to be one cheerful soul.

Sheera nodded, the pain and pity she had felt for the lady crawling into her head.

"Ugh! I couldn't watch it. I wonder how all those people were able to stand it at all." Tabitha spoke as if the words themselves were a foul potion she had to swallow.

Sheera became curious.

"How was she caught? Did someone rat out on her?" She questioned.

"Not at all. Ratting out on a witch is almost never needed - not when we have Zandov."

Sheera's pulse quickened on hearing that name. She couldn't tell why.

"You've heard of him, right? The famous witch hunter and executioner. He grew up hating witches that he dedicated his whole life to executing them. I don't even know how he does it, but the moment a witch is around, he senses it and goes after them. He always isolates himself in his private hut and only comes out when he's on a mission." Tabitha explained.

Zandov was a name everyone knew - the witch hunter with one of the darkest hearts.

"He is the reason a lot of people is scared of harbouring a witch. Because the moment he finds a witch, he kills whoever was found with them." Tabitha added.

"I see." Sheera simply mumbled.