Luna Battle The Game: Read Chapters 1-5

I push the brush across the wooden floor, even though there is nothing that needs cleaning. Alpha Draven expects perfection, which requires me to clean multiple times a day.

God forbid a spec of dust falls. It might be missed if I only sweep once or twice a day.

"Mutt!"

I froze upon hearing his voice. I place the brush down and rush into the other room. He turns in his chair and smiles at me.

"Yes, Master." I move and kneel, my head lowering as I await his orders.

"We have company tonight. Ensure the tables are set. There will be fifteen guests."

"Yes, Master, I will get it done. Is there anything else?"

"These guests are important, and I trust that you will behave appropriately and follow orders tonight."

I don’t have a choice. Alpha Draven forgets that it’s his choice, not mine. "I will, Master." I hear him rise and keep my head lowered. Unable to move.

"Raise your head."

I lift my head and see him standing before me.

"What is your role tonight?"

I consider my words. "To please you, Master and your guests."

"One guest in particular, Mutt, Alpha Ethan. I need to ensure that he agrees to this deal, so pay more attention to him than my other guests. Do you understand?" His words are growled towards the end.

"Yes, Master."

"Good. Go get the room ready. Your outfit is in your cell. I expect you to be wearing it before the guests arrive. You may leave now."

"Thank you, Master." Standing, I turn and leave.

After having the tables set up, I walk back to my cell. I look down at the clothing lying on my mat. They give me the perfect indication of what I am expected to do tonight.

The dress is so short, with so little cloth on it, it’s like wearing nothing at all. Alpha Ethan no doubt expects more than conversation.

Sighing, I put it on.

My fiery red wavy curls cascade down my back. I'm glad they're long and dense, covering my bare back up to my hips.

The top is a backless gauzy cami dress, and the breasts are open in the middle, with thin ties at the nipples. I tie them into a bow.

With a gentle tug, the ties will come undone, revealing my tender nipples.

Underneath is a crotchless thong, their thin straps run across the base of my thighs and disappear in the plump cheeks of my ass.

I seem like an exquisite gift. Wrapped and ready to be given away.

"Mutt."

I turn and kneel.

"Yes, Sir." I watch as Beta Luca steps into my cell.

His eyes darken as he scans me from head to toe. He stops just before me and I stay looking down at his shoes. I can hear his lusty growl.

"I expect your company tonight. Do not be late."

"Sir, Alpha Draven has already requested that I attend his event and focus primarily on Alpha Ethan."

I hear his slight chuckle and feel his hand fist into my hair, pulling my head back so that I face him.

"Then you will be sure to have a long night. My room once Alpha Ethan is finished with your body."

"Yes, Sir." A whimper escapes as his hand tightens on my hair, my scalp burning.

"Actually, I have the perfect idea. I'm sure Alpha Ethan will agree with my plan. You keep him company as Alpha Draven has requested. I'm sure I will see you at the event." He pushes my head forward, and I stay kneeling, listening to his retreating footsteps becoming quieter and quieter until they disappear.

His mischievous tone makes my heart sink uncontrollably. What is waiting for me tonight?

Can I ever survive it?

I have no escape. I take off the sheet, then I walked down to the room. The strips and ties make each step I make so uncomfortable. My nipples harden against the rub of the tie.

The guests are standing and talking. I step into the room, look around and then I stop before Alpha Ethan.

Walking to him, I stand with my head lowered, waiting for his attention and acceptance.

"Ah, Elara, you're my company tonight?" His eyes brighten upon seeing me in this enticing dress. He seems pleased with Alpha Draven’s arrangement.

"Yes, Sir."

To be fair, Alpha Ethan isn't as bad as Alpha Draven or the Betas here. He treats me like a person, but something tells me that will change tonight. Something tells me his relaxed approach will become tense and very strict later. I will do as he asks, though.

The last time I fought them, I almost died.

Years Earlier

I had to fight. Having him touching me made me sick. So I fought, and he still took what he wanted, however. He took it relentlessly and with even more force.

When I was sold to Alpha Draven, I was young. As I got older, I was told it was a good thing. He's a strong Alpha with a good clan. I was told my life was set, but it was all lies.

I cuddled myself to fight the cold that burned through my body. It says when you're so cold you feel like your body is burning. The snow was piling higher and higher around me, and I didn't think I would survive this punishment.

All this because I didn't want him to touch me. I wanted to save that part of myself for my mate, but I'm his. I'm theirs. I was so sure things would be fine when I woke. I may have fought him off, but he succeeded in his mission. The marks across my body screamed that he succeeded. So when the door swung open, and Beta Luca dragged me out and threw me down in the snow naked, I knew I was being punished.

I' was not sure how long this punishment had lasted for. It seemed like hours, but maybe that was just because of how cold I was.

"Look at the Mutt." I kept my head lowered at their mocking.

"Throw this at it." Beta Paul laughed, and I felt the snow hitting my head. The force pushed my body back, and I almost fell over.

"Don't worry, Mutt. We will warm you up after."

I screamed as he gripped my hair and pulled my head up. The tears fell down my face, but they did not get far before they harden into ice.

Beta Jones leaned into my face. "This will teach you never to refuse again, won't it, Mutt?" I didn't reply, I couldn’t. My body was too numb. The snow was stuck to me.

"That's enough, bring her in." Alpha Draven was standing by the door as they pulled me inside. "Will you refuse or fight again?"

I tried to talk but couldn’t. I was shaking too much.

"Answer Mutt."

"N-n-n-no Master."

His smile widened.

"Good, go get in my bed."

I nodded and walked away. Getting into his room, I climbed into the bed.

At that moment, I was happy to obey. My cell was frozen, and the thin sheet did little to keep me warm. At least in here, there was plush bedding that will warm me.

I stay with Alpha Ethan but can feel Alpha Draven’s eyes on me the entire time. I also notice Beta Luca watching me closely.

They are expecting me to refuse, to fight. I can’t; it’s not like I have a wolf or power to escape them. It’s also not like I have a wolf to protect me and help me battle the weather if I am forced to kneel outside naked again.

“For you.” I watch Alpha Ethan hold out a glass.

“Thank you, Sir. However, I am not allowed to drink without Alpha Draven’s approval first.”

He smiles, seemingly pleased by my words. I watch as he looks at Alpha Draven, raising the glass and pointing towards me. Alpha Draven gives an approving nod.

“Now you can.” He holds out the glass, waiting for me to take it.

I never drink. I would rather not drink. Refusing it, however, is defying the order that Alpha Draven gave me. So my hand wraps around the glass, lifting it. I take a sip. Coughing as it burns the back of my throat.

“How old are you, Elara?” He walks forward, and I follow next to him.

“Nineteen, Sir.” Twenty tomorrow, not that I can say that out loud.

“Still young then.” His smile widens. “I’m on the edge with this deal. I want to agree but also disagree. What do you think is the best choice?” He looks at me, waiting.

“I can not say, Sir, it isn’t my place. However, Alpha Draven is an honest and trustworthy Alpha.”

He’s not, but I know that is what Alpha Draven would like me to say.

“Hmmm.” He turns and continues to walk, and I follow; he leaves the room and sits in a quieter one.

I stay a short distance away from him and kneel, my head lowering. It’s the standard protocol that Alpha Draven expects when any Alpha, Beta or similar is in the room until I am told to do otherwise.

“You don’t need to do that, Elara.”

I raise my head at his words.

“Please, come sit and get comfy.” He pats the sofa next to him.

“I apologise, Alpha Ethan; I am forbidden from sitting on that sofa. It isn’t for me.”

Most of the furniture isn’t for me. Even if he insists I sit on it, I can’t. Alpha Draven would punish me for not getting his permission first.

“Where can you sit?”

I point at the wooden chair.

“That won’t do. At all.”

I watch him stand.

“Stay there.”

I nod and don’t move as I hear him leaving. After about five minutes, I begin to wonder if he is even returning. I can’t just go and find him.

Sure, Alpha Draven insisted I spend all my time with him. Still, if I moved, I would defy Alpha Ethan’s order, and well, I’m sure Alpha Draven would have a reaction if finding out that I did that.

“Come.”

I stand hearing his order.

Turning, I see Beta Luca standing beside him.

I step towards them and watch as they turn and walk out. I fall into step behind them, keeping my head down as I follow them through the house.

We stop at a guest room, and Alpha Ethan opens the door. He holds it for me and gestures that I enter. Stepping forward, I go through the door.

“Remove your clothes.” I watch as he stands before me and loosens his tie before removing it entirely.

Taking a deep breath, I lift the dress from my body and place it on the side.

Alpha Ethan stands with his eyes on me. I watch as he slowly walks around me, circling me until I feel like prey under his movements. He pauses behind me, and my body shakes. I hate not being able to see what they are doing and thinking.

“I have some orders that I am hoping you will follow without hesitation.”

“Of course, Sir.” I feel sick. I hear him moving and watch as he walks past me to a suitcase. He flips it open, and I panic when I hear metal. I watch him take out the long chain with cuffs attached.

“You see, even if you planned to refuse, you won’t get a chance to.”

I watch as he hooks the chain into the ceiling, my body getting pushed to him. I stumble, and his hand reaches out. Grabbing my wrist, the cuff locks around them.

I scream as the spikes dig into my skin. He ignores my reaction, grabbing my other wrist and snapping the restraint around it. My teeth bite against my lip to stop the scream that builds.

“Now you have no choice but to follow orders. You refuse...” I scream as he pulls the chain, and the spikes dig deeper into my wrists. “I ensure you listen.”

His calm and friendly attitude from before has gone, replaced with pure darkness and evil. I should have known all Alpha’s were the same. None I have met yet care, and why would they? I’m nothing.

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

When I am placed back in my cell, I crawl to the small bathroom I have. My body hurts so much it feels like it’s on fire.

Nowhere is pain-free; I ran out of tears hours ago, and guttural cries escape my throat as I struggle to make it into the tiny shower.

Hitting the button, I collapse under the spray of the water. My eyes finally look down at my body, the angry brown marks showing; each new bruise I see seems more prominent than the last one.

The large bite marks across my body are bleeding so badly that I know for sure they will scar without the use of magic.

I watch the water rush around me, the blood from their marks mixing within it and turning the water pink as it runs down the drain. Cries continue to erupt from within me as I struggle to find any position that eases the pain.

“Mutt.”

I go to move, hearing him, but my body is too tired and hurt to obey. I simply fall back down again.

“I will get someone to fix the worst bites and cuts.”

I hear him leave and breathe a sigh of relief; I was sure he would request that I join him in bed. I don’t think I could agree or even refuse. My body right now can’t do anything. It’s useless without my wolf to help me heal.

I hear movement and watch Alex walk in. His eyes widen when he sees me; he glances towards the door quickly, then back to me.

“Are you okay?” He turns off the water, lifts me from the shower, and carries me through, placing me on the mat; he wraps my sheet around my body.

I watch him kneel before me, unscrewing the lid. His fingers run through the ointment, and he rubs it across the bites and cuts. It helps. The burning sensation stops.

“I’m sorry I can not do more, Elara; I’m very sorry.” He looks at me as he continues to cover the bites.

“It’s fine, thank you, Alex.”

He nods and smiles, and I watch it begin to work. The bite marks slowly start to close up and heal.

“Alpha Draven must have realised your wounds were serious to request we use magic to heal them. Good night, Elara.” He stands and leaves.

Lying down, I realise this has to be the worst beginning of my birthday ever. My eyes flutter close, and I fall asleep, unable to stay awake any longer.

I've cleaned multiple times again today. Alpha Draven has been watching me unusually closely, and I feel like something is coming. I don't know what, but something.

He never usually pays this much attention to me outside of the bedroom. So why now?

I followed their orders last night despite the immense pain I was in. I didn't refuse or say no. So I know I have not done something wrong with them, or at least I hope not.

"Mutt."

I move and kneel at his feet.

"I am busy; ensure the guest room is cleaned and ready for guests who may be staying tonight."

"Yes, Master."

He stands and walks out. I walk through to the bedroom and fight back the vomit. The memories of last night are more potent in this room.

The blood is still on the floor and the bedsheets. Along with actual vomit because Alpha Ethan seems to have a fetish for gagging women to the point they are physically sick.

I began to clean the room, removing every trace of evidence of what had happened to me in this room last night. It takes far longer than it should due to my body hurting.

The bruises are far more prominent today.They cover every inch of my body, and my face isn't excluded; it didn't escape the torture of abuse.

I carry the sheets through the house to the laundry room. The maid looks at me and takes them.

I stop when I see the Television on. I rarely get to see it or watch it.

It's the king, Alpha Prime Darius.

"Anyone is welcome, yes." He stands tall, his hair dark, and his eyes bright emerald.

"Does that include those of poorer backgrounds, without strong packs, or without a pack at all?" The reporter questions him, and the camera zooms in.

"Yes. There is no restriction on it, except the contestants can not be bitten and claimed."

“What is going on?” I look towards the maid.

"You didn't know? After the king had died, Alpha Prime Darius took over. He's holding a sort of game, a trial for females between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. He's looking for his Luna."

I didn't know.

"No, I shall not be personally selecting. How would that be fair?" He chuckles and leans forward, looking directly at the camera, almost like he is looking through the lens directly at me.

"Magic will be used. Fifteen women, one winner. However, there is a chance a lady may be lucky and picked up by Alpha Kellan."

I hear claps and gasps. Alpha Kellan is his younger brother, the prince. So, while one will become his Luna and the queen, one will possibly be chosen by Kellan to be his Luna.

"It's easy. Those wanting to take part, go online, answer a few quick questions and await to be whisked away to the castle." His smile widens.

I mentally record the website link.

Any chances for me to escape here, I will take it without hesitation.

After all, what can possibly be worse than where I am right now?

For a man who is dying of thirst, he will not hesitate to drink from the sweet spring before him even if it is spiked with poison.

I will submit my entry application.

I can find time, I'm sure of it. Turning, I leave the laundry room. I have twenty-four hours or less. The rules are simple: the entry form will be locked in twenty-four hours or when ten thousand women apply. Whichever comes first.

More than likely, the ten thousand women applying will be what closes it, not the time limit. I walk through and pretend to be cleaning; I briefly check the Beta's rooms, finding them empty.

Rushing, I sit at the computer, put my cleaning cloth beside and type in the address.

The form begins easily. Name. Age. Date of birth. Pack name if applicable. Questions regarding my appearance. Questions regarding my occupation or standing within my pack. Then it gets interesting. It asks about sexual partners.

That question, I lied on. I couldn't possibly answer the truth anyway; I don't know the exact number of men I have slept with or how many times I had sex.

Then it is the question about being bitten and claimed, I again lie. I will keep my mark hidden. Ten minutes later, I finished and submitted it.

Quickly deleting the history, I walk out and try to make it look like I am doing the regular jobs I am meant to.

I doubt anything will come from this. He said everyone can apply, but even I know that those women will all have wolves and a pack and be high up in their pack. The daughter of another Alpha.

Me? I'm sold. I don't know who my parents are. I don't know if I came from a strong pack. I know nothing.

So of course I won't be chosen. If it was truly picked using magic, why require answers to so many questions? It feels more like it is so they can ensure the woman selected will be as good as Luna.

"Mutt."

I walk through and kneel, lowering my head. I wait.

"You have a gift."

I don't raise my head, even though I want to. I have never been given a gift before, and I'm unsure what to say or do.

"You may raise your head."

I lift it and look at Alpha Draven.

"Apparently, you made a good impression on Alpha Ethan. He requested that he be allowed to give you a gift, and I agreed."

"Thank you, Master."

"We spoke, and he suggested you may find a blanket more beneficial than a gift such as a bracelet." He holds out the giant blanket, and I have to be honest, I would rather have the blanket than a bracelet or anything else.

My cell is cold.

"You may take it."

I reach out, taking it from his arms.

"You understand, I only agreed because he has decided to go ahead with our deal and felt you should be treated for your part." The words are almost growled.

He didn't want to agree. I can tell by his tone he wanted to refuse but couldn't. Instead, he agreed to get the deal signed.

"Thank you, Master. I understand."

"Good, you may leave."

Standing, I walk out; it's late now. Returning to my cell, I unfold the blanket and wrap it around my body. It feels amazing.

Sleep takes me instantly; the warmth and comfort of the blanket are the perfect gift; I rarely fall asleep quickly; I need to either be in tremendous pain or be extremely tired as the coldness of my cell prevents me from sleeping.

It's been three days since I completed that application. My mind considers it as I wipe the table, ensuring everything is clean.

Alpha Draven has been visiting Alpha Ethan and his pack.

Apparently, the deal they are making is going well. Well enough for Alpha Draven to leave his own pack and travel.

It's good, though; it means I haven't been touched for three days. I have barely had to kneel as Beta Luca and the others are busy doing Alpha Draven's work.

Hell, I have even managed to get out of the constant cleaning and finally had time to consider the implications of that application.

I'm sure Alpha Prime Darius will punish me for lying about it. I could be killed; I lied to the king essentially.

It was an order to answer honestly, and I didn't. So will Alpha Draven have fun telling them I lied if he ever finds out the truth?

Finishing cleaning, I sit on my mat, my eyes close, and I try to relax; I was told he is returning today. So I've made sure I cleaned at the hours I was required to.

That way, if he comes back, I'm right where he expects me to be based on what time it is. Most would hate this, sitting in a cell with nothing.

Boredom would be a quick thing they would complain over.

I guess when you're constantly cleaning and doing things for everyone else, this is perfect. Why would I want to do anything other than relax right now? That thought quickly vanishes when I realise what day it is.

Standing, I walk through to the laundry room. The maid smiles at me, and I begin to get the correct items for Alpha Draven's bed. I still have plenty of time to get it done before he can complain.

"They are getting the women."

I turn to the maid, confused.

"The guards of Alpha Prime Darius began to collect the selected ladies today."

"Lucky them." I smile, and she reaches out.

"It could be lucky you."

I look at her with a confused expression, and she smiles. "I saw, don't worry, no one else did."

Crap. I stand and panic. "If..."

Her hand goes up. "I won't be telling Alpha Draven, Elara, so you don't need to worry; I have everything crossed for you." She says that, yet she hasn't considered the consequences, just as I didn't.

I'm claimed; the mark is impossible to hide if he were to ask us to strip and confirm we're not claimed. I never considered the consequences of my actions, and right now, It's too damn late.

All I can do is hope I wasn't selected, and why would I be? Wolfless, packless, orphan, with no last name. I'm at the bottom of that list.

After replacing the sheets and bedding, I take the dirty ones to the maid, although they aren't dirty. They were put on two days ago. No one has even slept in it.

As I leave, I hear the door. I quickly walk to my cell to avoid them. I am hoping that I'm out of their minds.

"Mutt." Or not. Standing, I walk through and kneel.

"What is this?"

I look up.

"A cloth, Master." Why is he asking me that?

"And who uses it?"

"Myself, Master, they are the ones given to me to use." No one else uses them. He has a weird habit, like everyone has their own cloths. Why? So he can see whose cloths are used the most?

"Then why was it next to the computer?"

Shit.

My mind races back.

I was cleaning that day and took the sheets to the maid. When I went to the computer, I had a cloth in my hand.

"I don't know, Master."

"That is a blatant lie."

I hear him move.

"Get it ready. Ensure the entire pack will be watching."

Wait, I stare at him.

"You went into a room that is forbidden. You used items you are not allowed to. Did you think this would go unpunished?"

I thought he wouldn't know. He wouldn't have if I didn't leave the cloth.

"Master, it was not me who put the cloth there." Maybe he won't punish me if I lie and make out that it was someone else.

"Lying is only increasing your punishment." He turns to Beta Luca. "Drag her out." I feel my body get pulled up and pushed out. He rarely punishes me in front of the entire pack.

My body is thrown to the ground. Kneeling, I keep my head lowered. I know that I caused this. Now, I consider his plan, maybe to keep me kneeling here and battle the weather with them watching.

"If I give orders, I expect them to be followed even when I am not in sight."

I feel the cuffs wrap around my wrists. So, I’m not going to be punished by having to face the elements?

"So this is a reminder that I won't allow it to happen."

I scream as my body is pulled up by the cuffs around my wrists. My toes barely touch the floor.

"Now."

I scream, feeling the whip hit against my back. My head raises, and I look at Alpha Draven. He had sworn never to do this to me.

"Again."

I brace myself, but it does little to help. Screaming; tears flow from my eyes.

"Again."

The pain from the whip has me slump forward, the scream getting tangled in my throat with the sob.

"Again."

I stare at Alpha Draven. Screaming, I dangle from the chains, my eyes seeing Alex in the crowd. My head drops, I never expected him to give me this punishment.

The pain is worse than the other night. I can feel the blood running down my back from the lacerations.

I hear cars and raise my head. I watch as the crowd disappears.

"Take it inside." Alpha Draven points to me, and I feel the cuffs being removed, and I fall down. A hand grabs me and drags me through. As we get inside the door, I'm dragged forward.

"Stop!"Alpha Draven shouts.

My body is dropped, and I kneel, ready for Alpha Draven to begin yelling abuse at me.

"Apparently, Alpha Prime Darius has sent guards for you, Mutt!"

Shit.

I raise my head slowly to see him glaring and growling at me. Is this because they know I lied? I have a feeling tonight's punishment is only the start of it.

"Why me?" I look at the guards as Beta Luca pulls me to my feet.

"You're to join the other candidates at the Luna Battle. Alpha Prime Darius has requested that you attend after your submission made the finals."

My body stills as I’m shocked by their words. I never expected to be chosen. I feel Alpha Draven's eyes on me, and I know his anger is rising because of this. He can't refuse, he can't go against Alpha Prime Darius's orders, but he has the power to announce that I am already bitten and claimed by him.

Standing, I wait for his words, and I wait for his refusal or acceptance. Surely he will speak soon?

"Mutt, I suggest you pack your bag."

I move quickly through the house and to my cell, packing the few items I have. Pulling off the top I am wearing, I winch and hold in the screams.

Someone steps into my cell as I begin to pull on my top.

"He sent me to cover your lacerations." Alex smiles, and I turn. "At least you are free." His words are whispered as I bite my lip to stop the screams as he rubs the ointment across my back.

"For a short time." I won't be forever.

"All done, good luck." He walks out.

Pulling my top down, I grab my things and walk out.

As I make my way through the house, I bump into Beta Luca.

"You won't be gone long, Mutt. Enjoy the freedom; Alpha Prime Darius will quickly throw you to the curb when he realises you're a wolfless, packless whore."

His words are correct, and there's nothing I can do to change it. Maybe, though, once I am removed from this competition, I can make it to the Nightfall Citadel, the only place for rejected, wolfless people. Alpha Draven will never come there to collect me.

I stop at the door, the guards looking at me.

"See you soon, you can guarantee it." Alpha Draven watches as I walk out.

I follow the guards and see the packs outside, watching as I step into the car.

I'm lost on what I am meant to do.

I don't know anything about this.

I know nothing about the world, either.

We stop at the palace, and I step out of the car.

"The maid will guide you inside." The guard points to the door.

"Thank you." I give him a small smile, and he nods. Walking to the door, the maid looks at me.

"Follow me, please. You are the last to arrive."

I walk through with her. She guides me through the palace, and I glance around, amazed. I thought Alpha Draven's home was lavish. This is on a whole new level.

"Through here." She opens the door, and I step inside.

I see the other women they are standing close to each other. Already, groups are forming. I can clearly see the ones who are high up in their packs. The ones trained to be here are standing together.

Their voices quiet as they speak. Expressionless faces, as if this isn't a big event.

I stand close to the women but try not to draw attention to myself. Everyone is dressed beautifully, and I am in jeans and an old, worn T-shirt. Their dresses are something that you would expect the king’s Luna to wear.

My eyes leave them, and that's when I notice the cameras. I'm not ready for this. Panic builds in me.

"Excuse me."

I glance up, looking at the man, confused.

"You're too close. Please move back."

"Sorry?" I look at the news producer.

"You heard me. You're too close to the candidates. Move!"

"I-I'm a candidate."

I hear laughter. My body is pushed back, and I stumble before regaining my footing.

"Please don't disrespect the king; he won't be pleased when he arrives to see trash stood with his possible Luna!" The man pushes me back further.

"I am not lying. I was chosen to be here. Ask the maid. She brought me in." I point to her, and he laughs.

"Look, you're making us look bad. Move away, you stink." One of the women looks at me with a disgusted expression. "Surely you should be like in the cellar cleaning the floor?"

I hear some of the women laugh. The producer laughs as well.

"People like you don't belong here! You're not part of this; you would never be, and the king wouldn't allow it!" He pushes me hard, and this time, I fall and am ready for the pain when I hit the floor.

Instead, I feel a hand catch me before I can hit it.

"What is going on here?"

I look up to see Alpha Kellan holding me. He has the same emerald eyes as Darius.

"She wouldn't get out of the shot; we were trying to get footage for your highness." The producer looks at him.

"And why was she required to be moved out of the shot?" He steps in front of me.

"She doesn't belong here. I am sure when Alpha Prime Darius arrives, he won't be happy with delays caused by the help."

"Well, you made the delay. Didn't you?" He steps forward. "As you're also 'the help,' you personally caused this delay."

"I didn't mean to do that, Sir; I needed to get a clear and clean shot of only the candidates."

"Which she is."

The producer stills upon hearing his words.

"I-I..." He stops.

"Assumed. Didn't the broadcast say everyone was welcome to apply and that everyone had an equal chance?"

"W-we just assumed that was for the cameras, Sir."

"Well, it wasn't. Now, apologise; I will be letting the king know about this, considering she is possibly his future Luna and your queen."

His face pales at Alpha Kellan's words.

"I'm sorry, miss." He bows his head.

"Ella." Alpha Kellan waves a maid over. "Please see that Elara is dressed appropriately. Then she fits in." He turns and walks away, Ella rushes and pulls me out. Taking me into a room, she quickly helps me strip and pull on a dress.

I still look awful, but far better than I had before. I can't complain. Putting on the shoes, I stand, and Ella guides me out. I stand with the women again.

"God, they really are letting the Mutt stay." One of them glares at me.

"Well, they need to make it look real. The Mutt will be gone at the first round." One of the women laughs.

"Ladies!" Someone calls our attention to him. I look forward and see the man standing on a stage. "I'm Beta William. The personal representative for the king. He will be joining us soon, at which point I will announce the first task for you ladies. Please do not approach the king. He will not be doing personal meetings today."

The girls all nod, and some are clearly excited. I look through them, trying to find where the hell I would fit in. Right now, I don't feel like that is anywhere.