Mate Or Die!: Read Chapters 1-5

SERENA’S POV

Moans—cries of pleasure—echoed through the sealed room. But they weren’t from me and my partner. They came from my partner and his mistress.

I was forced to watch them.

Tied to a chair in the corner, I stared as Cora took him in deeper, tears streaming down her face while she kept making guttural noises. Derek gripped her hair tightly in satisfaction, pulling her closer, his thrusts growing more and more forceful.

Every one of Derek’s thrusts, every breath of pleasure he let out, sent pain rippling through me. The heat at my marked spot burned so intensely that it felt like my neck might snap.

It was a violation, and yet there was nothing I could do—nothing except watch.

I was unable to bear the pain of watching my mate mate with Cora, so I squeezed my eyes shut. Suddenly, the sounds ceased, replaced by a satisfied grunt from Derek.

My heart raced as I sensed Derek slowly approach me. He forcefully took me by the jaw and demanded that I open my eyes.

“Look at me, Omega," he sneered.

I forced my eyes open, meeting his cold hazel gaze. He towered over me, wearing a cruel, amusing look on his face.

"Disrespectful, were we?" he snarled.

I didn't answer. What was the point? Fueling his anger would only bring me more pain. He let out a humorless laugh before grabbing a whip coiled at his waist.

“This is what happens when you disrespect your alpha."

He struck la eather whip against my exposed back. I screamed, and he struck me again, and again, until my vision was blurred by my own tears.

“Never. Close. Your. Eyes. Again!" he yelled between each lash.

“No closing your fucking eyes, Omega!" He yelled again, this time he lowered himself to my level. "You will watch, and you will learn your fucking place!!"

I was furious. Gathering a glob of spit, I launched it at Derek with all the force I could muster. It landed with a wet plop on his boot, a pathetic attempt at rebellion that only seemed to amuse him.

"Still defiant, Omega?" he chuckled.

I screamed, "Just break the damn bond, you coward! I'd rather be a rogue than your slave!"

He took the whip once more and struck me hard against my already wounded back.

“Silence, Omega!" Derek roared. "Disobeying your alpha is a crime punishable by worse than a few lashes."

“I’m your mate! Not your slave!” I glared at him and shouted. “Even if I’m ashamed of it.”

“You bitch!” Derek raised the whip in a rage, aiming to strike my face, but Cora stepped forward and grabbed his arm.

“Stop, Derek,” Cora said softly, her crimson lips curling into a smile. “Is this how you treat your mate?” She glanced at me with feigned sympathy.

Derek sneered. “She’s not a mate. If it weren’t for the werewolf king’s decree… I would never have been bonded to this pathetic piece of shit.”

“Ah,” Cora’s voice dropped into a purr. “Is there really no other way? My father promised that if you bonded with me, he would provide your pack with a generous amount of money.”

Derek’s expression darkened. “Cora, I’m sorry. But the king’s law is absolute. An Alpha cannot reject his mate by choice or whim. I can’t risk being stripped of my position.”

“But if his mate betrays him first, he can,” Cora said slyly, her eyes landing on my face.

I clenched my jaw. Betray Derek? I was born for it. Every painful moment, every cruel blow, only deepened my hatred for him. But I wouldn’t take that risk. I had too much left to do.

Cora walked up to Derek and whispered something in his ear. I couldn’t hear what she said, but I saw the spark of hope ignite in Derek’s eyes again. Without hesitation, he left the room with Cora.

"Bitch," he grumbled. "Clean yourself up, and also clean up the floors too, Omega. It reeks of cum.”

“Tomorrow, the King arrives. You wouldn't want to make a bad impression, now would you?" He added.

Cora burst out laughing, while Derek took her by the waist and led her out the door. The heavy slam of the door made me flinch. The room was filthy mess.

But as long as I survived another night, another test of Derek's cruelty, I was beyond grateful.

I pushed myself off the cold stone floor, wincing at the ache in my back. There was a bucket of stagnant water and a rough rag in the corner, those were the pathetic tools I was expected to use to erase the evidence of their intimacy.

After several hours of thorough cleaning, I took a deep breath and limped out of the room, heading towards the house that used to be my parents' residence.

Derek has already turned it into a ruin. However, even though it has become a ruin, I still have deep feelings for it.

Walking into the house, I ran my fingers over the dust-covered wooden table. Memories surged through me.

I was the daughter of an Alpha. My pack lived close to Derek’s. When I was fifteen, a plague swept through and took the lives of every wolf—except me. Derek showed up and brought me to his pack. He said it was my beauty that saved me.

But that wasn’t salvation. It was hell. Everyone in Derek’s pack treated me like a curse. And things only got worse. When I turned sixteen, my wolf failed to awaken during the transformation. I was labeled an Omega. And a powerful force pulled me toward my mate—Derek.

From that moment on, his hatred grew deeper. The Werewolf King, ruler of all the packs, had decreed that no Alpha could reject their fated mate. He believed an Alpha’s power could only reach its full potential by bonding with their destined partner, and that cruelty toward mates would be harshly punished.

No one dared defy the Werewolf King. But Derek found another way to rebel—he made me watch while he slept with other she-wolves.

But I won’t surrender. Before they died, my parents told me I carried a great power inside me. That was the reason I didn’t fall to the plague. I have to find that power, and uncover the truth behind the plague.

“I won’t die, Mom… Dad,” I whispered. “I’ll survive. I’ll take revenge on those who wronged me. This pack will rise again. I won’t let you down.”

Tomorrow, the Wolf King will arrive. I don’t know why he’s coming. Rumor has it he still hasn’t found his mate. But he holds absolute power over all werewolves.

And I desperately hope… he will be the key to my freedom.

Exposing Derek's cruelty, his disregard for the laws, his abuse of power – it was a gamble, a risky move that could backfire. But it was my only chance.

And as I stared into the faded eyes of my parents in a partly broken portrait, I was determined.

I wouldn't beg. I wouldn't plead. I would stand tall, hold my head high, and expose the truth about this pack, this Alpha, and the living nightmare they had forced upon me.

ARDAN’S POV

“Fuck!”

Beta Thorne’s fist slammed hard into my jaw.

I stumbled back, feet slipping, nearly crashing to the ground. This couldn’t be—this couldn’t fucking be real!

He froze, his eyes wide with horror. “Your Majesty, I—”

I raised a hand, cutting off the apology before it left his lips. “Shut up.”

My voice was a growl, thunderous and seething with fury that left no room for argument.

Thorne stood stiffly in place, his brow furrowed. “Are you certain, Your Majesty? Perhaps you should—”

“I said, leave me alone.” I barked the command through gritted teeth, my gaze sharp enough to slice through stone.

He bowed his head, then turned and walked away, leaving me alone at the center of the training ground, my chest heaving with ragged breaths.

No one was supposed to hit me. No one.

And yet today, I was struck. That fact alone meant one thing—

My power was fading.

The training ground used to be my battlefield, my sanctuary of raw instinct. Every punch, every dodge, came from primal force. But today, my movements were like they were dragged through mud—slow, clumsy, pathetic.

This isn’t me.

This isn’t how the King of Alphas is supposed to be.

I need to calm down.

I headed for the bathroom. When I got there, I stripped off my sweat-drenched training clothes. My reflection in the mirror showed a man sculpted for power - broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw, dark hair. Yet, beneath the facade of strength, anxiety had me on edge.

The prophecy echoed in my mind. "Find your mate before your 30th moonrise. For if you remain unmated, your power will wane, and with it, your life."

The words were a constant reminder of the deadline, the curse that threatened not just my power, but potentially, my very existence.

Time was running out. I was 29, only a year left until the prophecy took effect.

Annually, I inspected the major packs to increase my chances of finding a mate. Every interaction, every inspection, were driven by the desperate search for the missing piece, my mate.

Now, with time against me, finding my mate was highly imperative.

A soft knock on the bathroom door startled me from my thoughts. "Enter," I called out.

The door creaked open, and a young Omega woman named Charlize entered. Her eyes widened at the sight of my bare chest, I could see desire within them before she quickly lowered her gaze.

She held out a ceremonial robe, her voice barely a whisper. "Your Majesty, I was instructed to help you prepare for the evening."

I gave her a curt nod.

“What would you like to wear tonight, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

I glanced at the various garments laid out. I wasn’t interested. None of it mattered. Tonight was about finding a solution, not making a fashion statement. "It doesn't matter," I replied curtly.

“Put it on the bed,” I ordered, my voice cold as ice.

I could see the disappointment in her eyes, but she quickly forced a smile. “Of course, Your Majesty. Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asked as she stepped closer, her fingers brushing just below my abdomen.

I shoved her away immediately. “Get lost. Next time, your fingers will be cut off.”

She ran off in tears.

The she-wolves in the palace were always trying to seduce me. They thought that since I had no mate, it would be easier to get into my bed.

But not a single one had ever succeeded.

“King, your parents wish to see you before your departure to visit the packs,” Beta Thorne’s voice echoed in my mind.

I acknowledged the message and shut the mental link. I already knew what my parents were going to say—pray that I find my mate, then try to comfort me with hopeful nonsense. Blah, blah, blah.

But I love them.

After I had changed into better clothes, I headed for the dinning room to join my parents. The aroma of roasted boar and fresh herbs greeted me as I entered the grand dining hall.

A long table stretched across the room, decorated with candles and assorted meals. My parents, King Edmund and Queen Daisy, sat at the head of the table, their faces etched with worry and anticipation.

"Ardan, there you are," my mother said, her voice laced with relief. "We were beginning to worry."

I pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Ardan," My mother said, her voice laced with worry. "You look troubled. Training take its toll today?"

My fingers paused around the cup. I spoke coldly, “Mother. There’s nothing to worry about.”

My father quickly changed the subject. “Is everything ready for tomorrow’s inspection?”

I gave a slight nod and replied flatly, “Everything has been arranged, Father.”

“That’s excellent,” my father said loudly. “Derek seems like a very promising young man. We’ve heard he’s well-liked within his pack, and apparently, the girls there are quite beautiful.”

I stared at the boar meat on my plate and answered calmly, “I don’t care about beauty. If she’s not the one destined for me, it’s meaningless.”

My mother frowned and spoke softly, “Adan… believe me, this time the Moon Goddess will bring you good fortune.”

A sudden wave of frustration rose in me. I pushed my plate forward. “The team is already prepared. I need to leave.”

I heard their quiet sighs behind me. I quickened my pace again. Their worry weighed heavily on me—only they knew the secret of the prophecy. No one else ever would.

I jumped into the car and gave Thorne the order to depart.

Three hours later, we arrived at Alpha Derek’s pack. The moment I stepped out, Derek’s welcoming party gathered in front of my car.

Derek stood at the front, a bright smile on his face. But there was a flicker of tension in his eyes. Something had happened. A leader’s instincts never lie.

I stepped out of the vehicle.

“King ARDAN,” Derek said as he reached out to greet me. “It’s an honor to have you here. Please, come in—make yourself at home.”

I shook his hand out of courtesy and released it quickly.

“Alpha Derek, is everything normal within your pack?” I asked with a frown.

“Everything is running smoothly, Your Majesty,” Derek assured me, though his smile faltered for a second. “I can first introduce you to the economic developments of our pack this year.”

I gave a small nod, but my brows furrowed when I noticed someone missing beside him.

“Derek, I noticed your mate isn’t here. Is she unwell?”

Derek's smile vanished completely, replaced by a grimace. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around as if seeking an escape route.

"I don’t know where she is," he said.

My suspicions flared again. Derek was lying—I could see it. The tense glances exchanged between his pack members only deepened my unease.

A mate is a vital part of an Alpha’s power structure. Her absence—especially without reason—is deeply significant.

“Derek,” I continued, my voice low and firm, “your mate’s absence during an official inspection… you know that will be seen as a sign of disrespect toward me. Can you explain this in detail?”

Derek opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He seemed cornered.

His disrespect infuriated me. I had to punish him.

“Beta! Take Derek back to the palace—” I ordered.

“Your Majesty!” Derek pleaded. I stared at him.

A flicker of hesitation passed through his eyes before he finally spoke. “It’s Serena… my mate. My Beta told me she didn’t want to be disturbed.”

“I want the truth!” I said. “Take me to her—now!”

SERENA’S POV

A throbbing ache in my neck yanked me awake. I blinked open my eyes, the unfamiliar room coming into focus. Where was was I? I looked around the room before looking down at my body.

I began to panic as I realized I was lying naked in a bed – a bed that wasn't mine. What the fuck….

Glancing beside me, I found a muscular werewolf still asleep. Taking a deeper look I realized it was Joshua, a young member from Derek's pack who I had seen a few times before.

My blood ran cold. If anyone came in I would a walking corpse. But I don’t remember how I ended up here. Had Derek… No, that couldn't be right.

"Joshua?" I croaked, my voice was hoarse.

He bolted upright as if stung and his eyes widened with terror. "Serena! What…what happened?"

I narrowed my gaze, my brows were furrowed, “I don’t know you tell me!” I yelled.

But before he could offer any further explanation, the door to the room slammed open. Leading the surge was Derek, his face was masked with fake fury.

Close behind him stood the Lycan King. Following them were Cora, and several other pack members.

The sight of them, especially the King's presence, sent shivers down my spine. "What is the meaning of this?" I stammered, desperately trying to pull the flimsy sheet over my bare body.

Derek didn't waste a moment. With a theatrical gasp, he stumbled forward, clutching his side as if he was in pain. "You… you treacherous bitch! You ask not to be disturbed only to find you in bed with another man that isn’t me!" he roared.

He turned to the Lycan King. "Your Majesty, I present to you the evidence of my mate’s treachery. After years of devoted service, she has chosen to betray me with another."

My jaw dropped. Treachery? Mate? The audacity of it all made me want to scream. Since when did Derek care about me? Since when did he ever consciously refer to me as his mate.

My eyes darted to the Lycan King, desperately searching for a shred of disbelief. I wanted him to see me for my innocence, but his expression remained stoic.

Cora, however, stepped forward to add more fuel to the already blazing fire.

"It's no surprise, Your Majesty," she purred. "Serena has always been…troubled. In fact, she carries a terrible curse. Alpha Derek, in his infinite kindness, chose to claim her. But it seems, her true nature has prevailed."

The room began to spin. Curse? Claimed? The lies twisted my head. I tried to speak, to defend myself, but the words wouldn't come. My voice was lost in their lies.

“Derek, I—" I began, my voice trembling. But he cut me off with a snarl.

“Silence!" He grabbed me by the arm, his grip tight enough to leave bruises. "Explain yourself to the King!"

I jerked my arm away, I was furious. "Explain what? I don't even know what's going on!"

These weren't trials or accusations; it was a play, a carefully crafted narrative designed to destroy me.

Desperate for any shred of support, I looked at Joshua, who sat frozen on the other side of the bed, his face covered with fear and guilt.

I was alone, a pawn in a game, and the odds were stacked impossibly high against me.

The Lycan King stepped forward. "Calm yourselves, Alpha Derek. Let the woman speak." He turned to me. "Serena, what is your story?"

***

ARDAN’S POV

Tears burst from the eyes of the woman on the bed as she choked out, “I… I don’t know how I ended up here. When I woke up, I was already like this—and he was beside me!”

She pointed at Joshua, a regular werewolf who was now staring at us in terror.

“She’s lying!” a she-wolf shouted. Who was she? I didn’t care.

Just then, a strange scent lingered in the air—subtle, yet incredibly pleasing. My eyes shot toward the bed. They locked onto the sheets. Serena?

Impossible. My mate… is Derek’s unfaithful Luna? The Moon Goddess has to be fucking with me!

I quickly shoved the absurd thought out of my head. My wolf was pacing restlessly in the back of my mind—something unusual—but he hadn’t said a word.

I needed to understand what had really happened between them.

“What exactly is going on here, Derek?” I forced my wolf into silence and turned to him, my voice cold.

“Your Majesty,” Derek said with a frown, “I’m as confused as you are. But clearly, Serena doesn’t want me. That’s why she cheated. Please, allow me to reject her as my mate.”

He placed his palm over his chest in a pleading gesture.

“That’s not true!” Serena burst out angrily. She leapt from the bed, hastily throwing on her clothes and running to me. She grabbed me. “Your Majesty! This is a setup! Derek betrayed me long ago! The she-wolf by his side is his mistress!”

I stared at her as she touched my skin—and my wolf let out a satisfied groan. Something crackled in the air. My sharp gaze pierced into her, and hers met mine just as steadily. She didn’t flinch.

I could smell it—she was an Omega.

But why could she withstand my Alpha pheromones?

No she-wolf had ever stood under my gaze without collapsing.

I had to admit, my dick was starting to respond—but I forced myself to focus. “Do you have proof?” I asked.

She immediately pulled up her sleeve. Her skin was smooth—completely unmarked.

What was she trying to show me?

“No… no way,” she muttered.

“Enough!” I snapped. “You betrayed your mate! You deserve to be punished—right after you’re formally rejected by your Alpha.”

I shoved her away. This feeling—it had to be false. Her pain unsettled me, but my wolf, though restless, still hadn’t claimed her.

I looked at Derek and commanded, “I grant your request.”

The mate bond is sacred. It is rare. And she had so easily betrayed it! That could not be tolerated.

Derek’s eyes turned cold as he formally rejected Serena on the spot. In an instant, she collapsed.

And then—something exploded from my chest.

I felt the entire room shift. A surge of illogical energy was forming in the air. It hit me like a tidal wave, pinning me in place, chaining my soul to the woman now standing before me. Her eyes were wide with shock.

The change in her expression was almost insane—her pain and rage were suddenly washed away by a look of stunned realization.

“What… what’s happening to me?” she stammered, barely above a whisper.

I stared at her, my heart pounding, disbelief swirling inside me.

Could it be true?

Could this Omega… really be my mate?

It couldn’t be. The prophecy couldn’t be this cruel, this irrational.

“Well then, she’s accepted the rejection,” Derek said. “Take her away. She’ll find her place in the dungeons.”

Before I could react, Derek’s Beta lunged toward Serena with a cold smirk. “This traitor deserves punishment!”

Before the whip could strike her face, I moved—without thinking, without hesitation.

In a blur, I surged forward, faster than even I expected. I caught the Beta’s hand mid-swing and threw him across the room with effortless strength.

He slammed into the wall, coughing in pain. Silence fell over the room.

Serena stared at me, eyes wide, mouth agape.

Derek and Cora gaped at me, pure disbelief on their faces.

I pulled her into my arms and shouted,

“No one touches her!”

Ardan’s POV

Derek made no effort to hide the confusion on his face. The Wolf King—the most powerful shapeshifter in existence—intervening over a mere Omega?

I ignored the stunned expressions around me. The only thing I cared about was the she-wolf in my arms.

“Put on your clothes,” I ordered, pushing her away.

My gaze shifted to the wolf behind Serena—I remembered him. Joshua.

“And you,” I growled lowly, “get out. Now.”

Joshua didn’t need to be told twice. He scrambled off the bed, terrified and clumsy.

Serena was still in shock, clutching the bedsheet tightly to cover her bare body like a flimsy shield.

Cora let out a contemptuous snort.

“How graceful,” she sneered at Serena. “The Wolf King told you to get dressed, and here you are clinging to that sheet like a lost puppy.”

I spun toward Cora.

“If you don’t want to end up as wall décor like your Beta,” I warned, “you’d better learn to hold your tongue.”

Cora wisely fell silent and quickly stepped back beside Derek.

Maybe she was his mistress—but we didn’t have the proof.

I turned back toward the room, glancing around from above.

“Give her some space,” I instructed.

The wolves filed out one by one.

Then I turned to Derek.

“Take me to your council room,” I commanded. “I have something to announce.”

Derek was clearly bewildered by how I had handled Serena. He nodded numbly.

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Then he hesitated and gestured to Serena. “What about her? Will she come with us?”

I didn’t answer immediately. My eyes shifted to Serena, still hiding her naked body behind the sheet.

Finally, I met her gaze with disdain.

“She can come,” I said. “When she’s feeling presentable.”

Derek led me to his council room, still clearly trying to make sense of my protective instinct toward Serena.

He hesitated before guiding me to a quiet corner. Once the door closed, he cleared his throat.

“Your Majesty, what is going on?” he finally asked. “You rarely visit my humble grounds—and certainly never interfere in my… personal matters.”

“This isn’t a personal matter,” I said, narrowing my eyes. Derek’s widened.

“I want her,” I declared.

Derek’s jaw nearly hit the floor. He stammered, “Y-Your Majesty… you want her? But she’s clearly nothing more than a whore. She’s not worth—”

“No one questions my decisions, Derek. Are you challenging me?”

My commanding gaze cut through him like a blade.

He gasped, clearly rattled but still pushed back.

“But Your Majesty,” he said desperately, “King Ardan, someone like Serena… she’s not suited for you. An Omega—especially one with such… a reputation—would only tarnish your name. Our pack has better females to offer—”

Before I could answer, the door opened again, and a curvaceous she-wolf walked in.

“Ah, Mirabeth,” Derek greeted her. “This is the Wolf King, Ardan. Mirabeth is one of my most… treasured gems.”

My eyes stayed on Mirabeth as she sauntered toward me boldly.

But the closer she got, the more my wolf resisted. My stomach clenched with disgust, as if I’d been punched from the inside.

“Enough!” I snapped.

Derek immediately sensed my fury and backed off.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” he stammered.

I locked eyes with him.

“My word is final. Now, take your… treasure, and leave.”

“I have more important matters to deal with. I’m leaving. Now.”

Derek’s face twisted with anger and humiliation, but wisely, he said nothing more. He gave a small nod and escorted Mirabeth out. The door slammed shut behind them.

Serena’s POV

I slipped on a simple dress, fumbling with the buttons.

But my mind was far from the present.

I had no idea where fate was taking me next.

Somehow, my wounds had healed miraculously. It was as if just being near that powerful man—King Ardan—had boosted my healing abilities. Faster than I ever thought possible.

Like magic.

Memories resurfaced all at once—of a woman named Granny Willow.

She was an old she-wolf, a safe haven throughout my cruel childhood.

When the others in the pack beat me, she would treat my wounds with herbs and whisper words of comfort.

She told me my power would one day awaken when I encountered a truly powerful werewolf.

Before she left, she gave me a small wooden box.

She said I was the only one who could open it—but only after I turned twenty.

She believed it held the truth behind the destruction of my parents’ pack.

I asked her countless times about what was inside, but she would only shake her head and say, Not yet. You're not ready.

That box had been discovered by Derek. He hid it.

I wasn’t worried he would destroy it—Willow once told me no one could.

I tried to find it, over and over. But each time, Derek would catch me and beat me.

Now, I didn’t know if I’d ever get another chance.

Now… my fate was in King Ardan’s hands.

I still couldn’t believe he might be my mate—the mighty Wolf King himself.

Standing before him, I had no more defense. I was nothing but a disgraced, supposedly unfaithful Luna.

I didn’t doubt that he would reject me in the end. He would simply do it quietly.

My existence would only tarnish his name.

Just then, Derek entered my room, yanking me back to reality.

“Well,” he sneered, “all dressed up to play princess for the Wolf King?”

“What do you mean?” I asked warily.

“You’re lucky,” he hissed. “The Wolf King’s taking you away.”

I was stunned.

He’s… accepting me?

I’d expected him to reject me right here, in secret.

“Don’t get any ideas, Serena,” he said with a cruel smirk. “Just because he likes you for now doesn’t mean he’ll believe a word you said about me.”

I wanted to argue—but I swallowed my words.

Now wasn’t the time to fight. I couldn’t risk provoking him.

“I won’t,” I lied, my voice barely a whisper.

He chuckled. “Smart choice.”

Then his gaze sharpened.

“And don’t forget,” he added coldly, “Willow’s little box? Still in my possession. Say the right things… and maybe it won’t get ‘misplaced.’”

His threat was not empty.

I wanted to scream—but held it in.

I forced myself to nod in silent surrender.

He seemed pleased by my submission.

Throwing one last venomous glare at me, he turned to the door.

“Don’t be late. The King doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

SERENA’S POV

The door slammed shut behind him, leaving me alone in the silence. Tears welled up in my eyes, I felt utterly powerless, trapped in a cage.

I couldn’t let Derek break me. I would survive. And when I turned twenty, when I unlocked the secrets of the box, I would find a way to my freedom. A way to avenge my parents and escape the clutches of this monstrous man.

It was a long shot, a desperate hope, but it was all I had. Until then, I would play the part of the meek servant, bide my time, and wait for my chance.

I straightened the simple dress one last time, forcing myself to take a deep breath. Tears had left their mark on my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away.

Stepping out of the room, I made my way towards the conference room. My heart pounded as I walked only because I wanted to meet King Ardan with utmost composure.

As I entered, my gaze met Ardan. He stood by the window with his back to me. He turned upon hearing the door open, wearing an indifferent look on his face. "Ready?" he asked curtly.

I nodded silently, unsure of what else to say. There was no warmth in his eyes, no ounce protectiveness he had displayed earlier.

“Good," he said curtly. "The banquet starts soon. And I'll be taking you home with me after that."

My heart skipped. "Taking me home with you?" I stammered. "But... why?"

“That's not a question you need to ask," he stated. "You should know by now that my decisions are not to be questioned."

He paused. "Besides," he continued, "you did quite well rejecting Derek in front of everyone. You were almost eager to, weren’t you?"

I opened my mouth to speak, to plead my case, but before I could utter a word, the door opened. It was Cora.

“The banquet is about to start, Your Majesty," she said, before glancing at me spitefully.

Ardan gave a curt nod, completely ignoring my attempt to speak. He turned and headed towards the door. “Lead the way, then," he commanded.

There was nothing left for me to do but follow. What had I gotten myself into? Ardan's offer of protection was confusing, to say the least.

Was it genuine concern, or was there something else at play? What did Ardan have planned out for me?

At the banquet, all I could think about was the uncertainty of my future. I moved through the banquet like a ghost and when it was finally time to leave, fright gripped me.

Ardan offered no explanation, no reassurance, as he ushered me out of the hall and into a waiting car.

He gestured for me to enter. Then, I climbed into the backseat. Ardan slid in afterwards and slammed the door shut. The car was as silent as a graveyard. I stole a glance at Ardan through the mirror in front, and all I could see was the disgust he had for me in his eyes.

Even without Derek's earlier warning ringing in my ears, I knew that exposing Derek's brutality might not earn me any favors, instead it might increase the disgust Ardan already has for me.

I gulped hard. It seemed the safest course of action was silence.

We sped throughout the night for hours. Finally, the car slowed down and he stopped the car at a grand entrance. We were here; The Lycan King’s Pack House.

Ardan got down from the car and stood beside it. He offered no assistance as I emerged out of the car. We walked together, in silence. As we walked, groups of wolves couldn’t help but stare. Their widening at the sight.

“Alpha Ardan," a young man stepped forward.

“Thorne, this is Serena," Ardan replied curtly. "She will be staying here with is."

The man, who I assumed was Ardan's beta by the deference in his posture, raised an eyebrow. "Here, at the pack house, Alpha?”

"Apologies, Alpha," he stammered, "but rumors have been swirling… is she… is she your mate?"

"Absolutely not," he said with disdain. "She's nothing more than a slave I acquired. Find her a modest room – she'll continue serving here."

Thorne was disappointed, but he quickly masked it with a respectful nod. "As you command, Alpha." He turned towards me. "Follow me, Serena. I'll show you to your quarters."

I was assigned a modest, furnished room. My duties were minimal, mostly helping with small tasks in the kitchen and tending to the gardens.

One night, during a full moon, I heard noises outside. Unable to ignore the unsettling feeling, I crept out of bed, drawn towards the source of the noise.

I tiptoed down the quiet hallways. As I neared the large doors leading to the exterior courtyard, I heard a low growl.

I began to panic, I wanted to turn back, but curiosity pushed me forward. As I strained to hear the source of the sound, it came again, closer this time, accompanied by the padding of powerful paws.

I spun around, looking for a weapon, anything to defend myself. But outside was empty. Just as I began to breathe hard and accept my fate, a massive wolf stood over me.

I was paralyzed with fear. I had never experienced anything like this under Derek’s cruelty. I was rooted to the spot, I cried and begged for mercy but the wolf didn’t listen and there was no one to hear me, no one to save me.

The wolf began to rip my clothes off me until I was completely naked. Then, the most absurd thing happened.

“Open your legs,” the wolf commanded me.

I had to comply, for the sake of my life. I opened my legs until he could see every corner. I was scared, panting as he took in the sight of my vagina.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more shocking, the wolf shifted. It was…. Ardan?