My Alpha's Mark: Read Chapters 1-5

!! Trigger Warning: Sexual assault and abuse in this chapter may be triggering. !!

– Kacie –

My name is Kacie and I’m a slave to the Blood Moon pack. Today, I turned 18 and I didn’t miss the way he smiled at me when he wished me Happy Birthday. My dull brown hair falls down my back in chocolate curls. I have round blue eyes and a small straight nose. I don’t bother with my looks but maintain the bare minimum to make sure I’m presentable. My memories from before I came to Blood Moon are gone, my memory stretches back to the day he brought me here.

Alpha Ken Steward but I call him Alpha. He had short black hair, a massive build, and towered over me.

I grew up in his household, I knew the rules and I followed them to a T. I knew at an early age what would happen if I disobeyed him. I did everything I could to ensure I never broke any of his rules. I didn’t have parents. Without memories, I couldn’t miss them. There was only ever him and for all I knew, there would only ever be him. My life was Alpha Ken, his daughter Diana, and this house.

I dedicated myself to him and followed his rules. It didn't matter how hard I worked or how well I did. It was never enough. I was never enough. Alpha told me how pathetic I was. I believed it and never questioned him. His words built, raised, and made me. His words made up the laws that governed my world and his anger was something that demanded my obedience.

It was only when I messed up that he graced me with his attention. About two years ago, I noticed the look in his eye changed. I could feel his gaze follow me as I cleaned or when I would flit from one room to the other. I’d get this feeling in my stomach and I would break out in a cold sweat. I wouldn’t let him see my tremble, I’d continue on with the task at hand and pretend to be oblivious.

As a kid, he’d hit me with a ruler when I did something wrong. Over the past year, he would give me tasks that were almost impossible to complete. Sometimes he would give me a time limit and he’d smile when I failed. He would bend me over his knee when he didn’t like the results. The embarrassment would wash over my body in waves but I’d bite my lip to stop from crying out.

My birthday wasn’t anything special and it went on like any other day. I was almost done with my daily checklist. I’d been vacuuming for about five minutes and I didn’t hear him come in. Alpha doesn’t like noise. I didn’t see him or have the chance to brace myself. A hard hand connected with my cheek, I flew sideways and smashed into the sectional.

My eyes widened in shock as I gripped my cheek. I looked around frantically as strong arms picked me up. I didn’t have a chance to find my balance when I was pulled flush against him. My back pressed to his front, I held my breath and leaned down to turn off the vacuum.

“Alpha,” I said, my voice trembling. “I didn't see you, I’m sorry,” I said after straightening my back. His hands gripped my waist hard and I flinched. I kept my head bowed and clenched my jaw. He pushed into me and I felt something hard pressed against my back. I closed my eyes and swallowed the lump lodged in my throat when I realized he was hard.

He leaned his head down to my neck, his lips pressed against flesh and my skin crawled. “Alpha,” I pleaded.

He let out a chuckle but didn’t move away. He inhaled deeply, breathing me in. “If you behave, I’ll give you your birthday present, Kace. I don’t like loud noises in my house, so you’re not starting this off right.”

He sighed.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. You know I hate noise. What is the first thing I hear when I get home after a long day of protecting this pack?”

“I’m s-so-sorry, Alpha,” I stuttered. “I’ll pay attention next time,” I whispered. My head bowed low and my eyes cast to the floor. My mind was whirling from his lips on me and I prayed. Prayed to the Goddess for mercy.

Please, please, please.

Go away.

I don’t know how long we stood there. I could hear the tick-tick of the clock on the wall. It felt like hours but it had probably only been a few minutes.

“Let me out, I can handle him,” my wolf tried to coax me.

I sighed internally.

“No, Athena. We’re not doing that. Can’t you feel him? I’m scared he’s going to do something this time,” I pleaded with her. She fought me for control sometimes and I didn’t always win.

“If you let me out, there won’t be a next time,” Athena promised. I bit my lip to stop the smile from spreading across my lips.

“Don’t let there be a next time,” Alpha growled into my ear.

“Yes, Alpha,” I said submissively. He let go of my waist and I fought back the sigh of relief that threatened to break free. He walked into the kitchen and leaned on the counter. His eyes on me.

“When I walk through those doors, how are you supposed to greet me?” He asked.

I swallowed.

“I’m supposed to assume the position, Alpha,” I whispered.

“And what’s the position, Kace?” He asked. I flinched at the nickname, that’s what Diana called me.

“I’m to fall to my knees, bow my head, spread my legs, and lift my palms up,” I answered. Shame washed over me and I knew my face was beat red.

He didn’t say anything but his silence was better than his anger. “Good,” he purred.

“Do you need me to fix you something to eat, Alpha?” I asked him as I kept my eyes on the floor.

“No, Alpha Viktor is visiting us tonight. We’re meeting here to discuss a new alliance. He still hasn’t found his mate yet. I might have a solution to his mate issue but I haven’t decided yet,” he murmured. I knew he was looking at me, I could feel it. At this point, I think he’s talking to himself but I stand in silence listening. “I’m contemplating creating an alliance by asking him to take Diana as his mate,” he continues. I feel fear wash down over my body as I think of her leaving me here alone with him. Guilt flares in my chest before it’s replaced by fear as I wonder about the man she’s being sold off to.

What if he’s like Alpha?.

“He’s going to take Diana?” I asked quietly. I know better than to pry but when it comes to Diana I can’t help it.

“This house needs to be spotless, bring in some flowers from outside, and I’ll prepare an outfit for you,” Alpha ordered, completely ignoring my question. His wife died four years ago and he has yet to take a new wife. Him taking me as his date and what it implicates makes me nervous.

“Yes, Alpha,” I murmur. I hear the sounds of his footsteps as he makes his way over to me. “You’re being such a good girl, should I give you a reward?” He asked as he grabbed my waist.

“Th-there’s no need, Alpha,” I whisper but he ignores me and presses his lips to my neck. His tongue darts out and slides up my skin. I shudder and try to move away.

!! Trigger Warning: Sexual assault and abuse in this chapter may be triggering. !!

– Kacie –

I should have known better but the words tumbled from my lips. “No Alpha, I–,” I don’t get to finish my sentence when he slaps me hard across the face. Again. My cheek stings and tears fill my eyes.

“DON’T TELL ME NO!” He screams. I can feel the heat of his breath on me and I drop my eyes to the floor. My tears betray me and fall with each blink of my eyes. My cheek throbs and I know it’s going to bruise. I force myself to disconnect and focus on the color of the flooring.

“You are mine!” He growls. “You belong TO ME. You are NOTHING. You don’t get to tell me no, or voice your fucking opinion. I don’t care what you have to say. You belong TO ME.” He leans in and nips at my neck. “Say it,” he demands.

I close my eyes and inhale deeply as I feel my mental barriers go up. “I’m yours,” I whisper. As if I’d given him an invitation, his hands roamed my body. One grabbed my waist while the other dived beneath my shirt. I’ve never had someone touch me before and I can’t help the fear that shoots up my body.

I’m scared.

So scared.

I try to keep my eyes closed but Alpha drags me to the counter. My eyes fly open as he pushes my head down so I’m bent over the dishwasher. Fear. Pure fear courses through my body when I hear his belt jingle followed by the sound of him unzipping his pants confirms my fears. He’d long snuffed out any thoughts on running.

Don’t struggle.

Don’t fight back.

It’ll only make it worse.

Don’t anger him.

“Alpha, please,” I beg. He stills behind me and I can feel his gaze as he stands above me. Contemplating. Weighing his options. Alpha pulls me up so that I’m standing upright before turning me around to face him. I’m about to sigh when his hands grip my shoulders and push me down to my knees. My lips part and my eyes widen as I dare to look up at him. He grunts in approval when our eyes meet. He runs his hands through his black hair as he stares down at me.

“Open your mouth,” he ordered.

“I-I’ve never,” I start as I shake my head. “I-I d-don’t…” I stumble over my words. I try to figure out how to get myself out of this situation when he cocks his arm back and brings his hand across my face again. Tears stream down my face and I open my mouth as he pulls his cock out of his pants. I don’t have time to panic, to think. All I can do is close my eyes and try to block him out.

“Open your eyes, Kace,” He demanded, his voice calm. “You know how hard it’s been on me? I’ve been hard watching you walk around my home. You’re always teasing me. It’s been so fucking hard not to take what’s mine.”

I whimper.

“Today, I claim your mouth. Today, I take what’s mine.” His hand fists in my hair and he yanks down hard. “Tongue out and mind your fucking teeth.” I do as I’m told. He thrusts his hard cock into my mouth. It’s salty and hurts. He steps closer and angles himself before he thrusts into my mouth again; this time hitting the back of my throat.

“Fuck,” he hisses. My throat is tight as he forces himself. He pulls out a little before thrusting into my mouth, harder, deepr. I start to choke and it starts to hurt. “Mmm, fuck. What a good bitch you are,” he moans. He throws his head back as he finds a rhythm. His grip in my hair tightens and I can’t do anything but lift my chin up and try to fit him. I struggle to breathe in between thrusts. Tears stream down my cheeks as he stretches my throat.

He quickened his pace and I prayed to the Goddess for this to end. His groans grow louder. This could be worse.

Thrust.

This could have been worse.

Pulls out.

This could have–

Thrust.

He’s thrusting so hard, my head is hitting against the counter. I whimper from the pain and he moans. “Oh, fuuck. Just like that,” he groans as he expands and something slides down my throat. His thrusts become jerky before he stills.

He pulls out of me, releases his grip on my hair, and grabs a towel to clean himself. He lets out a deep breath and his shoulders relax. I’m the opposite of relaxed, my heart is beating and threatening to burst out of my chest. My lips hurt, my jaw hurts, my throat, everything. Everything hurts.

“I’m going to shower. Start making dinner and clean up a bit. I’ll be down to welcome the guests,” he said. He tells me like it’s just another day like it’s just another day.

I swallow.

“Yes, Alpha,” I say. My voice comes out choked despite my attempt to not let my voice betray my fear. I blow my head and wait to hear his footsteps retreat before I stand up. I wobble and reach out to grab the counter. I turn on the faucet and wash my mouth out.

It could have been worse.

Way worse.

***

I’ve got dinner in the oven by 4:30 and the house is tidy and ready for guests. This is my first time present when guests come over and I’m nervous and excited. I’m not allowed to leave the house. Usually, Alpha holds meetings at the Pack Hall but he’s going to b e entertaining his guests here. Diana wouldn’t be here for another forty minutes. The timer goes off and I grab the mittens, and pull out a pan of fresh chicken, potatoes, and carrots. All I have to do is heat the corn when guests get here and everything will be ready to go. Alpha’s footsteps descending down the stairs has my body automatically tensing up.

“Your clothes are upstairs. Go get dressed,” he ordered from behind me.

Avoiding his eyes, I bow my head. “Yes, Alpha.” I turn on my heel and head upstairs to my room. I’m careful not to run. There’s nothing on my bed and my brow furrows in confusion.

Did he mean… his room?

I make my way out of my room and head to the end of the hall. I freeze outside of his door, unsure if I should go in. I take a deep breath and reach out for the doorknob. I open the door and peek inside. There’s a red dress on his bed.

I gulp.

I make my way into his room cautiously. It’s dark and I don’t reach for the lights. I start to undress and the door opens behind me. I cling to my dress. Alpha walks in and my hands start trembling.

“You’ve found it,” he said, a smile pulling at his lips. He takes a step closer to me and I fight the urge to take a step back. “I’m glad,” He said. His eyes take in the dress and he closes the distance between us. He grabs it and I try hard to hold onto it but he pulls it from my grasp. I’m left standing in my underwear and bra. “I came to tell you that your dress doesn’t need a bra,” he murmured. He reaches over and fingers my bra strap.

“Th-thank you for your consideration, Alpha,” I say as I bow my head.

“Now that I've had your sweet lips around my cock, I can’t stop thinking about you under me,” he whispers. He leans down and kisses the curve of my breast. I whimper and he pulls my bra down and my breasts fall out. He stares at them as if they were a feast. He leans down and takes a breast into his mouth. He sucks hard before he flicks his tongue across my nipple. My treacherous body jerks and I can’t help the moan that escapes my mouth.

I hate myself.

He growls and reaches up to grab the other one. He takes the nipple between his teeth, “You’re so responsive,” he said.

!! Trigger Warning: Sexual assault and abuse in this chapter may be triggering. !!

– Kacie –

I don’t want this.

I need him to stop.

Will he stop if I beg?

“Please, Alpha.”

“We still have time before they’re supposed to arrive,” he said. He pushes me down on the bed and the dress drops to the floor, forgotten for now. He leans down, reaches out and grips my thighs. He doesn’t look at me, his eyes are focused as he spreads my legs wide. “You’re so wet for me, aren’t you, Kace?” He asked, his voice was husky and low.

I shake my head.

“I’m n-not, Alpha,” I whispered. I close my eyes to the sight before me.

“I told you about closing your eyes, Kace. Listen to me,” He growled.

“Y-yes, Alpha,” I answer, obediently. He grabs my feet and plants them onto the bed and he groans.

“You are… so fucking beautiful, Kace.” His voice is filled with awe and he reaches down and plays with the material separating me from his gaze. “I don’t think you need these either,” he says more to himself as he rips it off in one stroke. He leans forward until his lips are on my inner thigh. I feel myself tensing up but if he feels it he doesn’t show that he does. He begins kissing up the sensitive skin.

He unzips his pants and pulls his cock out. It’s angry and pulsing and I watch helplessly as he sits back. He starts stroking up and down his length as he slips a finger into me. My body jumps at the intrusion. He pumps his fingers in and out of me. I can hear the sounds of his fingers as my pussy clenches and squelches as his fingers move in and out of me.

“So wet, so beautiful,” he groans as he slips a second finger in. It stretches me and I go into a full-blown panic as the front door opens and someone's voice carries up to the room.

“Alpha, someones at the door,” I tell him. He ignores me and continues ravaging my pussy. He sighs. He doesn’t look at me as he takes his fingers out and lifts them to his lips.

“Delicious,” he groans.

His cock is so close to my entrance, I’m so scared. He leans down and sucks on my clit causing me to jerk up and away from his mouth. He’s not going to stop. This is happening. His tongue darts out and slides up and down my slit. His tongue sucks on my clit as he slips a finger into my ass. Pain and pleasure shoot through my body and I let out a loud moan. “Ah, please, please, Alpha,” I whimper.

I’m unable to move. He sits up enough to look at me, his finger still in me. “It’s hard to leave you like this Kace. As much as I’d rather stay up here, the guests are important.” He pulls his finger out of me and pushes his hard cock back into his pants. Relief slams into me.

“I’ll go down first, finish getting dressed and come down to get our dinner served,” he commands. He’s wearing blue slacks and a white buttoned-up shirt.

“Yes, Alpha,” my voice trembles. He tightens the button on his pants and heads downstairs.

“I’m sorry,” my wolf says, trying to comfort me.

“It’s okay Athena, we wouldn’t have stood a chance against him,” I tell her, as I sit up. “He’s an Alpha.” I take my bra off and stand to my feet. I step into the dress and pull it up. It fits perfectly. I sigh and bunch my ripped underwear and bra in my hand. “Let’s drop this off before we head downstairs.”

Heading down the stairs, I’m hit with a sweet cinnamon smell. Did they bring dessert? I didn’t prepare anything other than ice cream. The smell only grows stronger the farther down I walk. When I hit the bottom of the stairs, Alpha comes to me grabbing my head.

“What took you so long?” He growls. He wraps his arm around my waist before he lends me to the kitchen. The smell overrides my senses and I can feel Athena going crazy. “Hurry and get our food onto the table, NOW.” I ignore the smell, bow my head, and stare at the floor. I don’t wait for him to leave. I grab plates and start filling them.

– Viktor –

Pissed didn’t thoroughly describe how much I didn’t want to go to this meeting. I’ve met with this pathetic excuse of an Alpha a few times. I know the real reason behind Jamie wanting me to come to this meeting. I could see it written all over her face when she tried to say it was about a new treaty with the Blood Moon pack.

Jamie has been trying to get me to take a chosen mate since I didn’t immediately find a mate when I came of age. Many packs still wait for their Goddess-given mate but I didn’t have the same mindset. I don’t have time or want a mate, goddess-given or chosen.

My Beta rings the doorbell for the sixth time and I’m about to snap when a disheveled man opens the door. Sweat coats his forehead and he hastily tucks his shirt in. “Welcome Alpha Viktor,” he says, reaching out to take my hand.

“Thanks for having us,” my Beta Jake says with a tight smile.

“Come on in, I was… distracted momentarily,” Alpha Ken says with a smirk on his face. We follow him into the living room. It's a beautiful house and very tidy. “My wife passed four years ago but I’ve had help managing the place,” he says with another smirk.

“You have a beautiful home,” Jake tells him as we walk into the dining room. The door opens and we turn around to see a young girl walk through the door. She’s petite and I’m guessing this is who Jamie is trying to set me up with.

She freezes when she sees us inside, she obviously wasn’t expecting company and her eyes hone in on her dad. She’s tiny and has short blonde hair. Her blue eyes are focused on her dad as she brings a hand to her hip. “What’s this Daddy?”

I shudder at the name. How old is she? She’s still calling him that? I’m called daddy but it sounds all wrong here. We’ll have to fix that if I’m to take her as mine.

“Princess come and have a seat,” he orders. She huffs and puts her bags on the floor and comes and sits at the opposite end of the table. She crosses her arms in front of her chest before looking at her father.

“Where’s Kacie?” She asked carefully. If I hadn’t been looking at her I would have missed the fear that flashed in her eyes. Looking at Alpha Ken I see a vein beating in his temple.

“She’s fine, she’ll be right out,” he murmured in a dangerously low voice.

Alpha Ken’s eyes cloud over as he mind-links someone. A few minutes later the kitchen door swings open and I’m hit with the sweetest smell. She smells like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. I grip my thigh under the table to keep myself from running at her. My wolf, Flash, is running circles mentally.

“Mate!” he howls.

Kacie

Ignoring the cinnamon smell engulfing my senses, I bow my head and walk in with the food. I look up and see Diana first. She smiles when she looks up at me and sighs in relief. I shoot her a smile before I place Alpha’s food in front of him, my eyes now on the ground.

I make my way over to the man next to my mate and I put his food down in front of him. I walk over to my mate and put his food in front of him, careful not to touch him. Walking over to Diana I place her food down and walk over to Alpha Ken.

He wraps his arm around my waist and I see Diana’s eyes widen in shock. “Dad-” she says but is cut off when Alpha speaks.

“Please don’t hold back and dig in.” My eyes are on the floor but my wolf is trying to come out and acting like she’s high on crack.

“Look at him. LOOK at him!” she begs me.

“If Alpha sees us looking at him we could really get it,” I tell her. “He can help us, Kacie,” she pleads. Giving in, I raise my eyes to look at him and our eyes lock. I bring my eyes back to the ground

as Alpha grabs my face and brings it to his face.

“What are you looking at little bitch?” he growls in my ear. I shudder and shake my head, “I was wondering how the food tasted.” He leans into my neck and I close my eyes wishing I was anywhere

else but here.

My mate cracks his neck and Alpha Ken lifts his face from my neck to look at him. “He’s beautiful,” Athena murmurs. We’re both remembering his long black hair and his strong chiseled jaw. His suit hung perfectly on his build and I can’t help but bite my lip.

He stood up and walked towards me. A growl left his lips as he got closer. Alpha Ken stood up and wrapped an arm around my waist, “Is something the matter Alpha Viktor?” When my mate gets closer he stands eye to eye with Alpha. Peeking up at them I see that my mate has at least half a foot on Alpha.

He’s tall and muscular. “Fight!” Athena cries excitedly. “Athena, stop that! Do you want him to get hurt?” I say with a

hint of anger in my voice.

“What is she to you?” My mate asks Alpha. Lifting his head a little to look our mate in the eye, Alpha squares his shoulders, “She’s my slave.”

Mate growls and looks at me. I can’t look him in the eye as a tear runs down my face. “She’s my mate,” my mate says. Alpha Ken steps back a little in shock and his arm around my waist drops.

“What a turn of events,” he murmurs before looking back at mate. “We’re here to negotiate the terms of a treaty between our packs,” Alpha says firmly. “And while meeting to discuss the treaty I find my mate on your lands, in your house, and maybe even in your

bed,” mate growls lowly.

“She belongs to me,” Alpha growls menacingly.

“According to our laws, withholding a mate from their partner is cause for war,” my mate says calmly. He reaches out to me and grabs my arm pulling me to him.

His touch has tingles shooting up my arm and I have to fight the urge to pull my hand away.

“I will be taking her,” he says before his eyes cloud over.

His friend moves to stand next to me. “I’ll be taking you to the car. If you’ll allow me,” he opens his hand open to me. I look at Alpha and he’s glaring holes into me, I look over at my mate and he isn’t looking at me.

I swallow.

“I think we’ll be safer with our mate than if we stay here with Alpha,” Athena encourages me.

“Your opinion is biased and could potentially kill us,” I bite at her.

“Please, Kacie, go with his beta,” she pleads. Remembering what happened before my mate got here, I decided to take my chances, I reach out and grab his friend’s hand. Alpha growls as we walk away and I shoot a glance at Diana.

“Bye,” I mind link her.

Viktor

After Jake gets her into the car he comes back into the house. We’re still in the kitchen where he left us. “Are we good? Or are we going to have a problem?” I ask him firmly. Any hint of rebellion and I’ll fight him here on his territory.

Exhaling he closes his eyes and looks up at the ceiling. When he opens his eyes, he takes a seat and signals for me to take mine.

“What are you going to do with her?” the girl at the end of the table says boldly. I look over at her and decide how I should answer. I don’t know what I’m going to do with her. I don’t need any weaknesses. “She’s my mate. I’ll figure it out.”

“You just took my next Luna from my arms, Alpha Viktor. I require something in return,” he says to me with a smirk on his face. If I could I’d rip his mouth off of his face and skin him alive. “You’ve taken something of his sir, you need to give him some-

thing to replace it,” Jake links me.

“I can offer you, someone, in place of… your slave,” I say holding my wolf back. Flash wants to dig his claws into him more than I do.

“She was ours in the first place, we owe him nothing,” he growls. “Didn’t you see how submissive she was?”

“You don’t need to remind me,” I reply in a low voice.

“He’s BROKEN her! She wouldn’t even lift her eyes,” he whines. I did notice her submission. I don’t see it as an issue but Flash has ideas of love and believes in the mate bond. “I will provide you a replacement, and we will sign the treaty during the next meeting,”

I tell him itching to get out of here.

Alpha Ken nods and I head for the door. Getting outside I reach for the door and am hit by her chocolatey scent. She’s sitting in her seat with her head bowed and eyes cast down. The urge to touch her irritates me and has me growling. Flash is wagging his tail and almost drooling at the sight of her.

“Drive,” I tell Jake and he pulls out of the driveway. I hear a sigh and look over to her as her shoulders droop in relief. Hmm… What shall I do with you?

“I’ve got a few ideas,” Flash replies and laughs.

I smirk and look out the window. “We have time,” I tell him.

***

Kacie

When the car came to a stop, I’d been biting my lip and tasted blood. Jake opened my door and helped me out of the car. Mate walked through the doors without looking at me once.

“Don’t mind him, he’ll come around,” Jake said with a sad smile. “Follow me, I’ll take you to your room.”

The packhouse was huge and my jaw dropped in awe. The ceiling

was high up and the walls had a Victorian period feel to them. We went up the stairs and stopped on the second floor.

“Your room will be here. Alpha stays on the third floor, so try to avoid it unless he calls for you,” Jake says as he opens the first door on the right.

Walking in I’m speechless, there’s a king-sized bed by beautiful double doors. The headboard is a puffed white and my room is at least 3 times the size of my room back at the Blood Moon pack.

“Thank you,” I say with my head bowed.

“Please don’t bow to me, Luna. He may not announce you as our Luna, but you are of a higher rank than me. I’d feel more comfortable if you called me Jake or Beta,” he says and I can hear a smile in his voice.

I lift my head a little and see that he’s being genuine. The kindness in his voice makes me want to get closer but I can’t.

“Thank you… Beta,” I mumble out.

“There’s a shower in the bathroom and I’ll have some clothes brought up to your dresser,” he tells me. “Breakfast is at 7 in the morning, so if you’d like to eat, come down at that time,” he says before walking out of my room and closing the door.

I’m left alone for the first time since we left Blood Moon. I take the red dress off and throw it into the trash bin. Turning the water on hot, I look at my reflection as I wait for it to heat up.

The girl staring back at me looks a mess. The bags below her eyes show how tired she is, her eyes look haunted. Her hair is messy from when Alpha had me on his bed.

Thoughts of what happened in his room and in the kitchen have me leaning over the toilet bowl retching. I’m so disgusted with myself I don’t know who she is anymore. “What happened isn’t our fault Kacie,” my wolf tells me earnestly.

“Who are you trying to convince, Athena? Me or you?” I say

after I’ve emptied the contents of my stomach. She whines and crawls into the farthest part of my mind. I get up and sit in the shower. The hot water dripping down my skin, the heat searing my face.

I let out a breath and sigh. My tears mix in with the water and I look at the wall. I won’t fool myself. This place won’t be any better than Blood Moon. The sooner I realize that the easier it’ll be for me when everything comes crashing down.

I lift my head and look at the ceiling as the water covers me in warmth. I close my eyes and focus on the water and feel the water as it washes over me. I pull my legs up to my chest and wrap my arms around my legs. I cry and cry until I’m all cried out.

I wake up and head downstairs for breakfast at 7 am. I wish I could just stay up in my room and hide but Beta did tell me to come down for breakfast. I get downstairs a few minutes before 7 and ask if I can do anything to help.

There are two women in the kitchen one is cleaning up and the other is cooking. The one cleaning has her back to me but the one cooking is beautiful. She’s got long luscious blonde hair and her makeup is flawless.

She looks me up and down and pours batter onto the griddle. Looking down at me with her nose in the air. “No thanks, it’s just pancakes,” she says and flips a pancake. “Do you need me to set the table?” I ask quietly I need to do something.

The other woman wiping down the countertops puts her towel down and turns to look at me. “No, Luna, you can sit down at the table. We’ll do all the work!” She says with a smile. She’s got her brown hair in a ponytail and her bright brown eyes smile at me.

“My name’s Danielle and this rude brat is Angela.” She says nodding at the blonde. “Don’t mind us and have a seat. We’ll have everything ready soon.”

After the table is set, people start showing up. Beta comes and smiles at me, “Good morning Luna,” he says with a slight bow. He flashes the blonde that’s cooking a scowl before sitting down.

“How’d you sleep Luna,” he says turning to me flashing a smile. “I slept well Beta,” I say smiling at him. A young girl comes bouncing into the room she’s got short black hair and big brown eyes. She’s followed by a tall man with caramel-colored skin. He’s

got short black hair and nods at me when he sees me.

Walking over to me she sits down in the chair next to me her friend sitting next to her. “Good morning! You must be the girl my brother brought home last night. Jake told me,” she says with a smile. “I’m Jamie. Viktor’s sister and Gamma of the Blood Moon pack,” she says before giving me a hug.

“And this is my mate, Tristan. We’re going to be close but I can’t wait to ask. What do you think of my brother?” she asks with curious eyes. I’m put under the spotlight as all eyes are on me. “I haven’t had the chance to… talk with him yet,” I say shyly.

“Well, if he gives you any trouble, let me know! I’ll give him a good one,” she says with a shaking fist. Angela loads up the plates and Danielle sets our plates in front of us.

Angela leaves shortly after cooking, “If Alpha Viktor doesn’t have breakfast Angela leaves,” Danielle snorts. Looking at me she quickly closes her mouth, “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking…”

Jamie quickly jumps in and we talk about taking the parklands and where I can go to have fun on the territory.

By the end of breakfast, I feel like I’ve made some new friends. “I have to go now, I’ve got a few tasks I need to do today. But if want to see something beautiful go outside the dining room. There’s a nice little spot overlooking the territory.”

It was windy and beautiful outside. I didn’t even notice when he walked up behind me. “What are you doing out here?” Someone asked in a deep voice, behind me. The tone of his voice made me jump like I was doing something wrong.

I knew I shouldn’t have come out here after breakfast but Gamma

said it was a nice spot for a break. I turn around and keep my head bowed, “I-I’m sorry.” His scent fills my nose and I can feel butterflies in my stomach.

“Look at him!” Athena whined mentally. “No! We don’t know him. We need to be respectful. What if he’s like Alpha?” I whisper yell at her. I’m distracted from my thoughts when a warm jacket falls around my shoulders and I look up to see him staring down at me.

“It’s cold.” He says before sitting down. I’m in shock as Athena wags her tail like a dog. “Hey, I find that remark offensive,” she says with her nose in the air.

“Sit down,” he tells me. I peek at him before having a seat and he’s wearing sweatpants that hug his waist and a white v-neck t-shirt that shows off the tatted muscles on his arms.

Athena’s purring while I sit down with my eyes cast down. “Thank you, Alpha,” I say quietly.

“Viktor,” he says and I can feel his eyes on me. “What, sir?” I ask folding my hands on my lap. “Call me Viktor,” he says in a low voice. “Yes,… Viktor,” I mumble.

“What do you think of my home? You may lift your head, little one.” I raise my head up and lock eyes with him. “Do you know who I am?” He asks his black eyes look at me as if he’s peering into my soul.

“I know that you’re Alpha Viktor,” I tell him while trying not to drop my eyes.

“It’s been years since I’ve come of age and I never found my mate. How old are you?” He says while running his hand through his long black hair. My eyes drop to the tattoos snaking up his right arm.

Flames run up his arm and they turn into a large white wolf. The

white wolf is standing proudly and the blue eyes are mesmerizing. The wolf then turns into a moon and there are tribal designs encasing the entire sleeve.

“I asked you a question baby girl,” he says and I look up to see a smile pulling at his lips and a mischievous look in his eye. He caught me checking him out.

“He’s beautiful,” Athena purrs begging me to reach out and touch him. If he hadn’t asked me a question and pulled me out of my thoughts, I might have actually reached out and touched him.

“I turned 18 yesterday, Alp-Viktor,” I tell him and cast my eyes down when thoughts of yesterday flashed across my mind.

“So you were underage…” he whispers more to himself than to me. His masculine scent infiltrated my nose and I could feel myself relaxing.

I know this was just the mate bond pulling us together, but I was comforted by him. “He will take care of us,” my wolf soothed, but I knew how much she felt for him already.

“I can smell him on you,” he says lowly and I know that he knows. I feel disgusted as I wonder what he’s thinking.

“Yes,” my voice cracks, and I try not to think of yesterday. He growls and I close my eyes tight. We sit in silence for what feels like an eternity.

Alpha breaks the silence, “Starting tomorrow we will have breakfast together.”

“Yes, Al-Viktor. I’ll be downstairs waiting for you,” I say with my head bowed.

A warm finger touches my chin and I feel sparks shoot down my body.

“I will pick you up from your room, baby girl,” he tells me raising my head so our eyes meet. I curse myself as my body melts. “Don’t lower your head for me or anyone else anymore,” he says with an

unrecognizable look in his eyes.

Fighting the urge to look down, I look him in the eyes, “Yes, Viktor.”