CHAPTER 4

📍Shannon📍

I stared at the boss, my heart pounding in my chest. Every nerve in my body screamed for him to say no. To refuse this deal. To keep me here-anywhere but not with this man.

The stranger's offer hung in the air like a heavy storm. A breeder. He wanted me to be his breeder. My stomach twisted at the word.

Minutes ago, I had fought like hell against the guards dragging me into this building. But now, I would rather stay here, in this hellhole, than go with him. Because I knew-deep in my bones-I wouldn't survive him.

The man standing before me was powerful, dangerous. His presence alone sucked the air from the building. His sharp gaze pinned me down like a prey. There was something in his stance, in his voice-possessive, ruthless. Going with him meant writing my death wish with my own hands.

"So, what do you say, Mr. Manager?" The man's voice was calm, but beneath it, there was something darker. A warning. A demand.

The boss hesitated, his lips pressing together. Then, to my horror, he offered a tight smile and stretched out his hand. "I guess we have a deal, my king."

The floor beneath me might as well have shattered. My entire body went rigid.

What?

This can't be.

He had claimed me just minutes ago. He wasn't supposed to give in so easily. He was supposed to fight for me, to refuse. Instead, he gave in without so much as a second thought.

Why? What was it about this man that made people bend to his will? Even the boss-who was speaking with so much authority minutes ago -looked terrified.

The man moved towards me, his pace slow and calculated. "That was quick." He reached for me, but I pulled back, shoving his hand away.

"Don't you dare touch me!" My voice rang out, fierce and unwavering, shocking even myself. "I am not going to be anyone's breeder. Especially not for some stranger."

He laughed. A deep, mocking sound that sent a chill running down my spine.

The boss, however, was furious. His face twisted in rage as he faced me. "Did I just hear you turn down the king's offer?"

I didn't flinch. Didn't move. I had been tossed around like a pawn for too long. I was done being weak.

Before I could react, strong hands grabbed me from behind. I thrashed and kicked, but it was useless. They were too strong. I was hauled toward a sleek black car waiting at the entrance.

Through the tinted glass, I caught sight of them-shaking hands and laughing with so much excitement. My chest tightened. I had been traded. Again.

First, my parents had sold me. Then the boss. And now, I belong to this man.

Tears burned my eyes. Was this my fate? A never-ending cycle of being passed from one monster to another?

The door swung open and he slid in beside me, his face unreadable. The air in the car grew thick, suffocating.

"Drive," he ordered, his voice cold.

The car roared to life, speeding down the road. I sat frozen, my body trembling. I shot a quick glance at him. His face was blank, his gaze locked ahead. But there was something in his eyes-something I couldn't quite name.

Minutes passed in suffocating silence before the car finally came to a stop.

The door opened, and he stepped out. Instantly, his guards were on me, pulling me out of the car. My arms ached from their iron grip.

"Greetings, King Evan."

A soft voice pulled me from my daze. A woman who seemed to be in her mid-twenties, bowed before him, her posture submissive.

I blinked.

Evan?

That was his name? A name that sounded so... normal. Almost gentle. It didn't match him at all. He was anything but gentle.

Who was he? And why did everyone fear him like he was a god?

He barely acknowledged the woman, his expression as cold as ever. And that's when it hit me.

It wasn't just me. He didn't care about anyone.

A chill ran down my spine. Was this why the boss had handed me over so easily? Was this why no one dared to oppose him?

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I swallowed them down. Crying wouldn't save me.

But this man wasn't done yet. He turned to his guards, and his next words left me completely breathless.

"Get her into the guestroom and have the maids prepare her for tonight."

My breath seized.

Tonight? What does that even mean?

An unsettling fear gnawed at me but before I could process his words, his guards were already on me, grabbing me tight as they led me into a strange room.

Some women were already there, waiting. The moment the guards threw me in, they approached me, their faces warm with smiles.

"We have been ordered to get you prepared, milady."

The words landed like a slap. My pulse quickened.

So it's really not a joke.

I pulled away from their grip, resisting every attempt they made to force me into the bathroom.

"I can do it myself." I said, my voice shaky now. The women exchanged glances with themselves, smiling in a quite suspicious manner.

They shook their heads, their faces defiant. "I'm sorry, but we were strictly ordered not to let you do anything. We need to take care of you so you don't feel fatigued from what you'll be doing tonight."

"And what's that?" I inquired, becoming increasingly fascinated.

They become silent again. I nod and let them do their thing.

They assisted me in showering, and when we returned to the bedroom, they brushed my hair and prepared a nightgown for me to wear. It's a thin, see-through white lace nightgown.

When I put it on, it fitted wonderfully around my curvaceous shape, leaving little to the imagination.

I really want to ask them why I am dressed like this and why I have so many rose petals in my bath. What are they preparing me for?

But before I could get an opportunity to ask them anything, they were already gone.

Just suddenly, the door burst open once again, bringing with it an overwhelming atmosphere.

CHAPTER 5

📍 Shannon 📍

"Who are-?" My voice trembled as a wave of cold air rushed in through the open door. The hallway beyond is dark, the dim light from my room unable to reach the shadowed figure standing there. The longer the person stood there, the heavier the dread in my chest grew. "-You?" I finally whisper.

But all I got was silence.

The figure neither spoke nor moved. My pulse quickened, the fear creeping in deeper. I don't usually get scared. But after what happened today, my nerves were shattered, scattered like shards of glass.

"What do you want?!" I demanded, stepping forward despite the panic clawing at my chest. And that's when it hit me-

A scent. Strong and overwhelming.

Candy and roses, laced with something deeper, something rich and sweet, like raspberries. It floods my senses, intoxicating and almost... familiar.

Then, finally, the answer came.

"You."

A single word. Rough. Low. A baritone voice that sends a shiver down my spine.

The figure moved at last, stepping into the light.

I took a sharp step back, my body reacting before my mind catches up. And then, I saw him.

The same man. The same nonchalant man who had bought me off moments ago.

I guess I hadn't paid enough attention to him earlier. I never realized he was this tall until now. He strode forward-straight towards me, his incredibly tall frame towering over me.

I've always been proud of my 5 '7 frame-taller than most girls I knew-but next to him, I felt so, so small. What is he? Six-three? Six-four?

His silver hair, wet and sleek, draped over his face like he had just stepped out of the shower. Or maybe he just always looked effortlessly, sinfully attractive.

God. What am I even thinking?

But I can't help it. The more I take in his sight, the more captivated I become.

His chest is bare, muscles flexing as he moves. His arms, strong and muscular, swing with every little shift.

The sheer size of him, the dominance radiating off of him-it's suffocating. My breath caught in my throat as my gaze dropped lower, and-

Oh.

His shorts. Loose. But not loose enough.

The thick erection beneath them is impossible to ignore. And he's also making no effort to hide it.

Heat flooded my cheeks as I pulled my eyes away, suddenly conscious of my own body-of the way my nightgown clings to me, how exposed I felt next to him.

"At some point, you're gonna have to look me in the eyes." His voice was smoother now, deeper and teasing.

Shame washed through me and I forced myself to meet his gaze.

His hazel eyes were dark and unreadable. The intensity of his gaze sent another wave of heat through me, dragging low in my stomach.

Who really is this man? And why is he making me feel this way so fast even when I tried so hard to resist him?

I've met men before. I've been flirted with, seduced even. But I've never encountered anyone like this man.

"If you keep staring at me like that, I guess we're gonna be here all night," he drawled. "And I sure as hell didn't plan on that."

I swallowed hard. "I-I wasn't- I mean, I didn't mean to stare."

"Oh, you can stare all you want. That's not a problem." His smirk deepened, making my heart race. "But I like to look too."

My brows furrowed. "I don't-"

"You'll understand soon enough." He stepped closer, his presence swallowing the air between us. "Listen carefully. I won't repeat myself, Shannon."

My name on his lips-

It sounded like a curse. Like something dirty.

I stiffened. There's no warmth in the way he says it. Only cold disdain. Like I'm nothing more than a pawn in whatever game he's playing.

"As we both know, your master has given me authority over you," he said, gently holding my chin as he moved closer, a sly smile on his lips. "So now, you are my breeder."

My breath hitched, my body going rigid.

What?! No!

I thought this was all a joke all along. Did he really mean it when he said I was going to be his breeder?

I dropped to my knees, suddenly realizing that I was at his mercy now. "No please, don't do this. I can do anything else for you–I can serve you, clean, cook, wash. Whatever." I said, my voice laced with desperation. "B...But I can't be your breeder, please." My voice was shaky now, and I hated how vulnerable it made me look before him.

He stepped in, closing the last of the space between us. My knees hit the bed, and I falled back slightly, hands gripping the sheets.

He towered over me, his body so close, too close. My heart slammed against my ribs as his eyes dragged over me, slow and calculating.

Then he leaned down, and his next words made my stomach drop.

"I'm not here to negotiate with you." He hissed. "You are my breeder, and the earlier you realize that, the better for you."

I froze.

But he wasn't done yet.

"I'll fuck you, put my pups in you, and you'll give birth to them." He said it so casually, like he's discussing the weather. "As many times as I want. Do you understand?"

A strangled breath escaped from my lips. My whole body trembled.

This can't be real.

I slipped backward slowly, struggling to crawl my way to the bed when I felt his firm grip on my legs.

He jerked me back towards himself, his hands grabbing my waistline in a violent manner.

Then he stopped, his gaze suddenly calm. He stood up and turned toward the door, facing away from me.

"I've decided not to be violent. Since you belong to me, there shouldn't be a need to force you, right?" he asked, his voice cold but gentle.

He turned slowly, his eyes scanning me with a nauseating dominance.

"Strip."

CHAPTER 6

📍Evan📍

Since my history of ruling as a king, I have never seen anyone disrespect me the way this lady just did. Worse still, there was something about her that drew my attention, and I didn't even see myself hitting her. I couldn't.

I gripped her jaw and made sure she saw the anger brewing in my eyes. "You're trying to prove stubborn huh?" I hissed, trailing my hands down to her neck and pinning her harshly to the wall that I could see her veins pop out. "You will eventually plead for my mercy, and when that happens, I will make sure I make you pay for every single way you disrespected me."

I loosened my hold on her neck, running a finger through her already messy hair. Then I leaned forward and gripped a handful, sniffing her hair in my nose.

"You smell like shit." I cussed and flung my hand away, like her hair would contaminate me if I didn't act fast. Despite my growing urge to make her suffer dearly, there was something about her that made her irresistible. I have never felt this way towards any woman before, let alone a lowly omega.

She was not like the other breeders in the packhouse. She looked... different, even though I found it so difficult to admit it.

"I'll be back." I said, rising to my feet and heading for the door without sparing her a second glance. I turned to the guard who was watching over the door, my blood boiling with rage. "Bind her in chains and lock her up in the dungeon. She will remain there until she makes up her mind to bend to my will."

The guard nodded and dashed right into the room without hesitating. I walked out of the corridor, returning to the balcony upstairs where I would be able to watch her being humiliated to my satisfaction.

In no time, the guard was out, pinning her hands together behind her back and pushing her viciously towards the dungeon.

"Wait." My voice rang out, and the guard stopped at once, snapping his head in my direction. "Bring her up here, I would like to have a word with her."

"Sure, my king."

In no time, Shannon was upstairs, kneeling right before me. I dismissed the guard and walked straight up to her, crouching beside her.

I gripped her jaw tight, tilting her head up towards me. "I would like to give you a second chance."

I studied her reaction for a moment, and to my surprise, she wasn't moved by my words. She was still as defiant as ever and her eyes squeezed in determination.

"No matter what you do to me, I'm never going to bend to your will. I will not be your breeder... not now, not ever!" She exploded, gritting her teeth.

The moment she was done speaking, I felt something rush into me, and before I could control my anger, I threw a heavy punch to her face.

This time, I couldn't stand the sight of her anymore. If she keeps proving stubborn, then I might as well put her in her place, once for all. "Guard!" I yelled, and in no time, the guard found his way upstairs, panting heavily. "Take her. Tie her around the large tree in the center of the palace and whip her until I tell you to stop."

The guard looked terrified as he looked down at Shannon's motionless body on the floor.

"King Evan, I think she-"

"Do you have a death wish?" I cut in sharply before he could finish. I dug my fingers into his hair, pulling at it aggressively and watching him groan in pain. Then I left him, my anger rising. "Now will you take her and do like I said?"

"Ye... yes, my king." He stuttered, trembling.

Of course, he dared not refuse this time. He bent down and scooped Shannon up in his arms, his shoes clicking on the floor as he climbed down the stairs.

I went after him to make sure everything was done to my satisfaction.

I watched him as he loosened the chains around her, binding her to the large tree in the packhouse. When he was done, I nodded in satisfaction and walked up to Shannon, bringing my face close to hers. "Enjoy the show, little omega."

I turned to the guard who had tied her. "Get some other guards. I need you to whip her, making sure to inflict so many injuries on her. You are not to stop until I say so. Am I understood?"

"Yes, my king." He said and zoomed off at once to fetch the other guards.

My grin spread from ear to ear, my whole being eager to see Shannon tortured.

The guard returned almost immediately. Behind him were two other guards, all holding onto their whips.

"Go ahead."

With my command, the guards swung into action, lashing the whip viciously into Shannon's skin. She screamed and whimpered, her face turning pale.

I smiled, obviously enjoying the sight. But just then, she snapped out, her eyes suddenly shut.

"Stop!" I yelled and ran out to examine her. I lifted her jaw, waving my hands before her face, but she didn't respond. I pricked her skin slightly, but there was still no response. "Loosen her! Quickly!"

The guards spun on their heels, hurrying off to Shannon's side. They loosened her and held her on both arms, their legs shaking.

"Let her be!" I screeched and wove my way to her side. I scooped her in my arms, lying her effortlessly on my shoulder. "Fast! Get the pack healer here at once!"

I paid no attention to the surprised gasps from the other palace workers. Though I wanted to teach Shannon a lesson so desperately, I just couldn't watch her slip off my hands this way. There was something about her that made her special-different from every other werewolves.

Just as I was approaching the manor, where Shannon was to receive treatment, someone suddenly blocked the way. I raised my head furiously, my eyes burning with rage when I realized that it was Cassie, one of my many breeders.

From the way she looked at me, I could tell she's here for trouble.

I tried to control my temper, for the fact that I needed to attend to Shannon quickly.

"Leave the way." I said, my voice calm despite the anger brewing in my veins.