Ricka, the older sister of Roxanne and the primary leader of this camp, governs with an iron fist alongside her sister.

She's bad news, Being called by her means you're about to be punished or even worse, I rose and slowly approached the guard.

He led me to her, where she and her sister were comfortably lounging on a sofa in the room.

Appearing in front of them I knelt down, my head bowed low.

"She's the one?" Ricka questions her sister.

"Yes, she would be perfect for this," Roxanne confirmed.

Ricka regarded me with the indifference one reserves for a mere rag, which I indeed resembled. Yet, there was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. I wondered what they needed me for.

"Reena?" She asked, looking directly at me.

"Yes ma'am?"

She flashed a wicked grin and said, "We've got a little job for you." The sinister glint in her eyes sent chills down my spine.

The sound in the hall was overwhelming; the meeting had started an hour earlier, and the hall was filled to capacity.

The gathering comprised the alphas and the lycan king, whose identity remains unknown to me.

I took one of the trays of food and stepped inside, the atmosphere crackled with a palpable energy, making my heart race.

My gaze instinctively darted toward the alphas seated at the table, dominant figures whose mere presence commanded respect.

Each one exuded confidence and strength, their conversations punctuated by laughter that held an edge of authority.

I felt small and vulnerable, my hands gripping the tray tighter as I approached. The clatter of silverware and the rich aroma of the food swirled around me, but my mind raced with uncertainty.

With trembling hands, I set the tray down on the table, careful not to spill anything.

"Enjoy your meal," I managed to mutter, my voice barely above a whisper.

I served other meals and also kept my ears open, especially for the one seated at the head table.

The Lycan king! The most powerful werewolf with an imposing figure, known for his strength and ferocity.

"Rykers pack has become a nuisance to the truce," one of the alphas seated at the middle table said.

"Tell me about it, I propose we level that pack down," another said vehemently.

The individual seated at the high table listened intently to their conversation, fully cloaked. I couldn't help but wonder if he concealed a scar beneath his covering.

They carried on with their discussion, which took a long time. One of them finally said, "Here's the detailed plan to execute an attack," while displaying a sheet of paper.

I stretched my neck to see what's on it, getting closer... closer.

"Hey you, what are you doing?" I froze, my mind and heart racing.

Turning around, I answered nervously, "Uhm, nothing. Just serving food,"

"You've been lurking there for quite a while, craning your neck over that paper," one of them remarked suspiciously.

"No, I..."

"You are a spy!" they interrupted her, closing in around her now.

"No," I shook my head in denial, attempting to break free from their circle.

Immediately, they seized my hands behind me. Panic surged through me as I felt the cold grip of their hands tighten around my wrists.

One of them looked at me, his eyes glowing red as he spotted the recording device I had on me; perhaps that's his special ability.

As he pulled the little device out, he asserted, "Definitely a spy, did Ryker send you?"

"No, I don't even know who that is," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tremor I felt rising within.

"He scoffed, we just saw the device on you and you're still lying, bitch!" he slapped me so hard that my ears rang.

I felt my heartbeat drop as he lifted me; their strength is undeniable. Alphas. He examined me thoroughly.

"She's a pretty little thing though, let's have her tonight," he said, desire evident in his eyes, "then we can dispose of her afterwards."

"Please, no..." they covered my mouth.

"I'll go first." One of them said and they started groping me.

"No, me," another said. It was a freaking nightmare, I felt hands all over me. Just when I thought I'm done for, a voice boomed in the hall.

"Enough!" The command resonated from the person presiding at the head table, his voice so ethereal, it felt as though it was summoning my very essence.

Everywhere became as silent as a graveyard, all heads turned towards him. "What's the ruckus all about?" he asked in his rich baritone voice.

Which sent shivers down my body. In fear? yes, but also in something else, something elusive, I just can't put my finger on it.

"Lycan king, we caught a spy," they informed him.

"A spy?" He questioned, then our eyes met, and I felt myself completely melt inside. What is it about him that has such a profound impact on me?

After assessing me briefly, he dismissed my presence and summoned Ricka.

She came out immediately, "yes Lycan king," she answered.

"You actually hired a spy to keep tabs on us?" he asked in a low growl.

"A spy? Of course not, I wouldn't do such a thing," her denial was so convincing, she's truly a remarkable actress.

"Are you saying I'm lying?"

"No, your Majesty, but I..." She glanced around the room and, upon spotting me, let out a hiss.

"Is she the one? how dare you enter this hall without my permission?" she exclaimed as she approached me.

Getting to me, she began to hit me. I remained silent, thinking it could be her way of rescuing me; after all, I'm doing their bidding.

They had told me to spy on the meeting, giving me an elixir to mask my human scent, as a wolf's scent can easily be detected. But what she uttered next completely caught me off guard.

"You worthless slave!" Turning to the king, she said, "Don't worry, your Majesty; I will bring her insignificant existence to an end."

What? I blinked in disbelief.

Unsheathing her claws, she lifted her hand, poised to slit my throat. But another hand intervened, stopping her mid-motion.

"I never issued the order for her execution," He snapped at her, forcefully pushing her aside, his voice laced with annoyance.

She dropped to her knees at once, bowing and saying frantically, "No, my lord, please show mercy."

Seeing this, Roxanne also came out, pleading to the king

I crouched low, aware that their focus was directed towards Ricka and Roxanne. A surge of adrenaline raced through my veins, fueled by fear as I deliberated on my next action.

I attempted to weave my way through the throng, but I got snagged.

"Lycan, she's trying to escape." He turned, squinted his eyes, and announced.

"I have made my decision: I'll take her along with me," he said to them, much to the astonishment of all present.

"What for?" Roxanne asked, taken aback. Yeah, what for? I panicked, but I dared not utter a word.

"Dare to question me?" He asked in a low growl.

"No Lycan, we will get her prepared for you to take," she stated, like I'm some kind of object.

"No need for that, Cauldron!" He called his right hand man, probably his beta. And asked him to take me away

"Yes lycan," he replied and came for me.

"No, please don't hand me over to him," I pleaded with Roxanne.

But she leaned in close and whispered in my ear, "Remember the freedom we promised you? Well, we never specified what kind, did we? Have a nice life, Reena." With a sneer, she commanded, "Take her away!"

"No!" I screamed, dreading my very existence. From one prison to another, what kind of future awaits me? What kind of existence is this? I was overwhelmed with anguish.

Cauldron dragged me out, kicking, screaming, and crying my eyes out.

He led me to their vehicle, a very stylish and quite expensive one. Once inside, I found myself handcuffed to the back seat.

I attempted to reason with him, but it was futile, as he immediately taped my mouth shut and left.

After countless attempts to free myself, which I failed, I finally succumbed to despair and surrendered everything to fate.

A few hours passed before the alphas began to depart, causing my heart to race, wondering what could be the king's intention for taking me with him.

The lycan king emerged in the company of his beta and his guards.

But he did not get into the vehicle I occupied; instead, he hopped into a different one, and we all sped away.

I let out a sigh. Have you ever stopped to think about those moments when you just can't tell if you're going to make it through the next minute? That's precisely what I was experiencing.

However, without warning, the vehicle's tire ruptured, causing the car to skid uncontrollably.

As the driver desperately fought to regain control. Time seemed to slow as the vehicle flipped end over end, the world outside becoming a blur of asphalt and sky.

"Oh heavens!" I cried out, thank goodness for the cuffs which I clung on to.

The sound of metal groaning and glass shattering filled the air, a cacophony of chaos as the car landed on its roof with a deafening thud.

For a moment, everything was still.

Then the driver and the other wolves managed to unbuckle their seatbelt.

They pushed against the crumpled roof of the car, searching for a way to escape. With effort, they managed to crawl out through a shattered window

They began to walk away, leaving me behind. I made some muffled sound through the tape, but they either didn't hear it or chose to ignore it.

Aching all over, I peered through the broken window and noticed that the alpha's car had flipped over as well.

What could have caused this, I wondered. He emerged from the car, and stood still, as if trying to listen to something.

"Who's there?" he yelled authoritatively. "Show yourself and stop being such a coward!"

A chilling laugh echoed in my ears, making me shudder.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't our esteemed Lycan King!" the voice mocked from the shadows of the bushes.

As I glanced around, I finally spotted the source of that sarcastic voice hiding among the foliage. He stood up and stepped out.

"Anson," the beta spat out in a barely contained rage, his tone low and menacing.

"Miss me?" Anson asked with an exuberant grin.

"Yeah, right-like I'd ever miss a pesky mosquito," Cauldron retorted, stepping in front of the lycan to protect him against an attack.

Anson cackled wildly; he is definitely a lunatic-there's no way he is normal, I thought.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, dear lycan king. This is the end of the road for you," he declared, any sign of amusement vanished completely from his face.

A sense of unease washed over me as I peered into the thicket, where countless golden eyes glimmered back at me-werewolves lurking in the shadows.

"Attack!" Anson commanded.

And they did; they all swarmed toward the lycan king, but the beta and the guards intercepted them.

They transformed into their wolf forms and initiated an attack as well.

A brutal conflict ensued, but they emerged victorious over their foes. But Anson narrowly escaped. Then they all returned to their human form.

At the very last moment, a wolf attempted to strike the king from behind. With a swift, fluid motion, he caught the wolf mid-attack, his powerful grip around its throat.

The feral animal struggled, teeth bared in a last desperate attempt to escape. But the king was relentless, channeling his primal rage.

In a brutal display of strength, he tore the wolf to pieces, the sound of ripping flesh echoing through the stillness of the night.

Blood spilled everywhere. As I witnessed this, I felt myself freeze, a wave of fear washing over me once more.

This led to his face covering slipping away, unveiling a strikingly handsome face that took my breath away.

But then he turned his glowing red eyes on me and approached.

No, no, no, I screamed desperately in my head and tried to get away, but it was pointless.

He approached the car, yanked the door open, and snapped my cuffs off. Just how powerful is this guy?

He pulled me out, snarling, "Behave!" before ripping the tape off my mouth.

I complied without hesitation; that show of strength was far from child's play. And all those coverings on him, enhanced his menacing appearance.

"What is the status of the cars?" he was asking his beta.

"It's utterly damaged." Cauldron replied.

"Get in touch with the team and request that a car be sent over."

"No, your majesty, doing that will give away our location and also alert the enemy," his beta cautioned.

"So, we're moving on foot?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"That would be our wisest course of action."

And so, we set off on this wretched journey. I was so exhausted but kept on, so that they won't find out I'm human.

The elixir that Roxanne gave me to cover my human scent while spying on the alphas was still active, so let me not blow it.

After a few hours of walking, they chose to take a break for the night by the river, where they all washed the bloodstains off.

After returning from bathing, they retired for the night without lighting a fire, but they were protected from the cold since werewolves have the ability to generate heat from their bodies.

I waited till they fell asleep, though they are very alert but also good sleepers.

Carefully, I slipped out, and as soon as I was far enough away, I took off running.

Tonight was my chance. Tonight, I will reclaim my freedom.

As I ran towards the line of trees, shadows enveloped me like a cloak, granting me a fleeting sense of security.

Every step I took was a silent plea to the universe: let this be the moment I escaped.

But as I rounded a thick trunk, the sound of a low growl froze me in place.

I looked around; everything was still. As I continued to walk and scan my surroundings, I unexpectedly bumped my leg against a stone, causing me to trip and fall.

"Ouch!" I hissed in pain but attempted to rise and carry on, but the ground literally gave way beneath me. What the heck?

I searched my surroundings, but there was no one in sight. I attempted once more and ended up falling again.

"Okay, who's there?" I called out.

And an image appeared, I gasped in horror.

"Going somewhere?" the lycan king asked, emerging from the trees. His voice was smooth but laced with an underlying tension.

His gaze locked onto me, and a mix of fear and exhilaration sparked within me. His face was now covered but his glowing eyes were visible.

"How... how did you find me?" I stammered, attempting to compose myself.

He narrowed his gaze at me and stated, "I'm the lycan king."

That's it! As if that explains everything. Wait, well it kind of does; a lycan king is the most powerful werewolf.

Looking around he asked, "What are you doing out here?"

"Uh nothing, just needed to relieve myself," I said, endeavoring to maintain an appearance of indifference to his presence.

"Really, so far away from the camp?" he asked, his tone filled with doubt.

I chuckled awkwardly and said, "I felt shy with all the guys around."

"Really, a slave like you shouldn't care about that; you should be used to being unclothed in front of people."

I gasped, what audacity. What does he take me for? A stripper?

"I hate to break it to you, but I like my own privacy."

He studied me for a moment, "You are brave, I'll give you that," he said, his voice deep and rumbling.

He approached me, and yanked my hair back. I yelped due to the pain.

Indifferent to my distress, he leaned in towards my ear and spoke in a chilling whisper, "Know this carefully: no one, and I mean no one, gets away from me. So any thought of escaping should be erased completely from your mind."

I struggled to break free, yet he dragged me back. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," I answered, then he thrust me aside.

Regaining my composure, I turned to face him. Despite being covered, he still emanates a strong masculine allure which was messing with my equilibrium.

"Now, go and relieve yourself," he said to me.

I went to a secluded spot and thank goodness I was able to discharge something.

As I glanced over my shoulder, I noticed him facing away from me. I tried to sneak away, knowing I might not get this chance again.

As I tiptoed, I heard him clear his throat, turning around, I found him staring at me.

I flashed a smile and bolted forward; it's better to make a break from it.

But suddenly, he materialized out of nowhere right in front of me, causing me to stumble back.

As he lunged to grab me, I kicked and clawed at him, yet he managed to overpower me.

"What a wildcat!" he remarked, tossing me over his shoulder and striding back to the camp.

Once the camp came into view, a fresh wave of panic hit me, and I struggled to break free again.

Then, to my astonishment,he suddenly delivered a swift smack to my backside, which left me stunned-nobody had ever done that.

It was a sensation that intertwined pleasure with agony, igniting a fire within me.

"You tyrant," I yelled, scared of what his action was igniting.

"You'll receive another one if you don't behave," he threatened. Taking caution, I behaved; that hand on my back was affecting my body.

"You should be grateful you're not dead, I'm not a very patient man."

"What do you want with me?" I asked dejectedly.

"Patience, you will know in due time."

Once we got to the campsite, the rest of the group awoke.

"Your Majesty, what happened?" they were asking.

"Got our little run away," he replied as he dropped me and bound my hands and feet; "this ought to keep you in place."

"Tyrant! You can't hold me captive like this. I will... " and he pulled the rope tighter, causing me to cry out.

"That's more like it," he remarked with a smile and went away. I'll get him back for this when I have the chance.

When I woke up the next morning, my whole body ached; being restrained for so long is quite an uncomfortable experience.

"Get up," one of the guards barked at me.

I attempted to, but was unsuccessful, so they freed my legs and hands. After the morning routine we carried on with our journey.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before we arrived at a human settlement.

Upon our arrival, an individual greeted us on our way.

"My king," he bowed.

"Jerome," the king acknowledged, "is everything ready?" he asked.

"A room has been reserved, and the cars will arrive later in the day."

"Alright, lead the way."

We reached an opulent hotel that likely costs a fortune. We were shown to an impressive suite, but when I attempted to step inside, I was stopped.

"What do you think you're doing?" Cauldron the Beta asked.

"Entering inside," I replied.

"Your room is downstairs. You are banned from entering this room and should be punished for daring to do so."

"Let's not make a scene; we are in human territory, remember?" the king cautioned.

So I was led downstairs to a room that was lacking and cramped.

The guard shoved me inside and warned, "You move out ..." then he made a sign with his thumb crossing his neck, then left.

I recoiled from that gesture. Once I had my shower and got dressed, I began to devise my escape plan.

I gently opened the door and peered outside. I saw two wolves guarding me. Oh, this is not going to be easy, I thought to myself.

I closed it, paced back and forth, racking my brain for an escape plan starting with those two outside.

It wasn't long before I heard a knock at the door. When I opened it, they brought in some food that smelled quite appetizing.

The sight of the food made my stomach grumble; the moment they were gone, I eagerly consumed it.

I felt as though I hadn't had a meal in forever; after eating, I was completely satisfied and lay down to relax.

I heard footsteps descending the stairs and decided to look through the keyhole.

I spotted the lycan and his beta making their way out, but suddenly he glanced in my direction. Our eyes locked in an intense gaze that made my heart skip a beat.

Behave! I literally heard that in my mind, was that a mind link. How possible is that.

Suddenly, I felt dizzy and sleepy. Oh no, they must have drugged my food, and I dozed off.

The sound of knocking and the thumping in my room roused me.

Thinking it was robbers, I let out a scream, but someone quickly clamped their hand over my mouth.

"Zip it, wench," Cauldron warned.

Oh, it's the wolves. Looking around, I could make out their faces now and calmed down.

"She's quiet, Your Majesty," he said before releasing me.

The king gave a nod and told everyone, "You can leave now.'

They obeyed and went out, leaving me alone with him.

He walked to a table and propped himself up on it. The heat radiating from him was intoxicating, and despite my protests, my body betrayed me.

I could feel the tension crackling in the air, the undeniable chemistry that pulled me to him.

"Reena, right?" he began.

Ignoring that, I narrowed my eyes on him and said, "You had your men drug my food."

"For you to sleep soundly," he said matter-of-factly.

"What? Why would you do that?" He didn't even refute it, what a despicable person he is!

"Knowing you, I'm pretty sure you're not going to get any sleep, plotting your escape, of course, and I need you to look good this morning," he replied.

"Look good? What for?"

"I have a proposition for you."

My curiosity was piqued, prompting me to ask, "What proposition?"

"I need you to pretend to be my wife."

My jaw dropped in disbelief.