"What's the problem? Your food would get cold If you keep pacing around. You just need to eat something. Remember you starved yourself to bed last night. Is that your new routine?" Kenneth questioned his Alpha with keen interest. 

  "I don't consider food important anymore. Why should I eat when my heart is troubled, huh? No, you tell me. I'm sure you saw what happened a while ago. Perhaps I should remind you. I've been condemned to death. Don't you get it? My future lies in the hands of a teenage girl. Where do I find her?” Xavier yelled at Kenneth, his BETA. 

The night was fast approaching and Xavier refused to eat anything. 

Ever since the moon guardian revealed the solution, Xavier suddenly lost his appetite. He didn't quite believe food was essential when his life was in ruin. 

  "I know how you feel right now. But one thing I'm certain about is, that finding a teenage girl isn't difficult. With your position as the Alpha of this pack, no one would resist the opportunity of joining the Royal family,” Kenneth raised his hopes high again. 

  "Hmm! You seem so confident about this issue. How do I intend to work out, I've got no clue about this shit? I have an idea. I want you to step out tomorrow and go find me a teenage girl to bear me a son. I'm sure you don't want to lose your Alpha to sudden death, do you?”

   "Of course, not. You still have many years ahead of you. Death ain't for nothing on you. You'll reign forever,"   he assured. 

"Exactly what I wanted to hear. I don't wanna die anytime soon. I don't even have a child yet. No family or anything. I'm just alone! Now, if you want me to achieve that, you'd go out there and find me a teenage girl.” Diego ordered Kenneth and dismissed him. 

 "Yes, my Alpha. May your wish be granted as I embark on the quest of finding you the chosen one to liberate you and break the death curse.” Ken bowed to show his respect and vacated Xavier's chambers. 

         *************

  A new day has finally emerged. The day Xavier has been yearning for. For every minute that goes by, his soul burns in pain and seeks a solution to his problem. He's quite aware of how difficult it is to find a teenage girl who would accept his demand, but somehow he still believes the moon goddess won't watch and do nothing while he suffers condemnation. 

     *********

 The rays of the morning light flickered into Ken's room and interrupted his sleep. “It's morning already. I need to prepare for the task ahead. "He tossed off the bed and prepared himself for the difficult tasks that awaited him. The longevity of the Alpha now rests on his shoulder. If he fails to return home without positive feedback, he might as well start preparing for the Alpha's funeral. After getting dressed, he stepped outside to knock on Xavier's door. 

       “I know it's you already. Stop playing games. Tell me what you seek. Wait a minute. But I thought I sent you a task. What are you doing here?  Proceed with it immediately. I don't have the luxury of time and patience. You need to come back home with her,” Xavier rudely said, without granting Ken's permission to speak. What Jayson has to say doesn't matter to the Alpha. He just wants positive feedback. 

    "I know right? I just came to tell you before I depart. I'm ready for the adventure ahead. Hopefully, I'll be back with positive feedback.” Ken disclosed. 

"Go in peace! Blessings and favor shall you find in the sight of Selene, the moon goddess,” 

   One major worry is the prospect of getting a teenage girl who would accept to become the Alpha's bride. In the same pack, teenage girls are subjected to promiscuity. Ken was aware of this weird fact, yet he agreed to risk it all for this dreadful mission. He wasn't going to sit back and watch his Alpha suffer for what he knows nothing about. 

It was 8:30 a.m., yet everywhere was deserted with no traders, hunters, or passersby found on the street. The New Dawn pack isn't known for absolute decorum or stillness on a morning like this. It appears as though every parent deliberately locked their daughters to make Ken's task more difficult than it already seems. Far and wide, Ken journeyed, yet he couldn't find any teenage girl to reach a compromise with. He motioned to different houses and presented the Alpha's mouthwatering proposal. Yet, he was unable to find a family to negotiate with. No family was willing to give out their daughter to the cruelest of Alpha. Not everyone was aware of the curse, yet they refused the life-changing opportunity of becoming the Alpha's bride.  

     “I didn't sign up for this. It has been difficult for me. I never for once imagined it would turn out this way. What will I do now? I gave the Alpha my word. I can't return to the pack with negativity. No, it's never gonna happen. Something needs to be done. I must salvage the situation." Ken soliloquizes beneath in the woods. He has lost all hope of finding a teenage girl. The night is spreading so fast like wildfire as darkness encloses the atmosphere.

Just when he thought of giving up already, he heard some strange footsteps around him. Without hesitation, he stood from the ground, sniffed the atmosphere pointing his sword at an invisible creature. “Who are you? Why are you hiding like a coward? Reveal yourself and wrestle with me to a fight if you're so courageous. And I'd slit your throat with my sword while I watch you slowly bleed to death. 

 “What an Oscar-worthy performance. You should consider a career in acting.  Please save it, BETA, Ken. You might need the energy later but certainly not now. I'm not here to fight you. I just wanna talk. You might just need my help. So take it slow.” A feminine voice spoke and strolled behind him.

 “Talk? What can you possibly offer? There's absolutely nothing to talk about. I don't even know you. Who are you, and how did you find me? Speak now before I feed your remains to the vultures.” Ken threatened with full rage and bloodstained eyes. 

 "I understand your rage. If I were asked to find Alpha , a teenage girl, I'd be more furious than you. If you keep acting this way, you might go back to the Alpha without positive news. You shouldn't be a stranger to the Alpha's rage. A friendly piece of advice for you. Stay calm” the stranger added and kept Ken in suspense. 

 "This is unbelievable. How did you...” Ken took a deep breath and widened his mouth in astonishment. 

   "I know that look on your face. Are you surprised how I found out? I'll tell you. Oh, yes, you disclosed it. Let's just say I had my ears on the ground when you stopped in the neighborhood today, asking parents if they could allow their daughters to marry the Alpha and bear him a son," And I bet the Alpha will be inclined to risk a fortune to find this beautiful teenage girl, right? Hahaha!” The woman laughed mischievously and poked fun at Ken. 

  “You won't dare do that. Have you suddenly lost respect for the Alpha? Alpha Xavier is not gonna pay a dime to have her. She should be giving it out for free. I mean, It's every girl's dream to become the Alpha's bride, and you know that,”

"Nice of you to believe I'd give her out for free. Nice try. Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not ready to trade for free. I'm here to get the cash. I can see you're not ready to do business with me. Good luck finding another teenage girl. I'm sure the Alpha will be waiting for you right now." She turned to walk away, but Ken called her back. 

 "Bravo! I thought you wouldn't call me back. I knew I could do business with you. $10k and my teenage stepdaughter would be the Alpha to keep. Just say yes and by cock crow tomorrow, I would personally take her to the Alpha. She trusts me so much. She won't suspect a thing. By the way, my name's Paloma. It was nice doing business with you,”

"Don't fucking play games with me. Else you'll regret it.  If you keep the Alpha waiting by tomorrow morning, I'll find you, and I'll kill you. It's a promise. Alpha Xavier shouldn't be messed around with.” Ken threatened and accepted the crazy offer.

"Hey, Pamela. What are doing there? Get your ugly-looking self down here immediately. We need to go see the Alpha at this moment. One of his staff showed up yesterday and invited us over for a special assignment. We need the money to survive,” Paloma roared at her stepdaughter who had just completed most of the house chores, despite retiring to sleep the previous night in starvation.

She despised Pamela and treated her like a piece of trash. Nothing about her ever mattered to Paloma anymore. 

Living with Paloma was hell for Pamela. Life was completely meaningless for her. Every day, she wishes to just take her life and end the everlasting torment. 

  "I was home the whole day yesterday and no one showed up. What time was that? I could have missed that part," Pamela protested and questioned the ingenuity of her stepmother's claims. She was home all day yesterday and could swear no one showed up.

Somehow, Pamela feels Paloma might be telling a lie and up to mischief. 

 "You're in no position to argue with me. Would I tell you a lie? I know what I'm talking about. Go get dressed. You can't be seen like this near the Alpha looking wretched and unkempt." She clapped back to instill fear inside her. 

"I don't intend to argue with you. Even if you're right on this one, can you wait until I'm done with the house chores? I'm not done yet, mother. Remember, you instructed me to finish up before 9:30 a.m. The Alpha's quarters are a long distance. I might collapse before we arrive there. Can I please get something to eat? I'm starving.”

Paloma pleaded as she frowned her face. Her once fat neck had suddenly become thin as her skin was gradually fading away like the evening sun. She's just a teenager, yet looks older than her age. 

 "Damn you, Paloma.  Stop arguing with me. One more word from you and I'll feed your remains to the vultures. Stop calling me your mother. We are not related in any way. Don't you dare question my authority next time? When I talk, you listen. You'll go inside, have your bath, get dressed and come with me. Is that understood? I don't wanna repeat myself," Paloma threatened and forcefully grabbed Pamela by the arm, almost hurting her. She doesn't give a damn if she perishes in starvation. She was only concerned about the $10k she intended to receive from Ken after selling Pamela off. 

  "Yes, ma," Pamela obeyed and dashed back inside to freshen up. In a few minutes, she was outside looking slightly better than the last time. Even though she looked skinny, malnourished, and pale. 

  "This is what I'm talking about. You look more human now. Get in the front where I can see you. I don't trust you a bit. You might run off in a blink of an eye," she spanked Pamela's head and pushed her to the front.

  "I haven't been to the Alpha's quarter before. How do I possibly lead the way? We might get lost. I suggest you stay in front while I follow," Going against his command, Pamela folded her hand.

Paloma was speechless. The sun was gradually setting in. Aware of the vow he made to Ken the previous day, Paloma didn't argue or drag words with her. She simply pointed to the front and spoke in a soft tone. "Lead the way." Immediately, she obeyed as though she were controlled like a robot. 

     Halfway through the Alpha's quarters, Pamela got exhausted and pleaded for them to return home. She immediately fell to the ground and cried out. “I'm thirsty. Please get me water. I might die of starvation. Please, help me. “

  "Stop being lazy like a tortoise and walk like a human. You are dragging us back. The Alpha's quarter is just a stone's throw. Get up and walk. We've come a long way to quit now. Come on, you can do it. We can't afford to lose this opportunity. Poverty is scrubbing our faces in the mud. Remember the Alpha doesn't like being kept waiting," Paloma commanded with a shout.

  "No, I can't. I don't care how the Alpha feels right now. I need to rest a bit. I'm so exhausted right now. I can't do this anymore. Do you wish me dead?” Pamela refused and remained on the ground. 

 "Okay, fine. You win. I'm not even arguing with you this minute.

You've got less than five minutes to rest. I believe that should be enough to regain your lost strength.” For the very first time, Palom agreed to do it her way. She has never for once, disobeyed her orders. After a few minutes of relaxation, Paloma stretches her hand. “It's time. Be on your feet,”

 "Wait a minute. Why are you so interested in meeting the Alpha? You look so excited and desperate. Is there something you are not telling me? What are you up to?" She raised the doubt.

 " I explained to you before. The Alpha invited us to work for him. We both know how important this money is to us. Enough of the questions already. Would you get up and continue this journey with me? The sun is gradually setting out," yet again, she brainwashed Pamela. 

She frowned her face and stood up from the ground as they proceeded with the journey. She couldn't detect his lies and pretenses. 

   "Here we are. Stay right here and get the rest you can. I'll just go inside and notify the Alpha of our presence,” she instructed as he gestured to Ken's room and announced her presence.

 “Finally! Someone fulfilled his promise. thought you'd never show up. Thank the moon goddess you showed up. Where is she? Take me to her immediately.” Ken demanded. 

"Not so fast. If you keep rushing you might break a tooth. I fulfilled my promise, how about you do the same?" Paloma initiated.

"Promises? What are you talking about?"

    "I see you already forgot. Hold on a second. I'll remind you. You might be missing out on something. Where's my reward for fetching the Alpha his trophy," Paloma stretches her palm to receive the $10k  as previously agreed.

   “Now you got what you wanted. Don't you dare play games with me? Now take me to her immediately.” With a boiling temper, Ken requested violently. 

“Take a chill pill while I lead the way. And please, Pamela is just a teenager. She deserves to be pampered like Luna. I know how aggressive the Alpha could be, but please, she's too fragile. Now come with me.” 

Paloma leads Ken to Pamela.

“There she is. Pretty, huh? hahahaha. I know, right? She's all yours now!” she pointed at Pamela and walked away smiling, knowing her mission had been completed. 

Ken ensured Pamela was well monitored while he went to call Xavier. 

   Several minutes have gone and neither Pamela nor Ken has returned. Pamela was scared and worried at the same time. No one told her it would turn out this way. If only she knew her way home, she wouldn't have hesitated to leave immediately. 

    Shortly after Alpha Xavier and Ken, his BETA showed up. 

" Not bad. Even though I expected more. Anxiety has enclosed your face. Worried about your stepmother?"  Xavier asked after meeting Pamela for the first time.

   "Yes, I am. We are supposed to come work for the Alpha. She told me to wait here while he went to call the Alpha. Hold on a sec, are you Alpha Xavier? Jeez! I had no idea. Where's my mother? She's supposed to return here with you. Is she safe? What happened to her?" She asked in terror. Seeing Xavier scares Pamela but she tries to conceal the fear and act friendly. 

   "So nice of you to care about someone that doesn't give a damn about you. What a waste of generosity. News flash: You're caring for the wrong person. You don't have to worry about her. She's never gonna come back. She already got paid after selling you to us. I'm surprised you weren't aware. What am I even saying? I bet you wouldn't be here If he had told you. Your mission here is to grace my bed and birth me a son. After which you'd be set free. So you see, it's not that difficult, is it?” Xavier disclosed. 

  "Birth you a son? I don't manufacture children. My mother must have lied to you. I haven't birthed a child before. What makes you think I can give birth you one?  This is unrealistic. I can't believe I was tricked. She never mentioned this to me. I'm just a teenager. What could I possibly offer to you? Isn't it a slap in your face? I think the Alpha deserves better.” Pamela protested, facing the ground. She was scared to look into his face. His presence scares the living daylight out of her. 

“Come off it. I call the shots here. 

You're in no position to decide what's best for the Alpha. I've made my decision and there's nothing anybody can do about it. Now you need to freshen up. You're so disgusting. Tonight, we are making a baby. So brace up. Be on your best behavior.” xaciert poked fun at Madeline and instructed his BETA to take her away for a thorough body wash.  Madeline was speechless, yet helpless. She accepted her fate since she couldn't do anything to salvage the situation. She was shown to her room, where she had her bath and ate like an overfed cow. 

************

 The night was calm and fresh. The night air pulsed with the sound of cricket. Pamela shuffled to her window, narrowing her gaze at the stars in the sky. She'd be summoned to the Alpha's room to have sex with him shortly.

  "Knock! Knock! Are you in? 

The Alpha demands your presence in his room. Prepare yourself for the hour that has arrived to make a baby with the Alpha.” Ken announced as he landed a knock on her door. She wasn't surprised because she knew it would surely result in this. With an ocean of tears dripping from her eyes, Pamela stepped out with fear and anxiety hoarding her face. 

  "What are you still waiting for? You can leave. We wanna be left alone. You'd be called when needed.” Xavier dismissed Ken to be with Pamela. 

For a second, she was completely lost and not conscious of what was happening around her. 

 "What are you doing? Don't stand there staring at me like a dummy. Do what you were here for. Take off your dress and come join me on the bed and spread your legs so damn wide.

We've got a mission to accomplish.” he shouted at Pamela. The breeze was chilly on her soft palms, and she shivered like a hen drenched by the turbulent, heavy downpour. Reluctantly, she undressed herself. 

 "Come here, you peasant. I'm not here to play games!” Irritated by her sluggishness, he pulled Pamela by the hair and forcefully made love with her. Impatience was slowly killing him. He refused to be moved by her tears. She wept in anguish, gasping, pleading for Mercy, but there was none to save her. She was left alone to suffer for what she knows nothing about. 

After the lovemaking, she started bleeding from her thigh. 

“Now this is the part I detest.

Why did you lie to me? You never told me you were a virgin," Shocked by the blood, Xavier asked. Now he knows why she acted a bit awkward before the lovemaking. 

"Well, you never asked. Now you know why I acted that way. You want a baby right? You shouldn't be concerned about my virginity. It shouldn't be a problem for you,"

  "You still don't get it. Virgins cringe at me. I detest myself."

Pamela has yet to exhibit any symptoms of pregnancy. Her inability to get pregnant is becoming a major worry for Alpha Xavier. He never bargained for this delay. 

 "What is happening? What's my offense? Is the moon goddess fighting against my freedom? But she suggested that I go find some teenage girl to break the curse. Gosh! I don't wanna end up like my father and great-grandfather. I need to put a stop to this. I can't continue in this pain and darkness. I need an explanation for this madness,” Xavier muttered succinctly and called his maidens to summon Ken to his room immediately.

“You look tense. What's troubling you? You summoned my presence whatever troubles you equally affect me.” Ken showed up, placing both hands behind him. 

 “How long have we known each other?” Xavier asked sarcastically, narrowing his gaze on Ken.

"I've known you all my life. Even before you emerged as the Alpha. Why the questions?”

  “Why did you choose to betray what we had? Do you wish death upon me? It doesn't cost me anything to have you locked up for treason. It doesn't matter if I have known you all my life,” Xavier yelled at Ken as his utterances conveyed wisdom that was beyond ken comprehension. 

  "I'll be a fool to harbor such an imagination in my head. I can't even hurt a fly. What makes you think I'd be capable of such? You've known me all your life. We even grew up together. Have I exhibited some awkward behavior before?” Ken defended himself, still eager to fathom why he said that.

  "Quit the pretense, you swine. I know you're trying to deny it. Come up, open up to me. It's just you and me here. Of course, you know what I'm talking about. You were aware of my predicament, yet you made a travesty of my situation and brought me a logwood. You brought someone that wouldn't solve my problem. I need answers, Ken. Start talking now. That's a slap on my face. I should have dealt with you!”

  "I'm still confused, my Alpha. 

What has she done?”

"She's not pregnant yet, that's what I meant. Did you have anything to do with this? Did you plan this to extort money from me?.” He finally let it out with a scream. 

"Patience, my Alpha. We need to give her time. She'll come around. Trust me. She's just a kid. Let's not lose all hope on this.” he assured Alpha Xavier to allay his fear. 

"Patience you say? How long will I continue waiting for her to get pregnant? I want results. I've lost all patience in me. I'm curious. I can't wait to see her get pregnant. Why does it take so long? I thought it was supposed to be easy.  I'm tired of waiting for eternity. Did you plan this? Alpha Xavier lost his cool and sparked outrage at his BETA. 

   Astounded by the Alpha's wrath, Ken was mute and unmoved. For a prolonged silence, he was calm and carefully selected his words to avert the wrath of the Alpha. 

  "I've got an idea. Trust me, it'll work out. Should we seek the moon guardian's assistance? She might find an answer to our situation,” suggested Ken after a prolonged silence.

 "Take her name out of your mouth. She's got absolutely nothing to do with this. Just when I thought you had a better suggestion. Here you go again displaying your stupidity. Don't you have shame? You know what? I want you to go call me Pamela. I have a couple of questions to ask her. She must provide me with some answers.” he commanded. He doesn't believe his predicament requires the intervention of the moon guardian. 

Somehow, he suspected Pamela might be responsible for her inability to conceive. He paced around his room for minutes, trying to wrap his head around the situation. “Could she be barren? That's not even possible. She dares not. She must conceive. She was bleeding when I had sex with her. That makes her a virgin right?” Xavier ponders over the situation. 

   "Here she is. You requested to see her,” Ken returned with Pamela a few minutes later. 

Alpha's gaze flickered at her eyes as he leaned forward to pull her hair, “Hey, stranger. I don't know what stunt you are pulling on me. But trust me, if you don't get pregnant soon, I'll feed your remains to the vultures. I am a man of few words. I don't entertain suspense either.” He shoved her to the ground and stiffed yet another sigh of frustration at his situation. Still, on the ground, she dropped a tear from her sore eyes. So many questions plagued her mind.

     "My inability to conceive isn't any fault of mine. Last I checked, you met me as a virgin. Would a virgin be barren? I guess you know the answer to that question. Or is there something you are not telling me?” she clapped back, which resulted in a thunderstorm slap on her face from the Alpha. 

"Just shut up already. What impetus? Don't you dare speak to your Alpha in such a manner? I demand you show some respect. The only reason I'm being modest is that your mission isn't accomplished yet. Once this is over, you'd be chased out of this palace and never return. Don't play games with me.”

 "Hahaha! Amazing! What a performance. Is that all you've got? Bring it on! Show me the stuff you made of. I thought you were ruthless. I can only see a coward in front of me. You aren't worth it. Go get a life, you coward.” Her nostrils flared again, staring madly at the Alpha. Her gloaming gap lit for a moment with a profound red light, making her suddenly appear like the moon goddess herself. The situation was beginning to piss her off. Nothing ever matters to her anymore. 

  "Ken, get this leper away from my sight. Ensure she starves for the next few days. That's her punishment for disrespecting me,” Xavier commanded with a growl. Her presence was beginning to irritate him, and he might do something stupid if she didn't leave immediately. 

   “Your wish is my command,” Ken responded with a bow and forcefully pulled her by the arm. Suddenly, she got away from him and rushed out to throw up. Ken attempted to run after her but was halted by the Alpha, “Let her be.  She can't possibly escape under the watchful eyes of the guards. She will come back.”

   After throwing up, Pamela returned, looking so pale and staggering. With a move too fast, Xavier gestured to examine her body. “Your temperature is high. How long has this been happening?”

   "What do you care for? I thought you couldn't wait to get rid of me. Please let me be. I owe you no explanation,”

"Don't talk back to me. I'm not your lover or mate. Just answer the damn question!”

“For some days, I guess. I've been down with some sort of illness. I have been quite dizzy lately. Why the questions? The last time I checked, my presence disgusted you. Why the sudden change of mind?” Pamela confessed and peeked, rather confused.

"You're pregnant! It's obvious. I can see it in your eyes," Xavier exclaimed In excitement.

"Pregnant? How?  When did you suddenly become a doctor to detect a pregnant woman? I can't be pregnant. That's not even possible. And I had no idea about it.” Bewildered, she asked. 

   "This shouldn't be a shock to you. Of course, you know why you're here. You have just one assignment. Get pregnant for me. And you did. Well, I understand your surprise. It's your first pregnancy.  It's okay not to know. Finally, the moon goddess heard my cry,” Xavier jumped for joy and embraced Pamela, knowing he was one step from breaking the curse.