The day before the war . . .

Elijah’s POV

“FUCK me harder, Sir . . . Urgh!”

“Fuck, you’re so tight and wet!” I groaned and spread her legs wider for better entry.

Beads of sweat have formed on my forehead as I keep thrusting faster and harder while I am inside her. Her loud slutty moan engulfed the whole guestroom. She grinded her hips to welcome each attack I made and in one big thrust, I cummed and filled her in.

“Ohh, that was amazing,” she said while still catching her breath after a two-round sex. “. . . and unforgettable.”

“I will have an important meeting. You can leave,” I said coldly.

I got up from bed and took my pants on the floor as I smelled my butler’s scent coming into my mansion. I know for sure that my father has sent him again to deliver an important order I need to obey no matter what.

“Can I stay here a bit longer, Sir?” She stood up and embraced me from behind. “You’re dressing up too fast for someone who just had sex a few seconds ago. Aren’t you tired? Can we cuddle for a minute?”

“No, like I said, I have an important matter to attend to. I need you to go now, slave,” I said and then moved her hands away from me so I could grab my t-shirt on the bed and wear it.

“But I’m still feeling sore–”

Getting irritated with her childish tone of voice, I turned to her and gave her a warning with my eyes turning ablaze. “I said go!” I snarled, which frightened her. In one swift move, she gathered all her clothes and ran away crying.

I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair. How could a sex slave demand something more than what they deserve just like that? Women from the Omegas don’t seem to know their places. Those trashes . . . just because the higher ranks have bedded them for minutes, doesn’t give them the rights to demand as if they are royals.

I tossed that thought away upon seeing Joaquin entering the room.

“So he has something to say again?” I curiously asked my butler who doesn’t show any emotion on his face.

The old man cleared his throat before he spoke, “Your father wants you to personally announce your arranged marriage with Margaux tomorrow night at the banquet, as it will be the same night of you taking over the throne.”

“Did I ever agree to that arrangement?” I raised a brow. I can’t believe we are having the same conversation again. “How many times do I have to say that I can be the next Alpha without a fucking Luna? I don’t need a wife, Joaquin.”

Rage started to get into my nerves. Father is too persistent when it comes to this marriage he’s trying to pull off to ensure that being the next leader of the pack, I will appear as powerful in front of everyone and to the enemies who are interested to get the throne. For that to happen, he believes that I need a right woman who can be my Luna.

He thinks that Margaux Deveraugh, the daughter of his loyal Beta, could be a perfect fit, that's why he arranged everything without my approval.

“You know how being a leader works, Elijah. Having a Luna is important to strengthen your leadership. It’s not something you can easily ignore just because you want to. Having a wife on your side is not an add-on but a responsibility. You should’ve tried harder to find your mate to avoid this hassle though,” he said and shrugged.

My eyes squinted with his remarks. Does he think I didn’t try enough to find my mate?

“You’re at it again, Quin. Do you think I’m stupid to not try my luck?”

“I’m just saying you should’ve tried harder, Elijah,” he said without any fear that I might beat his ass because of his rude remarks.

My fucking mate isn’t here in our territory after all. I’ve looked everywhere the moment I reached the right age but she wasn’t here . . . as far as I know. The same reason why I stumbled into a mistake of harboring feelings for someone who wasn’t worth it.

My hand formed a fist. Bittersweet memories started to whirl through my head but before they could get into my system, I shoved them all away.

If only my mate was here . . .

I sighed heavily and massaged the temple of my nose. Joaquin was still waiting for my decision, as if his life depends on it. I wouldn’t be surprised by it as I know my father very well. One unsuccessful task makes him furious, which leads to a severe punishment. Even my butler is not an exception to that.

“Where’s my father?” I asked.

“In his home. He’s preparing to go with the warriors. They are going to attack the rival pack today.”

“And he has the time to start another war, huh?” I shook my head and walked past Joaquin.

“Wait, Elijah! Where are you going?” He followed me as I walked towards the double doors.

“I need to talk to my old man. He should stop meddling into someone else’s life . . . especially mine.”

***

THE moment I stepped into my parents’ premises, I already smelled my old man’s scent coming from the huge garden my mother has been taking care of.

My jaw clenched in anger. I marched to the garden and saw my father in his full armor clothes and checking out the flowers in front of him. I ran towards him in a flash, and was about to throw a big strike on his face, however, he’s faster enough to catch my fist before it landed on him. He then punched me in my stomach with all his might.

I growled and felt the fire igniting inside of me. I fought back and attempted to throw a kick into his head but he easily dodged my movement. My fangs and nails started to grow out. I attacked him again with all my strength. I was able to hold his neck and pushed him into the wet grass.

To my surprise, he laughed and shook his head.

“I didn’t know you still have that strength in you, El. I thought you got weaker when your ex-lover left the pack after cheating on you,” he said menacingly.

It wasn’t even a big punch but I felt the sting in the inside. Words hit differently, indeed. My lips formed a thin line and released him immediately. I stood up and looked away.

I heard another laugh from him. “You shouldn’t be starting a war against your own father in the first place, son. I totally know where to hit you the best.”

“Shut up!” I glanced at him angrily. “Let me tell you this again, Father. You have no right to meddle with my life. I am not a child anymore!”

“Looks like your stupid butler didn’t succeed with the task I’ve given him,” he said and looked at someone behind me. “You’ll have your punishment once I get back, Joa–”

“He’s my servant. Not yours! And I tell you again, I can be an Alpha without a Luna. I’m not going to marry anyone just because you say so,” I stated firmly.

“Hmm, you said you aren't a child anymore but your actions are different. You’re avoiding your responsibility as a soon-to-be Alpha. Isn’t it an act of a child?” He walked towards me and patted my shoulder. “Anyway, it’s your birthday tomorrow. You should be prepared to take over the throne and announce your marriage with Margaux. I’ll get back in time and prepare a new slave for you as a gift.”

The side of my lips curled up. “I’ll accept the gift, Father . . . but not the arranged marriage, and that’s final.”

Atasha’s POV

I witnessed a great slaughter as soon as I left our house. Bloods and dead bodies were all over the place, houses were burned by the fire and cries could be heard anywhere. I looked above the night sky and it was aglow with the full moon shining brightly as if the Moon Goddess approved this tragedy.

As I took a few steps while roaming my eyes to the horrible end of our small community, Crimson’s pack suddenly appeared and surrounded me like a criminal being cornered. Some of them were still in their human forms while the others have shifted into their ferocious wolves.

My gaze darted on Alpha Samuel, whose body was beaten up to death, on his bent knees while tied up. Our Alpha got defeated, this means that our pack is doomed.

Two warriors held my arms. I tried to pull them off but they were so strong that a slight move could already break my bones.

“I-I’ll come with you,” I announced firmly, fisting my hand to get all the courage I needed to face these dangerous wolves. “But you have to do what you promised . . . that you’ll give our pack the peace we want! That there will be no war between us from now on!”

My decision to be Astrid’s replacement is final as this is the only way I can protect her from any harm. If becoming a slave to the new Alpha is the only way I can save my sister, I won’t hesitate even a bit. Comparing her life to mine, hers has more essence.

She needs to live . . . that’s how I love her so dearly.

I looked back at our house. I hope our father will do the right thing this time. I let him escape with my twin sister in his arms so that no one from the Crimson will be able to harm them.

“I like your sudden bravery, young pup.”

A tall man with a ruthless spartan-like physique slowly walked towards me. He was in full armor clothes that scream dominance and power. I didn’t even have to guess who he was. Based on his glowing red pair of eyes, pointed fangs and lethal aura, I know that he’s Alpha Gregory, the old leader of our rivals, which our pack has been trying to defeat, but to no avail.

“I need your assurance, Alpha,” I stated, biting my tongue to fight the fear that’s trying to creep in me. “N-No more wars. . . .”

He touched my chin and made me look up at him. “For now, yes.”

My eyes widened with his remarks. “No, that’s not what my father told me! The peace needs to be perma–”

“Tie her up. Blindfold her eyes and tape her mouth. I don’t want to hear loud whines on our way home,” he ordered in full authority.

From the scent of smoke, down to the scent of mist in the forest . . . chilling road and then the sunlight slowly burning my skin after a long time, it took me hours of walking barefoot until I heard them singing a triumph song, indicating that we reached their territory.

“Slave, welcome to your new hell, the Crimson Moon’s territory,” said by the Alpha who laughed devilishly before I heard the metal gates open.

***

ALMOST an hour passed and I could still see the darkness of being blindfolded. The Alpha ordered his men to take me in the ‘cage’. My heart was pounding aggressively inside my chest. The hallway where we were walking was so silent and cold that it made me feel so bothered.

One of them walked towards me and finally removed the garments in my head. My eyes immediately roamed around the cell I’m in. Everything is painted black. The little sunlight coming from the window was the only thing that lightened up the place a bit. It’s cold and every wall is whispering death . . .

“Pup, this will be your room, the same place you’re gonna die eventually,” said the werewolf who forcibly removed the tape on my mouth.

I groaned and glared at him.

“Should I be scared now?” I talked back bravely, as I gathered all my strength not to stutter. I don’t want them to see that I am afraid of them. If they see me trembling even a little bit, they would try to scare me more.

A warrior ran towards me and pulled my hair. “How dare you talk back to our Beta that way? You’re just a fuckin’ slave from the pack we defeated. You’re good as a hopeless dog from now on, don’t you know about that?”

“Oh, thanks for reminding me about it. That’s very kind of you,” I said in full sarcasm.

“Brace yourself, slave. The soon-to-be Alpha will devour you soon.” Beta grabbed the black garment and put it back in my head.

I was just lying down on the cold ground, growing tired as a lot of thoughts were whirling through my head. I stayed there, crying myself to sleep until I heard heavy footsteps walking towards my cage.

I heard them unlocking the cell door which made me get up despite my weak and trembling body.

They entered the cell. My breath hitched when I felt that someone knelt in front of me. And when he sighed, my heart started to thump aggressively.

“What the hell did they do, Joaquin?” He asked. His deep voice sounds ruthless but euphonic at the same time. I never heard such a comforting voice like his before . . .

Who is he? Why does he sound . . . concerned?

He removed the rope tied on my wrist. I was relieved the moment my hands were both freed. His large veiny hands then removed the garment on my head.

I gasped upon seeing the face of this unfamiliar werewolf in front of me. For an unknown reason, I turned red when his wayfarer-blue eyes glanced at me. This is the first time that I have seen a werewolf this close. It looks like we are the same age, even though he has facial hair. His eyes squinted; I guess I had already looked at him for a long time and more than I should. What did I do? My hands were shaking, and I embraced myself as I felt nervous. His face comes closer and closer. I'm not yet ready to die.

"State your name," he commanded as his eyes were still locked in mine; it's as if it's trying to connect through me. I could no longer look at him as I felt beads of sweat on my forehead keep pouring in. My rapid heartbeat is the only sound that I'm hearing right now.

"You heard the soon-to-be Alpha. State your name, young lady," said the other werewolf behind him, who seems to be his servant. I came back to my senses and tried to open my mouth.

"M-My name is . . ." I swallowed the lump in my throat as I tried to gaze at his piercing eyes. "A-Atasha . . . f-from the Silver Moon pack."

"Atasha . . ." he repeated, which made me more nervous. Why does my name sound endearing when he says it? I want to hear it again.

His cold gaze is screaming danger, complete destruction . . . yet I don't know why I feel a sense of comfort. Something inside me is telling me that I am safe now. But why?

He is the soon-to-be Alpha, the same werewolf who will own me.

"Y-Yes . . ." I said with my mouth running dry.

"Joaquin, let's walk her to my room so she can take a bath. Call the pack doctor to treat her wounds. She won't heal on her own." The side of his lips curled up; a ghost of a smile escaped from it that made me confused a bit.

Does he know I can't shift?

"You also need to prepare good clothes for her. She's my guest. She'll be joining me in the banquet later."

"But she's–"

"That's an order. She should join us. She's a birthday gift to me, after all.”

An hour before the banquet . . .

Elijah’s POV

“YOU look like someone who will be entering an execution chamber,” said Joaquin, who was helping me with my black tux here in my room. “Try to plaster a little smile on that face, Elijah. Your father has returned and it’s best to hide your disapproval of this arrangement. Be a grown up.”

My brows furrowed as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. At this age, I realized that some birthdays don’t mean to bring happiness but misfortune, typically the same goes for me.

“So you’re saying that to be a grown up, I have to follow his every command like a fucking robot? Are you fucking real, Quin?”

“Sometimes, you just have to man up and face the reality, Elijah. Not all situations would go on your side. There are times you have to forget your beliefs and adjust for the betterment of many.” He patted my shoulder and then sighed.

“Are you done preaching me?” I turned to him and threw daggers on him.

He tilted his head and shrugged. “Done rubbing the truth on your face, birthday boy. Anyway, your mother prepared some presents for you and for Margaux. Luna Hera wants you to give it to her.”

“Whatever.” I shook my head and walked to the balcony of my room to breathe some fresh air.

“And your new slave is already here. Would you like to check on her?”

I couldn’t help but smirk. I can’t believe my father really took someone from the pack they attacked. “So he really brought me a new slave, huh? Interesting. Where did they take her?”

“In the cage on the east wing.”

***

Present Time . . .

“WE all know that slaves will be only called from their cages, but now you want to have her stay in your room?” Joaquin asked the moment we transferred my new slave into my room. I can see the tracks of her tears from her face, and she is dripping with sweat just by looking at her hair.

“You asked too many questions, Joaquin. Just do what I told you. She will be my guest at the banquet, and that's final.”

He nodded, giving up on whatever it is he's trying to argue about. “I will go ahead and pick up the dress from our tailor. I already called the pack doctor, and he'll be here in no time. I'll be back in a minute.” He said.

“Okay, make it quick. We are running out of time.”

When Joaquin left my room, I looked at my new slave sitting at the edge of my bed. I already told her that she'd be coming to the banquet as a guest on our way here. She will be assisted by Joaquin and get her dressed formally.

“My M..a...Master, I want to get this off my ch-chest; I think . . . I cannot go with you to the p-party. My family never let me go out, and it will be my... first time seeing other werewolves . . .” Atasha's face turned pale as she said it, then she rubbed the side of her neck.

“I hate repeating myself; just call me Elijah. It’s an order that you must follow. Do you understand?” I remarked in my serious tone.

“ Yes . . . master, I mean . . . El-Elijah.”

I massaged the bridge of my nose as I closed my eyes for a bit. This were-woman is a pain in the ass. Hopefully, my plan will work.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the look of confusion on her face. I couldn’t help but observe her. Her whole being does remind me of someone I know, speaking innocence and courage. I'm not sure who it was, but all it tells me is a warm feeling, walking in the woods, running in crisp golden leaves, the earthy scent; it feels like home.

As I glanced more at her, I noticed her amber eyes even though it conveys defiance . . . her nose, and sculpted lips, skin so pale and unkempt brown colored long curly hair due to the torture she received . . . that tiny scar in her neck, yet I must admit she still glows even from a distant.

“I need to leave now. You can take a bath first and wait for the pack doctor. See you at the party, my slave.” I cleared my throat and went to the door.

Before I close the door, my eyes can't help but peek and look at her face.

Elijah, you have to keep your cool, damn it!

I then decided to leave her and walked away. While I was already in the hallway, my mind kept telling me to go back for some unknown reason. I stopped for a moment and had to fight the urge to follow my mind; however, it seemed like my body followed my mind more than my well-built pride, and so I went back to my room so that I could see her again.

My eyes widened like an owl at night as soon as I opened the door. She turned to me and screamed as I saw her totally naked while standing in front of the mirror.

I gulped down as my eyes drifted in her slim yet intoxicating body. Hers is just the same with all other were-women I bedded, but it seemed like something was wrong with me as I could not stop glancing. I guess I had to stop drinking that forbidden liquor from Quin.

“I-I’m going to take a bath!” she said as she covered herself using her tiny hands. That made me come back to my senses and look away.

“Hurry up, then!” I closed the door and palmed my face.

What the heck, Elijah?

This isn't the first time I saw a naked werewolf . . . why do I feel so nervous and excited? I scolded myself repeatedly as I walked towards the hallway.

This isn't the right time to play around, I told myself.

***

AS I stepped into our garden where the banquet would be held, I already felt all the eyes glued to me. It is uncomfortable at first, but I need to get used to it as I will be the next Alpha after this day.

There were some hot were-women, and they looked like they wanted to have some fun with me, but as soon as I started getting excited, my father approached me with my fiancee Margaux.

“My son, I want to introduce you to your fiancee, Margaux Deveraugh.”

“I already know her, so let's cut the formal introduction, shall we?” I said and gave Margaux a cold stare.

I didn't feel any fear as she looked me in the eyes. She then smiled seductively, the same smile I see from most of the were-women who want to end up in my bed.

“It's been a while, Eli. You never changed. You're still the cold-hearted guy I know. But I must admit you look even more handsome this time,” she said in her soft voice.

“You two should catch up a bit. I need to join my Luna to welcome some of our friends from the allied packs. I'll excuse myself for now.” Father smiled sincerely to Margaux, and when he turned to me, I instantly heard his voice in my head.

‘Treat her well,’ he said as his mind linked me.

I shook my head and let him blend into the crowd while looking for my mother. Margaux then cleared her throat to get my attention.

“Happy birthday, Eli. This one's for you.” She handed a small box to me. I accepted it and led our way to one of the VIP tables.

“I appreciate the present.”

We casually talked . . . I mean, she kept talking, and I only answered when needed. The banquet is just starting, yet I feel the urge to go back to my room. I bet it would be much interesting to talk to the new slave rather than staying here with this were-woman who's exposing her motives too early.

Margaux Deveraugh is a head-turner, sexy, and her aura is powerful among the single were-women out here. However, despite her impressive physique, I still don't feel anything for her.

Minutes passed, and I started talking to the other werewolves who greeted me. There are other royals from the other packs which came and gave their respect to us.

It's closed in the evening when the food is served. My father then went on the stage and was ready to make some announcements.

I was looking around and still did not see my slave. I felt worried as I did not know what had happened, and probably my butler knew my plan and sided with my father. If that's the case, I'm screwed.

I clenched my jaw as I watched my father finish his speech. Our eyes locked afterward. . . I guess I need to accept my fate, to marry someone I didn't like at all.

Suddenly, I saw a stunning were-woman walking inside the garden. She caught my attention as other werewolves were also looking at her and asking who she was. My feet moved on their own, and I ran towards her as I saw Joaquin holding her arm.

A-Atasha!

I could have sworn that my breath hitched upon seeing her in the champagne-colored long dress. She looks stunning . . .

I grabbed her hand and ran towards the stage. My father was confused as he looked at me. I stopped in the middle of the platform and faced the crowd, still holding Atasha's hand.

Different packs looked at me with confused faces. Old werewolves are whispering, and some of them locked their eyes to my slave.

“As the soon-to-be Alpha of the Crimson Pack, I'm here to proudly announce that I already found my Luna,” I proclaimed confidently.

I turned to her. I must confess, her face looked charming when she had this sweet naive look . . . I smiled inwardly and held her waist so I could pull her towards me.

“Mate . . .” I whispered and leaned in to kiss her soft lips.

A loud gasp from the crowd occupied the garden, but I can hear more clearly the piercing heartbeat that I also feel from her chest.