Chapter 3

Milo pov

If the grand hall was massive, then stepping outside, it was like stepping into a long, confusing maze.

I had not had the luxury to admire when I was being brought in, not ehent he fierce man was breathing down my neck.

Long winding corridors intercepted and branched like a labyrinth. I was breathing hard from the adrenaline, still pumping into my sister.

I didn't know which sort of twisted game this was, but one thing was clear. 

I didn't want to play such a game. Not when the pack was being attacked, and my life was literally in danger.

What if an enemy sees me here? All alone and helpless.

I sucked in a deep breath, then prayed to the same goddess that was jobless enough to try something funny, deeming it wise to create me into what I am.

I chose a path.

I walked and walked. 

But after long hours of crossing many familiar doors that I had come across before, I finally gave up, leaning against polished walls.

I was officially screwed.

The few people I saw on my way were servants who were too scared to even look me in the eyes, talkmore of point directions out to me. 

There was no other person apart from the servant in this massive building. 

I could barely imagine my father's enraged face when the news of my death reached them hours before I left home. 

A bitter laugh almost escaped my lips.

What if the Mafian King realized I wasn't her?

What if, after all this, they still came for my sister?

Would my sacrifice mean nothing?

My sister was seriously ill. It had suddenly happened just when the news of the mafian king came to us. My sister was crushed, and she had a great future. She was already the strongest warrior in my pack and had many untapped potential. 

But then i...I was just trash, a waste of space , a disgrace. I had agreed to her request. I couldn't let her be taken as a lowly pet. 

I volunteer to go to her place.

The only thing I could do right for once in my life. I couldn't do it well. 

I buried my face in my hands, the words of the mafia king looming over me, like a knife hanging above my neck.

"Who is this good for nothing fool blocking the way"

A harsh voice jerked me awake.

I looked up

And froze

She was not just beautiful, 

Noo... she was gorgeous...and her presence filled the air.

She was easily 6,0 tall with an elegance that could not be matched. Everything about her seemed perfect, except for the frown that coloured her face. And behind her were a group of her entourage that was following her.

From her dressing, I could already picture that she was a person with a high-ranking position.

But as soon my face lit up in admiration, it fell immediately, I realised how too early I had judged. A deep disgust settled deep into my stomach. Her beauty was a mask. 

"I...I am sorry" I said, trying to move

Twack

A hard slap came out of nowhere, resounded through the corridors. A sharp sting spread across my already tender cheeks.

"Do you know who you are talking to, lowly slave" her voice filled with disdain. 

My first reaction was shock, but as the realisation that I had just been slapped settled in. A deep, dark anger I have not felt since I was born began boiling in my chest, like a beast that was struggling to be let out.

What was with everybody treating me like trash?  

I had endured enough humiliation all through my life, disgrace worse than anything you could think of.

But I was not having it again. 

I don't know if it was the adrenaline still in my system or the thought that I was already dead. I clenched my hands. I suddenly had this urge to rant out. 

My mouth moved before my brain could...

"Bitch"

Everywhere was plunged into Silence following my outburst. 

A collective gasp rippled through the corridor. Servants stumbled back, their wide-eyed staring at me like I had just signed my death wish. Maybe I just did.

A sense of dread came over me, as I realised what I had said a little too late.

But what's done is done.

"Did you just insult me..." the beautiful lady's face twisted into something ugly. 

I was totally screwed now.

But before the evil bitch would pounce, a voice cut through the tension, stopping her at the right time.

"Enough, lady Catherine" 

A new presence entered the hallway.

I turned immediately, my face filled with gratitude.

A middle aged woman who looked like she was in her late forties stood, glaring at the beautiful lady. 

But to my disappointment, she was wearing the trademark clothes that only servants usually wear, but the way she carried herself, controlled, composed, commanding, made it clear she was not just any servant, or she was just someone like me who was actually looking for death.

Lady Catherine scoffed looking at the pretty calm woman in disdain, "what are you even doing here," folding her arm. "Last I checked, you were nothing more than a mere housekeeper."

Series of laughter came from her people behind her.

The older woman. Whose name is Delphine smiled. A small, knowing smirk that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"And yet, it is I who gives orders here."

Catherine's face twisted with barely contained rage. "You wouldn't dare interfere in how I treat a wretched mutt, who doesn't know her place.

I flinched at her words.

What she said was true, the older woman doesn't have the right to interfere even if she wanted to. After all, I am just a lowly pet.

I dare, Catherine." the middle-aged lady said, voice soft but eyes becoming sharp. "That's what you do best, Caroline, bully the defenseless."

Catherine nostrils flared.

The tension between them was so thick that it could be cut with a knife. For a moment both women were locked in a hateful stare.

I didn't understand what was happening, but one thing was clear, the middle aged woman wasn't afraid of her.

Catherine clenched her fists, seething. But to my surprise she didn't say nor argue with the woman again, Instead, she turned on her heel, storming off with her entourage trailing behind her.

I released the breath I didn't know was holding.

Only when she was gone a distance, did the middle aged woman turn to me.

"Come."

She didn't wait for me to respond, grabbing my wrist and she pulled me with her, down the corridor.

I stumbled after her, my mind still spinning.

We cornered numerous corridors and passages, before her grip loosened slightly, and she spoke in a low, firm voice.

"I've been looking for you."

I frowned. Yeah yeah, as hell you have been looking for me.

Her lips pressed into a tight line. "You shouldn't be wandering. Your place has already been assigned."

"Assigned?" My stomach churned. "What do you mean?"

She didn't answer me.

Before I knew it, we stopped in front of a large, looming door, and when she pushed it open, my breath hitched.

The room was massive, and grand. And Just like the hall, it was easily the most beautiful room I had ever laid my eyes on. And what more, there was a king sized bed at the center.

My eyes widened, Everything about the room screamed power and money.

But before I could jump up in joy, I had to know one thing...

"Whose room is this?" I asked cautiously.

The middle aged woman turned to me, her expression with a small smile.plastered on her face.

"The Master's..."

My smile fell. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

But before my brain could process what she had just said, she pushed me inside. "Your bath is ready. I will return shortly for your clothes." She said hurriedly before leaving me standing alone inside the grand room, with a confused expression.

What was with the people here and explaining things?

After standing there in shock for a while, I decided to slowly explore the room. It was so big and neatly arranged to perfection, that I found myself gasping like a girl that was shown candy.

I was still amazed by the grandeur of the room, when I saw it

And my breath caught in my throat, as I stared wide-eyed in horror at the dark corner of the lavish room. one thing stood out like a cruel joke.

Different torture tools and appliances were neatly hanging at a closed quarter of the room. It was hidden so well, from public eyes.

I gasped, deep fear settling at the bottom of my stomach. I stumbled backward unconsciously. 

What have I gotten myself into?

Something hitted the back of my leg, 

A cage.

I gasped for the second time, my hands flying to my mouth as if to stop the scream that wanted to tear itself from my mouth.

It was big enough for a small child.

But that was not the worst part...

A tag was hanging around the cage, and a name was written on it.

My body suddenly went cold.

"Millen"

Chapter 4

Milo's pov

I stopped breathing, no, my breathing stopped entirely for a second. 

I trembled in fear as I continued to stare at the tag on the cage with the name on it...

Millen!.

My name. That was the fake identity I was bearing. My sister's name, but that didn't make it any less scary. Instead I felt feeling if dread pass through me.

The cage was for me, meant and built specially for the pet.

Noo, this was not happening. I kept on repeating while moving stepping back.

 My fingers were trembling so badly but that was the least of my concerns.

This was a nightmare. A sick, twisted joke.

I knew what this meant... I had heard the stories.

The Mafian King, A man that can put terror on anyone just from his mere presence. He was a ruthless man who ruled with an iron hand. And not just that, the terrible way he treats his numerouse concubines like a plaything is nothing to write home about.  

I remember a particular story of his fellow rival mafia who refused to obey him.

The mafia lord had gone and conquered his domain. He killed the man and took his wife as his plaything. As the story goes, the woman later took her own life when she could not take the abuse and torturing she was undergoing in his hands.

I had thought them to be fairy tales and midnight jokes that the elders would say to scare us, but seeing this with my own eyes

The so-called rumors I had laughed at once were coming to reality. 

staring at the cage meant for me, I realized something cold and horrifying.

I can't do this!

I had to get out. And run, before it becomes late.

My heart pounded violently as I made up my mind. Damn the rules or whatever sick gamble my father had gotten himself into.

I wouldn't stay here for even a minute more.

I turned back with force, my body screaming at me to move fast, as my mind was already made up to escape this hell hole.

But then...

I collided into something hard.

A body. 

A strangled gasp left my lips, before I crashed down hard on my butt.

"Where are you going pet"

I froze.

my entire body turned cold. I felt the anger and rage inside the voice. It was coming off him in waves.

 My body went rigid with unimaginable fear. I had been caught. I didn't need anybody to tell me what my fate would be. 

I suddenly felt the urge to cry, as hot tears welled up in my eyes.

The Mafian King.

He stood there, easily towering over me like a tree. His dark eyes that was filled with depth I couldn't fathom locked onto me like a predator who had just found its prey.

I swallowed hard, my mind screaming at me to move, to speak, to do anything but noo...I stared like a fool.

Then, i remembered.

His commands just a few hours ago...

I was supposed to be naked.

It seems like the same time It occurred to me was the same time he noticed, as a low angry growl tore through his throat.

I had disobeyed him for the third time since I came here.

I had spent the entire day lost and helpless in the long corridors, playing his game. Then came the drama of meeting with the bitch in the corridor.

I had totally forgotten about his commands.

His gaze flickered over me, like he wanted to pounce on a prey.

I scurried back.

A mistake.

In a blink of the eyes, , he appeared in front of me. 

A gloved hand held my throat, as I found myself being lifted up into the air, like I weighed nothing.

I let out a strangled gasp, my hands shooting up to grab his well built arms, but no matter how much I tried to push him to let go, it was like trying to move steel.

"You still seem to be confused about your pathetic place in this pack, pet." He growled, his voice smooth, but filled with a barely restrained wrath.

I trembled like a chicken in a slaughterhouse. I felt His grip becoming tighter on me, more painful.

"You thought you could wander around my castle like a lost pet? That you could defy the rules of my household?"

My eyes widened even wilder. How did he...?

His grip tightened. My lungs burned. Panic clawed up my throat.

"You need to be punished."

"No...noo"

I tried to shake my head, to say anything that would prevent him from punishing me, but his tight grip on my neck prevented me from saying anything, hot tears stung my eyes.

I felt my windpipe being crushed slowly.

I was choking. I couldn't get enough air into my lungs.

His dark eyes drank me in, basking in my pain like it was some sort of a nourishment to him.

When I couldn't take it anymore, without warning, he released me. I landed on the bare floor with a thud.

I barely had time to gasp for air, before I felt unimaginable pain explode from my back. was slammed against the wall, the impact of being slammed at the wall, sent a sharp jolt through my spine. My vision exploded with stars.

"Disobedient little things like you need to be reminded of their place," he said, his tone almost amused, almost gentle, but the light in his eyes said a different thing.

His fingers curled into my dress, gripping the thin fabric tightly 

Panic screamed through me.

No.

I could already imagine what he wanted to do.

If he tore it, if he stripped me down to my naked self, 

He would know that I am not my sister. He would know that I am a man.

My identity would be exposed before I could last a day.

I thrashed under his grip, this time Desperate and with renewed vigour. But it was all in vain. His iron grip was still clutched my dress in one hand while he tried to cage me in the other.

"Struggling will only make it worse, pet," he warned.

"Please don't..."

My stomach twisted violently.

I was doomed.

Any second now, he would realize that I am nothing but a fraud... an impostor...

"Master."

The voice cut through the air like a blade.

The Mafian King froze, 

His fingers, still gripping my dress, froze just before they could expose me to the whole world.

Over his shoulder, I saw him.

The right-hand man.

Dressed in black, his face unreadable, his presence like a wall of ice against the heat of the moment.

"An emergency arised," he said, his tone cool, composed.

Silence stretched.

I felt the tension in the Mafian King's body, the way his fingers flexed against my skin, his grip on my hands turned painful as if he was battling within himself.

Then, without another word, he let me go.

My legs gave out beneath me, I collapsed like a sack of potatoes to the ground.

I tried to catch my breath, clutching my now ragged dress tightly against my chest to hide every bit of exposed skin.

The Mafian King didn't bother looking at me.

"We're not finished," he murmured as he passed me.

Then he disappeared together with his right hand man.

The door closed with a hard bang.

I lay there.

Trembling. Shaking from the near death encounter I just had.

The room was silent except for the sound of my ragged breathing, my body too weak to move, my mind too numb to process what had just happened.

All I could think about was that it was a close call.

After a long time had passed, I jerked up remembering his last words.

I rubbed my tender neck. I was sure it would leave an imprint. 

I need to strip before he comes in again. The last time we were interrupted, I couldn't bear to think of what would happen next if he should come back, and I didn't do as he said.

Without wasting time, I stripped from the once beautiful dress, being only the pink lingerie I was made to wear. 

My face burned in shame, at my naked reflection. I was still wallowing in my shame when I heard Soft footsteps.

I turned, expecting to see the mafia king, but I saw a familiar shadow at the doorway.

I dived for any nearest clothes, anything at all to cover my exposed body but it was too late.

I froze mid air, too shocked to move, as the person at the door was not the mafia king, it was the same proud bitch I had met in the hallway...

Catherine!!

AND SHE HAS SEEN ME NAKED.

Chapter 5

Alpha Damon's POV

Smoke of grenades lingered in the air, mixed with the unfortunate blood of the rogues that have peanuts as brains. 

The blood of rogues still stained the blackened earth just beyond the palace gates, and the scent of death curled through the wind like a serpent.

I stood at the highest balcony of my war tower, arms folded, face scrunched in disgust, as my sharp gaze continued to look down at the joke that was happening down. 

A rogue attack.

Tsk, how laughable.

The hungry bastards had crawled out of their rat holes in the Eastern mountains where they belonged and dared to attack my kingdom?

Madness!

Either they were tired of living Or...something fishy was at stake.

I ground my teeth in anger as my train of thoughts wandered carelessly despite the cold war going on.

Rogues didn't act without reason. Especially not those mountain scum that were alive just because I was merciful enough to spare them. They were savage, yes...but they weren't suicidal. And marching on my gates and declaring war was nothing short of a declaration of death.

Someone sent them.

But who?

Or is it a coincidence that the first day I had my first shipment of my pet was the same day the rogues dared to attack...

"Alpha" my beta, and right-hand man, James stepped in, bloody knuckles, and his uniform completely dyed in blood. Judging from the faint amber glow in his eyes, they were not his.

"We caught one alive," he said, dipping his head in a little bow. "He's downstairs in chains."

I didn't speak. I didn't have to, because my bored body was already moving, finally to have some fun.

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

The ground was just as gruesome as I had envisioned it to be. Blood and gore scattered everywhere. As the stench of death filled the air.

The rogue, if he could be called that, was a bloody, broken mess, hunched over with heavy chains soaked in wolfsbane. His breathing was ragged. Judging from his looks, he would have wished to have joined his mates to pay their homage to their so-called goddess.

Yeah, so called because I don't believe in any barren power-hungry woman that sees it fit to name herself the moon goddess.

I shook my head to focus on the empty looking rogue.

"Speak," I commanded.

He said nothing.

I stepped closer, letting the full force of my Alpha aura ripple out of me like a tidal wave, washing over him in an instant. 

His body jerked. His wolf whimpered from inside him. The rogue's bones cracked as he tried to resist, but there was no way he could resist the might of an alpha. 

"Tell me who sent you," I ordered again, this time layered with command.

But then, something shifted in his expression, as his fear gave way to utter obedience, even no matter how he tried to resist my command. I smirked evilly, waiting to hear the truth

But before he could talk, his eyes rolled back in his head. And He began to convulse, foam bubbling from his lips.

"What the...?"

James rushed forward, but it was too late.

The rogue's spine arched forward before he slumped.

Dropping Dead.

I stared down at the corpse, rage bubbling deep in my gut.

"This wasn't natural," James said grimly. "It was like something was already set to resist your aura. It triggered when he couldn't resist, and that might have caused you ."

I clenched my jaw. "A kill-seal. Some spell or poison to ensure silence." 

Clever bastards.

Someone was playing a very dangerous game.

And they'd dared to test it on me.

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

I didn't say a word on the way back to my chambers. James walked behind me in silence, understanding my mood and knowing when to laugh or not to.

The palace walls were silent now, but the fire inside me hadn't died. If not, it continued to grow hotter as we reached my chambers.

I froze, something hit me immediately. I reached the hallway that led to my room.

A scent. Sweet and warm, like the mixture of vanilla with cinnamon. Delicate and infuriatingly addicting.

My wolf dax lurched forward, almost taking control without my consent.

"Mine" 

I staggered a little, one hand gripping the wall, as I tried to reil in my agitated wolf, who continued to chant in my head.

"My king, are you okay," like a flash my Beta was beside me, his eyes filled with worry.

I nodded, 

I knew that scent.

It belonged to the little thing that had arrived a few hours ago. a gift from one of my pathetic debtors. I had stupidly followed Elijah's advice only for my wolf that had been quite a long time to start acting strange.

In court, when my Beta, James, had brought her in, I was mesmerized by her innocence and fear. Well, anybody that has come before me quakes with fear, and it's a good thing the young omega hadn't fainted, but something else kept on bothering me.

Her fear..., it was not towards me. The kind I always see in my debtors whenever they see me, or evil doers when brought to my court.

Noo, she was afraid of something else, the way her deep violet eyes wouldn't meet my face, the way her body backed away on my mere touch.

It was like she was hiding something from me, and I hate nothing more than being lied to.

I increased my steps, remembering she was supposed to be on the floor, like every little good pet, naked, waiting for me.

I growled, my cock springing up to life, at the mere thought of what I would do to her.

But when I stepped in...

I froze, like I was pressed pause. all the built-up heat vaporized away from my body.

My so-called pet was standing in my room, her clothes fully on display.

And that was not all,

She was standing right in front of the cage I had built for her. Her eyes were wide, with horror. The realization that there was no escape from me.

It was supposed to be a gift. What I had planned to surprise her with.

She turned to run.

I moved.

Faster than her fragile little body could process.

She slammed into me, gasping like a startled rabbit while falling unceremoniously on the hard floor. I didn't even flinch.

"Where are you going, pet?" I asked, my voice low, too calm. I didn't need to raise it to break her. Fear rolled off her in thick waves, sweet and pungent, and I drank it like fine whiskey.

She froze beneath my gaze. For a second before tears welled up her eyes.

Good, she remembered what I had told him before.

She was supposed to be naked.

The sight of her fully clothed, still defiant in his softness, lit a fire under my skin. My claws ached to break through. My wolf snarled behind my ribs, demanding I put her in her place.

The third time. This was the fucking third time she had disobeyed a direct order, and what i hate is disobedience. 

I growled deep and low, sounding out my dissatisfaction. She scurried back like a frightened puppy.

Stupid.

Before she could react, I grabbed her by the throat, her eyes bulged. Hands flew to my wrist, weak and desperate, trying to pull away. But I didn't budge an inch.

"You still seem to be confused about your pathetic place in this pack, pet," I hissed, lifting her easily off the ground.

Her body dangled like a broken doll, light and Fragile. Her face turned red. Her pale lips parted as she struggled to breathe. I watched every twitch, every helpless shake of her head, pleading.

"You need to be punished."

His mouth opened, as if she was trying to plead, but there was no need.

I didn't care.

I tightened my grip, just a little too hard. Then, at the very brink, I let her go.

She crashed to the floor, gasping like a fish pulled from water.

Pathetic, weak and vulnerable.

I didn't even give her time to recover before I grabbed her by the front of that ridiculous dress she was on, slamming her into the wall.

The impact shook the paintings. Her gasp echoed like music in the silence.

"Disobedient little things like you need to be reminded of their place," I muttered, my tone cold, and devoid of any emotion.

I clenched the thin fabric of her dress, ready to rip the damn thing off.

Her eyes. wide, terrified...locked onto mine.

Panic.

He knew what I was about to do.

And deep inside her... he knew what it would mean.

"Struggling will only make it worse, pet," I said, lowering my face closer to hers to take a deep inhale. Her scent was so intoxicating that I almost lost control of my world that was just at the edge.

"Please don't..." she whimpered.

My claws were itching to shred the damn clothes. Break her, stake my claim, and brand her as mine.

Goodness, help me, I would have done it.

But then...

The door burst open.

"Master."

The voice cut through me like a blade of silver.

I froze.

My fingers are so close...

My beta stood at the door, his gaze flickering between me and the trembling girl before he spoke why he had disturbed my fun. "An emergency has arisen," he said calmly.

My jaw clenched.

Of course it had.

Of all times...

I inhaled once more, taking in another deep inhale. I didn't understand why I was so affected by her scent.

Then I let her go.

She crumpled to the floor like an unwanted toy.

I didn't look at her again. If I did, I know i would damn the fucking emergency and breed her like a horse. 

"We're not finished," I growled and walked out, barely containing the rage boiling under my skin.

The door slammed shut behind me.