CHAPTER 4.

-LILITH-

I thought I was dreaming when my step mother sold me off to those strange men.

It feels like a dream because why on earth would she sell me off? Why so sudden?

It really does not make any sense to me right now.

I was blindfolded and taken away by the men, but before that, I caught a glimpse of Seraphina laughing mockingly.

It seems like they have always wanted to get rid of me. I thought so and felt a pang of anger hit me.

They have always said I'm worthless... It wasn't enough taking my mate away from me, now...they throw me away like a piece of trash.

Who knows what these people are? Where are they taking me to?.What if they have me slaughtered and my body parts were sold off?

Tears rolled down my cheeks but I wiped them off completely and tried to brace myself up.

Looking around, I'm not alone... they're others who have been captured just like myself.

"I.. I'm so scared. Where are we headed?" Lena cried out.

"I'm scared too, Lena" I responded, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill from my eyes.

"Maybe we should have apologized and promised to be loyal for the rest of our lives. I'm pretty sure Seraphina did this to get back at us over what happened"

"Forget about it, Lena. I don't regret talking back to Seraphina. We are just unfortunate. Don't worry, I believe we are headed towards a more better place"

I assured her leven if I'm not that certain myself.

But, I can at least get a slight hope that things can get better and I won't be jumping from frying pan to fire.

I leaned my head back against the metal, listening to the rustling sound of dry grasses and stones.

I let my mind wander off to no direction at all.

___________________

I was having a bad dream... In that dream, I was having a nice time with my father when my step mother and Seraphina suddenly showed up and forcefully began to pull me away.

I struggled but all to no avail. What I didn't know was that I was actually whimpering and crying silently until a girl beside me tapped my gently.

I snapped my eyes open, looking around frantically.. I met thousands of eyes on me but almost immediately, they all averted their gaze, except for the girl beside me.

"Are you okay?" She asked, concern laced on the tone of her voice.

With a nod, I wiped my tears with the back of my palm.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

The girl asked and I responded with a nod again.

"You seem like someone with fewer words. I'm Becky and you?"

There was a little hesitation from me. I'm not so used to having people speak to me first.

Everyone steers clear from my way. Talk of having friends... that's not the case for me.

"Lilith.." I said slowly.

However, I'm a bit surprised to find the girl smiling down at me.

"Lilith.. It's beautiful. And you are beautiful too"

"Thank you"

I stayed silent afterward, leaning my head back against the metal. No idea how I fell asleep but, one thing is for sure... we are still on the path to God knows where.

But, my dream... It reminds me so much of my father. The lovely moments I spent with him.

How I wished death wasn't so cruel to snatch my father from me and leave me all alone to the cruel hands of my stepmother.

Even in my dream, they still don't want me to be happy.

"We are getting closer to our destination" The lady beside me spoke up again.

"How do you know that? Do you even know where we are?" I had to ask.

"I don't. I just feel we're close. Plus, I feel this is just the start to something beautiful and magical.." The girl said with dreamy eyes.

I shook my head, unsure about the fact that the lady is in her right senses. They have just been sold off as slaves.. How is it a start to something magical?

No one said a word to each other. Aside from the girl who spoke to me a while back, everyone else acted like no other person existed.

They went further, I have no idea how long we have spent but one thing is for sure, it's dawn already.

A sudden jerk made everyone startle. Others moved to peek through a tiny hole but I didn't move an inch.

I didn't feel the need to.

Just then, the metal door creaked open, exposing the bright rays of the sun.

I shut my eyes as the strong rays almost blurred my vision.

It's only been just a day, but it already feels like I haven't seen the rays of the sun in years.

"Get off everyone"

At the order, the clattering sound of the chains could be heard as everyone stood up, ready to get off the metal carriage that is more like a prison.

They had chains clipped to their right leg, as though anyone would make an attempt to escape.

"Isn't this nice, Lilith?" The girl from that time asked and I didn't bother giving an answer.

They were all lined up, facing the huge palace before them. My eyes scanned the environment.

I have never seen something that is as beautiful as the building in front of me.

But, the girl beside me, I kept wondering if she's a psycho because why would anyone be happy over a worse situation.

What's so laughable about being a slave? It's not as if we will be getting any special treatment. We won't be getting any good food or clothes.

A slave will always remain a slave. Perhaps, this might be the worst thing that could ever happen to me.

A lady showed up before then, looking elegant, classy and with a different uniform to go with.

She introduced herself as being the head maid and what's worse is the fact that she pointed it out to us point black that we are here as slaves.

Once she's done addressing everyone, we were all led to a small hut and we're paired in two.

For me, it feels like luck is only pushing me towards Becky- The girl from earlier.

"Is your impression about here still right? Do you still think something good will happen?" I asked as we changed into the uniform we were given.

The uniform shows that we are in the lowest rank of slaves in the palace since everything has to do with hierarchy.

"I still stand on what I said..You will see how things would turn out differently for us. It just needs a little push"

"I guess you have to work your butt off to understand that nothing good is ever going to come out from being a slave and serving the Alpha King.."

"Wait and watch dear friend. Let's hurry, we will be meeting the Alpha King, remember?"

"Right!"

I exhaled deeply, adjusting my dress which really doesn't fit properly.

CHAPTER 5

-ALPHA DAMIAN-

Blood Moon Pack.

Running water...splash... I turned off the tap, wrapped my towel dangerously around my waist and left the bathroom.

Standing in front of my mirror, my eyes darted towards the necklace on my table.

I reached out to it, eyes slowly observing every part of the necklace.

That night.. the strange lady with the matching energy. That night, I was vulnerable to her touch.

She had me where she wanted even though I never really thought anyone would have such effects on me.

What's strange is the fact that I met her that night, under weird circumstances.

No one has ever made me so vulnerable like she did. With just a single touch... A single kiss, I gave her what she wanted.

Because of how strong her energy is, I could feel her sadness and how badly she wanted to get laid.

Unfortunately, I had a very important meeting the next morning and left without a word, but not without taking her necklace along with me.

I have plans of returning back to the pack and finding her.

"Son.. you're back"

I was jolted out of my thoughts by the presence of my mother.. I turned around casually, my arms folding to the back.

"Mother.. What brings you here?

"Do I need a reason to come see my son after five days of absence?.."

I didn't respond and she continued.

"I had the maids prepare a sumptuous meal for you. It's your favorite..."

"No, mother.. I can't eat right now. I have a meeting with the Elders and the new slaves. I've got other things to do as well"

She frowned.

"You just got back to the pack, Damian. To me, you are not just an Alpha King.. you are my son. I have every right to worry..."

"Do not worry, mother... I'll definitely eat after the meeting. But, the pack comes first. I have to meet with the Elders.. I'll see you"

I left the room immediately. And, that is one way of avoiding my mother. Whenever she insists I have dinner, she definitely wants to talk about something else and I have no time for that right now.

Ever since I lost my mate years ago, Mother keeps insisting I get another woman. But is that even necessary? I lost my mate, I lost everything that matters.

Love has become a huge word for me.

Getting into the throne room, the Elders and everyone else are present.

They all stood up, keeping their heads lowered as my domineering presence filled the room.

In the blood moon pack, I'm feared by all..My presence alone is imposing, demanding respect from everyone.

I rule the pack with an iron paw and as I settled on my throne, my piercing gaze commanded attention.

"Let's begin"

My Beta-Lucien stepped forward and began reading the weekly report. Everyone listened with rapt attention.

When he was done, I took charge.

"It's disheartening that, Blood Moon pack is running at a loss...Any thoughts on that?"

An Elder stepped forward and said... "We aren't making sales, Alpha. Sales have been poor lately"

"Yet, we had a bountiful harvest this season and you say sales were poor? What happened to the products? What happened to the Cocoa plants? Did you eat all of them?"

The Elder retreated.

I stood up with hands folded to my back. I began to move slowly and steadily towards the Elders. My eyes were solely pinned on them.

"I got reports that the Cocoa produce was being smuggled out of the pack at night. And money is being embezzled.."

I observed keenly... The culprit was already fidgeting in fear, especially when I stood right in front of him.

"Do you have anything to say? Perhaps, you know where the produce is being smuggled to.."

The Elder shook his head negatively, pretending not to have a clue.

"Do you still want to lie? You know the consequences of lying to your Alpha King"

My voice came out cold, rough and demanding answers.

The Elder fell to his knees and began pleading.

"You don't work alone, right? Who is behind everything? Where is the money you have embezzled?"

The Elder's eyes darted towards a particular direction and his eyes shook with fear.

"Behead me, Alpha. I have wronged you and the Pack...please behead me"

I raised my brows up. I have seen countless traitors who would rather die than confess.

"Is that what you want?"

I nodded my head frantically.

"Very well then, I'll fulfill your candid wish"

I turned, snatched a sword from one of my soldiers and without a warning, I slit the throat of the Elder... blood splashing everywhere.

No one dares to flinch.

"Get rid of the body" I commanded.

I went back to the throne.. The look on my face wasn't that friendly.

Lucien leaned down and asked silently...

"I had no idea you were carrying out a secret investigation"

Out of everyone else, Beta Lucien is the closest to me. A Beta during meetings and pack affairs, a friend behind closed doors.

"Some things are better left unspoken. I knew I had to take actions" I responded and turned to the Elders.

"Let everyone hear this.. withdraw every devious scheme you have against the pack. I am watching every single one of you.."

"Yes, Alpha" They all responded at the same time.

"Bring the slaves in"

Beta Lucien went out and returned in shortly, with the slaves lined up behind him.

However, I felt the air change around... Filled with more energy, just like I had perceived that night.

My wolf shifted, becoming alert.

He wagged his tail, eagerness filling him.

"Mate!.. Mate!!.. Mate!!!" Dovan, My Wolf, changed happily in my head. This was exactly the same thing he did that night.

Alpha Damian's eyes searched through the slaves that were brought in.

I found her. She was right there standing pretty as ever.

Though her head was lowered to the ground, I could still identify her.

"Mate!"

I called out in a whisper and in that moment, She lifted her head up and our eyes met.

I felt a spark for the second time.

CHAPTER 6.

ALPHA DAMIAN

A second mate. Perhaps, the moon Goddess has decided to be on my side again after five years of being silent.

Five years ago, I lost my mate to a plague that spread across blood moon pack. Unfortunately, she became a victim.

Pained, I accused the moon Goddess of snatching the only thing that mattered to me.

But, here I am.. staring at my new mate.

If I wasn't an Alpha... I would have jumped right on her. My wolf - Dovan has never been this excited for years.

Standing amidst the other slaves, her beauty shined brightly even though she's clothed in rags.

Even though her hair looks rough and disheveled, she's still pretty in my eyes.

I feel like storming over there and taking her in my arms.

But why? Why has the moon Goddess decided to give me an Omega as a mate? She is a slave. Someone I bought to run errands and chores?

That is far below my status. But, does that matter?

An Omega... An Alpha King... does that even work?

Honestly, I don't know what to feel at the moment. I'm happy because I finally found her.

My mate and the lady from that night... And I'm not happy that she's here as a slave. Dressed in rags and slightly bruised.

The moment my eyes found a tiny bruise on her cheek, Dovan shifted uncontrollably in me.

"What happened to her? Why is she all bruised?" He asked aggressively but I kept him under control.

If I let Dovan get his way, he would make a fuss over nothing and everyone right here.. the elders, Lucien and the soldiers would know right away.

"What are you waiting for Damian?. Go get her" He pushed, his voice fierce and rough.

I held back, refusing to do as told even if my legs itched to go forward.

"Let's not do this right here, Dovan"

He struggled for a while and then went quiet.

That's when our eyes met...those pretty eyes of hers.

But, she looked away instantly and it made my blood boil. I couldn't tell if she recognized who I was.

"Take them away. Make sure they are aware of what they are here for..." I said to Lucien, stood up and began to walk towards the exit door.

My steps faltered as soon as I got to where she stood, I turned my gaze to her..accessing her from head to toe, then I left.

_____________

My mind was clouded with thoughts of her... just her.

I still can't get her off my head. Especially since she's of a lower rank. Why would the Moon Goddess pair me with a slave when there are others I could be paired with.

"Is there something eating you up, Damian?" My mother broke into my thoughts.

"I'm fine, Mother "

"You can't lie to me, son"

I didn't respond but simply ate from my food.

"By the way, I was thinking about pairing you up with my friend's daughter in the neighbouring pack..."

"Don't do that, Mother"

"Why? You have to get yourself a Luna, Damian... You don't think you would rule this pack alone forever"

"There's no problem with ruling this pack alone, Mother. I have been doing that for five years"

Deep down, I knew my mother would always bring up marriage talks whenever we have breakfast together.

There's no way I would tell her that I have found my mate. Mother would never like it because she's an Omega and worse, a slave at the palace.

"It's been five years since you lost her. By now, the Moon Goddess ought to have given you another mate. Why don't you let me find someone befitting for you, Damian. You need a woman in your life"

"I don't, Mother. And, thank you for this sumptuous meal....But, I have to leave to my study and get some paperwork done"

Before she could stop me, I went to my chambers and went to stand by the window.

I have a lot on my shoulders right now and all my mother thinks about is getting myself a Luna.

Though, I have found my mate...but, maybe I could pretend she isn't here.

Can I really do that?

"Don't you dare think of pretending, Damian.. We have found our mate. You can't just pretend she doesn't exist" Dovan ranted.

I shut him up immediately... If I let him, he would keep going on and on about getting her.... And I'm really not into that.

Just then, a clattering sound caught my attention.. I moved my gaze to the side of the palace.

I watched the head maid land a slap on her cheeks for breaking some glass plates.

My heart churned since I could see and feel her pain. Just for breaking a glass, she got slapped.

She took out another plate and tried to hold carefully but it slipped and shattered to pieces.

Another slap landed on her cheeks.

My blood boiled watching this happen right before my eyes.

I feel like storming over there and giving the head maid twice the pain she has caused my mate in just a few minutes.

My fists clenched into tight fists because no one dares to maltreat someone I'm fated to be with.

But, that would be way out of line for an Alpha King.

It's her job to teach the slaves some palace etiquettes but, I'm so furious today my mate has to receive such mistreatment.

I tend to calm my nerves when I remind myself that she's still a slave and nothing can change that except I go right there and declare to everyone that she's my fated mate.

Suddenly, a knock came right through the door. I know who that is already.. I can tell from the scent.

"Come in.." I said icily, moving away from the window.

"Alpha Damian, the carriage is ready" Lucien informed. We need to head out now before it's late.." Lucien informed.

"Get the soldier ready as well. By the way, inform Nerida to avoid any form of mistreatment when dealing with the new slaves.."

"But, that's her job.. She always does that to the slaves to ensure they properly learn the basic etiquettes"

"She can always do so with words and not fists. Go inform her, Lucien. It's an order"

Even as Lucien walked out, I'm sure he's confused as to why I'm concerned about how the slaves are being treated.

But, that's the least I can do to save my Mate from unwanted abuse.