Chapter 1 Vera

“The Alpha wants you.”

The guard’s voice pulls me out of the little sleep I managed to get. My heart sinks. I already know what that means.

Before I can even sit up, three maids rush into my room. They always come the second Alpha Aiden sends for me. No one dares waste his time.

I don’t belong to myself anymore. I’m the most hated girl in the pack. The traitor’s daughter. That’s all anyone sees when they look at me.

My parents were once respected. My father was the Beta of Draven pack, and my mother was loved by everyone. Then they were accused of betraying Alpha Draven and killing his first son.

The truth is, It was me, I was found at the scene of the murder, but I was only ten years old. They couldn’t kill a child, so they killed my parents instead.

I watched them die. Their blood covered the ground while the whole pack stood there and watched. No one tried to save them.

The pack wanted me dead too. I still remember them shouting for my blood. But Alpha Draven spared my life. Not because he cared, but because I was a child.

That mercy became my punishment. They let me live, but they never treated me like I was alive.

I sleep in the servants’ quarters. I work until my hands bleed. Whenever someone is angry, they take it out on me. No one ever stops them.

The maids pull off my clothes and shove me into a bathtub.

"Stay still, cursed girl," one of them says, scrubbing my skin so hard it burns.

Cursed. That’s what everyone calls me. I still don’t have my wolf. They say the Moon Goddess is punishing me. I stopped trying to defend myself a long time ago.

The water is so hot it stings, but I stay quiet.

When they finish, they dress me in a thin gown that barely covers my body. I would rather be naked. Then they spray perfume all over me and throw a robe over my shoulders.

I already know where I’m going. It's Alpha Aiden’s room.

After Alpha Draven died, his son came back to take his place. Outside the pack, he owns billion-dollar companies. Inside the pack, everyone fears him.

"Go," the head maid says.

I start walking without saying a word. Keeping Alpha Aiden waiting is something I can’t afford.

When I stop outside his door, my chest suddenly feels tight. Something pulls me toward him. My heart beats so hard it hurts.

"Come in." His deep voice comes through the door, my heart pounds even faster.

Because he is my mate.

Yes… My mate.

Everything changed on the night of the Blood Moon ceremony. The moment Alpha Aiden stepped into the circle, something pulled him straight toward me. For one second, I thought fate had finally smiled at me.

Then he looked at me, but his eyes were full of hate.

That was when I knew. He felt the pull, but he didn’t feel the mate bond the way I did. I searched his face, hoping I was wrong. But I wasn’t.

Then he spoke.

"Take her to my mansion, she will live there... as my slave." His voice was cold.

Just like that, my life changed forever.

I quietly walk into his room and find him sitting behind his desk, writing something like I’m not even there.

For a moment, I forget how to breathe.

He’s unbelievably handsome. His dark hair falls over his forehead, and his sleeves are rolled up, showing his strong forearms. Everything about him demands attention.

My heart still reacts to him.

I hate that.

I hate him.

Alpha Draven spared my life. I know Alpha Aiden would never have spared me. If he wanted me dead, he wouldn’t think twice.

He finally looks up.

The bond in my chest tightens until it hurts. His scent fills the room, warm and rich, making it even harder to breathe.

Slowly, he stands. His eyes move over me from head to toe.

"Why are you staring, slave?" His voice is too calm.

I don't answer. I only lift my chin, holding on to the little pride I have left.

The corner of his mouth twitches for a second before disappearing.

His eyes turn cold again.

"Listen carefully. The next time I call for you, if you make me wait..."

He pauses.

"I'll use my whip and leave marks on your back myself."

Fear runs through me, but I don't let it show.

"Yes, Alpha."

He holds my gaze for one long second.

Then he gives one simple order.

"Strip."