Chapter 5 Vera

I should start saying my last prayer to the Moon Goddess because I know Alpha Aiden would kill me. My whole body screams in pain as they drag me across the ground, my back scraping against the cold stone. I bite down hard on my lips to stop myself from crying out, but the pain is everywhere.

I wish they would just pull the bag off my face. It makes it hard to breathe. My lungs burn, and panic claws its way up my throat.

My body goes rigid the moment they throw me to the floor. His scent hits me immediately—sandalwood and citrus. Alpha Aiden is here. Fear grips my chest so tightly I can barely breathe. My fingers curl into fists as I brace myself for pain, punishment, or even death.

But none of it comes. Only heavy silence.

“Take her to her room and lock her up there,” his voice is calm, cold, controlled.

My eyes snap open beneath the blindfold. That’s all.

I let out the breath I’m sure I’ve been holding. Why didn’t he kill me? He should have. Unless… my heart skips a beat. This can only mean one thing. He isn’t going to kill me because I’m his mate—and an Alpha like him needs their true mate to stay stronger. But the thing is I doubt he knows I'm his mate. 

“Bastard,” I mutter under my breath as they drag me to my room.

The moment they dump me inside and slam the door shut, panic overtakes me. I struggle against the bag over my head, my heart hammering.

I can’t breathe. I choke, gasping for air, when the door bursts open.

“Vera!” That’s Mia.

I let out a shaky sigh of relief so deep my knees almost gave out. Her hands fumble with the cloth before finally pulling it off my face. I suck in a deep breath, my lungs burning as air floods them at last.

The moment I can see her clearly, I throw myself into her arms. She stiffens for a second, then hugs me back. I don’t know how the tears start streaming down my face, but they won’t stop.

“I’m here,” she whispers. “You’re okay.”

No. I am far from okay.

She pulls back slightly, one hand resting on my shoulder. “What happened? Why did they bring you back like that?”

I should tell her about what I did, but I shake my head slowly. The less people know about it, the safer I am. “I’m fine, Mia,” I lie weakly, but deep down I know she doesn’t believe me.

Little do I know, the nightmare doesn’t end there. From that day onward, every time Alpha Aiden summons me to his chambers, it feels worse. He wears dark tinted glasses, hiding his eyes. The first time I see him like that, I almost laugh—but the sound dies in my throat the moment he steps closer.

“You can’t manipulate me again,” he says each time, his voice low and dangerous. Most of the time, he takes me from behind so he won’t see my face.

And worse, rumors spread that I used my power on him to get close.

I hear whispers everywhere—in the hall, in the kitchen, behind my back. People avoid me like I’m a plague. I walk with my head down, wishing I could disappear.

---

I blink, snapping out of my thoughts. Zoe stands in front of me, her brows furrowed.

“The party starts in a few minutes. Hurry up and behave.”

“Whatever,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as I walk into the kitchen to grab the drinks that will be served.

The hall is loud—laughter, music, the clinking of glasses. I move in and out, serving drinks, ignoring the ache in my body.

Suddenly, the clinking stops. Silence falls. Everyone turns to see what announcement is coming. In our pack, they throw parties for the silliest reasons, so I don’t even try to guess if this one will make sense.

Eve rises to her feet, rubbing her stomach. I nudge her subtly—she doesn’t remember anything, just as I commanded.

“I have a huge announcement to make!” Her face lights up, sharp with glee.

“I’m pregnant,” she says, and tentatively adds that they are expecting the heir of the pack.

Applause fills the hall. My heart feels hollow, my eyes sting with unshed tears. I won’t break. But honestly… I don’t know what I expected. I’m just his sex slave, nothing more. His chosen Luna is pregnant.

Alpha Aiden rises and walks toward her. The crowd cheers again as he pulls her closer and kisses her.

It’s unbearable. I look away immediately, the pain slicing through me.

“It’s okay, Vee,” Mia whispers, her hand finding mine and giving it a light squeeze. I nod, though I know it’s a lie. It’s far from okay.

Somehow, I feel a piercing gaze on me. I raise my head and my heart stutters—Alpha Aiden is looking at me. I glance up for a few seconds, then quickly drop my eyes. He mustn’t catch me staring.

“There’s plenty to drink and eat. Enjoy, everyone!” someone calls over the music.

The pain in my chest feels unbearable. I wish someone would come to this pack and just take me away. I had always hoped my mate would rescue me, pull me out of this misery—but my mate is never going to help me.

“Get more wine!” the head servant calls out, voice cutting through the music.

My body aches, my feet scream with exhaustion, but I force myself to the wine cellar. It’s peaceful here, away from the loud music and laughing voices. I lean against the cool stone wall, closing my eyes for just a moment. Slowly, my body begins to drift into a fragile sleep.

Suddenly, noises erupt around me. I jolt upright, heart racing, panic clawing at my chest. ‘What’s happening?’ I wonder, my eyes darting around the dark cellar.

“Vera! Vera! Vera! Where are you?” The call is frantic, panicked. My heart spikes, hammering in my chest. I jump to my feet. ‘Oh Goddess, what is it?’

I rush toward the voices. The servants look terrified, faces pale. “What happened?” I ask, my voice shaking.

“The former Luna… she was found dead,” one of them stammered. I suck in a sharp breath, my stomach twisting, and look up, searching for more.

“And… the Alpha’s pregnant mate… she’s been abducted,” another whispers.

I cover my mouth with my hand, my body freezing. My chest tightens so much it’s hard to breathe.

“This… this doesn’t look good,” I manage to say, though my voice trembles. I look at them, desperate for answers, for some hint that this nightmare isn’t real.

Suddenly, the whole mansion shakes. Dust falls from the ceilings, and my gut twists with dread. Something terrible is coming.

The servants turn to me, not with anger, but with pity. My heart drops at the look in their eyes.

“Alpha Aiden said we should find you and bring you immediately,” one says quietly.

Oh no… My chest tightens. He’s finally going to kill me.