Chapter 6 006

006

ISOLDE

‘You must always remember your place, Isolde. Drogo is the most dangerous man in every territory that exists. He feeds on fear and destroys how he likes.

Your marriage to him isn't just to form an alliance but to trap him. Lure him. Please him if you must. Be his whore3 and let him trust you. And while he is vulnerable at your mercy, you'll find his weakness and give it to me.

Remember. Your mother’s life is on the line, and you have three months. This is also for your sake… this man is bad.’

Father's words sound like a dread bell shaking my nerves. I've almost forgotten the reason I am here. Almost let the soft treatment slip my resolution away.

I'm nothing to Drogo, and he admitted it himself. His hate runs deeper than how he imagines.

It must be because I was born under the red moon, and seeing a cursed one like me sparks dreadful memories that cause his loathing.

That was why he @ttacked me that night we first met.

How could I not have gathered those pieces from the beginning?

How could I for a moment think there could be a glimpse of heaven in a house packed with devious rogues... And that the king has a pang of pity after hearing my story?

I need to stay low, quiet, and look vulnerable in their eyes. An obedient little exclusive bride of their Alpha.

I shall find their pity while I do my mission. No one is to be trusted.

Even though I loathe Father, he might be right. Alpha Drogo is dangerous. He could be out there hunting souls like the dark tales about him.

Riana’s situation proves me right. A human girl who’s forced to serve to save her brother.

There's nothing different between Drogo and my father. Perhaps he is even worse.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Riana asks from behind.

“Do I have a choice?” I whisper.

I'm wearing a red dress that barely covers half of my thighs. I don't know what my so-called husband is planning, but I know it is not something pleasant judging from his look this morning.

“I don't feel good about this. Maybe you should act like you can't make it. Pretend to collapse. You are still healing. He will understand... well, if he does have a heart.”

That's a good idea, but I don't have enough time. I need to save Mother. The only family I have.

“It's fine.” I turn to her with a tight smile.

Riana nods with a sigh.

“Can I ask…” I hesitate. “How many mistresses does the Alpha have?”

Riana blinked. “Umm… Not sure. He changes women like he is changing shirts. Heard he doesn't take a woman twice.”

Wow, my husband is a whôre. That could mean I might as well seduce him to get to his heart, but will he even look at me?

All I see is hatred and disgust in his eyes.

“And what kind of women does he like?”

“Uh… why are you asking these questions?”

I swallow. “Nothing much… I just want to know about him so I can avoid him at all costs. He is a man-whôre, so…”

Riana nods. “Yeah. That is brilliant. I heard he is into girls with strong wolves. S3xy, kind of a club girl, and professional in b3d. He is hard to please.”

I'm opposite to all of that. I guess I'm taking another route.

Three months and Riana knew all these? She can be a lot of help.

“Have you been introduced before?” I ask.

“No. I don't even know what that means.”

A knock breaks out conversation.

“Step out, girl. It's time.”

I take a deep breath. With a pale face, Raina whispers, "Good luck." I can tell she wants to follow me but is too afraid to see what is coming. Even though I selfishly wish for her company, I can't drag her with me.

“Isolde,” Riana calls before I reach the door. “You don’t have to try to impress him or anything. Don’t… don’t try to be what you’re not. He hates lies. Everyone says so. Be careful.”

Taking a deep breath, I thank her and leave.

~~~~~~~~

Low bass music thumps, vibrating through the walls and setting my skin on fire. This was the least I expected. People grinding against each other, dancing to the wild beat. Females barely dressed with men r@king their hands over them. The air reeks of smoke and alcohol enough to choke me.

A few men glance my way, and if it wasn't for the man holding my arm, they would have pôunced on me.

I follow the man to the second floor. It's quieter here, neater with dim light cast over the wall. He opens a room and nudges me in.

And there I see him.

Drogo.

His large frame occupies the end of the seat like he owns and commands the room. His dark shirt has two buttons undone, with one leg over the other, and his finger grazing his lips.

He is like a handsome devil that effortlessly blends with darkness.

Immediately our gaze locks... His eyes darken.

Rolls of dangerous-looking men like him are seated by his sides; their gaze leaves the n@ked woman dancing against the center pole and flicks in my direction.

I suddenly feel naked without a barrier.

“Come here, Red.” Drogo’s voice draws lazily at the end.

My feet move before my mind can resist. I avoid meeting his gaze until I'm by his side.

“Kneel.”

I give him a questioning look, but he raises a brow, daring me to talk back. Rule number 1: God, I can literally hear his commanding voice.

I obey, lowering myself to the floor beside his feet. He touches my red hair, playing with the locks like I'm some obedient little thing.

“I'd like to introduce this fine lady here,” he says. “I got her yesterday from Aldric. A repayment for what he owes me. She is new to the territory.”

I clench my fist at his words. What is he doing this for? Is he about to tell them I'm his bride?

“She’s my pet.”

My heart plummets. I snap to look at him, but his grip is on my head. A warning that he can snap my neck off without trying.

Pet? What does he mean?

“She is such a pretty little red thing, Drogo,” one of the men says. “Congratulations, I must say.”

One by one they raise their glasses in acknowledgement.

I shut my eyes, listening as they chat about my topic. Drogo says nothing as if enjoying the way their gaze rakes over me.

Stay calm, Isolde. Stay calm.

“If you don't mind, Drogo. Can we have a little bit of fun with her?”

No. Definitely no. These people are scary; judging from their look, they have dangerous territories of their own. Drogo's allies, maybe.

I look up; Drogo is staring back at me. He won't agree to this, will he?

I'm his wife.

“Sure. Why not?” he says.