Chapter 1
Iris's pov
“Well?” Marcus's voice sliced through the air. I took one last look at my surroundings, they were waiting on me to transform. Marcus stood as the most anticipated viewer.
“We are not seeing anything, Iris!” He came again, this time it rang like his usual warnings in my ear. Warnings that came with marks of leather slapped against my skin.
I closed my eyes, not wanting to relive the memory of it as I begged my wolf to come out. Even calling upon the moon goddess to see if she'd answer me.
Anything at all but just save me from tonight's torment and help me transform. I need my wolf to prove them wrong, to save me from the hell that would be unleashed on me later.
But nothing got out, my body remained stiff to my silent prayers while the moon beat my skin like a sliver bath.
“And we came out to see you stand there looking worthless? She ain't no wolf men!” Marcus's beta mocked from the crowd. The people around didn't hesitate to join him in tearing me apart but none of their words scared me more than what Marcus had in store for me.
I waited for him to speak but he said nothing, only staring at me with eyes that swore to do much worse to me later. At this time, I had been kneeling at the center of the wooden pulpit, waiting for a miracle but just as I feared, none came.
Marcus let out a few sharp breaths and pointed to his guards. “Take her back inside. Treat her to the bed and make her wait for me.” Those instructions sounded like the entry to my death.
I watched helplessly as the guards pulled me from the floor and carried me inside. I couldn't bring myself to look at Marcus, I could end up losing my sight if I did. He had this dangerous look in his eyes, so help me goddess, I didn't know if I'd be able to survive tonight.
The guards carried me by both my arms, causing me to hang halfway. I felt so weak that I couldn't bring myself to maintain a posture that might save me later. I remained pitiable in their hold.
When we got to my chamber, they dumped on the bed, not caring to look after me or seeing if I had landed properly. I managed to hold on to the bed frame, getting myself the chance to stand well to reach the bed itself.
Finally, I was able to land down on it. I basked in the warmness of it as I awaited my fate in the hands of the man in charge of my life. From inside, I heard the guards discuss it.
“Soon, our Lord will come and whip her to her senses again.” One said to the other and they laughed over it.
“As much as I pity the poor lady, she should've thought about it before allowing herself to be taken out in public for her wolf transformation. We already know that the alpha is not a patient man.” The other responded and went to jeer about it again.
I was used to it. The mockery, how they talked about me even outside my own room, not minding whether I was listening or not. They gave no shit.
It was the life alpha Marcus made me live in his kingdom, his pack. After being bought by him to save my family, he saw me less of a mate and more of a leverage for him to look good before his people.
And had I tried to run away? He'd go after the ones I love and slaughter them like animals. So I accepted my fate and lived through it. I closed my eyes for a minute, letting myself take in the temporary goodness, knowing that soon, my body would be covered in marks and blood.
✯✯
I didn't know how long I was out but by the time the guard had come to wake me up, the moon had already set its rays into my window.
The guard stood above me, peeping into my face like a child. “The Alpha calls for you. He says to tell you that you should get dressed and come down to his chambers immediately. You already know what happens if you delay him.” He turned and left as he came.
I swallowed hard before gently lifting myself from the bed. Every corner of my room was filled with the light of the moon, making it easier for me to search through my wardrobe. I wasn't looking to impress Marcus but if he had called me to his chamber, I might as well look impressive at least.
A burgundy cotehardie, deep v necked, just the way Marcus liked it on me. It didn't take me a few minutes to stand before the long mirror to take a scan at myself.
I brushed some parts of the dress like I was raising dust from it and then I made my way to Marcus's room. My palms were already getting sweaty and I could swear that I almost felt my heart fall into my stomach.
I was already halfway through the hall to his room when I heard noises in the room I had walked past. I took cautious steps back to see what it was. The door was slightly ajar and from inside, I heard sharp moans. I peeked through the open space and my mouth fell open instantly.
“Arghh, yess! Take me alpha! Ruin me like you've never done to any woman before!” The naked woman on top screamed her lungs out as she rode the male below her.
“Fuck! Even my supposed mate doesn't feel as good as you, Luceila!” My heart instantly stopped. Like a sharp instinct, I slowly pushed the door, praying it wasn't who I thought it was.
“Oh goddess! Marcus, ruin me please!” The woman cried. I recognized her. I fell against the wall, causing a cup sitting close to fall over and startle them. Shock soared in their eyes as they stared back at me.
The woman was the first to panic. “Sister Iris?!”
