I looked like a beggar.
No wonder they all stared at me with disgust.
For a fleeting moment, I wondered-How did Draven even tolerate sitting next to me in the car? He couldn’t have had it easier.
Then, irritation prickled my skin. Serves him right.
I understood now. My appearance wasn’t just an insult to me-it was an insult to Draven. And his people knew it.
I exhaled sharply. Fine.
I wouldn’t argue about being helped with a bath. Not because I agreed, but because I was too tired to resist.
The maids led me toward the bathroom. A copper tub of steaming water awaited.
The bath wasn’t kindness. It was correction.
When they stripped me, I clenched my teeth, swallowing the humiliation. When they scrubbed my skin raw without mercy, I winced, but I didn’t complain.
And when they combed my hair, pulled at the knots, I bit my lip and let them because resistance would only make it worse. I was new here and still needed to put up with a lot until I have fully adjusted.
Finally, they dressed me in a simple white gown from my closet.
Madame Beatrice watched silently before finally speaking. “You will learn our ways,” she said. “Forget whatever you were taught in Moonstone. This is Mystic Furs now.”
I said nothing.
“Don’t wander around the estate alone.” Then she stepped closer as if to make her instructions clear. “You will also remember to respect Alpha Draven.”
Respect?!
I scoffed inwardly. That was never going to happen. Not after the treatment I have received so far.
Next, they measured me for the wedding dress as took note of the pointers from Madame Beatrice on a paper.
Madame Beatrice equally ordered that a white hat veil be made to cover my face because of the scar, before giving out an instruction for a doctor to examine my face after the wedding.
I wasn’t concerned with her interest over healing my scar because I had no intention of using whatever ointment they gave me.
Finally, Madame Beatrice clapped her hands. “Time for dinner.”
She pressed a small scented pouch into my palm. “You will carry this at all times,” she instructed.
I was too exhausted to argue. But the final blow?
After dragging myself through endless hallways and staircases to the dining room, I arrived-only to find Draven absent.
Yet, I was forced to wait. Because no one could eat until the Alpha arrived.
Thirty minutes later-he never showed. Then a servant finally informed me he wouldn’t be coming anymore.
No apology. No explanation.
My stomach growled painfully, and my fists clenched. I had no doubts that Draven had done this on purpose to teach me a lesson.
Ruthless bastard.
Draven.
**Wedding Day**
“Alpha, a body was found just before dawn.”
Jeffery’s voice sliced through the heavy silence, his tone clipped and serious.
I didn’t turn immediately. My gaze remained fixed on the standing mirror before me as my attendant fastened the clasps of my ceremonial robe. The deep black and crimson fabric draped over my broad shoulders, the weight of tradition pressing against my skin.
Jeffery stepped further into the chamber, his reflection appearing in the mirror. “Another werewolf. Same method. The heart was taken.”
My fingers stilled against the fabric. A slow, simmering rage coiled in my chest.
I finally turned, my golden eyes snapping to Jeffery’s. “Where?”
Jeffery pulled a folder from his coat, flipping it open. “In the main city. Near the merchant quarter.”
He handed me a photograph. The image was gruesome.
A clean, precise kill. No signs of struggle. The victim’s chest cavity was ripped open with brutal efficiency, the heart completely missing.
This wasn’t random. It was deliberate. And the message? Unclear-but dangerous nonetheless.
My jaw tightened as I handed the photo back. “My brother?”
“He’s reinforced the city patrols but is requesting further orders.”
I exhaled slowly. “Tell him to double security and begin a full-scale investigation.”
Jeffery nodded. “And us?”
“We return to the city in two days.”
Jeffery bowed in acknowledgment. But just as he turned to leave, I spoke again.
“What about Meredith?”
Jeffery hesitated briefly before answering. “Madame Beatrice is preparing her now.”
I gave a curt nod and turned back to the mirror.
Last night, I had left her waiting at dinner.
It hadn’t been intentional-I had simply lost track of time during a strategy meeting with my warriors. By the time Jeffery reminded me, it was too late.
Did she sit there waiting? Did she fume in silence? Or did she curse my name under her breath?
I almost smirked because Meredith from Moonstone wasn’t a timid little thing. She was mouthy and sharp-tongued when she wanted to be.
But then, I recalled the state I found her in yesterday.
Gary had dragged her out of the poultry shed like an animal. She was filthy and dishevelled and reeked of poultry and dirt.
For a brief second, my wolf had snarled, baring its teeth in silent outrage. Not at Meredith, but at them.
She had stood there in front of me, trembling, yet still holding her chin up. No weeping, no begging.
She had refused to come with me and instead made her demands.
I had given her an order. Her father had cast her out. And still, she tried to fight me.
A slow smirk curled at the corner of my lips.
She had fought me over the room, too. She had demanded her own space-as if I had ever planned to share mine with her.
So, I let her have her distance.
I had given her exactly what she wanted-a room far away, buried in the maze of staircases and corridors.
Had she learned her lesson after climbing all those stairs last night?
Maybe now she understood-I don’t negotiate. I command.
“Done, my Alpha.” My attendant took a step back, retrieving a red velvet box from the table. He opened it, revealing a golden crest bearing the emblem of my bloodline.
With careful hands, he pinned it to the left side of my chest, followed by other ceremonial accessories.
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