"Do you, Sierra Winters take Xavier Hunt as your lawfully wedded mate and husband?"

The person speaks and my body shivers like a leaf shuddering in a freezing winter. My hands and feet were ice cold and all I wanted to do was run and never look back.

Tears sting my eyes but I keep them in. No. I won't cry in front of everyone. I am not weak.

Clenching the white wedding dress in my sweaty palms, I try to keep on my nerves. To fail miserably. I had my dreams. I wanted to be a herb doctor. To help heal thousands of people. But marriage? It was not a part of it.

Especially not to a man like him.

Looking up through the diaphanous veil, I stared at my future husband's handsome face, to have my soul shudder in fear. My eyes drop down back instantly.

He had a deadly look plastered on his face, those cold grey eyes were fixated on me, simmering with nothing except hatred.

And I shrink under it.

His hatred was justified. If there was any other man in his place, I bet he would detest even looking at me, let alone agree to make me his wife.

But this was the royal decree. The barter. And none could go against it.

Neither him, nor me. No matter how much we were against it.

My gaze stopped at my parents who were looking at us with apprehension. And the desire to say no to this. Becomes stronger. This was my father's doing. I shouldn't be the one paying for it.

But then my gaze drifts to the thousands of my pack members behind them.

And my clenched fists, unclench.

How can I see all these innocent people die? If I go back now, Silver Moon warriors will turn this place into a blood pool. And my blood will be the first one to shed.

Closing my eyes, I let out the words.

"I do"

Cheers and claps echoed in the room and the first teardrop leaves my eyes. Great. Celebrate my doom.

"Do you Xavier Hunt take Sierra Winters as your mate and second wife?"

The word second wife rooted a dagger into my chest. A replacement. Is all my life has become.

How did it come down to this?

What sin did I even do in my life to deserve this?

"I do."

His cold detached voice made the temperature in the room dip lower. And I lift my palms to rub my arms.

Avoiding looking up.

"Congratulation. I now pronounce you as husband and wife! You may-"

Before I knew it, he was already walking down the stage. Not bothering for the ceremony to complete. People gasped in surprise but no one said anything.

They wouldn't dare go against him.

Because he wasn't just a beast. But rather a wounded one right now, who lost his dear wife and mate just 2 days back. He has killed 200 men in the last 24 hours , without an ounce of remorse.

Blood is what feeds his regret of not being able to save her.

And my blood is going to be his favorite. Because it belonged to the very daughter of the man who killed his mate.

Great.

Cheers to a loveless marriage and a long life!

Because I have a feeling I am not going to live long.

Until I am bound to him.

And that was forever. If only there was an eternity in real life.

....

The car jolts as it crosses a bumpy road and I adjust myself on the seat. I sneak a peek at the man sitting beside and I find his face morphed in stone-like coldness. Eyes closed, jaw firm, and nose scrunched in disgust.

Was something stinking here?

I wondered and next I knew he lowered his window to inhale fresh air. A few more minutes pass and the creases on his forehead don't soften. He was still disgusted by something.

Deciding to mind my own business, I look down to play with the hem of my dress. When his heavy voice cuts through the silence of the car.

"Pull over"

The driver abides and the car comes to a halt. I look at him in confusion. Wondering what business could he have on a deserted road.

"Get out. "

I blink. I looked at him in confusion to find his eyes closed and head leaning back on the backrest.

Who is he talking to?

When neither the driver nor I move. He opens his eyes to look at me and I gulp.

"Are you hard of hearing? Get out."

I open my lips to protest when he beats me to it.

"Your scent is making me nauseous. Will you do it yourself or do you want me to drag you down?"

The tone of his voice stays neutral, but the threat weighs a ton. Gulping. Deciding to protect the little self-respect I had.

I push open the door and get out.

He leaves without bothering me a glance and I hug myself as freezing winds hit me like pointed spikes. My mind goes blank as I stare at his retreating car, driving down the road.

So the disgusted thing was me huh?

Why am I surprised? I should get used to this.

Walking down the empty road at 11 o'clock at night. I try to rub my palms to generate some heat, to no avail. The veiled net dress wasn't helping either.

Distant howls pierced the silence of the forest and I shivered. My heart thumped and I tried to fasten my pace.

There were a few times I wished I was like other werewolves.

And today was one of them.

If only I could shift. I would reach the mansion within minutes.

An hour passed and the moon goddess was not showing any mercy. It started raining cats and dogs. By the time I reach the huge gates of the gigantic mansion. I was drenched and numb. My breathing was rugged, my lungs protested and my fingers pale white.

My sore legs stumbled as I gripped the iron door to support myself.

Looking up at the mansion. I feel my throat turn dry. It was huge, this looked nothing less than a castle. I am going to live here?

My gaze stops at the silhouette of a man standing and staring down at me from the window. And I hear my heart thud again.

Those eyes. I can identify them among millions.

The coldness in them is distinguishable.

"Reveal your identity!"

I hear a man shout behind me and I turn around to look at him, when a heaviness settles in my head.

He was a guard, pointing a sword at me.

Struggling to keep my heavy eyelids open, I battle to speak. My pale lips shivered.

"I...I..am Sierra Win....Hunt. Wi...fe of Alpha-"

Disbelief becomes evident in his eyes. He looks at me from top to bottom. And then lowers his sword.

Bowing.

"Luna. I am so sorry. I didn't realize-"

I could no longer hear what he was saying. All the strength in my body seemed to leave on its own. And next, I know my grip on the railing loosens and my body slumps down to fall with a thud.

"Luna! Luna!"

The guard's terror-stricken cries follow and I lift my closing eyes to see the silhouette still standing at the window.

Starting blankly. Doing nothing.

His cold grey eyes were the last thing I saw before darkness engulfed me in its embrace and my unconscious body fell on the cold pavement right outside his castle.

I wake up with a sneeze building up in my throat. Letting it out, I smudge my nose with the back of my hand to look around.

Where the hell was I?

It was a small room with the only light entering was from a little ventilating window at the top. The room was crammed with used stuff and I could see spiderwebs hanging on the walls.

Probably a store room or an attic.

Just great.

I press my palms to get up when I see that I am lying on a crud mattress that hasn't seen the face of a detergent or light in years. I pat it to only find dust particles sprawling in the air.

I cough. Covering my mouth to get up.

Gosh. It even stinks here. Did some rat sneak in and die somewhere here?

I was still collecting my thoughts when the old rustic door was pushed open and I was welcomed with the face of an old woman.

Throwing a black and white dress on the mattress. She groans in disgust. Covering her mouth.

"Gosh. You are really filthy. Just get changed and get down to work. "

Filthy?

Work?

What was she saying?

"May...may I know who you are? I don't think I know you. "

She rolls her eyes at me as if talking to a subordinate. Placing her hands on her waist, she moves closer to me. Her tone was blunt.

"Listen you little bitch. If you think this 'I am so innocent' facade is going to work here? You are mistaken."

"Everyone here hates you with the deepest of passion, including our master. "

"You disgusting little thing have our Luna's blood on your hands and look at you standing here with so much pride. "

"But don't worry..."

She scoffs to smirk and I blankly stare at her.

"Our master will make sure to break that backbone of yours, along with that pride."

"He loved Luna Beatrice more than his life, and he will make sure to hate you, till your last fuc*ing breath. "

"You can never be her! So don't you once think you will even get food here....let alone respect. "

The hatred in her voice made the room seem even smaller, but I have learned the hard way to not care about what others think of you.. Closing my eyes. I try to control my heavy breaths.

Relax. I have to relax.

I can't let everyone's words get to me.

I am not a murderer. I didn't kill their Luna. I don't want to replace anyone.

"You are mistaken. I-"

"Enough! Get your pathetic ass moving. I don't have all day. Change your clothes and report to the kitchen. "

"You work as a maid this day hence."

With this being said, she turned around and left. Leaving me alone in the now silent room.

I stare at the closed door, blankly.

Maid?

I turn around to look at the black pencil skirt and white blouse. And a strange knot twists in my stomach. Did he really expect me to work as a worker here?

He married me. No matter he acknowledged it or not. I was his wife.

How can he expect me to work as a servant?

His actions last night come flooding in and I clench my fist. If he thinks he can treat me like shit. He is mistaken. I believe one has to respect themselves for others to respect them. And I didn't lack in it.

Looking down at my soiled, white wedding dress. I decided to change into the maid outfit for the time being.

I have to talk to him.

..

•Knock*

"Come in"

His gruff voice made me gulp. Pushing in the huge oak wood door, I step in to be only met with a spacious wooden interior office. In the centre laid a long mahogany table, and behind him sat he.

My husband.

His face was dipped lower and those eyes were concentrated on the papers he was signing.

I softly close the door behind me and step in on the velvet carpet.

I stood there awkwardly, Shifting my weight from one leg to another. Pulling on the hem of the skirt which was too short for my liking.

I waited for him to acknowledge my presence. But he sat there, engulfed in his own world.

Ignoring me.

5 minutes pass. None of us said anything. My legs started aching because my body was still recovering. Unsure, I step forward to settle on the chairs opposite him.

I sighed, relaxing into the comfort of the cushions when a low cold voice made my back straight up, stiff as a rod.

"Did I ask you to sit?"

I gulp. Those grey eyes looked murderous. Scurrying back on my feet I question. Unable to veil the bitterness in my tone.

"I wasn't aware I needed permission to even sit. "

His eyes narrow into slits. The pen in his hands stops writing and I see his jaw harden.

"Come here "

He looked mad.

Clenching my fists, I match his stare. Not saying anything. I wasn't a dog he could order around like that. He needs to give respect if he wants it in return.

His perfectly shaped brow lifts in surprise, he wasn't expecting this. But he doesn't say anything. Next I know he pushes back his seat to step towards me and my heart races in my chest.

What is he going to do?

My body shivered in anticipation and that's when I felt him circling behind me. His aura enveloped me, trying to choke me in its dominance.

"It seems you weren't taught how to respect your husband. If there is one thing I hate the most. It's a woman not knowing her position."

"Kneel"

He growls in my ear, resting his huge hands on my shoulder and I step away from him. Turning around to face him.

"To me, it seems like your mother did a shitty job teaching you how to respect a woman. Go learn it yourself first!"

I expected him to fume with anger. To get violent. To push me back on the wall or something. But I am surprised when he leans back on his table to smirk. His hands folded in front of his chest.

"A fierce one. Interesting. I just love a challenge."

His eyes cloud. Signifying he mind linked to someone and next I know the door opens and in walks his Beta, Ronnie.

"Yes, your highness."

Looking up at me he sighs to speak. His tone sounded bored.

"Ronnie your new Luna seems to be having a bit of a problem understanding her real position here in our pack."

"Take her to the public assembly and tie her up. I want all the pack members to be present for the show. I will be there in an hour."

"Understood, Your Highness.'

My blood ran cold. No. He couldn't be serious. My eyes snap to the half-open door and before Ronnie can grab me, I enter into a sprint. I was running through the hallways like crazy, crashing with people. My mind was blank. When next I know I am grabbed my rough hands. I thrashed in the guard's grip but it was no use.

Dragging my body like a rag doll, they take me outside and my heart constricts in my chest.

I breathed heavily to placate my crazy heart. Looks of disgust came my way as I stared at thousands of eyes surrounding me. They were whispering, pointing fingers at me as I stood on a pedestal. Tied like a prisoner.

My wrists were tied behind my back, and my back was pressed to a wooden pole behind me.

I wrench my wrists to break free,to only have the ropes to cut my skin. A hiss escapes my lips as I feel them burn.

Adjusting my weight from one leg to another. I feel my thighs aching already.

It's been an hour since I was tired here like an animal. Everyone was here.

What is the meaning of this?

What is he planning to do to me?

I looked up at Ronnie to find him standing in front of me. A blank look covered his features.

Should I ask him?

Even though I doubt he would answer.

But still, let's try.

"Beta Ron!"

The crowd was so loud that my voice was not audible. I try again, to only stare at his stiff back.

"Beta-"

My words die down as suddenly the loud voices settle down to a hushed silence. I look at everyone in confusion. When I see the reason.

The center of the crowd parts and everyone bows.

He walks in proud, not bothering to acknowledge anyone.

His aura is distinguishable and strides long and confident.

Walking up the pedestal those cold feet eyes spare me a quick glance. His eyes scan my tied body and I clench my fists behind my back.

No reaction. Nothing except impassiveness.

"Good evening everyone "

He speaks in a stentorian thunderous voice and a loud chorus response follows.

"Good Evening Alpha!"

"I think all of you are aware of the identity of this woman?"

Resting his hands in his pant pockets, he speaks rather casually. Like he was giving a boring speech. And I felt a shiver travel down my spine.

Everyone's hatred-filled eyes bore holes into my soul.

"For those who don't know. She is Sierra Winters, daughter of David Winters. The Alpha of the Red Moon pack."

"The very man who kidnapped my mate and your Luna. The very man who sent back her severed head to us. 7 days ago"

This can't be good. I feel the aura of the place shifting. If it was hatred earlier, he was fueling these people to wind it into rage.

"As per the council's order. I was offered to settle with a barter with Redmoon, instead of their blood. "

"I couldn't afford to lose any more of our pack members."

"So I agreed. "

"In exchange for our loss, this woman was offered to us as a peace offering. I married her yesterday and brought her here."

Walking around the pedestal, he stops behind me and I feel my nerves wrecking. Is he going to kill me?

"She is a beautiful little thing...."

He gently lifts a column of my hair and I shiver involuntarily.

Sniffing it, he inhales deeply and I go stiff as a board. What is he doing? Next, I feel his hot breath fan my neck and I revulsed.

"And from this day hence. She belongs to us. To Silvermoon. "

"Not as a Luna. But rather as a slave. "

His words grip my heart in an iron grip and I see the crowd going crazy. Cheering.

They were celebrating this. Hooting. While I felt my heart drop deeper into an infinite pit with every passing second.

It would have been better if I had died.

Why did Dad do this?

I know he never loved me. But I still had his blood in my veins. How could he do this to his child?

"You can treat her however you want. No one is going to stop you. "

"She is yours to seek your revenge. "

"No..."

I lowly whisper to him, and he rests his chin on my shoulder. A smirk forms on his lips.

"Break her pride, shatter her soul, puncture her self-respect. Let her pay for her father's sins. "

I start thrashing in the ropes. Starting at the anger building in everyone's eyes. And he only rubs his palms up and down my shivering arm.

"Redmoon severed your Luna's neck, you rip apart this girls very heart by breaking her every day. "

"And I promise you, you will only get rewarded. "

"However. Let me make one thing clear. "

Lifting his eyes, he looks at the crazy crowd darkly. And a shiver travels down everyone's spine.

"You are not allowed to touch even an inch of her skin. "

"Break her emotionally. But when it comes to.....this?"

He presses a kiss on my naked shoulder and I shiver to plead.A deadly silence follows. All the cheering dies down. And I twist my head to look at him.

His eyes were already fixed on me.

"It's mine to ruin."

The first teardrop leaves my eyes and my heart jumps to my throat.

No. He can't be that evil!