Elarian

My hands trembled as I turned the doorknob, and the door creaked open slowly. A gasp escaped my lips, but I quickly muffled the sound with my hands. However, it wasn't enough because it drew Chloe's attention to me, and she turned, her eyes widening in shock at the sight of me. She batted her eyelids but remained seated on Corey, who lay naked on the bed.

Ignoring me, she looked away as if I hadn't entered.

Startled, I stumbled backwards, accidentally knocking over the box I'd brought from home. I was so eager to surprise my mate for the weekend, I hadn't informed him about my decision to stay at his place. Little did I expect to be the one in for a surprise.

The sound of the box caught Corey's attention, and he glanced towards the door to see a surprised me. He stood up abruptly, nearly knocking Chloe over, but she was quick on her feet, and she managed to regain balance.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Elara?" Corey demanded, glaring at me.

I scoffed at his reaction, surprised by his lack of remorse. I didn’t expect him to ask me that after what I had just witnessed. I thought he would be on his knees pleading for forgiveness, but he stood there with disdain on his face, and Chloe, the girl supposed to be my best friend, stood beside him looking irritated.

"Just one thing I asked you to do, and you couldn't even manage that. Can't you stay out and stop following me like a miserable little puppy?" He snapped.

I felt a sharp pain piercing my chest, and I glanced at Chloe, "Why?" I asked but my voice was barely audible, I couldn’t even hear my own voice as if I had lost the ability to speak.

I thought they had my back. I thought that they were the ones who cared about me most in this world. They made me feel secure like it was us against the world.

I thought they were on my side! Nothing hurt me more than the moment I saw them together.

"What? Are you suddenly dumb?" Chloe asked with a grin smeared on her lips. "All these years and you never realized he never liked you. How much dumber could you possibly get?"

I looked at Corey but he wouldn't meet my gaze; he looked away as if indifferent like he had no care in the world.

How could someone who claimed I mattered most suddenly regard me with such hatred in his eyes? How could my only friend, the person who defended me, suddenly turn so mean and cruel?

A lump swelled in my throat and stretched so fast, making it painful to breathe without the pain that shot through me. The urge to break down was overwhelming, but I resisted, unwilling to display my vulnerability in front of them. Crying in front of them would only reinforce the pathetic image they had painted with their deceit.

I was speechless and unsure of what to do other than to get away from everything. I took a step back, turning away slowly.

"Where the fuck are you going now?" Corey angrily called after me.

"Just let her go, I'm sure she's probably realized her place now and won't bother us anymore," I heard Chloe say dismissively as I walked away. "Come on, let's finish what we started," she giggled, pulling him away.

Dragging my box with me, I exited the house, seething with anger. I was furious, my wolf was itching to claw Chloe’s face out but at the same time, the fact that I had been betrayed by the two people that mattered the most to me in the world, cuts deeper than I had expected and I was incapable of harboring any feeling at the moment, other than numbness.

The process of getting into the car, along with my box, remains a blur, but soon I found myself driving down the road. Tears welled up, threatening to spill, and I could barely see through the blur. Unable to contain it any longer, I let out a heart-wrenching cry, sobbing like a baby as I drove back home.

The betrayal was excruciating, a pain so intense that I gasped for air. The realization that they both played me for a fool cut even deeper. The two people I cared most about in this world had callously stabbed me in the back without a second thought.

The look on their faces coupled with the fact that they weren’t remorseful drove the pain even deeper as the tears rolled down freely.

Corey, my mate, had betrayed me! A voice cried out in my head but the words never made its way out of my lips instead my lips quivered along with my hands on the steering wheel.

He had promised me the world, and this is what he delivers in the end! And Chloe, she was everything to me. I would have done anything to keep her as my friend.

"Why? Why did it have to be these two?" I silently cried out to the moon goddess. Out of the thousands of people on this earth, fate chose the two who mattered most to me.

Suddenly, I slammed on the brakes, the car coming to an abrupt halt that could have caused injury if my seatbelt hadn't held me in place. Looking around, I realized I was in an unfamiliar street, darkness settling in.

"How long have I been driving? And where am I?" I wondered aloud as I looked around me. I had no idea that I had been driving for that long. I had completely lost track of time. Turning the car around, I stopped in front of the only brightly lit building, intending to ask for directions.

Stepping out of the car, I wiped my eyes and approached the building. Two large men, dressed in black suits, stood rigidly in front of it. They seemed unapproachable, but I had no choice.

"Excuse me," I called out cautiously, "I'm a bit lost and I need directions to get back to my..."

"You're lost?" a feminine voice sounded behind me. I turned to find a young lady, dressed for a party or something similar.

"I can help you with that. I'll be heading home shortly, so if you can wait, I can take you back with me," she offered with what seemed like a genuine smile.

"I have a car; I can find my way back if you just give me directions," I replied, but she shook her head.

"The woods surrounding this place are complicated. You could easily get lost if you're not used to it. Trust me, it's not wise to make it back on your own, especially when ruthless rogues are rumored to patrol the area at night, targeting easy prey like women," she warned.

Glancing back at the two large men behind me, who remained unfazed, I reluctantly agreed with the lady. It wasn't like I had any choice.

I followed her into the building, and once inside, the decorations and settings revealed that it was a bar, a classical bar where one needs to calm their nerves and drink. The soft music and cool atmosphere eased the pain in my chest for the first time since leaving Corey's house. I took a seat on a barstool.

"I'll be right back; I need to attend to someone," the lady from earlier informed me, clad in a tight red outfit that accentuated her curves and complemented her skin tone.

I nodded as she left, and the bartender greeted me with a smile, sliding a shot of tequila in my direction. Catching the glass, I looked up at him.

"You look like you need it; it's in the house," he said, and I forced a smile.

Was it so obvious that I was in pain? I had tried my best to mask it, but it seemed increasingly difficult. I downed the drink in one go, wincing at the harsh taste that erupted in my mouth.

"You want more?" the bartender asked, and I nodded. He brought over the bottle, half filled with liquor, along with lime and salt.

"I don't have any money on me," I said to the bartender, but before he could respond, a more masculine voice interrupted.

"I'll pay," said the man seated on my right at the bar. I had noticed him when I first took my seat, but he exuded an aura that kept people at a distance, so I maintained mine.

"Thank you," I replied, but he didn't say anything. He simply turned his attention back to his drink and didn't engage with me again. I kept myself company with the drink while waiting for the lady who promised to take me back home.

I had initially decided to stop drinking after three glasses, but the drinks led me into oblivion. I felt no pain, just pure numbness, and I wished to stay that way so I lost count of the glasses I had consumed.

"You'll probably pass out soon if you keep up with that," the guy from earlier suddenly spoke up. "It's obvious you can't hold your alcohol."

"And how is that any of your business?" I shot back. "Do you also think I'm too dumb to know when to stop drinking? Do you think I'm too dumb for anything?" I yelled, and he finally raised his head to glance in my direction.

I couldn't see his face clearly; despite the bright room, he sat close to the bar, and the pillars cast shadows over him. It was as if he occupied his own dark space and needed to be left alone.

"Suit yourself," he shrugged, turning his attention back to his drink. I sighed heavily, realizing that my reaction was entirely unnecessary.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you like that," I whispered, but he remained silent. "I've just had a long day," I continued after taking a deep breath.

"I found my mate in bed with my best friend, and they didn't act like they felt any remorse. I expected them to plead for my forgiveness, but all they did was treat me like I was a mere speck of dust on the ground," I added, not knowing why I was confiding in him.

I just felt like I had to tell someone what happened and I just felt like I could talk to him.

"That sucks," he said softly. I waited for him to say more, but he never did. He took another shot and stood up from his seat.

"If he cheats with your friend, he obviously doesn't deserve you. You should find someone who appreciates what you have to offer," he added before walking away.

I left my seat and followed him. He didn't turn around until we were outside, standing in front of his car. In the open, I got a good look at his features, realizing how small I was compared to his large frame. It was clear he was much older, and as he stepped into the night's shadows, I couldn't complete the analysis I had intended.

He turned around sharply and asked with a raised brow, "Is there a reason why you're following me?"

"I need a ride back home, so if you don't mind..."

He looked me over and didn't say anything, he just got into the car. I took that as my cue to stumble into the passenger seat and strap myself in, already quite drunk.

He drove off, and the ride was smooth until he began speeding. Despite being drunk, I remained aware of my surroundings, gripping onto anything as I watched him from the corner of my eyes. His tight grip on the wheel made me uneasy and scared too.

Suddenly, he slammed on the brakes, mimicking what I had done earlier, and the car came to an abrupt halt.

"Aren't you scared of me? Do you go around jumping into every stranger's car when you look so sexy as fuck and vulnerable?" he angrily yelled at me.

His sudden outburst caught me off guard, especially as he referred to me as both vulnerable and sexy, words no one had ever used to describe me. Corey always said I was too small to be called sexy and that all I had was just a pretty face.

"You think I'm sexy?" I asked him softly, and he frowned.

"Is that all you heard? Didn't you hear the part where I said you shouldn't go around jumping into every..." His words trailed off as I stared at him blankly.

I got a quick peek at his neck tattoo that was hidden by the collar of his shirt. My eyes traced the length of his Adam’s apple as it booped up and down.

I don't know what came over me, nor do I have any idea why I did it, but I reached out and kissed him.

ELARIAN

He didn't reject me; instead, he responded with a passionate kiss. The intensity of the moment was unlike anything I had experienced before, not even with Corey. I was so entranced by the sensation that I only snapped out of it when I felt his lips part from mine.

He tightly held the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road, exuding a rigid demeanor. At that moment, I wondered if I had made a mistake. Could he be married, or perhaps uninterested in someone young like me, given his older appearance?

"My place isn't far, do you mind?" he asked sternly. It took me a few seconds to grasp his meaning, but once I did, I nodded, and he drove off.

The ride back to his place was silent. Although I should have been scared, considering he was a total stranger, I met at an unfamiliar bar, coupled with the fact that no one knew I was with him, strangely, I wasn't frightened. I even felt at ease in his company.

We pulled up in front of what seemed like an apartment building. I was so drunk that my awareness of my surroundings was hazy, but he was gentle and kind. He lifted me in his arms and entered the building. We took the elevator to the top floor, and his apartment was dimly lit, preventing me from getting a clear view of the interior.

He gently placed me on the couch and then proceeded to undress me with care and deliberation. Slowly, he removed every article of clothing. I lay there on the bed as he performed the task.

The sight of such a muscular man crouched over me, handling the removal of my clothes with such tenderness, evoked a sensation I had never experienced before.

My head was practically spinning, and everything felt surreal, making it hard to discern if I was in a dream or reality. Clutching the sheets, I let out a loud moan as I felt his tongue between my thighs. At this point, I was drifting in and out of consciousness.

"You taste so nice..." I heard him say just before passing out from the excess alcohol I had consumed at the bar.

The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes to sunlight rays piercing through the thick curtains, shining directly on my face. The unfamiliar ceiling and surroundings startled me, and I jolted upright in fright. To my surprise, there was a much larger figure on the bed beside me.

I gasped and nearly tumbled off the bed, saved only by the timely return of my memories.

Corey and Chloe in bed together, the bar and the stranger who brought me home with him flashed before my eyes. The image of him between my thighs made me throw the sheets off in a panic; realizing I was naked, I swiftly wrapped myself in them again.

"What the fuck... did he... did we..." I glanced at him on the other side of the bed. His back was turned to me, revealing tattoos on his arm that extended from the side of his neck, adding an alluring touch to his muscular physique.

The tattoos formed a pattern and code I couldn't quite decipher, so I didn't dwell on it.

The rustling of the sheets prompted him to stir, and as he turned around, I found myself captivated by a pair of piercing blue eyes—cold as ice yet irresistibly alluring that solidified his intense gaze. His sharp jawline, complemented by beautiful cheekbones, accentuated his signature cold, intimidating look. His thick, tousled brown hair only added to his overall attractiveness.

"You're awake," he said nonchalantly, rising from the bed and heading to the bathroom.

Observing him as he walked, I suddenly realized his considerable height. It hadn't caught my attention last night, but now it was undeniable. He stood at around six feet tall. Despite his physique suggesting no more than someone in their late twenties, it was apparent he was much older than I had initially assumed.

I patiently waited for him to return before bombarding him with the questions swirling in my head. He emerged, wiping his face with a towel and running his fingers through his hair in an attractive manner.

"Did we..." I began, unable to complete the sentence as the reality of spending the night with a total stranger weighed on me. "Uh, did we..."

He looked up at me, saying, "No, we didn't. It's a turn-off to screw someone when they're fast asleep," and I sighed in relief.

For some reason, a sense of disappointment washed over me that nothing had transpired between us, but I quickly dismissed the feeling. Flashbacks of the previous night flooded my mind, and my face turned crimson red as I realized this imposing man had been between my thighs, creating a wonderful sensation.

"I told you not to drink too much," his thick voice cut through the thoughts enveloping my mind like a dense fog.

His tone was commanding, demanding attention. I remained speechless as he approached me, his authoritative aura rendering me obedient and unable to defy whatever he said or did.

He climbed onto the bed, bringing us face to face. "Now, you're just perfect. You're wide awake, and I have a lot of things I would like to do to you..." he whispered, reaching out to touch my hair.

I flinched at his touch but remained in place. I couldn't move as I was lost in his gaze. His touch wasn't repulsive, and I felt an overwhelming urge to be submissive to him. He grinned as his fingers massaged my scalp, pulling me forward for a deep kiss.

"Last night... I tasted you, and it only made me want more. I didn't know I was starving until I tasted you," he added, and my lips trembled as his fingers stroked my bottom lip.

"Lie back down," he said softly, and I complied without uttering a single word.

Was I possessed or something? I silently questioned myself, struggling to find an answer to why the hell I was engaging in all this.

It made no sense; it wasn't typical for me to act this way with a total stranger. Yet, I found myself craving his touch to an extent where disobedience seemed impossible. Following his commands brought me pleasure, and the mere sound of his voice left me inexplicably aroused, so much that it seemed impossible if I had not experienced it myself.

His tongue ravished mine as his hands found my nipples underneath the sheet. My grip on it had loosened, so it was easy for him to tweak a nipple and pinch it so hard that I moaned into his mouth.

He didn't waste any more time, he practically tore the sheet away and his tongue made contact with my nipple. My toes dung into the bed as I gripped whatever I could find for support. He bit, licked and massaged both nipples with his tongue, teeth and hands.

I was helpless against his touch, he knew that, and he used it to his advantage.

I was so wet that I was itching to feel him down there. I began to squirm and move around just to get his attention, but that only aggravated him more and made him bite down on my nipple even harder.

“Stay still, or it won't end well for you," he warned.

Rather than feeling fear of his threats, I found myself oddly intrigued. The anticipation of what he had in mind and the prospect of potential regret excited me. He suddenly stopped and pulled away.

"Get on your knees, on the floor," he commanded, a directive I followed without hesitation.

He got down after me and the sound of his belt coupled with the sound of his zipper as he released his dick and brought it into view excited me even more. I felt my sticky juices roll down my thighs as I got on my knees and waited patiently for him to show me what was next.

He took his position in front of me, his towering frame and masculine stature should have scared me, but it didn't. He held his long, hard and huge dick in his hands as he stroked it right before me.

"Open up," he ordered, leaving me wide-eyed in disbelief.

How could he possibly expect me to accommodate him in my mouth? I pondered. He was so long, huge and hard and my gag reflex was likely to trigger swiftly. I had attempted a blow-job with Corey before, only to be criticized, but he had called it a flop and took it as an opportunity to remind me of how useless and unattractive I was.

Corey never demonstrated genuine love, and the more I reflected on it, the clearer it became that staying in a relationship with him was foolish, and I was dumb for believing that he loved me.

Despite my fear, I obediently obeyed the stranger and opened my mouth wide for the stranger. There was an inexplicable trust that he wouldn't harm me.

"Good girl," he grinned, easing himself into me slowly. My body tensed, and as anticipated, my gag reflex kicked in sooner than expected. He paused, helping me calm down before proceeding.

When his dick touched the back of my throat, he let out a loud moan, "Fuck...your mouth is so fucking tight and it's so nice." He cursed as he heaved heavily.

My eyes remained wide open, and he gripped my chin and forced me to look up at him with my dick in his mouth. He smirked, and I saw the mad glint in his eyes.

"You look really nice like this," he exclaimed, throwing his head back and moaning louder. "I've imagined you in this position since the moment I saw you at the bar. You, on all fours, with my dick buried deep in your mouth and that innocent, fragile face gazing up at me with such purity," he added.

I couldn't respond even if I wanted to, my mouth was full to the brim. Yet, I didn't need to. This experience was unlike any I'd had before, not for anyone. While it might have felt degrading in another context, at this moment, it didn't. It felt strangely liberating as if I had finally released my long-buried emotions.

I sensed an orgasm building, even though he hadn't touched me yet. When I reached down to stroke my clitoris, he noticed and promptly slapped my hand away.

"Don't touch yourself. It's something reserved specifically for me," he declared. Although I didn't fully grasp his meaning, I didn't care because I was so occupied with my mouth as I sucked even harder.

"On all fours, on the bed," he commanded, just before withdrawing his dick from my mouth. I felt so empty after he pulled out and even though my jaws ached a bit, I liked the taste of his precum and eagerly anticipated savoring it again.

Once again, I didn't resist; I obeyed him and assumed the position on all fours as he had instructed. He positioned himself right behind me, thrusting inside of me. He held on tightly to my waist with his large and strong hands.

I bit down on my lip, suppressing the urge to scream at the intense mix of pain and pleasure that shot through me when he penetrated.

He had barely used a second when I felt my body tremble, and the first orgasm overcame me so forcefully that I almost collapsed, saved only by his strong hands securely holding me up. Unapologetically, he maintained control and took what he desired.

"Ride me," he demanded, not waiting for a response before he pulled out and rested his back on the bed frame.

I was nearly breathless, but I managed to swing my legs on both sides of his and lowered myself gently onto him. Briefly, I entertained the idea that he might let me take charge, but he had other plans.

Unexpectedly, he forcefully brought me down onto his dick, and a scream escaped as he fully sheathed himself inside me. Despite my attempt to control the rhythm, he asserted dominance, intensifying the pleasure as I felt my juices stream down my thighs.

"You don't get to fucking control this," he growled, gripping fistfuls of my hair. A yelp of pain escaped, swiftly replaced by a surge of pleasure.

In an instant, he seized me and spun me around, pinning me to the bed, asserting complete control. His thrusts were both forceful and surprisingly tender.

It felt as though he was intimately acquainted with my body, skillfully navigating how and where to touch me. I was helpless against him, he knew it and he capitalized on my vulnerability.

Wave after wave of orgasm swept through me, and by the time I sensed his release, exhaustion overwhelmed me. Collapsing on the bed, breathless, I drifted into sleep almost immediately.

AEROS

She... she became the centre of my attention the moment she walked into the bar and took a seat beside me. It was evident that she carried the weight of the world on her fragile shoulders. The more I observed her, the more I realized she was struggling hard to hold back tears.

I had come to the bar to unwind after a gruelling day at work, seeking a sanctuary where my beta, Jonathan, wouldn't find me. It was supposed to be a quiet evening until I crossed paths with a woman I initially found quite annoying. However, as she began to loosen up under the influence of alcohol, I found her strangely captivating.

There was an aura of innocence around her that piqued my interest, and something ignited a sense of dominance within me. It was an overwhelming urge to possess her, to break her, and which completely clouded my senses.

I loved how responsive she was to me. I reveled in the fact that the slightest touch from me could render her as moist as the ocean. Without knowing anything about her, I had already developed a sense of ownership over her. So, when I awoke and found myself lost in her captivating grey eyes, framed by her midnight-black, Jerry curls hair that I had tousled, I knew I had surrendered myself to her completely.

I would be damned to allow her to leave. I desired her, I wanted her. I craved her to be mine, to fuck, to be moulded and claimed as I saw fit. I yearned to possess her in every conceivable way. My intentions were clear, and I was determined to pursue them.

I wanted to explore every position imaginable with her, and on every surface available in the mansion.

"Uhmm... did we?" She glanced at me, then back at her half-naked body hidden beneath the blanket. I stretched my muscular arms but remained where I was, enjoying how close she was to me and the scent of her that filled my senses.

"Yeah, we most certainly did this time," I replied confidently, holding her gaze. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she nervously bit down on her lip.

Watching her in this vulnerable state, so timid and fragile, only intensified my desire to possess her. The urge to claim her grew rapidly, almost alarmingly fast. How could a woman so petite have such a powerful hold over me?

"Do you regret it?" I inquired, and she blushed even deeper, avoiding eye contact.

She didn't give me a response, but I already knew the answer due to her body language, so I didn't push it any further.

"What's your name?" I asked, noticing her reluctance to meet my eyes. Dissatisfied with her evasion, I reached out and gently grasped her chin. With her face held in place, I stared deeply into her eyes and repeated my question, "What's your name?"

"Elarian," she replied softly, "Elarian Jordan." She looked like a scared little cat, reminding me all too much of someone I desperately wanted to forget.

"Aeros Hawthorne, Alpha Aeros Hawthorne of the Dark Moon Pack," I introduced myself. Her eyes widened in shock, and she might have tried to flee the bed if I hadn't restrained her.

"You're... you're him. You're Alpha Aeros, the... the... how did you..." She stammered.

I smirked. It was rare for people to react this way upon discovering my true identity as Aeros. My reputation wasn't exactly that of a benevolent leader; I was known for my ruthlessness and danger to the point where mothers used my name to frighten their children.

"A pleasure to meet you, Elarian," I responded with a smirk.

"How... how is this possible? A man like you can't be this far from his pack, and certainly not without security.”

I leaned in closer to get a good look at her face, a hint of amusement on my face, "Where exactly do you think we are? And do I appear as if I require security?"

"The bar wasn't far from my pack, and that's a long distance away from the Dark Moon pack, and... and... it's impossible for you to have travelled this far."

"This far?" I arched an eyebrow at her words. "That bar was on the outskirts, right at the border of my pack. So, I should be the one asking you what you were doing that far out," I explained, and her expression turned ghostly.

I had to stifle a laugh, not wanting to give away my amusement.

"So... so where are we?" She glanced around my room and then back at me.

"We're in my house, and, as you've already deduced, it's in the Dark Moon pack."

"Wait... what? How? I didn't... didn't drive around for long, and..."

Her words faded into the background as my attention remained fixated on her, a source of immense satisfaction.

"Why are you smiling?" She suddenly asked, snapping me back to reality. I hadn't realized that a smile had crept across my lips, so I quickly wiped it away.

"I have to go," she mumbled, hastily getting out of bed and scrambling to gather her clothes while still wrapped in the blanket.

"Where are you going?"

"Home," she replied, then turned around abruptly, freezing when she saw my bare chest and tattoos. Her mouth hung open for a moment before she averted her gaze.

"You can't leave this place without me."

"Why can't I?"

"Because I'm the Alpha, and I brought you here late at night. The security would detect you, and there's a good chance they'd take action by hanging you before I get downstairs," I explained, watching as she swallowed hard.

I rose from the bed and walked toward her. Her hair was disheveled, and she had nothing on but a blanket, yet she had never looked more beautiful. When we stood face to face, I felt something tugging at my heart.

"Mate!" My wolf growled inside me, and I couldn't ignore it. My hand froze midair, I wasn't so sure that I had heard right, and I was a bit disoriented. I needed to hear that word again. To my surprise, I did hear it again, loud and clear.

"The fuck, Ash. You can't possibly be serious," I muttered to my wolf inwardly, and I felt his restlessness.

Situations like this weren't supposed to catch us off guard, but this one did. I had once been mated to someone, but my inability to protect her had resulted in her loss, and I had never forgiven myself for it. In fact, I had sworn to never have another mate.

She stepped away from my touch and headed toward the door. Something clawed at my heart, and in that moment, I knew I couldn't let her simply walk away. I had to make her stay.

"Wait..." I called after her, and she stopped, her hand resting on the doorknob. Slowly, she removed it, and I continued, "I have a proposal, and if you agree, I'll take you home." The words tumbled out, and I hadn't even formulated a specific plan, but one instantly materialized in my head, and I was eager to set it in motion.

"What do you mean? What kind of proposal?"

"In exchange for the most luxurious life you can imagine, you would become my companion or, rather should I say PET."

"Excuse me," she shot me a skeptical look, "your pet!? Need I remind you that I'm not an object you can keep locked in a room."

"I never mentioned locking you up, but we can discuss arrangements if that's your preference," I retorted, a faint smirk playing on my lips.

"Relax, that was a joke, Hon. You will stay here, follow my lead, refer to me as master, and enjoy the best life that money and power can provide," I said seductively, approaching her and cupping her face in my palm.

She closed her eyes and nuzzled my palm unconsciously. It felt strangely satisfying to see her react this way without any ulterior motive. It was exactly what I needed.

"We'll draw up a contract, and then sign it," I added, and she looked up at me, a mix of confusion and fear in her eyes.

"Don't worry, I can't guarantee I won't bite, but trust me, I won't harm you," I reassured her, but she still wore a skeptical expression.

Asking her to consider my proposal was audacious. She didn't seem desperate for money, and she certainly didn't appear to be the type to agree to my plan. Nonetheless, I had to give it a try.

It was insane, but it was worth a try. I had been granted a chance, a unique opportunity handed down to me by the Moon Goddess herself. This was a chance to right the wrongs of my past, and it could only be possible if I kept her close.

She needed to stay within my grasp, and the fact that I loved how she made me feel was the icing on the cake.

"So, what do you say?" I asked, but she remained silent. I brought my face so close that our lips were just inches apart. I could feel her rapid breaths and hear her racing heartbeat.

"I... I need to... um... I have to gather my things and put myself in order." She replied, and Ash, my wolf, nearly jumped for joy. He let out an excited howl, but Elarian didn't hear it since our conversation was private.

"Remember, you told me yourself that your mate and best friend were in bed together. You have nothing to return to, nothing tying you to your old life. Everything you desire will be provided for you here." I reassured her.

She still wore a look of disbelief, "Are you really serious? I mean, if you think about it, it doesn't make any sense, and..."

"That's for me to decide, Elarian. Are you in or not?" She held my gaze for a moment before slowly nodding her head.

"Good," I remarked, taking a step back from her. "There are just a few rules you must follow at all times."

She took a deep breath, then asked, "What are these rules?"

"Don't fall in love with me. Don't get pregnant by me. Don't touch me without my permission. Don't ever address me by my name from now on, and do not share the same bed with me."

She stared at me blankly, as if I had just said something impossible. She might have thought I was joking, but when she realized I wasn't, confusion played across her face.

"Why all this if I can't sleep in the same bed with you? It sounds like a waste of time."

"I will summon you when I need you, and you will have access to the mansion except for the red room and mine," I added, but she didn't respond. She just stared at me, bewildered.

"I will take that as a yes," I said as I walked past her and opened the door. I had expected her to protest or try to leave, but she remained still as I stepped outside and locked the door.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart and Ash, who had been pacing nervously while I spoke with Elarian. It was as if her eyes had an inexplicable effect on me.

"Aeros!" A familiar voice called out my name beside me, and I turned to find my beta, Jonathan, rushing towards me.

"Bloody hell! Where have you been? I searched the entire mansion for you last night and couldn't find you. I was about to send out a search party when I received a call that your car was back in the garage."

"I just needed to clear my head," I replied as I turned and made my way toward the study. Jonathan followed, his steps falling in line with mine.

"So, who is she?" Jonathan suddenly asked.

"Who are you talking about?"

"The woman you brought back last night. I saw her on the CCTV."

"Just someone," I replied, hoping he would drop the subject. But he didn't.

"After eight long years, you finally bring a woman home, and you think you can dismiss it with 'just someone'? Well, think again.”

ELARIAN

“...Only I would have access to your body, no one else…” Aeros' words echoed in my mind for the umpteenth time that morning. I had just awakened and was preparing for the usual opulent breakfast.

It had been a full week since Aeros and I had been intimate, and he had proposed a peculiar arrangement for me to become his pet and live under his roof. When I woke up beside the incredibly attractive man that day, with vivid memories of the most extraordinary amazing sex I had ever experienced, I couldn't bring myself to leave.

He offered the contract, and I accepted, drawn to the intoxicating control he wielded over my body. It might sound twisted, but there was something about the danger he represented that exhilarated me. I craved more of the time we shared, and the only path to that was through accepting his proposal.

Initially, the thought of leaving had crossed my mind, but I had no destination other than returning to the two people I never wanted to see again. I didn’t care about all he had to offer, aside from his dick and the solace his mansion would provide. His home would shield me from the harsh reality that awaited me back in my pack.

I desired him, and if the only means to have him was to be his pet, then so be it.

Corey and Chloe had shattered my trust in love, and I no longer desired any part of it. I believed that engaging in a sexual relationship with the Alpha would provide the ultimate distraction, or so I thought. Consequently, I willingly entered into a contract with him, giving little consideration to the potential complications that might arise later.

Aeros assured me that everything I needed would be provided for in his pack, eliminating any necessity for me to return to my previous pack. I felt a wave of relief, as I never wanted to encounter my best friend and former mate again.

I was aware that Aeros was associated with luxury, but I was unprepared for the extent of his wealth. His mansion was furnished with top-of-the-line personnel from the military, and the architectural design was incredibly modern. If I hadn't known better, I would have doubted that it was a pack of wolves living in this place.

Aside from the powerful allure of his physical control over my body, the underlying reason I consented to become his companion was my desperate need to conceal the agonizing pain that had torn through my heart when I discovered Corey and Chloe together.

During that night I spent with him, it was as if the distressing incident had never occurred. He introduced me to the intoxicating sensation of being desired, a craving that consumed me every day.

I must admit, the man's prowess in bed is truly remarkable. It's as though he possesses an innate understanding of how to please and touch me, making him seem like a consummate lover.

So, if having a sexual relationship with him while being tagged as his pet could rekindle those feelings and help me forget the painful experience with Corey, then I was willing to do it repeatedly.

My presence in the mansion triggered a variety of reactions, along with questions and suspicions about my identity. However, well aware of their Alpha's ruthlessness, no one dared to question me directly.

"Miss, the bath is ready," the young maid responsible for attending to my needs announced as she emerged from the luxurious bathroom in my room.

I nodded and rose from the bed.

She patiently waited for me in a corner of the room, holding my clothes, while I made my way into the bathroom. After she had helped me put on my robe and secure my hair in a bun. I knew she would wait out here until I was done, and I thought it wouldn't be considerate for her to continue standing. I turned around to face her and suggested.

"You can sit on the bed while you wait; it would be more comfortable." I accompanied my words with a friendly smile, but she didn't meet my gaze. She kept her head bowed and her hands at her side.

"No, thank you, miss," she responded with a chilly tone.

I let out a sigh and closed the door behind me. She had been like this since her first day attending to me, just like everyone else in the mansion. It was clear that she didn't hold me in favor, and it was frustrating because I couldn't pinpoint what I had done to deserve her disapproval.

Following a quick shower, I returned to the room, where she gently seated me in front of the opulent dressing mirror and started combing my hair.

I stole a glance at her slender face in the mirror, contemplating what I had rehearsed in the bathroom. She didn't seem open to answering any questions she wasn't obligated to, so I decided it was best to keep quiet for now.

I couldn't keep my curiosity at bay any longer; I had to speak up at some point, and I decided to do so now.

"About the Alpha," I began slowly, and she froze when she heard me mention 'Alpha' "Have you seen him around lately? I mean, I haven't seen him for a really long time, and I'm wondering if you might know where I could find him or..."

"He's invited you to dinner tonight," she suddenly blurted out. I hadn't expected her to respond to me, but she did, and it filled me with happiness. "I'm not supposed to inform you about it, so I'd really appreciate it if you kept quiet about it," she added.

I nodded almost immediately, a wide grin stretching across my face. Excitement surged through me at the thought of seeing him again, and that excitement turned into a pleasurable sensation that gathered between my thighs. I had to squeeze my legs together to keep myself composed.

We both fell silent once more, and she continued fixing my hair. Curiosity was gnawing at me, and since she was the only familiar face in the mansion with whom I could have a conversation, I had no choice but to talk to her about it.

"Do you hate me?" I inquired further, but she stopped brushing my hair and met my gaze directly in the mirror.

Her bold stare made me feel uncomfortable, and I was forced to look away.

"They don't hate you; they're just afraid of you," her suddenly soft and calm voice whispered confidently, taking me by surprise.

"Afraid of me? How?" I asked, disbelief evident in my tone. "I'm just a fragile, small-framed woman who can't even defend herself."

"Yet he brought you here," the maid said with a raised brow. She touched my chin and lifted it up, making me look her squarely in the eye. "If he didn't see something in you, he wouldn't be interested in you. That's just who the Alpha is."

I scoffed at how much her words sounded like a mockery to me. "Just in case you don't know, I'm here as his... Fuck toy, nothing more. I'm too much of a coward to face my reality, so I'd rather stay here with a man who provides me with... unbelievable pleasure, as his pet."

"Hmm but no one thinks of you as that, they see you how different,” she said and I scoffed.

”Different!? How?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“They think you're here to replace her; that's why they treat you like this," she said with a sigh, and I frowned.

"Replace who?"

"The woman who used to be the lady of the mansion," she said with a broad smile as if she could still see the woman she was talking about. "She had the brightest smile in the whole world and was the kindest person I had ever met. She brought out the best in him, but then she died, and things changed. A dark aura settled over him, and he... he became someone else," she explained.

"What happened to her?" I inquired.

It was surprising to learn that Aeros had a mate once, and I was curious to know what had transpired that led to him becoming the subject of the horror stories mothers told their children at night.

"We are forbidden to talk about it in the whole pack," she said, and I noticed her eyes widening with fear in the mirror.

"Correct," a terrifying voice said sharply from behind us. It was only then that I noticed the third person in the room. "And you just broke that rule," he added with a growl.

His eyes blazed with rage as he glared at the maid. I was frozen in place by the shock of his sudden appearance as he grabbed her and forcefully dragged her out of the room.

Her screams and pleas fell on deaf ears as he tossed her to one of the guards stationed in front of my door, and then he slammed my door shut. The force he used nearly took the door off its hinges, and it wasn't until he stood in front of me that I snapped out of my trance.

"Another rule, don't go around asking questions you shouldn't ask," he said with a low yet dangerous voice.

I nodded rapidly, but he frowned at that. "Speak," he ordered, and I complied.

"Yes," I responded, and he growled disapprovingly. "Yes, master," I quickly added, and the growls stopped immediately.

He turned around to leave the room, but I said something that made him stop. However, he didn't turn around to face me.

"What are you going to do to her?" I asked, a shiver running down my spine.

"What did I say about asking questions you shouldn't ask?"

"Then at least tell me why you've kept me locked up in here without a single word. I thought you said my body would belong to you and you alone. What am I supposed to do when the body becomes needy and the owner chooses to ignore it?"

I knew I sounded really pathetic, but I didn't care. As long as it satisfied the burning desire in me to have him between my legs again and to ease the memories of Corey in my head.

This time, he turned around and pinned me with a stare. It was the kind that stripped me naked in front of him. For some reason, I suddenly became unable to hide even my deepest, darkest secrets whenever he looked at me that way.

"What do you want?" He asked with a firm voice, and his eyes never left mine.

"I want you to fuck me, master," I said without a second thought.

I probably shouldn't have said that, but I did, and he didn't respond immediately. He just stared at me with an expression I couldn't quite understand.

Within the blink of an eye, he had closed the space between us. He gripped my hair and pulled my head backwards so that I was forced to look up at him. With his grip on my hair, he led me to the bed and tossed me onto it.

He joined me on it and lifted my dress, practically tearing away my panties and when he felt the wetness hidden underneath, he moaned his approval.

"So wet, all mine," he whispered into my ear, brushing my earlobe with his lips as he stroked my clit. I tossed my head backwards in pleasure, clamping my hands over my mouth when he tweaked my nipple through my dress, stimulating a pleasure that shot through my entire body with remarkable speed.

He growled.

"Don't hold back your moans, Elarian. I want to hear you moan, and I want this entire building to drown in your screams as I fuck you to ecstasy." His deep, dark, husky voice carried an air of dominance that had my core throbbing with liquid.

"Fuck!"

I moaned when he latched his mouth onto mine, but he suddenly pulled away and got up from the bed.

"Get dressed; you're to have your breakfast in your room today, and you're not allowed to step out of this room until I say so," he said to me coldly as he walked towards the door.

I was speechless as I watched him walk through the door and slam it shut.

It was just unbelievable. I was lying here on the bed, wet, wide open, and throbbing to feel him inside of me, but he just walked out on me as if he had not made me like this.

I was so horny that even my body was trembling. Unaware of my own actions, my hands slowly ran down the length of my body to my wetness.

I bit down on my lip and stifled a moan. Just as I was about to shove a finger inside of myself with the same force that he would have used, the door flew open, and he was standing right there again.

His eyes were on my finger, which was right at the entrance of my wetness. I should have been scared, and I should have struggled to get myself together, but I didn't.

Instead, with his eyes fixed on my body, I pushed a finger in and moaned out loud. I pounded into myself with such ferocity that I didn't think I possessed, while he watched me from the door, silently.

His hungry eyes didn't leave my body for a second. When it was so obvious that I was on the verge of climax because my toes dug into the bed, and I increased my speed, he suddenly spoke.

"Stop," he ordered with a calm yet firm tone, and I don't understand why, but I stopped immediately.

Even though I was on the verge of a climax that I desperately needed, I obeyed him and stopped. It was as if my body had already been wired to obey him, and it made no sense.

I had just met the man, yet I was like this.

"Please…" I whispered pathetically as I gasped for air. I was literally pleading for him to let me climax when I was the one with the finger buried inside of myself.

"Pull that finger out, clean yourself up, and have breakfast. You are not to touch yourself without my permission ever again," he said authoritatively, totally ignoring my pleas.

"Please…I…I want to…" I stammered, but he cut me off.

"The next time you break a rule, I won't be so calm with you," he stated.

With that said, he took a step back and closed the door again.

I knew he wouldn't come back, and the orgasm that had been bubbling to the surface earlier had died down. So with a deep sigh, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

The pent-up frustration that had piled itself up inside of me could have been released with an orgasm, but he had taken that away from me.

As I turned on the faucet, I heard the door open and the voices of two maids filled the room as they brought in my breakfast.