Chapter 1

I push the brush across the wooden floor, even though there is nothing there to clean. Perfection is what they expect, which requires me to clean multiple times a day.

"Mut!" I froze upon hearing Alpha Draven’s voice.

When I was sold to Alpha Draven I was young, as I got older I was told it was a good thing. He's a strong Alpha with a good clan. I was told my life was set, but it was all lies.

Sighing, I place the brush down and rush through to the other room. Alpha Draven turns in his chair and smiles at me.

"Yes, Master." I move and kneel, my head lowering as I wait for his orders.

"We have company tonight. Ensure the tables are set. There will be fifteen guests."

"Yes, Master, anything else?"

"One guest in particular, Mut, Alpha Ethan, I need to ensure that he agrees to this deal, so pay more attention to him than my other guests. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good. Please go get the room ready. Your outfit is in your cell. I expect you to be wearing it before the guests arrive. You may leave now."

"Thank you, Master." Standing, I turn and leave. Walking through to the room he uses to entertain guests, I begin to set up the tables. I clean them and ensure that everything is ready for the cooks and servants to put food on.

Walking through to my cell, I look down at the clothing laid on my mat. They give me the perfect indication of what I am expected to do tonight.

Picking up the dress, I put it on. Pulling my hair up, I tie it high so it's out of the way. I walk down to the room, and the guests are already standing and talking. I step into the room and notice Alpha Ethan immediately.

Walking to him, I stand with my head lowered, waiting for his attention and acceptance.

"Ah, Elara, you're my company tonight?"

"Yes, Sir." To be fair, Alpha Ethan isn't as bad as Alpha Draven or the Beta's here. He treats me like a person, but something tells me that will change tonight. Something tells me his relaxed approach will become tense and very strict later.

I will do as he asks, though. I know too well the lesson of fighting back.

The last time I fought, they sent me bare kneeling in the snow and I almost died.

All this because I didn't want Alpha Draven to touch me. I wanted to save myself for my mate. I may have fought him off, but he succeded in his mission, the marks across my body scream that he succeeded.

Tonight while I stay with Alpha Ethan, I can feel Alpha Draven’s eyes on me the entire time. I also notice Beta Luca watching me closely. It’s not like I have a wolf or power to escape them. It’s also not like I have a wolf to protect me and help me battle the weather if I am forced to kneel outside naked again.

“For you.” I watch Alpha Ethan hold out a glass.

“Thank you, Sir. However, I am not allowed to drink without Alpha Draven’s approval first.”

He smiles, seemingly pleased by my words. I watch as he looks at Alpha Draven, raising the glass and pointing towards me. Alpha Draven gives an approving nod.

“Now you can.” He holds out the glass, waiting for me to take it. I never drink. I would rather not drink. Refusing it, however, is defying the order that Alpha Draven gave me. So my hand wraps around the glass, lifting it. I take a sip. Coughing as it burns the back of my throat.

“How old are you, Elara?” Alpha Ethan walks forward, and I follow next to him.

“Nineteen, Sir.” Twenty tomorrow, not that I can say that out loud.

“Still young then.” His smile widens. “I’m on the edge with this deal; I want to agree but also disagree; what do you think is the best choice?” He looks at me, waiting.

“I can not say, Sir, it isn’t my place. However, Alpha Draven is an honest and trustworthy Alpha.” He’s not, but I know that is what Alpha Draven would like me to say.

“Hmmm.” He turns and continues to walk; I fall into step behind them, keeping my head down. We stop at a guest room, and Alpha Ethan opens the door. He holds it for me and gestures that I enter. Stepping forward, I go through the door.

“Remove your clothes.” I watch as he stands before me and loosens his tie before removing it entirely.

Taking a deep breath, I lift the dress from my body and place it on the side. He stands with his eyes on me. I watch as he slowly walks around me, circling me until I feel like prey under his movements. He pauses behind me, and my body shakes. I hate not being able to see what they are doing and thinking.

“I have some orders that I am hoping you will follow without hesitation.”

“Of course, Sir.” I feel sick. I hear him moving and watch as he walks past me to a suitcase. He flips it open, and I panic when I hear metal. I watch him take out the long chain with cuffs attached.

“You see, even if you planned to refuse, you won’t get a chance to.” I watch as he hooks the chain into the ceiling, my body getting pushed to him. I stumble, and his hand reaches out. Grabbing my wrist, the cuff locks around them. I scream as the spikes dig into my skin. He ignores my reaction, grabbing my other wrist and snapping the restraint around it. My teeth bite against my lip to stop the scream that builds.

“Now you have no choice but to follow orders. You refuse...” I scream as he pulls the chain, and the spikes dig deeper into my wrists. “I ensure you listen.”

His calm and friendly attitude from before has gone, replaced with pure darkness and evil. I should have known all Alpha’s were the same. None I have met yet care, and why would they? I’m nothing.

When I am placed back in my cell, I crawl to the small bathroom I have. My body hurts so much it feels like it’s on fire. I struggle to make it into the small shower. Hitting the button, I collapse under the spray of the water. My eyes finally look down at my body, the angry brown marks showing; each bruise I see seems to be bigger than the last one. The large bite marks across my body are bleeding so badly that I know for sure they will scar.

I watch the water rush around me, the blood from their marks mixing within it and turning the water pink as it runs down the drain. Cries continue to erupt from within me as I struggle to find any position that eases the pain.

Suddenly I hear movement and watch Alex walk in. He is also a servant in the pack and maybe the only person that treats me well. His eyes widen when he sees me; he glances towards the door quickly, then back to me. “Are you okay?” He turns off the water, lifts me from the shower, and carries me through, placing me on the mat; he wraps my sheet around my body. I watch him kneel before me, unscrewing the lid. His fingers run through the ointment, and he rubs it across the bites. It helps. The burning sensation stops.

“I’m sorry I can not do more, Elara; I’m very sorry.” He looks at me as he continues to cover the bites.

“It’s fine, thank you, Alex.” He nods and smiles, and I watch it begin to work. The bite marks slowly begin to close up and heal.

“Alpha Draven must have realised your wounds were serious to request we use magic to heal them. Good night, Elara.” He stands and leaves. Lying down, I realise this has to be the worst beginning of my birthday ever. My eyes flutter close, and I fall asleep, unable to stay awake any longer.

I've cleaned multiple times again today. Alpha Draven has been watching me extremely closely, and I feel like something is coming. I don't know what, but something.

He never usually pays this much attention to me outside of the bedroom. So why now?

I followed their orders last night despite the immense pain I was in. I didn't refuse or say no. So I know I have not done something wrong with them, or at least I hope not.

"Mut." I move and kneel at his feet. "I am busy; ensure the guest room is cleaned and ready for guests who may be staying tonight."

"Yes, Master." He stands and walks out. I walk through to the bedroom and fight back the vomit. The memories of last night are strong in this room.

The blood is still on the floor and the bedsheets. Along with actual vomit because Alpha Ethan seems to have a fetish for gagging women to the point they are physically sick.

I began to clean the room, removing every trace of evidence of what had happened in this room last night. It takes far longer than it should due to my body hurting. The bruises are far more prominent today.

They cover every inch of my body, and my face isn't excluded; it didn't escape the torture of abuse. Carrying the sheets through to the laundry room, the maid looks at me and takes them. I stop when I see the Television on. It's rare I see it.

It's the king, Alpha Prime Darius.

"Anyone is welcome, yes." He stands tall, his hair dark, and his eyes a bright emerald colour.

"Does that include those of poorer backgrounds, without strong packs, or without a pack at all?" The reporter questions him, and the camera zooms in.

"Yes. There is no restriction on it, except they can not be bitten and claimed." What is going on? I look towards the maid.

"You didn't know? After the king had died Alpha Prime Darius took over. He's holding a sort of game, a trial for females between the ages of eighteen and thirty. He's looking for his Luna."

I didn't know.

"No, I shall not be personally selecting. How would that be fair?" He chuckles and leans forward, looking directly at the camera, almost like he is looking through the lens directly at me. "Magic will be used. Fifteen women, one winner. However, there is a chance a lady may be lucky and picked up by Alpha Kellan."

I hear claps and gasps. Alpha Kellan is his younger brother. So, while one will become Luna, one will possibly be chosen by Kellan to be his mate.

"It's easy. Those wanting to take part, go online, answer a few quick questions and await to be whisked away to the castle." His smile widens. I mentally record the website link.

I can find time, I'm sure of it. Turning, I leave the laundry room. I have twenty-four hours or less. The rules are simple: the entry form will be locked in twenty-four hours or when ten thousand women apply. Whichever comes first.

More than likely, the ten thousand women applying will be what closes it, not the time limit. I walk through and pretend to be cleaning; I check in the Beta's rooms briefly, finding them empty.

Rushing, I sit at the computer and type in the address.

The form begins easily. Name. Age. Date of birth. Pack name if applicable. Questions regarding my appearance. Questions regarding my occupation or standing within my pack. Then it gets interesting. It asks about sexual partners.

That question, I lied on. I couldn't possibly answer the truth anyway; I don't know the exact number of men I have slept with or how many times I had sex.

Then it is the question about being bitten and claimed, I again lie. I will keep my mark hidden. Ten minutes later, I finished and submitted it.

Quickly deleting the history, I walk out and try to make it look like I am doing the regular jobs I am meant to. I doubt anything will come from this. He said everyone can apply, but even I know that those women will all have wolves, all will have a pack and be high up in their pack. The daughter of another Alpha.

Me? I'm sold. I don't know who my parents are. I don't know if I came from a strong pack. I know nothing.

So of course I won't be chosen. If it was truly picked using magic, why require answers to so many questions? It feels more like it is so they can ensure the woman selected will be as good as Luna.

"Mut." I walk through and kneel, lowering my head. I wait. "You have a gift." I don't raise my head, even though I want to. I have never been given a gift before, and I'm unsure what to say or do.

"You may raise your head." I lift it and look at Alpha Draven. "Apparently, you made a good impression on Alpha Ethan. He requested that he be allowed to give you a gift, and I agreed."

"Thank you, Master."

"We spoke, and he suggested you may find a blanket more beneficial than a gift such as a bracelet." He holds out the giant blanket, and I have to be honest, I would rather have the blanket than a bracelet or anything else.

My cell is cold.

"You may take it." I reach out, taking it from his arms. "You understand, I only agreed because he has decided to go ahead with our deal and felt you should be treated for your part." The words are almost growled.

He didn't want to agree. I can tell by his tone he wanted to refuse but couldn't. Instead, he agreed to get the deal signed.

"Thank you, Master. I understand."

"Good, you may leave." Standing, I walk out; it's late now. Going back to my cell, I unfold the blanket and wrap it around my body. It feels amazing.

Sleep takes me instantly; the warmth and comfort of the blanket are the perfect gift; it's rare I fall asleep quickly; I need to either be in tremendous pain or be extremely tired as the coldness of my cell prevents me from sleeping.

It's been three days since I completed that application. My mind considers it as I wipe the table, ensuring everything is clean. Alpha Draven has been visiting Alpha Ethan at his pack.

Apparently, the deal they are making is going well. Well enough for Alpha Draven to leave his own pack and travel

It's good, though; it means for three days, I haven't been touched. I have barely had to kneel as Beta Luca and the others are busy doing Alpha Draven's work.

Hell, I have even managed to get out of the constant cleaning and finally had time to consider the implications of that application. I'm sure Alpha Prime Darius will punish me for lying about it.

It was an order to answer honestly, and I didn't. So will Alpha Draven have fun telling them I lied if he ever finds out the truth? Finishing cleaning, I sit on my mat, my eyes close, and I try to relax; I was told he is returning today. So I've made sure I cleaned at the hours I was required to.

That way, if he comes back, I'm right where he expects me to be based on what time it is. Most would hate this, sitting in a cell with nothing. Boredom would be a quick thing they would complain over.

I guess when you're constantly cleaning and doing things for everyone else. This is perfect. Why would I want to do anything other than relax right now? That thought quickly vanishes when I realise what day it is.

Standing, I walk through to the laundry room. The maid smiles at me, and I begin to get the correct items for Alpha Draven's bed. I still have plenty of time to get it done before he can complain.

"They are getting the women." I turn to the maid, confused. "The guards of Alpha Prime Darius began to collect the selected ladies today."

"Lucky them." I smile, and she reaches out.

"Could be lucky you." I look at her, confused, and she smiles. "I saw, don't worry, no one else did."

Crap. I stand and panic. "If..."

Her hand goes up. "I won't be telling him, Elara, so you don't need to worry; I have everything crossed for you." She says that, yet she hasn't considered the consequences, just as I didn't.

I'm claimed; the mark is impossible to hide if he were to ask us to strip and confirm we're not claimed. I never considered the consequences of my actions, and right now, It's too damn late.

All I can do is hope I wasn't selected, and why would I be? Wolfless, packless, orphan, with no last name. I'm at the bottom of that list.

After replacing the sheets and bedding, I take the dirty ones to the maid, although they aren't dirty. They were put on two days ago. No one has even slept in it. As I leave, I hear the door. Alpha Draven comes back. I quickly walk to my cell to avoid them, if I'm not there I am hoping I'm out of their minds.

"Mut." Or not. Standing, I walk through and kneel. "What is this?" I look up.

"A cloth Master." Why is he asking me that?

"And who uses it?"

"Myself, Master, they are the ones given to me to use." No one else uses them. He has a weird habit, like everyone has their own cloths. Why? So he can see whose cloths are used the most?

"Then why was it next to the computer?"

Shit. My mind races back, I was cleaning, I took the sheets to the maid. When I went to the computer, I had a cloth in my hand.

"I don't know, Master."

"That is a blatant lie." I hear him move. "Get it ready. Ensure the entire pack will be watching."

Wait, I stare at him.

"You went into a room that is forbidden. You used items you are not allowed to. Did you think this would go unpunished?"

I thought he wouldn't know. He wouldn't have if I didn't leave the cloth.

"Master, it was not me who put the cloth there." Maybe if I just lie and make out that it was someone else, he won't punish me.

"Lying is only increasing your punishment." He turns to Alpha Luca. "Drag her out." I feel my body get pulled up and pushed out. It's rare he punishes me in front of the entire pack.

My body is thrown to the ground, and kneeling, I keep my head lowered. I know that I caused this. Now, I consider his plan, maybe to keep me kneeling here and battle the weather with them watching.

"If I give orders, I expect them to be followed even when I am not in sight."

I feel the cuffs wrap around my wrists. So, not punished by having to face the elements?

"So this is a reminder I won't allow it to happen," I scream as my body is pulled up by the cuffs around my wrists. My toes barely touch the floor.

"Now," I scream, feeling the whip hit against my back. My head raises, and I look at Alpha Draven. He had sworn never to do this to me.

"Again." I brace, but it does little to help. Screaming; tears flow from my eyes.

"Again." The pain from the whip has me slump forward, the scream getting tangled in my throat with the sob.

"Again." I stare at Alpha Draven. Screaming, I dangle from the chains, my eyes seeing Alex in the crowd. My head drops, I never expected him to give me this punishment.

The pain is worse than the other night. I can feel the blood running down my back from the lacerations. I hear cars and raise my head. I watch as the crowd disappears.

"Take it inside." Alpha Draven points to me, and I feel the cuffs be removed and I fall down. A hand grabs me and drags me through. As we get inside the door, I'm dragged forward.

"Stop!" My body is dropped, and I kneel, ready for Alpha Draven to begin yelling. "Apparently, Alpha Prime Darius has sent guards for you, Mut!"

Shit. I raise my head slowly to see him glaring and growling at me. Is this because they know I lied? I have a feeling tonight's punishment is only the start of it.

"Why me?"

Beta Luca pulls me to my feet.

"You're to join the other candidates at the Luna battle. Alpha Prime Darius has requested that you attend after your submission made the finals."

My body stills, shocked by their words. I never expected to be chosen. I feel Alpha Draven's eyes on me, and I know his anger is rising because of this. He can't refuse, he can't go against Alpha Prima Darius's orders, but he has the power to announce that I am already bitten and claimed by him.

Standing, I wait for his words, and I wait for his refusal or acceptance. Surely he will speak soon?

"Mut, I suggest you pack your bag." I move quickly through the house and to my cell, packing the few items I have. Pulling off the top I am wearing, I winch.

As I pull on my top, someone steps into my cell.

"He sent me to cover your lacerations." Alex smiles, and I turn. "At least you are free." His words are whispered as I bite my lip to stop the screams as he rubs the ointment across my back.

"For a short time." I won't be forever.

"All done, good luck." He walks out. Pulling my top down, I grab my things and walk out.

As I make my way through, I bump into Beta Luca.

"You won't be gone long, Mut. Enjoy the freedom; Alpha Prime Darius will quickly throw you to the curb when he realises you're a wolfless, packless whore."

His words are right, and there's nothing I can do to change it. Maybe, though, once I am removed from this competition, I can make it to the Nightfall Citadel, the only place for rejected, wolfless people. Alpha Draven will never come there to collect me.

I stop at the door, the guards looking at me.

"See you soon, you can guarantee it." Alpha Draven watches as I walk out. I follow the guards and see the packs outside, watching as I step into the car. I'm lost on what I am meant to do. I don't know anything about this.

I know nothing about the world, either. We stop at the palace, and I step out of the car.

"The maid will guide you inside." The guard points to the door.

"Thank you." I give him a small smile, and he nods. Walking to the door, the maid looks at me.

"Follow me, please. You are the last to arrive." I walk through with her, she guides me through the palace and I glance around amazed. I thought Alpha Draven's home was lavish. This is on a whole new level.

"Through here." She opens the door and I step inside, I see the other women they are standing close to each other. Already, groups are forming. I can clearly see the ones who are high up in their packs. The ones trained to be here are standing together.

Their voices quiet as they speak. Expressionless faces, as if this isn't a big event.

I stand close to the women but try not to draw attention to myself. Everyone is dressed so beautifully, and here I am in jeans and an old, worn T-shirt. Their dresses are something that you would expect the Luna to wear.

My eyes leave them, and that's when I notice the camera. I'm not ready for this. Panic builds in me.

"Excuse me." I glance up, confused. "You're too close. Please move back."

"Sorry?" I look at the news producer.

"You heard, you're too close to the candidates, move!"

"I-I'm a candidate."

I hear laughter. My body is pushed back, and I stumble before regaining my footing.

"Please don't disrespect the king; he won't be pleased when he arrives to see trash stood with his possible Luna!" The man pushes me back further.

"I am not lying. I was chosen to be here. Ask the maid. She brought me in." I point to her, and he laughs.

"Look, you're making us look bad. Move away, you stink." One of the women looked at me with a disgusted expression. "Surely you should be like in the cellar cleaning the floor?"

I hear some of the women laugh. The producer laughs as well.

"People like you don't belong here! You're not part of this; you would never be, and the king wouldn't allow it!" He pushes me hard, and this time, I fall and am ready for the pain when I hit the floor.

Instead, I feel a hand catch me before I can hit it.

"What is going on here?" I look up to see Alpha Kellan holding me. He has the same emerald eyes as Darius.

"She wouldn't get out of the shot; we were trying to get footage of your highness." The producer looks at him.

"And why was she required to be moved out of the shot?" He steps in front of me.

"She doesn't belong here. I am sure when Alpha Prime Darius arrives, he won't be happy with delays caused by the help."

"Well, you made the delay. Didn't you?" He steps forward. "As you're also 'the help,' you personally caused this delay."

"I didn't mean to do that, Sir; I needed to get a clear and clean shot of only the candidates."

"Which she is." The producer stills upon hearing his words.

"I-I..." He stops.

"Assumed. Didn't the broadcast say everyone was welcome to apply and everyone had an equal chance?"

"W-we just assumed that was for the cameras, Sir."

"Well, it wasn't. Now, apologise; I will be letting the king know about this, considering she is a possible Luna." His face pales at Alpha Kellan's words.

"I'm sorry, miss." He bows his head.

"Ella." Alpha Kellan waves a maid over. "Please see that Elara is dressed appropriately. Then she fits in." He turns and walks away, Ella rushes and pulls me out. Taking me into a room, she quickly helps me strip and pull on a dress.

I still look awful, but far better than I had before. I can't complain, putting on the shoes I stand and Ella guides me out. I stand with the women again.

"God, they really are letting the Mut stay." One of them glares at me.

"Well, they need to make it look real. She will be gone at the first round." One of the women laughs.

"Ladies!" Someone calls our attention to him. I look forward and see the man standing on a stage. "I'm William. The personal representative for the king. He will be joining us soon, at which point I will announce the first task for you ladies. Please do not approach the king, he will not be doing personally meetings today."

The girls all nod, and some are clearly excited. I look through them, trying to find where the hell I would fit in. Right now, I don't feel like that is anywhere.

We stand quietly and wait. The camera pans across the women as we stand waiting for the king. I notice the camera lingers on the other contestants for longer than me.

The producer smirks at me; I don't need time on screen; it isn't down to the public who is Luna. So, him purposely cutting my time down is fine with me.

I watch the door open, and the king walks in with Alpha Kellan. His eyes scan the contestants as he makes his way to the stage. He barely settles on any of them for longer than a few seconds. Then he reaches me and stares; I shift uncomfortably; no doubt this is him noticing I have no wolf.

He steps onto the stage and keeps his eyes on me the entire time. I try and be confident and look back. Yet, it cracks, and I fail. My eyes drop quickly. I'm so used to having to kneel to Alpha's and Beta's. I don't even feel like I should look at him without permission.

"Ladies," William calls our attention back to him. "After the rules are explained, you will face your first task. Each candidate will be sitting with the news crew. You will be asked questions, the scores will be based on who grabs the audiences attention, the better you do, the longer you will get."

Well, I've failed. They already hate me. No matter what my answers will be, they will cut it quickly.

"You will all be staying in one hall; each of you will have your own room, along with a maid and guard. You may be the future Luna, so you need to get ready for that reality." William stands and discusses the rules.

Every single one of us listens. We listen to the areas of the palace that are off-bounds if less the King, Alpha Kellan or their personal guards request us to go there.

We are expected to behave in a manner that the Luna would, both inside our rooms and outside. Regardless of if we're alone or not. No contact with the outside world. We're not allowed to listen or watch the TV.

The rules seem to go on forever before William steps back. Alpha Prime Darius, the King, steps forward.

"All candidates are required to attend each meal on time. From time to time, myself and Alpha Kellan will also attend." He steps forward slightly. "Each candidate that is here has an equal chance to win. It is solely on your efforts and abilities throughout the competition. If you fail, you only have yourself to blame."

Alpha Kellan steps forward. "As you are aware, Alpha Prime Darius will select one candidate to be Luna. However, I may myself pick a candidate."

"How will that work?" I hear one of the women, and he chuckles.

"Do not worry. I will not sweep you away from my brother. I will like him and get to know you personally, at the end of each round, I feel someone should stay who would be suited to me. I may save them from leaving that round, but that does not mean they will be chosen by me in the long run."

So, even if someone loses, they may be saved by Alpha Kellan. I just assumed he would pick the one who came second.

"Okay Ladies. The order of your interviews will be selected at random." I watch William pick up a small box from the table, opening it he reads.

"Astrid, please come take a seat. Ladies, we request that you stand and wait your turn, but keep the noise down so as not to disrupt the filming." He walks away and the women begin to sit, moving I join them and feel eyes on me.

Alpha Prime Darius is staring at me. I notice Alpha Kellan is whispering in his ear. So he's talking about me, I am guessing? I watch Astrid as she is interviewed, she seems to be doing well, twenty minutes later she stands and joins us.

"Next up is." William selects a box. "Aurora." I watch her stand and walk to the cameras.

It feels like hours, the women have been in front of the camera anywhere from five minutes to half an hour each. So far, I'm yet to go. I feel like this is set up so I would be last, and they would have a reason to cut mine short.

Both Darius and Kellan have left.

"Hi." I turn to the woman next to me, I believe her name was Sage?

"Hey." I give her a small smile.

"You should be next, right?" She looks at me, and I nod. I can't not be next. Everyone else has done theirs.

"Good luck; unfortunately, none of the questions for the candidates were the same." I nod at her words.

"What is your name?" She looks at me.

"Elara."

"It's nice to meet you, Elara; I'm sorry about earlier." She nods towards the other women.

"It's fine." It's far better than how I have been treated in the past.

"Considering they are here to become Luna, you would think they would realise their actions were not very Luna-worthy." We both chuckle, as she isn't wrong. The way they acted wasn't how a Luna would.

"I am amazed, some of them have trained for this their entire lives and seemed to forget that training. I couldn't imagine a Luna acting like that." It was shameful, in private, yes. In front of a room full of people?

No, that wasn't how a Luna would react. I wonder if they realise that?

"Okay Ladies, thank you for your participation, you will now be guided by back to your rooms." The producer stands and looks at us.

Where is William?

"Sir, you haven't interviewed everyone." Sage smiles. He glances around and then at me.

"We interviewed who matters." He stands and tells them to pack away.

"No, you have not." I watch William walk over. "I trust I don't need to remind you that it was the king's orders. Each lady has a chance." He picks up the box and opens it.

The producer nods and sits, his frown quickly aimed at me.

"Elara." William points to the seat, but now I wish I wasn't doing it. Something tells me that the producer is going to ask questions that won't be appropriate and are set to ridicule me.

I sit with the camera in my face; it's far closer than it had been for any of the other candidates, and I feel like it's a way to try and make me nervous. It's working.

"Elara, we don't have a last name. Why is that?" He smirks at me. I knew it.

"I do not have one. I was an orphan."

He glances at his papers. "An orphan? It says here you were sold?"

Shit. How much does he know?

"I was, yes, but I was first an orphan."

"Hmm." He looks at me. "Elara, is it true that you were a servant and bed partner for your past Alpha?"

I freeze, and I watch his smile widen. Opening my mouth, I try to explain.

But soon I close it again as I see King Darius and Alpha Kellan stand behind the camera, staring at me...