Astrid's POV:Marilyn is a young maid with a deep set of brown orbs. Her curly hair was tied in a low bun, and the sleeves of her long gown were rolled up to her elbows.She quickly held the corner of my long gown, which was preventing me from moving. Her eyes ran over my few injuries, but she didn't ask me anything about them."How long have you been working here in the Royal chambers? " I asked her as we walked in the quiet and long corridor."It's around a year, Luna. I am not as experienced as others. " She worriedly replied as if I was asking her this question because I wanted to taunt her."You are perfect! For some reason, I never seem to have enough friends. With a grin on my face, she looked at me hopefully."You are so nice. The empire will love you, " Marilyn said in her childish voice.Within ten minutes, we stood before a beautiful chamber door. Marilyn asked me to enter it first while she followed behind me. The chamber was ten times larger than the small dungeon I lived
Astrid's POV:Alpha Dominic’s pheromones made me crazy as his fingers ran across my teary cheeks. I clutched his wrist as he encircled my mouth with his thumb.As we peered into each other's eyes, it was as though we were each searching for the answer to an unspoken question; the look between us said it all. Our connection couldn’t be broken. For our love was a truly special bond, as if we had been mated for a hundred years ago and knew each other well."Open your mouth, " he ordered. I followed his command, and he pushed his thumb between my lips. "Suck," he said, releasing a heavy breath.It was out of the ordinary for me to engage in sexual activity, but my emotions and his proximity rendered me shameless enough to do anything for him.He lowered his head and gave my collarbone a long, wet lick. I froze. My nipples, painfully erect, drawing my attention."I didn't tell you to stop!" He grabbed a fistful of my hair, stared into my soul, and pushed his thumb back into my mouth.Mem
Alpha Dominic's POV: "What’s wrong with you?" Carden shouted in my mind, angry with how I’d behaved toward his Luna.”And now, because of your mistress, she’s having second thoughts.” He demanded that we go for a run in the woods, so he could hunt some animals to relieve his frustration. "You need to calm down," I said flippantly. "Calm down? How can I calm down? What the hell were you going to tell her anyway? About your dead mate and that you don't need a woman in your life?” He wasn’t wrong, so I didn’t respond. What could I say? "Coward! Answer me," he demanded. "Yes. Okay. Are you happy now? Yes, I was going to tell her that she shouldn't expect anything from me other than a pack name and protection. Unlike you, I am not looking for love!" I roared. Carden quieted. Another fight with my wolf. I shook my head. Of course, because that’s what I needed at the moment. It wasn’t like I needed to focus on other, more important things. Ugh. I met with Beta Alexander, who was w
Astrid's POV:"I am sure Carden was hurt by his behavior, too,” Malessia said, her words echoing in my mind as I fled from Alpha Dominic. But her words didn’t sooth me. He’d called me a whore, and the enraged expression he wore when he’d said it was something I would never forget. My mind was in a panic, and I needed my mother. I caught a whiff of her scent and followed it across the hallway. I discovered her leisurely sitting with a couple of maids, one who did her hair while the other applied face cream. Seeing the joy on her face made me smile. Her bruises had healed, and her face glowed. This was the life I wanted my parents to have.Her head turned toward me, and our eyes met. I gave her a cheerful smile, and her face lit up, too."Astrid! My baby." She stood and opened her arms, taking me into a tight embrace. I rested my head over her shoulder and closed my eyes, forgetting everything, at least for a moment."Were you crying, sweetie?” she asked.It seemed pointless to lie to
Astrid's POV:My legs shook with fear while a maid helped the princess stand. Then, as the princess approached me, flashbacks of beatings and torture flooded me, vivid and haunting in their realism. The aching of my body, the burning sensation that coursed through my veins, the fear that gnawed at my soul—every moment had felt like an eternity of agony as my mind struggled to comprehend the horror that had become my life. The memories would stay with me forever.The physical pain had been agonizing, but the psychological pain had been even worse. I’d thought I would never be free of from her torture. I’d escaped it for such a short while. But now she was back and sure to make my life a living hell once again.Without thinking, I touched my uncovered face. She watched my every movement, and fear rumbled inside me. Would she hit me with all these people around?Alpha Dominic’s voice entered my mind though our link. "I am here for your protection,” he said. “Don't be scared. She can't do
Astrid's POV:“Don't worry about her,” Alpha Dominic said while looking out of the window. “I will monitor everything she does. You won't be under any threat.” “Thank you for the assurance,” I said, gulping. “I know I am always safe with you.” My heart beat faster as I walked closer to him, though I kept a reasonable distance between us.His body stiffened, and the color of his eyes changed with every blink. "Astrid." My name on his tongue sounded so teasingly beautiful. I wanted him to keep on calling me until all the misunderstandings between us were solved. “I have made a decision regarding our marking ceremony and mating bond. Have a seat, please.” He pulled a chair in front of him.I hesitantly sat, holding the eye contact with him even though it aroused our wolves.“Just sit on his lap and kiss those lips,” Mel screamed in my head, with the heat overpowering her. “His strong thighs could easily balance our weight while we kiss his tasty mouth.”I ignored her demands and patien
Astrid's POV:With a heavy heart and broken hopes, I fell on my bed in the dark room. I had no strength left to light the candles by the stand, so I just buried my face in the covers. The deafening sound of silence shattered my determination to not shed a tear. How could I not cry, though? My mate wouldn’t even make love to me. Meanwhile, my body was still on fire, painfully yearning for a masculine touch. His intoxicating scent lingered on my gown, too, and my nipples remained erect from that alone.Neither Malessia nor I were satisfied. When the ache became too unbearable, I sat straight on my bed. Arousal-induced sweat caused my hair to stick to the side of my face. I gulped down the lump of saliva forming in my throat. My hands shook with hesitation and excitement as I threw the thin gown on the floor.The cool air caressed my wet skin, and I squeezed my nipples. A moan escaped my lips as I thought about his thick fingers in me. Still scared but ready to do the deed for only the
Astrid's POV:"Just be confident, Astrid. We are Alpha Dominic Knight's Luna, and no one can talk to us like that.” Mallesia declared like the queen she was.I balled my hands into fists and breathed in deeply to puff up my chest. Then I looked straight into Princess Amaira’s eyes. "You will not talk to me like that," I said. For so many years, I had been submissive to her and never dared to go against the royal members. Not anymore."Where's this confidence coming from?” She curled her lip. “My father disowned me, and you think I have to listen to slaves like you?” She moved closer and raised her hand, but I didn't flinch.Instead, I eyed her, my gaze piercing. "I am the future luna of this pack, and you had better learn your place in the kingdom.” Though my mouth was dry, a heavy weight lifted from me when the smile faded from her arrogant face.“Well, future luna, your so-called mate has asked for your presence in his private study room. I don't know what he sees in you.” She rolle