Chapter 1 1. Midnight Lake

PROLOGUE MORGANA "Did you hear that?" A sharp voice spoke. "No, what is it?""I thought I heard something?" I covered my mouth, calming my beating heart as I hid behind a thick oak tree, I was almost out… The guards walked past, as soon as they were out of sight, I continued running through the trees, a faint smile crossing my lips. Finally! The wind rushed through my hair, the moon peeked through the trees, and the distant sounds of forest animals reached my ears. My heart was beating with excitement as the sound of the gushing water and the scent of the lake reached my senses. I slowed down, looking back over my shoulder to make sure none of the patrol had followed. I stepped to the river edge, slipping my shoes off, removing my nightdress but staying in my lingerie, and getting into the water. I giggled. The wine in my system from earlier made me feel lightheaded and giddy. I dipped my head under the water, holding my breath for a few moments, before breaking the surface gasping for air as I burst out laughing in breathless excitement. I splashed the water, then I lay back, swimming around as I stared at the stars above, humming a song. I loved coming out here in the middle of the night. My mother used to bring me here as a child… I trailed my fingers through the water of the lake when I suddenly felt as if I wasn’t alone. The alcohol slugging my system made it hard for me to focus as I spun around, crossing my arms over my breasts, knowing my white lingerie was probably see-through as I scanned the trees. "Who’s there?!" I called out; my voice echoed off the rocky hills that surrounded the area. I scanned the trees behind my back, the rushing waterfall drowning out any chance of picking up any other sounds. I turned away, only for that intensity of something watching me to return once again. I swam to the edge of the lake and stepped out. Picking up my nightdress, I slipped it on, when suddenly I was yanked back into the lake. My scream was cut off when a hand clamped over my mouth and I was pulled under for a second. I was pulled above the surface, slamming against a hard wall of muscle. My heart thundered in my chest as I struggled. "Calm down." A deep, husky voice spoke, sending an odd sensation through me. I stilled, my heart pounding, becoming hyper-aware of his touch and ironclad hold. One arm was wrapped around my waist, pinning my arms to my sides. Whoever he was, he was strong, but why did I have this strong feeling that he wouldn’t hurt me? Sensing that I wouldn’t scream, he removed his hand from my mouth, trailing it down my neck. His other hand grazed down my stomach, making me shiver with pleasure. "Who are you?" I asked icily, trying to remain composed when my body was yielding to him. "Hush…" What was this? How was my body reacting to a stranger’s touch? My dulled senses couldn’t make out his scent properly, but it was rich, deep and seductive. I could feel his chest heaving against my back, feeling the bulge in his pants against my ass. The heat from his body told me he was not one of my kind… But even then, no alarm bells of danger went off, and when his lips met my neck, I gasped as pleasure coursed through me, settling deep into my core. My eyes fluttered shut and I leant into him, a soft moan escaping from my lips as I arched my neck, allowing him better access. His hand reached for my right breast, squeezing hard. I didn’t seem to care that this was a stranger, something deep within telling me to trust him. "Nh..." I moaned when his finger found my hardened nipple through the thin fabric of my dress. He sucked on my neck, making me whimper louder, my hand gripping the wrist of the hand that was wandering lower, pulling my silk dress up. His hand slipped down, cupping my pussy, and I gasped when he massaged me over my soaking panties. My core clenched at the sensation of burning pleasure that consumed me. I didn’t even realise when he had torn my underwear off. His fingers ran between my slit, finding my clit. A delicious moan left my lips, and I pressed my ass against his now hard manhood. I bit my lip. All I wanted was him. The moment his thick finger thrust into me without warning, my eyes flew open as I stared up at the starry sky, resting my head on his broad shoulder, the pleasure from his touch destroying all sense of logic or thoughts. "Oh fuck." I mewled my own voice, unrecognisable to my ears. His assault on my neck became rougher and hungrier. A second finger intruded into me, stretching me out as he sped up. I reached behind me, cupping his head, my fingers tangled in the short, tight curls on top, as my orgasm ripped through me, making me cry out. The delicious spasms of pleasure that rocked my body left me feeling weak. "Mine…" I thought I heard him snarl possessively, but I wasn’t sure. He slipped his fingers out, massaging my pussy, and I knew if we weren’t in this lake, his hand would have been coated with my juices. "W-who are you?" I whispered, trying to reach behind me for the hard shaft that was pressed against my ass, but he gripped my wrist, stopping me, pinning my arm to the small of my back and making me gasp. I tried turning my head, but he held me in place, breathing hard, his nose buried in my neck. I was about to ask him again when the sound of a distinct bell made my eyes snap open, my heart thundering. An alarm signalling danger, a threat, or death. That bell was only used for extreme situations. My heart was thrumming against my chest like a drum, and I ripped myself from his strong hold, rushing from the lake. "I-I need to go!" I cried, my voice shaking, fear spreading through me like poison. I pulled my soaking dress down, turning back to the water, only to see he was gone… But I had no time to ponder over it. The bell… I had heard it once before… years ago. The night my mother was killed.

Chapter 2 2. Sibling Rivalry

TWO MONTHS LATER MORGANA The harsh cold was biting into me, even though I didn’t feel the cold easily. My chiffon knee length dress did nothing to help, but I wasn’t really bothered. I looked down at the grand black marble tombstone of my father. The late King Araton. That night, I wished I had been at the palace; I was one of our finest warriors, but I hadn’t been. Instead, I had been frolicking in the lake with a mysterious man that I didn’t even see… I felt bitter, broken and empty. The wind whipped around me as I crouched down, placing my slender hand on the cold marble. I’m sorry, father. I should have been there. Two months had passed, but the ache in my chest at his loss was still present. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply to control the hurricane of emotions that devoured me. "Lady Morgana, the king has called for you!" A breathless male servant spoke. I stood up gracefully, turning around and looking at the man who was bowing down to me. Not uttering a word, I made my way back to the palace to see why my brother, who usually didn’t even want to see my face, was summoning me. When my father was murdered, the king's champion, his closest confidant, died trying to protect him. With the champion's death, the spell cast upon me by him to disguise my eyes had vanished. Eyes that had made my brother hate me even more, simply because they were darker than his. In our kind, the deeper and darker the eye colour, the stronger we were. I didn’t bother knocking on the door to his office; after all, he had summoned me. Pushing it open, I stepped into the large room that was lavishly decorated in rich forest greens and gold shades. The room smelt of sex and sweat. I wrinkled my nose in disgust. I scoffed when I saw him on the sofa. One woman dressed in barely anything was massaging his shoulders as she kissed his neck and another, who was completely naked, was on her knees before him as she gave him a blow job. I looked away in revulsion and snapped my fingers loudly. "Out." I said coldly. I heard my brother’s irritated groan as the women scurried to scatter. "Really, Morgana? You could have waited outside." My brother's drawling voice came. I didn’t reply, waiting until I heard him zip his pants up before turning and shooting him a withering glare. "Really, Azrael? You called for me when I was at my father's grave, if you had no patience to wait, then I have no patience with letting you entertain your whores." I snapped, coldly staring up at my brother who now rose from the sofa, approaching me. I was tall, standing at 5 feet 11, yet I felt small in comparison to his 6 feet 7. His long, straight hair that fell below his shoulders contained two small braids, leaving the rest open. His intricate gold crown sat upon his head. "Remember that I am your king, Morgana.""And remember that you have a child on the way, and a wife." I replied quietly. It wasn’t odd for a king to have many women, but those were women of the court who were classed as his mistresses, but messing around with the servants and any random woman was wrong. I felt sorry for his queen. "You don’t need to interfere in my life!" He snapped. "I called you here because I have heard rumours that you have been spreading your legs for one of the warriors." I scoffed in disbelief. Was he really going to question me after he had his cock down a woman’s throat just now? "Oh, do forgive me, brother, I forgot that only you’re allowed to be the whore around here.""Morgana!" He shouted, his deep red eyes blazing bright when he grabbed my neck tightly. "Remember who you are talking to! You need to learn your place, dear sister! Father is no longer around to entertain your crap. Remember that! One wrong move and I’ll end you." He hissed. I pulled free, irritation burning within me. "Don’t touch me with those filthy hands! As for knowing my place, you are a king, Azrael, not a god! As for what or who I bring into my personal life, it has nothing to do with you! I am not a child!" I hissed. No, I hadn’t been fucking any men as of late, but I was not going to plead my innocence to him. "Well, it clearly shows you are your mother’s daughter. A whore." His words cut me like a dangerous knife. I glared back, clenching my jaw as I looked at him resentfully. "She was not a whore." I whispered, my voice trembling with rage. Azrael’s mother was the queen, whilst my mother was one of the women from court that my father had taken as his mistress. She had been the only one besides the queen who had borne a child. "Oh really? I highly doubt you were even my father’s daughter!" My eyes flashed in anger, and I rushed at him, my rage overtaking me. I grabbed him by his neck, only for him to grab me by mine and slap me hard across the face with his other hand. I gasped at the bruising pain that jarred through my face and neck. "Respect." He threatened, tangling his free hand into my hair painfully. "It’s high time I made use of you and married you to one of the high-ranking members of the council. Many would be satisfied with you, and you will behave, Morgana." He looked me over with hatred, and I was equally disgusted, wrenching free from his hold. "You can’t control my life, Azrael!" My heart was beating fast, I knew he would stay true to his words. "You need not worry about anything but to listening to me, dear sister. I have thought of a solution to the age-old argument between us and the werewolves as well. I will accomplish something father was never able to." He said, turning his back on me. I frowned, "What do you mean?""I will extend the hand of friendship; I have already written to the Alpha king. Father had distorted beliefs-""You are willing to give in to their demands?! Our father spent his life fighting for the betterment of our people and our land! You can’t just throw that away! You know they are probably the ones who killed father!" I cried. His head snapped towards me, a flash of warning in his eyes. "He’s dead, Morgana. I’m the goddamn king now!""Azrael, Morgana, please calm down." We both turned in the direction of the door. Our uncle Malachi, our fathers’ younger brother, stood there frowning softly. Concern was etched on his forehead. "Uncle! Azrael is trying to marry me off just because of a few baseless rumours!" I snapped. "Not to mention, he wants to make peace with the werewolves!""They are growing in power, dear. Azrael isn’t wrong.""But to give up everything father stood for?" I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. "The humans are beginning to side with the werewolves too, Morgana…""But we can't just give in! They are monsters!""They are cutting off supplies-" Uncle began. "There has to be another way! How can we side our fathers’ killers!" I exclaimed, looking at the two men shocked. Were they really willing to make peace with those…beasts? "You have no say, Morgana! Just do as you’re fucking told!" Azrael thundered. A knock on the door disturbed us, and I glared at the two guards. "My king, we have a visitor here to see you. He demands an audience with you." One of them said, both bowing to Azrael. "Oh, for fucks sake! Who is it?" Azrael snapped. "The Alpha King, Kian Araqiel, of Clair De Lune"

Chapter 3 3. Alpha Of Alphas

KIAN I frowned deeply, turning away from the window where I had been watching my men train. Running a hand through my tight curls, I sighed as the memory of the first time I saw her returned to me. She had been beautiful and alluring, her voice… I throbbed hard at the memory of my mate, a woman I had been searching for, for many years, yet when I found her, she was not suitable to be my Luna or Queen. "Come here." I commanded, looking at the gorgeous woman who I had called for, one of the unmated she-wolves of my pack. Her curvy body, with her ample tits and curvaceous hips clad in just lingerie, was appealing. Her long brunette locks were curled to perfection, and her sultry makeup was enticing. A beautiful she-wolf. She came towards me, sashaying her hips sensually, and I found my gaze dipping to the front of her lacy panties. The moment she reached me, I tangled my hand in her hair, staring into her deep grey eyes. She wasted no time, running her hand over my crotch. I groaned as I buried my head into her neck, kissing her hard, enjoying the feel of her hands on my body. One hand now pushed my pants down and grabbed my hardened cock as she stroked it expertly. I growled, pulling away, spinning her around and pushing her up against the wall near the window. I tore her underwear off roughly, not caring that it would sting, as I slammed into her with one hard thrust. "Alpha! Oh fuck!" She moaned. My eyes blazed gold as I fucked her roughly, my mind stuck on an image of another woman. Imagining it was her before me, with every thrust, my anger was growing. The screams and moans of the she-wolf before me didn’t matter. My mate, fuck I needed to find her… Since I had laid eyes on her, she was ruining me. It wasn’t only my dreams, even when I was awake, she was all I could think of. I barely registered when the woman before me came, as I sped up, chasing my own release as I imagined another… Her dark black hair, her pale cool skin… her full breasts… I groaned huskily pulling out, shooting my load over her ass. ----- It was a few days later, and I was pacing my office talking to my Delta Luca. "The conflict is only growing, and the humans are getting caught up in this too, Kian. Someone needs to do something." Luca said quietly. I massaged my jaw, nodding. "I know Luca, and I’m trying to think of a solution where all four species in power can somehow agree to a stalemate." I muttered coldly. "You do know Kian, if you put it forward, you will come off as weak.""And I don’t fucking care. Let them think what they want. Right now, our people matter more.""And that is why Kian will become one of our finest kings in history." I looked up to see Sage walking in. Dressed in a pair of fitted pants and a plunging top, she was smiling confidently, her light brown hair pulled into a braid. "Sorry if I'm interrupting." She said, her blue eyes locking with mine. "Not at all." I said looking away, frowning deeply. "Well, I’ll leave you two to it." Luca said with a wink before he walked out, closing the door behind him. "Kian, what’s on your mind?" She asked, placing a hand on my arm. I frowned, looking down at her. I couldn’t really share my true issue with her, so instead, I just played with a strand of her silky hair. "Just work." I said quietly, pulling her into my arms. Sage was the ideal Luna, at twenty-three, she was only one year younger than me and hadn’t found her mate. Marking and mating her was something I knew many were hoping for. She was a strong female and was the daughter of the previous pack’s beta. "You know, I'm here if you ever need to de-stress." She replied quietly biting her lip sensually. "I know." I replied arrogantly. Leaning down, I claimed her lips in a deep, hungry kiss. Once again, my mind flittered to another. Fuck. No matter what I did, I couldn’t stop her from filling my mind… My decision was made, I would find her and I would keep her. No, she could never be my Luna, but she was the only one who could satiate the carnal desire that she had awoken within me, one that no other she-wolf was able to. I will find you and you will be mine. No matter the cost. ----- I had searched high and low for her for the last month or so. Trying to hold onto her fleeting scent that lingered in my mind. I had finally found remnants of it, in the Sanguine Empire, more so around the king’s palace. Yes, I knew she was a vampire... But to be so close to the royals, wasn’t what I had taken into account. Back then, she had been outside of any claimed land… I now walked through the luxurious halls of the vampire king. It was clear from the architecture and the portraits on the walls that they had walked this earth for far longer than werewolves could even remember. Or perhaps it was just that they lived and aged so differently. Four of my best men flanked me and ten of the vampires. Showing up at their doors, let alone the kingdom without a warning, might have threatened them. Knowing I made it through their patrol and security without them even realising it must have bruised their egos. But I liked making a statement. I wasn’t here for a fight, but for my mate, something even my men didn’t know. Her scent clung to these halls and my wolf was raging inside of me. ‘Mate.’ That was all I could get from him. The urge to claim her was growing, but I was not going to mark her… I just needed her, to keep her close. We had been told to wait until someone had gone to announce my arrival to the vampire king. He had agreed to see me, and now here we were, being led through a pair of huge doors. The man sat upon a golden throne, on a raised dais, dressed fully in black, with a long-sleeved shirt and a crown upon his head. There were several people in the room, flanking the king. I could tell from their clothing that they were of high rank. Each one of them oozed wealth. The room held pillars all around, and above was a balcony that looked down onto the huge hall. In the centre was a huge chandelier made of hundreds of crystals. "Well, to what do I owe the pleasure for the Alpha king to come knocking at my doors?" His drawling voice made my eyes flash dangerously, not missing the mockery in his tone. Did he really think he was powerful here? "I am willing to work on a treaty with you under one condition." I said coldly, my aura swirling around me and the power in my voice clear to everyone in the room. I was no mere wolf; I was the Alpha of Alphas. I knew we held certain powers over them. Despite this kingdom being large, mine was growing. The vampire race was dying out in comparison to how ours was increasing with each passing decade. I saw the surprise on his face, which he masked quickly. "Oh?" He asked, resting his elbow on the arm of his throne, and resting his chin on his knuckles. "I have one condition." I replied, getting to the point. Curiosity flitted across his face, and he raised an eyebrow. "I figured as much… and what might that be?" He asked, his fangs flashing as he gave a full predatory smile. "I want one woman from this kingdom as my slave." I said emotionlessly, my voice exuding power. All eyes snapped to me, and I could sense the surprise in them. My own men didn’t move, trained well to mask their emotions. After all, they were my warriors. "That’s all? You can have ten if you want?" The king chuckled. "Who knew the Alpha king had a fetish for our kind." My anger blazed around me, and I glared coldly at him. "I may be here in your kingdom, but don’t forget, the lives of your people are in the palm of my hand. One woman will do but I will choose which one." I said dangerously. In fact, my anger was rising when I realised the man before me smelt of sex and the smell of my mate lingered around him. He seemed to realise my growing anger and simply nodded. "Then so be it. I will call the most beautiful women of my kingdom forward. You may choose whichever you want at tonight’s banquet. What do you say, Alpha King Kian?" Now we were talking. "Perfect."

Chapter 4 4. Morgana's Resolve

MORGANA "This is complete rubbish." I ran a hand through my hair, my irritation only growing. How could Azrael agree to such a stupid request? "How can he allow this to happen?! He will send one of our women to a beast!" I snapped, trying to free myself from my uncle's hold. "Morgana, you really need to hold that tongue." Adelle, one of my brothers’ mistresses said, raising her nose in distaste. "You know you will be punished if you don’t.""I am the princess, Adelle. Remember that." I snapped coldly, "Leave me be uncle!""Promise me you won’t do anything stupid." He said, concern clear in his voice. I exhaled sharply. "I won’t." He sighed relieved, and let go of me. I shook my head, turning and storming out of the hall. Word had gone around that the Alpha King was in these very halls. In fact, Azrael was actually going to display our women as if they were livestock? Oh, fuck him and the Alpha. I entered my room slamming the door shut behind me. How could he? When it was clear that father was killed by them… Ok maybe there was no proof, but he was killed weeks after this very Alpha threatened to kill him? Moreover, the Alpha King's showing up like this was enough proof that they could easily sneak in. Did no one see this? I sat down on my bed, gripping the mattress as I glared at the floor. My chest heaving, my emotions a storm within me. Fine. If the Alpha King wanted a present tonight, then I would give him one myself. When he would feast his eyes on our women, I would kill him. Even if it resulted in consequences, I would not let him out of here alive… I stood up, walking over to one of the large cabinets against the wall that held my collection of weapons and selected one of my daggers. Spinning it in my hand, I threw it up into the air, watching it spin as it came spiralling down towards me. You came for a taste of passion, then I’ll give you a taste of mine. I caught the knife, spinning around I threw it across the room, piercing one of the large tapestries on the wall. My eyes blazing with hatred. You will regret ever stepping on our land. ----- "A no is a no, Morgana! I don’t trust you!" Azrael hissed. He spun around, his eyes blazing as he glared at me. "I just want to attend the banquet! Nothing more. Besides Azrael, if he even thinks of trying to kill you… I can stop him, you know that." I pleased. "Oh please, we both know you would let me die." Azrael snapped. "Uncle, please. You know I just want to be there." I begged, turning to Malachi. Ok, now was the time to work my charms. I pouted, batting my long, thick lashes pleadingly at my uncle. "I swear I’ll behave." I begged. "Azrael, you know Morgana is feisty and temperamental, but she means well. She’s just very passionate." He said, his blood-red eyes filled with sympathy for me. I smiled faintly and heaved a sigh. "I just want to see him… I have heard a lot about him. Do you know that he is not the eldest brother? Despite being the middle one, he still fought for the title of Alpha king. Out of thirty men, including his brother, he came out victorious at the mere age of nineteen." I said, hoping that they brought it. Azrael scoffed. "That’s nothing special, nineteen is an adult for them." He muttered. "Fine! But I don’t want a scene, or I swear Morgana, I will throw you in the dungeons for a month!""Fine." I said, my heart skipping a beat. One month or ten years in the dungeons, I didn’t care as long as I got what I wanted. I left the room with a small smile gracing my lips. Now it was time to lace a dagger in poison and wear something that could hide my weapon… ----- I was now dressed in a fitted lace and sequin black dress that showed off some cleavage and most of my upper back. On top of the dress was a satin layered skirt that trailed on the ground. With enough room to hide a dagger or two. My hair was coiled up on my head in an elegant updo and I wore a thin tiara to show my rank. My flawless pale skin was left free of foundation, but my eye makeup was dark, I had my cherry red lips painted a darker shade of red, and a bit of blush was added to my otherwise snow white cheeks. I had made my way into the lavish banquet hall soon after. Two rows of tables, laden with gold dishes full of food, ran along the sides. Maybe we should have used silver, I would have loved to see the Alpha king try to eat with silver cutlery. I smiled slightly at my own thoughts. Now that would have been some entertainment. As vampires, we ate for the sake of it, we didn’t really need food to survive. I blended in, not wanting to join my brother on the table at the top of the hall that was facing the rest of the room. I glanced towards it, but it wasn’t my brother who caught my attention. For once, he didn’t hold the strongest aura in the room. My eyes found the source… my heart skipped a beat. The Alpha King… He didn’t need a name tag or a crown to tell me that the man before me was a king. He exuded power like it was nothing, the arrogance and pride on his handsome face clear from across the room. He was built and was a lot more muscular than any vampire there. A body that had been made to perfection, from his delicious chocolate coloured skin to his small beard that defined his prominent jawline and the earring that glinted with every small movement of his head, captured my attention. My heart thudded when those piercing hazel eyes snapped towards me. Our eyes locked and my breathing quickened. His eyes flashed gold, a frown knitting on that handsome face of his. My heart was racing under the intensity of his gaze. For a moment, everything else zoned out and it was just the two of us… My breath came out shaky as his eyes slowly ran down my body. I didn’t miss how the glint of desire crossed those eyes, and although it somehow didn’t repulse me, the cold reminder that he was here for a ‘slave’ from our people made reality hit me like a sharp slap in the face. I cast him a cold glare before moving out of his line of vision. I would lay low until I found my chance to kill him… Dinner was over, and I made sure to stay out of the Alpha king’s sight as much as possible. He hadn’t touched the food presented before him, simply sitting in his seat with arrogance and importance. Once or twice I felt his burning gaze upon me, but I didn’t entertain him. "Well now that we have feasted, allow me to show you the finest women of our kingdom." Azrael said and I did my best not to lash out at him too. How could he even subject our women to this? The doors opened and four guards flanked ten women. All ten were dressed in skimpy dresses, with their hair and make-up done perfectly. They were indeed some of our finest women… My face paled when I saw one of them was the younger sister to Azrael’s wife. How could he do this! She was barely an adult! In human years, she would be classed as fifteen! Did Anastasia know her husband was auctioning her sister off? But then again, what power would she have to stop him? Azrael was a coward. How could a king do this to his own people? Wasn’t he meant to protect us? I watched in disgust as all the nobles, some of whom were even related to the women presented. They simply sipped their glasses of wine as if watching a show. My eyes snapped to the Alpha King. He was simply sitting back in his seat, massaging his jaw, his lips set in a pout, his eyes on the women before him. "There are another forty, you can round down-""I’ve already chosen." His voice cut through Azrael’s, radiating his status and power, the room that had been silent seemed to still completely. "Ah really? Great! We can get to signing the treaty. Who is the lucky lady?" Azrael said, clearly relieved that he didn’t have to entertain the werewolf king for much longer. I looked at the women who, despite trying to keep their faces passive, were anxious. A few were downright terrified, including Annalise, Anastasia’s sister. The Alpha king’s gaze suddenly snapped towards me. "The woman in black." He said. I felt all colour drain from my already pale skin as Azrael looked at me in shock. But the look changed quickly, and I realised he would agree. "Of-""Over my dead body!" I hissed. Without thinking, I pulled the poisoned dagger from within my skirts. Spinning around, I threw it with all my force, my eyes blazing red as I focused my powers on the dagger and its destination. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, my thudding heart racing in my chest as the dagger zoomed towards the Alpha king’s heart…

Chapter 5 5. His Possession

MORGANA The dagger was inches away from him, when suddenly he raised his hand, catching it between two fingers, his eyes blazing gold with anger rolling off of him in waves. Before anyone could react, he was before me, grabbing my body by the neck and slamming me against the marble pillar behind me. A menacing growl ripped from his throat, and anyone who had been about to move stilled. I grabbed his wrist, trying to free myself. My heart was pounding, his seductive scent and his presence were messing with my senses. My eyes blazed as I tried to free myself, but he was stronger. I held his gaze, trying to compel him to let me go, but it wasn’t working. "Let go of me!" I choked out. Was no one going to intervene? I glared at the Alpha before me, but he simply stayed silent. What the hell was going on in that mind of his? He let go of my throat, suddenly dropping me to the ground, swallowing hard as he looked away. I stood up, pulling out my second dagger, but before I could even do anything, he grabbed hold of my upper arm, knocking the dagger from my hand and turning towards Azrael, who was standing there glaring at me. Wow, great brother… "I will take this one, and you have my word that I will not attack your kind, I will sign in blood." His words resonated off the walls, and I knew the high lords were wondering if the king would agree. "I am not a prize or a possession." I hissed, only for the Alpha king to clamp a hand over my mouth. For a second, I remembered the man at the lake and shuddered. This man was nothing like him. "Very well, the woman in your hold is my sister, Morgana, the one and only princess of the kingdom. Our most prized possession… Let the deal be done." Azrael said clearly. "Your majesty…" Uncle Malachi whispered, his face pale as he looked at me with worry in his eyes. I pulled my face free from the Alphas hold, glaring at Azrael. "You can’t do this to me Azrael!""Please do reconsider your majesty, Morgana was dear to my late brother. Please choose any other woman but her." Uncle pleaded, looking at the Alpha king. But the beast who held me tightly as if I was nothing didn’t budge from his decision. "It will be her, or no one. Let’s not forget she tried to attack me; I could use that alone to tear her body to shreds. Let’s remember that." He said coldly. I looked at the vampires before me, my people… Yet no one seemed to care to defend me. Did they not realise that he was possibly the killer of the late king? If we all fought together, we could defeat him! I struggled, but it was useless. His arm wrapped around my waist, his other hand once again covered my mouth. No! Azrael, please! I screamed in my head as I stared at my brother, who simply motioned for someone to bring a file forward. It was presented to the Alpha King, who let go of my mouth. Biting his finger, he signed the form with his blood. "Azrael! Don’t do this!" I shouted. "You wished to come tonight… you must pay for your mistakes… You are now the Alpha King’s Possession." I suddenly felt empty, was this it? Was I really just someone’s belonging? I was dragged from the hall. No one moved; not my guards, not my father’s friends… none of the men who wished to claim me as their wife… I was no longer the beloved daughter of a king, but a slave of another king. A king of beasts… ----- I had been bound and knocked unconscious the moment we left the palace. I had awoken when we were going down a stone curved hall that led downwards, and with it, the temperature got colder. The Alpha king was carrying me over his shoulder, and although I struggled, he only delivered a sharp slap to my behind, leaving a stinging pain in his wake and silently warning me to stay quiet. Dim lights on the wall lit the path. I didn’t understand why the king was handling me. Didn’t he want me as a slave? Why go through so much hassle as to bring me down here himself? "Do you manage your slaves yourself?" I spat, struggling to rip free from his hold, but it was futile. He didn’t reply, walking towards the end of the row of metal cells. Some contained prisoners, others were empty, and my stomach began to churn. This was reality… My reality. "I swear when I get out, I will kill you." I hissed, when he unlocked the cell right at the end and threw me inside, I stumbled, hitting the ground, my arms still painfully tied behind me. "I’d like to see you try." He replied coldly, before slamming the door shut and locking me in before turning away. So, he could hear me, I was beginning to think he was deaf. "Hey! You cannot leave me down here!" I shouted. No reply came, his footsteps faded away and my heart began thundering louder. "Open this goddamn door!" I shrieked. I could see the two guards standing down the hall, but no one paid attention to my shouts and screams. I was beginning to agitate the other prisoners, but I didn’t care. I wanted out, no, I demanded out! I shook the bars, trying to use my abilities to bend them, but they stood fast. What were they made of? I managed to break the cuffs on me, my bleeding, bruised wrists a mess as I slammed my hands against the bars, shaking and rattling them, screaming as loud as I could. "Let me out!" Nothing, it had at least been an hour or two… but I didn’t give up. Although my voice was hoarse, and I felt exhausted, I was not going to stop. I fell to my knees, slamming my bruised hands against the bars. I heard the sound of steps and the king's deep, seductive scent filled my senses. He walked towards my cell and I stood up, breathing heavily as I glared at him through the bars. He was shirtless and I could tell he had just done a workout; a thin layer of sweat coated his perfect body... It was hard to ignore his chiselled six-pack or his chest… "If you don’t shut up, you won’t be fed." He growled murderously, his eyes flashing gold as he glared at me, snapping me from my thoughts. I glared back at him; his menacing aura didn’t scare me. "Make me." I spat with hatred laced in my voice. Suddenly, he unlocked the door, entering the cell. My heart skipped a beat as I made a dash for the door, only for him to catch me by my arm and slam me up against the wall of the cell. I bit back a cry as the impact sent a searing pain through me, making my vision blacken for a moment. His hand closed around my neck, and I knew one move and he would tear my head off. "Behave and learn some respect." He hissed coldly. "I will never submit to the likes of you." I glared into his blazing gold eyes, not missing the way his canines had elongated or the way his chest was heaving with anger. "I will make you submit, princess. Continue disobeying me and you will be punished.""I’d rather die down here than spend a minute more in your presence." I snapped, raising my hands. I splayed them on his chest, trying to push him away. Gasping when he stepped closer, crushing our bodies together. "Who said anything about dying?" He asked quietly, cocking a brow. His gaze dipped to my lips and my heart thudded. What did he mean? The closeness of his body was distracting me. His scent consumed my senses as I tried to focus on his now hazel eyes. Noticing the dark ring around the deep green and the gold flecks…. "What do you want from me?" I asked quietly, very aware of his body heat, his body centimetres from mine. "Everything." His cold reply came, his eyes skimming downwards as he ran his gaze over my breasts and then back up to my eyes. What he was insinuating was obvious. "Over my dead body." I spat, with as much hatred as I could muster. His eyes flashed and he growled, letting go of me roughly as he stepped back. I fell to the ground, massaging my throat. His aura was rolling off him in waves and it suffocated me. "You will learn respect, or you will fucking die." He growled angrily before he stormed from the cells, leaving me alone once again…