Chapter Four
Sydney was vaguely aware of hushed voices in the background as she struggled to open her eyes. A white ceiling greeted them as she finally managed to pry her heavy lids apart. She glanced around and sighed. Great. A hospital. Exactly what she needed after being chased by werewolves all night. She jolted upright with a gasp.
“Easy, you’ve had a nasty fall.” She looked toward a concerned-looking Marie.
“A fall? I’ve had the worst night ever, fainting is the least of my problems.” Marie giggled like a schoolgirl.
“So that was one way to find out.”
“You knew?” Sydney gaped at her best friend.
“Well, Scott told me over dinner the other night. Of course, I didn’t believe him at first, I mean seriously… Werewolves? But then he shifted in front of me and I nearly crapped my pants. After that he claimed me and by then I couldn’t care really… The sex was animalistic…”
“Lalalalala… TMI, Marie.” Marie giggled again. “Wait, you said he ‘claimed’ you, like you belong to him now?”
Marie rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the blush creeping up her neck.
“Alpha Moore will explain everything to you, it’s not my place.” As though he heard his name, Alexander appeared in the doorway and with a simple nod from him in Marie’s direction, her best friend scurried from the room after giving him a slight bow. It was all a little ridiculous to Sydney, but his looming presence silenced all her questions—for the moment.
“I am sorry about last night. That was not how I wanted you to find out.” She stayed silent; all her feelings were jumbled up in a huge mess and were starting to overwhelm her.
“I am sure you have a lot of questions so I’ll tell you everything and you can ask questions on anything that still seems unclear afterwards, all right?” Sydney glanced up at him quickly. Did he actually just ask her a question instead of telling her? She gave him a quick nod and he sat down next to her, taking hold of her hand gently, causing her heart rate to pick up.
“It is obvious you know that we are werewolves and I am sure that with all of the literature these days you know the basic hierarchy within packs. I am the alpha, Scott is my beta, and my gamma’s name is Daniel, but you haven’t met him yet. We had to move the pack from our territory in the west because it got too small and the packs surrounding us didn’t want to sell their land. We found this area by accident and it came with the convenient castle grounds. It was big enough to fit most of the pack members. The school grounds are large enough to accommodate the children and the hospital is staffed to the nines. It was the perfect place. Of course, we had to replace all the local chief positions; staying hidden is key to surviving as a species. Everyone who left really did get better positions in different towns. We used bribery to get the positions for them; we wouldn’t let people simply lose their jobs. Marie is Scott’s mate and you, little one, are my mate.”
Her heart rate picked up again and she licked her lips quickly.
“What does that entail exactly?”
“It means that you belong with me, will submit to me, and will become the alpha female or luna of the pack, regardless of the fact that you are human. As soon as the doctor clears you, we will perform the mating ceremony where I will claim you as my mate and afterwards the pack will accept you as their luna.”
“Mating ceremony?”
“It is in front of the pack elders. It is to show them that I can dominate you and you will submit to my authority. If my mate cannot submit to me, it is a sign of weakness from me and the pack will crumble beneath a weak alpha.”
Dominate? Images of being tied up and flogged flashed through her mind and her core clenched again. She never knew that that kind of stuff would turn her on. Alexander took a deep sniff and grinned down at her.
“You will watch the beta’s mating ceremony with me. I think you are going to appreciate it.”
Watching her best friend get it on with a guy? She didn’t think so.
“Don’t look so skeptical, you have to witness it to appreciate it. There is a certain ethereal beauty in the mating ceremony and only a few are honored enough to witness it.”
Hearing a man as big and masculine as Alexander describe a ceremony as beautiful seemed to pique her interest and against her better judgement, she was suddenly very interested and eager to see it.
“What time does it start?”
Alexander smiled at her. “A few hours before ours.”
Sydney’s heart dropped and nerves settled in even as her panties dampened at the thought of Alexander claiming her—dominating her—in front of other people… What the hell did she get herself into?
* * *
Sydney had always loved old buildings; she could spend hours admiring the crumbling architecture, imagining the way people had lived long ago and sometimes imagining herself living in the times long lost, where life was much simpler yet harder. Looking up at the imposing structure in front of her, she felt in awe of the beauty. Restored to its former glory, the castle all but glimmered. The work done was spectacular and the building in front of her looked exactly like something from a storybook or a movie set. The forest surrounding the grounds had been cleared away a bit to make place for a winding drive way surrounded by green grass pastures, angelic structures, large fountains, and colorful flowerbeds.
“Wow,” she commented as the car came to a stop in front of the massive oak doors leading into the imposing building.
“I’m glad you like it,” Alexander answered before getting out of the car.
She noticed a teenage boy hurrying toward the car, giving Alexander a slight bow and taking the car keys from him. He took a step back and waited for Alexander to round the car. The boy’s gaze was intensely fixated on her and it gave Sydney a chill, making goosebumps rise on her arms. She shook her head slightly, thinking that he was most probably only admiring the car—he was a teenage boy after all.
“Your own personal valet system?” she asked as he opened the door for her and helped her out. Alexander nodded to the teenager as he closed the door behind them.
“Thank you, Benjamin.” He turned away and led Sydney toward the beautiful structure.
“The young males like to be assigned duties. It is all part of their coming of age rituals. They have to perform services for the pack; it shows their willingness to sacrifice their time, labor, and love for their pack mates. It also teaches them responsibility for their actions if they mess up,” he added with a rueful smile.
“But he’s still so young.”
“They start with small odd jobs, like human teens working for their allowances. As they mature, they will receive more important duties and make a deeper impact on the pack.”
“How many people live here?” she asked as they entered the large and modern decorated foyer.
“We are nearly two hundred; most are elderly couples, widows, and orphans. Families prefer to have their own homes, but we offer protection and care to any wolf who is alone and vulnerable. It is easier to do so if they are all under the same roof, surrounded by others and safe from threats.”
“What about the families? Are they safe from threats?” Alexander smiled down at her. She didn’t even realize it yet, but her natural luna instincts were already kicking in. The luna or alpha female was the caretaker of the pack and extremely protective of all members. The fact that Sydney was human did not lessen those instincts; she was truly fated to be his mate.
“We have a very strong guard and we have border patrols twenty-four/seven. The pack is safe and everyone knows the drill when there is a threat. Shall I show you to our quarters?”
“We have our own quarters?” Sydney was surprised with how modern everything around her was.
“Yes, we have our own quarters, complete with guest rooms, living area, kitchen, and an outdoor patio overlooking the forest.”
“You sound like a real estate agent,” she giggled as he led her toward the elevator.
“I’
ll sell you on this lifestyle yet, little mate,” he all but growled in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
The elevator dinged and they stepped into a small hallway with only one door at the end.
“This is our quarters and your home from now on.”
“I don’t think…”
“And you shouldn’t. Your friend’s basically been living here the last week and once our bond strengthens, you won’t be able to stay away from me anyway.”
“Arrogant, aren’t we?”
“It’s simple facts, baby. Nothing to be ashamed of. Now, make yourself comfortable, I have to see the elders on urgent matters. I’ll be back in time for dinner.” Without warning, he gave her a quick kiss and made his way back to the front door.
“Don’t expect me to make you dinner!”
“You’ll get used to it,” he assured her before closing the door behind him.
Well, if he wasn’t sinfully sexy and, of course, if she didn’t feel such an inexplicable pull toward him, she would have ranted and raved against this invasion into her life and her total lack of control. However, she felt completely at ease and comfortable in these strange surroundings. She didn’t mind him telling her what to do as much as she had initially thought she would. She wouldn’t say she was becoming submissive to him, but she found his dominance appealing. She couldn’t help but wonder how far he would push her. Would she be able to handle it or would it cause her to snap and, as always, run away?
Chapter Five
Two hours later she heard the front door open and she glanced over her shoulder through the glass window behind her. Alexander made his way toward her without calling out to her or glancing around. That nose of his sure was one good sniffer, she thought as she placed the book she was reading down beside her.
“Change of plans, little mate. The elders decided that our mating ceremony would be tonight instead of the beta couple, as we are of higher rank than them.”
“What? Tonight? But…”
“I will be sending Briana up to help you prepare.”
“Help me prepare?”
“Yes. I will be overseeing most of the preparation, but I am not allowed to touch you until we are presented to the elders.”
“This preparation… what exactly does it entail?”
Alexander gave her a mysterious smirk. “You’ll see.”
Sydney’s stomach dropped with apprehension. She didn’t like to be unprepared for anything and something about Alexander’s whole attitude gave her the idea that she wouldn’t like this as much as he did.
“Does the mating ceremony have to be in front of other people?” Sydney’s voice sounded small and unsure.
“I promise you, little one, the elders’ presence will be the last thing on your mind.” She could feel a blush spreading across her cheeks and heat pooling low in her abdomen as she thought about Alexander claiming her in front of an audience. She wasn’t shy, but neither did she live the kind of lifestyle where PDA was a common thing. To be exposed and vulnerable in such a way, in front of a bunch of strangers would normally freak her out, yet the idea had her mind springing all kinds of erotic images on her and she had to bite her lip to keep from moaning out loud. A timid knock sounded on the door and Alexander’s grin widened.
A stunningly attractive woman entered the living room, with a runway model body and long flame-red hair. She was dressed in a soft, flowing, and basically see-through dress and Sydney was not impressed at the fact that you could see the woman was nude beneath. Alexander’s eyes never strayed from her face though and that made her feel just a little bit better.
“Alpha.” Even her voice was soft and melodic and Sydney felt her jealousy spike again.
“Briana. Meet your future luna, Sydney.” Briana smiled toward Sydney and gave her a slight bow.
“Alpha, I am honored that you chose me. Do you have any special instructions for me?”
Alexander turned his focus back to Sydney and gave her a wicked smile.
“Yes. Special cleansing and one release, but I need to be present for the second part.”
“Of course, Alpha.” For a woman as small as Briana was, she had a firm grip and Sydney grimaced as she realized it must be the werewolf gene. No matter what was about to happen, whether Sydney was going to like it or not, this woman would easily overpower any sign of resistance so she had no choice but to meekly allow Sydney to pull her toward one of the rooms she has not been in yet.
The woman started stripping Sydney’s clothes and without a word, she was led over to a gynecologist chair, sat down, and her legs strapped into the stirrups.
“What exactly are you doing?”
“Don’t worry, Luna, I am just doing a quick checkup and then we’ll do the cleansing.”
The checkup was normal enough, Sydney felt the heat in her rise from her neck up into her cheeks as her legs were spread wide open and her pussy vulnerable to the eyes of a stranger. She was always uncomfortable throughout exams. This time was no different, except for when she felt the pressure increase and her inner walls stretched.
“Sorry, Luna,” Briana apologized as she noticed Sydney wincing. “I have to ensure that you would be able to accommodate the alpha.” Sydney had to bite down on her tongue to keep the sarcastic remark from tumbling out. If Alexander’s penis was even half the size of how wide Briana was stretching her, she was going to walk funny afterwards, assuming she was able to walk. That wasn’t even what bothered her the most at the moment. It was the next part that had Sydney squirming in her seat. Briana made her way over to a cabinet and came back with a nozzle, a tube, and a large container with a white liquid inside.
“What is that for?”
“This is for your cleansing, Luna. Now, come on over here, please and let’s get this done.”
“Uhm, I think I’ll pass, thank you.” Sydney jumped from the chair and made her way toward the door, but just as she reached it, it swung open and Alexander was in front of her. He had a towel around his hips and his entire body was still dripping wet—much like her core at the sight of his delicious muscles on display. She was so shocked at seeing him that her total state of undress didn’t even bother her. Her eyes focused on a lone drop of water slithering across his pecs, down the groove between his eight-pack and disappearing at the edge of the towel. She licked her lips as she imagined herself bending down and using her tongue to capture the moisture before it reached the soft down knotted low on his waist.
“Problems, Briana?”
“She is a bit reluctant for the cleansing, Alpha.” Alexander nodded as though he had expected as much.
“Sydney, don’t make this hard on all of us. Be a good girl and go the table, bend over, and let Briana cleanse you for the ceremony.” Sydney narrowed her eyes at him before crossing her arms in front of her chest.
“No. I don’t think I want this—any of it—so you can just…” Her words cut off as Briana gasped dramatically behind her.
“Whether you want it or not, you are a part of this life now. Your life is in danger the moment you step outside these walls without me or an armed guard. I will not allow you to endanger not only yourself but my entire pack. If I have to force this mating on you then I will. The bond will grow and you will forgive me and love me—in time. But for now, whether you like it or not, your wagon is hitched to mine so turn around, bend over, and have Briana cleanse you.” His voice had dropped an octave lower. It was low and threatening and so deliciously sexy that Sydney had to force herself not to submit to him. He was taking away all her choices, all her freedom—he was taking away her life! This was as good as kidnapping and she was not going to go along with it meekly. Something of her decision must have shown on her face as Alexander’s lips set in a firm line.
“Very well. I am not allowed to touch you again until the ceremony starts so I will give Briana my orders and observe.” His eyes turned black and Sydney gulped as it made him look extremely dangerous.
“Yes, Alpha,” came Briana’s
voice from behind her before the woman gripped her arms firmly without hurting her. “I am sorry, Luna.” She was pulled over to the table and before she could comprehend what was happening she was bent halfway over a hard surface, the tops of her thighs being forced apart by the height she was bending over, her toes only just reaching the floor. A strap was fastened over her lower back and her arms were tied straight in front of her, the rope leading to somewhere against the wall. She was just thankful that she wasn’t completely exposed as she heard Alexander placing a chair behind her and sitting down. That thought flew out of her mind as Briana gripped one ankle firmly and, spreading her legs as far as they could go, fastened it to something Sydney could not see from this angle, before Briana did the same to the other leg. Now she was bound, spread, and completely vulnerable.
“I hate you,” she mumbled and she knew he could hear her as a deathly silence fell over the room.
“I can handle your hate—I won’t survive your death. Proceed, Briana.”
“For disobedience to a direct order from the alpha, I have been ordered to give you five hits with the paddle, Luna.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Sydney struggled in vain against the bondage keeping her down.
“Five more have been added for swearing,” Briana told her in a soft voice and Sydney stilled abruptly, feeling tears of frustration and helplessness fill her eyes.
“Just get it over with,” she mumbled as she resigned herself to her fate. No amount of fighting or struggling was going to free her right now. She would have to use her wits to get out of here, but she would also have to bide her time, wait for the right moment.
The first blow hit hard and solid and Sydney yelped at the burn that immediately sank into her soft flesh. Briana used a paddle and the sound of the loud smack was almost as bad as the heat sinking into her skin. Briana didn’t pace her hits or give her time to adjust before the next blow fell. It was like the woman was on autopilot and her the paddle landed on the same spot every time and Sydney didn’t find herself turned on like she was when Alexander was the one spanking her. She started sobbing softly by the fifth hit and was wailing out loud by the time Briana made the tenth.
The Alpha's Stubborn Mate Page 3
