Rachel’s POV
I woke up with last night’s encounter with Nathan, including his drunken passion, his insistence on me calling him by name, and his subsequent cold departure, replaying in my mind. The memory stung reminding me of my place in this castle.
Sliding from the bed, I padded across the plush carpet to the bathroom. Another day these beautiful walls while Nathan entertained his guests.
of confinement awaited me, trapped within
I couldn’t remember when I’d finally fallen asleep after he’d stormed out. The pain of his rejection had kept me awake for hours, tears staining my pillow as I wrestled with foolish hopes I had no right to
harbor.
A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Jennifer entered with a silver tray of fresh fruit, pastries, herbal tea, and coffee.
“Thank you, Jennifer,” I said to the older housekeeper.
She nodded silently before turning to leave, her gray hair wrapped in a neat bun atop her head. For the past few days, Jennifer had been the one bringing my meals.
Though her manner remained professional and distant, I appreciated the small human connection.
brushed my copper hair until it shone, then chose a long white silk dress for the day. Not that it mattered what I wore–I wasn’t allowed to leave the Luna Suite while the visitors remained.
After finishing my morning routine, I walked lightly toward the food tray. Lifting the delicate porcelain coffee cup to my lips, I savored the rich, deep flavor.
I tried to focus on the delicious taste, determined to maintain some positivity despite my circumstances.
A commotion outside my door caught my attention.
“Alpha isn’t here right now,” I heard an Ironjaw warrior say.
“I know he isn’t here. I just haven’t seen this part of the castle before. Why is that a problem?” A woman’s voice replied sharply.
“Madison, please go back! Alpha Nathan specifically stated this area isn’t open to visitors.”
“How dare you? Who do you think you are… my father is the Alpha of Goldshore Pack!” Her voice rose indignantly.
I set down my coffee, tempted to see what was happening, but thought better of it. Tyler had warned me to stay inside, and I understood my position as a breeder meant following those instructions.
Reality was, the more I tried to avoid trouble, the more it seemed to find me.
Moments later, my door burst open. tall, slender brunette stood there, her angry, judgmental gaze falling on me. One hand rested on her hip, her sharp eyes making it clear she wasn’t someone to be rifled with.
“Who exactly are you?” she demanded.
She must be one of the visitors, as I’d never seen her before. Close behind her stood a tall man with alert eyes. He was handsome in his way, though not as imposing as Nathan, but his bearing suggested a position of some status.
“Well, don’t just stand there looking stupid. Answer me. Who are you and why are you in this private area of the castle?!” Her tone
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Chapter 30
was cutting as she stepped closer, causing me to take a step back.
“I’m Rachel…” I answered softly, completely bewildered at what I’d done to make her so angry.
And what are you doing here, Rachel?” she said mockingly, looking me up and down before glancing at the food tray that had been brought for me. “You’re clearly not working here, and your scent doesn’t mark you ás belonging to the Ironjaw pack…”
She inhaled again, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
“But you do smell like Nathan! What the hell are you?! Slut?”
“Excuse me?” My eyes widened quickly, a frown forming on my face he was being incredibly rude, and for the first time in a long while, I felt… offended. Deeply offended.
“What? No, you should be apologizing… I am the daughter of the Goldshore Alpha. You will answer my questions.”
I clenched my fists, not wanting to cause conflict with Ironjaw’s visitors but unable to make myself answer her questions either.
I took a deep breath, trying to sound polite. “I’m sorry, Miss, but I don’t owe you an explanation. Please leave my room,” I replied, my tone surprisingly firm.
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