Chapter 10
Rachel’s POV
n the cushioned window seat, savoring the
I curled up in my reading nok beside the small fireplace. I tucked my feet beneath me on warmth that chased away the evening chill
The past week had brought noticeable improvements to my health–felt stronger than I had in years.
Emma’s carefully planned diet had already begun to restore what yours of neglect had stolen from me.
The routine medical check–ups and gentle walking exerches were gradually rebuilding my strength. Though I wasn’t fully recovered, each day brought steady progress.
“Six months,” I whispered to myself, fingering the edge of my book. Six months, and I’ll be free.”
I tried to convince myself that my current situation was temporary
stepping stone to something better.
Once this was over, I’d be healthier and free, able to start fresh somewhere new.
This moment of quiet reflection was my only true leisure time in my otherwise structured recovery regimen.
I’d borrowed a book from the Ironjaw Pack library earlier–a collection of old wolf legends that reminded me of stories my mother
once told me.
A knock at the door interrupted my reading. Before I could respond, two young maids entered, followed by an older woman silver–streaked hair swept into a tight bun.
“Rachel,” the older woman said, “I’m here to prepare you.”
I furrowed my brow in confusion. I’m sorry… prepare me for what? I don’t believe we’ve met.”
with
“I’m Jennifer Aniston, the head housekeeper of the castle. Alpha Nathan has sent me to ensure you’re properly prepared for tonight
My book slipped from my fingers, hitting the floor with a dull thud. I scrambled to retrieve it, using the moment to compose my suddenly racing thoughts. Jennifer had already moved to the bathroom, where I could hear water running.
Tonight!
Tonight was the night!
My mind flashed back to that first meeting with Nathan in the medical ward, his eyes assessing i clinical words. “Your only job here is to bear a child.”
me
coldly as he delivered those
To him, this was merely a transaction. I was nothing but a
vessel purchased
d to carry his fieir.
The bathroom had been transformed into a sensory sanctuary. Steam rose from the floral–scented bath, carrying notes of lavender
and rose.
As I sank into the wig water, I felt it seep into my skin, offering physical relaxation my mind couldn’t accept.
In the main room, maids lit candles, their flickering light casting a saft orange glow, Cedar and vanilla scents mingled in the air, making the spacious suite feel warmer, more intimate.
Outside, darkness had fully descended, the last traces of daylight fading from the horizon.
1/3
Chapter 10
I wondered when the moon would rise. I needed to see it, to pray to the Moon Goddess
for
strength.
This should have been a night every wall girl dreamed of–the first might with her fated mate.
But the man who would claim my virginity tonight only wanted the pup I would carry for him. After that, he would have no more
use for me.
Tears welled up despite my attempts to hold them back. After everything I’d endured–my father’s betrayal, my family’s abuse, being sold like property–this moment felt like the final surrender of myself.
“It’s time to get dressed.” A maid stood in the doorway holding a white towel. “We must hurry. Alpha will be here soon.
I trembled as I stood, cool air hitting my wet skin. The raid wrapped the towel around me and led me to the bedroom
On the bed–day a white silk nightgown. It was beautiful–delicate, with an empire waist and lace trim along the bottom, elegant in its simplicity.
curve of my body.
As I slipped it on, I felt utterly vulnerable. The material was so thin was nearly transparent, clinging to every curve
I caught sight of myself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back.
Glossy waves of hair tumbled over my shoulders, framing
ing skin that let newly smooth and supple after the bath.
“You look gorgeous,” one maid said. “Alpha will be pleased.”
I suddenly realized they hadn’t provided any
underwear. My
face burned with embarrassment.
I thought of Nathan’s handsome face. I remembered how his fingers bad brushed my hair from my face in the medical ward–those same long fingers that could so easily encircle my throat.
bones, my
, my chattering teeth echoing in the quiet room. I was trembling not just from cold, but from the A chill settled deep in my fear Nathan had instilled in me.
A maid noticed my shivering and quickly retrieved a white silk robe from behind a chair, carefully draping it over my shoulders.
“T–thank you,” 1 stammered, watching as they all turned to leave.
The ticking of the clock
clock and the pounding of my heart filled the silence.
“I can do this,” I whispered to myself repeatedly. “I can
do this.”
Six months and one child–then I would be free to start again somewhere new
The sound of the door opening made me turn. There he stood–Alpha Nathan Blackwood, the most handsome man I’d ever seen.
He
wore a black shirt tucked into his pants, sleeves colled to his elbows, no tie, top button undone.
His eyes quickly scanned the room before locking onto me. I couldn’t read the emotion in them–they were clear but cold as ice, just like the man himself.
“A–Alpha…” 1 stamp, struggling to find words.
