Chapter 4 The rules
Ava’s POV
The door creaked open, and the same maid from earlier walked in, balancing a tray. The smell hit me first, warm bread, roasted meat, and something that made my empty stomach growl so loud it embarrassed me.
“Here,” she said, setting the tray down. “Eat up. You’ll need your strength.”
I frowned, eyeing her suspiciously. “Strength for what?” I asked, confused.
The maid rolled her eyes like I was the dumbest creature alive. “Alpha’s orders,” she said sharply and turned around to leave.
“Bitch,” I muttered under my breath, glaring at her back as the door closed.
My anger faded fast when my gaze dropped to the food. Hunger won. I dove into the tray, devouring everything like someone might snatch it away at any second. The bread was soft, the meat juicy, I didn’t even stop to breathe.
“God, I’m starving,” I mumbled through a mouthful, shoving more into my mouth.
When I was done, I slumped back on the bed, rubbing my bloated stomach. The pain from overeating made me groan, but at least I was full for the first time in months. My eyes grew heavy, and before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep.
I don’t know what made me wake up, but when I opened my eyes, I froze.
Two glowing red eyes were staring right at me.
My breath caught, my body went stiff. The Alpha.
He stood by the bed, tall, broad, and terrifyingly calm. His eyes, crimson and burning, locked onto me like I was prey. My heart slammed against my ribs. I sat up so fast my head spun, my hands flying to adjust my wrinkled clothes.
He didn’t speak. Just looked at me. His gaze traveled over my face, down to my throat, then back to my eyes. I quickly lowered my head, bowing slightly before I get into
He said nothing. He turned around and left, the door slamming shut behind him.
I stayed there, breathing hard.
“What the hell was that?” I whispered.
My palms were damp. My pulse refused to slow.
He was huge, taller than any man I’d ever seen, muscles flexing under his dark shirt, power rolling off him in waves. And those eyes… those eyes could melt stone.
I slid off the bed, my legs shaky. “He’s insane,” I muttered, rubbing my arms. “Completely insane.”
Then my stomach dropped.
“What if he heard me?” I gasped and slapped a hand over my mouth, staring at the door like it might burst open again.
A knock sounded. I jumped.
The door opened and the Beta walked in. The same man who had bought me six months ago at the auction. My anger simmered immediately, but I forced myself to bow slightly. I couldn’t afford trouble.
“You’re still alive,” he said casually.
I blinked, unsure if I heard him right. “Excuse me?”
He sighed and crossed his arms. “I found my mate that night, so I didn’t think much about… breeding you again,” he said, his voice cold, almost indifferent. “But I didn’t mean to forget you in the dungeon.”
I clenched my fists but kept my face blank. “It’s fine. You don’t need to explain.”
He studied me for a second, then nodded. “Now that you’re out, the Alpha might have other plans for you.”
My brows furrowed. “Plans? What kind of plans?”
“I can’t say. No one ever knows what’s in his head,” the Beta replied. “But you need to remember the rules.”
“Rules?” I asked cautiously.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Rule number one, don’t look into his eyes unless he allows it. Rule number two, do exactly as you’re told. Rule number three — never enter his chambers or library. And rule number four…” He paused, staring at me hard. “Never touch him. Ever.”
My jaw dropped. “Why in the world would I touch a giant like that?” I scoffed. “Trust me, I’m not trying to die early.”
He chuckled, actually chuckled and I stared at him in shock. I was sure the Beta wasn’t known for smiling, much less laughing.
“My mate will come see you soon,” he said finally. “You look like the feisty type. She could use the company.”
He turned and walked out, leaving me standing there, still tense.
When the door shut, I exhaled shakily and dropped back on the bed. My mind wouldn’t stop spinning.
The Alpha. Those red eyes. The way he stared at me like I was something he couldn’t decide whether to kill or keep.
Why had he come to my room? Why look at me like that and just leave?
I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the rapid thud of my heartbeat.
And why… why did my body react like that?
My cheeks burned at the memory of waking up to him. I must’ve looked ridiculous, sprawled out like that, clothes half shifted, hair all over my face. God, what must he have thought?
“No, no,” I muttered, shaking my head. “Stop thinking about him.”
But the image of his eyes wouldn’t leave me. Red, deep, dangerous… yet beautiful in a way that scared me. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ignore the heat creeping up my neck.
“He hates humans,” I whispered.
I looked at the door again, heart pounding.
Whatever his reason was for showing up, I had a feeling it wasn’t good.
I was getting bored, painfully bored. Maybe if I sneaked out for a bit, no one would notice. I could be back before anyone suspected. I groaned and went to the window. The pack grounds were busy, even at night. Guards patrolled with sharp eyes. I folded my arms, watching quietly. Then one of the soldiers stopped and looked up, straight at me.
Our eyes met. My breath hitched.
I quickly looked away, but I could still feel his gaze burning into me.
“What’s his problem?” I whispered, stepping back from the window.
‘‘Tomorrow is another day and hopefully, I live to see it’’
