An Attempt To Please The Alpha
Afternoon
Steam Bath, Dam’s Keep, DamHale
The women’s quarters smelled of wildflowers and herbs, soft light slanting through high windows to gild tapestries of moonlit hunts and ancient sigils.
Seraphina stood stiffly in the center, a single human in a den of predators. The werewolf women laughed and chatted as if she weren’t there. They were beautiful—fierce bodies wrapped in sheer fabrics, untamed hair catching the light, eyes bright with amusement.
One stepped forward, tall and green-eyed, rings glittering on her fingers. She held out a bundle of burgundy cloth.
“Here. Try this. You must look presentable for Adolphus.”
Presentable. For him.
Seraphina’s fingers clenched around the whisper-thin garment—nothing but a strip for her chest and a skirt slitted to her hips. “I… can’t,” she muttered.
Silence. Then the woman laughed softly. “Humans and their modesty. Here, strength is beauty.”
Hands guided her before she could protest. Cold air kissed her skin as her torn dress slid away. Heat swallowed her in the steaming bath. The water eased her muscles even as she hated the comfort. Fingers washed her hair, scrubbed her skin, kneaded tension from her shoulders.
She said nothing. Thought only of escape.
When they dressed her, the burgundy fabric clung like a secret. The tall woman smiled. “Beautiful. Like one of us.”
Seraphina glanced at the polished metal surface. A stranger stared back. Her father would rage at the sight. She exhaled. Survive first. Escape later.
The hall reeked of roasted meat and smoke, voices deep, mugs clinking. Conversations faltered as she entered. Heads turned. Predators appraising prey.
Adolphus stood at the head of the room, golden eyes darkening as they swept over her.
“Seraphina…” His voice was a slow purr. “You look—”
She cut him off, forcing a smile edged with venom. “The Alpha. I hope this pleases you.”
“It does,” he said, stepping closer, satisfaction flickering in his gaze. “I expected resistance.”
“You have no idea,” she whispered.
He reached to brush a strand of hair from her face. She stepped back. “Why am I here?”
“Because I asked for you,” he said simply.
“I don’t want to be in your presence.”
“You can’t exactly leave, can you?”
She glanced around. Dozens of hungry eyes.
“Why not?”
His voice dropped to a growl. “Because they’d watch you walk away like you’re a siren, and I can’t allow that.”
Heat rose in her throat—anger, shame, fury tangled tight. She sat beside him, not out of choice but because it was the safest spot in the room.
Adolphus leaned close, his breath a warm drag against her ear. “Seraphina,” he murmured. “You have two choices. Be my guest… or my slave.”
Her jaw locked. “Your slave? Are you demented?”
His grin was slow, sharp, wolfish. “No, Butterfly. I’m your Alpha.”
