Chapter 2:
||Astrid
The old man’s words had no meaning for me as my mind was mostly blank for the length of the journey. I figured it was just his way of speaking, because how could I serve ‘masters’?
It didn’t even make any sense. So as the vehicle began to move along the smooth road that led out of Crystal Blood Pack, I let my brain think of more important things. My life.
I was going to be reduced to a common plaything. The only difference between me and prostitutes on the streets was the fact that I had the title of Luna to mine. I was to be with a man I didn’t know. The only information I got from the contract my father signed was that I would be living in the Fergusson mansion.
It was situated in the Crimson Shadow Pack, and despite how rich the pack was, no one knew anything about their ruling alpha, other than the fact that he stayed in the Fergusson mansion. I could only guess my new betrothed was the alpha prince because of the huge amount of money that was signed off for me —my service.
My heart choked as it dawned on me once again that I would be sleeping —multiple times with a man I knew nothing about, when I should be searching for Simeon or mourning him at least.
The tears danced in my eyes, but I tried my best to hold it back. I was no longer under my father’s protection. I had to be strong.
“Princess Astrid, welcome to the Crimson Shadow pack,” Darius said from the front seat. “Your new home.”
My eyes moved to the windows, and I watched as the tall buildings came into view from the far distance. The pack was a city building with skyscrapers and tall pine trees that merged with modern structures, creating a beautiful space that felt tropical and exotic.
The vehicle took a turn away from the towering city and I saw the mansion even before Darius introduced it. I felt a cold breeze blow over my skin, even though the windows were closed.
The Fergusson mansion. It was beautiful, but there was something about it that made my stomach twist as I stepped my feet into its grand hall. Almost like a dark cloud that hovered above the beautiful interior.
Darius' heavy footsteps echoed behind me, and I turned to find him placing the single bag I had brought with me on the shining dark tiles in the large hall.
“No one is home at the moment, Princess, but Sienna will take care of your needs, until their arrival,” Darius informed, pointing a finger to a young girl with two pigtails and a very broad smile in front of us.
“Hi, I am Sienna.” She announced, coming to get my bag. I just nodded, unable to think clearly when Darius’s words still roamed in my head.
There was no one home. I didn’t know if I should be happy about the news or not. But one certain thing was that I wanted to get over this as soon as possible.
My father had said that once I gave the man a child, I would be free from the contract. So, the sooner that happened the better.
“When will he be back?”
Sienna’s wide smile reduced instantly like a gun had been shot at her. My brows lifted and I turned my attention to Darius who also seemed a little pale.
“They —He will be home in a few nights, my lady.” He stuttered and then before I could question him further, he scurried off.
“Your room is this way, my lady,” Sienna chimed in, and I felt the tension in the hall thicken.
Something wasn’t right. I could almost taste it at the back of my tongue, but I was here already and there was nothing I could do.
I followed Sienna and she showed me to my room. as soon as she dropped my bag, she disappeared almost instantly, only returning later in the day with food.
My wolf was on edge permanently, but I tried to stay calm. Everything was going to be over soon, I told myself. I just had to give it a couple of months. Ten months at most and I would be back home.
On the third night of my stay in the Fergusson mansion, Sienna came into my room with a new bag. My brows furrowed as I wondered what it was since she had already brought me my dinner and it wasn’t as if she would even place the dinner in a bag…
“My lady, everyone is home and tonight you will be required to begin your duties in the master bedroom,” she said. Her wide smile had always made me uncomfortable but tonight it was even more unsettling.
“Am I not supposed to meet with the family first?” I blurted out as the whole situation felt wrong.
I was the new bride in the house. I expected that I would have to meet with the king and maybe some other important people… maybe even get to know him better before jumping into bedroom duties!
“I am afraid, I can’t answer that, my lady,” Sienna replied with her head lowered.
My heart started drumming in fear, but I pulled myself together. I would get over this.
“Let’s get started,” I said to Sienna as I got to my feet.
She led me to the bathroom and prepared a bath for me. After the wash, she applied scented oils to my skin and hair, then I was made to wear the red undergarment she had brought in the bag she came with. It was a lacy red material that left little to the imagination. My cheeks were already flushed and when she gave me the small red robe that came with it, I was more than grateful.
“You should let yourself down,” Sienna advised but I refused.
“I prefer it packed.” I wasn’t going to wear a tiny piece of clothing and still spread my hair for him. What he already got was enough. I thought with irritation.
Sienna’s wide smile faded as if she heard my thoughts. “Okay, let’s go then. We must not keep them waiting.”
A frown settled on my face, but she didn’t wait behind for me to question her. She left the room, and I had no choice but to follow. The room was two doors down from mine. She knocked and then bowed before the door cracked open and a gruff voice called from within.
“Come on in.”
My heart tightened and my throat became dry. My wolf picked up an intoxicating smell from within the room that gave me the courage I needed to take the first step. But all my courage melted into shock as my eyes settled on the occupants of the room.
There wasn’t one man, like I was thinking but, three half-naked men!
“Well, hello mate…”