Chapter 1: The Wedding Day

The cold morning air seeped through the thin curtains of my small room, chilling me to the bone as I sat at the edge of the bed, staring blankly at my reflection in the cracked mirror. My hands were trembling, not just from the cold, but from the gnawing fear that gripped my heart. Today, I was to marry a man I had never met—a man chosen for me by Alpha Theo and Luna Katherine, the leaders of the Snow Moon Pack who had ruled my life with an iron fist for the past thirteen years.

“Get up, you worthless mutt!” Alice’s shrill voice pierced the silence, yanking me out of my thoughts. I flinched as she barged into the room without knocking, her icy blue eyes narrowing in disgust as she took in my appearance. “We don’t have all day. The ceremony starts in less than an hour, and you still look like you crawled out of a gutter.”

I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to retort. It wasn’t worth it. Nothing ever was when it came to Alice. She had made it her life’s mission to remind me of my place in this pack—nothing more than a slave, an orphaned outsider taken in out of pity, or so they claimed.

I stood slowly, my muscles stiff and aching from another night on the hard, lumpy mattress. Alice’s gaze flicked over me, her lips curling in a sneer. “Pathetic,” she muttered, grabbing my arm and dragging me across the room to the rickety vanity. “Sit.”

I obeyed, too exhausted to argue, and stared at the pale, gaunt face in the mirror. My red hair hung limply around my shoulders, the natural waves tangled and dull. My skin was almost translucent, the dark circles under my eyes a stark contrast against my pallor. There was no beauty to be found here, nothing that could possibly attract a man, let alone an Alpha.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Alice grumbled, snatching a brush from the vanity and yanking it through my hair with no regard for the pain she was causing. I bit my lip, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me wince.

As she worked on my hair, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of man would agree to marry someone like me. I had heard the whispers—Alpha Theo had arranged this marriage for some kind of gain, but what could I possibly offer? I had no dowry, no status, nothing but the scars from years of abuse. My stomach twisted at the thought of facing this stranger, of being bound to him for life.

“Stop fidgeting,” Alice snapped, yanking the brush through a particularly stubborn knot. “If you ruin this, I swear—”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered automatically, though the apology felt hollow. What did it matter if I looked presentable? This marriage wasn’t about love or even attraction; it was a transaction, pure and simple.

“There,” Alice said finally, stepping back to admire her handiwork. My hair was pulled into a tight French twist, the veil pinned securely in place. It was the first time in years that my hair had been styled, and I barely recognized myself. For a brief moment, I imagined what it might be like to marry someone who cared for me, someone who might look at me with kindness instead of disdain.

The thought was fleeting, quickly banished by the reality of my situation. “Get dressed,” Alice ordered, tossing a simple white gown onto the bed. It was the only nice thing I had ever received from the Alpha and Luna, though it wasn’t a gift so much as an obligation for today’s event.

I changed quickly, my hands shaking as I fumbled with the delicate fabric. The dress was surprisingly well-made, the soft material flowing gracefully over my thin frame. It fit perfectly, as if it had been tailored just for me, though I knew better than to believe that anyone had taken the time to consider my comfort.

“Don’t dawdle,” Alice hissed, her impatience growing with every passing second. She didn’t offer to help with the buttons, instead watching me struggle with a satisfied smirk. When I finally managed to fasten the last one, she stepped forward and shoved me toward the door. “Let’s go.”

My heart pounded as we made our way through the winding corridors of the packhouse, the walls closing in on me with every step. The closer we got to the grand hall, the more suffocated I felt. My mind raced with questions, fears, and doubts, but there was no turning back now.

The double doors loomed ahead, their ornate carvings a stark reminder of the life I was about to leave behind. Beyond those doors, my future awaited—a future with a man I didn’t know, in a place I had never been. The weight of it all pressed down on me, and for a moment, I considered running. But where would I go? What hope did I have of escaping this fate?

Alice paused at the doors, turning to me with a final sneer. “Try not to embarrass yourself,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. “Though I doubt you’ll manage even that.”

I nodded numbly, my throat too dry to respond. The doors swung open, and I was hit with a wave of warmth and noise. The grand hall was filled with people—pack members, allies, and other important figures, all gathered to witness the union. But my eyes were drawn immediately to the figure standing at the altar, and my breath caught in my throat.

He was tall, towering over everyone else in the room, with broad shoulders and a powerful presence that demanded attention. His dark hair was neatly combed, his strong jaw set in a stern line. But it was his eyes that held me captive—piercing, golden-brown eyes that seemed to see right through me, stripping away any pretense and leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

This was the man I was to marry, the man who would become my Alpha and my mate. The mate bond flared to life the moment our eyes met, an electric current that shot through me, leaving my skin tingling and my heart racing. I could feel the connection between us, powerful and undeniable, yet his expression remained cold, distant.

As I walked down the aisle, my legs felt like lead, each step heavier than the last. The closer I got to him, the more intense the bond became, pulling me toward him like a magnet. I wanted to reach out, to touch him, to see if the warmth I felt was real, but the icy barrier in his eyes stopped me.

When I finally reached the altar, Alpha Theo stepped forward, his grip on my arm firm and unyielding as he handed me over to my groom. “Take care of her,” he said, though there was no warmth in his voice, only a warning.

Kyle nodded curtly, his eyes never leaving mine. He took my hand in his, and I nearly gasped at the sensation—the heat of his skin against mine, the strength in his grip. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, I thought I might collapse under the weight of it all.

But I held on, drawing strength from the bond, even as I struggled to understand it. This man—my mate—was a mystery to me, one that I would spend the rest of my life unraveling. As the Elder began the ceremony, I found myself torn between fear and hope, between the cold reality of my situation and the warmth of the connection that sparked between us.

When the moment came to seal our vows with a kiss, Kyle hesitated. The silence stretched on, each second an eternity, and I felt the eyes of the crowd on us, waiting. My heart sank as his gaze flicked away from mine, and he turned his head slightly, pressing a brief, almost reluctant kiss to my cheek.

It was over in an instant, but the sting of rejection lingered, sharp and painful. I fought to keep my expression neutral, to hide the hurt that was gnawing at my insides. This wasn’t the fairytale I had dared to dream of, even for a moment. This was my reality—a cold, loveless marriage with a man who couldn’t even bring himself to kiss me.

As we turned to face the crowd, the applause felt hollow, the cheers distant and meaningless. My mind was spinning, my heart aching with the weight of disappointment. I had hoped, even if only for a second, that this man—my mate—might be different. But it seemed that even the mate bond wasn’t enough to thaw the ice that surrounded his heart.

As we walked back down the aisle, his hand still holding mine, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for us. Was there any chance for love to grow between us, or was I doomed to a life of cold indifference? The answer was unclear, but one thing was certain—I would have to fight for any shred of warmth, of connection, in this marriage. And I wasn’t sure if I had the strength left to do it.

Chapter 2: First Glimpse of the Alpha

The grand hall doors closed behind us with a resounding thud, sealing off the murmurs of the crowd. The sudden silence was almost deafening. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked beside Alpha Kyle, my new husband. The reality of what had just happened began to sink in, the weight of the mate bond pressing down on me like a heavy blanket. I could feel it pulling at my very soul, urging me to close the distance between us, to seek comfort in his presence. But the icy coldness in his demeanor held me back, freezing me in place.

Kyle led me through the labyrinth of corridors with quick, determined strides. His grip on my hand was firm, almost as if he were afraid I might try to pull away. I dared not speak, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife. The further we walked from the ceremony, the more my initial excitement and fear began to morph into something else—anxiety, maybe even dread. What kind of life awaited me with this man who seemed to regard me as little more than a burden?

We rounded a corner, and I noticed the atmosphere change. The cold, stone walls of the packhouse gave way to warm, wooden paneling, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh pine and lavender. It was almost comforting, a stark contrast to the sterile chill of the grand hall. I glanced at Kyle, searching for any sign of emotion on his face, but his features remained stoic, unreadable. Only the tightness of his jaw and the slight furrow in his brow hinted at the turmoil I suspected was lurking beneath the surface.

We finally stopped in front of a large, intricately carved door. Kyle pushed it open, revealing a spacious room bathed in soft, golden light. The centerpiece was a large, four-poster bed draped in rich, burgundy linens. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Despite the luxury, the room felt oppressive, as though it were suffocating under the weight of all the expectations that had been heaped upon it.

Kyle released my hand and stepped into the room, his broad shoulders tense as he moved toward the fireplace. For a moment, he stood there, staring into the flames as though they held the answers to some unspoken question. I hesitated at the doorway, unsure of what to do or say. My instincts screamed at me to flee, to run as far away from this intimidating man as possible, but the bond between us held me in place, rooted to the spot.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Kyle spoke, his voice low and rough. "You can rest here tonight. This is your room now."

Your room. The words echoed in my mind, their implication both reassuring and confusing. I had expected to share a room with him, as mates often did, but it seemed Kyle had other plans. I swallowed hard, trying to push down the disappointment that threatened to rise in my throat. "What about you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kyle turned to face me, his golden-brown eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, something flickered in his gaze—regret, maybe even guilt—but it was gone so quickly I could have imagined it. "I’ll be in the room across the hall," he replied, his tone clipped, as if he were stating an irrefutable fact.

A strange mix of relief and sorrow washed over me. Relief that I wouldn’t have to face the awkwardness of sharing a bed with a man who seemed so distant, and sorrow that the mate bond, which was supposed to bring us closer, was already being pushed aside. I nodded slowly, stepping further into the room. The warmth from the fire did little to chase away the chill that had settled deep in my bones.

Kyle watched me for a moment longer, his expression softening ever so slightly. "If you need anything, just… call for me," he said, the hesitation in his voice making it clear that he wasn’t used to offering such reassurances. He turned on his heel and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

I was alone.

The silence that followed was deafening. I stood in the middle of the room, feeling the weight of everything that had just happened crash down on me like a tidal wave. My legs trembled, and I barely made it to the edge of the bed before they gave out beneath me. The soft mattress cushioned my fall, but it did nothing to ease the ache in my chest.

I buried my face in my hands, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. Mates were supposed to love each other, to cherish the bond that connected them. But here I was, married to a man who couldn’t even bring himself to look at me without that cold, distant mask. What hope did I have of ever finding happiness in this marriage?

The fire crackled softly, its warmth slowly seeping into my skin. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions that churned inside me. There was no use crying over what couldn’t be changed. This was my life now, and I would have to find a way to survive it.

I stood up, taking in my surroundings with a more critical eye. The room was beautiful, far more luxurious than anything I had ever known. The bed was enormous, draped in fine fabrics that I could scarcely believe were mine to sleep in. A large wardrobe stood against one wall, its polished surface gleaming in the firelight. I crossed the room and opened it, revealing rows of clothes that had clearly been chosen for me. The sight of the beautiful gowns and soft, comfortable loungewear did little to lift my spirits.

Closing the wardrobe, I walked over to the vanity on the opposite side of the room. It was much grander than the one in my old room, with a large mirror framed in gold and a cushioned stool that looked as though it had never been used. I sat down and stared at my reflection, the pale girl in the mirror looking just as lost and frightened as I felt.

My thoughts drifted back to Kyle, to the way his eyes had lingered on mine for just a fraction of a second too long. There was something in him, something hidden beneath that icy exterior, that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I could feel it in the way he hesitated before leaving, the way his voice had softened ever so slightly when he spoke to me. But whatever it was, he was determined to keep it buried, locked away where I couldn’t reach it.

I sighed and stood up, feeling the exhaustion of the day finally catch up to me. My wedding dress suddenly felt too heavy, too tight, and I struggled to undo the buttons at the back. After a few minutes of fumbling, I managed to free myself from the constricting fabric, letting it pool around my feet. I slipped into one of the soft nightgowns I had found in the wardrobe, the cool silk brushing against my skin like a whisper.

The bed was as comfortable as it looked, and as I slid between the sheets, I felt a small measure of peace settle over me. The warmth of the fire, the softness of the mattress, and the lingering scent of lavender in the air all conspired to lull me into a state of drowsy calm. But even as I closed my eyes, the image of Kyle’s piercing gaze lingered in my mind, refusing to let me go.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to him than he was letting on. And despite everything, despite the coldness and the distance, a small part of me couldn’t help but wonder if there was a chance—just a sliver of hope—that we might find a way to break through the barriers between us.

That hope was fragile, barely more than a flicker in the darkness, but it was enough to keep me from sinking into despair. I clung to it as I finally succumbed to the exhaustion that had been weighing me down all day, my dreams filled with images of the man who was both my husband and my mate, and the possibilities that lay hidden within the cold depths of his heart.

Chapter 3: The Cold Departure

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. I blinked, momentarily disoriented, before the events of the previous day came rushing back. The wedding. Kyle. The strange, cold distance between us. I sat up in bed, the luxurious sheets pooling around me, and tried to shake off the lingering fatigue. Today was the first day of my new life, but instead of hope, all I felt was uncertainty.

A soft knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and a woman I hadn’t seen before stepped inside. She was tall and slender, with sharp features and dark hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her eyes, however, were kind, a contrast to the stern set of her mouth.

“Good morning, Luna,” she said, inclining her head slightly. The title felt strange, foreign, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to accept it. “I’ve brought breakfast.”

I forced a smile and nodded, watching as she set a tray of food on the small table near the window. The scent of fresh bread, fruit, and tea wafted through the air, but my stomach churned at the thought of eating. The woman noticed my hesitation and gave me a reassuring look.

“You must be exhausted after everything,” she said gently. “But it’s important to keep up your strength.”

I nodded again, though I wasn’t sure what good strength would do me in this place where I felt so out of place. As she turned to leave, I mustered the courage to ask the question that had been gnawing at me since the previous night.

“Where is… where is Kyle?”

The woman paused, her hand hovering over the doorknob. She didn’t turn to face me, but I saw the slight stiffening of her shoulders. “The Alpha is overseeing pack business this morning,” she replied carefully. “He’ll be quite busy for the next few days.”

There was something in her tone that set off alarm bells in my mind. A note of caution, maybe even fear. I didn’t press her further, but my curiosity was piqued. What kind of business required the Alpha’s attention so urgently that he couldn’t even spend time with his new mate? And why did it feel like there was something more, something deeper, lurking beneath the surface?

After the woman left, I forced myself to eat a few bites of the breakfast she had brought. The food was delicious, but it tasted like ash in my mouth. My mind kept drifting back to Kyle—his cold demeanor, the distance in his eyes, the way he had left me alone on our wedding night. It was as if he was hiding something, and the more I thought about it, the more certain I became that it wasn’t just his emotions he was keeping from me.

Once I finished my meager meal, I decided I couldn’t stay cooped up in the room any longer. I needed to see more of this place, to understand the pack I had been thrust into. And perhaps, in doing so, I could learn more about the man I was now bound to.

The corridors were eerily quiet as I ventured out of my room. The packhouse was large, its halls seemingly endless as they twisted and turned like a maze. The heavy silence was unsettling, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched, though I saw no one.

As I explored, I caught glimpses of pack members here and there—guards stationed at various points, servants hurrying about their tasks. But they all avoided my gaze, their eyes dropping respectfully as I passed. It was as though they were deliberately keeping their distance, and it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

I turned a corner and found myself in a long, dimly lit hallway lined with heavy wooden doors. At the far end, a large set of double doors stood ajar, and I could hear muffled voices coming from inside. Curiosity getting the better of me, I approached cautiously, careful not to make a sound.

As I drew closer, the voices became clearer. Two men were speaking in hushed tones, their words sharp and urgent. I recognized one of the voices immediately—Kyle’s deep, commanding tone. The other voice was unfamiliar, but it held a note of authority as well, perhaps a Beta or Gamma.

“…too many of them,” the unfamiliar voice was saying, a note of frustration evident. “We can’t keep them at bay forever.”

Kyle’s response was low, almost a growl. “We will. We have to. They can’t find out.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words. Who were they talking about? And what couldn’t be found out? I pressed myself closer to the wall, straining to hear more.

“There’s been talk among the pack,” the other man continued. “They’re worried, Kyle. They’re starting to suspect something’s wrong.”

“Let them talk,” Kyle replied coldly. “As long as they stay in line, it doesn’t matter what they think. We can’t afford to lose control now.”

The other man hesitated. “And what about her? She’s part of this now, whether you like it or not.”

There was a long pause, and I held my breath, waiting for Kyle’s response. When he finally spoke, his voice was filled with a mixture of resolve and something else—something darker, more dangerous.

“She’s not to know. Not yet.”

My blood ran cold at his words. They were talking about me. Whatever was going on, whatever secret Kyle was hiding, it involved me too. But what could it be? Why was it so important that I be kept in the dark?

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice the footsteps approaching until it was almost too late. Panicking, I quickly backed away from the door and ducked into a small alcove just as the double doors swung open. I held my breath, praying I wouldn’t be seen.

Kyle stepped out first, his expression as hard and unreadable as ever. Behind him was another man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a scar running down the side of his face. He had an air of authority about him, but there was also a tension in his posture, as if he was constantly on guard.

They walked past without noticing me, their conversation continuing in low voices. Once they were out of sight, I exhaled slowly, my heart still pounding in my chest. I waited until I was sure they were gone before emerging from my hiding place, my mind racing with questions.

Whatever Kyle was hiding, it was clear that it was serious—serious enough to put the entire pack on edge. And for some reason, he didn’t want me to know about it. But why? What was so dangerous that it had to be kept from me, his mate?

The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest until I found out the truth. I couldn’t just sit back and wait for answers to come to me. If Kyle wasn’t going to tell me, I would have to find out on my own.

With newfound determination, I made my way back to my room, careful not to draw attention to myself. The corridors seemed even quieter than before, the silence almost oppressive. But now, instead of fear, I felt a growing sense of urgency. Something was wrong in this pack, something that went beyond the coldness between Kyle and me. And I was going to get to the bottom of it, no matter what it took.

As I closed the door behind me, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the secrets that surrounded me. The atmosphere in the packhouse was heavy with unspoken tensions, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized how little I truly knew about this place—or the man I had married.

I moved to the window, staring out at the dense forest that surrounded the packhouse. The trees stood tall and silent, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. But beneath that serene exterior, I could sense something lurking, something dark and dangerous.

Kyle’s words echoed in my mind: **"They can’t find out."**

Whatever he was hiding, it was big—big enough to threaten the very foundation of the pack. And somehow, I was caught in the middle of it. My heart raced with a mix of fear and anticipation, and I knew that from this point on, nothing would be the same.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, I made a silent vow to myself. I would uncover the truth, no matter what the cost. I had to—because deep down, I knew that my future, my survival, depended on it.

Chapter 4: New Life. New beginnings

Hours went by. It was now dark outside, with the trees becoming a dark blur as we drove swiftly.

Suddenly, a question popped into my mind and escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"Why didn't you kiss me?"I blurted out.

Alpha Kyle glanced briefly at me before focusing back on the road. Silence followed.

"Alpha?"I tried again, but received no response.

I had been too shocked earlier to care about the lack of a kiss, but now that reality was sinking in, I needed to know why.

Was I so unattractive? Why did this even matter? He was a ruthless murderer; I shouldn't be thinking about kissing him. Curse the mate bond.

Yet, as if my mouth had a mind of its own, I whispered, "I'm your mate..."

"Enough!"He snapped sharply.

I recoiled from him, feeling hurt.

Damn mate bond.

I remained silent for the rest of the journey, my eyes shifting between the window and my shoes, avoiding looking at him. An hour earlier, he had mentioned we had entered his territory, and I had simply nodded. Was I being disrespectful? Probably. But he wasn't paying me any attention, so I didnt care.

"We're here."

I looked up to see a massive, ten-foot iron gate looming ahead. Two guards stood at attention, their eyes fixed on the car as it approached. The gate opened with a loud creak, revealing the long, winding driveway that led to what I could only assume was the packhouse.

My heart sank as we drove further onto the property. Quaint cottages dotted the landscape, hidden among the dense forest, but my focus was on the house at the end of the driveway. It was enormous—an imposing structure that seemed to grow out of the earth itself, blending seamlessly with the surrounding trees. There was an odd beauty to it, but it felt cold and unwelcoming, much like the man who would soon be my husband in more than just name.

Kyle stopped the car in front of the packhouse, the gravel crunching beneath the tires. He climbed out without a word, leaving me to follow. As I stepped out of the car, my legs wobbled, stiff from sitting for so long. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, but beneath it, I detected something darker. Something dangerous.

"Elsa," Kyle’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

It took a moment to register that he had used my name—something no one had done in what felt like years. I had grown so accustomed to being called "mutt" or "slave" that hearing my name on his lips felt foreign.

"Yes, I’m coming," I replied, scrambling to grab my old, worn-out suitcase from the back of the SUV.

"Don’t bother," Kyle said, his tone sharp. "I’ll get you new clothes tomorrow. You can toss that suitcase and everything in it."

I paused, my hand still clutching the handle of the suitcase. "But—"

"No arguments." His voice was final, brokering no room for negotiation.

I sighed, grabbing only my necklace from the bag before following him toward the house. The necklace was the only possession I had left from before Kilkenny. I didn’t even remember who had given it to me, but it was mine, and I wasn’t ready to part with it.

Kyle noticed the necklace in my hand, raising an eyebrow but saying nothing. He turned away, leading me inside without waiting for me to catch up.

The interior of the packhouse was as grand as I expected. Large paintings lined the walls, the deep purple carpeting contrasting with the wood-paneled floors. The house was old, but it had a regal air, as if centuries of history clung to its very bones. Yet, despite its beauty, it felt... empty. There was no warmth here, no sense of family or love.

Kyle led me through the main hall, his steps brisk and purposeful. He pointed out the rooms as we passed—the common room, the kitchen, the dining area, and the game room. The second floor belonged to his Gamma and his family, the third to his Beta and his family, and the fourth floor was for "us."

"Us?" I squeaked, my voice sounding too loud in the silence of the house.

He stopped on the stairs, turning to look down at me with a blank expression. "Yes, us. You are my wife, and that makes you Luna of this pack."

I felt a surge of panic. I wasn’t ready for this. I wasn’t ready to be anyone’s Luna, least of all his.

"Don’t worry," Kyle added, his tone dismissive. "You have your own room."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. So, it was true. He had no intention of being with me, not really. This wasn’t a marriage of love or even respect. It was a duty, an obligation. And I was just a pawn in his game.

Without waiting for me to respond, Kyle continued up the stairs. By the time we reached the fourth floor, I was gasping for breath, my body weak from years of malnutrition and abuse. Kyle stopped in front of a door, his hand resting on the doorknob.

"This is your room," he said, nodding toward the door. "My room is across the hall."

He didn’t wait for my response before opening his door and disappearing inside, leaving me standing alone in the hallway.

I opened the door to my room and stepped inside. To my surprise, the room was massive, far larger than I had expected. A king-sized bed sat against the far wall, a soft grey carpet covering the floor. A fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm glow across the room, but it did little to chase away the cold that had settled deep in my bones.

I moved to the bed and sat down, the plush mattress sinking beneath my weight. It was the first real bed I’d ever slept in, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to enjoy it. But the comfort was fleeting. I couldn’t forget the reality of my situation.

Kyle was hiding something—something dangerous. And I was trapped in the middle of it, bound to him by a mate bond that he clearly wanted no part of.

As I lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, I made a silent promise to myself. I would survive this, no matter what it took. I had survived worse, after all.

But deep down, I knew that whatever Kyle was hiding would eventually come to light. And when it did, I wasn’t sure if I would make it out unscathed.

Chapter 5: Elsa Meets Anna

Yawning, I kicked off my shoes and headed to the bed. A huge grin spread across my face as I lay down. I'd never slept in a real bed before. At Kilkenny, my sleeping arrangements were a couple of dirty mattresses on the floor, full of holes. Compared to that, this was heaven. With nothing else to sleep in, I tucked the skirts of my dress under the covers and fell asleep almost immediately.

I woke up to someone nudging my shoulder. It couldnt be Alice; she would have yanked me out of bed. As I became more aware, memories of the previous day flooded back, and I shot up so quickly that the person next to me gasped in surprise.

"Sorry! I didnt mean to startle you!"

A girl stood at the edge of the bed, hands raised as if to show she meant no harm. She had medium-length golden blonde hair, a flawless pale complexion, and an enviable hourglass figure. Her eyes were a similar shade to my husbands, though a bit darker. She resembled Kyle quite a bit.

"Who are you?"I asked.

She smiled gently and extended her hand. "Im Anna, Kyles sister. He sent me to check on you. I didnt mean to wake you so abruptly."

I shook her hand. "Check on me?

"I'm a doctor at the pack hospital. Kyle mentioned you seemed... a bit unwell. Do you mind if I check you over?"

"Do I have a choice?"

She chuckled. "Not really. As the Luna, we need you in top condition!"

"Alright, go ahead."

"I'm going to need you to change first. Clothes arrived for you this morning. Ive put some shorts and a t-shirt in the bathroom."

"This morning? What time is it now?"

"Just a little after one."

I had slept for over twelve hours. I couldnt complain, though—I felt more rested than I had in years. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and went to the bathroom. Closing the door, I glanced around. There was a stand-up shower with three different water heads and a separate white clawfoot tub that I planned to use later. The counter had a long sink with two faucets, a huge mirror, and was impeccably polished. The black tile floor was equally shiny, with floral bath mats in front of the shower and tub. I removed my dress and tossed it into the wicker laundry basket by the door.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at my reflection in the mirror and gasped. No wonder Kyle hadnt wanted to kiss or touch me. Purple and black bruises covered my cheeks from Alices slaps. My busted lip was another surprise. My hair, once neatly twisted, was now a tangled mess. Bruises of various sizes marred my skin from shoulders to legs. I could see my ribs and collarbone sticking out grotesquely.

I had always had a large chest, but it now seemed disfigured compared to the rest of me. I was all skin and bones, lacking any muscle. I was hideous. A soft cry escaped me as I grabbed the clothes Anna provided and dressed quickly. Wiping my eyes, I returned to the room. Anna was setting up tools on the bed: a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, and what looked like a small hammer.

"Please sit on the edge of the bed while I check your vitals,"she said. I complied as she wrapped the cuff around my arm and noted something in a small black notebook. She then listened to my breathing and tested my reflexes. Her concern grew with each part of the exam.

"Luna, could you lie on the bed, please?"she asked while writing in her notebook. I did as she asked and rested my hands on my stomach.

"You can call me Elsa,"I told her. She looked up and smiled.

"Esa it is."She set her notebook aside. "I need to examine your abdomen, so please remove your shirt. Its a brief, non-invasive check, I promise."

"Uh, okay. Sure."I sat up, took off my shirt, and lay back down. Annas eyes widened, and she gasped softly before shaking it off and starting her examination. She prodded and asked if certain areas were tender or sore. I initially said no, but her intense stare made me admit to some discomfort. She furiously noted things in her book and then asked me to turn onto my stomach. When I did, her pen stopped abruptly.

"My Goddess!...

I shut my eyes, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. I was well aware of what my back looked like. When Alpha Theo was particularly violent, he used a silver knife on me—only on my back since it was easier to cover. My back was a mess of jagged scars from just below my shoulder blades to the base of my spine.

"What?! How did you get these?"Anna asked, running her finger over a deep scar.

"Silver,"I mumbled.

"Silver what? A blade?"

I nodded.

"Who did this to you? You couldnt have done this yourself. Who?"she pressed.

What was I supposed to say? I couldnt name Alpha Theo. I doubted Anna would believe me anyway.

"Who?"Anna demanded more harshly.

"A member of Kilkenny,"I said.

"Which member?"

I shook my head. Anna sighed in frustration as I quickly put my shirt back on.

"Alright. You dont have to tell me. But Kyle will want to know."

"Why? Its not like he cares. Its just another repulsive thing about me."

"Why would you think that?"Anna asked, her eyes wide.