Rhea's POV
I cracked my eyes open, my head throbbing painfully as I took in my surroundings. I was in a dungeon, with stone walls and a damp, cold floor.
I tried to sit up, my mind was still foggy, but the sedatives had not fully left my system, and I fell back to the ground, a wave of dizziness blurring my vision.
It was then I noticed the tall figure of the man in the corner of the dungeon, his face hidden under the shadows. My heart skipped a beat, and I gulped my spit, bracing myself for what was to come.
When he stepped forward, I felt as if the air in my lungs was forced out. He was huge, with strong broad shoulders and sharp blue eyes that seemed to unravel the essence of my soul. His hair was a swept-back style that made it appear wet, and his expression gave nothing away as he stalked toward me.
His other hand was tucked in the pocket of his coat, and his all-black attire screamed mafia lord.
The man said nothing, but his aura enveloped the room like a smoke cloud. No doubt, he was the vicious Alpha of the Red Moon Pack.
“That’s quite a glare you have there.” He broke the silence, his deep
voice sending shivers down my spine.
“Don’t you know you’re in no position to act defiant?”
I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse and barely audible. The Alpha narrowed his eyes at me, and then he grabbed my chin, forcing my lips open with his thumb.
I could only look up in fear, my pupils dilating as my shoulder trembled
His smirk came slow, taunting me.
“That’s better.” He cooed, his thumb brushing against my bottom lip. “You should be more afraid, that expression would save you a lot of trouble—”
I bit down on his thumb hard, expecting him to pull back, but he didn’t move an inch, even as his blood stained my lip and dripped down my chin. Instead, his smirk spread into a wild grin, his eyes gleaming with amusement at my bravery.
“Rhea Lockhart….” he said my name like it was a wonder, glancing at the wound I inflicted on him. “The Omega who was rejected by her mate and sold by her parents.” His gaze flickered back to me, and I stilled as he drew close, leaning down till our faces were merely inches apart.
I flinched as he grabbed a strand of my curls with his free hand and sniffed, and then his lips ghosted over my ear, making the hairs on the back of my stand erect.
“I f*****g hate the stench of Omegas.” He growled, but I tried my best to not act affected despite the turmoil of emotions raging within me.
He pulled back, releasing my chin, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
The Alpha wiped his bloody thump on his coat, his gaze never leaving mine. “I am Alpha Alexander Ross.” He declared, his voice dripping with authority. “And you Rhea, are mine from today onwards.”
He crouched down to my eye level, a sinister glint darkening his eyes. “You’ll be staying in my quarters, at my beck and call.”
I glared at him, shifting backward till my back pressed against the wall.
The Alpha straightened up and turned to leave, but he stopped as if forgetting something, sparing me a glance over his shoulders.
“Keep that attitude in check, but I don’t mind punishing you if it persists. Try not to break when I do Omega.”
****
After the visit from the alpha, I was escorted to my chambers by a female pack member.
“Word of advice newbie, if you want to leave here alive, then don’t ever refuse the Alpha.” She advised, gesturing to the deep scar that ran from my left brow to her right cheek, it was obvious that he spoke from experience.
I nodded stiffly in response, and she gave way for me to enter my room. It was located in the Alpha’s quarters, and was small yet neat, with a single desk and a well-made bed.
“I’m Sarah, you can ask me questions if you ever get confused.” She offered me a gentle, tucking her ginger hair behind her ear. I noticed that she wore a crown of delicate flowers, and they smelt of spice and yet sweet, adding to her feminine touch.
I managed a small smile in return. “Nice to meet you.”
I slumped on the bed as soon as the door closed shut, already tired of the day when it had yet to begin.
I refused to cry as I recalled how easily my family had abandoned me, instead, I was going to find the relationship between the Red Moon pack and my parents. And maybe it would be my ticket out of here.
But first….
I shifted my gaze to the maid uniform I was asked to change into, as my first task would begin in a few minutes. Serving the Alpha’s Lunch.
I got changed and packed my curly brown hair into a low ponytail, taking deep breaths as I made my way to the kitchen.
I took his meal served on a tray, my knees trembling as I stood in front of his room. I knocked on the door softly, but it unlocked on its own and opened, but there was no one on the other side.
His room was simpler than I thought it would be, with dark curtains draping the walls, a neat master bedroom, a reading desk, and a small dining. It smelt like masculine essence and something sweet, but I tried not to dwell on that. The room lacked any personal touch, almost as if he didn’t let himself get comfortable, always on guard.
I guess those are the qualities required of a Mafia Lord.
I thought about leaving, Sarah had advised me to stay until he told me to leave. So I stayed put, letting my gaze wander about the room. I soon spot a single picture frame in the corner of the room. My curiosity got the better of me, as I was instantly drawn to it.
It was nothing special, just a picture of three young boys wearing an identical gold necklace. The necklace had the pack’s emblem as a pendant, and I quickly realized that one of the boys was a younger version of the Alpha, but here he had an innocent smile and didn’t look like he had ever killed a soul.
But who were the other boys?
“Cute aren’t I?”
“Ahh!” I yelped, feeling my heart in my throat as I stumbled forward, whipping my head to see the Alpha standing behind me. He was shirtless, wearing only sweatpants, with a small towel hanging around his neck.
My heart drummed in my ears, and I forced myself to keep my gaze on his face. But alas, it wandered lower, to his well-defined abs and muscles highlighted by beads of sweat. Looks like he was training, and I didn’t even hear him enter the room.
And his scent. It was burning my nostrils, making me feel things that should be illegal. What was this?
He cleared his throat to get my attention, and I composed myself, standing at stiff attention as I scrambled for what to say.
“L-Lunch is r-ready for Alpha…” I cursed at myself for stuttering but instead of going towards the dining table so I can get the hell out of here, he smiled, taking a step forward.
“Speak clearly Omega.” He ordered, drawing closer till I was backed up against the wall.
I inhaled sharply through my nose, but all I could see and feel was him, his scent made my knees weak, and I hated that it was in my nature to succumb to him.
“L-Lunch…”
He raised his hand and I instinctively closed my eyes, but instead of a slap, he caressed my cheeks ever so gently, confusing me.
“Get Out.” He whispered, his eyes holding back something feral. “Your stench is ruining my appetite.”
Picking up the remains of my dignity, I slid away and headed straight for the door, but just as I was about to reach for the doorknob, he called me back.
“Omega!”
I flinched at the raw power in his tone, turning to see him seated at the dining table, but he scowled deeply at his meal.
The Alpha curved his fingers to beckon to me, and I moved to stand at a good distance beside me.
“Take a bite.” He gestured to the food, and I just blinked like a fool.
“What?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.” He seethed, and I pressed my lips shut and reached for the fork.
He was served grilled steak and sautéed mushrooms, so I took a tiny piece of the stake, feeling his unwavering gaze as I brought it to my mouth. I chewed carefully, too scared to even enjoy the taste, but something was wrong.
“Ahh…” my throat felt as if it was on fire, and my skin crawled. I looked between the food and the Alpha, wondering what was happening.
The Alpha merely leaned back in his seat and watched me struggle, his eyes narrowed in assessment.
“Poison.” He growled lowly, causing my heart to skip a beat. “What a nerve you have, Omega.”