The Alphas' Forbidden Possession

Chapter 2: Beneath The Crimson Moon

EVERLYN

My entire body was covered in blood as I walked through the narrow, rocky path, surrounded by the raging darkness beneath the crimson moon. I had managed to escape, but I didn’t know how much longer my body could endure after all the wounds I had sustained.

My vision was slowly fading, growing dimmer with every step, drained by the blood I had lost. Only a small trace of strength remained within me, and I knew that at any moment, death would come to claim me.

I fell onto the cold, uneven ground. The chill began to crawl into my chest, my breaths coming in shallow intervals, yet I fought against the death that lingered just beyond my reach.

I looked up at the moon, a bitter expression carved onto my face as gentle tears rolled down my cheeks. If only I had been stronger. If only I had been powerful enough, none of these would have happened.

Little by little, everything around me began to fade away, even the light of the crimson-red moon. Perhaps this was where my journey finally ended.

If the Moon Goddess had heard me, then when I died tonight, I prayed she would grant me another chance, to be reincarnated as someone powerful, someone strong enough to change my destiny.

“I-I’m sorry, mom...” The cold, wrathful darkness swallowed me whole, yet in that endless void, a strange warmth suddenly wrapped around me.

His warmth...

His scent…

And then the world faded into a quiet void, where pain, fear, and grief merged into a strange, almost comforting numbness.

I woke up beneath a blinding, suffocating light. As my eyes fluttered open, an unfamiliar room greeted me—spacious, elegant, and filled with a strange scent that slowly seeped into my senses, clearing the haze in my head.

“I’m alive,” I whispered in disbelief. “How... how is this possible?”

“Where am I?” I muttered softly, trying to recall what happened before I lost consciousness, but all I could remember was that same scent, the one now filling the entire room.

“Good thing you’re awake, Miss Everlyn. How are you feeling?” A woman, perhaps in her forties, entered the room carrying a tray of food.

“Do you still feel any pain?” she asked as she set the tray down on the side table.

Only then did I remember the wound I had sustained. I quickly pulled away the blanket and touched the spot on my chest, but there was nothing.

“Don’t worry,” she said kindly. “Your wounds were treated properly.”

I stared at her, confusion flooding my mind.

“Who are you? And where am I?”

“My name is Emeraude,” she replied with a faint smile.

“You’re safe here, Miss Everlyn. Please, eat first and regain your strength. He’ll be here soon.” And with that, she quietly left the room.

He? Who was she referring to?

My heart began to pound faster. Could it be that I’d fallen into the hands of the people who were after me?

I sighed and tapped my temple lightly, forcing my thoughts to clear. There was no sign of danger, no hostile energy around me. For now, it seemed safe to believe her.

After finishing my meal, I began to explore the room. Through the wide glass window, I saw what lay beyond, the manor stood in the middle of a vast island, surrounded by the endless stretch of blue sea. Any thought of escape would be futile, maybe even deadly. The only thing I could do now was stay cautious and observe.

A faint creak pulled me back from my thoughts. The door opened slowly, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.

Each step was measured, powerful and commanding.

My breath hitched when I saw him.

Lucien Greystone

His name alone was enough to make my chest tighten. His lips curved into a devilish smile as his piercing eyes locked onto mine. My heartbeat raced uncontrollably as he strode closer, until my back met the cold wall behind me.

“I thought you were dead,” he said, his voice laced with a dark amusement. He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my ear.

The heat of it made my skin tremble. His presence was overwhelming—an aura that carried authority, danger, and power. It felt as though the very air around him bowed to his command.

“It seems you owe me a great debt,” he murmured. “Tell me, woman, how will you repay me? It wasn’t easy saving your life.”

Before I could respond, his tone deepened.

“Is that how you show gratitude to your future Alpha? You insolent woman!” He seized my chin, forcing my gaze up to meet his.

“Look at me,” he growled, his golden eyes burning brighter—wild, unrestrained, and frighteningly beautiful.

“P-please... you’re hurting me,” I pleaded, my voice trembling. I tried to break free, but his grip was unyielding, like chains wrapped around my soul.

“What a pathetic creature,” he muttered darkly, though a hint of amusement lingered in his tone.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill you. You’re far too valuable for that.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stood frozen, powerless against the weight of his presence. Every breath I took felt heavy, every beat of my heart uncertain.

I squeezed my eyes shut as his lips descended toward me. I wanted to resist, to say no, but I knew that the moment I did, it would be over for me. For the sake of my own safety, I had no choice but to yield.

A low sound escaped his throat, almost a moan.

“f**k… I never knew you’d taste this good,” he murmured, voice rough with desire.

Another groan followed, deeper this time—raw, unrestrained.

“Do you remember what you once told me?” he whispered against my skin, his tongue tracing slow, deliberate circles.

“That I was your mate…”

I nodded slowly, unsure if my voice would even come out if I tried to speak.

“So,” he asked again, his tone low and unreadable, “do you know what mating couples do?”

I hesitated, then gave a small nod.

He suddenly paused. My breath caught in my throat when his gaze lifted. A chill ran through me as he grabbed my blouse and tore it open in one swift motion. His lips crashed onto mine, rough and desperate, trailing downward until I could barely breathe.

All I could do was shut my eyes and let the tears fall, praying for it to end. At that moment, one thing became clear—I was trapped, not just in this manor, but under the control of the man who ruled it.

*****

I slowly sank into the bathtub, letting the warm water embrace me. Despite the soothing scent of the bath oils, his scent lingered stronger on my skin, dominant and intoxicating. It felt as though his lips were still wandering across every inch of me.

I shut my eyes tightly and released a deep, trembling sigh. For a moment earlier, I truly thought I was going to lose my virginity. Luckily, Emeraude arrived just in time. I could see the irritation in his eyes, yet he left without saying a word, surprising, considering how ruthless he was.

I went straight to my room and found Emeraude arranging something on the bed.

“Alpha Heir requests your presence for dinner,” she said formally. “He also instructed that you wear this dress, he chose it himself. If you’ll excuse me.” Without waiting for a reply, she left.

I approached the bed and found a sapphire-blue cocktail dress paired with white sandals. I sat down and stared at them nervously, my thoughts tangled in unease. I didn’t know what kind of game Damien was playing, but I could only hope I’d survive without getting hurt.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the heavy wooden door and stepped into a grand dining hall. A long table stretched across the center, overflowing with dishes, while a massive chandelier, gleaming like gold, hung above it. I had never seen anything so breathtaking in my life.

“What are you standing there for? Sit and join me,” his voice cut through my thoughts, calm yet commanding.

“Sorry,” I murmured, quickly entering the room and taking the farthest seat across from him.

I clasped my hands when I caught him staring straight at me. My heart pounded, but I forced myself to stay composed, terrified that what happened earlier might happen again.

“News has reached me,” he began in his deep, husky voice, slicing through his meal with practiced ease.

“A woman named Cassidy Dunsforth was found brutally murdered in her home,” He paused, his eyes lifting to meet mine.

“And according to the authorities, you’re their prime suspect.”

I froze. My hands began to shake uncontrollably.

“Please, believe me, I had nothing to do with it,” I said, my voice trembling.

“Do you really think they’ll believe you?” His tone was cold, almost taunting.

“With all the evidence pointing at you?” He leaned back, studying me with quiet amusement.

“Sooner or later, they’ll track you. Do you honestly believe a low-rank like you can escape?”

Tears stung my eyes as his words sank in. He was right. With my rank, I had no power, no chance of defending myself. That was why people could do anything to me without consequence.

“But I can help you,” he said softly, suddenly standing beside me.

His voice was smooth, dangerous.

“Easily...”

I hadn’t even noticed when he moved closer. His presence loomed beside me, his face mere inches from mine.

“Are you willing to risk everything?” he whispered.

The sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine, both a promise and a threat.

I met his gaze with trembling courage.

“What do I have to do?” I asked, my voice steady despite the fear clawing inside me.

I had already made my choice. Even if it meant giving him my body and soul, I would do it, if it meant ensuring my safety, and perhaps uncovering the truth about who I really was.

“All you have to do is sign the paper in front of you,” he said with a smirk, pulling away.

My eyes dropped to the paper lying on the table. Just one signature. That was all it would take to end everything I once knew and open the door to a fate I could never escape.

“I want you to bear heirs, to continue my bloodline,” he replied coldly.

It felt like something inside me broke. I could barely breathe. He had rejected me as his mate. And now, he wanted me to carry his heirs to fulfill his ambitions.

A gentle tear slipped down my cheek. The nervousness I felt earlier was replaced by fear and uncertainty as my eyes followed every line of ink written before me.

“Sign it,” he said. His voice was low, steady and cold. His crimson eyes never left mine.

And so I did.