Misguided Wolves

28. Just One Of The Girls

Kate jolted awake as maids burst into her room, their chatter slicing through the haze of sleep. “Good morning! Master Castiel requests we prepare you for the harem. We’ll also review your duties as a sister.”

Before Kate could protest, they ushered her from the bed to a steaming bath, scrubbing her head to toe with floral oils. They dressed her in a deep forest green mermaid gown, its silky fabric clinging to her curves, restricting her to delicate steps. The plunging V-neck and low back left little to the imagination. A maid smiled, satisfied. “Green suits you, and it’s all you’ll wear unless you leave Vintr—which won’t happen often.”

They sat her at the vanity, slicking her curls with oils into a sleek, unnatural style, heavy makeup masking her features. Kate stared at her reflection, barely recognizing the stranger in the mirror. Tove would roll her eyes at this, she thought, a pang hitting her as the aconite’s emptiness lingered, muting her wolf. She prayed its effects would fade soon, fearing the silence might drive her mad.

Stepping into the common room, Kate found the other “sisters” in similar green dresses, each tailored to accentuate their strengths and conceal flaws Castiel might disfavor. The glass ceiling bathed the pool and gardens in light, a beautiful prison. A girl with snow-white hair tied in twin buns skipped toward her, pale pink skin glowing, icy blue eyes sparkling. Her skirt and crop top, playful yet elegant, contrasted the others’ gowns. She grabbed Kate’s hands, beaming.

“You’re our new sister! Oh, you’re so pretty!” Pooka’s words tumbled out, her bubbly energy infectious.

Kate smiled, charmed despite herself. “Thank you, I’m Kate—”

A sharp voice cut in. “Pooka, must you be so annoying this early?”

A striking woman approached, older than the others, her electric blue hair in a high ponytail, gold and gems adorning her mature, seductive two-piece outfit—a high-slit skirt and strappy top barely covering her. Kate sensed she wasn’t a bird shifter or common race, her aura hinting at something rare. Pooka’s face fell, her voice small. “Sorry…”

The woman, appraised Kate. “Don’t mind Pooka—rabbits are always too energetic, easy prey. Welcome, Kate. I’m Ionia, and thanks for handling our bird problem. Bex thought she was above us. Come, it’s time for morning tea.”

They sat at a round table laden with finger foods and tea. Kate sniffed her cup, detecting a faint, bitter undertone beneath the floral scent. Ionia leaned close, whispering, “It’s a precaution to ‘behave’ until your abilities suit them. Don’t skip it—they’ll notice and collar you. Trust me, it’s… unpleasant.”

Ionia’s face twisted briefly, then she giggled. “They don’t know we could take them without our powers.”

Kate stifled a laugh, imagining it, and sipped the tea, deciding to comply until she understood the harem’s dynamics. The sisters introduced themselves, each a rare shifter or prized bloodline—trophies for Castiel’s collection. Pooka was a rabbit, a bird shifter echoed Ara’s grace, and Zephra, a unicorn shifter, captivated Kate. Her snow-white skin and hair shimmered with aurora-like colors, her eyes mirroring the effect, a faint glow surrounding her. Kate longed to see her shifted form.

Ionia outlined the harem’s rules:

1. Never act inappropriately with anyone, even mates.

2. Always be presentable, wearing assigned clothing.

3. Obey Castiel’s every command.

4. Drink the tea daily unless exempted.

5. Never attack a sister or royal family member.

6. Never leave the harem without permission or escort.

“Break these, and consequences are severe,” Ionia warned. “There’s some leniency at first, but don’t test it.”

Kate wondered how many sisters were coerced like her, but held her questions, planning to earn their trust. Castiel entered, his green eyes glinting. “Are you making your new sister feel at home?”

“Yes, your majesty,” the sisters chorused.

Castiel beamed. “Good. I’m leaving again soon, but we’ll celebrate my return. Show Kate the ropes, and behave, my lovelies.”

His gaze lingered on Kate, a daring challenge to misbehave. She met his eyes coolly, refusing to give him satisfaction. He left, and relief rippled through most sisters, though three seemed disappointed. Ionia remained indifferent, her seniority evident. Kate noted her as a key ally, especially after eliminating Bex, but sensed Ionia’s hidden depths required caution.

Ionia stood, smirking. “Your first night with him’s delayed, lucky you. Spend time with Pooka—she’s dying to pamper you.”

Pooka tugged Kate toward a spa area, where sisters relaxed, their guards down without Castiel. Kate saw her chance. By bonding with Pooka and observing Ionia, she could craft an escape plan. Ionia’s undisclosed shifter nature intrigued her—strength without powers suggested a formidable ally or foe. For now, Kate embraced the pampering, her mind sharp, Bex’s diary a secret weapon in her mattress.