THE ALPHA'S DEFIANT MATE

Lessons

|Aria|

My eyes followed him till the back of his head disappeared as he entered the building. Niamh waited behind even though other maids had followed him.

“Being like this will not be helpful to anyone. Do you know the fastest way to break people? Making them watch others suffer on behalf of them. I implore that you behave and be prepared for tomorrow; your lesson starts.”

Her words were concise but sharp. She passed her message with a firm voice that also sounded like a warning. My eyes roamed the environment and finally settled on the maids that had their heads bowed, trembling with the words of the Alpha that was not even present anymore.

“Is he that scary that they tremble even in his absence?”

I thought to myself as we walked back to the room. His coat was still on my shoulders and my mind wandered to the previous night. My heart actually wanted to pop out of my ribcage yesterday when I did that. I thought he would have me beaten to death but I was also prepared for that because that would have been the fastest way to put an end to all this madness.

All I needed was for my wolf to answer me and stop playing the hiding games but she wouldn’t budge. I had been talking to myself every single day, hoping she would talk but she never for once responded. There was no single thing I haven’t tried to make her know why I should escape but she just kept mute and hidden at the back of my mind. I was never bothered when I was in the human world but here in the pack, I needed her so I could function to the best of my abilities.

****

The following morning was not the same as other mornings. Niamh kicked my door open as early as five in the morning and declared that my lesson for the day had started. Who wakes up at five to start a lesson?

I understand that I wake up earlier than that in the human world but I had been sleeping quite well ever since I came to the pack, and that was a strange mystery I haven’t been able to unravel.

“You need to learn the act of cleaning, washing up, dressing, and getting ready to meet the Alpha. Everything you learn is to please him,” Niamh informed me

A scoff escaped my throat. I was kidn*pped against my will and now I have to be groomed to serve him? What a joke.

“You leave me no choice but to treat you like the other maids if you refuse to cooperate.” She hadn’t finished her line before she fished out a cane that was hiding behind her with the folded arms.

“Up!”

Her voice was so fearful that I didn’t know when I stood up immediately. She led the way and I followed. We didn’t stop until we got to a large bathhouse that was built at the far end of the mansion.

“Strip”

I obeyed.

Her firm voice continued, “As a mate, it is essential you learn to present yourself in a matter befitting your station. Now, step forward”

She handed me a small, delicate sponge and a vial of oil. “First, we cleanse the skin,” her hands guiding me through the motion. “Use the sponge to gently scrub away any impurities, then rinse with warm water.” She added

The effect of the warm water on my body was great. My tensed muscles calmed a bit but before I could rest in the feeling, her voice sounded again. “You must always strive to look your best for the alpha’s pleasure and your own self-respect.”

My stomach turned at the mention of pleasure. I couldn’t even imagine his hand around my body. It made me puke and disgusted me to the core.

“You must always be the mate the alpha desires.”

I couldn’t digest it. It made me annoyed, but there was nothing I could do about it.

****

Still inside the room where the bathhouse was situated, she led me to a sectioned room filled with an impressive array of garments in various colors, textures, and styles.

“The gowns here,” pointing to the right side of the rack, “are made from the finest silk and they all have golden patterns.”

With the cane in her hand, she flung one off the hanger and turned to me. “Slip into it!”

I did as she ordered and she moved further to explain the different fabrics, textures, and colors. She also gave additional tips on how to choose them for various occasions, which I didn’t think I needed because I would be disappearing from the pack very soon.

On the right side, there were powder and perfume bottles on the long table. Ornate boxes with the pack’s crests imprinted on them were also present.

“The art of perfumery is very important. With perfumes, you can intoxicate any man into your charm. It speaks elegance.” She lectured and reached for a crystal vial filled with a pale pink liquid.

“This is referred to as ‘Rose de Mai’ because it is formulated from the essence of rare roses. With this, you can give the signal of femininity and receptivity.”

I watched her take me through all the products that were on the table. “This is called ‘Midnight Bloom’ because it was extracted from a rare flower that blooms only under the light of the full moon.”

Such a flower existed? I never knew. Strangely, I was getting interested in the teachings and wanted her to continue but she turned and declared that the lesson for the day was over.

“As you are the Alpha’s guest, we cannot pressure you too much. Get ready for the cooking classes tomorrow.”

With that, she dismissed me and left me in the care of the maids who were summoned after the class. I wasn’t sure if I would be needing all that I had learned but at least I enjoyed the process.