“Please…” my pleas for assistance resonated through the night. “I implore you to release me…”
Tears streamed down my face as the frigid air rendered breathing painful. A previously liberating night transformed into a complete nightmare. This was not the intended outcome. I sensed blood oozing down the nape of my neck, where he had bitten and smeared it across my exposed breasts. The agony of his teeth in my flesh rendered it nearly intolerable, yet his gentle embrace and delicate kisses on the injury alleviated the pain somewhat.
His words reverberated in my ear, phrases that remained incomprehensible. Nevertheless, he continues to reiterate them.
“My companion…”
What was the significance of those words?
Surely, he was not implying that I was his companion? I was unable to be his companion. I did not possess a wolf. While most individuals would manifest their wolves at the tender age of 14, I was 21 and had yet to develop mine. I was unable to have a partner.
A shadow obscured this man’s face, preventing me from identifying my assailant. However, his voice was soft, alluring, and recognisable.
My exposed body quivered beneath his caress; I did not desire this. I wished to avoid physical contact with this man. I desired liberation. My sole desire has always been to attain freedom. Five years have elapsed since I became a servant of the Radiant Palace, employed by House Valerius.
I could perceive the music and the conversations of the ceremony occurring within the palace confines. The celebration marked the union of Royal House Valerius and the Warrior Eldarion Pack, as Ashton Valerius wed Lady Elsie Eldarion.
Everyone of significance was present at the ceremony, with the exception of this man.
Whomever he may have been.
“My companion…” the man reiterated as he descended his kisses along my exposed back. His fingers caressed my breasts gently and drew me nearer to his body.
“I am not…” I exclaimed to him. “I am not a companion to anyone.”
His warm breath rendered my skin tinged with goosebumps as his lips traversed the nape of my neck and approached my cheek. His other hand compelled my head to incline slightly towards him. I was unable to discern him clearly due to the shadow obscuring his features.
Nonetheless, I could distinctly detect the odour of alcohol on his breath. I almost retched at the odour.
Regardless of his identity, he was inebriated.
“I am not your companion…” I murmured, attempting to reach him.
His lips enveloped mine, allowing me to savour the lingering bitterness of the wine on his mouth. I was unable to withdraw; my body prevented me from doing so. I did not desire this; however, my body disregarded my mind. I remained motionless, closed my eyes, and permitted him to intensify the kiss.
I reflected on a few moments prior to my exit outdoors. Kylie, a fellow slave and my closest companion, informed me that venturing outside was perilous.
“Molly…” she addressed me prior to my arrival at the rear door. “You mustn’t.” She maintained a severe whisper to avoid drawing attention from the others.
I recognised her correctness. We were prohibited from being outdoors without authorisation, and it seemed as though I had not been outside for an extended period. I sought a brief experience of freedom; I desired to feel the crisp autumn air against my skin and enhance the night with my presence.
If discovered, I would face punishment.
I did not intend to be absent for an extended period, and the majority of the servants and others were occupied with the ceremony. I did not anticipate being discovered so quickly.
His subdued growls permeated my ear; I could detect the musk of his wolf. His claws were sharpening as his wolf form emerged from his human guise. He lacked control over this assault. His wolf existed. He desired me intensely, and I sensed it.
The gentleness of his fur caressed my back, and his grip on me intensified. I was not a match for a complete wolf when I was unable to transform. I was defenceless against him, yet I did not perceive any intent to harm; he was driven by l**t.
The acuity of his claws penetrated my skin between my breasts, resulting in a laceration along my torso. I cried out in anguish as I observed the blood saturate the garden soil.
“Please, cease!” I implored.
I was indifferent to whether anyone could hear me. I desired the cessation of pain; I wished for him to release me.
I gazed at my maid’s uniform, which lay discarded at my feet; he had effortlessly ripped it from me. He had no doubt; he arrived here with a clear objective, and I was merely an obstacle in his way. I ought not to have deviated from the course I was pursuing to arrive at the gardens. I desired to inhale the fragrance of blooming roses and bask under the moonlight for a brief period.
I silently vowed to the lunar deities that if they ensured my survival, I would never again be disobedient.
His claws reverted to hands, and I felt his erection pressing against me, imploring for access.
I implored him once more to cease; my verbal protestations urged him to halt, yet my body remained rigidly pressed against his, unyielding. My body remained compliant to him; upon his touch, my back arched, and my respiration intensified. Upon his kiss, a gentle moan would emanate from the depths of my throat.
He perceived the intense pleasure and indulged in it; notwithstanding my verbal entreaties for assistance, my body craved it.
The gardens started to illuminate slightly as the storm clouds receded from the moon; through the hazy perception of my blurred vision, I was able to observe my assailant.
I gazed up at him, astounded by his identity. Rendered speechless.
Prior to my utterance, I discerned a voice emanating from the far end of the garden. I heard footsteps and deduced they were likely other servants. No one would have departed the ceremony; they must have been searching for him.
“Prince Jayce!” a servant exclaimed upon seeing him.
He recognised that they were approaching our direction and promptly released me. I collapsed to the ground, hastily gathering my uniform. I concealed my body, my fingers trembling and tears continuing to stream from my eyes.
