Rolling on his bed was Cullen. Since the end of the servitude, he had never been able to get a good night's sleep since all he could hear was the suffering and anguish that his pack endured. He saw a person behind him as he got up to fetch a drink of water.
Moon deity, what are you seeking? The individual moved forward to reveal herself beneath the light when he requested. She was taken aback that he could sense her. She is your Mate. She answered.
Bella pressed herself to the chilly, empty cage she had been put in. She hasn't wanted anything for the past three weeks except to walk outside and at least see the sunlight.
Going anyplace as long as it wasn't this chilly, desolate cell with a bunk bed didn't bother her.
It had been three weeks since she last saw her captor. She had last seen him when he had captured her and claimed her as his own. She felt a shiver run down her spine recalling what transpired that day. She had never seen eyes so icy, and all that could cross her mind was that she knew more than anybody why Prince Cullen, who was now an Alpha King, detested her so much.
She was the crowned princess of Kastel three weeks ago. She was the sole child of the revered and feared Alpha Jacob. Her father would make sure you wouldn't see her the following minute if you dared to glance at her twice or look her in the eyes straight.
However, her father has already been slain, and the vicious Alpha King Cullen, who detests her presence, is assuming control of their realm.
Bella heard footsteps and shackles, and as she glanced up, she saw a bodyguard with a dish of food. The sight of the food platter made her tummy churn, and she recalled that she hadn't eaten since the morning, even though it appeared to be evening now.
The guard angrily gave her the food tray and said, "This is your food tray, Priiincessss." Out of disdain, he extended the final phrase. Everyone in the kingdom despises her, and she didn't need anyone to tell her that; all she needed to do was stay put to prevent further problems for herself.
Then, without further word, she raised her hands to take the tray.
"The king will be here, slave, in a few hours. Prepare to accept him. The guard said as much and turned to leave.
Her body shook as she dropped her tray in terror.
A few hours later, when the sun was almost setting, Bella heard footsteps and a voice declaring that the Alpha King had arrived.
Edward, please do not announce me, came the curtly reply, sending shivers down her spine. She has lived for twenty-five years and has never heard a voice so icy.
I apologize, "My king," he said so immediately.
The sound of padlocks being unlocked was followed by the door being opened.
The footfall shouted royalty, and she heard just one, so she thought it may be King. Then the door slammed behind him.
Tension caused the frigid cage to lose its coldness, and as she lifted her head to meet hateful eyes, she realized she was no longer alone.
Cullen wondered why her scent drew him in so strongly. It made the wolf in him cry out for her because it was so powerful, delicious, and addicting. At sixteen, he was meant to meet his mate, but instead he was abducted and rendered impotent by the father of the girl his wolf had claimed as its own.
Bella's eyes met the man in front of her. He had the stature of a monarch, yet he was as massive as a warrior. Although she was aware of his age—35—his anger gave the impression that he was much older than he actually was. She could still feel the nobility in him even though he was being severely abused and tormented while in slavery.
Their animosity for one another was evident as they gazed at one another. His face would have been quite attractive, but one cheek was scarred heavily, giving him a menacing appearance. Not only was Alpha Cullen upset about her presence, but he exuded fury and showed no sign of affection.
Bending down, he seized her long, silvery hair in his hand and gave it a violent tug, causing her to turn her head and meet his gaze. She was in pain.
I need you to greet me each time I enter this room. You don't simply sit there and look at me like a coward. I will punish you the next time anything similar occurs since I always like seeing you suffer greatly. His eyes glowed scarlet.
Yes, my king. She sighed.
With contempt, he flashed his eyes. With his hands barely touching her breast, he lowered them and wrapped them around her nipple. She sobbed as a result of his severe pinching.
He held on tight. I have never been your king and I never will be. You are not a member of my people; rather, you are my slave and I am the king of my people, my pack. I shall be referred to as your master. You would serve me more than they did, but I'm sure you witnessed how your father handled my people. Yes! Yes! He persisted in squeezing her while she sobbed and tried desperately not to strike him. Yes what? He enquired. Yes, master. She answered, exploding with agony and rage. More than everything, she detested the phrase "master," but she knew she had to learn how to pronounce it correctly in order to get herself off his bad side because she was scared of him.