Three

CRESIA

A rush of dread washed through me, and it made my body tense. Eyes widening, my gaze focused on the Alpha standing before me.

He was the most feared Alpha because he was the direct descendant of the Primordial werewolves, who were the strongest werewolves ever. They lived with immortality and possessed indescribable powers and abilities that normal werewolves didn't have.

Primordial werewolves were the only ones who could outsmart the powers of vampires and even witches... and the rumor that they ate werewolves' flesh was well known to every pack.

That was why no pack had ever tried to deal with them.

Their Alpha was practically a beast.

Now, here I was who accidentally set foot on their land. It seemed to me that the Moon Goddess' idea of fun was completely different, for I felt that she found pleasure whenever she put me in nerve-racking circumstances.

Perhaps she didn't like me since I was wolf-less, which was why, after Colton's attempt to rape me, she used her great manipulation skills and threw me in this situation to seemingly test my worth.

"You look instantly sick, little mutt," the other werewolf mocked me as he laughed, before he licked his lower lip. "I wonder what you taste like once I chew your flesh in my own mouth. Metallic sweet, hmm?"

My mouth formed a thin line. I shook my head and stepped back. "No, I refuse to be eaten by filthy creatures like you!"

His laughter echoed in the forest. "I really like your angst. It's just unfortunate that this will be your last dreadful night."

"Stop right now, Klyde," the Alpha growled loudly.

I almost jumped in my stance. My head got fuzzy and disoriented because of the unbearable cold of the snow and of the creeps that engulfed me. His growl was menacing... beastly.

But I couldn't let my life end this way.

This wasn't worth my escape.

Despite my legs wobbling, I shot the Alpha a deadly glare. He looked at me in an intense way, like a lion topped with a powerful crown, and seemingly wanted me to follow his rules or else he'd tear my body apart.

"Alright, Alpha. I'm done playing," the arrogant werewolf stated as he raised both of his arms. "Mind link me if you decide to kill that wolf-less rogue. I will be glad to take in part and slash her neck for me to taste first hand."

"No." I shook my head, gritting my teeth firmly.

Seconds later, that arrogant werewolf shifted back into his wolf form and ran away.

Now, I was left with the most feared Alpha—the beast who led his animalistic pack.

He breathed heavily. Another growl escaped his throat that made me shudder. I raised my fists despite not knowing how to swing them at him.

"To which pack did you come from, rogue?" He asked in his deep, wary voice.

"Do you normally interrogate your prey, beast?"

His jaw clenched. I could even hear the sound of his teeth gritting. Even if I was facing the most feared beast hiding inside a gorgeous male human body, my smart mouth could hardly be stopped. I knew it would get me in trouble, so I castigated myself inwardly.

I needed to prepare in case he chose to be violent, even if my body didn't feel good anymore.

Shit!

My hands shook while I fisted them.

Come on, Cresia!

His wayfarer blue eyes surveyed my entire body. For a split second, I felt violated, seeing the rudeness and insult in the way he stared at me. However, when our gazes met, my breath hitched.

How come a beast like him looked very fascinating?

"You're injured. Your heartbeat isn't doing well. You're going to faint in no time."

I swallowed hard. He was right.

"So . . . do you wait until I faint before you eat me?" I fired at him.

His lips curled into a smirk as he watched me, amused. "That's not how I usually eat women's flesh. But I'd be happy to spare some time and show you how I actually do it."

My forehead creased in confusion. However, the moment my disoriented mind was able to process what he just said, my cheeks turned red.

"I . . . I don't know what you are up to, but I won't let you do anything you want with me!" I shouted bravely.

The next thing I did was run away from him in hopes that I could exit their land, but before I could even reach the river where I crossed earlier, the air made a loud whoosh, and in a blink of an eye, the primordial Alpha was already in front of me without breaking a sweat.

"Looks like a little pup lost her way," he made a roar.

I screamed.

His speed was unbelievable! One second he was standing before me, blocking my way. Then a second later, he advanced to me, and I felt a wild wind brush against my skin. I had to shut my eyes. My heart rate picked up the second I opened them, and as my gaze roamed around, I gasped, seeing multiple cells surrounding us.

Did we just teleport?

The cries of the prisoners sent shivers up my spine. It was heartbreaking.

"Where did you take me?" I pushed him immediately and looked around.

I could only suck in a breath. The prisoners looked terrible, like they were about to die because of physical disease and starvation.

How could someone do such cruelty?

"You can tell the obvious, little rogue." He chuckled darkly. "They are the dogs who dared enter my land. It's amusing to watch them slowly die because of their recklessness."

Fear struck me as I envisioned the same fate I would face in the hands of the beast. My lower lip trembled. Tears started to pool on both sides of my eyes, but I refused to cry.

I turned around to meet his amused, dark gaze.

"What exactly do you want?" A simple question, yet I used all my remaining strength in my voice.

He stepped forward and grabbed my jaw so tightly that it made me whimper.

"You. I want you—"

"What's in it for you?!" I raised my voice. "Just let me go!"

He shook his head. "A rogue like you can never leave this land alive."

"Then what do you want from me, you monster?!" I yelled in panic, then I shoved his hand away.

He laughed. I didn't like how it sounded. It made me so frightened that my bravery faded away. Even the prisoners inside the cells surrounding us were terrified. It was as if they saw the villain in their nightmares.

"Do you ever think that a monster isn't born, but rather made?"

A cold breeze passed me, making me tremble badly. My gaze lowered and I found a huge rock. I took it and threw it at him, but he just caught it and clutched it until it turned into dust.

He stepped forward, and I stepped away from him until I shuddered when I felt the cold cell against my back. I gasped, lips parted as I stared up at the Alpha who had no trouble cornering me.

He banged his fist on the cell, and I almost cried underneath him.

"You ask what I want from you." He inhaled hard as he eyed me intently. "No pressure, but my wolf told me you are my mate. So, whether you like it or not, you will be stuck in here with me and become my Luna."

What the fucking hell?

Mate?

Damn, no!