Chapter Nine

The ride back to the Alpha's pack was a somber journey. Ariana sat in the backseat, her gaze fixed on the passing trees and the white-knuckled grip on her seatbelt. Her eyes welled up with tears, her cheeks stained by their salty trails, and her face reflected the torment in her heart. The weight of her dire situation bore down on her like an unrelenting burden, and her sobs flowed silently.

The Alpha, who was behind the wheel, had been mostly silent during the ride. He couldn't ignore Ariana's tears any longer. He glanced at her through the rearview mirror and,  finally turned his head toward Ariana.

With a voice that shattered the silence, he commanded, "Quiet, Ariana. I expect strong children from you, not weaklings who cry."

Ariana couldn't help but flinch in the back seat. Her body stiffened, and her breath caught in her throat. The sharpness of his voice cut through her like a knife. Her shoulders trembled in fear, and she pressed herself against the door of the vehicle as if seeking refuge. Her heart raced, and she felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

Tears streamed down her face, and she hastily wiped them away with her hand, along with the fluid trickling down her nose, the residue of her tears.

Summoning the courage to speak, Ariana's voice trembled as she uttered "Do you even care about my feelings in all of this, why did you choose me?"

The Alpha's gaze softened for a moment, revealing a hint of understanding, but he quickly masked it. He maintained silence, refusing to respond to her.

Ariana's eyes filled up with fresh tears as she struggled to keep her voice steady, "I don't want to be your breeder. Please let me go"

A sense of dread settling over her, she had managed to voice out her unspoken emotions to the Alpha and she expected that this would have consequences, but to her surprise, the Alpha's lips curled into a subtle smile.

He leaned in closer, his gaze fixed upon her, and he replied, "I admire women who have courage and confidence. But remember, Ariana, your desires mean little in this situation"

Ariana, emboldened by his unexpected reaction, couldn't suppress the burning question in her heart. Her voice gained strength as she asked, "Will you let me go once I give you children?"

The Alpha's chuckle was cold and calculated. He leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving Ariana, and replied with a chilling certainty, "Forget about your freedom, Ariana."

His words, a touch of sadistic amusement, "You are my possession, Ariana. You will remain my slave for all eternity." He added, smirking.

Ariana's fears intensified and she felt trapped in the back seat with no way to shield herself or escape this horror.

Their journey continued in grave silence. The road outside blurred as her vision clouded with tears, and she longed for safety.

*****

As Ariana and the Alpha approached the regal Crescent Moon Pack's palace, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of anticipation. The palace came into view, a magnificent structure with towering pillars. Its exterior was adorned with intricate carvings and architectural details that told the story of the pack's rich history and the enduring legacy of its leaders.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient trees that surrounded the palace and the air carried a sense of solemnity as pack members lined the path leading to the palace. They formed an honor guard to welcome the Alpha and his newly chosen breeder. Pack members stood in respectful silence, a blend of power and tradition. Their faces filled with curiosity and high regard for the Alpha, observing  Ariana as she walked alongside the Alpha.

The Alpha's Trusted Adviser, distinguished by his age and wisdom, stepped forward, his silver hair shiny in the waning sunlight executed a deep bow, his eyes gleaming with respect.

With an air of profound respect "Welcome, Alpha. I see you returned with the girl." He took a quick glance at Ariana, "Her hips sure look like one that will bear plenty of children for you" he added, nodding satisfactorily.

Alpha Ethan, with an unyielding tone and piercing gaze, responded "Certainly, Adviser. She's sure putting up a worthless fight, but she's mine and nothing will ever change that."

Turning to other members of the palace, he continued, "I return to fortify our pack's power. My presence serves as a reminder of our pack's strength and legacy."

An Elder of the Pack, his ancient eyes filled with the wisdom of generations, bowed respectfully in agreement, and with a warm smile, "We are deeply thankful to the gods for your safe return. Soon, the palace shall be filled with heirs"

Following the Alpha's orders, Ariana was escorted to her new room by the maids. It was a simple but well-kept space, bathed in warm, soft light streaming in through the curtains. She was meticulously cleaned and made to look presentable enough as the Alpha had instructed.

Ariana was led to the grand main chambers of the palace by the maids. she was presented to the Alpha in a simple yet elegant dress with a high neckline and long, flowing sleeves that added an air of modesty to her appearance. The dress was cinched at her waist with a delicate silver belt, which revealed her slender figure. The soft pink color complemented Ariana's complexion, making her appear even more delicate as she stood before the Alpha's imposing presence.

Alpha Ethan sat tall and imposing in his grand chair, his presence exuding authority. The marble floors gleamed beneath chandeliers, and the carvings and large picture frames adorned on the walls depicted the Packs' heritage, his mighty reign, and the lineage of the Alphas.

The Alpha's gaze bore into Arianas' with intensity, his voice firm, with no room for negotiation, "Your sole duty here is clear: to bear children." he firmly stated.

Ariana's heart pounded heavily in her chest, her eyes cast downward, and her lips trembled as she struggled to find the right words.

"I, I.... I"  she stammered, her eyes welled up with tears, but she dared not let them fall.

Alpha Ethan immediately cut in, his voice colder and devoid of mercy, "and any attempt to escape will result in your death"

Ariana's voice tinged with fear and she responded in a subdued tone, "I understand, Alpha."

Her heart was heavy with the knowledge of her fate as she realized that her predicament could be far darker than she had initially imagined.

Alpha Ethan stood up and walked majestically toward Ariana. His words sent chills down her spine as he whispered into her ear, "Behave, or you will suffer severely. Now take off your clothes"