Chapter 17
Our escort led us through a ma of corridors, deeper into the mano Finally, we reached a large room with dark wood paneling and a massive fireplace. Expensive rugs covered the floor, and heavy curtains framed tall windows.
“Stand there and wait,” the Delta commanded, pointing to a spot near the center of the room. “Don’t sit. Don’t touch anything.”
I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a mirror. The red handprint on my cheek stood out starkly against my pale skin. Without the silver chains, it would have healed by now. With them, the mark remained.
Freya swayed dangerously beside me. I shifted slightly, positioning myself where I could catch her if she fell.
“Stand straight,” snapped the Delta, noticing my movement.
Before I could respond, the double doors at the far end of the room wung open.
The man who entered, was tall and powerfully built, with tanned skin short brown hair, and a neatly trimmed beard. His green eyes swept over us with keen intelligence. He wore a black shirt that clung to, his muscular frame, and dark jeans. Everything about him screamed predator, from his confident stride to the way he scanned each of us in turn.
Even without the heavy scent of authority that surrounded him, I would have recognized his rank. This was the Gamma of Clifflands -third in command after the Alpha King and his Beta.
These are the tributes from Forestvale?” he asked.
“Yes, sir,” our escort replied, suddenly respectful. The Lunas from Emberhill Pack, a smaller pack in the region, and Pineridge Pack.
The Gamma’s gaze fixed on my face, narrowing at the sight of the handprint. “And your names?”
Scarlett and Freya murmured their names quietly. When it was my turn, I straightened my spine.
“Juno Warden, former Luna of Pineridge Pack,” I said, meeting his eyes directly.
A hint of surprise flickered across his face, quickly replaced by curiosity. “What happened to your face, Juno Warden?”
I didn’t hesitate. “He hit me,” I said, nodding toward the Delta.
The Gamma turned to the man, eyebrow raised. “You struck an unarmed Luna wearing silver restraints?”
The Delta shifted uncomfortably. “She was disrespectful, sir.”
“Disrespectful how?”
“She… she questioned my orders.”
“And you felt threatened by a bound female?” The Gamma’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Does your masculinity hang by such a thin thread that you must assert dominance over restrained women?”
The Delta flushed red. “Sir, I—”
“What would you have done if she wasn’t wearing lver? Would you have been brave enough to strike her then?” The Gamma stepped closer. Answer me.”
The Delta opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
1/2
Chapter 17
Without warning, the Gammas fist shot out, connecting with the Delta’s jaw. There was a sickening crunch, and the Delta crumpled to his knees, blood and a tooth spilling onto the carpet.
“Let me be clear,” the Gamma sid, his voice deadly quiet. “These women are valuable tributes. Only the Alpha King, the Beta, or myself are permitted to touch them. Is that understood?”
The Delta nodded frantically, one hand pressed to his bleeding mouth.
The Gamma turned back to us, his expression softening slightly. “I apologize for his behavior. The men of Clifflands are typically more civilized and professional. He will be disciplined further.”
Scarlett took a small, brave step forward. “What… what does the Alpha King intend to do with us?“.
qoes
The Gamma studied her for a moment, then leaned in slightly, inhaling near her neck. He did the same to Freya, and finally to me.
“The Alpha King has little interest in… used goods,” he said, looking specifically at Scarlett and Freya. His gaze lingered longer on me before he continued. “You’ll be allowed to rest now. When the other tributes arrive, you’ll be presented to the Alpha King for
selection.”
With that, he strode from the room.
