Chapter 7 Preparation

Mira's POV

I walk to my room with trembling legs, unsure where I gathered the courage to confront Serene head-on.

Maybe it was the frustration from the brothers' display at dinner, all because of her stupid mistake. And she dared to laugh at me. What good is she as a female Alpha if she can't even bear a pup? This is all because of her.

I bang my door shut-loud enough for everyone to hear. Hopefully, the brothers will take it as a sign to stay away tonight. I am still not ready to accept the title of breeder.

I let out a long breath, my hands balling into fists. My fate has already been sealed, and yet, I still refuse to accept it.

But how long can I fight this?

The walls of this castle are closing in, suffocating me, and the worst part is... there is no escape.

Knock. Knock.

A part of me wants to run into the bathroom and lock myself in, but then I remember-none of them ever bother knocking before barging into my room.

"Come in." My voice is steady-far steadier than I expected, considering I know I'm about to face hell tonight.

The door swings open, and the moment I see her, my chest tightens.

"You slut!"

She's dressed like one of the maids, yet she dares to talk to me this way. My mind immediately goes to the one person who could have orchestrated this.

Serene.

"I'm guessing Serene sent you. It seems she's the scared one now and can no longer say things to my face." I walk gracefully to the bed, moving deliberately so she has a full view. The disgust on her face is obvious, but I ignore it.

"No matter how hard you try, no matter what tricks you think you have, you will never take my Luna's place." She spits the words out like venom. "She has been with the brothers for so long. She knows them in ways you never will."

If looks could kill, I'd be dead already.

"I'm afraid she hasn't told you yet," I say, tilting my head. "That's normal. She seems to be the manipulative type."

"That you're their mate? I already know." She crosses her arms. "Unlike you, she doesn't need tricks to win people over. She's bold, honest, and outspoken. I'm only here to warn you-stay within your limits. As big as this castle is, I promise you, I can make it unbearable for you."

She rolls her eyes and storms out before I can respond.

The door slams shut behind her, but the heat of her words lingers in the air.

Tch. I pound my fist against the bed in frustration.

How dare she?

I want to scream. To throw something. To rip these sheets apart. But what will it change? Nothing.

Knock. Knock.

Another knock sounds on the door, and I almost curse out loud. Is this castle really against me having a moment of peace?

"Come in," I sigh, hoping it's the kind maid. A tender smile is all I need right now.

The door creaks open. Two maids enter, followed by Steward Darius, carrying a basket of fruit and another covered basket.

"They asked that you be prepared for tonight."

Darius's gaze lingers on the covered basket with a glint of mischief.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.

Prepared.

The word makes my stomach churn.

I know what they mean, yet I wish-desperately-that I was wrong.

I try to form words, to protest, but my voice fails me. I want to tell them I am not ready for this. I want to tell them I would rather cut the bond than be claimed by four men in one night.

But what good will it do?

My protests will fall on deaf ears.

Darius smirks before turning on his heels and walking out.

The maids immediately start attending to me, leading me to the bathroom. As I sink into the hot tub, my worries momentarily fade. One of the maids massages my shoulders, pressing her thumbs into my tense muscles, making me melt under her touch.

I soak in the warmth for a few minutes before stepping out.

"This or this?"

My eyes widen when I see the dress they're holding.

"What is this?" I demand, anger bubbling in my chest.

"This is what Luna Serene usually wears when she visits the Alphas. They enjoy it." The maid eyes the sheer lace undergarments, then glances at my body.

I feel sick.

The air in the room suddenly feels too thick.

I take a shaky step back. "I-I won't wear that."

The maid simply shrugs. "I think the red will do." She places the rest of the clothes back in the basket and leaves with the others.

I pace back and forth, my mind racing with thoughts.

There has to be a way out.

I move to the window, hoping the cool air will calm me down.

"I wasn't expecting such a nice view at first."

A chill runs down my spine. That voice.

Lucian.

I turn stiffly, unsurprised to see the rest of his brothers standing behind him. Dressed in matching black PJs, their auras alone are enough to differentiate them.

"The maids asked me to wear it," I explain quickly. "And I was only looking out the window for some air."

Lucian's gaze lingers on my exposed skin, making my stomach tighten.

"There's no need to explain, baby girl," Rowan murmurs, his voice hoarse, his dark eyes smoldering. "We're going to see it all anyway."

I follow his gaze to the covered basket.

"Tch. I don't even know what's inside, and I don't care to find out," I snap, folding my arms across my chest.

"If I were you, baby girl, I'd take a look," Rowan warns, stepping closer. "Because if we do this without preparation... you'll regret it."

I gulp, my throat dry.

My hands tremble as I reach for the basket.

I don't want to open it.

I don't want to see what's inside.

But the way they're looking at me-their expressions laced with amusement, curiosity, and something far darker-tells me I have no choice.

I hesitantly lift the cover off the basket.

The moment my eyes land on the items inside, my heart stops.

Lucian smirks.

"Don't tell me your father sold you as a breeder without even explaining what it entails?"

My breath hitches.

I finally see it-the true weight of my fate.

And for the first time, true terror grips me.