Ember POV:
The Red Stone Pack House was a mansion built of stone and timber, standing imposing against the night sky. It used to feel like home. Now, it looked like a prison.
We entered the grand foyer. Servants bowed their heads as Chace and Karyn walked in.
"Move my things to the Alpha Suite," Karyn commanded a young Beta maid. "And burn whatever sheets were on the bed. I want everything new."
"Yes, Luna," the maid squeaked.
Chace turned to me. He was loosening his tie, looking relaxed, as if he hadn't just destroyed my life.
"Ember, go pack your things from your room. You're moving to the Omega Quarters in the basement. It's closer to the kitchens. It will be easier for you to work."
The Omega Quarters. Damp, windowless cells where the lowest of the pack slept.
"I understand," I said, my voice hollow.
"Good girl," Chace said, reaching out to pat my head. I flinched, and his hand froze in the air. He frowned. "Don't be difficult. You know you belong here. You're my Omega. You need the pack's protection."
Suddenly, a heavy, musky scent filled the room. It was Karyn. She was releasing pheromones that mimicked the early stages of Heat. It was artificial, chemically enhanced to drive Alphas crazy, but to me, it smelled like sulfur and desperation.
Chace's eyes dilated. His nostrils flared.
"You smell... intense," he groaned, pulling Karyn close.
Karyn smirked at me over his shoulder. "Unlike some people. You smell like nothing, Ember. Like tap water."
"I'm hungry," Chace muttered, nuzzling Karyn's neck.
"I made soup," I said automatically. It was a habit. I had spent all afternoon brewing a medicinal broth with herbs to help Chace's energy after the ceremony. "It's in the kitchen."
Karyn laughed. "Soup? We are wolves, Ember. We need meat."
"Throw it out," Chace ordered, his voice thick with lust. "Order us some raw steaks. And bring up a bottle of wine. The vintage red."
My heart sank. "That soup took six hours to make."
"I said throw it out!" Chace roared, using his Alpha Voice.
The command hit me like a physical blow. My knees buckled, and I fell to the floor. The power of an Alpha over an Omega was absolute. My body disobeyed my mind, forcing me into submission.
"And bring the Wolfsbane wine," Karyn added. "A little drop makes things... exciting."
Wolfsbane. Deadly to wolves in large doses, but a hallucinogen in small drops. For a weak Omega like me, even the fumes could make me sick.
"She can't handle Wolfsbane," Chace said, though he didn't sound concerned.
"She won't drink it, silly. She'll just pour it for us," Karyn giggled.
I struggled to my feet as the pressure of the Alpha command faded. "I... I need to go for a walk first. To get fresh air."
Chace waved his hand dismissively. He pulled a black credit card from his pocket and threw it at me. It landed on the floor.
"Fine. Go buy yourself some new cleaning clothes. You look pathetic in that dress."
I stared at the card. Then I looked at the stairs, where they were already ascending, hands all over each other. The sounds of their wet kisses echoed in the silence.
I picked up the card. Not because I wanted his money, but because I would need resources to escape.
I walked to the heavy oak door. I didn't go to the kitchen. I didn't go to the basement.
I stepped out into the night. The door clicked shut behind me, cutting off the sound of their laughter and the smell of their lust.
The air was crisp. I inhaled deeply, trying to clear the scent of betrayal from my nose.
This wasn't my home anymore. It was just a building full of ghosts.
