Camille's POV

Losing my virginity to a man who had clearly thought I was useless except for breeding pups had never been how I envisioned things.

But here I was.

I have no spitting idea of how anyone can harbor even a single spare room in their heart for anyone other than their mate.

And I know I am expected to cry, tissues at the ready, while I lay patiently waiting for my Lycan mate to come for me. But no.

Sitting in this new room, I feel nothing but contempt for him. The thought of my body aching for him desperately, and his touch, is the biggest regret I carry.

I have no desire to share my bed with him anymore, but the mate bond—something he assumes we have, is the only thing keeping me here.

I stare out the window, watching his pack train and go about their business, preparing for the mating ceremony tonight.

‘Is this what my life is going to be like from now on?’

I sit at the window for hours, refusing to go down for lunch when Lana comes knocking or to see the designer sent to take my measurements.

I want to see if I can somehow catch a glimpse of Alpha Sigewuf.

No one from Aston-Lakenheath has called to check on me. When I say one, I mean my family. I’m not surprised.

But I am hurt by their reaction. I know having a family meant for better or worse, but I had never been really treated like one.

Being the only daughter of my parents, one would think I would be treated like a princess or some sweet little doe but no. I was treated by my family like a stranger that somehow managed to fit along somehow.

Twenty minutes before the ceremony begins, Alpha Sigewuf arrives from wherever he had gone.

The scent of another she-wolf clings to him.

No member of the White Moon pack shows up for me. Their absence speaks volumes, one I recognize but I’ve never wanted to accept: I don’t belong with them.

The ceremony passes quickly, with Alpha Sigewuf absent-mindedly disengaged the entire time and me giving the sweet smile to the guests and pretending to be so pleased I am mated to a lycan alpha.

But all of it is sheer pretence—looking pleased when I clearly am anything but that.

By almost midnight, it's over.

I head upstairs, my gaze fixed on the suite. His suite where his supposed guest is in.

“He's with a guest,” Beta Roxan says, following behind me as I hold the handle of the door.

I let my hand fall to my side. “And when will he be done?”

His gaze shifts, he clears his throat. “I have no idea, my lady.”

I nod, a faint upward tilt of my lips. I wonder if that last remark was meant to mock me or show respect.

I turn and head for my room.

‘Even on the night of our mating ceremony?’

The question slips from my lips.

How could Alpha Sigewuf be like that? Yes, he’s ruthless, vile, a lycan obsessed with power, but to see this cold, distant man with me as my mate is truly sickening.

A gentle tap at the door pulls me from my thoughts. I drag my body to the bedside table and turn on the lights.

It’s almost morning.

“Who’s there?”

Alpha Sigewuf’s voice echoes. “Open the door.”

My feet move before my mind registers I’m unlocking it.

He stands there, the scent of another she-wolf mingling with his sweat, hanging heavily in the air.

I roll my eyes and step aside, giving him enough room as he walks in.

“What do you want?”

He sits up on the bed, propping one leg up to his knee while the other rests flat.

“Do I need a reason to see you?”

“You left before the mating ceremony was even over. Couldn’t keep your mistress waiting, huh?” I say tersely.

"I had something important to attend to" he said,

"Hmm" I mumbled, nodding my head

“Come to bed,” he orders.

I hesitate.

Then walk over to the bed, my hands crossed over my chest beneath my nightie.

“You were supposed to mark me. But you didn’t.”

His brows furrow. “I don’t remember owing you anything. Not even my mark. And I didn’t think it was necessary.”

I gave a half smile, one that didn't reach my eyes, “Since it wasn’t necessary to mark me, I don’t see why I should share my bed with a cheating mate,” I spat, giving him my most menacing look.

He stands, walks to the door, and locks it.

Turning to face me, he says, “No one dares defy my orders or talk back to me. Do you even understand that?” His eyes darken to a deeper green.

Alpha Sigewuf pins me against the wall, ripping off my nightie.

He smacks his lips as he stares.

“Your duty to give me an heir isn’t dependent on whether I mark you or not. It’s mandatory!”

“Don’t—” I cough, gasping for air as I try to pull away from his grip.

Without a wolf, I am utterly helpless and unable to fight back.

He throws me onto the bed, smirking more wickedly.

“Don’t do this, Alpha,” I whisper desperately.