Chapter 4

• Nora's POV:
• Just then, alpha Maverick walked in the moment the ritual was done as if he had timed us. “Come with me,” He commanded with his cold and thick voice as he walked out of the room, while I walked alongside him, trying to match the pace of his long strides.
• “On no account should you be seen on the second and third floor of this building.” His cold gaze on me as he continued. “They are for my beta and gamma and their families. I have given those floors to them over the years they've lived with me. The 4th floor is for us,” He added as we stepped into the elevator heading to the 4th floor. When the elevator finally stopped, we walked and suddenly stopped in front of a door. His tall muscular body intimidated mine as he looked down at me for some time.
• I stayed mute, staring up at his stoic face, wondering what his cold gaze was all about. My heart pounded in fear, and I couldn’t fathom what an 18-year-old girl like me could have done to warrant such scrutiny. Just as I was about to speak, he broke the silence.
• “This is your room.”
• My room? We had just gotten married, and I was his Luna. Why a separate room?
• “My room is here,” He added, pointing to the door opposite mine. Our rooms faced each other. He didn’t wait for a response as he walked into his room and shut the door in front of me.
• Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door to my room and stepped inside. My jaw dropped at the sight before me. The room was lavish and opulent, unlike anything I had ever seen. Back in the dark heart pack where I grew up as a slave, such luxury was unheard of. It was overwhelming to see such extravagance, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and gratitude.
• The room was decorated in rich tones of gold and burgundy, with plush carpets lining the floor and intricate tapestries adorning the walls. A grand four-poster king size bed dominated the room, draped in fine silk and adorned with soft pillows. A cosy sitting area with a fireplace welcomed me, inviting me to relax.
• The room was bathed in warm, inviting light from ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. A large window offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest, with moonlight streaming in to cast a soft glow over everything. The air was scented with fresh flowers that adorned every surface, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
• “Our room is beautiful." My wolf said as I slumbered to the bed with open arms, my body bouncing on the king sized bed. I felt relaxed and felt at home. My body was so weak that I didn't know when I drifted to sleep.
• Just then, I felt something touch my forehead and I jolted awake in fear, memories of how the Luna of the dark heart pack where I'm from would wake me with a whip or a bucket of water flooded my mind as I had thought she was the one who had touched my forehead. In fear, I ran towards the edge of the bed, sitting, folding my hands around my folded legs.
• Reality hit me to see Alpha Maverick standing in front of me with his expression unreadable. I studied his face. His eyes bore at me.
• His hair was a fiery cascade of black, long and were tied upwards, his lips were naturally pink and his lashes and brows were naturally beautiful, his nose were pointed. He appeared handsome, in a white singlet and a black short. It was his broad muscles that caught my attention the most. I finally got to see the tattoos on his body clearly. From his waist upwards were filled with clean and breathtaking tattoos as I continued to stare.
• “Stop staring.” His thick voice brought me out of my dazed state. “I’m here to check you.” He added as I could see a Stethoscope hanging across his neck and he was holding a box, looking like a doctor.
• Check me? Do I have a choice to say no? Of course not.
• "How long have I been asleep?" I questioned, shifting my gaze towards the clock.
• "10 hours. Go get your shower. I'll be waiting,” he added, his tone reassuring.
• In the bathroom, the mirror reflected a stranger. My cheeks were still red from Chloe's squeeze and my lips looked dry, so dry that they were peeling off. I hadn't eaten or tasted anything for the past 24 hours. I really looked unkempt. No wonder Alpha Maverick didn't kiss me, I guess. No wonder he came to check on me. I look sick!
• After freshening up including brushing my teeth, I emerged from the bathroom, feeling slightly more human with a towel wrapped around me.
• "The new dresses in the wardrobe are yours, they are all new dresses.” His thick voice broke the silence in the room and I nodded.
• Just then, my eyes fell on the bed where I saw an array of medical tools laid out with precision: a blood pressure cuff, a clipboard with papers presumably for notes, and small jars that likely contained some form of ointment or medicine.
• After wearing my dress, his voice came again. "lay on the bed without your shirt on. I need to check on you,” he requested, his tone demanding. I should lay on the bed without a dress and lay naked in his presence? No way!
• “You should let him Nora. He is not trying to harm you, you know?.” I heard my wolf speak in my head when suddenly, his voice cut through.”
• “I don’t want to repeat myself.” He added.
• Without a word, I pulled off my shirt as I was in a bra. I laid face down, my back exposed to his eyes. Suddenly, a sharp intake of breath from him caught my attention as I realised he had seen the mark.
• His hand hovering just on my skin, afraid to touch the healed and healing bruises that marred my back. "Who did this to you?" He finally asked, his voice a mix of anger and concern.
• I remained silent, the weight of my past pressing down on me, silencing my voice. There were cuts from the flogs I got in the past.
• "Who did? You wouldn't have done it yourself.” He paused. " Who?" His voice was harsh this time, demanding an answer that I wasn't sure I had the strength to give.
• How do I get to explain to him that the alpha and the Luna of the dark heart pack did this to me? He won't believe it anyway.
• Seeing the fear that gripped me, his hands were moving gently as he examined me. He proceeded to check my vitals, his professionalism not waning as he awaited my reply.
• "Speak!”
• I felt a tear escape the corner of my eyes.
• His hands stilled on my back, and for a moment, there was only silence.