Chapter 4

Jacky's POV

The first man I had sex with was my high school boyfriend. He’d convinced me to give it up and then broke up with me right after. Apparently, I was just another name on a list of girls he wanted to “conquer.”

Since then, I’d come to believe men have a singular "wow factor." Some were incredible at flirting, others mysterious and charming, and a rare few were good in bed. But I’d never met one who ticked every box—until him, the man in the mask.

Goddess help me.

Flashback

The heat of his body attracted me, he lounged back against the pillows, propped on his elbows. The room was dimly lit, the muted glow from the street below barely filtering through the heavy curtains. The celebration outside continued in drunken revelry, but the only sound I could hear was my own breathing, ragged and uneven, matched only by the steady thrum of my pulse.

And him.

The man before me was magnetic, his presence commanding every shred of my attention. Every muscle in his body was carved with purpose, and the cock between his legs seemed as unapologetic as the man himself—proud, bold, and impossible to ignore.

“You’re staring,” he murmured, his voice a deep, seductive rasp that sent a ripple down my spine.

I tilted my head, meeting his intense gaze. “I’m studying my opponent.”

That smirk. That goddamned smirk. It deepened, promising things I wasn’t sure I was ready for—but also things I wasn’t willing to walk away from. “Opponent, huh? Bold of you to assume you stand a chance.”

“Let me be the judge of that.”

He sat up in one smooth motion, leaning in so his face was inches from mine. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re about to find out exactly what it means to lose.”

Before I could fire back, he gripped my chin, tilting my face toward him, his thumb brushing along my bottom lip. His touch was firm yet deliberate, exuding control without needing to demand it.

“Take off your clothes,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for debate.

I swallowed hard, his gaze pinning me in place. My fingers moved on their own, trembling slightly as I unzipped my dress and let it fall to the floor. The air around me felt charged, crackling with the weight of his attention as his eyes raked over me, slow and deliberate.

“Breathtaking,” he muttered, almost to himself.

Then he was on me, faster than I could process, his hands gripping my hips as he pulled me onto his lap. I gasped at the sudden closeness, the hard press of his arousal against my center making my breath hitch.

“Hold on to me,” he growled, his voice like gravel, rough and commanding.

I obeyed, wrapping my arms around his neck as he captured my lips in a searing kiss. His tongue teased and claimed, his hands sliding over my body with a confidence that left no doubt he knew exactly what he was doing.

“You’re going to give me everything tonight,” he murmured against my lips, his teeth grazing the corner of my mouth. “And you’re going to beg for more.”

A shiver of anticipation coursed through me as he stood, carrying me effortlessly to the bed. He placed me down gently, but the look in his eyes told me there would be nothing gentle about what came next.

“Turn around,” he ordered.

My body obeyed before my mind caught up, and I found myself on my knees, gripping the headboard for support. He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear as his hands slid up my thighs, spreading them wider.

“Good girl,” he whispered, his tone dripping with approval. “Now hold on tight, because this is going to be rough.”

I barely had time to process his words before his hand came down on my ass, the sharp sting making me cry out. The next second, his fingers slid between my folds, testing, teasing.

“Fuck, you’re already dripping for me,” he said, his voice thick with satisfaction. “Do you like being treated like this?”

“Yes,” I panted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Say it,” he demanded, his hand tightening on my hip. “I want to hear you say it.”

“I love it,” I admitted, my voice shaky but truthful.

“Good,” he replied, his tone dark and promising. “Then you’re going to love this.”

He entered me in one smooth thrust, stretching me to the point where I couldn’t tell if it was pain or pleasure making me scream. He stilled, letting me adjust, his hands gripping my waist like a lifeline.

“Breathe,” he said, his voice softer now, though no less commanding. “Tell me if it’s too much.”

“It’s perfect,” I managed, my nails digging into the bedpost.

He chuckled, a low, sinful sound that sent a thrill through me. “That’s my girl. Now hold on.”

And then he moved. Goddess, did he move. Each thrust was calculated and deliberate, hitting places I didn’t know existed. My moans filled the room, but he wasn’t satisfied with that.

“Louder,” he growled, his hand sliding to my throat, applying just enough pressure to make my vision blur. “Let them know who’s making you feel this good.”

“Fuck!” I screamed, the combination of his words and his actions sending me spiraling toward the edge.

He leaned down, his teeth grazing my shoulder as he whispered, “Say my name.”

“I—I don’t even know your name!” I stammered, the words barely coherent.

“Then scream for me, sweetheart. Let the whole damn city know I ruined you.”

—

I woke up in an empty bed with a serious headache. Lookin at my clothes squirted all over the floor, I realize that my flashback wasn’t some stupid thing. It was real. I’d had a one night stand with a handsome stranger and I didn’t even know his face. Not just that, but none of us knew what the other looked like.

As I took off the mask, I stared down at my watch before jumping out of bed. “Fuck!’’ I cursed under my breath. I’m late.

Putting my clothes back on, a knock sounds on my door. “Breakfast!’’ Someone says.

I rush to open it, offering a polite smile.

“I’m sorry but I didn’t order any..’’

“You boyfriend did. He paid for the hotel and ordered you room service.’’

Oh wow, how sweet.

“Uhm, thank you, but I’m in a hurry.’’ I jolted past her while I struggled to zip up my pants. I made a decision yesterday, today, I’d move ahead with my plan.

I needed nothing more than my sword. I was a trained fighter. Straight from the training program at the temple, I’d avenge my sister's death. Last night was a chance to drown away my sorrow. Ofcourse, getting my brains fucked worked just the same.

Fuck! Why am I still thinking about this stranger? I have a mate. The very man I plan on killing. Alpha Roman!

I still remember his neutral expression when he shook my head and offered condolences for my sister’s death. As if he’s not the one who had her killed.

As I rushed down the road and into my cafe, I picked up my sword in the back rooms. Mother was already in the kitchen with Anna, playing with the door and preparing pastries.

“You’re really going on with this?’’ My mother said, her eyes already teary.

“I’m sorry mom. But I can’t let that bastard get away with what he did.’’

She was silent. Then, she came to me and hugged me. For the first time, I allowed myself to weep in her arms. Not so much that I broke down and forgot my agenda.

“Is there anyway I can change your mind?’’ She asked, I shook my head.

“Aunt Jacky. Please don’t go. Don’t die like mommy.’’ Anna cried as she tagged my pants. I bent down, kissing the top of her head.

Not wanting to linger on too long, I turned to my heel and headed out the kitchen. In the coffee area, the customers were all staring at me. One by one, each raised their cups of coffee and shook their heads at me.

“Give them hell peaches.’’ Grandpa Max, an older man whom I’d give free coffee, said with a smile. The rest of the cafe uproar. “We’re all with you.’’

It was good to see someone support this stupid decision. I knew I was going to die out there. I believe it. However, I’ve come to realize that sometimes, the moon goddess doesn’t give us a mate so we can love them. For Alpha Roman, it was my responsibility as his mate to rescue the world of his cruelty and tyranny. Even if I died in the process.

While I rode to the battle grounds, I thought about my sister. Three years ago, Eloise joined the trials believing she would give her daughter a better life. She fought with everything she had. Everyone knew she would win, but instead, Alpha Roman sent someone to kill her in cold blood and film it for everyone to see.

I would make him pay.

As I entered the gates of the mighty Luna trials, I spotted the receptionist. A pretty blonde filing her nails and chewing gum loudly. She looked up at me, rolled her eyes as if I disappointed her.

“I’m here to register for the mate trials.’’