Chapter 5

Lila pov

A few hours later

All the workers gathered outside the compound. I, too, was called upon, as a breeder is regarded as a worker, given that your freedom is respected. The atmosphere was filled with murmurs and conversations as we awaited the arrival of the Lycans, who were to address the workers.

“There is a woman I despise greatly; she possesses an excessive ego and frequently mistreats the workers.” Someone next to me remarked on her tendency to dismiss employees, a behavior characteristic of the soon-to-be queen, whom I believe is the same lady I encountered earlier.

The sound of heels resonated throughout the room as the door swung open, unveiling the striking beauty of the same impolite woman I had encountered earlier. She tossed her hair with grace, her fingers sensually caressing the strands that framed her face. The twin lycans trailed behind her, each holding one of her hands, with Kai on one side and Kyle on the other.

At that moment, she resembled a Cinderella princess, her gown cascading elegantly to the floor. The atmosphere grew hushed as she cleared her throat to address us.

"I would like that young lady to step forward," she stated calmly, gesturing towards me. I furrowed my brows in confusion and tapped my chest to confirm my identity. "Me?" I inquired.

"Yes, you. Come here; you are unique and distinct from the others, which makes you a valuable asset here, and..." Kai interrupted her, leaning in to whisper in her ear, his gaze fixed on us, though it was clear that the attention was meant for everyone present.

She turned to face him, a smile gracing her lips as she blinked one eye and elegantly approached us, her hands delicately holding the sides of her gown. "It is the night of the full moon, and a gathering is taking place here," she stated calmly. I observed her as she gently rotated her neck from side to side before continuing, "I desire for everything to be perfectly arranged."

She pointed at me once more, emphasizing her request. I stepped forward, prepared for encounters with individuals like her. "Ma'am?" I inquired, moving an inch closer. "Step!" she commanded, gesturing with her hands. "You will be responsible for the majority of the tasks here; any errors will be your own to bear," she asserted, her tone resolute and somewhat unsettling.

I nodded in acknowledgment as she circled me, whispering disparaging remarks into my ear. "I do not like you," she murmured, then gave my shoulder a light tap and scoffed. "You may leave now," she instructed.

I felt an overwhelming urge to confront her, a smirk forming on my lips. "Did you say something?" she inquired, seemingly aware of my outburst. Realizing I had spoken too loudly, I sluggishly turned to face her. "No, I didn't say anything," I replied, fabricating a lie before attempting to walk away.

"You better not say anything, or I will become your worst nightmare," she warned. The situation was even more perplexing; here was someone I barely knew, yet she was threatening to haunt my thoughts. It struck me as absurd as I stood there, my head bowed, when I finally heard her concluding words. "You are all dismissed, except for Lila," she announced. I shot her a hasty glare, my anger compelling me to speak, but I chose to keep my composure.

I cast a glance at the two individuals who had failed to intervene during her relentless harassment. She gently brushed my hair aside and leaned in close to my neck, causing my heart to race momentarily. Then, with a mocking chuckle, she quickly positioned herself in front of me.

“Kai informed me of your role as a breeder, indicating that you were sold to them, which is quite unfortunate. However, what I require from you is straightforward,” she stated, her cheeks flushing crimson as she grasped my hand.

I glanced at Kai and Kyle, who appeared taken aback by her gentle hold. "Keep your distance from Kai," she murmured, then gestured towards them.

"We are fine; you may leave us," she added, her eyes revealing the emotions she harbored for the twins.

"Yes, we are good," I replied, reassuring them, and they both nodded in unison. I focused my gaze, inhaling deeply to summon the confidence I needed, considering I was merely a woman who had been sold, and now another was attempting to caution me.

Perhaps she was unaware of my past as a... She interrupted my thoughts. "Listen, stay away; this is not just a casual warning, Lila. I will do whatever it takes to anyone who tries to obstruct me," she asserted.

“Very well, I shall refrain from discussing how being a breeder is distinct from your threats. You will also need to convey that to them.” With a derisive snort, I turned away, leaving her to her nonsensical threats.

The time for the gathering, which was meant to occur in the pack house, was nearly upon us. The entire location was beautifully decorated with various adornments. I remained in my room when a knock resonated at my door. "Who is there?" I asked, adjusting my dress in front of the wardrobe.

The knock sounded again, and with a sigh, I hesitated before standing up to respond, feeling an odd sensation. It was akin to the feeling I had when I first met Marcus as my mate.

My wolf instincts were in a frenzy, insisting that I had encountered my mate once more. This was unusual; how could I have two mates? I hurried to the door and swung it open.

To my surprise, it was the twin lycans! The connection was coming from them. Could they possibly be my second-chance mates?