Leah's POV
Alpha Finn injected the entire syringe into my vein. Almost immediately, I felt control over my limbs slip away. My body went limp, collapsing onto the sofa like a rag doll. Though my physical struggles ceased, my mind was still very much awake, and fear clung to me like a second skin.
Tossing the used syringe into the trash, he lifted himself off me. Then, he sat beside me on the sofa, his fingers weaving into my hair.
"Whether you like it or not, that's the new face I gave you," he murmured while gently combing through my hair. Suddenly, he yanked it viciously, his voice turning deadly. "If you dare tell anyone about this, I will peel off your skin while you're conscious. Do you understand?"
"Yes... Sir..." I whispered, knowing he wasn’t bluffing.
His hands traced a path from my nape down to my chest. As his long, slender fingers brushed the tips of my nipples, I flinched involuntarily. He peeled my buttoned blouse open, his gaze fixed on the branding mark on my chest as if it were a piece of art. His intense stare made me feel exposed, so I turned my head away.
When he raised his hand, I instinctively dodged, expecting another strike. But instead, he patiently buttoned up my blouse, one button after another, as though dressing a doll. The unexpected tenderness made my heart race, a confusing mix of pain and comfort akin to being stabbed while being consoled.
This man is so enigmatic, oscillating between tenderness and cruelty, leaving me at a loss on how to react. Why does he treat me this way? Does it have something to do with what I did to him in the past?
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Alpha, the Ocean Howlers are here," a voice called out.
"Let them wait!" he bellowed. "I'm busy!"
His sudden rage startled me. Then, he looked at me and said, "Now, let's have breakfast together. I hope you're hungry, because I'm starving."
Lifting me from the sofa, he cradled me in his arms. Summoning all my courage, I dared to ask, "Sir... do you know me from the past?"
Finn's POV
Oh, Leah. When your brother Leo tortured me in the lab, neither of you saw this coming, did you?
Who would have ever believed that the Lycan Princess would become my obedient slave?
I had Dr. Monk perform plastic surgery on her, transforming her appearance completely.
The sedatives I administered daily have made her addicted; she wouldn't dare try to escape.
This is just the start of my revenge. Leah is merely a piece of my grand plan.
"Listen, I don't usually answer questions, but I'll make an exception this time." I placed her in a wheelchair and wheeled her up to the table. "I don't know who you are. My soldiers discovered you in a dumpster, your face disfigured by acid. Someone must have thought you were dead and discarded you there. They brought you back, and now you're mine."
"But... But I have this feeling that... that you hate me..." she stuttered, her voice trembling.
Oh, you have no idea. I thought, as I unfolded a napkin, draping it around her neck, secretly wishing I could strangle her with it.
"I don't hate you. I hate everyone equally," I replied, pouring her a cup of coffee.
She looked terrified.
I combed her hair and said, "But as long as you do everything I ask, you'll be fine."
I brought the cup to her lips. "Drink," I commanded.
She took a sip and immediately burned herself.
"What? You don't like the coffee I gave you?" I frowned. "Just like you don’t like that new face of yours?"
"Sir... I..."
"I said drink, you deaf bitch?" I snarled, prying her mouth open and pouring the entire cup down her throat.
She panicked, choking and screaming in pain.
I slammed the empty cup on the table and settled back, savoring her distorted face.
"I have a feeling we're going to enjoy each other's company," I said, picking up a knife and fork.
--
"Alpha Finn, it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Alpha Siluria of the Ocean Growlers rose as I entered the meeting room.
This old bastard reminded me of a vulture. From the barely concealed disgust on his face, I knew he’d pick my bones clean if given the chance.
"I made you wait three hours and yet you stayed. I thought you’d have left by now," I said, sprawling into my chair and stretching my legs.
"A promising young man like you is always worth the wait," he smirked.
"Let’s cut the crap, alright?" I said. "What do you want from me?"
Leaning forward, he said, "Alpha Finn, I come on behalf of His Majesty the Lycan King."
"Which one? Jalin or Lucian?" I asked, a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
"You’ve got a killer sense of humor, Alpha Finn, I'll give you that," he smirked. "His Majesty would like to discuss an arrangement regarding the current situation in Mediland..."
"I see no need for any arrangement," I said, crossing my legs. "I've had my fill of being manipulated by the Lycans; you know exactly what I’m referring to."
"You will have full ownership of Mediland, Alpha Finn. Control over its exports and imports, as well as the northern territories of the Kingdom. His Majesty is committed to maintaining that,"
"So why did he send you?" I asked skeptically.
"Alpha Finn, I've been loyal to the Lycans for decades. I've served under three Lycan Kings and now stand by the fourth. One thing I've learned is that Lycans detest a divided Kingdom."
"Excuse my language, but I couldn't care less about their likes and dislikes," I said with a dismissive shrug.
"This isn't personal, Alpha Finn. It's strictly business. His Majesty is offering you full control over Mediland and the northern border territories in exchange for your cooperation. The rogues are disrupting our trade routes and..."