It was 6 PM, and I could already feel my body reacting strangely. A sudden wave of heat washed over me, discomfort prickling beneath my skin. My nipples were already painfully hard. I swallowed hard, curling into the bed, my heart pounding. I could feel it—my heat was coming. Soon, I’d lose control, and heaven help me, I didn’t know if I’d survive it.

The door creaked open. Terrified, I looked up, relieved to see the maids enter. They gave me a polite smile I couldn’t return before approaching.

“We’re here to dress you and take you to the Alpha,” the older one said.

I swallowed again, my throat dry. Slowly, I shook my head, backing up on the bed until my back hit the wall. “No… I—I don’t want to see him.”

The younger maid frowned, her hands holding a red dress that made my stomach twist. “You have to,” she said softly, almost apologetically. “He said you must be brought to him before the moon rises.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. I felt an ache starting in my lower belly, warmth spreading through my core like wildfire. The room felt too hot, my skin overly sensitive. Goddess… it was happening faster than I thought.

“I’m not going,” I whispered, shaking my head more firmly. “Tell him I said no.”

The older maid sighed. “We don’t have a choice. He gave strict orders. And if you don’t come with us willingly… the guards outside will make you.”

Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I was tired. Tired of being powerless. Tired of being dragged around like I was nothing.

“I’ll scream,” I said, my voice shaking. “I’ll fight.”

“You can try,” the older maid said, almost sadly. “But that heat coming on… it’s going to get worse. You won’t even be able to resist him. And he knows that.”

They stepped closer. I slapped their hands away. “Don’t touch me!”

The younger maid flinched, then dropped her gaze.

“Fine,” I snapped. “I’ll go. But I’ll dress myself.”

They both looked surprised, then nodded. I grabbed the dress. Even touching it felt like betrayal to the triplets, like silently agreeing to be a sacrifice. Turning my back, I slipped it on with shaking fingers. My body was on fire, my limbs trembling, and I could barely get the fabric over my skin.

I didn’t check the mirror. I didn’t care how I looked. All I knew was that I was going into heat… and I might have to sleep with a stranger. And my mates weren’t here to stop it.

The older maid looked me over as I adjusted the thin strap over my shoulder. Her eyes swept over my shaking form. “You look like you’re being led to be sacrificed,” she muttered.

I scoffed bitterly. “That’s exactly what this is. I don’t even know who this man is. What if he hurts me? What if…” My voice cracked. “What if he kills me in bed?”

“Nothing like that will happen,” she cut in firmly, sounding certain. “The Alpha won’t harm you.”

My lips trembled. “You say that like you’re sure.”

“We are,” the younger maid added. “He’s not cruel. And besides… we heard you were sold.”

I frowned.

“You should feel lucky,” the younger one continued. “He treats his people well. Be glad he’s the one who bought you. Trust me.”

“Lucky?” I echoed, shaking my head. “Lucky to be bought like cattle? Lucky to be offered up during my heat to a stranger?”

They didn’t answer.

I frowned and gently rubbed my fingers over the choker around my neck. “He seems… mature.”

The older maid’s lips twitched into something close to a smile. “He is. He just turned thirty-five last month.”

My eyes widened. “Thirty-five?”

They both nodded. It seems I was right when I guessed his age.

“He’s… seventeen years older than me,” I whispered. Goddess. It hasn’t even been three months since I turned eighteen. “Damn… he doesn’t look it. He looks…”

I caught myself before I said “good.” But the thought lingered. For a man, his age… he did look damn good. That chiseled jaw. That raw, masculine face. I hated myself for thinking it, but something about him stirred me—even through the fear.

Realizing they hadn’t been entirely cold, I decided to risk it. “You two… you’ve worked here long?”

“Yes,” the younger one said, her voice softer now.

“Then you must know him well. The Alpha, I mean. What about his mate? His children?”

Their expressions changed, frowns etching on their faces.

“It’s not our place to speak about that,” the older maid said gently but firmly.

That only made my heart twist tighter. What kind of man was I being taken to? Why wouldn’t they talk?

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. The younger maid turned toward me. “It’s time.” The older one moved to open the door.

I didn’t feel ready. Not even close. But I straightened my back and followed them anyway. Because I didn’t have a choice.

The maids walked quietly ahead of me, and I followed, my heart pounding. Every step toward his room made the heat between my legs worse. My body was burning up; I could barely walk straight. My heat was already here. I could feel how wet I was. My thighs were shaking, and my nipples were sore just from brushing against the thin fabric of the dress. I wanted to cry. I didn’t want this. I didn’t even know this man. But I had no choice.

We reached a large, dark wooden door. One of the maids gave me a small nod, then pushed it open. Warm light spilled out into the hall. I could smell something masculine inside—strong, spicy, and clean. It hit me straight in the chest.

“Go on,” she said gently. “He’s waiting.”

I swallowed hard and stepped inside. The door closed behind me.

This room was big and quiet, dimly lit by golden lamps. Everything looked expensive—thick rugs, a big fireplace, dark wooden furniture. But I barely noticed any of it. Because he was there. Sitting in a large chair near the fire. Shirtless. And damn—he looked good.

His chest was broad and muscular, his skin golden and smooth except for a few scars. One arm rested on the armrest, the other across his leg. His fingers were long and strong, his body completely relaxed. His hair was messy, like he’d run his hands through it. His jaw was sharp, with just enough stubble. And his eyes—dark and unreadable—lifted to meet mine the second I walked in.

I froze. My legs trembled. Heat flooded my body. I could barely breathe. My core throbbed, and I felt myself getting even wetter. Shame crawled up my throat—I didn’t want this. I didn’t want to feel this way. But my body didn’t care. It wanted him. My heat was coming hard, and I couldn’t stop it.

He noticed. He tilted his head and gave a slight smile. It wasn’t kind. It was dark. Confident. Like he knew what I was feeling. He didn’t say anything. Just watched me. As if he could hear my racing heartbeat. As if he could smell how badly my body wanted him. And in that moment, I knew… there was no way I’d make it through this night untouched.