Chapter 3

After Rayne left, I remained lying on the bed, looking up at the stones embedded into the ceiling overhead. My body slowly relaxed, but even though I was coming down from the intense sexual high I had just experienced, my mind was now spinning with the thoughts of what I’d just done.

I wouldn’t call what I was feeling regret. It was more like flying so high before hitting the ground all at once and realizing the full extent of reality.

Everything had happened so quickly, and I was so enamored with Rayne, that I hadn’t given it much more thought than believing this was the best thing for me. I kept telling myself that I could handle it.

But reality is much more than believing in oneself and getting swept off your feet by a male. I was well aware of that.

Someone in Rayne’s position might carry significantly more baggage into a relationship than most, whether it’s the start of a romance or merely a convenient arrangement. While I hoped for the love story, I wasn’t going to be a fool and say that the arrangement possibility wasn’t there.

Not with how much Rayne had pushed for this first encounter. Not only did he keep saying how beautiful he thought I was, but in less than two hours, he’d ensured that I would be his and his alone.

Not that I wasn’t expecting some of this. I understood his intentions when he offered to make me his beta, and honestly, I wanted to believe that he’d done it because he felt like this was fate.

I certainly felt that way, even if I couldn’t understand why. After lying there for another ten minutes, I finally got up and picked up my dress that was lying on the floor near the bed.

I frowned as I looked at my underwear. He’d completely shredded the sides of them, so there was no way I could wear them.

Oh well. I supposed I’d have to make do without wearing underwear until he came back.

Then I could request new ones. I couldn’t imagine that he wouldn’t have new clothing made for me anyway.

But for now, I’d get cleaned up and put on what I had. The bathroom was small yet spacious enough for comfortable movement.

It had a window above the claw-foot bathtub, with a toilet and a shower stall nearby. The white marble flooring matched the cabin’s overall design, and by the door stood a sink topped with a large oval mirror.

I went over to the tub, turned the knobs to fill it, then removed my corset. It had been slightly uncomfortable with how it had been shifted during my romp with my new alpha, so removing it was a relief.

Yet as I did, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and couldn’t resist going over there to study my reflection. Throughout my life, I’ve often found myself reflecting on my own image, even from a very young age.

My appearance hasn’t drastically changed, aside from the natural maturing over time. My white hair has always been long, but those I’ve lived with preferred it braided to the side or neatly tied in a bun.

I think it was for convenience, so it could be easily tucked away under a hood or cloth. But they couldn’t hide my face or eyes.

To be honest, I had always believed I possessed an angelic look. My skin was as smooth and porcelain-like as the moon’s glow, and in stark contrast, my eyes mirrored the deepest blue of a clear sky, framed by dark lashes that only accentuated their intensity.

Yes, I was most certainly a child of the moon, and all knew it when they saw me. It took some effort for me to pull myself away from my reflection.

I went over to the bath and turned off the water before stepping in. It was warm and relaxing, and I sat back and closed my eyes, allowing myself to enjoy it.

Why was I thinking so much about all of this? I told myself that I could handle it.

Besides, wasn’t it a good thing that Rayne desired me as he did? A proper beta should be desired by her alpha.

I convinced myself of this while I took my bath, and felt much more comfortable about everything when I finally got out. I was certain that I’d be fine.

Even if some didn’t want to accept me, I was certain that Rayne always would, and that was enough for me to feel at ease. I was thinking about Rayne as I got dressed, envisioning my handsome male.

Goodness, I’d never thought when I woke up that morning that I would meet one like him. He was so incredible, and so far had been quite sweet to me along with very satisfying.

~Oh how I want this to work out~, I thought. ~He very well could be the male of my dreams.~

But for all of that, I wasn’t foolish about things. Rayne and his family had a lot riding on the beta he chose.

Not only was he an heir to the Northern Lands, but he was also one of the last Luna Dogs to exist. I had heard that the rest were wiped out right before his father had become a ruler.

As much as I didn’t like thinking about it, I wondered if his choosing me factored in with that. Was he hoping for a beta to provide him with powerful children in the future, children who would be strong enough not to possibly meet the same fate?

My thoughts were interrupted as I emerged from the washroom and noticed someone in the main room. The sight startled me, causing me to retreat a step.

However, my apprehension faded swiftly when I realized that it was just Emelio. He chuckled at my reaction.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he apologized. I placed a hand over my chest, waiting for my heartbeat to steady.

I hoped that this Mage would not do this often. Should that be the case, I would have to condition myself to detect his presence.

“You did, but I suppose it’s all right. I should expect that you’ll visit us occasionally.” I sighed.

Taking another soothing breath, I approached him. “Did you wish to speak with Rayne? I’m sorry, but he’s gone to talk with his father.”

“Yes, I know,” Emelio replied, “and my visit isn’t to speak with him. I came specifically to talk with you while we have this moment to ourselves. You don’t mind, do you?”

I shook my head, uncertain of what this was about but willing to hear him out. “No, I don’t mind, but what is this about? Has an issue come up?” I inquired.

“Not at all. I merely wanted to discuss certain matters that I believe need to be addressed,” Emelio said as he walked over to the table and drew out a chair for me before taking a seat near me.

“But let’s not begin so formally. I’ve never been one for such formalities, even though I’m aware they are often anticipated. I would prefer to start by asking how you are acclimating. It has only been a few hours, yet I understand this is a significant adjustment for you, and quite an unforeseen one at that.”

How interesting. It appeared he wished to show me some kindness.

I wondered if it was truly because he wished to or if he was simply trying to gain my trust. “Yes, it has been quite sudden, but I believe I’m doing fine. Rayne has been very kind to me, and I do like this place. It’s very comfortable, much more than any I’ve ever been in before.

“I suppose the only thing at the moment is that I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of this. I never would have expected when I awoke this morning that I would be chosen by an alpha and taken away, or that this alpha would be one of the heirs to the Northern Lands,” I explained.

“Yes, I think we all share those sentiments, and I also sense that your presence here will likely be beneficial for Rayne. It’s not just Lord Jekia and Lady Lana who agree with me, but the Higher Ones as well, which is remarkable given how selective they are about the rulers or their heirs selecting their companions,” Emelio replied.

I tilted my head. “The Higher Ones? Are you speaking of the Angels?”

“Not quite. The Higher Ones work under them and are in charge of overseeing the rulers and their families. As you’d imagine, things within the Veil are in quite a delicate balance, and they stick with the notion that uncertainties can be dangerous.”

Emelio closed his eyes, bowing his head. “That being said, I must apologize for my initial assumptions about you, my lady. I admit I harbored some doubts when Lord Rayne abruptly brought you here and announced that you would be his beta. Your heritage is indeed unique, and I’m sure it has not made your life any easier.”

“You don’t have to sugarcoat anything, and I won’t blame you or any others for being concerned about this. I can’t tell you why Lord Rayne has chosen me, but I can assure you that I have no intention of causing him or his family any trouble. I simply wish to be a good beta to him,” I assured him.

“Yes, I have little doubt of your capabilities, and it seems Lord Jekia shares this sentiment. After all, every alpha has the right to choose their beta, and their judgment is typically very astute,” Emelio conceded. This was interesting.

Despite what he was saying, it was almost as if Emelio and the others were both wanting to believe this was right yet still questioned Rayne’s intentions.

“Forgive me if I am overstepping by asking this, but it sounds as though the worries about me aren’t completely abated,” I pointed out.

Emelio kept his knowing smile. “You are very perceptive, and I count that as a good thing. I am being truthful with you when I say that neither I nor Lord Rayne’s parents are that concerned about this.

“We see you coming into his life as a very good thing, and we wouldn’t judge you simply for how you were born, nor did Lord Merrick. If he had worries about you, then he would’ve been able to step in and stop Lord Rayne from bringing you here.”

“He could do so?”

“It would have been in his rights, considering you were born in the Western Lands and considered one of his subjects,” Emelio answered. “Returning to my earlier point, the concerns primarily involve some of the Higher Ones. Although you haven’t caused any problems previously, there is an awareness that issues might emerge due to your lineage from an incubus.”

I wasn’t surprised that my Fallen bloodline was brought up as a concern. After all, I was born from a creature that fed on sexual pleasures.

But I had never needed to, and I would make that known. “I understand the concerns they would have, but I do not need to feed on sexual pleasure to survive, and up until now, I have never had any experience with such either. I can’t say that I’ve ever even been so attracted to a male as I have from the moment I met Lord Rayne, and I like to think that such would be a good thing,” I countered.

“Yes, I concur with you. And without meaning any disrespect, there were even greater concerns regarding Lord Rayne in such matters. Therefore, his decision to choose you brings a sense of relief concerning those possibilities.”

Emelio quickly continued before I could inquire about what he was referring to with Rayne. “Moving on, allow me to take this time to speak to you about your place with us now. I’m certain that you have been taught how to be proper and respond to most situations, considering you were raised as a servant to high-class households, but you must always be aware of yourself and your actions now that you are a beta to a future ruler.

“Your life is now linked to Lord Rayne, and even if there will be some who show displeasure for your bloodline, you will have to learn to rise above them. To not do so will only show that you are not meant to be by his side.”

“They would have me removed as Lord Rayne’s beta if I were to do anything deemed improper?” I guessed.

“It can happen, though I do not believe you need to worry about it. You seem very level-headed, and even with the swiftness of this, you genuinely seem to care for Lord Rayne. We also believe that he should be trusted with his choice, just as Lord Rin was trusted when he selected his beta.”

“Lord Rin? He is Lord Rayne’s brother, is he not?”

“Yes. He is his twin.”

That was right. There were twin heirs to the Northern Lands, though they were very different.

I recalled hearing the story from Helga about two years before when she’d been talking to me about the different lands. It was quite a story too.

She had explained that Lord Jekia, the last of the Luna Dogs and ruler of the Northern Lands, had been solitary for centuries until he encountered a human woman who had wandered into the Veil.

This woman, a raven-haired beauty with a sweet yet somewhat naïve demeanor, had captured his heart almost immediately. Convinced she was his destined partner, he promptly married her and started to envision a future filled with happiness and a growing family.

Yet, there was another captivated by this enchanting woman. An Alpha Fox, once a rival for the Northern Lands’ throne, had yielded his claim to Lord Jekia.

This Alpha Fox was known as Sage. For reasons unknown, Lord Jekia and Sage came to an arrangement to both be involved with Jekia’s bride.

Over time, she conceived twins, each with a different father: Lord Rayne was sired by Jekia, and Lord Rin by Sage. Amidst hushed conversations, Lord Jekia always treated both as his sons equally and forbade any claims that Lord Rin was not his.

Helga claimed that the twins complemented each other perfectly, and their presence was deemed highly beneficial for the Northern Lands. Now, there were two heirs to continue their father’s legacy when the time came for his succession.

“So Lord Rin has a beta as well?” I inquired.

“Yes, Lord Rin’s beta, Lady Aurora, is also a human. Although she has gained much in her time here, I am certain that you will meet them in time. For now, it would be better for you to remain here and settle in with Lord Rayne so that you may feel more at ease with your new position,” Emelio told me.

“I understand.” I bowed my head as we stood up.

“Please let everyone know that I will also do my best to never cause embarrassment to the royal family here. I only wish to have a happy life with Lord Rayne.”

Emelio patted my head, and I looked up to see his pleasant smile. “I am confident that you will be just fine, and I see no reason for concern. Based on what I’ve observed, you are a charming young woman and an ideal match for Lord Rayne.”

“Thank you. I’m grateful to have your blessings in this,” I said as we headed to the front door. But as he opened it, Emilio paused and turned back to me once again.

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, there are going to be some limitations placed on you now that you have been claimed by Lord Rayne. They are the same that have been placed on Lady Aurora.

“Since there is no wish for any more heirs to these lands at this time, you will not be able to conceive. You are also now considered connected to Lord Rayne forever and can only share your body with him. Please be aware of that.”

I didn’t mistake why he’d tell me that second part, not with how we’d spoken of my possible sexual issues.

“Yes, and I accept those things. As I told you, all I wish is to build a happy life here with Lord Rayne.”

If I was honest, I was a bit relieved to know that I wouldn’t be having children anytime soon. It wasn’t that I disliked them.

I simply felt like I was nowhere near ready to be a mother. If that could wait for a long while, then it would give me time to acclimate to my new position and feel comfortable with such things when they came up.

Emelio gave me a pleased smile. “It is good to see that you wish to do well, and I have little doubt you will. Where you come from doesn’t matter. It is what you make of yourself that matters,” he reminded me.

I bid him farewell as he disappeared, having no doubt now that much was to be expected of me as Rayne’s beta. I refused to let him or any of those overseeing us down.

But even though it felt like I was going to be climbing a mountain to prove myself to all of these Higher Ones, I was determined to do it. I wanted this life that Rayne was offering to me, and more than that, I wanted him.

I’d do anything I had to in order to always call him mine.