VANESSA

Vanessa sighed as she gazed around her cozy little room, her heart heavy with reluctance. She had been summoned by one of Alpha Axel's personal guards, and she knew what that meant. It was time for her to pack her bags and head to the concubine chain.

"Come on, Vanessa, don't make this harder than it has to be," the guard urged, his voice firm but sympathetic. "You know the rules. You're a favorite of the alpha's, and it's time for you to take your place among the other concubines."

Vanessa shook her head, feeling a lump form in her throat. "But I don't want to go," she protested,...