Chapter 3
~Selena~•
Even though the Alpha had rejected my offer yesterday, I found myself at the training grounds again the next morning. I'd spent the entire night thinking, planning, strategizing. I couldn't seduce the Alpha in broad daylight with everyone watching. I needed to be smarter than that. I needed to get closer to him first.
So today, I had a different plan. A better one.
Throughout the training session, I felt the stares. Heard the whispers that followed me like shadows.
"That's the girl Damon rejected."
"Can you imagine? Your own sister…"
"She has no shame, showing her face here."
Each word was a knife to my heart, but I kept my chin up. I pretended their words didn't hurt, even though they cut deep. I had to be strong now. Weakness wouldn't get me what I wanted.
When training finally ended, I didn't waste time. I went straight to the spot where I'd seen the Alpha yesterday, positioning myself where I knew he'd pass by.
My heart hammered in my chest as I waited. Minutes felt like hours.
Then I saw him.
Alpha Lucien walked with that same commanding presence, his guard trailing a respectful distance behind. The moment he came close enough, I stepped forward and bowed low, my head dipping in respect.
"Alpha Lucien," I said, keeping my voice humble, almost trembling.
He stopped, looking down at me with those intense eyes. "Yes?"
I took a deep breath. "I know I offended you greatly. So greatly that I couldn't sleep last night." I looked up at him, letting him see the sincerity in my eyes—or at least, what I hoped looked like sincerity. "I've come to a conclusion about how you can forgive me. How I can truly make amends."
His eyebrow raised slightly. "How?"
For a moment, I hesitated. Standing this close to him, I couldn't help but notice how different he was from the rumors. People said Alpha Lucien was ruthless, terrifying, a force of nature that destroyed anyone who crossed him. But the man standing before me didn't seem scary at all. His expression was calm, almost… gentle? There was something soft in the way he looked at me, something I hadn't expected.
It threw me off balance, but I pushed forward.
"I'd like to work in the Alpha mansion," I said clearly. "As a record keeper. I want to serve you directly, Alpha, to prove my loyalty and earn your forgiveness."
The guard behind him actually gasped. I could feel his shock radiating through the air, but I kept my eyes on Alpha Lucien.
"You mean that?" he asked, studying my face carefully.
"Yes, Alpha Lucien. I promise to work hard. I'll do whatever is needed." I bowed my head again. "Please give me this chance."
The silence stretched between us. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears as I waited for his response.
Finally, he spoke. "Come to think of it, you have offended me twice now." His voice was thoughtful, almost amused. "It would make sense for you to work for me. To… pay off your debt, so to speak."
Hope flared in my chest. "Yes! Yes, please punish me this way, Alpha. Let me serve you."
"Very well." He nodded once. "Report to the mansion tomorrow morning. You'll begin your duties as a record keeper."
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling too wide. "Thank you, Alpha Lucien. Thank you so much. I won't disappoint you."
He gave me one last long look before turning and walking away, his guard following behind him with a confused expression still on his face.
The moment they were out of sight, I turned and practically ran back home.
I burst into my room and couldn't contain it anymore. I screamed—actually screamed—and danced around like a crazy person. My plan was working! I was going to be living in the Alpha's mansion. I'd have access to him every single day.
I immediately started packing my bags, pulling clothes from my closet and stuffing them into a travel case.
"Selena!"
I turned to find Evan standing in my doorway, his hand dramatically pressed to his stomach. "I'm hungry. Can you make me something?"
"I'm happy!" I announced, spinning around with a dress in my hands.
Evan blinked at me. "That's great, but I'm starving. I might die. Right here. In your doorway."
He was acting like a small child, which was ridiculous since he was sixteen. But I was in too good a mood to be annoyed.
"As of tomorrow," I said, folding the dress carefully, "I'll be moving to the Alpha's mansion. I'm going to be a record keeper."
Evan's eyes went wide. "What? You're moving to Alpha Lucien's mansion? How did you…."
I spun around and pointed at him. "You cannot tell anyone. Not Mom, not Dad, for now and especially not Serena. Do you understand me? If you say one word, I will cut off your head."
"You're threatening me?" He grinned. "That's going to cost you."
I rolled my eyes. "How much?"
"Fifty dollars."
"Fine." I grabbed my wallet and shoved the money at him. "Now get out. I need to finish packing."
"You're the best sister ever!" He snatched the money and ran off before I could change my mind.
I smiled to myself and went back to packing, my mind already racing with possibilities.
——
The next morning, I arrived at the Alpha's mansion before the sun had fully risen. My bags felt heavy in my hands, but my heart felt light.
The guards at the entrance didn't question me. They simply nodded and gestured for me to follow one of them inside.
"The record keepers usually stay in the east wing," the guard explained as we walked through the massive hallways. "But there are a few rooms available. You can choose whichever you prefer."
My mind was already made up. "I'd like the room next to Alpha Lucien's chambers."
The guard stopped walking and turned to look at me, surprise written all over his face. "That's… are you sure? That's the closest room to the Alpha's private quarters."
"I'm sure," I said firmly. "I want to be available whenever the Alpha needs me. For work," I added quickly.
He looked uncertain but eventually nodded. "If that's what you want."
Perfect.
As he led me to the room and I stepped inside, I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. This was it. I'd be seeing Alpha Lucien every morning and every night. I'd have every opportunity to be near him, to catch his attention, to make him notice me.
The goal was simple. seduce him, make him fall in love with me, and use it against Damon.
I would achieve that by any means necessary.
I set my bags down and looked at myself in the mirror, straightening my shoulders.
"Let the game begin," I whispered.