Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Chapter 9 Shirt

Victoria

The ceremony was over, the guests long gone. In the sprawling castle that was now my home—my prison disguised as luxury—only Leo and I remained. My heart hammered against my ribcage as he led me through the main residence, his hand occasionally brushing against the small of my back, sending unwelcome shivers up my spine.

"This will be your home now," Leo said, his deep voice echoing through the marble hallway. "Our territory extends beyond what you can see from any window, but this is the heart of it all."

I nodded numbly, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my wedding dress. This wasn’t how I’d imagined my life would turn out—sold by my step-brother to pay his debts, married to an Alpha I barely knew, expected to be the perfect Luna to a pack that would likely reject my mixed blood.

"You’re quiet," Leo observed, his hazel eyes studying me with an intensity that made me feel exposed. "Most new Lunas can’t stop asking questions."

"Most new Lunas probably weren’t bartered away like cattle," I muttered before I could stop myself.

Instead of the anger I expected, a hint of amusement crossed his face. "Fair point. But you’re not cattle, Victoria. You’re my Luna now, whether either of us planned it this way or not."

We climbed a grand staircase that seemed to reach toward the heavens. My legs felt like lead with each step, the reality of my situation growing heavier on my shoulders.

"This wing belongs to us," Leo explained as we reached the second floor. "My office, our private quarters, and..." he paused, pushing open a mahogany door, "your personal space."

I stepped into a room that took my breath away—not because of its opulence, though it was certainly lavish, but because I recognized my things. My books were arranged on a shelf. My clothes hung in the open closet. Even the small wooden box where I kept my mother’s necklace sat on the vanity.

"You had my things moved?" I whispered, torn between feeling violated and relieved to have something familiar.

"I had Tiny arrange it," Leo confirmed, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest. "I thought it might help you adjust."

I ran my fingers over the spines of my books, swallowing the lump in my throat. "And where will you..." I couldn’t finish the question, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Leo’s expression softened slightly. "I have my own room connected to yours through that door," he pointed to a door I hadn’t noticed before. "But it will remain closed tonight, if that’s what you’re worried about. I understand you need time."

Relief washed over me, though I tried not to show it too obviously. "Thank you," I managed.

"Don’t mistake patience for weakness, little wolf," his voice dropped an octave, "I’m giving you time to adjust, but make no mistake—you are mine now."

The possessiveness in his voice should have repulsed me, but something primal inside responded to it. I hated that part of myself—the part that recognized him as my Alpha despite my human half fighting against it.

"I’ll leave you to settle in," Leo said, pushing away from the doorframe. "Meet me in my study in an hour. We have things to discuss."

---

The study was intimidating—walls lined with books, a massive desk dominating the space, and the scent of Leo everywhere.

Leo was reviewing documents when I entered, his brow furrowed in concentration. He glanced up, those penetrating eyes cataloging everything about me—from my changed clothes to my nervous posture.

"Sit," he gestured to the chair across from him.

I complied, folding my hands in my lap to hide their trembling. "You wanted to talk?"

He set aside his papers, giving me his full attention. "As my Luna, there are expectations. I need to know you understand what they are."

"I’m not sure I do," I admitted. "My mother died when I was young, and Enzo wasn’t exactly forthcoming with wolf culture lessons."

Something dark flashed across Leo’s face at the mention of my step-brother. "Alpha Enzo is lucky I allowed him to leave my territory alive after what he did to you."

"You mean after he sold me to you?" I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice.

"Is that what you think happened?" Leo leaned forward, his forearms resting on the desk. "That I bought you like merchandise?"

"Didn’t you?" I challenged, finding a spark of courage. "To settle his gambling debts?"

Leo’s jaw tightened. "I claimed what was mine. There’s a difference."

"I’m not a possession," I said firmly, though my voice wavered slightly.

"No, you’re not," he agreed, surprising me. "You’re my Luna. And what I expect from you is loyalty, respect, and trust. In return, you’ll have my protection, my resources, and my fidelity."

I blinked, caught off guard by his blunt words."And what about... intimacy?" The word felt foreign on my tongue, like I had no right to speak it.

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